Administrative Memos

200306

FROM: Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer
DATE: May 20, 2003
SUBJECT: Home Health Outcomes-Based Quality Improvement
IPRO CONTACTS:

Sara Butterfield, Administrator, Healthcare Quality Improvement Extension 104

IPRO remains committed to providing ongoing support for your agency regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sponsored Home Health Outcomes-Based Quality Improvement (OBQI) Initiative.

Enclosed please find the following materials to assist your agency's efforts to implement a continuous quality improvement program through the OBQI process:

CD-ROM containing sample care behaviors and plans of action and resource information related to the eleven quality measures chosen by CMS for public reporting. Please note that the sample care behaviors and plans of action represent composites from HHA experiences during the OBQI pilot. They are not intended to prescribe care practices or agency improvement plans. Each agency is encouraged to use the OBQI process to identify target outcomes, investigate care processes, and develop plans of action that are appropriate to its setting.
Information from CMS related to the recent changes in the OBQI Reports, refinements made to the risk-adjustment methodology, and the availability of a revised Patient Tally Report Workbook with data filtering tools.
A Target Outcome Selection Grid to assist in identification of target outcomes meeting criteria for consideration in review of your agency's OBQI Reports.
CMS directive addressing the Home Health Survey Protocol Enhancements utilized by State Survey and Certification effective May 1, 2003. Please note the CMS HHA Training Worksheet for OBQI & OBQM Reports incorporated within this document delineating the pre-survey process and sample selection for surveyor focus.
IPRO Fax-Back Form requesting an update on the status of your Plan of Action. Please complete and return as directed no later than May 30, 2003.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Sara Butterfield in the Albany IPRO office at 1-800-233-0360 Ext. 104.

We look forward to our continued collaboration on this valuable initiative!