When you or a loved one are ill or need routine healthcare, you need professionals and services you can trust. While you may not realize it, the quality control measures that take place behind the scenes at IWS Family Health are what ensure you receive the best possible care when you walk through our doors.
In fact, IWS Family Health was recently honored with the Gold Center Quality Leader badge from the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This prestigious award is given to health centers nationwide for the best overall clinical quality performance.
So, what makes it possible for IWS to be counted among the top 10% of health centers in improving health outcomes and providing high-quality care for patients in rural and underserved communities? An unwavering commitment to quality.
Recently, Michelle DiBenedetto, Chief Strategy Officer, sat down with Cyndi Mozzetti, the IWS Director of Quality Management, and asked a few questions about what quality care means at IWS. We hope this insight into the inner workings of IWS brings you peace of mind as you entrust your family’s healthcare to our team.
Cyndi: Quality healthcare at IWS consists of care that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. It’s our goal to help our patients realize their desired health outcomes to the best of our ability.
Q: What is quality care?
Q: Who is involved in quality care?
Cyndi: Every department within IWS Family Health makes a difference in the care that we render to our patients. That includes the providers, care coordinators, referral department, and call center, all of whom have a hand in providing excellent care.
Should a measure we implement not be as successful as we’d like, our quality team works hand-in-hand with all other departments to create new workflows and processes to improve and rectify unfavorable situations. In addition, our Quality Assurance Committee of the board reviews the progress of these systems quarterly.
Q: What quality measures are reviewed by HRSA?
Cyndi: The chart below represents the quality measurements that earned IWS Family Health GOLD status with HRSA! Each of these measures represents very specific definitions of quality service. Meeting and exceeding these standards requires great attention to detail and excellent systems for monitoring the quality status of care at any given time.
Q: What are your favorite quality accomplishments at IWS?
Cyndi: I actually have a couple of favorites. First is the implementation of our Social Determinants of Health screener. This makes it possible for us to better track the needs of our patients, such as housing, finances, food scarcity, and transportation so that we can assist them with resources within their community.
Second, I would say, is having received the Gold Health Center Quality Leader badge. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that we not only meet but exceed the expectations of those we serve. Our integrated approach to health care, combining physical, dental, and mental health services, ensures a holistic treatment plan for our patients.
Q: How have you seen these quality measures in action among patients?
Cyndi: We have seen the positive impact of this approach in the improved health outcomes and the heartwarming stories of recovery and hope within our community. I couldn’t be more proud of our IWS quality team.
Q: Is there anything else you think people should know about quality?
Cyndi: Just that quality takes teamwork! It doesn’t happen on its own.
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IWS Family Health wouldn’t be what it is without the faithful support of men, women, and families—YOU! Whether you volunteer your time at the clinic or support our mutual efforts financially, we are GRATEFUL FOR YOU!
Today, I’d like to say a very special thank you to our Angels of Hope. These generous friends are our monthly giving partners, helping bridge the financial gap for our neighbors who may be unable to afford the care and resources they need to thrive. If you’re looking for a simple way to get involved, please consider becoming one of our Angels of Hope monthly donors.
Click here to join Angels of Hope today!
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