West Virginia has earned national acclaim for its commitment to rural healthcare, achieving a remarkable 4th place in the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) rankings. This recognition highlights the efforts of the state’s 21 Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), which, in partnership with the Healthcare Education Foundation of West Virginia (HEF) and the Department of Health’s State Office of Rural Health, have consistently prioritized quality healthcare services for rural communities.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) evaluates states annually on their reporting rates and improvements in healthcare quality. West Virginia’s ascent from last year’s tie for 6th place to 4th this year exemplifies significant progress. Key quality measures considered for the award included Patient Safety/Inpatient, Outpatient Care, Patient Engagement, and Care Transitions.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our healthcare providers across the state,” said West Virginia Department of Health Secretary Sherri Young, DO, MBA, FAAFB. “Through collaborative efforts and a focus on continuous improvement, West Virginia’s hospitals have demonstrated exceptional dedication to enhancing healthcare outcomes in our rural areas.”

The MBQIP awards celebrate states with the highest levels of quality improvement and reporting rates in rural healthcare. The 4th place ranking underscores West Virginia’s proactive stance in enhancing healthcare quality and patient care.

Jim Kaufman, President and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association, stated, “This achievement is a great example of West Virginia hospitals collaborating with key partners to elevate the quality of care for all patients. We’re proud of the work our Healthcare Education Foundation (HEF) is doing through their partnership with the State and other stakeholders to advance healthcare in rural communities throughout West Virginia.”

While West Virginia has been recognized previously by MBQIP, this year’s ranking marks a particularly notable accomplishment. The ongoing collaboration and innovation in healthcare delivery signal the state’s dedication to improving access and quality for all residents.

For more information on the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project and West Virginia’s achievements, visit HRSA’s official website here.