LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Jan. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IPRO, one of the nation's largest healthcare quality improvement contractors, has been awarded three major federal contracts to oversee the provision of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) services to Medicare beneficiaries. All three-year awards support dialysis and renal transplantation centers in maintaining high standards of care for ESRD patients. All are administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and are effective January 1, 2013.
IPRO's award as the ESRD Network 1 contractor (overseeing services in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI and VT), and renewal as ESRD Network 2 contractor (overseeing services in NY), requires the organization to: (1) assure effective and efficient administration of Medicare benefits for patients; (2) work with providers to improve quality of care; (3) use data collection to measure performance on key metrics; (4) provide technical assistance to patients and providers and (5) evaluate and resolve patient grievances.
IPRO's re-award of the expanded ESRD Network Coordinating Center contract means the organization will have a lead role in supporting CMS's management of the ESRD program nationwide including responsibility for operation of the KCER Coalition – supporting emergency preparedness and response for the ESRD Networks, dialysis organizations, and stakeholder community.
"We are very pleased that CMS has chosen to expand our role in working with providers and beneficiaries to improve ESRD service delivery, both at the regional and national levels," said Susan Caponi, RN, BSN, ESRD Regional Director. According to Clare B. Bradley, MD, MPH, IPRO's Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, "This expansion is a testament to the diligence and creativity of our entire ESRD contractor support team."
Created by federal law in 1978, there are currently 18 Network Organizations operating nationwide. The 18 Networks serve the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the announcement, visit www.cms.hhs.gov.
IPRO is a national organization providing a full spectrum of healthcare assessment and improvement services that foster more efficient use of resources and enhance healthcare quality to achieve better patient outcomes. Founded in 1984, IPRO is highly regarded for the independence of its approach, the depth of its knowledge and experience, and the integrity of its programs. IPRO holds contracts with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private-sector clients, in more than 33 states and the District of Columbia. A national not-for-profit organization, IPRO is headquartered in Lake Success, NY.
SOURCE IPRO
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