In this episode of Keep Up With PACE, Al’Asia Powell, Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Inspira LIFE, outlines the process of preparing for a CMS audit. Her outline consists of a five phased approach a PACE program should follow – (1) complete a gap analysis, (2) create a plan, (3) execution, (4) implementation, and (5) resolution. In addition to audit preparation, Ms. Powell shares insights on creating a strong culture of compliance and effective communication within a PACE team.

About our Guest: 

As Director of Quality and Patient Safety for Inspira LIFE, Al’Asia is responsible for the development and implementation of the annual quality improvement (QI) plan, provides oversight of QI workgroups and communicates quality metrics to regulatory agencies, the board of directors, the Participant Advisory Committee (PAC), providers and other stakeholders. Additionally, she provides oversight for CMS audit engagement activities and participant satisfaction surveys. Al’Asia is a fellow of the Advisory Board, a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and completed the LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt course. 

Episode Breakdown: 

Intro: 00:00 – 01:30 • Background in PACE: 01:53 – 3:19 • Role as Director of Quality and Patient Safety: 03:20 – 04:03 •  Culture of Compliance: 05:37 – 12:55 • Phase 1 (Gap Analysis):12: 56 – 16:57 • Phase 2 (Planning): 16:58 – 26:05 • Phase 3 (Execution) 26:06 – 29:18 • Phase 4 (Implementation): 27:19 – 29:02 • Phase 5 (Execution): 29:03 – 32:00 • Creating a Non-Punitive Environment: 32:01 – 33:15 • Continuing Improvement: 33:16 – 38:56 •  Tips for Preparation: 38:57 – 41:19 • Success Story/Inspiration: 41:20 – 44:20 • Rapid Fire Round: 44:26 – 46:58 •  Outro: 46:58 - End 

Learn More: 

careventionhc.com • linkedin.com/company/carevention-healthcare • https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/ • https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspira-health-network-life-inc/