The State of Health Care Quality is produced annually by NCQA to monitor and report on performance trends over time, track variations in patterns of care and provide recommendations for future quality improvement.

This report is read annually by tens of thousands of people, from consumers to benefits managers, policymakers, academics and consultants. As the purpose of this report is to drive improvement in the delivery of evidence-based medicine by drawing attention to the pressing quality issues we face as a nation, members of the media are also frequent readers.

The clinical and member satisfaction data upon which this report is based were voluntarily reported to NCQA by more than 500 health plans. All clinical data—including data reported for the first time this year by preferred provider organizations—are rigorously audited. Member satisfaction information is independently collected and verified. All of these plans are to be commended for their commitment to accountability and continuous quality improvement.

Copies of this report may downloaded here free of charge; this report is also available for purchase from NCQA by calling (888) 275-7585.

We thank you for your interest and welcome your feedback.