Health Quality Assessment (HQA) performs an annual assessment of clinical quality in health care offered by medical schemes through the use of healthcare quality indicators. The aim of such assessments is to assist decision-makers, such as trustees and management of medical schemes to evaluate and improve the quality of health care received by their  members. Each participating member scheme receives a scheme-specific report based on analysis of their data. The annual HQA Report which analyses the industry as a whole also provides valuable information to managed care organisations and other providers of health care and offers a benchmark for the industry for each quality indicator. Studies from abroad shows that health plans and providers that participate in regular quality measurement exercises outperform those not participating, a clear motivation to join. The ultimate objective is to provide the consumer market with information on the quality of care they are able to access at various health plans. The complete process of data collection, actuarial analysis and compilation of the industry report and member specific reports is being done independently by Towers Watson on behalf of HQA. In 2013, HQA will be presenting their 9^th Annual Report.

HQA is a not for profit company, established in 2000, and is governed by a Board including representatives from: the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF) and the SA National Consumer Union (SANCU).  The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) is also an active participant and enjoys permanent observer status.

The HQA Board has appointed a Clinical Advisory Board (CAB) from the member organisations’ knowledge pool currently under leadership of Dr Jacqui Miot, to manage the development and  progression of quality measurement on an ongoing basis. Individuals from member organisations wishing to join the clinical advisory board are welcome to contact Dr Miot on 0836160008 or at jacqui.miot@gmail.com.

The HQA Report offers more value each year. Measurements are developed on the basis of: appropriateness; being measurable; availability of data; being reproducible year on year; adding value to the report; driving decisions in managing quality of health care; having a clear evidence-based link from process to outcome; offering a clear indication of a direct measure or a proxy measure; having a clear explanation for its selection, value and method of measure; being linked to a clinical standard or guideline which endorses its use in clinical practice; reflecting the burden of disease in South Africa and being consistent with the HQA philosophy and mission statement.