Not all HMOs are the same. Some HMOs and the doctors, hospitals and other health care providers affiliated with them do a better job of caring for people than do others. The State of New Jersey requires HMOs to have systems to measure their performance and to make the results available to the public. This booklet provides you with that information so you can learn about the quality of New Jersey HMOs.

HMO Service You will learn what rating HMO members gave their HMO the quality of care they received their ease of finding a personal doctor their ease of getting a referral to specialists the amount of paperwork, handling of approvals and payments the efficiency and helpfulness of customer service See summarized results and detailed results. Helping to Keep People Healthy You will learn what portion of members were seen by a provider in the past 3 years children in the HMO received their required immunizations pregnant women in the HMO received necessary prenatal care new mothers in the HMO had a check-up after delivery older women in the HMO received tests for breast cancer women in the HMO received tests for cervical cancer See summarized results and detailed results. Providing Patient Care You will learn what rating HMO members gave their personal doctor the specialist they see most their doctor's ability to communicate well the amount of time their doctor spent with them their doctor's understanding of how health affects daily life the office staff's courtesy, respect and helpfulness You will also learn about whether patients were encouraged to exercise or eat a healthy diet how many physicians stayed with the HMO over time See summarized results and detailed results. Caring for the Sick You will learn what ratings sick HMO members gave the HMO the quality of care their ease of finding a personal doctor their ability to get care when needed You will also learn what portion of HMO members received eye exams because they have diabetes and are at risk for blindness received care after hospitalization for mental illness See summarized results and detailed results.