ACP Supports CMS Request for Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Program Funding
November 22, 2004
Honorable Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary
Department of Health and Human and Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 615-F
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Secretary Thompson:
The American College of Physicians (ACP), representing the 116,000 internists and medical students, supports giving the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) a principal responsibility for developing and implementing programs to encourage physician acquisition of health information technology (HIT) as outlined in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed QIO 8th Scope of Work (SOW). ACP believes that CMS understands that the QIO program must be given adequate resources to ensure that they meet the goals included in the 8th SOW. Accordingly, ACP supports the CMS-requested apportionment for 8th SOW activities.
For your information, the ACP September 20, 2004 letter to CMS, which can be found at online
, contains the College's comments on the Medicare QIO Proposed Summary of Draft 8th SOW.
ACP appreciates your leadership in recognizing the potential of HIT to improve efficiency and quality and urges you to fund the QIO program consistent with the CMS request to fully capitalize on the strong working relationship between the QIOs and the physician community. Please feel free to contact me at (202) 261-4530 if you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Robert Doherty, Senior Vice President
Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
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