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‍What's New

2024 Quality Trends: Gains in Cancer and Depression Screening, Declines in Immunizations

Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ) unveiled emerging trends from its most recent statewide healthcare quality reporting. Notable gains in cancer and depression screenings contrast with declines in immunization measures, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges in Wisconsin’s health landscape.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Climb
Screening for adults aged 45–50 climbed to 76.2%, approaching the pre-pandemic benchmark of 77%.

This sustained improvement occurred after just three reporting periods after the recommended screening age was lowered to 45.

Depression Screening Hits New High
The statewide depression screening rate reached 86.7%, marking a record performance.

Approximately 18,000 additional patients were screened compared to the previous period, highlighting a deepening commitment to mental health.

Immunizations Rates Decline
Childhood, adolescent, HPV, and adult pneumococcal immunization rates all declined during calendar year 2024. WCHQ continues to work closely with members to develop data-driven strategies to counteract this downward trend. As a collaborative committed to transparency and improvement, WCHQ’s public reporting helps surface these challenges early—allowing members to act swiftly.

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‍Wisconsin Ahead of the Nation in Diabetes Care: Lower Costs and Better Outcomes

New Report on Microvascular Complications in Diabetic Patients

Using longitudinal WCHQ data, the report tracked patients diagnosed with diabetes in2019 over a five-year period to examine the impact of early intervention and consistent A1c management on long-term outcomes and health system costs.

Key findings include:

• WCHQ member organizations experienced a sustained reduction in diabetes care costs from 2019 to 2023, driven by proactive quality initiatives.
• Maintaining optimal A1c control is essential for reducing the risk of microvascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
• Early screening and active management in primary care settings significantly reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
• Regular A1c testing is directly associated with improved patient outcomes and lower healthcare expenditures.

The full report, WCHQ and Healthcare Value: Microvascular Complications of Diabetes, is available for download here. Or view the Value Acceleration page on our website.