Overarching goal: CMS states the intent of this QIA is to assist ESRD patients with seeking gainful employment and/or returning to work.
- The Network will work with at least 10% of all Network population
- Demonstrate a 50% increase in the number of eligible patients (ages 18-54)
- Demonstrate a 1% increase in the denominator
- Screen 95% of all patients
- Refer a minimum of ten patients ages 55-64
Population Health Focused Project: Support the Gainful Employment Among the ESRD Population QIA
Project Requirements
Implement interventions to assist patients in seeking and receiving vocational rehab services. Facilities are required to update every patient’s vocational rehabilitation status in CROWNWeb. This includes reporting if they have been referred, using services, and if they are ineligible. Facilities are also expected to promote and support the Patient Facility Representatives. Please refer to the project participation list below to determine if your facility has been selected to participate.Webinars
- Population Health Focused Pilot QIA: Vocational Rehabilitation
- Population Health Focused Pilot QIA: Patient Facility Representative Kickoff Webinar
Project Resources - Provider
- Vocational Rehabilitation Screening Tool
- Vocational Rehabilitation RCA Algorithm
- Facility Job Aid: Editing a Patient's VR Status in CROWNWeb
- Work Incentives Search Tool Guide
- Work Incentives Algorithm
- 2019 Red Book
- Indiana VR State Resources
- Kentucky VR State Resources
- Ohio VR State Resources
Patient Facility Representatives
Research and best practices have demonstrated that units with active participation of patients as members of the health care team achieve better clinical outcomes more readily. This year, the Network is requesting that each facility in the Population Health Vocational Rehabilitation project designate at least one patient, or preferably, one patient per shift to take the lead on special projects. We will provide training for these patients to participate in these programs within the clinic. Patients should be viewed as role models in the unit and have the ability to lead and become "an unofficial spokesman" on the care team. In this role, the patient will:- Provide contact information to the Network.
- Participate in educational information web conference presentations with the Network.
- Review educational materials designed for patients in the target facilities and throughout the Network community.
- Distribute and review resources with patients.
Patient Facility Representative Resources and Tools
Patient Ambassador
Research and best practices have demonstrated that units with active participation of patients as members of the health care team achieve better clinical outcomes more readily. This yea, the Network is requesting that each facility in the Vocational Rehabilitation QIA designate at least one patient, or preferably, one patient per shift to take the lead on special projects. We will provide training for these patients to supervise these programs in the clinic. Patients should be viewed as role models in the unit as gar as the ability to lead and become "the unofficial spokesman" on the care team.
In this role, the patient will:
- Provide contact information to the Network.
- Participate in educational information web conference presentations with the Network.
- Review educational materials designed for patients in the target facilities and throughout the Network community.
- Distribute and review resources with patients.
Patient Ambassador Resources and Tools
- Vocational Rehabilitation Kickoff Webinar 2018
- Social Security Benefits Quick Reference Guide
- Vocational Rehabilitation Resources by State
- Patient Success Story - Peter's Story
- Patient Success Story - Rob's Story
- Vocational Rehabilitation Word Search: Learn the Terms
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Answers to Your Questions

Network 9 (IN, KY, OH)
Andrea Bates, LSW, MSW
Patient Services Director
216-755-3055
andrea.bates@ipro.us
Laura Rodriguez-Carbone, M.P.A.
Community Outreach Coordinator
216-755-3056
laura.rodriguez-carbone@ipro.us