American Heart Health Month
Raising awareness about heart health and encouraging healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease.
American Heart Health Month Read More »
HQIC Hospital
African American History Month
February is African American History Month, which sheds light on African American culture and health. Heart disease, diabetes, and stroke affect people of all ethnicities. However, certain groups—including African Americans
African American History Month Read More »
New Resources on Immunizations and Vaccines
Stay up-to-date on new resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and local health departments. Topics covered include COVID-19 communication
New Resources on Immunizations and Vaccines Read More »
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Toolbox
This Learning Toolbox focuses on cultural and linguistic competency and their importance for helping to eliminate disparities in the delivery of quality healthcare. The Toolbox includes a quick primer, and
Cultural and Linguistic Competency Toolbox Read More »
Health Literacy Toolbox
This Learning Toolbox focuses on health literacy as an important determinant of health equity and outcomes. It includes a quick primer on health literacy, and provides links to articles, tools,
Health Literacy Toolbox Read More »
Glaucoma Awareness Month: January 2021
This monthly health observance highlights the importance of educating others on glaucoma. According to the National Eye Institute, over three million people in the United States have glaucoma. This number
Glaucoma Awareness Month: January 2021 Read More »
New COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
Stay updated on the latest resources.
New COVID-19 Vaccine Resources Read More »
Hi Rhode Islanders, have you had close contact with someone infected with COVID-19?
The Rhode Island Department of Health developed the COVID-19 Close Contact Quarantine Calculator to help you determine how long to remain in quarantine after exposure. What dose close contact mean?
Hi Rhode Islanders, have you had close contact with someone infected with COVID-19? Read More »
Training Sessions: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Pfizer recognizes that this is a critical time for planning around COVID-19 vaccination efforts. As such, Pfizer is committed to sharing important updates. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine website for US
Training Sessions: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read More »
Fall and Slip Prevention: Winter 2020-2021
With winter weather comes messy walkways and debris. Add in health conditions and you’ve got yourself one hazardous situation. These conditions lead to loss of balance, mobility, and strength for
Fall and Slip Prevention: Winter 2020-2021 Read More »
CMS Guidance for Medicare Coverage of COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
CMS Memo | December 9, 2020 – CMS posted updates to FAQs and an infographic about coverage and payment for monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. The FAQs include general payment
CMS Guidance for Medicare Coverage of COVID-19 Antibody Treatment Read More »
It’s Not Too Late to Get the Flu Shot
It’s more important than ever for everyone to do their part to help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people are getting
It’s Not Too Late to Get the Flu Shot Read More »
CMS Takes Further Steps to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Have Wide Access to COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy, casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in
Report: The State of Obesity 2020
According to a report from Trust for America’s Health, the U.S. obesity rate for adults reached 42.4% in 2020, the highest ever recorded, and is based on data from the
Report: The State of Obesity 2020 Read More »
Policy Statement: AHA Recognizes Structural Racism as a Driver of Health Disparities
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently issued a policy statement in Circulation calling out structural racism as a major driver of health disparities in the U.S. The AHA acknowledged that
Policy Statement: AHA Recognizes Structural Racism as a Driver of Health Disparities Read More »
Article: Health Literacy Should Be Valued as a Social Driver of Poor Health Outcomes
Health literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use health information to make decisions about one’s health. People with low health literacy have increased mortality, worse health outcomes, are
Article: Health Literacy Should Be Valued as a Social Driver of Poor Health Outcomes Read More »
Article: Mobile Apps for mHealth and People with Disabilities
A conference paper presented at the International Conference on Computers Helping People describes data and analysis on the use and unmet needs of mHealth mobile apps by people with disabilities
Article: Mobile Apps for mHealth and People with Disabilities Read More »
New Tool: Mapping Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Health and Opportunity
A new interactive mapping tool, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, allows users to view and compare data on a range of indicators for each state and for
New Tool: Mapping Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Health and Opportunity Read More »
CMS Policies Give Medicare Beneficiaries More Choices around Surgery
CMS Memo | December 3, 2020 – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is finalizing policy changes that will give Medicare patients and their doctors greater choices
CMS Policies Give Medicare Beneficiaries More Choices around Surgery Read More »
Dec. 2 Update: CDC National Quarantine Guidance
Options to Reduce Quarantine for Contacts of Persons with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Using Symptom Monitoring and Diagnostic Testing CDC Science & Research | December 2, 2020 – Quarantine can be a
Dec. 2 Update: CDC National Quarantine Guidance Read More »
National Handwashing Awareness Week: December 6-12, 2020
Clean hands save lives! This awareness week highlights the importance of handwashing—one of the most effective and simple ways to prevent viral infections and improve health outcomes. December is a
