The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an overview of the next phase of the CMS Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program as it continues to partner with people with Medicare, health care providers and communities on data-driven health care quality improvement initiatives.
Informed by targeted listening sessions and direct feedback from QIO Program stakeholders, the CMS QIO Program structure has been reimagined to build strong local, tribal, state and federal partnerships that direct and implement national health care strategy goals. This presentation discusses the role of the QIO Program as a key driver of the CMS National Quality Strategy. Goals for this national strategy include:
- Embedding quality across the care journey
- Advancing health equity and whole-person care
- Promoting safety to achieve zero preventable harm
- Fostering engagement to improve quality and build trust
- Embracing the digital age
- Strengthening resilience in the health care system
- Incentivizing scientific innovation, advanced analytics and technology
- Increasing alignment to promote seamless, coordinated services and support
CMS QIO Program initiatives have supported health care quality, access, value and equity for more than 40 years as one of the largest federal initiatives dedicated to improving health quality for people with Medicare. Signed into law in 1982 with Title XI of the Social Security Act, it is an integral part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) strategy to protect and strengthen equitable access to high quality and affordable health care.
