On May 3, the Commonwealth Fund released a brief comparing characteristics of high and low-ranked state health system performance.  The authors suggest there are market, political, and cultural characteristics of state health systems that can help or hinder system improvement.  The brief highlights the trademarks of high performing state health systems and offers strategies for improving performance.

From the report:

The findings from this issue brief and the State Scorecard show that all states can aim higher. With ris­ing costs putting pressure on families and businesses alike, and new demands and opportunities related to federal reform on the horizon, it is urgent that states take action to enhance value in the health care system. Improving the performance of all states to the levels achieved by the best states could save thousands of lives, improve access and quality of life for millions of people, and reduce costs. In turn, this would make more funds available to pay for improved care and expanded insurance coverage, creating a net gain in value overall.

Full report: Lessons from High- and Low-Performing States for Raising Overall Health System Performance (PDF | 678.73)

Commonwealth Fund.  (2011).  Lessons from high- and low-performing states for raising overall health system performance.  Silow-Carroll, S. and Moody, G.