Dear Readers,

     At OFMQ, we continue to be encouraged by the progress being made in Oklahoma toward improving healthcare quality through Medicare's Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) program. We know providers face many challenges in the quest to provide high quality patient care:  changing regulations and requirements for reporting and reimbursement, the daily stress of staff management and patient/family issues and sometimes even keeping the lights on. In spite of these challenges, providers who have partnered with OFMQ in the QIO program, remain engaged and committed to doing what it takes to improve health care quality measures. 

     In this issue of Quality Connection, we have highlighted several successes - great stories from providers who have demonstrated their commitment to quality and have worked hard to raise the bar in health care. You'll read about several clinics on their journey to implement and meaningfully use electronic health records.  You'll see the progress Oklahoma nursing homes are making in improving prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. And, you'll see how we are working with hospitals to reduce healthcare-acquired infections. All of these topics are priorities for Medicare as we work to create better systems of care not only for seniors, but for everyone.