STATEMENT BY CMS ADMINISTRATOR MARK B. MCCLELLAN ON THE INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE REPORT ON QIOS

Quality improvement is a top priority at CMS.  That’s why we are making unprecedented quality information available, we are implementing the most important improvements in benefits in 40 years to prevent medical complications, and we are changing the way we pay to promote quality and reduce costs.

While the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries is improving, there is much more to be done, and the Quality Improvement Organizations can help us get there.

The IOM report has many sound ideas for improving the QIO program. We will be taking further steps to improve the program, and we are going to review the IOM report carefully and quickly as part of that effort.