Survey Indicates that Iowa's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization is Helping Improve Care

August 31, 2006

WEST DES MOINES - More than 95 percent of participants in a recent survey of Iowa health care organizations and agencies say that the state's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, the Iowa Foundation for Medical Care, helps Iowa health care professionals provide better care. According to survey results, IFMC ranked first out of 53 QIOs nationwide when it came to satisfaction with the organization. IFMC received 100 percent satisfaction on several survey components.

The survey, entitled "Stakeholder Survey: Baseline Study Report," was conducted in January and February 2006 by Westat, an independent company under contract to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Westat interviewed slightly more than 1,300 stakeholders nationwide, asking questions covering four major topic areas: satisfaction with QIO information and assistance, knowledge of QIO activities, perceived value of the QIO and interactions with the QIO.

IFMC received 98.75 percent in satisfaction, 92.19 percent in value and 97.92 percent in knowledge. IFMC ranked second in the nation with a 96.28 percent overall score on the survey.

"These findings confirm for us the importance and value of our efforts to support health care quality improvement in Iowa," said Peg Mason, vice president, IFMC.

Survey respondents represented a broad cross-section of key health care stakeholders, including state-based organizations and state-level representatives of national organizations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administers the nationwide QIO program to ensure that people on Medicare receive high-quality health care services. IFMC has worked with Iowa providers to improve care since 1972. Located in West Des Moines, IFMC staff members include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, quality improvement experts, information technology specialists and data analysts.

Media Contacts:
Deb Innis 515-440-8224