CMS promotes adult immunization through a variety of activities, including: 

• Producing and distributing a variety of educational materials to inform consumers regarding immunization and other Medicare preventive benefits:
• Developing and disseminating training materials for providers regarding Medicare coverage for immunization services, and how to bill for them; and
• Incorporating influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccination measures in the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative.

Under the direction of CMS, the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) program consists of a national network of fifty-three QIOs responsible for each U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia. QIOs work with consumers, physicians, hospitals, and other caregivers to refine care delivery systems to make sure patients get the right care at the right time, particularly among underserved populations. QIOs conduct projects focused on improving the quality and health of all Medicare beneficiaries.
The 9th Statement of Work for the CMS QIO Program focuses on improving the quality and safety of health care services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. It includes a prevention theme and requires QIOs to work with physician offices to leverage their electronic health record systems to improve the delivery of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.

CMS works with a number of partners on these initiatives, including:
• CDC: CDC is the authority on the epidemiology of influenza and pneumonia. A wealth of information may be obtained through its National Immunization Program. They are also the most reliable source of information on vaccine safety and availability.
• National Coalition for Adult Immunization: This unique coalition includes CMS, CDC, all vaccine manufacturers, and advocacy groups.
• National Partnership for Immunization/National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID): The Partnership is sponsored, in part, by NFID and covers all childhood and adults immunizations

Downloads
2008-2009 Immunizers' Question & Answer Guide to Medicare Coverage of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations (PDF, 291K)
Related Links Inside CMS
Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Preventive Services Educational Products Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Quality Improvement Organization Program
Related Links Outside CMS
Hospital Pneumonia QIO Project Hospital Immunization QIO Project Home Health Agencies - Immunizations in Home Health Care QIO Project Nursing Homes QIO Project Promote Healthcare Worker Immunization as Model for Patients QIO Project CDC National Immunization Program National Foundation for Infectious Diseases QIO Directory Directory of Immunization Coalitions

Page Last Modified: 12/08/2008 3:10:58 PM
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