QIPP Overview

The Texas Quality Improvement Payment Program (QIPP) is a state directed payment program designed to improve the quality of care in Texas nursing facilities through the use of performance-based payments.  QIPP allows nursing facilities to improve the overall quality of care for their residents by providing funds that can be used in areas such as increasing staffing levels, transitioning to more resident-centered care, and improving the physical plant.

As a performance-based program, QIPP ensures that nursing facilities who are receiving funds from this program are meeting specific performance targets as measured by multiple quality measures that have been identified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).  Each of these quality measures have been selected by HHSC to improve quality of care in Texas nursing facilities by reducing avoidable complications, adverse health events, and hospital/emergency room visits for residents.

WWCHD's Role in QIPP

Since joining QIPP in Year 2 (State Fiscal Year 2019) of the program with three nursing facility partners, West Wharton County Hospital District has grown and currently holds the license for 100 nursing facilities in Texas who they partner with in the QIPP program.  In this partnership, WWCHD employs a team of Registered Nurses and Quality Assurance personnel who work closely with the nursing facility staff, as well as their management company, to improve quality of care for the residents of the partner facilities.

Activities that WWCHD staff perform in partnership with the nursing facilities in improving quality of care of their residents include:

  • Monthly meetings between WWCHD team members and nursing facility administrative and clinical team, where quality metrics and QIPP performance are discussed, along with other areas such as state surveys, staffing levels, or any areas of concern.
  • The WWCHD team also provides quarterly joint trainings with nursing facility staff.  The topics of these trainings include the QIPP program, quality metrics, specific needs of the facility, healthcare issues and challenges, and other topics within the long-term care industry.
  • Annual site visits are conducted to each nursing facility by WWCHD personnel.  During these visits the WWCHD representative tours the facility and meets with facility personnel to discuss resident care, quality measures, and any issues or concerns.
QIPP Benefits to WWCHD

As part of the QIPP partnership between WWCHD and the nursing facilities, funds earned through the QIPP program are split between each nursing facility and WWCHD.  

After providing for their operational costs, WWCHD uses their QIPP payments to support the healthcare needs of the local community.  This is done by providing financial support to El Campo Memorial Hospital and funding for indigent care.