AHQA represents a national network of community-based Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and other professionals working to improve health care quality and patient safety. AHQA members:

• Develop and manage projects in health care quality improvement and evaluation for Medicare, Medicaid, private payers, and purchasers.
  
  
• Provide expertise in clinical care, quality improvement, health information management and technology, statistical analysis, and communications to health care purchasers and providers.
  
  
• Collaborate with medical practices, hospitals, health plans, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and employers to evaluate systems of health care delivery and share best practices.
  
  
• Work to improve care in rural settings as well as urban areas, and to improve care for disadvantaged groups and ethnic minorities.

AHQA maintains close working relationships with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Quality Forum, major professional medical and health care associations, and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission—serving as a professional resource and as a partner on projects.

AHQA regularly works with lawmakers, regulators, health care providers, purchasers, and consumers to advocate the policies of the Association and to gain support and visibility for the goals and accomplishments of its members. In addition, AHQA provides a broad range of educational and networking opportunities for its members.