What is evidence-based medicine?

Evidence-based medicine means providing medical care that is based on science and what is known to be effective, beneficial and valuable to patients. It means performing tests and procedures that have been studied and determined to provide a patient with more benefit than harm. It means choosing not to perform tests that do not provide benefits or that put patients in situations where the harm outweighs the benefit.

Evidence-based medicine isn't a tool promoted by insurance companies to restrict a patient from receiving a specific treatment. It doesn't deny a physician the right to perform a treatment. Instead, evidence-based medicine follows guidelines that recommend the best care for a patient. For treatments without evidence of effectiveness or benefit, evidence-based medicine recommends proceeding with caution—physicians should work with the patient to cover the risks, rewards and cost of the treatment. Evidence-based care focuses on providing the best care for a patient based on the knowledge at the time.

Promoting evidence-based medicine is a key part of achieving Quality Quest's goal of becoming the region with the healthiest people and highest value healthcare. When your physician practices medicine backed by evidence of effectiveness and benefit, your cost is more reasonable.

How do we know if medicine is evidence-based?

We identify medicine as evidence-based when it has shown there is a health benefit. Quality Quest has chosen to follow guidelines established by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Since its start in 1993, ICSI has worked in Minnesota to improve patient care by promoting evidence-based medicine. A team of medical experts developed best-practice guidelines for many medical conditions based on what was known about their value. These guidelines are updated yearly based on new practices and information. ICSI categorizes guidelines on two levels, best evidence and good evidence, and includes a third level of services that have incomplete evidence.

Using guidelines provides benefits for patients, physicians and insurance companies. Patients know they are receiving care that is beneficial. Physicians use guidelines to know the best course of treatment for their patients and to achieve good patient outcomes. Insurance companies and other payers know that their members are getting the best care for their needs.

Quality Quest for Health of Illinois is proud to lead the way in changing healthcare in Illinois. By following guidelines and practicing evidence-based medicine, we will see a change in the value and quality of care we receive.