Medicare's Quality Improvement Organization Program Value in Nursing Homes

CMS operates the quality improvement organization (QIO) program to improve the quality of care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. Although there have been several studies regarding the effectiveness of this program, there have not been studies regarding this program's value. This article seeks to answer the value question using cost-utility analysis. Although additional research is warranted, the results suggest that CMS' investment in the QIO program, estimated at $2,063 to $7,667 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained for nursing home quality improvement (QI) work, represents a good value for health care dollars.