What does the HEDIS measure "Linking Care" focus on?

The HEDIS measure "Linking Care" specifically focuses on the continuity of care and the transitions of care between different healthcare providers. This is crucial in healthcare because effective communication and coordination among providers can significantly influence patient outcomes. When patients move from one level of care to another, such as from a hospital to outpatient services, ensuring that their care is linked helps to reduce the risk of complications, avoid redundant tests, and improve overall patient satisfaction.

Continuity of care is essential for maintaining the quality of healthcare services; it signifies that a patient receives consistent and coherent services from various healthcare professionals, minimizing gaps in treatment. Smooth transitions are pivotal in managing chronic illnesses or post-surgical recoveries, where follow-up care is critical. Therefore, the focus of the "Linking Care" measure underscores the importance of effective care coordination in achieving better healthcare outcomes.