FROM: Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer
DATE: Sep 12, 2003
SUBJECT: Home Health Quality Initiative / Educational Opportunities
IPRO CONTACTS:
Sara Butterfield, RN, BSN, CPHQ, CCM, Director, Extension 104
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with IPRO, the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for New York State, to collaborate with the home health industry on the Home Health Quality Initiative (HHQI). Our goal is two-fold: to work with home health providers on community-based quality improvement activities; and to collaborate with you, other industry stakeholders, and state government agencies in providing improved consumer information on the quality measures to empower them to make informed decisions regarding healthcare.
In an effort to provide information regarding the Home Health Quality Initiative, IPRO will be conducting educational meetings throughout New York State for the home health provider community. These meetings will include representatives from the Home Care Association (HCA) of New York State, Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), New York State Association of Healthcare Providers (NYSHCP), New York Association of Homes & Services for the Aging (NYAHSA), Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), and IPRO. The agenda will include information on the CMS quality measures for public reporting, OBQI Report and Home Health Compare data interpretation, methods and resources to support patient, family & consumer understanding of agency data and strategies for agencies to utilize for media management related to publicly reported data.
There is a fee of $15.00 per person to attend the conference to help defray the cost of food and beverages. We accept credit cards and checks as forms of payment.
We strongly encourage you and/or your staff to attend one of the regional meetings to afford you the opportunity to learn more about the initiative and the implementation strategies planned for New York State. The meeting dates and locations are indicated on registration form
Additionally, CMS is offering an educational opportunity on Friday, October 3, 2003 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the format of a live presentation via satellite broadcast and internet providing information on the Home Health Quality Initiative. The broadcast presentation may also be viewed via web cast at your own computer. Additional information on access and registration for the CMS satellite broadcast.
If you need any additional information, or have questions related to this correspondence, please contact Sara Butterfield, RN at 1-800-233-0360, ext. 104.
We look forward to collaborating with you on this important quality initiative!