Past Webinars
The acceleration of virtual care adoption by both providers and patients during the pandemic has helped develop new telehealth opportunities and prepared health systems to deal with the latest virus resurgence.
New Medicare pass-through code supports adoption of single-use duodenoscopes
A new transitional pass-through code (C1748) took effect July 1 for providers using single-use duodenoscopes to treat Medicare patients in the hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) settings. The pass-through code makes single-use duodenoscopes a financially viable alternative to reusable duodenoscopes.
Straight talk from industry experts: How hospitals ensure business resiliency in times of crisis
With an aging grid infrastructure, increasing severe weather events and wildfires, what are leading healthcare facilities doing to proactively plan for potential power outages that affect the safety of the community as well as the bottom line? To address this timely subject, an industry panel shared how they are managing power resiliency. The online roundtable event was hosted by Becker’s Hospital Review and sponsored by Enchanted Rock.
AI and automation tech adoption: 3 models for hospital leaders to know
Most hospitals and health systems are convinced that artificial intelligence and automation can help streamline operations; however, it’s how to invest that makes all the difference, according to Matt Kalina, National Strategic Lead at Olive.
During a Nov. 5 webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare Review and sponsored by Masimo, UC Irvine Health System's CMO discussed an innovative, noninvasive care approach for critically ill patients.
How pharmacies and health systems can utilize remote pharmacy models to boost medication access
The coronavirus pandemic has increased the need to remove barriers to medication access for vulnerable patients, as well as the need to reach patients in non-traditional ways. One strategy for pharmacies is to implement a remote model, which helps ensure they can plan for surges in volume due to any circumstance, whether it be severe weather, social unrest or a pandemic. It can also allow pharmacists to provide additional services, whether clinical or operational, with the help of off-site support.
Why diversity is a core priority for today's investors
Just as diversity of asset classes, investment strategies, geographies, capitalizations and sectors can help strengthen investment portfolios, gender and race diversity can fortify investors against market volatility.
How Ochsner is combatting physician burnout amid COVID-19
During an Oct. 28 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and sponsored by the American Medical Association, healthcare leaders from the AMA and Louisiana-based Ochsner Health discussed how health systems can look upstream for the drivers behind physician burnout.
How to increase price transparency while transforming the patient experience: 5 insights
Over the past year, CMS published its overall proposed then finalized rule for price transparency, and published the Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule in September.
How to drive innovation in the patient room, transform the care experience
In only a few months, COVID-19 has accelerated healthcare technology advancement by nearly a decade, altering expectations and requirements across the entire hospital ecosystem.
How to prevent claim denials and bolster the bottom line
Insurance claim denials are a costly and time-consuming burden on every hospital and health system. But you can avoid most denials by taking the proper steps.
How Yale New Haven Health handles the RCM challenge keeping CFOs up at night: 2 expert insights
Identifying and prioritizing denials is one of the biggest pain points for health systems today, according to Rob Stucker, senior vice president of revenue cycle management at Experian Health.
The path to zero harm: How to create a culture of safety in the OR
While errors are unavoidable, achieving zero harm in perioperative settings isn't.
How endoscopic spine surgery can transform your practice and boost its bottom line
Over the past two decades, endoscopic spine surgery has increased in popularity as minimally invasive techniques continue to evolve in the industry.
Renton, Wash.-based Providence began its electronic prescriptions for controlled substances (EPCS) implementation project in 2018 to make e-prescribing more secure and easier to use for clinicians.
Getting ahead of outpatient trends: 5 best practices for migrating spine, total joints to your ASC
An increasing number of ASCs are adding higher acuity cases such as total joint replacements and spinal procedures, but it takes significant time and resources to develop a successful program.
How to stay competitive in an evolving market — 5 insights for ASC leaders
Competition continues to rise across the healthcare industry as an increasing number of procedures shift away from hospitals toward the outpatient setting, with price transparency expected to amplify this trend when CMS' final rule takes effect on Jan. 1.
Proactive healthcare: 5 insights on individualized care delivery through digital transformation
Transitioning from a reactive to proactive care strategy requires hospitals and health systems to embrace digital transformation and roll out new capabilities that tailor care and communications to individual patient preferences.
New pass-through code supports adoption of single-use duodenoscopes
A new code (C1748) took effect July 1 for providers using single-use duodenoscopes to treat Medicare patients in hospital outpatient departments. The pass-through code makes single-use duodenoscopes a financially viable alternative to reusable duodenoscopes, without impact to what a patient owes.
5 ways to boost IT service management for the remote workforce
Healthcare organizations this year have been tasked with managing an almost overnight shift to remote work, leaving IT leaders adopting new knowledge management strategies, according to Andrew Graf, chief product strategist at TeamDynamix, an IT service and project management platform.
Will your hospital lead the digital health revolution? 4 thoughts + expert quotes
The specialty pharmacy space is evolving quickly, and an increasing number of FDA-approved drugs are specialty drugs. In 2018, 34 percent of FDA-approved drugs were specialty drugs. And although only 2 percent of prescriptions filled in 2018 were specialty drugs, they made up 49 percent of the United States' total pharmaceutical spend.
What hospitals and health systems need to know to successfully operate a specialty pharmacy
The specialty pharmacy space is evolving quickly, and an increasing number of FDA-approved drugs are specialty drugs. In 2018, 34 percent of FDA-approved drugs were specialty drugs. And although only 2 percent of prescriptions filled in 2018 were specialty drugs, they made up 49 percent of the United States' total pharmaceutical spend.
How pharmacies can leverage Big Data to save costs and improve patient outcomes
Pharmacies have been one of the areas in healthcare hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are currently in a state of pseudo-recession, and, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association, two-thirds of pharmacies are experiencing negative cash flow as a result of the pandemic.
How hospitals can leverage data analytics to improve financial planning for 2021
Financial planning for 2021 will look different than virtually any other year for health systems and hospitals as they deal with unprecedented changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With an industrywide shift to increased telehealth services, hospitals, health systems and payers are now tasked with figuring out how reimbursements will work for new telehealth services. Hospitals also have to constantly track and monitor COVID-19 cases across the country to prepare for potential surges near them.
Optimizing revenue cycle: 5 quotes on how COVID-19 renewed focus on hospital billing
While volume losses and strain on the system are largely uncontrollable during the pandemic, there are strategies hospital administrators can implement to improve what is controllable: capturing revenue and standardizing productivity by using analytics.
How Coram CVS Specialty harnessed an analytics automation platform to hit 4 key objectives
In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for digital innovation and technology adoption in healthcare, according to Andy De, senior director of healthcare solutions at Alteryx.
How ambulatory care sites can mitigate the risks of processing reusable medical devices
Reusable medical devices are critical tools in ambulatory care sites, but properly processing those devices can be a challenge for employees due to varying processes and standards for different types of devices and a lack of training among staff.
How CRM technologies drive a connected patient experience: 5 insights
As technology continues to fuel changes in consumers' healthcare expectations, a customer relationship management (CRM) system can help hospitals and health systems create a more tailored patient experience, which they have come to expect from other industry interactions.
10 ways COVID-19 will revolutionize the revenue cycle
Hospital administrators and revenue cycle leaders are coping with unforeseen pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about 10 ways COVID-19 is transforming the revenue cycle.
Since launching its telehealth programs in 2015, Nemours Children's Health System in Melbourne, Fla., has pursued digital health innovations with a clear strategic vision in mind: to make healthcare simpler for its patients and families.
How disruptive technologies are streamlining the provider supply chain: 5 insights
Hospitals and health systems are increasingly turning to cloud platforms or updating their legacy tech systems to achieve operational excellence in not only their back office but also across the entire organization.
How to improve quality of care and revenue cycle integrity through clinical documentation
Improving the documentation of medical treatment in electronic health records improves the quality of care patients receive and has a positive downstream effect on hospitals' revenue.
5 health IT experts on virtual health solutions in the COVID-19 era and beyond
The COVID-19 pandemic has crystalized the importance of virtual health solutions in supporting greater efficiency, reducing expenses and improving outcomes, according to Erik Wagner, senior director of global provider strategy at Salesforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed the detrimental results inefficiencies can have on skilled nursing facilities.
Supercharging A/R productivity: Common pitfalls and improvements to know
As hospitals struggle with residual volume losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, administrators are looking for ways to improve revenue by boosting receivables management and agent productivity.
Healthcare organizations can use virtual observation in a variety of care settings — and for more than just fall prevention, according to Donna Gudmestad, BSN, RN, clinical program manager at Caregility, a clinical collaboration and communications company.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for health system supply chain and clinical teams to collaborate. As hospitals around the globe face unprecedented capacity restraints, a clear link has emerged between supply chain capacity and healthcare workforce safety. More than 90,000 healthcare workers have been infected with COVID-19 around the world, and an adequate supply of personal protective gear is crucial to preventing infection and supporting increased demand for patient care.
As mobile devices and online interactions become more prevalent in the healthcare space, digitizing processes such as receiving informed consent from patients will help hospitals and health systems increase patient engagement and streamline workflows for providers.
The 5G revolution: How hospitals are tapping into wireless solutions to enhance patient care
As the next generation of internet speed races full force ahead, the healthcare industry must embrace 5G and the value it brings to wireless clinical applications — such as telehealth — that are transforming the way healthcare is delivered.
Advancing patient care and hospital growth with an outpatient pharmacy
Hospital and health system-owned outpatient pharmacies are proven to increase medication compliance and outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions and provide new revenue streams. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for success. In fact, business models for outpatient pharmacies are as varied as the hospitals and health systems that operate them.
Before the widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the U.S., 42 percent of physicians were feeling "burned out," according to a survey of more than 15,000 physicians published in January. As the pandemic rages on, increased workload and stress levels, longer hours and risk of exposure continue to take a mental, physical and emotional toll on healthcare workers across the country.
How data analytics empower clinical, operational staff decision-making: 5 insights
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for data analytics adoption systemwide at hospitals and health systems in the U.S.
Healthcare's 2020 mission critical: Reduce cost to collect and improve patient revenue
As hospitals begin to recover some COVID-19-related volume losses, administrators are looking for ways to reduce cost to collect and increase revenue streams.
How simplifying your IT platform saves time, money, and resources
Healthcare is too important to run on siloes, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient processes. Using many different point tools and legacy solutions in your IT platform leads to higher costs and takes time away from IT teams to innovate and deliver services needed to keep staff, clinicians, and patients happy. By switching to a single, integrated platform, healthcare IT leaders can reduce costs of their systems, as well as improve overall patient care.
CMS price transparency deadlines are around the corner — Here's what hospitals should know
In the past, many hospitals haven't had the time, money or bandwidth to arm patients with transparent pricing information; providing actionable data requires extensive work by hospital staff because of complex reimbursement methodologies and service packaging. Despite these challenges, mounting state-level requirements and CMS' deepening involvement have given hospitals less flexibility.
How hospital pharmacies can cut costs and improve clinical outcomes
With the COVID-19 pandemic placing many hospitals under unprecedented financial pressure, pharmacies provide an often-overlooked opportunity for cost savings and revenue generation. By taking steps to reduce costs in the pharmacy and implement process improvements, hospitals can improve their financial standing in a time where many are currently struggling. Improved visibility to the pharmacy may reveal new potential sources of revenue, enhance clinical outcomes and allow peak performance to be sustained long term. It may be a good time to explore a restructure or culture change within the pharmacy to prepare for a future crisis.
Infection prevention and pharmacy leaders discuss COVID-19 surge preparedness
As the U.S. continues to face rising cases of COVID-19, industry leaders reflected on their experience with initial surges of the virus, the significant challenges it presented their organizations and what can be done to keep everyone safe.
Interoperability, APIs and CMS' final rule: 5 key insights for payers to meet compliance
HHS' interoperability rules aim to make it easier for consumers to access their own health information, which will require payers and providers to adopt new technologies and data-sharing standards to adapt to the new digital world.
COVID-19 shattered annual budgets — hear 4 reasons why execs are switching to dynamic planning
The COVID-19 pandemic has made financial planning a laborious challenge for health system CFOs and administrators. While demanding, the situation may present an opportunity for health systems to reimagine their financial planning.
Enhanced recovery protocols, designed to improve postoperative outcomes
As states begin to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic and hospitals ramp up elective surgeries, it is crucial hospitals do all they can to strengthen and improve postoperative outcomes. As a result, more hospitals are exploring or have implemented enhanced recovery protocols. These protocols are designed to help reduce the stress on a patient’s body and enable faster recovery after surgery by reducing opioid use, reducing surgical site infections, reducing hospital length of stay and improving overall postoperative outcomes which can ultimately lead to lower hospital costs.
Hospital COVID-19 cost strategies don't have to affect labor: 5 things to know
The COVID-19 pandemic is intensifying the need for hospital executives to reduce costs and re-evaluate their approach to cost structures. Some hospital executives have addressed this unprecedented pressure by furloughing workers and implementing layoffs. However, there are opportunities for executives to revamp their nonlabor cost savings strategy amid the pandemic.
After 'weeks of pure hell,' healthcare leaders reflect on COVID-19 lessons learned: 5 takeaways
In March, New York City hospitals found themselves flooded with patients before anybody could fully grasp what was happening. Within roughly 10 days of confirming its first COVID-19 patient, Mount Sinai Medical Center South was treating more than 200, according to Richard Murphy, Mount Sinai South's president and CEO.
How data-driven standardization can improve financial and clinical operations in your facility
Standardization helps hospitals and health systems reduce costs and improve clinical outcomes, but in a survey conducted by Cardinal Health, 54 percent of healthcare professionals said their organization struggles with product standardization.1 Standardization also helps hospitals build a robust supply chain with predetermined product alternatives that can withstand disruptions such as the current COVID-19 crisis.
The benefits of shifting cardiovascular procedures to outpatient settings
Cardiovascular procedures are increasingly moving from hospitals to outpatient settings, and are being performed in ambulatory surgery centers. That change can save the patient, provider and payer money by allowing the patient to avoid an overnight hospital stay.
Reduce opioids, improve outcomes: Insights into Cooper University Hospital's ERAS program
A lack of standardization in perioperative care can negatively affect patient outcomes and increase costs for hospitals. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols can help standardize surgical procedures to ensure patients receive high-quality care and providers efficiently manage costs.
