Technical Assistance

HSAG provides technical assistance to managed care organizations (MCOs) and prepaid inpatient health plans (PIHPs) to address specific activities related to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). This includes the development of tools, training, and technical assistance to be used for quality improvement activities. HSAG makes appropriate recommendations on the need for specific technical assistance and, based on a technical assurance plan, HSAG provides reports detailing the technical assistance provided and the actual outcome or benefits of the assistance.

HSAG also provides technical assistance for managed care organization contract compliance with BBA requirements, as well as during pre- and post-implementation activities. HSAG staff members have undertaken major health care delivery system policy development activities such as technical assistance related to quality assurance/improvement program evaluation and development in Ohio, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Nevada, and Tennessee. HSAG’s technical assistance and recommendations are often used in the development of performance measures to assist with policy development.

HSAG has proven capabilities and mechanisms for technical assistance communication. HSAG's expert clinical and analytical staff members have extensive experience providing states and health plans with education and information via conference calls, Webinars, and seminars. This technical assistance has included:

• Techniques for designing and conducting quality improvement projects
• Processes for determining appropriate sampling methodologies
• Techniques for ensuring appropriate and effective data collection
• Methods for conducting data analyses
• Use of relevant statistical tests
• Appropriate data interpretation methods
• Development and implementation of interventions
• Compliance with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure specifications

HSAG's technical assistance includes corrective plans of action and recommendations for continuous improvement, dissemination of information on best practices, and involvement in work groups and committees dedicated to quality improvement.