St. John’s Health System earned full disease management (DM) accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for patients with asthma, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and high-risk pregnancy.

“Achieving a full accreditation status for our disease management programs is a testament to St. John’s commitment to quality patient care,” says Janet Pursley, R.N., vice president of St. John’s Medical Management. “This accomplishment says to our patients and community that we are committed to improving health at a level few others have attempted in the disease management industry. We have set the bar high for ourselves and look forward to continuing to meet the expectations of our patients, physicians, and NCQA.”

Evidence-based outcomes show that managing chronic conditions helps to improve the lives of those suffering from chronic illnesses, and health plans are increasingly turning to these programs as part of the solution to its quality and cost challenges.

Long recognized as an industry leader in health care quality measurement, NCQA helps consumers and employers make informed health care choices.
Disease management programs can also help employers respond to rising health care costs by directing members to appropriate health care services and increasing productivity by reducing the number of employee sick days.

“This distinguished accreditation confirms the quality of St. John’s Health System’s disease management programs. It reflects our commitment to provide a high level of care and service to obtain the best outcomes for our members and patients,” says Michael Collison, M.D., St. John’s Health Plans medical director.