How Spectrum Health Lakeland built a digital presence, helped physicians attract new patients
Hospitals and health systems looking to boost revenue and increase patient volume after the COVID-19 pandemic should consider online opportunities to engage with patients and make their physicians more accessible.
With patients continuing to forgo care amid the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations need a way to engage with patients with chronic conditions.
How hospitals, health systems can virtualize their waiting rooms for telehealth visits
As hospitals and health systems navigate widespread telehealth use in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming traditional in-person processes, such as patient intake, are the natural next steps along the patient care journey.
How identity governance can transform healthcare amid COVID-19 and beyond
Health IT Security teams need to deliver secure and immediate access to critical applications for frontline healthcare workers, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Identity Governance, deployed in the cloud, is a fast and compliant way Health IT teams can confidently manage and secure digital identity.
How to effectively manage quality systems, protect patients and improve outcomes
Hospitals can prevent adverse patient events and improve safety outcomes by easily implementing a quality management system following ST90 guidelines.
How health systems can survive the COVID-19 pandemic: 5 keys to financial recovery
Health systems' volumes have dropped drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic — even in "hot spots" overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. In these hard-hit areas, overall visits are down 54.5 percent, inpatient volumes are down 41 percent and emergency room volumes are down 60 percent, according to Strata Decision Technology.
How to ensure high-quality service without straining your IT team
Information technology permeates the healthcare ecosystem; virtually every member of the hospital staff, from administrators to physicians is now reliant on fast, accurate data. In this environment, it is not uncommon for hospital IT departments to become overwhelmed.
The revenue cycle presents various challenges for the healthcare industry; from staffing constraints to rapidly changing regulations providers must adhere to when seeking reimbursement. AI can offset both these issues by helping hospitals and health systems automate time-consuming, repetitive processes.
CFOs of UW Health, LCMC Health answer 4 questions on COVID-19's fiscal effects
Hospital CFOs are facing unparalleled financial challenges as COVID-19 forced the suspension of revenue-driving elective services. The rapid decline in patient volumes has prompted furloughs, pay cuts and other cost-cutting measures, but as recovery efforts begin, a new set of challenges will arise.
Lessons from the frontline: How 3 health systems are approaching the fight against COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health systems are using clinical communication, telehealth, patient engagement, and provider scheduling platforms to mitigate capacity and staffing challenges while delivering quality patient care.
Why hospitals urgently need modern cost-accounting in a value-based world
Skyrocketing healthcare costs — accompanied by pressure from patients, payers and providers to lower those expenses — make cost accounting more important than ever for healthcare organizations, according to Organizational Intelligence COO and Founder Jeff Lambert.
What Amazon, Hyatt can teach health systems about managing a skills gap
When healthcare organizations are operating under normal conditions, flaws in the system may go unnoticed. Radical changes in day-to-day life, on the other hand — disruptors such as the COVID-19 pandemic — reveal how well a system actually works.
How Montefiore, Owensboro Health used time driven-costing to spur cost reduction opportunities
Time-driven costing allows hospitals and health systems to get a clearer picture of patient and staff costs. This methodology combines organization data on billing activities, employee-level payroll and timestamps pulled from EHR logs to determine costs of patient and staff-level variation. Models that engage the methodology also help hospitals eliminate wasteful spending and pinpoint care processes that add no value.
Capacity solutions for today and tomorrow: How hospitals can free up resources for COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates in the U.S., hospitals are looking for ways to immediately free up critical resources like beds, ventilators and personal protective equipment. Learn about the tools available to address three key COVID-19 capacity challenges in the short- and long-term.
A seat at the table: How IU Health overcame obstacles to physician engagement and drug cost savings
Sustainability requires hospitals to redefine drug costs to account for drug utilization. Learn how IU Health looked beyond its pharmacy to drive sustained results.
Save time, expand access, flatten the curve — Telehealth and the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the nation's healthcare system and shed light on hospital capacity issues. Many health systems have turned to telemedicine tools to stem the tide of patients and mitigate the pressure on emergency departments and other resources.
The ins and outs of 340B drug pricing — How health systems can track savings and improve operations
The 340B drug pricing program allows hospitals to purchase drugs at substantial discounts to serve low-income patients who can't afford medical insurance.
The strategic use of robotic surgery service lines has the potential to help hospitals achieve lower costs while also improving clinical outcomes, patient experience and provider satisfaction.
What can health systems learn from Blockbuster's collapse?
The advent of online shopping spurred the downfall of traditional retailers that either invested poorly or didn't understand their customers. Blockbuster, for instance, folded in 2010 in part because the company failed to anticipate the demand for streaming and on-demand video services. Today, a similar scenario is playing out in healthcare.
Hospitals of all sizes are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve financial success while also ensuring their physicians are appropriately compensated. To get there, hospitals must include these three main ingredients in their overall strategy: compensation plans suited to the organization's needs and business goals, accountability and coordination over the details of those plans, and an automated approach to managing said details.
How patient-centered care can help dissolve medication access barriers
Medication access barriers ranging from burdensome prior authorization processes to poor communication among care teams have plagued the healthcare industry. However, with the right coordination and technical support, providers can tackle these issues and streamline the medication process for patients.
How M Health Fairview transformed its discharge processes with predictive analytics
Improving operations and efficiency is the No. 1 strategic priority for hospital executives, with many focusing on length of stay, according to 4sight Health's 2019 hospital executive survey.
AMA's MAP BP Program improves blood pressure control by 12% at select Trinity Health locations
Trinity Health, in collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA), is prioritizing the prevention of cardiovascular disease with a strategy to implement the MAP BP Program in the majority of its primary care practices.
How ASCs can capitalize on a $15B opportunity driven by complex surgical procedures
Revenue in the ASC market is projected to hit $43 billion in 2021, up from $28 billion in 2015, according to a September report from Bain & Co. That growth represents a $15 billion financial opportunity for the nearly 6,000 surgery centers in the U.S.
How to set the bar for clinical quality within the virtual care experience
Fueled by rising healthcare costs and a growing shortage of physicians, patients increasingly lack access to medical care. However, emerging digital tools offer healthcare providers an opportunity to improve clinical quality and expand access to care.
How dental practices can use technology to acquire patients and drive expansion
The dental industry is facing numerous challenges, such as a tight labor market, high levels of student loan debt for new dentists, increasing local competition and higher overhead costs due to necessary expensive technologies.
Providers don't have to wait for new laws to deliver price transparency — Here's why
Due to the rise of high-deductible health plans, patients have become the third-largest payer group behind Medicare and Medicaid, according to Bill Krause, vice president and general manager of experience solutions at Change Healthcare.
How UMass Memorial Health Care deployed a successful telehealth strategy
As mobile and video-based technologies continue to become more commonplace across industries, their use within the healthcare space continues to increase. More hospitals and health systems are adopting digital care delivery through means such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring.
'Revenue cycle is a team sport' — 3 plays to get on the winning side of CMS' price transparency rule
In December 2017, a survey of more than 500 likely voters revealed patients' desire to better understand their healthcare costs ahead of time. The Foundation of Government Accountability found that 82 percent of respondents — regardless of political affiliation, age or gender — wanted to know the cost of nonemergency procedures in advance.
How hospitals can turn outdated fax machines into valuable cost savings
Healthcare is a technologically sophisticated industry where robots are used to conduct surgery and telecommunications allow physicians to treat patients remotely from hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. However, it's also an industry in which many organizations still rely on fax machines for certain communications.
How Bon Secours Mercy Health reduced the risk of readmissions by redesigning care
With more than half of U.S. hospitals facing 30-day readmission penalties in fiscal year 2019, the hospital industry stands to lose an estimated $566 million, Kaiser Health News reported. To prevent future readmissions — and avoid financial losses from Medicare payment reductions — health systems can follow up with patients after discharge.
How Northwell, Banner Health approach formulary management
Health systems' pharmaceutical spending is expected to rise by up to 6 percent in 2019, according to a study published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. For these organizations — which already devote a large portion of their budgets to drugs — effective formulary management is more important than ever.
Poor water quality can have serious financial and clinical ramifications for healthcare organizations.
How to solve healthcare's accounts receivable problem
Overall cost reduction and efficiency are some of the top financial priorities for today's health system CEOs and CFOs. Faced with problems like shrinking revenue and increasing expenses, executives should start employing technological solutions, such as intelligent automation, to handle claims, increase efficiency and expedite insurance recovery.
How John Muir and Bronson Health brought innovation to business operations with ERP technology
Today's healthcare providers face a multitude of business development pressures, from reducing operating costs and navigating consolidation efforts to successfully implement technology for data-driven decision making. To help meet these demands, some hospitals and health systems have found success with the help of an enterprise resource planning system.
Key learnings from early adopters of opioid-free ERAS protocols
Post-surgery recovery programs with opioid-sparing and opioid-free protocols are increasingly being leveraged to prevent the risk of opioid addiction and improve pain management for patients.
Why this communication tool is the key to reducing tech-fueled burnout
Burnout has become increasingly common among healthcare provider teams and can be experienced by everyone from physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses to therapists, case managers and social workers. The term can be defined as a "syndrome of emotional exhaustion, de-personalization and decreased sense of accomplishment at work," according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Total joint replacements: The $13.5B business opportunity for ASCs
Just 15 percent of the 900,000 hip and knee joint replacements performed in the U.S. in 2016 were done in an outpatient setting, but Sg2 researchers predict that percentage will rise dramatically — and soon.
How to leverage digital components of the EHR, optimize performance and value
As healthcare continues to become less hospital-centric with more care delivered in outpatient and post-acute care settings, EHRs have been expected to adapt to rising technical demands brought about by this shift.
5 key imperatives for building a successful ambulatory strategy
Implementing an ambulatory care strategy is top of mind for hospital and health system leaders — especially as payers demand low-cost options, patients seek affordability and convenience, and new outside players enter the industry.
De novo growth shows no signs of slowing — 3 experts discuss DSO market trends
While solo private dental practices are diminishing in the U.S., dental service organizations are experiencing rapid growth and present a solid investment opportunity if managed properly.
How AI can create a 'massive competitive advantage' — 4 financial applications
Healthcare organizations have a tremendous opportunity to harness artificial intelligence in an area that may not seem flashy but is important nonetheless: revenue cycle management.
More than a vendor: What hospitals should consider when forming new EHR partnerships
Modern technology is continuing to advance at a rapid rate, and healthcare and EHRs are moving right along with it. But with rapid advancements come multiple options, which leaves hospitals and health systems to choose between multitudes of EHR vendors.
How telehealth, remote monitoring can enhance ICU patient care
Virtual technology is helping transform the delivery of patient care. From remote monitoring to telehealth services, virtual care is continually developing to bring remote physician specialists directly to the patient's bedside.
Employing a digital workforce at your organization: A health system & vendor’s perspective
On May 21, Becker's Hospital Review hosted a webinar, Employing a Digital Workforce to Transform the Revenue Cycle, sponsored by Olive: a technology company who delivers AI-powered digital employees to healthcare organizations. The webinar was led by Susan Whitecotton, Vice President of Patient Financial Services at MedStar Health, and Braden Lambros, Executive Director of AI Transformation at Olive.
Nurses' well-being: Supporting staff and encouraging resilience
Nurses face a multitude of stressors and challenges every day, from a sometimes erratic work environment to staffing shortages and negative patient outcomes. To address these issues and keep nurses happy and engaged, health systems and hospital leaders must realize the value of supporting resilience among not only their nursing teams but also across their institutions.
Telehealth: A proactive, value-based solution to the US physician shortage
The U.S. population's shifting age demographics have created a need for more proactive care. Three million baby boomers are estimated to reach retirement every year for the next 20 years, according to Advisory Board. Additionally, 33 percent of adults are identified as obese, according to the CDC. Both trends highlight the growing need for chronic illness management and proactively reaching patients before they present at the hospital.
How Lourdes Medical Center used a powder to minimize costly intraoperative bleeding
Intraoperative bleeding — a complication that occurs in more than 18 percent of elective knee and hip replacements — has serious ramifications for both patient outcomes and costs, according to Sean McMillan, DO, chief of orthopedics and director of orthopedic sports medicine at Burlington, N.J.-based Lourdes Medical Center.
It's time for hospitals to get smart with data
Whether it’s a 25-hospital health system or a 50-bed rural hospital, the amount of data collected to ensure quality and efficiency is endless. With computer networks inundated with data, gleaning valuable insights from this surplus of information can be a significant challenge.
To effectively meet CMS' meaningful use requirements, hospitals must ensure health information stored in the EHR is secure and HIPAA-compliant. However, in the eyes of the clinicians, who have to remember numerous passwords for daily use and repeatedly log into patient care systems, this is easier said than done.
How AI helped 2 health systems automate case reviews & reduce claim denials
Healthcare lags behind other industries when it comes to adopting technologies, and artificial intelligence tools are no exception, according to XSOLIS Chief Medical Officer Heather Bassett, MD.
Opportunities, challenges of dental service organizations today: 4 leaders share insights
Dental service organizations face vast challenges — and opportunities — as the industry works to keep pace with burgeoning technology, evolving patient expectations and rising labor costs.
3 key strategies for ASCs to succeed in payer contract negotiations
The mind-boggling complexities of commercial payer contracts coupled with ever-changing Medicare reimbursement policies make collecting appropriate reimbursement an uphill battle for ASCs.
How automation can ease your finance team's administrative burden
Finance departments are under immense pressure to lower costs at healthcare facilities nationwide amid an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
How to jumpstart interoperability efforts, unlock population health capabilities
The digital revolution in healthcare is at a turning point — hospitals need their systems to talk to each other to make new and existing technologies more meaningful to patient care and to better manage the health of their patient populations.
Consumers want these 5 things from their hospital finance experience
Of the 2,000 U.S. healthcare consumers surveyed in a 2018 report by revenue cycle solutions provider VisitPay, 65 percent said cost plays a vital role in their overall satisfaction with a physician or health system. However, the survey revealed cost is far from the only concern patients have when it comes to their financial experience.
The healthcare industry is changing. To keep pace with trends such as the shift to value-based care and increased consumerism, it's incumbent upon healthcare leaders to ensure their organizations are effectively taking advantage of emerging technologies to meet industry challenges.
How health systems can break into the specialty pharmacy services market
Entering the expanding market of specialty pharmacy services can produce many benefits for health systems, such as improved patient medication adherence, better care outcomes and higher levels of patient satisfaction. However, building a specialty pharmacy program is no easy feat.
