What is one method used by NCQA for evaluating healthcare providers?

One method used by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for evaluating healthcare providers is conducting on-site surveys and audits. This approach allows NCQA to assess the quality of care that healthcare organizations provide. During these surveys, qualified surveyors review compliance with established standards, which encompass various aspects of patient care, operations, and organizational performance. On-site visits provide NCQA with direct insights into the practices and processes of healthcare providers, ensuring they meet rigorous quality benchmarks and standards necessary for accreditation. This thorough and systematic evaluation helps maintain a high level of care and accountability in the healthcare system.

Other methods like hosting public forums or online rating systems provide valuable insights but do not involve the same level of comprehensive assessment and standardization that direct surveys and audits offer. Randomized controlled trials are more commonly associated with research studies rather than the accreditation process itself.