An analysis of Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) indicators was conducted for Massachusetts Medicaid consumers served by the Primary Care Clinician Plan—a non-capitated managed care plan in which 75% of all Medicaid enrollees in the state participate. HEDIS rates were calculated for each major racial/ethnic group on the following indicators: prenatal care, child and adolescent immunizations, cervical and breast cancer screening, child and adult ambulatory and preventive care, child and adult emergency room utilization, well child visits, child access to primary care, mental health follow-up visits and diabetic care. Latino consumers’ patterns of services did not significantly differ from others on many of the indicators. For example, 56% of Latino women, versus 52% of whites, 45% of blacks, and 67% of Asians received their first prenatal visit in the first trimester of pregnancy; and 86% of Latinas, 75% of whites, 77% of blacks and 94% of Asians received a Pap test during the enrollment year. In a few areas, Latinos received significantly higher rates of care, (e.g. mammography screening for Latinas 52-65 was 43% vs. <40% for all other groups). In others, Latinos received significantly fewer services (e.g. Latino children < 24 months received significantly fewer immunizations of some types (9%; versus 20% for whites, 17% for blacks, and 15% for Asians). These patterns leave open for further exploration the reasons for differences, and what can be learned about areas where care is of higher quality versus where actions are needed to improve access and quality.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. assess differences in health quality indicators among Latinos, Whites, Blacks, and Asians in Massachusetts; 2. assess areas of access to health care services that need further improvement
Keywords: Access to Health Care, HEDIS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.