Healthcare-based merger and acquisition activity is increasing, leaving healthcare organizations scrambling to figure out ways to not only standout from the competition, but to best leverage their collective platforms to ensure patients receive the care they need.
Say goodbye to siloed systems — How to streamline and optimize home healthcare
Patients and consumers today are looking for personalization, whether it be a custom treatment plan, medical device, payment option or care routine.
Balancing clinical and operational priorities for optimal skin health
Skin health is critical to whole-patient wellness, and healthcare systems must align their clinical and operational goals to create optimal skin health outcomes.
Tips for marketing an orthopedic practice in 2019
Technology has driven rapid change across almost every industry, and healthcare is no exception. Online search engines have cast a wide net of accessibility to information, and consumers have been conditioned to expect instant gratification. Because of this, marketing has become essential for providers, helping organizations like orthopedic practices generate more recognition and bring in more clients.
A new cost containment strategy for hospitals: Enterprise resource planning
Each year, hospital operating expenses climb 7.2 percent and outpace overall revenue gains, which are lagging behind at an annual 6 percent growth rate, said Mark Weber, senior vice president of healthcare development at business software producer Infor, during a Dec. 6 webinar sponsored by Infor and hosted by Becker's Hospital Review.
What CMS' decision to pay separately for Exparel use means for ASCs — 5 insights
CMS' 2019 final payment rule for ASCs and hospital outpatient surgery departments included a new code allowing separate payments to ASCs that use Pacira Pharmaceuticals' non-opioid pain management drug, Exparel.
How BayCare's virtual homecare program decreased wound care consult wait times by 85%
As the nation's population continues to age, more patients are becoming reliant on home healthcare services. In response to this demographic change, healthcare organizations are launching telehealth programs to meet the growing demand for remote patient care.
How 2 hospitals leveraged remote pharmacy models to expand care and realize savings
Amid shrinking reimbursements and rising care costs, hospital and health system leaders find themselves in a financial bind. The pressure is on executives to cut costs in order to maintain their organization's fiscal health.
The future of health IT: How UConn Health & UC Irvine Health are reimagining care
Hospitals across the nation are embracing the next generation of health IT solutions. However, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for the successful application of these new tools. As emerging technologies become more widespread, healthcare leaders must work to identify health IT strategies tailored to address their organization's specific needs.
IT for care collaboration improves patient outcomes, provider satisfaction
Communication is key for effective care collaboration, but hospital workers face many challenges to seamless communication.
Digital health tools: How the right IT solutions can deliver a better patient experience
Healthcare organizations are responding to the consumerization trend by investing in IT solutions designed to improve the patient experience.
How Geisinger saves $5.3M annually by improving its management of outsourced vendors
For roughly 10 years, Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System worked with a network of nine vendors to track the system's hospital and clinical revenue collections. However, the organization's leaders quickly realized the multi-step outsourcing process was too cumbersome and lacked efficiency.
How to reduce specialty pharma inventory costs, boost visibility with a consignment model
Specialty pharmaceutical growth poses unique challenges for hospital pharmacies. Effectively managing these high-cost therapies that often have unpredictable demand requires a different inventory management strategy than traditional pharmaceuticals. Therefore, many health systems are turning to a consignment model, to better manage specialty drug products, which also offers opportunities to improve care and reduce costs.
5 ways to maximize collections as the patient becomes the payer
Over the last few years, healthcare has shifted from a standardized, product-centric experience to one that is more personalized. Patients now have access to more information on providers than ever, meaning they have more choice when selecting care they feel will best meet their unique needs.
How U of Vermont Health Network found a new frontier for cost savings through data integration
Faced with declining reimbursements and rising care costs, hospital and health system finance leaders are on the lookout for new areas of operations suitable for cost reductions. To date, many hospitals have focused on managing revenue streams, optimizing supply chains, and minimizing labor costs. Efficiencies have been achieved in those areas, so many hospitals are struggling to discover new ways to realize the cost savings required for value-based care.
How tech, physician alignment can improve value of TJR episodes of care
CMS initiated started bundled payment initiatives to link payments for the multiple services patients received during an episode of care for the purposes of improving care quality. As the industry's shift to value-based reimbursement models continues, private payers have similarly followed suit.
3 ways collaborations can help outpatient total joint programs achieve success
ASCs are constantly striving to improve patient satisfaction, while confronting inventory limitations and avoiding complications. Strategic collaborations can help ASCs overcome these obstacles in the outpatient setting.
Want to slash supply chain costs? Don't skip over these 3 areas
Hospitals and health systems cannot effectively quantify and control costs without first targeting key expense areas. However, administrators inundated with cost responsibilities regularly overlook major savings opportunities.
In a Sept. 25 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and sponsored by healthcare analytics provider iVantage Health Analytics, David Stenerson, vice president of finance central region for OSF HealthCare System in Peoria, Ill., explained how the health system significantly cut cost and improved performance using comparative analytics. Linda Albery, EDD, RN, senior vice president at iVantage helped set the context for how next generation benchmarking technology can help organizations succeed in today's low margin, complex market environment.
4 reasons to move finance and HR data to one platform
Finance and human resources, despite being treated as two separate entities of a hospital's operations, should collaborate to drive an organization's mission forward. The first step: bringing siloed data together on a single platform.
Telehealth requires a 'culture of change' — 5 insights on perfecting telehealth strategy
The successful implementation of a telehealth program requires all healthcare players — payers, hospitals, physicians and patients — to embrace a culture of change, which isn't always an easy feat.
8 best practices for surgical instrumentation protection
Surgical instruments are one of the largest dollar assets of a hospital. Proper use of instrument protection devices and packaging aids can ensure costly surgical instruments are kept in top working condition.
Healthcare's changing payment paradigm: Why providers are upgrading the patient financial experience
Consumers across all industries, including healthcare, want convenience and simplicity when paying bills.
Communication: How to solve one of healthcare's biggest problems
Communication issues in the healthcare industry can be detrimental to patient care, waste time and negatively affect a provider's bottom line.
AI and the revenue cycle: Why automation should be your next core competency
Effectively managing a hospital's revenue cycle requires the completion of time-consuming, cumbersome tasks that are prone to human error. However, automation shows promise for streamlining a significant amount of this labor-intensive work.
How Maine Medical Center leveraged data to drive healthier margins
Many organizations haven't successfully lowered costs because they don't understand the true cost of care, which is critical to grasp in a value-based world. "What you don't know, you can't solve," according to Tushar Pandey, vice president of decision support for Strata Decision Technology.
Do more with less –– How AI revenue cycle workflows can generate big savings
From reducing time in the operating room to eliminating hours physicians spend on paperwork, artificial intelligence innovations have allowed hospitals to boost productivity.
How Aurora Health Care capitalized on improving patient access through telepharmacy
Many hospitals and health systems are increasingly turning to telemedicine solutions to optimize costs and strengthen patient engagement. Telemedicine can also be leveraged to improve pharmacy services by enabling pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care services to a wider range of patients and improve outcomes.
How University of Utah Health cut sepsis costs by 10%
As one of the leading causes of deaths in hospitals, sepsis — a complication often hard to identify — presents a unique challenge to hospital leaders. Since the risk of death from sepsis increases by about 8 percent with each hour before intervention, it is crucial for hospitals to improve sepsis awareness among staff members and speed sepsis responses.
Embrace risk: How one clinically integrated network found success under value-based care
Risk-based contracts currently represent a small percentage of revenue for the average provider. However, as healthcare policies push hospitals and physicians to assume more accountability for care, the widespread adoption of value-based reimbursement appears inevitable.
Children's hospitals: The ideal candidates for an intelligent ERP system
Amid declining reimbursements, increasing consolidation and heightened pressure to reduce costs, Children's hospitals must address challenges related to national healthcare trends while simultaneously tackling issues unique to pediatric providers.
How a savvy online presence can attract patients: 3 steps for an online media reboot
The growing number of consolidations and acquisitions have put pressure on orthopedic and other specialty practices to bring in new patients while maintaining lasting relationships with current and previous patients.
How UPMC and BayCare Medical Group are shaping physicians into leaders
The nature of the hospital-physician relationship has undergone numerous changes in recent years, particularly in regards to physician participation in leadership. Challenges unique to the modern healthcare environment, including the transition to alternative care models, have increased demand for physician leaders.
The value of virtual — Why telehealth is a game changer for Intermountain
The healthcare industry continues to face skyrocketing costs, falling numbers of physicians and a growing geriatric population. In the midst of these various obstacles, health systems seek new solutions to provide quality care through cost-effective avenues.
The '4 Fs' of medical mask selection
As hospitals look to combat hospital-acquired infections amid the rise of antibiotic resistance, it is important for providers to be equipped with the proper facial protection for each clinical situation in surgical and procedural settings.
How Mission Health saved $500K by eliminating early clock-ins
As hospitals seek new ways to reduce spending without affecting patient care, facilities may overlook one key way to improve their bottom line: managing labor practices.
Investing in consumerism — Why St. Luke's approach to billing prioritizes the patient experience
In today's economic landscape, patients are comparing healthcare services to ensure they're getting the best deal, and putting off care they can't afford. To address this potentially dangerous trend, Easton, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network looked to retailers to find strategies to stand out from the competition while providing more affordable care.
5 IT considerations for hospital CIOs during M&A
Mergers and acquisitions offer healthcare organizations a way to improve operating margins and quality of care. As the industry shifts to a value-based system that incentivizes higher quality and lower costs, it's no surprise M&A activity is heating up.
As more providers move to reduce paper prescriptions in favor of electronic prescribing, hospitals can leverage technologies for prescribing controlled substances that increase workflow efficiency and boost patient care, particularly for populations with limited provider access.
3 ways to understand healthcare supply chain in a changing market
When thinking of ways to reduce costs, improve efficiency and incorporate data into processes, three words come to mind: supply chain management.
So you think you can succeed in BPCI Advanced? 4 steps for day one success
Hospitals and providers accepted into the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced program will be the first to test CMS' latest voluntary Medicare payment model that begins on Oct. 1.
3 steps for tech-driven quality improvement
The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance — a phenomena that kills an estimated 23,000 Americans with infections each year and contributes to $2.2 billion in costs to the U.S. healthcare system annually, according to 2018 Health Affairs study.
Boost your hospital's sterilization process: 5 tips on proper peel pouch sealing
For healthcare professionals, ensuring medical devices are clean, functional and stored in a sterile environment is crucial for keeping patients and staff safe from harmful bacteria.
A win-win-win — Improving patient access betters physicians, patients & processes
With Amazon's entrance into the healthcare sector coinciding with rising consumerism in the industry, hospital leaders are feeling more pressure to increase revenues while also keeping expenses down. When considering expanding patient access, it may seem obvious to add physicians or extend clinic hours, but doing so may drive up expenses and exacerbate physician burnout.
2 keys to BPCI Advanced success — data and analytics
As the U.S. healthcare system shifts towards value-based care, CMS is increasingly tying Medicare reimbursement to care outcomes. In October, the agency will roll out Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced, a new voluntary episode bundled payment model designed to reduce costs and improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.
How ASCs can eliminate lurking OR inefficiencies to drive down costs
The average ASC spends a whopping $230,000 on supplies and keeps $100,000 to $120,000 of inventory on hand per surgical suite. Having so much cash tied up in inventory is presenting new challenges for ASCs as they deal with external financial pressures, such as receiving lower reimbursements than hospital outpatient departments.
How automation can improve a hospital's revenue cycle operations — 6 experts weigh in
Rising labor costs, fluctuations in payer mix and regulatory changes, among other issues, are pressuring hospitals and health systems to reduce costs and increase revenue.
How an effective OR supply chain strategy can keep hospitals ahead of the shifting cost curve
The shifting healthcare cost curve is pressuring providers to reduce costs and improve quality. As expenses grow and revenue drops, progressive health systems are looking to their supply chain processes to help drive out waste and improve patient safety — especially in the operating room.
Inpatient joint replacement procedures can place a significant financial strain on health systems, so much so that Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services is in the process of piloting a mandatory payment program to cut costs.
How 3 leading pediatric health systems are harnessing telehealth to transform care
As hospitals and health systems leverage technology to improve patient care, particularly for rural populations with limited provider access, three leading pediatric health systems partnered with American Well, the nation's largest telehealth operator, to transform pediatric care delivery.
What is a silent PPO? & 9 other FAQ's about out-of-network reimbursements
As payers continue to alter reimbursement models for out-of-network care, providers must meet this uncertainty with diligent payer negotiations to ensure maximum repayment.
Make yourself at home — Reduce spending by bringing acute care to a patient's home
Many hospitals haven't changed the design and aesthetic of patient rooms in decades. Patients can at times feel cramped, stuffy and uncomfortable due to outdated rooms.
Healthcare marketers' No. 1 job? Deliver a moment of clarity and confidence
While tech giants like Apple and Amazon have long excelled at leveraging their online presence to reach new customers, hospitals have largely been unable to achieve similar results. To take full advantage of new online marketing technologies, hospital marketers need to rethink their marketing approach to ensure their organization's online presence is reaching prospective patients.
The price of fatigue: How shift work schedules can make or break quality care
More healthcare employees are suffering from burnout, and long hours play a key role in this epidemic, especially among nurses. In fact, 75 percent of nurses work 12-hour shifts. Working 12-hour shifts for days on end means nurses are at special risk of fatigue and high stress levels.
How freight management uncovers hidden cost savings in ASC supply chain
Ambulatory surgery centers are seeking new ways to reduce their supply chain costs without affecting day-to-day operations. However, many ASCs overlook one key way to improve their bottom line: reducing the amount spent on direct shipments to their facilities.
Keep your champions close, your physicians closer — drug cost savings through relationships and data
Everyone is on a budget these days, including hospitals and health systems. While operating within increasingly tighter margins, hospitals and health systems must ensure they are providing quality care.
What do bicycles and AI have in common? How to optimize efficiency at your hospital
Similar to how the bicycle revolutionized mankind's ability to get places, artificial intelligence has the potential to make healthcare workers' lives faster, easier and more efficient.
How Inova Health is customizing the billing process to improve patient experience
As hospitals and health systems work to optimize patient revenue management and payer-focused billing processes, one Northern Virginia-area health system is turning to VisitPay, an online financial engagement platform that aims to simplify the billing experience for both patients and health systems.
