Arizona Medicare
Quality Improvement For Providers

As the Arizona Medicare quality improvement organization (QIO), HSAG works with health care providers throughout the state to achieve "the right care for every person every time." It is the goal of HSAG, in keeping with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) dictates, to provide care that is safe, effective, timely, patient-centered, efficient, and equitable. In addition, HSAG aims to influence the health care system and the delivery of care in order to improve both processes and outcomes. During the current CMS Scope of Work, HSAG will work with:

• Hospitals to prevent complications from surgical infection, cardiovascular events, and venous thromboembolism; reduce the rates of health care-associated MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus); reduce pressure ulcers; improve drug safety; provide technical assistance with quality data reporting; and review beneficiary complaints and discharge appeals.
  
  
• Nursing Homes to implement system-wide changes that will improve the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and reduce physical restraints. HSAG will also work to improve drug safety and review beneficiary complaints and discharge appeals in this setting.
  
  
• Physician Offices that have implemented an electronic health record system to help them utilize these systems to improve rates for breast cancer and colorectal screening, as well as rates for influenza and pneumococcal immunizations.
  
  
• Medicare providers to ensure Medicare beneficiary protection through review of admission necessity, discharge appeals, and complaints about the quality of care provided. More information is available here.