Comparing Quality Scores to a State or National Average

Another strategy is to compare each entity’s performance to a group of providers larger than the one included in your report, typically either a State or National average. Many reports include both the “local” average as well as a State and/or National average.

Advantages of Comparing to the State or National Average

• It provides an external comparison point, which is especially valuable in showing how well the entire group of providers is doing
• It is another driver for quality improvement if State and National averages are above the scores in your community.
• This information is typically of great interest to local policymakers.

Disadvantages of Comparing to the State or National Average

• You may not have access to the State or National level data you need to make these comparisons.
• As with the community average, many members of the public think that “average” is “mediocre,” rather than defining it in formal statistical terms. Many health care professionals agree, in the sense that everyone should be striving to be the best, not merely “average.”

Also in "Choosing a Comparator"

• Comparing Health Plans and Providers to Each Other
• Comparing to a State or National Average
• Comparing to a Benchmark (the Highest Performance Achieved)
• Comparing to the Top 10 or 20 Percent of Performers
• Comparing to an Independent Standard