FROM: Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer
DATE: Jul 18, 2002
SUBJECT: Stroke Prevention in Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack in New York State Medicare Patients
IPRO CONTACTS:
Patricia Gagliano, M.D., Clinical Coordinator, x-547
Project Leader, Monte Malach, M.D., F.A.C.C., M.A.C.P., Clinical Coordinator, x-634 and Marguerite Shaffer, R.N., C.P.H.Q., Director, Downstate Improvement Strategies, x-634
Enclosed please find a statewide report on Stroke Prevention in Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) in New York State Medicare Patients. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to increase utilization of antithrombotic agents in eligible Medicare patients with previous stroke or transient ischemic attack with no contraindications.
A random sample of 750 cases with a principal diagnosis of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack was selected and the results demonstrated that 83.7% of eligible Medicare patients, who had no contraindications, were discharged on antithrombotic therapy. This represents an increase from the baseline rate of 81.3%.
The top fifty high volume providers and their affiliated institutions, (sharing the same Medicare provider number) discharging patients with a principal diagnosis of stroke or TIA will receive a hospital-specific remeasurement report. It is important to note that the dates for the baseline and remeasurement will be different than those in the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services' statewide random samples.
Enclosed is a fax order form for stroke prevention educational materials. 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.