The rise of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is putting pressure on small hospitals to fall in line with the mounting trend to compete and retain surgical patients in an increasingly consumer-centric healthcare environment.
So you want to apply for BPCI-A — here's top tips to prepare your team for downside risk
As part of the push to value-based care, CMS is testing a new iteration of bundled payments which calls for increased coordination among clinicians. The voluntary payment model — the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced program — may seem daunting at first, but medical groups have found success when they approach the model in an organized, physician-approved way.
In a value-based world where physicians' performances are continuously measured and compared by payers, accurate and detailed documentation is essential. However, navigating ICD-10 isn't always easy, especially when few physicians are trained to memorize the specific codes and most feel their time is better spent administering patient care.
6 questions on patient-generated health data, answered
More hospitals are interested in aggregating and analyzing patient-generated health data to fuel clinical innovation and transform care delivery.
How to take employee engagement to the next level: Talent activation
Among the many resources healthcare organizations depend on to succeed, employees are perhaps the most important. Engaged and happy employees can affect a domino-like change within an organization, leading to improved clinical quality and enhanced bottom-lines.
Fact or fiction: Top 6 telehealth myths to know
The number of health systems adopting telehealth programs is on pace to double in the next few years as a result of the shift to consumer-driven healthcare, which has been expedited by policy changes and technology advancements.
The big are getting bigger in 2018 — here's how small and mid-sized hospitals can compete
2018 is shaping up to be a transformational year for hospital systems. The recent tax reform bill includes a potential $25 million spending cut to Medicare while raising premiums for patients. Along with major legislation, mergers between healthcare giants continue to be penned.
Immense financial pressures, like declining reimbursements and a shift from inpatient to outpatient services, are forcing hospitals and health systems to accelerate efforts around driving cost efficiencies.
How OSF HealthCare partners with community organizations to drive population health
Health systems are increasingly turning to big data to drive innovation in their facilities. While innovation can take many forms, one Midwestern health system chose to focus on what it calls "radical access to care," successfully integrating social determinants of health data into clinical workflows to support disadvantaged populations.
How to launch an actionable precision medicine program — MDs from Partners, Columbia weigh in
The FDA is ramping up its approvals of medications related to precision medicine treatment and diagnostics. To tap into this growing field of patient care, some hospitals and health systems are implementing their own precision medicine programs.
Ramping up telehealth, from adoption to optimization: The importance of raising patient awareness
Although telehealth has been around for years, patients aren't always aware of the array of virtual services available to them. In short: It's up to health systems to make telehealth capabilities known.
Are you following these 3 golden rules for stickier patient relationships?
As digital technology and consumerism reshape the business and delivery of healthcare, it's imperative to know who the patient is, where the patient is and what the patient wants.
4 technology must-haves for better documentation and patient care
New healthcare policies, whether federally mandated, payer mandated or internally mandated, are pushing providers toward taking on more financial risk through various value-based reimbursement models — a trend that is driving healthcare leaders to find and implement innovative clinical practices that improve patient health at the population level but are not burdensome for the care team.
CFOs can turn raw data into business opportunities with 5 steps — here's how
As finance leaders in the healthcare industry aim to leverage increasingly vast amounts of data, strategic leaders are focusing on identifying systems that streamline, rather than complicate, processes involving financial reporting and business analytics.
The art of brushing - how to properly clean medical equipment to ensure patient safety
To minimize the risks of adverse events and improve patient safety, sterile processing leaders can employ strategies to ensure medical instruments are always properly cleaned.
How transforming your radiology service line can reduce costs and improve patient safety
Hospitals across the nation are looking for ways to alleviate cost pressure and simultaneously improve their strategic planning and innovate to compete in an ever increasingly competitive marketplace.
How AAAHC's orthopedic certification can take your ASC to the next level
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is helping orthopedic centers demonstrate their mastery of total joint procedures through its new orthopedic certification program for ASCs.
Improving operational and patient outcomes through people analytics
The healthcare workforce is poised to undergo significant change during the next decade. Aging populations and the introduction of new technologies necessitate that healthcare organizations cultivate an environment in which employees are engaged, productive and feel empowered to take the necessary steps to deliver high-quality care.
How integrating smart technology can improve patient & provider outcomes
Collecting patient liabilities is a challenge for most health systems. However, with the right tools catering to the needs of the patient, financial success is possible.
14 FAQs on out-of-network billing strategies
As payers step up their efforts to constrain out-of-network reimbursement rates, learning to navigate roadblocks to achieve higher repayments can significantly improve a provider's financial results and bottom line.
Mitigating patient misidentification in a new era domineered by Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers
As the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 drives sweeping changes in care delivery, reimbursement models and reporting requirements, healthcare leaders are scrambling to understand all of its elements and implications.
Each year, HAIs infect 2 million Americans and cost the healthcare industry $3.05 billion annually. However, these numbers can be significantly reduced through a comprehensive approach to infection prevention, which entails using UVC light in tandem with terminal cleaning.
Redesigning care — 6 things to know for success under bundled payments
Though Congress has yet to push through legislation officially repealing the ACA, the future of the health law remains uncertain, as does the future of healthcare payment reform. However, there is still reason to believe bundled payments will be an essential component in the evolution of healthcare reimbursement.
A new patient engagement model for payment collection
Many patients with high-deductible health plans are struggling to pay their hospital bills. The traditional "pay-and-chase" collection model no longer is effective for most healthcare providers.
Disrupting care coordination: Turning patient-generated health data into a call to action
Leaders within the health IT space are continuously innovating to bring care outside of a hospital's walls and into patients' homes. Many questions remain unanswered, however, including how to relieve physician administrative burden related to EHRs and how to implement the necessary IT infrastructure for data sharing.
Safe patient handling: How to limit clinician injury and cut costs in the OR
Workplace injuries pose numerous clinical and financial consequences for healthcare facilities nationwide.
Growing your ASC & offering a better treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis patients
Paradigm Spine's coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device is helping ASCs and spine-based practices stand out in a crowded healthcare field.
How UPMC improved staff satisfaction with streamlined scheduling
While the rise of certain technologies like predictive analytics and automated workforce management software can help streamline scheduling and anticipate staff needs, many hospitals and health system administrators continue to struggle with staffing and scheduling issues amid the nation's ongoing clinician shortage.
How holistic hiring can save money and drive patient satisfaction
Hiring individuals who are not only qualified, but who will support a patient-centric culture is integral to success.
The importance of preventive care strategies in a changing healthcare environment
The industry shift to value-based reimbursement models has underscored the importance of immunizations as a cost-effective preventive care strategy that can improve health outcomes for vulnerable patients.
3 physician leaders on how emerging technologies drive effective communication
The need to improve communication between clinicians is clear, but the process of doing so is less evident. Moreover, how can health systems facilitate seamless communication across a multihospital enterprise? The answer: employing the right technological tools.
Cost, speed & security — How Cardinal Innovations used VDI, cloud technology to cut IT costs
As the healthcare industry continues to consolidate, health IT teams are tasked with delivering a seamless platform that spans the care continuum. During a Nutanix-sponsored webinar June 15, leaders from San Jose, Calif.-based Nutanix and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Citrix Systems shared how their products have helped multifacility health systems improve their data sharing efficiency and enhance data security though hyper-converged, cloud technology and virtual desktop infrastructure.
The vital role of hospital technology selection in achieving post-merger alignment
The transition to value-based care has hospitals and health systems focused on improving operating margins while maintaining or improving the quality of care their organizations provide. To achieve this goal, many provider organizations are exploring the benefits of joining forces with another healthcare facility.
The Better Care Reconciliation Act, Senate Republicans' bill to replace the ACA, would have rescinded key elements of the current healthcare law and imposed dramatic changes on the U.S. healthcare system, including the repeal of Medicaid expansion, tax cuts and waivers to enable states to opt out of coverage for essential health benefits. Although this particular healthcare legislation is now dead, it is clear the American healthcare system is on a path of change.
Reducing overhead costs and improving patient safety in the operating room aren't mutually exclusive — but finding a balance requires a well-planned strategy.
Environmental cleanliness in an ambulatory care setting: 5 things to know
Despite their best efforts, infection and prevention leaders can struggle to keep facilities, especially in ASCs, due to limited resources available to implement a standardized environmental cleaning program. However, as all settings of care are susceptible to infection, ambulatory leaders must have infection prevention on their radar to ensure they yield excellent patient outcomes.
3 trends that could impact ASC reimbursement
Narrow networks, bundled payments and consumer demand for price transparency are affecting reimbursement. It is critical to understand these rapidly emerging concepts, otherwise, surgery centers may be missing opportunities to optimize payment and enhance their bottom line.
5 key considerations and strategies for clinical integration post-merger
The emerging healthcare landscape is transforming the way provider organizations approach mergers and acquisitions. Determining how to leverage economies of scale and remain competitive amid increasing margin pressure remain relevant concerns during hospital transactions. However, the shift to value-based care and population health management has put an increased focus on clinical integration in the M&A process.
The webinar provided organizations that are considering mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, joint operating agreements or clinical affiliations with several considerations and strategies for success with clinical integration post-transaction.
5 things to know about the growing role of IoT in virtual healthcare delivery
The internet of things has the potential to transform the healthcare industry, especially when applied to virtual care and telemedicine. Recently, a group of experts with clinical care delivery, technology and healthcare consulting expertise addressed the topic of the IoT, the potential value this emerging technology can bring to the healthcare landscape, and potential applications and challenges to industry-wide adoption, during a panel discussion during Becker's Virtual Innovation Summit.
VDI can help improve hospitals' IT security and rein in costs — Here's how
Mobile technology in healthcare has the potential to make caregiving more convenient for providers. Organizations with cloud-based EHRs and patient information systems — often known as "bring your own device" systems — enable clinicians to use their own personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, to access a hospital's clinical information from wherever they are, whenever they need. While this supports an increasingly mobile physician workforce, it also introduces new security risks when a physician's device is lost, stolen or hacked.
Solving the unsolvable: 3 reasons hospitals should adopt a unique health safety identifier
Continuously advancing information technology enables providers to share a patient's medical data across the continuum of care. However, digitally sharing sensitive health information raises the risk of security breaches, as a patient's medical record is a sought-after commodity on the black market, often far exceeding the value of credit card information.
3 questions clinicans should ask when choosing a surgical gown
The rise of new pathogens and drug-resistant organisms, combined with an industrywide effort to reduce healthcare-associated infections, is driving hospitals to reevaluate surgical gown protocols to optimize patient and staff safety, as well as cost effectiveness.
How CRM can transform the patient experience
Improving the patient experience has become a top priority for many hospitals and health systems as the industry shifts to value-based care models, under which reimbursement is more closely tied to patient satisfaction than ever before.
Surgery centers can prevail in healthcare's changing reimbursement landscape if they employ strategies to obtain optimal payer contracts while also combating industry challenges.
The amount of time clinicians are spending on administrative or supply chain-related tasks is necessary to maintain a hospital's bottom line.
12 best practices to improve ASC efficiency and increase the bottom line
The two biggest goals for ASC administrators are often improving efficiency and increasing revenue.
What's driving momentum behind consumer telehealth?
As hospitals look for cost-efficient ways to expand access to care and satisfy consumers' preferences for on-demand healthcare, many organizations are realizing the value of telehealth.
How palm scanning technology helped Carolinas HealthCare System improve patient identification
Misidentifying a patient can lead to significant consequences, including reduced clinical productivity, revenue loss and even patient harm.
4 of the most pressing challenges health systems face today
To succeed in an era characterized by uncertainty and rapid change, hospitals must become more nimble and proactive. Faced with changes to regulations, reimbursement and technology, organizations that fail to adapt will lose out to their more agile peers.
4 risk adjustment opportunities to make bundled payments sustainable
As hospitals move into value-based care and alternative payment models, such as bundled payments, they need to reconsider the role of the emergency department and unscheduled care.
Bridging the gap between new spine technology & patients — The role of the Medical Science Liaison
Originally a pharmaceutical model, the medical science liaison is now entering the medical device industry to bridge the gap between various healthcare stakeholders. A clinically focused educator, a MSL assists all stakeholders during a patient's care continuum.
5 common questions about micro-hospitals, answered
Micro-hospitals are popping up around the country, but many providers still lack a solid understanding of what a micro-hospital is and how it can help satisfy emerging needs in their markets.
How to build a lasting safety culture in the era of drug resistance and value-based care
Since the landmark release of the U.S. Institute of Medicine's 1999 report "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System," the attention to patient safety in the American healthcare system has increased significantly.
How Trinity Health ensures communication and continued learning among clinicians and physicians
While new health IT innovations have helped healthcare providers engage patients outside of the hospital's four walls, many providers still struggle with another type of communication: clinician-to-clinician.
ASCs equipped with a strategy to lower overall supply chain costs will fare well in the value-driven healthcare system and can use these resources in other areas, such as clinical delivery.
How hospitals are protecting their bottom lines in the face of an uncertain future
The economic future for healthcare providers under President Donald Trump's administration remains uncertain. But that doesn't mean hospital and health system leaders aren't taking action to ensure their organizations remain financially solvent no matter what legislation comes down the pipeline.
How to overcome operational inefficiencies in the ED using AI and machine learning
Hospital operational inefficiencies can be difficult to overcome and can have a negative effect on employee satisfaction and patient experience. However, with the right data and tools, hospitals can take a proactive approach to defeating these issues.
How Centura Health eliminated waste and boosted efficiency in its supply chain
With rising pressure to maintain high-quality patient care and reduce spending under value-based care, hospitals are eagerly looking for ways to improve efficiencies and eliminate waste across operations. The supply chain, which represents one of hospitals' highest costs can account for billions of dollars of waste each year.
4 ways Sutter Health improved its HIM operations
With an aging population driving high demand for healthcare services, hospitals are experiencing increased need for greater coding resources. However, many organizations struggle to recruit qualified coders amid a growing talent shortage and have difficulty maintaining efficient, yet cost effective, coding processes following the transition to ICD-10.
How telehealth has enhanced Cleveland Clinic's value-based care strategy
Interest in the telehealth industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with 78.5 percent of healthcare consumers reporting they would be comfortable interacting with a physician via online video or online chat, according to a 2016 report out of the Aloft Group — even if almost half of respondents were still not familiar with the term "telemedicine."
