Which organization accredits physicians and medical groups to improve care quality?

• A. Joint Commission
• B. National Committee for Quality Assurance
• C. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• D. American Medical Association

Answer: (B)

Accreditation of physicians and medical groups to improve care quality is driven by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. NCQA develops standards and conducts independent evaluations of physician practices and medical groups, focusing on structure, process, and outcomes that affect safety, care coordination, and overall quality. The accreditation process uses performance data and quality measures to determine if a practice meets criteria for high-quality care, and it supports recognition programs like the patient-centered medical home and HEDIS-based reporting. This helps patients and payers compare quality and motivates ongoing improvement. The Joint Commission mainly accredits hospitals and health systems; the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services oversees government programs and accredits certain entities, but not the routine accreditation of physician practices; the American Medical Association is a professional association, not an accrediting body.