[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 42, Volume 3] [Revised as of October 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 42CFR456.141] [Page 334] TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) PART 456_UTILIZATION CONTROL--Table of Contents Subpart C_Utilization Control: Hospitals Sec. 456.141 Purpose and general description. (a) The purpose of medical care evaluation studies is to promote the most effective and efficient use of available health facilities and services consistent with patient needs and professionally recognized standards of health care. (b) Medical care evaluation studies-- (1) Emphasize identification and analysis of patterns of patient care; and (2) Suggest appropriate changes needed to maintain consistently high quality patient care and effective and efficient use of services.