Administrative Memos

200106

FROM: Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer
DATE: May 23, 2001
SUBJECT: Medicare Project: Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
IPRO CONTACTS:

Patricia Gagliano, M.D., Clinical Coordinator, ext 547, Monte Malach, M.D., F.A.C.C., M.A.C.P., Clinical Coordinator, ext 634, Marguerite Shaffer, R.N., C.P.H.Q., Director, Downstate Improvement Strategies, ext 634, Charles Stimler, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Coordinator, ext 634

Enclosed is a statewide interim report on Stroke prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase utilization of warfarin in eligible patients with atrial fibrillation with no contraindications.

IPRO has been working with physicians, providers and other health care personnel since 1994 to improve the use of anticoagulation therapy for eligible patients with atrial fibrillation. Although there has been improvement over the years, there still remains a significant number of patients who are not discharged on warfarin and have no documented contraindications.

A statewide random sample of 850 Medicare cases with a principal or secondary diagnosis of confirmed atrial fibrillation were selected and the results are presented in this report.

We strongly urge you to review this data and evaluate your process for optimizing antithrombotic therapy for stroke prevention at your institution. Enclosed is a fax order form with materials found in IPRO's cardiac toolkit. These materials include a CME teleconference audio cassette tape addressing Stroke/TIA/Atrial Fibrillation.

Should you have any questions, or need assistance with the implementation of a quality improvement program, please feel free to call one of the above-mentioned contacts.