CMS works to improve Indian Health Service hospitals' quality. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
+ Technology/Innovation
Amanda Rupp | Oct 18, 2016

CMS to improve Indian Health Service hospitals

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently chose Quality Improvement Organization to maintain quality improvements at Indian Health Service (IHS) hospitals across the U.S.

CMS has hired HealthInsight, which is a member of the Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO), to collaborate with IHS hospitals. The goal is to make ongoing enhancements to the quality of care that Medicare patients receive when they go to IHS hospitals.

“Today’s announcement underscores the IHS commitment to ensuring that every IHS hospital, clinic and health center provides high-quality health care to our patients,” Mary Smith, IHS principal deputy director, said. “IHS hospitals -- and our staff members across the country -- are focused on continuous improvement. The QIO will provide training for our staff and access to experts to strengthen IHS capacity to deliver quality health care for American Indian and Alaska Native patients.”

The new contract will allow health care providers to offer the best health care practices as well as to implement other operational quality improvements at IHS federal government-operated hospitals, which are part of the Medicare program.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of patients that seek care at facilities we oversee,” Dr. Patrick Conway, CMS chief medical officer, said. “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to bring resources and support to American Indian and Alaskan Native patients to improve the delivery of high-quality care to patients. Our QIN-QIO is well poised to assist with this transformation and will work with the Indian Health Service hospitals and clinicians to ensure beneficiaries get the best possible care.”

Organizations in this story

More News