Excellence in Quality and Outcomes (EQO) Certification Program

Program overview

The Excellence in Quality and Outcomes (EQO) Certification program contributes to a movement toward a level healthcare landscape where improved quality for all is at the cornerstone of care.

Problem

Industry certification and accreditation programs lack parity across care systems or are unattainable for many providers who are in the early stages of their improvement efforts. Many providers may also lack the necessary resources.

Solution

Blue Cross developed a proprietary certification program that goes beyond a check-the-box-assessment and supports participants with the tools, resources and knowledge to make transformational change.

Impact

By collaborating across the Blue Cross network, this program will help build collective knowledge and competencies that lead to better health outcomes for all Minnesotans.

Program elements

Aligned with industry best practices, the EQO program consists of many elements designed to provide guidance and resources for providers and care systems striving to achieve better outcomes.

Comprehensive Assessment Tool

An annual, system wide, self-assessment allows participants to track and report their progress in the 5 Areas of Transformation using an innovative implantation scale.

Achievement Level Designations

Based on their assessment scores, participants will receive a designation level ranging from Partner to Champion.

Resource Library

A curated library of 3rd party and proprietary resources, including webinars, manuals, guidelines, and templates.

Direct Mentorship

Mentors will support participants to implement sustainable changes based on opportunities identified in their annual assessment.

Communities of Practice

A platform for participants to engage directly with one another, sharing case studies of implementation efforts and directing the future of quality and outcome improvement priorities.

Value based incentives

The EQO program is integrated into the value-based amplifier suite, allowing participants to earn points towards their contracted arrangements. Participants can earn points based on their duration as an active participant in the program.

Areas of transformation

EQO is centered around 5 Areas of Transformation. Each area is divided into subsections designed to align with other accreditations, certifications and industry standards. These areas are regularly evaluated and adjusted to align with evolving standards.

Governance and operations

Governance
Operations

Community engagement and partnership

Community data and needs
Community organizations

Patient-centered training & education

Organizational commitment
Program content
Staff engagement

Reduction of barriers to access

Language services
Health literacy

Collection and use of patient data

Data collection and screening
Data quality
Data analysis and reporting
Data use

Annual assessment timeline

Annual assessments will open in Q1 each year, allowing participants ample time for thorough review and documentation. Participants will be given an opportunity to respond to their initial evaluation before final scores are announced in Q3.

Participate

Providers and care systems interested in participating in the EQO can contact us at EQO-Certification@bluecrossmn.com for more information.

Results

2025 Annual assessment results

The 2025 annual assessment cycle closed with eight provider care systems submitting completed assessments.

The 2025 cohort of participants represent 39 hospitals and over 240 clinics regionally, spanning across 65 Minnesota counties. In total they serve over three million individuals in Minnesota and the surrounding areas — representing over 200,000 Blue Cross attributed members.

2025 Excellence in Quality and Outcomes Champion badge

Quality and outcome champions

Health Partners

M Health Fairview

Participants who have successfully embedded quality improvement best practices across all areas of their organization that have driven better outcomes in the communities they serve.

2025 Excellence in Quality and Outcomes badge

Level 4

Children's Minnesota

Participants who have strategically embedded quality improvement best practices throughout their organization that have begun to drive better outcomes in the communities they serve.