How HSHS Medical Group meets consumer need through virtual care
Virtual care is undoubtedly on the rise as healthcare adjusts to the demands of consumerism. Individuals want changes in the way they receive care. Instead of seeking out a hospital and health system, consumers want care to come to them.
How a multimodal pain regimen can enhance ERAS protocols
The use of multimodal anesthesia in surgery, particularly how multimodal pain care can enhance the move to value-based care.
How Memorial Hermann drives its brand through digital health
Health systems are increasingly turning to technology to boost their services; however, identifying how to integrate new features into an established brand has proved challenging.
Optimizing procedure trays: A lesson on eliminating waste, cutting costs in the OR
ASCs face unique challenges in the operating room that highlight the importance of an efficient materials management process.
How Barton Healthcare improved outcomes with improved respiratory monitoring
Postoperative respiratory compromise represents a significant health care burden in terms of increased morbidity and mortality along with increased lengthof hospital stay and cost of care.
Proper care coordination is more crucial than ever for healthcare providers as they take on more financial risk amid the shift toward value-based care, according to Ken Botsford, MD, CMO of naviHealth, a Cardinal Health company.
NorthStar Anesthesia and Duke Department of Anesthesiology have collaborated to leverage their best in class solutions to actively manage other academic departments of anesthesiology. Academic medical centers' three-pronged mission — education, research and patient care — makes them uniquely vulnerable to financial pressures.
The MACRA marathon: 3 keys on training for success
Success under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act's Quality Payment Program is all about the long game — it will require conscious, continuous investment. Learn how to jumpstart MACRA preparation in this webinar.
Why Boston Medical Center transitioned to cloud computing for HR functions
As the demand for cost reductions, actionable insight, and information security increases, hospitals and health systems are looking for a cost-effective approach to streamline their human resources and payroll processes and quickly adapt to the changing healthcare landscape.
How Orlando Health deploys predictive analytics to fight sepsis
As a result of the prevalence of sepsis in the healthcare setting and new reimbursement models that reward value and outcomes, many health systems and hospitals are looking for ways to take full advantage of all technological resources available in order to protect patients and reduce costs by working to properly manage and prevent sepsis.
How enterprise data strategy can support providers and payers: 4 experts weigh in
Healthcare professionals are increasingly turning to data analytics to support their services; however, inefficient data technology may be holding the industry back.
How first impressions online affect patient acquisition and hospital revenue
There are few things consumers don't research before making purchasing decisions. Just as they do when choosing a hotel, airline or restaurant, prospective patients seeking new providers often turn to the web to inform their decision, tapping company websites, third-party rating sites and online reviews.
How data analytics improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout at this South Carolina hospital
Many healthcare organizations still struggle to plan long-term operations according to the highly variable and seemingly chaotic nature of patient demand.
Bryan Kennedy, RN, director of nursing at AnMed Health in Anderson, S.C., discussed how data analytics improved forecasting and predictive utilization processes at AnMed during a webinar sponsored by McKesson Nov. 4.
How to improve the payer-provider relationship: 3 experts weigh in
Collaboration is the key to ensuring a successful payer-provider relationship. However, effective collaboration requires mutual understanding between both parties. When payers and medical providers understand each others' goals and compromise for the good of the patient, both parties benefit from cost savings and avoided billing disputes.
Why data analytics is indispensable for hospitals under CJR
Bundled payments are emerging as an increasingly important element of the healthcare industry's shift from volume- to value-based care, as CMS seeks to lower healthcare expenditures and providers aim to achieve the triple aim: providing the best possible care at the lowest price and improving the overall health of a population. However, succeeding under bundles requires robust data analytics to help providers identify the main drivers of spending and opportunities to rein in costs and improve outcomes.
7 steps to achieving 'systemness' in your hospital's credentialing department
Health systems are finally coming of age. Increasing pressures to rein in costs, reduce utilization and manage variation are forcing health systems to become true operating companies, rather than holding companies. And as health systems look to woo physicians and satisfy patients, achieving true "systemness" in the credentialing department is crucial.
How to overcome 3 major hurdles to surgical bundle success
As the healthcare industry transitions toward a value-based payment system, risk-based models like bundled payments are gaining speed. Although the recent Republican sweep of the White House and Congress could lead to major health policy changes in 2017, it is unlikely Medicare's bundled payment programs will come to an end.
Leverage data analytics to control cath lab costs
As the healthcare industry moves from a fee-for service model to value-based care, controlling spend on high-value supplies is more critical than ever. In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, two thought leaders from Cardinal Health discussed the regulatory and operational challenges associated with controlling costs and managing cath lab inventory.
Combating burnout: How technology can strengthen the patient-provider relationship
During a webinar, hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Vocera Communications, David Pryor, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at St. Louis-based Ascension and Bridget Duffy, MD, CMO at Vocera, agreed one cannot enhance the patient experience without also improving provider and caregiver experience.
Maximize your ASC's OR supply chain
During a recent webinar sponsored by Cardinal Health, Bilinda Garlock, RN, BSN, manager of clinical operations of ASCs at Cardinal Health, and Marvella Thomas, senior consultant of clinical operations of ASC national accounts at Cardinal Health, identified waste and offer strategies for ASC leaders to manage operating room inventory.
7 ways one health system hacked primary care for better patient outcomes
Hacking is rarely a positive word. When used in healthcare, its negative connotation brings to mind thoughts of breached patient records and HIPAA penalties. But with help from Cambridge, Mass.-based Twine Health, Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania Health System employed hacking to help patients achieve better outcomes.
Investing in technology can be more beneficial for an ASC and its bottom line than expected. In a recent webinar titled "How Your Technology Environment Can Impact Your Surgery Center's Bottom Line" representatives of National Medical Billing Services shared best technology practices.
5 key thoughts on ASCs navigating TJR reimbursement with commercial payers
Total joints are making their way into the outpatient setting, and ambulatory surgery centers are continually seeking strategies to negotiate reimbursement from payers. CMS, which sets the gold standard for commercial payers, only approves unicompartmental knee replacement for the ambulatory setting, although the tides may be turning.
OB hospitalist programs: Growth, unexpected benefits and how to implement your own
In the time since the term hospitalist was first mentioned in a 1996 article by Robert Wachter, MD, and Lee Goldman, MD, in The New England Journal of Medicine, it has noticeably caught on. From the introduction of that term and more importantly of the concept of hospital medicine, a plethora of hospitalist subspecialties have emerged. One subspecialty that is making noticeable improvements in patient care and safety is OB hospitalists.
Under the fee-for-service model, healthcare organizations typically used revenue cycle management systems to recoup, protect and drive revenue. However, as traditional fee-for-service care transitions to fee-for-value, many hospitals and health systems are looking to customer relationship management platforms to achieve financial success.
A multifactorial problem: 4 strategies to start reducing HAIs now
The rates of healthcare-associated infections in the age of antibiotic resistance and the Affordable Care Act are important measures of patient safety and the fiscal health of a hospital. Though progress has been made toward HAI reduction in recent years, still, on any given day, approximately 1 in 25 patients may encounter a dangerous infection while being treated in a healthcare facility, according to the CDC.
6 areas of focus for ASCs to improve efficiency & increase the bottom line
Improving efficiency while increasing the bottom line is the primary objective of nearly every ASC. In a recent webinar titled “Is Your ASC as Efficient and Profitable as it Should Be?” representatives of Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America (ASCOA) shared best practices for profitable ASCs.
How to navigate the reimbursement landscape for total joint reconstruction
Learn from Scott Becker, Publisher of Becker's ASC Review, Christine Maroulis, Franchise Director of Health Policy and Reimbursement for DePuy Synthes, Derek van Amerongen, Vice President and Medical Officer for Humana Health Plans of Ohio, and David Uba, Chief Executive Officer of Excelsior Orthopaedics and Buffalo Surgery Center on how to navigate the reimbursement landscape for total joint reconstruction.
3 factors driving high turnover at your hospital — and what to do about them
Healthcare is a labor-driven service that depends on the talent and skills of every staff member, from the C-suite to nurses. Finding and keeping this talent is paramount to running a cost-effective organization that provides exceptional care. While most health systems seek to reduce turnover, many fail to understand its costs or causes and lack effective strategies to improve retention. This webinar, sponsored by Select International, explains what drives turnover and provides effective strategies to improve retention.
The increasing popularity of the high deductible health plan has transformed the healthcare revenue cycle, putting providers in a direct physician-to-patient, rather than physician-to-payer, relationship. This means providers need to excel in connecting with patients during the billing and collections process or lose out on self-pay revenue. However, many payment methodologies used by hospitals are outdated and inconvenient. This webinar, sponsored by Zotec Partners, lays out four steps to successfully connect and collect from self-pay patients.
Robotics is here to stay — Drs. Kornelis Poelstra & Dennis Devito on working with Mazor technology
Robotic technology is gaining traction in the spine surgery field, allowing surgeons to pre-plan and customize procedures to fit an individual's anatomy. In a Mazor Robotics-sponsored webinar, Dennis P. Devito, MD, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta spine program director, and Kornelis Poelstra, MD, PhD, of Miramar, Fla.-based Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, discussed their experiences using Mazor Robotics technology during spine surgeries.
Complex software but simple workflow: A look into Nemours Children's EPCS platform
As of April 2016, healthcare providers in New York are required to electronically submit prescriptions for controlled substances. The law requiring these electronic prescriptions intends to boost transparency and information regarding controlled substance prescriptions to help curb opioid abuse and overuse. While New York is the first state to mandate electronic prescriptions, enforced by civil and criminal penalties, other states are following suit, and the demand for an Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances (EPCS) platform will likely increase.
For leadership and collaboration in the OR, look to anesthesiologists
As reimbursements continue to decline and expectations for better quality outcomes rise, perioperative services are fundamental to a hospital's success under value-based models. In fact, perioperative services account for more than 68 percent of hospitals' revenue, according to Lee Hedman, senior vice president of Surgical Directions.
3 key considerations when navigating the ASC joint venture arena
Changes sweeping the healthcare industry have paved the way for an increasing number of joint venture ambulatory surgery centers.
The growing body of evidence supporting CHG bathing
Creating an evidence-based best practice should involve three things: assessing multiple studies and research on the topic, using expertise, and considering patient preferences, according to Ann Meyer, BSN, RN.
How to position ASC revenue cycle management for value-based care success
On Thursday, July 28, SourceMed held a webinar titled "A 360 view of value-based care: How to position your facility for success."
Beating the patient-pay problem with 3 point-of-service collection strategies
A larger share of many hospitals' reimbursement now comes from patients rather than commercial payers. Yet many providers haven't updated their collection practices.
Identifying and addressing weak links in any infection control protocol
It might be helpful for some to think of healthcare-associated infection prevention as an algebraic equation.
Why hospital cost containment efforts depend on physicians
With risk-based models like bundled payments gaining speed, hospitals and health systems need to reexamine their cost cutting strategies and include physicians in const containment conversations.
"Doing more with less" has become the new standard practice for hospitals and health systems. At the same time, clinical teams and staff are held increasingly responsible for improving the quality of care, outcomes and the patient experience.
Dissatisfaction and disengagement are endemic among the American workforce. In healthcare, rates of disengagement and burnout are especially concerning, threatening patient outcomes, the patient experience and ultimately the hospital's bottom line.
7 ways ASCs can improve billing, coding for spine and pain management
Payer policies, surgical technology ,CPT code guidelines, and medical necessity requirements can change at a dizzying rate, presenting a significant challenge to ASC administrators hoping to maintain a positive margin.
6 best injection practices for your healthcare facility
Barbara J. Connell, vice president of clinical services at Medline, discusses the best injection practices for healthcare facilities. The evidence for unsafe injection-related outbreaks is growing, and safe injection practices help limit outbreaks and infection transmission.
In a DJO Global-sponsored webinar, Mohit Bhandari, MD, MSc, PhD, FRSC, discussed new evidence surrounding electrical stimulators' efficacy for bone healing. Dr. Bhandari serves as a professor in the department of surgery at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, where he is also the academic division head of orthopedic surgery.
Avoiding a dirty scope crisis: 5 steps to improve quality assurance with enhanced visual inspection
Recent incidents of bacterial infections in patients linked to dirty arthroscopic shavers and endoscopes have spurred dramatic change in device reprocessing and sterilization strategies. Yet many healthcare organizations' central processing departments have yet to follow suit, endangering both patients and hospital personnel.
Introducing healthcare's newest specialty — the virtualist
Part of healthcare's perpetual evolution is the emergence of new roles and functions. This is especially true in the health IT sector, as digitization creates new opportunities and challenges in care delivery.
4 ways communication-based innovations can drive hospital quality, efficiency improvements
Technology is changing the way we live and work. It impacts our patterns, behaviors and attitudes in the workplace. This rapid pace of change in technology has workers calling for better tools in every industry, including healthcare. Find out four ways tech-based communication solutions can become true clinical support tools, enabling high-quality care delivery and increased efficiency.
The power of real-time, predictive analytics for improving patient care
The proliferation of EMR systems in hospitals has provided clinicians and administrators with more data and information than ever before. At the same time, managing this deluge of data and extracting value from it is often cited as one of the key challenges facing leaders. And when it comes to using EMR information to track, manage and prevent disease, raw data alone falls short.
3 things that can make or break your retirement plan, and how to fix them
If you're a hospital or health system executive, your retirement plan may be in danger of failing your financial expectations, and probably not for the reasons you think.
TriscendNP, an executive benefits broker, has found the vast majority of healthcare executives' retirement plans are underperforming by between 30 and 50 percent on average, thereby putting retirement funds at risk of not meeting desired expectations.
Automated inventory management in the cardiac cath lab: The time is now
Eliminating waste is a principal goal for all hospitals and health systems. The Affordable Care Act spurred belt tightening among many healthcare organizations, prompting most to reduce waste while simultaneously improving the quality scores and financial metrics that impact reimbursement.
Introducing healthcare's newest specialty — the virtualist
Part of healthcare's perpetual evolution is the emergence of new roles and functions. This is especially true in the health IT sector, as digitization creates new opportunities and challenges in care delivery.
For example, healthcare organizations have increasingly established the chief medical information officer role to address the growing need for a liaison between IT implementations and physicians. And, as telehealth offerings proliferate in healthcare — and as long as consumer demand for telehealth continues to grow — the industry may soon see a new clinical specialist: the virtualist.
