What is the purpose of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)?

The purpose of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is fundamentally focused on improving healthcare delivery through quality measurement. Established in the late 1980s, NCQA plays a crucial role in assessing and advancing the quality of healthcare services provided by health plans and providers.

Through various initiatives, such as developing quality standards and performance metrics, NCQA works to create a systematic approach to evaluate healthcare services. These standards are essential because they help healthcare organizations identify areas in which they can enhance their performance and patient care, thereby leading to better health outcomes.

Additionally, NCQA accreditation is a significant indicator that a healthcare organization meets specific performance benchmarks regarding the quality of care they deliver. This focus helps ensure that consumers have access to high-quality healthcare services and can drive improvements across the entire healthcare system.