The issue of regional variation in the delivery of medical care is central to the national health reform debate. CHCF looks at variation research and identifies some areas ripe for further exploration.

Despite a heightened focus on patient safety in recent years, and incremental gains being made, California still grapples with quality improvement.

For patients contemplating elective procedures in California, where they live matters. CHCF research finds rates for certain surgeries and other procedures vary dramatically across the state.

Despite the high volume of hip and knee replacements, data on device efficacy, surgical technique, and patient outcomes are lacking. A statewide registry will fill these gaps.

For patients contemplating elective procedures, where they live matters. This CHCF research finds practice patterns for certain surgeries and other procedures vary dramatically from place to place.

This Health Affairs article by Carman et al. finds consumers hold crucial misconceptions about evidence-based health care and most believe that more care means better care.

This Health Affairs article by Weeks et al. describes a two-year study of 741,448 patients that found that large multispecialty medical groups offer better quality and bigger savings than small group practices.

Researchers visited California communities to gain insights into regional characteristics in health care affordability, access, and quality. These issue briefs profile each market and identify common themes and emerging issues.

This policy briefing examined research on health care variation across multiple health care delivery segments in the state.

While the Bay Area's economy is stronger than elsewhere in California, the cost of living and of medical care are high. This regional market report provides a snapshot of health care in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sacramento residents have higher income, education, and private insurance coverage, and enjoy better overall health, than average for California. This report provides a snapshot of health care in Sacramento.

Residents of San Diego have higher incomes but similar rates of insurance compared to other Californians. This regional market report provides a snapshot of the unique characteristics of the organization and delivery of health care in San Diego.

Fresno's residents have lower income, education, and health insurance levels, and worse health status, than average for California. This regional market report provides a snapshot of health care in Fresno.

Riverside/San Bernardino encompasses a vast geographic area, creating significant health care access challenges. This regional market report provides a snapshot of health care in Riverside/San Bernardino.

Los Angeles is the most populous county in the United States and has a very diverse population. This regional market report provides a snapshot of the unique characteristics of the organization and delivery of health care in Los Angeles.