Who, what, when, why, how: Everything you need to know about BPCI
Bundled payments have arrived, and they are likely here to stay, as CMS continues to align more of its Medicare contracts with quality and cost incentives. This webinar, hosted by EmCare, lays out a guide to preparing for the shift to CMS' Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative.
5 answers to clinicians' common questions about telehealth
The demand for telehealth continues to surge, and there is no indication this demand is going to slow any time soon. By some estimates, the U.S. market for virtual consultations is slated for 78 percent growth, reaching 27 million virtual visits by 2020. At the 13th annual World Health Care Congress in Washington, D.C., in April, Robert Pearl, MD, executive director and CEO of Permanente Medical Group and president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, said the health organization expects to do more video visits than in-person visits in 2018.
Mastering microsurgical, navigation for successful minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery — Dr. Roger Härtl's insightIn a Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.-sponsored webinar titled, "The role of microsurgery and navigation in minimally invasive spinal surgery," Roger Härtl, MD, of New York City Presbyterian Hospital – Weill Cornell Medicine, discussed how to combine microsurgical techniques, navigation and instrumentation technology to successfully perform MIS. He serves as a neurological surgery professor and director of spinal surgery and neurotrauma at Weill Cornell Brain & Spine Center.
Using peer review and benchmarking to improve quality: A 4-step guide for ASC leaders
As regulatory changes place progressively tougher metrics on hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, providers are held increasingly accountable for the quality and cost of care delivered.
Hospital-tested strategies for placing patients at the center of care delivery
Healthcare providers constantly strive to improve quality of care and patient outcomes. But now, more than ever, hospitals and health systems are seeking ways to build and sustain value-based care models. Tackling such endeavors involves understanding the innumerable moving parts that impact patient safety and the patient experience. However, for many organizations, the sum of all of those components can boil down to a single question: How can we put the patient at the center of care delivery in a meaningful way?
How GI endoscopists can use data analytics to understand where they are & where they are goingUsing data to drive quality outcomes can provide gastroenterologist with a slew of benefits including enhanced patient care and financial bonuses from CMS. A gMed team details how GI endoscopists can use data to differentiate themselves from other providers.
Why biometrics authentication should be your hospital's next IT investment
Patient misidentification at hospitals poses a triple threat — and not the good kind. Rather, it can pose a serious risk to patient health and wellbeing, undermine patient satisfaction and create inefficiencies that lead to significant revenue loss.
Personalized payment techniques: How to leverage big data for hospital financial success
Often times, big data is discussed in terms of the clinical insight it offers physicians and researchers in the realm of population health and behavioral change, but such data can also offer insight to inform more immediate actions, such as payer negotiations or identifying personnel productivity. All of these actions — both long- and short-term — influence hospital success.
3 key elements of environmental disinfection improvement efforts
During a March 23 webinar, Jim Gauthier, the senior clinical advisor of infection prevention for Sealed Air Diversey Care, highlighted the three elements every successful, integrated approach to environmental cleaning and disinfection should have.
4 key benefits of Collaborative Staffing
Staff management is a key element to achieving the goals of health reform, and healthcare organizations can improve patient and employee satisfaction, improve quality and boost their bottom line by using a collaborative approach to staff management.
10 lessons learned for successful telehealth integration
Having facilitated more than 1 million e-visits, telehealth provider Teladoc has learned some lessons in what works and what doesn't when implementing virtual healthcare visits.
Fair market value and physician compensation: Key considerations and trends
The federal government continued to focus on relationships between hospitals and physicians in 2015, specifically the role referrals play in driving physician compensation. That trend is likely to continue this year, making it crucial for healthcare organizations to utilize the proper valuation techniques when calculating physician compensation.
Academic medical centers: Trends in mergers, acquisitions and affiliations
Academic medical centers serve as emblems of the highest quality healthcare and icons of the most prestigious medical research and education in the U.S. However, to ensure continued success and financial viability in the future, AMCs must develop or refine their strategies to manage several primary challenges.
The keys to combating sepsis: Change management processes and decision-support tools
Sepsis may be one of the biggest killers in the U.S., yet it is not a condition with which many average Americans are familiar. Nevertheless, hospitals are always looking for new ways to catch and treat sepsis as early as possible, to improve patient outcomes and reduce mortality rates.
The evolving healthcare landscape allows surgeons to perform more total joint procedures in the outpatient setting. With this shift, medical providers must be prepared to handle the transition while maintaining organizational efficiency, quality, supply chain delivery and implant acquisition.
5 ways to build your case for inventory management technology
It's no secret that many hospitals and health systems struggle with supply chain spending and waste reduction. One potential solution to these problems is making a switch to an automated inventory management system. Before making this switch, however, you must help your colleagues see the significance of current problems in the supply chain.
Become the ultimate customer — 5 key points on how freight management can drive down costs
With healthcare undergoing tremendous transformations, ASCs are constantly seeking ways to drive down costs. Brad Wilson, national vice president of sales and service for Cardinal Health OptiFreight® Logistics, discussed how ASCs can yield significant savings utilizing a freight management program.
The next generation of healthcare visits — New opportunities with Telehealth 2.0
Over the past few centuries, healthcare has moved from the age of modern medicine with the house call to the centralized mean of production at clinics and hospitals. Patients wait in line to see medical specialists and the process becomes inefficient. But telehealth is changing that.
Year in review: Transactional trends of 2015 and 7 tips for hospitals as they enter 2016
As 2015 draws to a close, hospitals are facing a significant number of changes, including new developments in value-based payment and a changing regulatory environment. Three broad categories of transaction trends emerged in 2015. These trends were likely influenced by the changes in the market and may inform what is ahead for 2016 and beyond.
During a Dec. 11 webinar, Michael Wang, MD, of the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, and Laurent Schaller, founder and CTO of Benvenue Medical, discussed minimally invasive technology for spinal procedures.
How to properly clean medical scopes and improve patient safety: 10 steps
During an Dec. 8 webinar, Stephen M. Kovach, director of education at Healthmark Industries, and Mary Ann Drosnock, manager of clinical education for gastroenterology at Healthmark Industries, outlined 10 best practices to improve the scope cleaning process.
How to win over physicians to value-based care: 3 foundational principles
Physicians are on the front lines in terms of impacting value creation and capture for hospitals and health systems, said Steve Wigginton, chief development officer of Evolent Health, said during a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review. However, many physicians feel their pulse weaken at the thought of value-based care.
Fighting sepsis: A clinical, technological and cultural initiative
Sepsis is a significant problem for patients and hospitals, as the condition is often deadly and a major burden to hospitals' bottom line. Despite hospitals' best efforts to curb this inflammatory response to infection, the prevalence of sepsis has increased over the last several years.
Using staffing evidence to improve the patient experience: 5 takeaways about workforce strategy
During an Nov. 10 webinar, Molly Gamble, editor-in-chief of Becker's Hospital Review; Krista Baty, RN, CNO of Cedar Park (Texas) Regional Medical Center; and Lisa LaBau, general manager of workforce solutions company API Healthcare, discussed how staffing variables can help improve patient outcomes — and how technology can aid this process.
Emotional intelligence: A new measure for MDs
By the time they complete schooling, training and establish their careers, physicians have demonstrated a high degree of intellect and gained vast clinical and technical knowledge. However, as the healthcare industry becomes increasingly concerned with patient satisfaction and care coordination, technical medical knowledge alone will not suffice.
The post-acute care providers' guide to the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model
CMS declared lofty goals in January when it announced its plan to shift 30 percent of all Medicare payments to value-based models by 2016. By 2018, the benchmark is to have half of all Medicare provider payments fall under an alternative model, which includes accountable care organizations, patient-centered medical homes or bundled payments. In July, CMS showed it was serious about the transition when it announced the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CCJR) Model.
In a webinar sponsored by San Jose, Calif.-based Vocera Communications Tressa Springman, CIO of LifeBridge Health, and Gautam "G" Shah, vice president of product management for Vocera, together discussed how a communications strategy can impact clinical efficiency and boost patient satisfaction.
Build a reliable referral stream with direct-to-consumer marketing: 5 key points
During an Oct. 13 webinar, hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, three leaders from Ascription Medical Consultants detailed how healthcare providers can harness healthcare consumerism to establish a direct-to-consumer marketing plan, which builds a pool of reliable referrals.
The ins & outs of managed care contracting: 6 core concepts
During an Oct. 14 webinar, hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Lisa Rock, president of National Medical Billing Services, and Scott Allen, vice president of managed care contracting with National Medical Billing Services, broke down the process of managed care contracting and explained how to master this complex and continual process.
Transforming the supply chain: Why automation is the key to waste reduction
The need to increase efficiency and reduce waste is not a new realization for hospitals and health systems. However, a new approach to reimbursement has accelerated the urgency with which health systems must find opportunities to save money and prevent unnecessary spending, according to Heather O'Sullivan, vice president of clinical operations for Cardinal Health™ Inventory Management Solutions.
3 patient expectations healthcare organizations need to meet to stay relevant
Healthcare in the U.S. is at risk of becoming akin to the strongest bridge in Honduras — a bridge that stood after a 1998 hurricane wiped out 150 other bridges across the country. This famed bridge, the Choluteca Bridge, withstood 75 inches of rain in four days, but it is now better known as "The Bridge to Nowhere." While the bridge withstood the storm, it rendered the infrastructure irrelevant by relocating the river that once flowed beneath it. Honduras' strongest bridge now spans dry ground.
If healthcare organizations don't keep up with the river of patient expectations, they could be rendered irrelevant as a "Bridge to Nowhere". In the following webinar, Oliver Kharraz, MD, president and founder of ZocDoc shares three expectations healthcare organizations should meet or exceed to stay current with patient needs.
How to optimize a pre-op preparation strategy: 5 takeaways
Decisions that are made early on in the perioperative process by the patient or their surgeon can have far-reaching effects down the line, so it's critical to optimize the pre-op preparation strategy. Michael Hicks, MD, CEO of EmCare Anesthesia, and Lisa Kerich, vice president of operations of EmCare Anesthesia, outlined a few tips for improving the patient pre-op process in a recent webinar.
Combatting denials using machine intelligence: How it works and why now is the time for it
Denials are a substantial and persistent problem all healthcare providers face. They can cost healthcare organizations between 3 to 5 percent of their net revenue annually, according to some estimates, while others project the financial implications are even higher. With tens of millions of dollars at stake, hospitals and health systems are constantly searching for ways to improve their denials management systems.
Applying bundled payments to perioperative services: 3 major takeaways
Bundled payments have the potential to improve a hospital's perioperative efficiency and quality, as well as maximize revenue for both hospitals and surgeons. Alecia Torrance, RN, senior vice president of clinical operations for Surgical Directions, and Joseph Bosco, MD, vice chairman for clinical affairs at the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases' Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, discussed applying bundled payments to the operating room in a recent webinar.
The ASC infection control manifesto: 4 essentials for survey readiness
During a Sept. 1 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Lee Anne Blackwell, vice president of clinical services with Practice Partners in Healthcare, discussed four key components within five primary objectives for creating and maintaining an effective ASC infection control program. She presented the IC Plan in 10 key components to comply with the CMS conditions for coverage 416.51 b.
Many hospitals have too narrow a view of pharmacy in the hospital setting — it goes far beyond supply chain or a room in the basement that processes prescriptions. As the healthcare delivery system begins to put an increased focus on wellness, quality and integrated, team-based care, pharmacy will play an increasingly critical role in coordinating patient care. Here are eight strategies hospitals can use to leverage pharmacy to improve the patient experience and operate as a high-reliability organization.
Finding new solutions for uncompensated care in a post-reform era
After rising continuously for more than 35 years, hospital uncompensated care costs — the sum of a hospital's bad debt and charity care — declined by an estimated $7.4 billion in 2014, according to analysis from the American Hospital Association. Despite the drop, U.S. hospitals had nearly $40 billion fall into uncompensated care that year, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation estimates.
EHRs in ASCs: 5 thoughts for the present and future
During a July 30 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Tara Vail, MBA, Vice President of Marketing with HSTpathways, discussed the barriers to EHR implementations in ASCs, reasons to consider making the switch and how to select the right system for your center.
Improving Hospitalwide Flow is Key to Competitive Advantage
Development in any industry is like whitewater rafting — long stretches of calm waters can quickly turn into exhilarating, frightening Class V rapids — and healthcare is no exception. The healthcare industry, in fact, is in a perpetual whitewater of change, according to Thom Mayer, MD, CEO of BestPractices and executive vice president of EmCare.
How ASCs can increase profitability - 8 key steps for out-of-network success
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare, John Bartos, JD, CEO of CollectRx, presented a webinar discussing how ambulatory surgery centers can maximize profits with out-of-network reimbursement rates. In-network rates are locked in, and Medicare is inflexible. But there is another option available. "Out-of-network represents the last great opportunity for many providers to bring more dollars in the door to increase the bottom line," said Mr. Bartos.
The future of orthopedics: ACOs, bundled payments, gain-sharing & the advantage in change
Healthcare provider payment models are shifting from fee-for-service to pay-for-performance and risk-sharing models. By next year 30 percent of Medicare payments are expected to be through alternative payment models.
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and EmCare, a leading physician practice management company, Thom Mayer, MD, CEO of BestPractices and executive vice president of EmCare, and Kirk Jensen, MD, CMO of BestPractices and chief innovation officer at EmCare, dicussed how hardwiring hospitalwide flow can help organizations move forward and attain change in their facilities.
Robotic technology propels orthopedic ASCs into the future
Orthopedic surgeons are more regularly using robotic technology to achieve highly accurate and precisely placed partial knee replacements, and now ambulatory surgery centers are beginning to implement the technology.
Top 4 things the CFO needs to know about purchased services
In today's ever-evolving healthcare environment, hospital CFOs face a number of challenges.These include changing reimbursement levels, the transition to ICD-10 and the trend toward hospital consolidation, in addition to their ongoing effort to drive cost savings and drive value creation for their hospital. According to a report by Standard & Poor's, healthcare systems in the U.S. saw expenses outpace revenue growth for the first time since 2008.
How Penn State Hershey Medical Center improved patient care by improving employee learning
When healthcare employees are engaged in their work, it means lower turnover, greater efficiencies and improved patient care. But many hospitals and health systems may be overlooking one key component that can drive higher staff engagement: Training and development.
