On May 9, 2014, CMS announced it is implementing the first phase of its reforms to the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program in an effort to "gain efficiencies, to eliminate any perceived conflicts of interest, and to better address the needs of Medicare beneficiaries." Under this first phase, CMS has named two Beneficiary and Family-Centered Care (BFCC) QIO contractors -- Livanta LLC and KePRO -- to support case review and monitoring activities on behalf of patients, separate from traditional QIO quality improvement activities. Under the second phase, which is expected to be announced in July, CMS will award contracts to organizations that will focus on data-driven quality initiatives intended to improve patient safety, reduce harm, and improve clinical care and transparency.
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