## 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. SVG .cls-1 { fill: #231f20; } .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### 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. SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### 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. SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### 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, EQO consists of many elements designed to provide guidance and resources for providers and care systems striving to achieve better outcomes. SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### Comprehensive assessment tool An annual, system wide, self-assessment allows participants to track and report their progress in the five areas of transformation using an innovative implantation scale. SVG .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: square; } ### Achievement level designations Based on their assessment scores, participants will receive a designation level ranging from Partner to Champion. SVG .cls-1 { fill: #231f20; } .cls-2, .cls-3 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-3 { stroke-linecap: square; } ### Resource library A curated library of third-party and proprietary resources, including webinars, manuals, guidelines, and templates. SVG .cls-1 { stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } ### Direct mentorship Mentors will support participants to implement sustainable changes based on opportunities identified in their annual assessment. SVG .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: square; } ### 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. SVG .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: square; } ### 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 five 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. SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### Governance and operations - Governance - Operations SVG .cls-1 { stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; } .cls-1, .cls-2 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-width: 2px; } .cls-2 { stroke-linecap: round; stroke-linejoin: round; } ### Community engagement and partnership - Community data and needs - Community organizations SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### Patient-centered training & education - Organizational commitment - Program content - Staff engagement SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### Reduction of barriers to access - Language services - Health literacy SVG .cls-1 { fill: none; stroke: #231f20; stroke-linecap: square; stroke-miterlimit: 10; stroke-width: 2px; } ### 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 learning more or participating in the EQO program, [fill out this form](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KunK8pKIIE6WxGrXuo8OciiLPLALqL5Hh9oESLTKfUFUMDQ3QTJKMFhEVUE0TUxBNktYSk0xTFdVSS4u&route=shorturl) and a member of our team will contact you. [EQO Interest Form](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=KunK8pKIIE6WxGrXuo8OciiLPLALqL5Hh9oESLTKfUFUMDQ3QTJKMFhEVUE0TUxBNktYSk0xTFdVSS4u&route=shorturl) ## 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](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/jklkl8n6x9/eqo-level-champion.png.webp?itok=NAWHHH9K "eqo-level-champion.png") ### Quality and outcome champions #### HealthPartners — Park Nicollet #### 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](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/hhejppcfpe/eqo-level-4.png.webp?itok=v8OtXElI "eqo-level-4.png") ### 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. ![2025 Excellence in Quality and Outcomes badge](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/fus6n5qpfo/eqo-level-3.png.webp?itok=m6_If1Zo "eqo-level-3.png") ### Level 3 #### Essentia Health Participants who demonstrate significant progress to strategically embed quality improvement best practices throughout their organization. ![2025 Excellence in Quality and Outcomes badge](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/sjboif5hpn/eqo-level-2.png.webp?itok=AIPNEvap "eqo-level-2.png") ### Level 2 #### CCM #### Ridgeview Medical Center Participants who are beginning to strategically embed quality improvement best practices throughout their organization. ![2025 Excellence in Quality and Outcomes badge](/sites/default/files/styles/3x2_third/public/dam/gmkp2b3yig/eqo-level-1.png.webp?itok=g103iAuH "eqo-level-1.png") ### Level 1 #### Entira Family Clinics #### Revo Health Participants who are building a foundational knowledge of quality and outcome improvement best practices.