Endoscopes and MDROs: How to avoid an outbreak
Hospitals and health systems across the nation have taken notice of the risks associated with some endoscopic procedures and the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms to patients. The "superbug" outbreaks that occurred in Seattle at Virginia Mason, in Los Angeles at UCLA and elsewhere could potentially occur at any facility.
First step toward success under bundled payments: Care redesign
Valued-based payments are here to stay. However, as the government and commercial insurers depart from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement models and shift toward care delivery systems that reward value, providers face numerous challenges.
4 tips for improving communication and helping nurses get back to the patient's bedside
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Molly Gamble, Editor-in-Chief of Becker's Hospital Review, Rhonda Collins, RN, CNO for Vocera Communications, and Mary Beth Mitchell, RN, CNIO for Arlington-based Texas Health Resources, outlined four tactics hospitals should employ to bring the communication pieces together so nurses can spend more time at patients' bedsides.
The value-based contracting playbook webinar outlines 5 steps for effective risk management
As providers think about population health management, they must approach value-based contracting arrangements carefully. These payer-provider contracts can be the key to targeting specific market segments and geographic regions when executed effectively. However, if they are not carefully designed, value-based contracts may not be sustainable and could have a negative financial impact on provider organizations.
How to manage physician referrals to cut costs and improve satisfaction
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Francisco Loya, MD, CEO of EmCare Hospital Medicine, and Mirza Baig, chief technology officer of EmCare Hospital Medicine, outlined a few ways hospital executives can improve engagement with community physicians and enhance the referral process.
Cloud access: Enhancing clinical care mobility
Mobile devices are becoming more commonplace in healthcare as convenient and accessible tools for clinical communication, care coordination and patient engagement. What's more, the number and type of mobile devices available continues to grow, as vendors and technology companies develop and produce new offerings. Gareth Hall, director of worldwide health at Microsoft, said in a June 2 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review that mobility is the new norm in healthcare. Approximately 66 percent of hospital employees use personal devices for work purposes, and 80 percent of employees frequently work away from their desks on mobile devices, he said. As healthcare becomes more integrated, and by nature more complicated, the ability to be mobile becomes more important, Mr. Hall said.
Devising new talent strategies for the future of healthcare: A case study
The changes and challenges facing every U.S. healthcare organization today are driving the need for innovative and effective talent strategies, for without a unified workforce and strong cultural alignment, it will be impossible to deliver better care at lower costs.
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Mark D. Dixon, RPh MHA, FACHE, president of The Mark Dixon Group, and Joseph Sferra, MD, vice president of surgical services and general surgeon at ProMedica Toledo (Ohio) Hospital, discussed the biggest trends in healthcare and how this led to the hospital's adoption of the SEDASYS Computer-Assisted Personalized Sedation System.
How HAIs lead to direct, indirect and unintended hospital costs
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Lynn White, MD, practicing anesthesiologist and president of Patient Shield Concepts, discussed how much hospital-associated infections really cost hospitals.
In the new value-based health economy, hospitals and health systems are turning to new strategies to drive revenue growth. Organizations are employing new technologies, developing strategic partnerships with community providers and looking for new ways to coordinate care and improve efficiency.
5 ways to maximize savings with freight management
When approached with active participation from suppliers, hospital staff and carriers, freight management programs allow hospitals and health systems to garner substantial savings on parcels and large freight they already ship from their facility and receive directly from suppliers on a daily basis.
As federal and state governments face budget shortfalls, hospital-physician arrangements face increasing Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute enforcement actions. Yet the rules of these laws remain broad and complex.
How both the private and public sector are accelerating the move to accountability
Now that the concept of value-based care is being discussed widely in healthcare, companies in both the public and private sectors are helping to drive the transformation in the healthcare system. The formation of the Health Care Transformation Task Force in January 2015 has indicated a drive among stakeholders to encourage innovation in aiding the industry through a transition period.
7 key lessons for establishing healthy hospital-physician ASC partnerships
In partnering with ASCs, both hospitals and physicians can gain efficiencies and improve their attractiveness to payers, third party administrators, IPAs and patients. While all parties stand to gain significant benefits from ASC joint ventures, some potential hazards exist.
Care coordination in a post-EHR world: How CRM and mobile tools are enabling change
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Damon Auer, vice president of healthcare at business application and application and cloud soultion firm Tribridge, discussed the growing need for CRM tools and how they can benefit care providers.
Playbook to CMS' Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program: What hospitals need to know
Our current healthcare delivery model is one in which hospitals act on the frontlines of defense — particularly by treating high-risk patients in emergency departments — with less emphasis on primary care and self-management.
Improving patient outcomes by staff satisfaction through digital rounding
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Doug McPherson, director of accounts for CipherHealth, Jenny Snodgrass, IT System Coordinator for Sentara Healthcare, and Berlinda E. Bowdwin, RN, a clinical nurse manager at Sentara Princess Anne Healthcare, discussed the how a digital rounding platform can improve staff satisfaction and improve patient outcomes.
3 stages of turning data into analytic insights for population health management
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Herman Jenich, senior vice president of product development and information management for xG Health Solutions, and Janet Tomcavage, RN, senior vice president and chief of value-based care strategic initiatives for Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., and chief of population health for xG Health Solutions, shared how to incorporate data and analytics into population health strategies.
7 common traits of a successful OR and how to achieve them
In a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Jeff Peters, MBA, president and CEO of Surgical Directions, and Alecia Torrance, MBA, BS, RN, CNOR, senior vice president of clinical operations at Surgical Directions, shared the common characteristics of successful perioperative service lines, as well as tools to optimize them in an era of falling payments and rising quality expectations.
7 sins of suboptimal disinfecting and how to mitigate them
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Sealed Air, Peter Teska, global healthcare sector expert from Sealed Air, and Nicole Kenny, senior director of professional and technical services of Virox Technologies, shared some of the most common barriers to optimal disinfecting and how to overcome them.
INVOS Regional Oximetry in cardiac surgery outcomes: A valuation analysis
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Medtronic, cardiac surgeon and SSM Health cardiovascular department chairman David A. Theodoro, Medtronic's repiratory and monitoring solutions director of marketing for U.S. advanced parameters Julie Pettigrew and president and CEO of data analytics company PotentiaMED Robert Palmer discussed the benefits of a cerebral oxygenation system and its potential benefits in treating high-risk patients.
10 ways lean strategies support the healthcare workforce and improve healthcare delivery
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Kronos, renown author and vice president of customer success at KaiNexus Mark Graban, and Gregg Gordon, senior director of strategic consulting at Kronos, discussed the "people side of lean strategies" and various staffing techniques to ensure organizations are utilizing their staff to the fullest.
5 strategic advantages of improved facility management in healthcare
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, John Summers, vice president, Global WorkPlace Solutions, and Todd Siple, account director, Global WorkPlace Solutions, discussed the impact of enterprise facility management on healthcare's value equation.
How to succeed under risk-based payment models
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Columbia, Md.-based xG Health Solutions, Earl Steinberg, MD, CEO of xG Health Solutions and executive vice president of innovation and dissemination at Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Health System, and Ray Herschman, president and COO of xG Health Solutions, provided guidance for organizations embarking on new risk-based payment models.
During a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Carola Endicott, vice president of services and operations for Cardinal Health, Mike Hughes, vice president of supply chain and logistics for Cook Medical, and Alan McQueen, director of supply chain logistics and distribution at St. Louis-based BJC HealthCare, discussed a collaboration launched by the three organizations to address the significant waste and inefficiency experienced in BJC's supply chain for high-value implantables.
Patient satisfaction in outpatient spine & orthopedic surgery: Multimodal pain management is key
Becker's Healthcare hosted a webinar on Dec. 15, featuring Paul Jeffords, MD, a spine surgeon at Atlanta-based Resurgens Spine Center and section chief of orthopedic surgery at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, discussed moving complex spine and orthopedic cases from the hospital to the outpatient setting.
Competing With an ASC? How Hospitals Can Win
In a July 15 webinar hosted by Surgical Directions, the consulting firm's president and CEO Jeff Peters discussed how hospitals can compete with ambulatory surgery centers in their markets for physicians and case volume.
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review on July 31, a panel of experts discussed data collection efforts by national orthopedic registries as well as new solutions that make supply purchasing in the orthopedic service line more effective.
How telehealth can help organizations beat the competition
The growing implementation of telemedicine and subsequent strategy was the topic of discussion in a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and presented by American Well.
5 essential considerations when bringing total joints to ASCs
During a Dec. 9 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review and Pacira, Patrick Toy, MD, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and Benjamin Domb, MD, an assistant clinical professor with Loyola University in Chicago, laid out five imperative steps to take before introducing total hip and total knee replacement procedures in the ASC setting.
Finding technology that drives efficiency & profit: 6 steps to successful ASC health IT acquistion
During a Dec. 4 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Chuck Meisel, vice president of sales with Surgical Notes, defined six steps for ASC leaders to take when looking for a technology solution that supports operational and financial improvement at their centers.
The hidden opportunity to significantly increase profits: Maximizing out-of-network reimbursements
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and Rockville, Md.-based Collect Rx, John Bartos, JD, CEO of Collect Rx, highlighted the importance of out-of-network reimbursements for hospital leaders looking to improve profitability.
Ensuring physician career satisfaction and success: A new model
In an Oct. 29 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and sponsored by Select International, Sam Agnew, MD, president of Global Trauma Solutions, and Michael Rose, MD, a member of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees and vice president of surgical services of the Florence, S.C.-based health system, discussed new approaches to addressing the issues physisicians are facing today from both the hospital and physician point of view. Bryan Warren, manager of healthcare solutions at Select International moderated the discussion.
Changes ahead for the healthcare workforce: How to prepareIn a Sept. 30 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, two experts from AMN Healthcare — Marcia Faller, Ph.D., RN, chief clinical officer, and Brenda Fischer, PhD, RN, MBA, vice president of education and professional advancement — discussed what healthcare leaders can do to ensure effective workforce planning in the changing industry.
The safe surgery checklist guide: From source tools to implementationDuring an Oct. 9 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Michelle George, RN, MSN, CASC, vice president of clinical services with Surgical Care Affiliates, and Lisa Sinsel, group director of clinical services with SCA, delved into the history of safe surgery checklists and how ambulatory surgery center leaders can make the most of these tools.
How technology can bolster antimicrobial stewardship programs
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and VigiLanz, a provider of clinical decision support surveillance software, panelists discussed how technology and clinical decision support systems can bolster antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Clinical integration: A key to improving patient flowThe most recent Physicians Foundation survey found nearly 80 percent of healthcare providers reported being either overextended or at capacity, further illustrating the current capacity and patient flow issues. However, in a recent webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review,Dr. Jensen and Mark Hamm, CEO of EmCare Hospital Medicine, suggested integrating clinical services with ED services can help optimize patient flow and clinical care.
Looking to Lean: Innovative ideas in ASC supply chain management
In a webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare on Sept. 25, Ned Turner, senior vice president of perioperative supply management consulting at Mundelein, Ill.-based Medline, discussed common challenges in supply chain management at ambulatory surgery centers and how they can be overcome by making changes in processes around supply chain.
Building successful ASC out-of-network strategy in the current healthcare environment
In a webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review on Sept. 16,
John Bartos, JD, CEO of Collect Rx, outlined the key steps ambulatory surgery center leaders can take to build an out-of-network strategy in a healthcare environment being reshaped by reform and increasing downward pressure from payers.
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In a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review on Aug. 20, Bobbi Kochevar, director of diagnostic and therapy services at Minneapolis-based North Memorial Health Care, and hc1.com founder and CEO Brad Bostic discussed North Memorial's lab remarkable turnaround and offered the following four strategies for health systems looking to similarly increase efficiency and accountability.
8 critical healthcare legal issues for ASCsIn a webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review on Aug. 31, National Medical Billing Services President Lisa Rock and NMBS Director of Legislative Research and Advocacy Diana Hilliard, JD, discussed eight of the most pressing legal issues for ambulatory surgery centers. Download the webinarpresentation.Download a PDFof the presentation.
Leveraging technology: Using big data to make better purchasing decisions in the orthopedic service lineIn a webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review on July 31, a panel of experts discussed data collection efforts by national orthopedic registries as well as new solutions that make supply purchasing in the orthopedic service line more effective.
Hospitals That Successfully Compete With ASCs Have Adopted Common StrategiesIn a July 15 webinar hosted by Surgical Directions, the consulting firm's president and CEO Jeff Peters discussed how hospitals can compete with ambulatory surgery centers in their markets for physicians and case volume.
Social Media in Healthcare TodayHealthcare reform and the aging population are not the only forces changing the healthcare landscape: social and digital media are as well, according to Kendra Simpson, vice president of Social@Ogilvy.
The Supply Chain's Role in Making or Breaking Hospitals' Margins, Competitive EdgeDuring a June 18th webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, John H. Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Client Operations of MedAssets, Inc. and Steve Chyung, Vice President Supply Chain Management & Real Estate of SCL Health System, discussed how to identify leading supply chain principles and critical business processes as a source of strategic advantage for your supply chain. They also described the best ways to adapt industry models to the unique environment of the healthcare supply chain in hospitals.
Is Your ASC Ready for a Crisis?During a June 17th webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Laurie Deihs, RN, MS, MPH, Assistant Director, Education of Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Heath Care and Kris Kilgore, RN, BSN, Administrative Director, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology Surgical Care Center and Surveyor of Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care discussed developing an internal emergency and disaster plan to address the risks of your ASC. They also reviewed implementing simulation-based training by using clinically-based scenarios in order to make your ASCs action plan the most effective.
4 Steps to Add Value to Established Joint Venture ASCsDuring a May 30 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Robert Zasa, MSHHA, FACMPE, managing partner of ASD Management, discussed four strategies to support growth of established joint venture ASCs.
Developing Your Payer Mix for Your In-Network / Out-of-Network StrategyDuring an May 6 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Kelly Webb, General Manager and Vice President of Operations for MediGain's ASC Billing Division discussed high-deductibles, baseline pricing, exchange insurance and having a "hybrid strategy" in today's healthcare system.
5 Observations and Concerns From Hospital and Health System CFOsDuring an April 23 webinar moderated by Scott Becker, JD, publisher of Becker's Hospital Review, and Becker's Senior Editor Bob Herman, Kevin Holloran, director of Standard & Poor's Ratings Service's nonprofit healthcare group, and three CFOs — Gary Weiss of Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem, Harry Reese of Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, and Michael Schaefer of Dallas-based Methodist Health System — discussed the financial pressures facing nonprofit hospitals and health systems.
