CSMG and CSHA groups awarded highest designation for quality care

For the fifth year in a row, Cedars-Sinai Medical Group and Cedars-Sinai Health Associates have been awarded the highest possible designation for quality care by a leading national organization representing managed care physician groups. CAPG, formerly known as the California Association of Physician Groups, rated both Cedars-Sinai groups as excelling in all six of the criteria used in the 2014 Standards of Excellence survey.

Both CSMG and CSHA groups voluntarily participated in the annual survey that rated 86 medical groups, representing 11.1 million patients nationwide.

"We are pleased that the efforts of the physicians, nurses and staff in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group and Cedars-Sinai Health Associates to provide our patients with the highest level of care have resulted in this honor five years in a row," said Thomas D. Gordon, CEO of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Delivery Network and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's senior vice president, Medical Network. "This survey helps us remain dedicated and look for new ways to achieve excellence every day."

Now in its seventh year, the Standards of Excellence survey helps educate healthcare consumers by evaluating a physician group's performance. The survey measures medical group infrastructure against various criteria, each standard gauging a different aspect of care. The criteria include care management practices, health information technology, patient-centered care, administrative and financial capability, support of advanced primary care, and accountability and transparency.

CAPG President and CEO Donald Crane said Cedars-Sinai Medical Group and Cedars-Sinai Health Associates "consistently score at the highest level of excellence, illustrating their commitment to pioneering innovative, high-quality and accountable patient care. They're a valuable model for the physician group community."

Cedars-Sinai Medical Group comprises more than 130 physicians who serve more than 115,000 patients. Cedars-Sinai Health Associates, a group of nearly 750 doctors in private practice, provides healthcare to nearly 23,000 patients in the Los Angeles area. Both are affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.