The National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Diabetes Association recognized 34 MultiCare Medical Group physicians for providing high quality care to patients with diabetes. The MultiCare Medical Group physicians serve communities throughout Pierce and South King Counties.
Among the physicians honored were six from Auburn: Daryl Marie Austin; Stewart C. Birse; Anna T. Curtis; Nadine Gettel; Michael Greeley; and Michael J. Nommensen.
The doctors were recognized as part of the NCQA and ADA Diabetes Physician Recognition Program. The program was designed to recognize physicians who deliver quality diabetic care.
To receive recognition, which is valid for three years, the doctors submitted data that demonstrates performance that meets the Program’s key diabetes care measures. These measures include eye exams, blood pressure tests, appropriate lab testing, nutrition therapy, patient satisfaction and others.
When people with diabetes receive quality care as outlined by these proven measures, they are less likely to suffer complications such as heart attacks, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations.
“For a person with diabetes, the right physician can make the difference between patients learning to live with diabetes as opposed to suffering from diabetes,” said Andrew Baron, MD, Medical Director, Primary Care for MultiCare Medical Group. “Physicians who earn recognition through this prestigious program have an established track record of engaging their patients and providing excellent diabetes care. We are proud so many of our doctors received this distinction.”
To aid providers with their diabetic care, MultiCare uses an electronic health records system that tracks each patient’s progress and the progress of entire patient populations, such as those with diabetes. The system, called MultiCare Connect, allows patients and providers convenient access to the same health information available each time a patient visits a provider within the MultiCare system. MultiCare Connect is safer than paper records and is protected by sophisticated safety features, allowing access only by the patient or their provider.
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes physicians in key clinical areas.
Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.
