For Immediate Release

Contact:
Scott Harris
Milliman Care Guidelines
+1 206 381.8160

James S. Loughman
Donley Communications
+1 212 751.6126

Milliman Care Guidelines Launches Web–based Interrater Reliability Testing Tool

New Tool Simplifies Process of Evaluating Appropriate Use of Evidence–Based Guidelines

SEATTLE, WA July 22, 2004 — Milliman Care Guidelines, A Division of Milliman, just released its web-based Interrater Reliability Tool to provide health care organizations with a fully automated process for measuring consistent and appropriate application of the evidence-based Milliman Care Guidelines^®. The web-based program eliminates labor intensive paper-based testing and, in turn, presents immediate feedback to help organizations quickly identify and target specific areas for improvement.

To ensure the appropriateness and consistency of decision–making by care management staff, interrater reliability tests are imperative. A deficiency in interrater reliability can be costly and have a negative effect on the quality of patient care and satisfaction.

The Interrater Reliability Tool presents a wide variety of cases and evaluates an individual’s ability to find the right guideline, including the relevant sections, and to apply that guideline appropriately. Cases progress day-by-day mimicking real-life care management situations. Organizations have access to five new cases, developed by the same staff that produces Milliman’s nationally renowned evidence–based clinical content, each quarter.

Extensive reporting capabilities provide an individual’s test results as an overall percentage and proficiency. Further detailed analysis compares individuals to others in the organization, to all users, and evaluates performance over time. Organization-wide reporting is also included. The test results enable health care organizations to:

• Create a cohesive decision-making process by pinpointing areas of differing opinion among staff
• Minimize variation in the application of guidelines
• Identify training needs for individuals or an entire organization
• Improve management of patients with consistent application of guidelines
• Understand how to use the Care Guidelines more effectively

“We are very excited to give our clients digital access and detailed reporting for interrater reliability testing,” says Annabaker Garber, PhD, RN, and Milliman Care Guidelines Clinical Application Educator. “The detailed reporting allows them to focus training on areas most in need of improvement and then to track performance of an individual or group over time.”

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC, independent accrediting organizations, requires that health care organizations regularly perform interrater reliability testing.

“The delivery of the web–based Interrater Reliability Tool meets market demand for a streamlined process of testing and satisfies NCQA and URAC requirements,” explains Scott Harris, Director of Marketing and Sales at Milliman Care Guidelines. “It is a vital method of performance measurement for the industry.” Mr. Harris goes on to say, “Our development staff continues to deliver quality, evidence–based products and solutions that have a positive impact on quality of care and efficient use of resources.”

About Milliman Care Guidelines

Milliman Care Guidelines, located in Seattle, WA, is a division of Milliman and provides its Care Guidelines to many of the firm’s clients in the hospital and insurance industries. The Care Guidelines are evidence-based tools that guide care and improve care management across the continuum of care. They reflect current best practices for the actual working environment of today’s healthcare organizations. The Milliman Care Guidelines are used to support the health care of one in three Americans.

Milliman, whose corporate offices are in Seattle, serves the full spectrum of business, financial, government and union organizations. Founded in 1947 as Milliman & Robertson, the company has 32 offices in the United States as well as offices in Bermuda, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Sao Paulo, Seoul and Tokyo. Milliman employs approximately 1,800 people, including a professional staff of more than 800 qualified consultants and actuaries. The firm has consulting practices in employee benefits, healthcare, life insurance/financial services, and property & casualty insurance. It is a founding member of Milliman Global, an international organization of consulting firms serving insurance, employee benefits and healthcare clients worldwide. For further information, visit www.careguidelines.com or call
888 464.4746.