* A scatter plot is a graphical tool that shows the relationship between two continuous variables by plotting data points at their corresponding values on the x-axis and y-axis1.
* To interpret a scatter plot, we need to look at the direction, strength, and shape of the relationship between the variables2.
* The direction of the relationship indicates whether the variables tend to increase or decrease together (positive correlation) or in opposite directions (negative correlation).
* The strength of the relationship indicates how closely the data points cluster around a line or curve that best fits the data. A common measure of the strength of the linear relationship is the correlation coefficient , which ranges from -1 to 1. The closer the absolute value of R is to 1, the stronger the linear relationship2.
* The shape of the relationship indicates whether the data points follow a straight line (linear relationship) or a curved pattern (nonlinear relationship).
* Based on these criteria, we can analyze the scatter plots for Setting 1 and Setting 2 as follows:
* Setting 1: The scatter plot shows a clear upward trend, indicating a positive correlation between complication rate and time to positive outcome. The data points are tightly clustered around a line, indicating a strong linear relationship. The R^2 value of 0.9533 on the plot is close to 1, which means that the linear model explains 95.33% of the variation in the complication rate.
Therefore, we can conclude that Setting 1 has a strong positive correlation between complication rate and time to positive outcome.
* Setting 2: The scatter plot shows a scattered pattern, indicating a weak or no correlation between complication rate and time to positive outcome. The data points are widely spread around a line, indicating a weak linear relationship. The R^2 value of 0.4923 on the plot is far from 1, which means that the linear model explains only 49.23% of the variation in the complication rate.
Therefore, we cannot conclude that Setting 2 has a significant correlation between complication rate and time to positive outcome, or that complication rates are causing longer time to positive outcome at setting 2.
References: 1: 8.8 Scatter Plots, Correlation, and Regression Lines 2: Scatterplots: Using, Examples, and Interpreting

Physician quality data reports for all credentialed physicians disseminated at regular intervals, as generally mandated by accreditation standards, are referred to as ongoing professional practice evaluation (OPPE).
* Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE): OPPE is a continuous evaluation of a provider's performance at a frequency greater than every 12 months1. It involves a peer review process, where practitioners are reviewed by other practitioners of the same discipline and have personal knowledge of the applicant2. The purpose of OPPE is to ensure that the hospital, through the activities of its medical staff, assesses a practitioner's clinical competence and professional behavior on an ongoing basis3.
* Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE): FPPE is a process whereby the medical staff evaluates the privilege-specific competence of the practitioner that lacks documented evidence of competently performing the requested privilege(s) at the organization4. It is not a regular, ongoing process, but rather is implemented whenever a question arises regarding a practitioner's ability to provide safe, high-quality patient care5.
* CMS Star Ratings: The CMS Star Ratings system is a consumer-oriented system developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help consumers compare the quality of health and drug plans67. It is not a regular report disseminated for all credentialed physicians.
* Quality Spot Checks: Quality spot checks refer to a random inspection or review of a specific aspect or area within a company's operations8. They are often used to monitor quality control, identify fraud, or ensure adherence to regulations. However, they are not specifically related to physician quality data reports910.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. ongoing professional practice evaluation (OPPE), as it best fits the description of physician quality data reports for all credentialed physicians disseminated at regular intervals, as generally mandated by accreditation standards.

To assess the health status of a defined population, healthcare professionals often analyze data that reflects the utilization of preventive services. Reviewing claims data for the rate of preventive health care visits provides objective information on how frequently individuals engage in health maintenance activities, which is a direct indicator of population health status.
While demographics (Option B) and self-reported chronic disease frequency (Option D) offer valuable context, they do not directly measure health status. The percentage of individuals with higher education degrees (Option A) relates more to social determinants of health than to health status itself.
References:
NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Population Health and Care Transitions NAHQ Body of Knowledge: Population Health Management

An effective quality improvement (QI) program drives sustained improvements in outcomes and processes, which requires a culture that supports and reinforces quality-focused behaviors.
Option A (Rewards behavior that supports quality improvement): This is the correct answer. NAHQ CPHQ study materials emphasize that a successful QI program fosters a culture of quality by recognizing and rewarding staff behaviors that align with improvement goals (e.g., reporting near misses, participating in QI teams). This promotes engagement and sustainability.
Option B (Passes an accreditation survey): Passing an accreditation survey indicates compliance but does not necessarily mean the QI program is effective in driving ongoing improvements. It is a snapshot, not a measure of program success.
Option C (Has a written quality plan approved by the board): A written plan is a structural component, but effectiveness depends on implementation and outcomes, not just the existence of a plan.
Option D (Develops quality improvement teams): Forming QI teams is a step toward improvement, but effectiveness is measured by outcomes, not just team creation.
Reference: NAHQ CPHQ Study Guide, Domain 4: Performance and Process Improvement, highlights the importance of rewarding behaviors that support a culture of quality for an effective QI program.