Valerie Weber MD, MS, FACP

Do you know or are you one of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) members who earned a certification in Q2 to validate expertise and demonstrate commitment to the profession? Some 2,115 individuals were honored in Q2 with HFMA certifications, with 101 people earning multiple certifications. Check out the story to see a list of all honorees.

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Keep our rurals open but if you really want to help get the foreign equity owned GPO that sets the pricing for our hospitals BANNED from our state. Economies of scale are used by Vizient against Oklahoma rural hospitals. If you have 13 tiers, hidden tiers, and tier maxes…that’s not a contract, that a free for all nightmare of a scam we all fell for. Their awful written tiered agreements force our rurals to pay more for the exact same items that our large hospitals pay less for. Example box of gloves a large hospital system in the state will pay 6-8 bucks for a box of 250 exam gloves. That same box for a rural EMT? 24 bucks. There is no price transparency and you are forcing patients who live in rural areas to pay more because of the lack of infrastructure by the corporations serving them to effectively and economically get goods and services to these hospitals. And distributors who whine about the cost of delivering to rural hospitals all while posting BILLIONS in profit every quarter are the first on my 💩 list. Let’s keep our rurals open but let’s make them more profitable so that they can continue to add much needed services and gainfully employ more community members.

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Join Kina L. White, DrPH, MHSA, FACHE, and me next Thursday, November 7, for a webinar, Getting Ready for the CMS Age-Friendly Measure. The #webinar is free for Mississippi Hospital Association members and $100 for non-members. We will crosswalk the requirements for becoming an #AgeFriendly Health System with the requirements of the new CMS structural measure that goes into effect on January 1, 2025. The Age-Friendly Hospital Measure assesses a hospital's commitment to providing age-friendly care. It consists of five domains: - Eliciting Patient Healthcare Goals - Responsible Medication Management - Frailty Screening and Intervention (Mobility, Mentation, and Malnutrition) - Social Vulnerability (Social Isolation, Economic Insecurity, Ageism, Limited Access to Healthcare, Caregiver Stress, Elder Abuse) - Addressing Hospital Culture and Leadership for Age-Friendly Care Hospitals receive one point for each domain they meet, with a total score ranging from zero to five. We will also cover how to incorporate age-friendly care into your #healthequity work. In addition to those over 65 being a group that experiences health disparities, there are also more disparities within that larger group. For example, Black and Hispanic older adults are more likely to report wanting their healthcare providers to spend more time discussing what matters to their health and well-being. And rural older adults often face challenges in accessing specialized geriatric services. We will share tools and resources available in Mississippi and nationally. For those registered, a recording and the slide deck will be shared. I hope to see you there! Register here: https://lnkd.in/g8j64XZb

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Our annual event offers over 20 sessions that hone in on the most critical issues facing state health policymakers, featuring the nation’s leading experts sharing best practices, tools and resources. Learn more about these sessions that focus on coverage, cost, and value: https://loom.ly/vWlA6S8

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Pleased to share some new research titled, "When Agency Fails: An Analysis of the Association Between Hospital Agency Staffing and Quality Outcomes" with colleagues Rohit Pradhan, Zo Ramamonjiarivelo, Michael Mileski, and Ramalingam Shanmugam. Introduction: Staffing is critical to hospital quality, but recent years have seen hospitals grappling with severe shortages, forcing them to rely on contract or agency staff for urgent patient care needs. This shift in staffing mix has raised questions about its impact on quality. Consequently, this study investigated whether the increased use of agency staff has affected healthcare quality in hospitals. Given the limited recent research on this topic, practitioners remain uncertain about the effectiveness of their staffing strategies and their potential impact on quality. Methods: Drawing from agency theory, data were obtained from Definitive Healthcare which consolidates information from numerous public access databases pertaining to hospitals such as the American Hospital Association Annual Survey (hospital profile) and the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program (quality data). We conducted a cross-sectional study using a multivariable linear regression model (2021–2022) with appropriate organizational and market- level control variables. Quality was measured across eight variables while the independent variable of interest was agency labor cost ratio operationalized as the percentage of net patient revenue consumed by agency labor expense. Results: Our results suggested that the employment of agency staff was significantly and negatively associated with six of eight quality measures tested, including the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) star rating, Hospital Compare rating, the hospital Total Performance Score (TPS), and three of the four sub-domains that comprise the TPS: clinical domain score, person and community engagement domain score, and the efficiency and cost reduction score. Discussion: Our results indicated that the increased use of agency labor may have a significant negative influence on quality outcomes at the hospital level. Our findings support the premise that interventions that promote full-time staffing may be more supportive of the quality of care delivered as well as patients’ perceptions of care. https://lnkd.in/gtVv3whk

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Another important position statement from Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP). As value analysis evolves, it is vitally important to ensure that those who are entrusted with the process understand what is expected of them in terms of professionalism. Please feel free to share this important document.

