In order to assure osteopathic medicine's position as an emerging leader in health care delivery, the AOA strives to be proactive in its quest for improvement. We aim to provide DOs with the tools, training and resources they need to provide patients with the highest possible level of care.
AOA Initiatives on Safety and Quality
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) – The AOA participates in a quality and accountability work group which includes national medical specialty societies and national health plans. The group's charter is to identify opportunities for the AOA, specialty societies and health plans/insurers to improve quality through the adoption of evidence-based guidelines, to increase transparency of information to guide health care decisions and to align incentives to providers.
Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) – The facility accreditation program of the AOA has deeming authority from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). New standards to be incorporated in the HFAP program include the nationally developed guidelines for office based surgery, updated Medicare Conditions of Participation for Hospitals incorporating Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement, the Clinical Quality Measurement Program (see CQMP below), a new standard on documented verification of the operative site prior to surgery, and the 30 Safe Practices for Better Healthcare by the NQF. Visit the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program website.
Clinical Quality Measurement Program (CQMP) – CQMP is a data measurement system that is being developed and implemented by the HFAP of the AOA. This program will require all HFAP accredited hospitals to submit data related to acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical infection prevention. The information will be used to identify quality improvement opportunities, develop accreditation standards, develop educational/quality related programs and establish “best practices.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association – The AOA is in ongoing discussions with the BCBSA about the AOA CAP program and is currently exploring opportunities to participate in joint studies.
CIGNA – CIGNA is developing a new tiered, pay-for-performance network model to be tested in several areas. The AOA was asked to comment on the soon to be released plan and to participate in future revisions to the plan.
United Healthcare – The AOA is in ongoing discussions with United Healthcare about the AOA CAP program and is currently exploring opportunities to participate in joint studies.
Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) – The Clinical Assessment Program is a data analysis computer program developed by the American Osteopathic Association. Piloted in 1999, this program measures and compares clinical practice to evidence-based practice guidelines that represent state-of-the-art professional standards of care in physicians' practices. Learn more about CAP.
Clinical Practice Guidelines - The Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines developed through the AOA’s Bureau of Osteopathic Clinical Education and Research (BOCER) guideline subcommittee on low back pain were approved by the AOA House of Delegates in July 2009.