About us - What is PCQA?

PCQA is a network of patient advocacy organizations and individuals, brought together in 2007 to provide a unique national platform for community leaders committed to optimal health and medical care for a diverse American population. PCQA participants believe excellence and innovation in medical care quality can only be accomplished through a renewed focus on patient centered medicine and health policy. PCQA founders and stakeholders are committed to improving health care quality and safety based on patient perceptions and expectations of PCQA quality improvement advocates come from a range of perspectives. 

 

The PCQA constituency represents concerns about specific diseases or conditions; race, ethnicity, culture or primary language; medical treatment options; disability; mental health; socioeconomics; geographic health; co-occurring disorders; or various age-related issues.  The Alliance network represent diverse patient needs, desires and expectations that typically differ from more global consumer interests.  This is in part to the direct impact on patients and families of their personal experiences with illness or disease.

 

PCQA seeks to join patient-led community voices through their common interests.  Today, patients live or die at the sharp end of decisions that are made on their behalf without their input regarding their health status, medical care, research and development priorities and reimbursement policy.  The US Congress, state and local governments, private purchasers (employers), health plans and other purchaser organizations are moving ahead without meaningful and informed patient voices and perspectives. Thus, patient advocates need to be brought to the front line to represent patient perspectives on health quality, safety and value.