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"Participation in a postpartum remote BP monitoring program was associated with fewer postpartum hospital #readmissions, higher attendance at #postpartum visits, improved guideline adherence, and higher rates of #antihypertensive use." Congrats to their whole team and to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for selecting it as editors pick. Love seeing more evidence for #remotepatientmonitoring in #postpartum women! This makes such a difference in health outcomes and in the ability of moms to stay home and enjoy their babies! Stellar outcomes. Now we just need to figure out how to #disseminate these #programs so it actually reaches those who need it. #healthequity

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🏥 Extending Hospital at Home: A Bipartisan Initiative 🏥 Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have introduced the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act of 2024. This pivotal legislation aims to extend the CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program for five additional years. Here's what this means: - **Continued Success**: The program has shown to reduce healthcare costs, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate hospital burdens. - **National Reach**: Currently active in 37 states, including Delaware and South Carolina, with the program set to expire on December 31, 2024. - **Home Care Benefits**: Enables Medicare beneficiaries to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. - **Bipartisan Support**: This extension builds on prior successes and bipartisan efforts to innovate healthcare delivery. - **Healthcare Evolution**: ChristianaCare has successfully admitted over 1,000 patients, showcasing the effectiveness and patient satisfaction with home-based care. 🗨️ "Our efforts aim to revolutionize healthcare by allowing vulnerable Americans to receive high-quality care at home, reducing traditional hospital risks," said Senator Scott. Take a look a the bill here: https://lnkd.in/ge4CMpx8 #HospitalAtHome #HealthcareInnovation #BipartisanHealthcare #Medicare #HomeCare #PatientCare #HealthPolicy #ModernMedicine #SeniorCare #CMS 👩‍⚕️🏡 Let's support the future of healthcare, where home is where the healing happens!

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We recognize that the #pursuitofexcellence in healthcare encompasses the collective efforts of the entire organization. We also recognize that institutions pursue excellence not just for the accolade, but for the profound impact it has on their entire organization- including the staff AND the patients. We are passionate about our mission and helping you with yours! https://lnkd.in/dsPvtzYT Check out our most recent article for more information on how we are helping health care institutions transform through Relationship Based Case® and Magnet® Recognition.

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KH's most recent Flash Report unveils promising signs of financial performance, with a notable slowing of margin decline. The widening gap between lower and higher performing organizations highlights the focus on long-term investment and innovation in high-performing orgs. Lower performing organizations must focus on enhancing efficiencies and reworking key elements like their operating model and portfolio management. Explore the insights in the report here: [National Hospital Flash Report May 2024 Metrics](https://lnkd.in/ggUcyDPh). For resources to boost performance, visit us at https://lnkd.in/enBa3Tp

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“Health care spending growth is expected to outpace that of the gross domestic product (GDP) during the coming decade, resulting in a health share of GDP that reaches 19.7 percent by 2032 (up from 17.3 percent in 2022).” https://lnkd.in/gHmXUWYa

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Mark your calendars! The 2024 Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) Value Analysis Week is just around the corner. Join us from July 15-19 as we gather healthcare professionals from around the world to explore the latest advancements and strategies in value analysis. Don't miss out! To learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJZSWUVa. #AHVAP2024ValueAnalysisWeek #HealthcareValueAnalysis #HealthcareEvent

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For any nursing home organization or leader wanting to improve quality, the new CMS Guidance on Facility Assessments is a great path! Read my column in McKnight’s co-authored by Deb Bakerjian to see how to effectively operationalize the Guidance. https://lnkd.in/gvcNc3KF

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The policy brief says that CMS should develop a menu of integrated program models, all of which should include financial integration. Each model should aim to integrate the coverage and care experience, and provide comprehensive benefits in each state, with features such as: • A single set of enrollment materials and enrollee notices; • A unified plan of care and a single care coordinator with access to information on all aspects of care and who can represent a beneficiary’s interests in reviews and appeals of coverage decisions;  • A core set of quality measures and targeted assessment of the dually eligible patient experience.

