The Suffolk County Department of Health Services HIV Performance Improvement Program is built upon the principles of continuous quality improvement. The Suffolk County health centers provide care to those who do not have regular access to primary care, including approximately 400 HIV positive patients. The HIV Performance Improvement Program is a part of the Patient Care Services Division Performance Improvement Program. The HIV Performance Improvement Program encompasses multiple objective-based components. The major tasks consist of tracking quality indicators, performing audits, and eliciting patient feedback. Results are analyzed and compared with aggregate data. Corrective action plans are discussed and developed based on the clinical indicators.

The program's objectives are to perform systematic and objective monitoring and evaluation of the quality and appropriateness of care and pursuit of opportunities to improve care and resolve problems as they are identified.

Since the onset of the epidemic, over 2,500 HIV positive patients have received quality medical care and support services in Suffolk's health centers. The HIV Performance Improvement Program provides a way to assess and improve the quality of care for those patients.