Regional differences in rates of cardiac procedures have increased in Michigan over the past decade—not fully explained by differences in health risk factors, heart attack or cardiac mortality rates—according to a report released today by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT). The report compares the state’s hospital referral regions (HRRs) using claims data from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM’s) under-65 commercial subscribers and Medicare data from The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care in Michigan.

According to the report, even though overall rates for cardiac procedures (angioplasty and bypass surgery) declined by 19 percent for the BCBSM under-65 population, regional variation increased among HRRs: In 1997, the rate varied from 27 percent below the state average to 30 percent above; by 2008, the range was 37 percent below the state average to 48 percent above. Although variation is not necessarily of concern in and of itself, it can be of concern when it appears to be driven by factors other than individual patient characteristics and fully-informed decisions about the relative risks and benefits of invasive vs. noninvasive treatments.Continue Reading Regional variation in rates of cardiac procedures on the rise in Michigan

Survey results released today by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT), in partnership with the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit (CHEAR) at the University of Michigan, show that Michigan primary care physicians will continue accepting new patients—including Medicaid recipients—as the state’s insured population grows under health care reform.

Results of the statewide survey reveal that a majority (81 percent) of Michigan primary care physicians anticipate being able to accommodate patients who become newly insured in 2014, when health insurance coverage expands significantly under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Of those physicians, nearly all indicated that they would accept newly eligible Medicaid patients.Continue Reading Survey shows 81 percent of Michigan primary care physicians have capacity, willing to serve more patients, including those with Medicaid

The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) today released a policy brief that explains the most significant effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on midsize and large employers in Michigan and the United States.

Many surveys have predicted the likely actions of employers when the ACA goes into full effect in 2014—but the accuracy of those predictions depends largely on how well employers understand the relevant provisions of the ACA. In reality, it is likely that many employers do not yet have a full picture of the ACA and its effects on their particular business situations.Continue Reading Planning tool helps midsize, large employers prep for health coverage decisions