Concerned about executives’ salaries and perks, the Senate Committee on Finance has asked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to investigate Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) for effectiveness and improprieties. (Medical News Today)
The call for an investigation was likely prompted by the American Health Quality Association’s request for more funding and broadened responsibilities. According to the Kaiser Network, CMS currently pays $300 million per year to QIOs to “investigate beneficiary complaints, evaluate quality and work with physicians and hospitals to improve care.” QIOs also work to ensure Medicare pays only for medically necessary services.
In related news, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living have announced they have joined the Pharmacy Quality Alliance in an effort to bolster their collective voice in shaping long term care pharmacy policies.
