A Message from the MHA

Thank you for your interest in the Michigan Hospital Report. This year’s edition is the fifth voluntary release of hospital data by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) and its members. It represents an analysis of a database that annually contains nearly 1.3 million separate patient discharge records, which were voluntarily released by Michigan hospitals and health systems.

The MHA is a statewide association dedicated to improving the health of Michigan residents through collaborative efforts with health care providers, community agencies and citizens. Since the first Michigan Hospital Report in 1996, we have delivered on our promise to provide more information about health care delivered in Michigan hospitals.

This year’s printed report is in a new, user-friendly format. The performance data section lists trends indicating whether each hospital’s data was higher than expected, as expected or lower than expected. This quick-read format is organized by region and allows users to see how a hospital has performed over the last three years. The Internet version of the Michigan Hospital Report includes full graphs detailing the actual vs. expected range of data for 1998 and can be found on the MHA’s Web site at www.mha.org/mhr5.

Since the first report, one of our goals has been to serve as a catalyst that starts a long-term process of using data from all purchasers, providers and payers to improve health and health care delivery in Michigan. Michigan nursing homes are releasing their performance data every two years, based on state survey reports and how family members rated the quality of care in more than 300 homes. Also, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has initiated a study of utilization patterns as a means of dialogue with its customers and providers. We’re pleased that others are now releasing health care data to the public.

This voluntary release by Michigan hospitals and health systems reaffirms our historical commitment to community partnerships and contributes to a greater understanding by and involvement of the citizens we serve.

Sincerely,

Spencer Johnson, MHA President