National Handwashing Awareness Week: December 6-12, 2020 Read More »
National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 6-12, 2020
This national awareness week focuses on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination. The IPRO QIN-QIO raises awareness about flu risks and encourages everyone to protect themselves and their communities by
National Influenza Vaccination Week: December 6-12, 2020 Read More »
Supporting Healthy Minds for Wisdom Keepers
About 1 in every 3 American Indian/Alaska Native older adults, age 65 or older, is at risk for dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart health
Supporting Healthy Minds for Wisdom Keepers Read More »
HHS/ASPR Training to Help Older Adults During a Disaster
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) developed the Addressing the Needs of Older Adults in Disasters web-based training. HHS/ASPR
HHS/ASPR Training to Help Older Adults During a Disaster Read More »
CMS Comprehensive Strategy: Enhance Hospital Capacity Amid COVID-19 Surge
Agency outlines flexibilities to maximize Acute Hospital Care at Home, Ambulatory Surgical Centers to decompress hospitals treating COVID-19 patients CMS Memo | November 25, 2020 – Today, the Centers for
CMS Comprehensive Strategy: Enhance Hospital Capacity Amid COVID-19 Surge Read More »
Earn Free CE: CDC’s Online Antibiotic Stewardship Training
This U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, register for CDC’s FREE online antibiotic stewardship training course, which offers 10 hours of continuing education (CE) to help you improve antibiotic use and protect
Earn Free CE: CDC’s Online Antibiotic Stewardship Training Read More »
CMS Request for Application: Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiative
CMS is announcing the Request for Application (RFA) open period (November 19, 2020 to January 3, 2021) for the Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (ViT) Initiative The Centers for
CMS Request for Application: Value in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Initiative Read More »
CMS to Celebrate the Power of Rural
Rural communities face their own unique challenges when it comes to accessing and receiving quality health care. Approximately 60 million Americans live in rural areas, with nearly every state having
CMS to Celebrate the Power of Rural Read More »
Rapid eMOLST Implementation to Facilitate Advance Care Planning During COVID-19 Pandemic
The article Rapid Implementation of eMOLST Order Completion and Electronic Registry to Facilitate Advance Care Planning: MOLST Documentation Using Telehealth in the Covid-19 Pandemic was posted on the New England
Rapid eMOLST Implementation to Facilitate Advance Care Planning During COVID-19 Pandemic Read More »
CMS Will Retire the Original Compare Tools on December 1
CMS will retire the original Compare Tools on December 1. Use Medicare.gov’s Care Compare to find and compare health care providers. In early September, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
CMS Will Retire the Original Compare Tools on December 1 Read More »
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week: November 18-24, 2020
This annual observance highlights necessary steps everyone should take to improve antibiotic prescribing and use. Antibiotics save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week: November 18-24, 2020 Read More »
Know the connection between Diabetes and Kidney Disease
34 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 3 of them also has chronic kidney disease. Once your kidneys have been damaged by diabetes, they cannot be cured. November is
Know the connection between Diabetes and Kidney Disease Read More »
Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program
The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) Program provides end-to-end management of the COVID-19 vaccination process, including cold chain management, on-site vaccinations, and fulfillment of reporting requirements. The program facilitates
Understanding the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program Read More »
COVID-19 Vaccine Codes and PC-ACE Software Update
In anticipation of the availability of a vaccine(s), for the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the American Medical Association (AMA), working with the Centers
COVID-19 Vaccine Codes and PC-ACE Software Update Read More »
CMS Takes Steps to Ensure Medicare Beneficiaries Have Wide Access to COVID-19 Antibody Treatment
Coverage Available at No Cost to Beneficiaries Across Variety of Settings in Health Care System The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that starting November 13, Medicare beneficiaries can
Take Action Against Diabetes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Diabetes Month in November. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Take Action Against Diabetes Read More »
American Diabetes Month
Every November, American Diabetes Month is observed to sound the alarm about the diabetes epidemic. The IPRO QIN-QIO works to raise awareness about diabetes, honor those that are affected, and
American Diabetes Month Read More »
National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated each November, is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. In November, the IPRO QIN-QIO is celebrating the efforts of family
National Family Caregivers Month Read More »
IPRO to Provide Hospital Quality Improvement Services for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Lake Success, NY, October 19, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded a four-year contract to IPRO to serve as a Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor
Article: Disparities in U.S. hospitalizations for serious infections in patients with & without opioid use disorder (OUD)
In a research article published in PLOS Medicine (August 2020), patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who are hospitalized for serious infections requiring prolonged intravenous antibiotics may face barriers to
Initiative: How Can Hospitals Improve the Health of their Communities?
