The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced that it will launch a Focused Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (FQAPI) pilot survey program Monday, July 15, 2013. CMS noted that 10 transplant centers were selected for participation in this pilot project based on SRTR data and will be reviewed by specially trained surveyors. As with all CMS surveys, it will be unannounced. It is anticipated that there will be two surveyors onsite for two days at each transplant center. The pilot surveys will look specifically at the transplant center QAPI program. The FQAPI will not be considered part of the regular recertification process. CMS stated that it is exploring the relationship between QAPI programs and transplant center outcomes.
CMS has indicated they will not issue a Statement of Deficiency and Plan of Correction (CMS-2567) or citations based on findings during the pilot surveys.
The ASTS was not involved in the genesis or development of the FQAPI pilot project.
According to CMS, data from the pilot program will be analyzed during the fall of 2013, with full implementation anticipated in 2014. ASTS will engage CMS during the revision period. To make our involvement as effective as possible, transplant centers selected for the pilot FQAPI survey are requested to provide feedback to ASTS by contacting ASTS Executive Director Kim Gifford at 703-414-7870 or kim.gifford@asts.org.