Diabetic Microalbumin

Why is this important?

Diabetics have a much higher risk of kidney disease that can progress to complete kidney failure.  One way to identify kidney disease from diabetes early is to look for the presence of a certain protein in the urine.  Experts recommend that all diabetics be offered a screening for this protein at least once a year.  The proper name of this screening is microalbumin screening.  By having this screening regularly, diabetics can help to avoid kidney failure.

How WellSpan Compares

The physicians of the WellSpan Medical Group closely measure how consistently and regularly they provide the microalbumin screenings to their diabetic patients.  The following shows the percentage of diabetic patients of the WellSpan Medical Group who have had this important screening once a year.

Unit of Measurement: Percentage

A higher score is better than a lower score.

What we are doing to improve our performance.

Staff members are placing forms in a visible place for the physician to review when the patient visits the office.  Staff and physicians are to review the forms for current measurements.  In addition: ·         More education is provided to patients and clinical staff on the importance of microalbumin testing. ·         Through its electronic health record, WellSpan may automatically remind physicians and clinical staff when a preventive service is required for each patient. ·         A Preventive Health Task Force reviews and compiles the most recent recommendations for providing good preventive health services; recommendations are distributed periodically to Medical Group physicians.