Resource Library-Quality Incentives Engineer Impact to the Quality of Care

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Cody Zeitaml, Assistant Director of Quality Outcomes and Analytics at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Michigan, describes how Oaklawn created and uses “Quality Incentive Engineers” (QIEs) to improve ambulatory quality performance. Oaklawn is a nonprofit hospital with extensive primary care and specialty services that participates in CMS and commercial quality programs, including MIPS and advanced payment models (CPC+ and later Primary Care First). The QIE role began in 2016 to support PCMH requirements, payer incentive programs, and reduce burden on medical assistants. Three QIEs (certified/registered medical assistants) audit charts, identify and close gaps in care, standardize EMR documentation, schedule preventive visits, and conduct daily ED follow-up calls using the state health information exchange. They also lead ongoing education and monthly practice data meetings. Reported results include ED follow-up improving from ~15% to 95–97%, major gains in MIPS scores (up to 98/100), better diabetes control, increased social-determinants screening, and a Michigan Governor’s Award for performance.

Asset Caption

Speaker: Cody Zeithammel, MHA

The Quality Incentives Engineer (QIE) team is an extension of the Quality of care delivered by our ambulatory practices at Oaklawn Hospital. The QIEs are instrumental in maintaining our PCMH designation and the successful performance in the PGIP and MIPS programs.

Meta Tag

Competency Tag PPI1

Competency Tag Description Implement standard performance and process improvement (PPI) methods into individual, team and project work activities

Domain Tag Performance and Process Improvement

Keywords

Oaklawn Hospital

Quality Incentive Engineers (QIEs)

ambulatory quality improvement

MIPS performance

care gaps closure

ED follow-up calls