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🚨 CMS Finalizes New Mandatory Payment Model for Acute Care Hospitals! In the 2024 IPPS Final Rule, CMS introduced the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), a mandatory 5-year alternative payment model starting in January 2026. TEAM builds on previous episode-based models like Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced and Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement, focusing on key procedures such as: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Lower Extremity Joint Replacement (LEJR) Major Bowel Procedures Spinal Fusion TEAM also satisfies the Advanced APM requirements for the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Hospitals in 188 regions, including Bowling Green, Lexington, Corbin, and Middlesboro in Kentucky, will be required to participate. This episode-based model includes quality measures related to hospital readmissions, patient safety, and health equity initiatives, alongside key beneficiary incentives like telehealth services and waived IP stay requirements for skilled nursing care. 📅 Starting January 2026, TEAM will transform how hospitals approach value-based care, offering three risk-sharing tracks and annual payment reconciliations. Stay tuned to Kentucky REC for further updates and how this impacts your organization! For more details on TEAM and the CMS Final Rule, visit https://lnkd.in/ejAXQxND #HealthcareTransformation #TEAMModel #ValueBasedCare #CMS #KentuckyHospitals

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Happy #NationalRuralHealthDay! We would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our peers at critical access hospitals and providers we have worked with in rural facilities across the continuum. Recently, we partnered with Missouri Hospital Association on facilitating a series of Community Forums on birth equity in maternal health deserts throughout Missouri. In Missouri, 11.2% of babies were born to women who live in rural counties, while 3.7% of maternity care providers practice in rural counties. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gt2C7iXK. This project, among our other work with rural facilities, was a reminder of the unique challenges that rural health facilities face and how important the focus on improving rural health is. 🏥

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Please help the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) in welcoming the newest member, Robin Lundrigan, MS, RN, CVAHP to the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) family. Welcome Robin! To learn more about Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) membership, visit: www.ahvap.org. #AHVAP #membershipmatters #valueanalysis #valuebasedcare

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Key Strategic Insights = A Successful OP CDI Program The challenge of value-based care starts with a collaborative approach, when launching an Outpatient Clinical Documentation Integrity (OP CDI) program. Here are some key strategic insights to success: 1. Engage with Population Health Understand Pain Points: Begin by understanding the specific challenges faced. This fosters collaboration. Tailored Questions: Use customized questions to facilitate productive discussions and ensure alignment with needs. 2. Effective Software Implementation Manage Patient (Pt.) Volumes: Implement software solutions to efficiently handle pt. volumes. OP CDI Calculator: Utilize a calculator to determine Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) needs. Data Analytics and Reporting: Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement via data analytics. 3. Workflow Creation Establish Robust Workflows: Create strong workflows before integrating reviewers. 4. Collaboration & Communication Promote Strong Collaboration: Encourage robust communication between key stakeholders. Leverage Software: Use technology to reduce physician burnout & streamline communication. 5. Patient-Centered Approach Address social determinants of health (SDOH) & ensure accurate documentation of conditions and care plans. Patient Outcomes: Keep patient care at the center of all doc. & workflow processes. 6. Regulatory Compliance Adhere to Guidelines: Follow regulatory requirements such as CMS guidelines on Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) coding to avoid penalties and enhance credibility. 7. Measurable Outcomes Set Clear Goals: Aim for measurable outcomes like improved HCC recapture rates, enhanced RAF scores, better HEDIS measures, and addressing SDOH needs. 8. Stakeholder Engagement Involve All Stakeholders: Ensure that executives, clinicians, and other relevant parties are involved in planning and implementation process. Success Stories Recently, I helped several CDI directors validate their cases for OP CDI programs within Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). By engaging with population health leadership, we identified key issues such as RAF gaps and HEDIS measures, and tailored processes to address them. For instance, a CDI director I guided successfully identified HCC and HEDIS recapture as their biggest pain points. With strategic solutions in place, they are now ready to implement the project for the 2025 budget yr., aiming to improve their HCC recapture rate by 20%, leveraging data analytics for outcomes and improvement needs. Benefits of Implementing These Strategies Align Risk Stratification: Properly align risk stratification with chronic conditions and healthcare needs. Quality Measures: Improve quality measures and address SDOH. Collaborative Team: Ensure success with a collaborative team supported by technology. Overall, these strategic actions will enhance patient care and operational efficiency. #Healthcare #Leadership #CDI #PatientCare #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareInnovation

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