May 7, 2009

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

CentraCare Clinic had highest statewide performance for cancer screening

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – CentraCare Clinic had the highest performance for cancer screening out of 48 medical groups reported statewide - more than any other medical group - in the 2008 Health Care Quality Report produced by MN Community Measurement (MNCM).CentraCare Health System set the benchmark at 86 percent, which was higher than the statewide average of 59 percent, for appropriate breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening services in patients ages 51-80.

In recognition of this success, CentraCare Clinic Medical Director David Tilstra, MD, has been invited to represent the provider perspective at a community dialogue on “Incenting Improvement in Preventive Care.” This panel, hosted by the Buyers Health Care Action Group, is from 8-10 a.m. May 12 at the Hilton Airport Hotel in Bloomington. Other panel participants include Target Corporation, representing an employer/ purchaser perspective, and HealthPartners, representing a health plan perspective. Andy Webber, president and CEO of the National Business Coalition of Health, will be the main speaker.

CentraCare Clinic also was one of only five medical groups that consistently achieved above-average rates on preventive screening services during the past five years. MNCM is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to improve health by publicly reporting health care information.

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