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Quest Analytics and CMS Partnership Renewal

In a significant move for healthcare accessibility, Quest Analytics has had its partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) renewed for an additional five years. This agreement marks an extension of a relationship that has lasted nearly two decades, during which both organizations have collaborated to drive essential advancements in network adequacy and accuracy measurement.

Since 2007, Quest Analytics has played a vital role in supporting CMS' evaluations of Medicare Advantage networks. The company’s solutions are not only crucial for triennial network reviews but also play a significant part in assessing the expansion of service areas and managing the Health Plan Management System (HPMS) Network Management Module. Utilizing advanced software solutions, Quest Analytics provides geocoding and proximity mapping capabilities that allow for thorough assessments of provider networks in compliance with CMS standards regarding time and distance.

According to CMS regulations, plans must maintain a sufficient network of providers to ensure that beneficiaries have adequate access to covered services. With Quest Analytics' tools, CMS can effectively analyze plan submissions across more than 40 specialties, ensuring they meet adequacy standards based on population density. This is essential to identify any instances of noncompliance, thereby enhancing the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program and ensuring beneficiaries can access the care they need.

Steve Levin, the CEO of Quest Analytics, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the renewal, stating, "We are honored to continue our work with CMS as a trusted partner in advancing access to care. This contract renewal reflects our shared commitment to improving health outcomes through better data, smarter networks, and innovative oversight tools that support the evolving needs of beneficiaries across all federally regulated plans."

The extension of this contract is not just a victory for Quest Analytics but also for the 400+ clients they serve, which include the eight largest health plans in the United States, numerous large health systems and provider groups, various state regulatory agencies, and, of course, CMS itself. Their platform manages extensive provider networks comprising over 7,000 providers, processing more than 150 billion records monthly and aiding over 700,000 healthcare professionals across 360,000 locations.

This renewal brings added momentum to Quest Analytics, as it emphasizes the company's role in ensuring that 90% of healthcare networks deliver specialized member experiences that enhance access to quality care for nearly all Americans. As health systems continue to evolve, partnerships like the one between Quest Analytics and CMS play a critical role in shaping a more effective healthcare landscape.

To learn more about Quest Analytics and how they are transforming healthcare network management, visit their official website for additional insights and resources.