NCQA Seal of Approval - Carle Spine Institute

Carle Spine Institute | 610 North Lincoln Ave. Urbana, Illinois 61801 | Medical Advice Hotline 217-383-6555

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NCQA Seal of Approval
Recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in its Back Pain Recognition Program

In January 2008, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) named Carle Spine Institute to its list of spine centers across the nation that provide superior care to their patients suffering from low back pain. The Back Pain Recognition Program (BPRP) was designed to improve the quality of care to the 30 million Americans who experience low back pain. The quality recognition program also motivates other physicians to document and improve their delivery of spine care.

To receive recognition from NCQA, which is valid for two years, Carle Spine Institute submitted data demonstrating performance that meets the NCQA’s program key measures. The measures include appropriate imaging for acute back pain and recommendation for exercise and other non-surgical spine care treatment options.

Carle Spine Institute's James J. Harms, M.D.

Back pain is among the most common ailments in America. Each year, nearly 1 in 9 Americans experience pain severe enough to impair their usual daily activities. Treatment costs $91 billion a year and accounts for 25 percent of all workers’ compensation claims. For an in-depth look at the causes and treatment of back pain, click here.

The Back Pain Recognition Program is the first independent program to systematically evaluate back pain care. NCQA developed the program’s requirements from widely accepted medical evidence with significant input from back pain specialists and health plan and employer representatives.

Physicians and spine centers that are Recognized by the program provide their patients with the care that best meets their needs, restores health and mobility and avoids unnecessary treatment and procedures.

“Needless imaging and procedures provide no real benefit to patients who suffer from back pain,” said Margaret E. O’Kane, President, National Committee for Quality Assurance. “By earning recognition, Carle Spine Institute has demonstrated that the spine center consistently provides proven, evidence-based care to its patients with low back pain.”

A list of Recognized providers is available at www.ncqa.org (new window will open).

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Need more information on back and neck pain?
Click here to view resource books on spine problems, what causes back pain, what causes neck pain and when to see the doctor.

Carle Clinic Association and Carle Foundation Hospital are separate business corporations that work together to provide quality care and services to their patients. Carle Clinic Association and Carle Foundation Hospital contract with insurance providers separately and may or may not choose to participate in all of the same insurance plans. Patients are urged to check with their carriers as to whether services are covered for either or both organizations. Copyright © 2004, 2003, 2002 Carle Clinic Association and Carle Foundation Hospital.