The Bloomberg American Health Initiative and the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity are working with IBM Watson Health to develop a method to measure the impact of hospitals on
Initiative: How Can Hospitals Improve the Health of their Communities? Read More »
Article: Respiratory distress the cause of most post-COVID hospital readmissions
This published article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (August 2020) describes a retrospective cohort study of COVID-19 positive patients who were hospitalized between February 27 and April 12,
Article: Respiratory distress the cause of most post-COVID hospital readmissions Read More »
CMS Releases Long-Term Care Hospital Quality Reporting Program Web-Based Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course for those who are new to the Long-Term Care Hospital (LTCH) Quality Reporting Program (QRP). This
CMS Releases Long-Term Care Hospital Quality Reporting Program Web-Based Training Read More »
COVID-19 and Influenza Season 2020-2021
The COVID-19 pandemic caused healthcare providers to change how they operate to continue providing essential services to patients. It is essential to ensure immunization services are maintained or re-initiated. Immunizations
COVID-19 and Influenza Season 2020-2021 Read More »
National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month. This national observance is dedicated to helping those with a mental or substance use disorder to live a healthy life through education. Supports like substance
National Recovery Month Read More »
Anticoagulation Forum Virtual Boot Camp: Sept. 25-26
September 25-26, 2020 The Anticoagulation Forum moved its course online and now you can learn from anywhere! View the same solid curriculum and bonus content on COVID-19 with 10.75 hours
Anticoagulation Forum Virtual Boot Camp: Sept. 25-26 Read More »
CMS Webinar on August 24: Medicare Care Compare
August 24, 2-2:45PM EDT Requires Login. You’ll get an email and appointment after registration. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is making improvements to help people with Medicare
CMS Webinar on August 24: Medicare Care Compare Read More »
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Calls: August 21-27
CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Calls: August 21-27 Read More »
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health is honoring National Immunization Awareness Month. Although vaccination rates are low among all adults in the U.S., research shows
August is National Immunization Awareness Month Read More »
Now Available: Web-Based Course on Hospice QRP Education and Training Resources
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a web-based training course for hospices wanting a resource to the many trainings offered related to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program
Now Available: Web-Based Course on Hospice QRP Education and Training Resources Read More »
CMS Proposes Policies to Provide Seniors with More Choices and Lower Costs for Surgeries
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing several policies that would give Medicare beneficiaries more choices in where they seek care and lower their out-of-pocket costs for
CMS Proposes Policies to Provide Seniors with More Choices and Lower Costs for Surgeries Read More »
Telehealth Webinar on August 25: Telehealth Then & Now – A Provider’s Perspective
Tuesday, August 25, 1-2PM EDT Part of the Telehealth Practice Innovations During the COVID-19 Pandemic Webinar Series Join us to learn the evolution of telehealth technology and how providers are
Telehealth Webinar on August 25: Telehealth Then & Now – A Provider’s Perspective Read More »
CMS Proposes to Expand Telehealth Benefits Permanently for Medicare Beneficiaries Beyond the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and Advances Access to Care in Rural Areas
Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule would make permanent certain telehealth and workforce flexibilities provided during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and improve healthcare for Americans in Rural Areas The Centers
CMS Updates Medicare Payment Policies for Several Types of Healthcare Providers
Three final rules will strengthen Medicare program July 31, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is finalizing three Medicare payment rules that further advance our efforts
CMS Updates Medicare Payment Policies for Several Types of Healthcare Providers Read More »
CMS and CDC announce provider reimbursement available for counseling patients to self-isolate at time of COVID-19 testing
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are announcing that payment is available to physicians and health care providers to
Resources: Bringing Attention to Health Equity for People with Disabilities
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office (MMCO) is sharing messages and materials on supporting equal opportunities and inclusion for
Resources: Bringing Attention to Health Equity for People with Disabilities Read More »
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Calls: August 11-14
CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended
CMS COVID-19 Stakeholder Engagement Calls: August 11-14 Read More »
CMS Updates Data on COVID-19 Impacts on Medicare Beneficiaries
On July 28, 2020 – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its first monthly update of data that provides a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on the
CMS Updates Data on COVID-19 Impacts on Medicare Beneficiaries Read More »
COVID-19 Workshop on August 6: COVID-19 & Telehealth Advance Care Conversations
Thursday, August 6, 2020, 10:30-11:00 AM EDT Our COVID-19 Workshop Series continues on Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:00 am. Join us as Michele Carignan, RN and Courtney Lamothe, MSW, LCSW from
COVID-19 Workshop on August 6: COVID-19 & Telehealth Advance Care Conversations Read More »
OCR Issues Guidance on Civil Rights Protections Prohibiting Race, Color, and National Origin Discrimination During COVID-19
Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is issuing guidance to ensure that recipients of federal financial assistance understand that