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For more information, contact:
Susan Burns / MPRO
(248) 465-7375 / sburns@mpro.org

MPRO Honors Michigan Home Health Agencies for Improving the Quality of Care
Agencies Receive Michigan Award of Excellence

Farmington Hills, MI, September 26, 2008 — Thirty six home health agencies have received MPRO’s, Michigan’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO), prestigious Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Home Health Setting.  The award is bestowed to providers who are actively embracing quality improvement and patient safety initiatives to advance health care quality.  The award signifies quality improvement initiatives conducted in 2007.

Participating Michigan home health agencies received the honor for decreasing acute care hospitalization and improving management of oral medications; improving telehealth capabilities; and improving immunizations rates for flu and pneumonia.  Memorial Healthcare Home Health Agency in Owosso, Michigan, was the only agency to receive an award in all three categories.

Recipients of the Michigan Award of Excellence for Improving Care showed notable improvement in quality measures designated as national health care priorities by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Participating agencies established a multidisciplinary team to spearhead improvement using proven, evidence-based practices to spur better outcomes. Agencies self-nominated for the award.

“As Michigan’s QIO, MPRO is privileged to recognize home health agencies that are embracing quality improvement initiatives,” said Colleen Cieszkowski, senior vice president of operations, MPRO. Ms. Cieszkowski added “The Michigan Award of Excellence is a seal of quality that denotes a commitment to excellence in the delivery of high quality care.” To learn more about the award visit online at www.mpro.org.

About MPRO:  MPRO is Michigan’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization.  A non-profit organization, MPRO is under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ensure the rights and protections afforded to Michigan’s 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries.  MPRO also works with Michigan providers to improve the quality and safety of patient care.

This material was prepared by MPRO, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Michigan, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  9SOW-MI-6.4-08-06