What information is contained in report cards issued by the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC)?
Texas legislation passed in 1997 requires the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) to collect a variety of quality data on Texas HMOs and prepare a report card comparing Texas plans. The first report cards are scheduled to be published in the summer of 1998. Texas plans to use HEDIS data, together with another survey instrument known as the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study (CAHPS). CAHPS is similar to HEDIS, but places a greater emphasis on patients’ assessment of the care process, including health care professionals, access, continuity, and coordination of care. IV. Choosing a Physician How do I choose a primary care physician? Finding a good doctor as your primary care physician is important regardless of what type of health plan you choose. A primary care physician is usually a general practitioner, family practitioner, internist, or sometimes an obstetrician/gynecologist for women. A child’s primary care physician is usually a pediatrician or family physician. In an H
