In August 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program an updated charter for leading change.

Here are some of the important distinctions of the QIO program: 

Bold Goals. The QIO Program supports the aims of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Quality Strategy. Providers that work with their QIO, for example, will contribute to improved cardiac health, fewer avoidable hospital readmissions, and a 40% national reduction in health care-acquired conditions.

The patient is at the center. By including the voice of the beneficiary in all their activities, QIOs are leading the way to patient-centered care. They will equip both providers and patients for shared health care decision making through a national Patient and Family Engagement Campaign.

All improvers are welcome. Embracing “boundarilessness” as a prerequisite for system-wide change, QIOs are breaking down organizational, cultural and geographic barriers. Initiatives are open to providers at all levels of clinical performance that make a commitment to improvement.

Everyone teaches and learns. Through large-scale learning and action networks, QIOs are accelerating the pace of change and rapidly spreading best practices. Improvement initiatives include collaborative projects, online interaction and peer-to-peer education.

Greater value is fostered. QIOs will support CMS’ new value based purchasing programs with technical assistance to providers that includes sharing best practices, assisting with data analysis and conducting improvement activities.

Learn more about the partnerships and initiatives in the QIO program.