HealthCare Appraisers 2014 ASC Valuation SurveyDuring an April 17 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Todd J. Mello, ASA, CVA, MBA, founding partner of HealthCare Appraiser, and Nicholas A. Newsad, MHSA, a manager with HealthCare Appraisers, discussed the HealthCare Appraisers 2014 Valuation Survey. The survey serves as a tool with which ASC leaders can gain a sense of the overarching valuation and ASC company trends shaping the industry.
The Role of Behaviors and Talent in Patient Safety and Organizational CultureIn an April 15 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, experts from Select International discussed the role of behaviors and talent in patient safety and organizational culture. The webinar featured Michael Rose, MD, vice president of surgical services for five-hospital McLeod Health in Florence, S.C., and Ted Kinney, PhD, director of research and development for Pittsburgh-based Select International.
Bullish on Bundled Payments: How Specialists Can Benefit From the ProgramIn an April 10 webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare, two presenters — John Cherf, MD, president of OrthoIndex, an orthopedic surgeon at the Chicago Institute of Orthopedics and a member of OrthoCentrix Solutions; and Dave Terry, CEO of Archway Health Advisors — gave a background of CMS' bundled payment program, and specifically why specialists may want to give it a try.
The Secret Formula for Using Secure Texting Hospital-WideIn an April 9 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review and sponsored by secure texting solution provider Amcom Software, representatives from two hospitals described how they were able to successfully implement a secure texting solution at their organizations and the resulting benefits.
How Will Healthcare Reform's Coverage Requirements Affect ASCs?In an April 2 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Reiew, Tom Jacobs, MBA, president and CEO of MedHQ and John Merski, Jr., executive director of human resources services at MedHQ, explained how and when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will affect health benefits and how ambulatory surgery center leaders can prepare.
Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Interlaminar StabilizationIn a March 26 webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare, Hallett Mathews, MD, Executive Vice President and CMO of Paradigm Spine, LLC, and James Chappuis, MD, discussed the value created by the use of the coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization™ device for treating lumbar spinal stenosis.
Take Back Control of the OR: How a Rep Replacement Model SucceedsIn a March 20 webinar hosted by Becker's Healthcare, Implant Partners Vice President and Lead Partner Steve Lamb and Partner Alignment Leader Jason Baty explained how an orthopedic rep replacement model can help hospitals take back control of their operating rooms.
The Fast Approaching ICD-10 Deadline: How Can ASC Leaders Prepare?In a March 12 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Mary Bort, CPC, CANPC, CASCC, COSC, director of coding with Surgical Notes, discussed the upcoming ICD-10 transition and what ambulatory surgery center leaders can do to prepare.
15 Key Trends and Issues for Hospital and Health System TransactionsIn a Feb. 27 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Scott Becker, JD, chairman of the McGuireWoods healthcare department and publisher of Becker's Healthcare, discussed 15 of the biggest merger and acquisition trends within the hospital sector.
4 Key Insights on Addressing Cost Variation for Specialty Services
In a Feb. 13 webinar titled "Can You Afford to be Accountable for Specialty Care? A New Approach for Identifying Variation & Risk in Specialty Care Episodes," Brett Furst, CEO of healthcare analytics and software firm ArborMetrix and ArborMetrix Chief Scientific Officer John Birkmeyer, MD, discussed how healthcare providers can pinpoint and address the reasons for variation in specialty care episode payments. David Miller, MD — division chief and associate professor of urology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor — also spoke about variation in specialty care reimbursement. Here are four key insights from the webinar.
Real Bottom-Line Savings: Why Hospitals Should Re-evaluate Purchased ServicesIn a Jan. 16 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Beverly Schierer, vice president of research and analysis of MD Buyline;, Laurie Clayton, regional director of contracting of St. Joseph Health's Northern California Region in Santa Rosa, and Cris O'Neal-Gavin, system contract manager of purchased services of St. Louis, Mo.-based SSM Health Care, shared their facilities' best practices and success stories of reducing operational costs by examining their purchased services contracts.
What's Next? 22 Observations on ASCs for 2014In a Dec. 17 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Scott Becker, publisher of Becker's Healthcare and chairman of the healthcare department at McGuireWoods law firm in Chicago, discussed his observations for the ambulatory surgery center industry currently, as well as where the sector is headed.
The Two-Midnight Rule: What Hospitals and Health Systems Need to Know About Compliance
In a Dec. 3 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Ms. Finis; Rodger Fletcher, senior product manager of TeleTracking; Stephanie Kitt, director of clinical documentation, utilization and coding at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago; and Becker's Editor Bob Herman discussed what hospitals and health systems need to know about the two-midnight rule, how it will affect them and best practices for compliance.
How to Measure Leadership Impact on Hospital PerformanceIn a Nov. 19 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president at Truven Health Analytics who is responsible for the 100 Top Hospital programs, explained that leadership can be measured and has a huge affect on a hospital's performance.
The Next Big Step for Health System Integration: Healthcare TransportationIn a webinar on Nov. 13 hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, three presenters — Mark Dixon, president of The Mark Dixon Group, Jake Crampton, CEO of MedSpeed, and Steve Statz, senior vice president of business development at Avera Health in Sioux Falls, S.D. — gave a background of the operating challenges health systems face and described how a healthcare transportation strategy can better align systems and drive value along the way.
How to Initiate Information Governance: 5 StepsOn Nov. 4, 2013, Lesley Kadlec, MA, RHIA, director of HIM practice excellence at AHIMA and Lydia Washington, MS, RHIA, CPHIMS, senior director of HIM practice excellence at AHIMA, presented a webinar titled "Information Governance for Healthcare Executives." They discussed five best practices for initiating an information governance structure at a hospital or health system.
Opening a Window of Opportunity: Outsourcing Procurement at Surgery Centers
On Oct. 29, 2013, Vice President of Procurement at Provista Jon Pruitt, MHA, CMRP, presented a webinar titled "The Business Case for Outsourcing Procurement." Mr. Pruitt discussed the supply chain benefits of outsourcing procurement at ambulatory surgery centers.Total Joint & Spine Reimbursement: Overcome 5 Big ChallengesOn Oct. 16, 2013, Senior Manager, Coding & Coverage Access at Specialty Healthcare Advisers, a subsidiary of Musculoskeletal Clinical Regulatory Advisers, Carolyn Neumann, CPC, presented a webinar titled "How to Overcome the 5 Biggest Reimbursement Challenges in Total Joint & Spine Coding."
The Evolving Value-Based World: Why Improving Clincial Care Will Optimize Future ReimbursementsIn an Oct. 15 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, several executives with MedAssets — Executive Vice President and CMO Nick Sears, MD, Senior Vice President of Lean Healthcare Consulting Dave Munch, MD, and Vice President of Reimbursement Strategies and Analytics Mah-Jabeen Soobader, PhD — covered how revenue enhancement, resource management and physician alignment will change in the shift to value-based care.
How Weight-Bearing MRIs Can Improve Care & Lower Costs While Meeting Milliman CriteriaIn an Oct. 2 Esaote webinar, Douglas Smith, MD, and Stephen Hochschuler, MD, discussed the advantages of using a standing or supine weight-bearing imaging system, specifically the G-Scan Brio from Esaote, as opposed to a traditional MRI scan. They also shared how to present the tests to CMS and commercial payers in order to meet the Milliman Care Guidelines.
The Power of the Checklist: How to Create a Culture of Patient Safety at ASCsSurgical Care Affiliates Senior Vice President of Clinical Services & Training Linda Lansing and Vice President of Clinical Services Michelle George gave a webinar titled "Implementing Safe Surgery Checklists at Your Surgery Center" on Oct. 1. The presentation touched on several important aspects of safe surgery checklists, including how to develop and successfully implement checklists at surgery centers.
Improving Patient Care: Pre-Surgical Skin Antisepsis StandardizationIn a Sept. 24 CareFusion webinar, Sharon Butler, MSN, RN, shared key steps for building and implementing a standardized pre-surgical skin antisepsis protocol. Ms. Butler explained how the protocal was implemented at Stanford University Hospital and how standardization can help all healthcare providers.
3 Key Concepts that Factor Into Physician Practice ValuationIn a Sept. 18 webinar, Stuart Neiberg, a manager for HealthCare Appraisers, shared his professional perspective on key concepts that factor into physician practice valuation including the acquisition structure, different approaches to determining fair market value and intangible value generation.
Boosting Patient Satisfaction in the ED: What Hospitals Should and Shouldn't DoIn a Sept. 17 webinar, experts from Select International discussed steps for hospitals to boost their patient satisfaction scores, especially in the emergency department..
Navigating the Journey: How Hospitals Can Transition From Providing Care to Managing HealthIn a Sept. 10 webinar, Miles Snowden, MD, CMO of Optum, explained that providers are trying to improve their structures through the flow of information, intelligent data analytics and aligned priorities, but it's not always an easy journey. In fact, going from where the system is now — providing care to sick people — to a system that proactively manages the health of a population is the very sticking point for many providers.
ICD-10 Transition: Where Surgery Centers Should Be & How to Proceed
National Medical Billing Services Senior Vice President, Coding Angela Talton, MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPC, CPC-H, discussed how ambulatory surgery centers can prepare for the transition to ICD-10 in a webinar titled "Where ASCs Should Be with ICD-10" on Aug. 22.
14M Newly Insured Will Hit the Market Next Year: How to Start Preparing
In an Aug. 29 webinar titled "What to Expect from the Newly Insured," sponsored by Truven Health Analytics, Bob Kelley, senior vice president of the Center for Healthcare Analytics at Truven Health, and Linda MacCracken, vice president of advisory services for Truven Health, shared insight on the large population of Americans gaining insurance in the next four years and how provider organizations can prepare for the flood of newly insured patients.
During an Aug. 27 webinar, Jeff Peters, president and CEO of Surgical Directions, and Joseph Bosco, MD, vice chairman for clinical affairs at the Hospital for Joint Diseases' department of orthopedic surgery in New York City, discussed transforming perioperative services for accountable care organizations.
What Can You Do on Monday to Lower Your Supply Costs
In a webinar titled "What Can You Do On Monday to Lower Your Supply Costs" Chris Klassen, Vice President of Supply Chain for Surgical Care Affiliates, discussed the most important factors for lowering supply costs at surgical facilities. Ambulatory surgery center administrators must understand product utilization in the operating room as well as supply contracting to comprehend overall costs and realize savings.
Navigating the Challenges of ICD-10 & RAC
Timothy Meakem, MD, the medical director of ProVation Medical, recently gave a webinar presentation titled "Utilizing Procedure Documentation to Overcome the Challenges of ICD-10 and RAC." ProVation Medical is a Wolters Kluwer Health documentation and clinical decision support solutions company serving the healthcare industry.
4 Ways New Technology Can Benefit a Spine Surgeon's Practice
During a July 17 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Hallett Mathews, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Paradigm Spine, moderated a panel on how spine surgeons can benefit from adopting the coflex® Interlaminar Stablization technology. The presentation panel consisted of John Peloza, MD, of The Center for Spine Care in Dallas; Michael Musacchio, MD, of The Center for Spine Care; Richard Salib, MD, of the Institute for Low Back and Neck Care in Minneapolis; and Glenn Keiper, MD, of KeiperSpine in Eugene, Ore.
How Surgery Centers Can Save Big Dollars With Medical Device Reprocessing
During a July 16 webinar hosted by Becker's ASC Review, Timothy Merchant, vice president of sales and reprocessing at MEDISISS, and Jason Wandersee, CEO of MEDISISS, discussed how medical device reprocessing can translate into significant savings for ambulatory surgery centers. Mr. Merchant and Mr. Wandersee explained exaclty where savings can be found and how reprocessing maintains quality of care, while giving surgery center leaders the ability to be cost conscious.
A Hospital Might Perform Well — But is it Healthy?
During a June 26 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, experts from two McKinsey Solutions — Objective Health and the Organizational Health Index — discussed why providers should assess and actively manage their organizational health. The webinar featured presenters Connie Cibrone, senior director of client services with Objective Health, Elizabeth Irons, COO for McKinsey & Company's Organizational Health Index Solution, and Carla Arellano, head of marketing for McKinsey's Organizational Health Index Solution.
Business Analytics for Healthcare Organizations: Maximize Information While Minimizing Efforts
During a June 20 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Therese Poland, RN, and Susan Lautner, RN, experts from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program in Chicago, and Jeanne M. Robinson, APN, coordinator of the stroke response and neurology teams at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, explained the different levels of stroke center designation and how regional partnerships between the tiers can enhance patient care.
How to Build Regional Collaborations to Enhance Stroke Care
During a June 20 webinar hosted by Becker's Hospital Review, Therese Poland, RN, and Susan Lautner, RN, experts from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program in Chicago, and Jeanne M. Robinson, APN, coordinator of the stroke response and neurology teams at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, explained the different levels of stroke center designation and how regional partnerships between the tiers can enhance patient care.
How and Why Emotional Intelligence is Affecting Hospitals' Bottom Lines
Experts from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Pittsburgh-based healthcare employee assessment firm Select International recently presented a webinar on the role of emotional intelligence in hospitals' patient-centered care delivery, satisfaction scores, clinical outcomes and finances. Bryan Warren, manager of healthcare solutions at Select International, Ted Kinney, PhD, consulting manager, and director of research and development with Select International, and Michael Anderson, vice president of human resources within the Physician Services division of UPMC, presented the webinar.
How HR Information Systems Can Save Even the Most Cost-Effective ASCs Real Dollars
MedHQ recently hosted a webinar titled "How HR Information Systems Save Even the Most Cost-Effective ASCs Real Dollars." MedHQ president Tom Jacobs and the company’s executive director of human resources, John Merski Jr., explained dollar-by-dollar how HR information systems save ASCs $50,000-$300,000.
3 Strategic Considerations for Hospitals and Health Systems
Scott Becker, JD, CPA, hosted a webinar covering key strategic issues hospitals and health systems across the country are facing today, including a look at physician alignment, sustainability and accountable care organizations.
Driving Unwarranted Clinical Variation Out of a Hospital: Key Strategies
Objective Health, a McKinsey Solution, sponsored a webinar titled "Managing Clinical Variation to Drive Cost Efficiency and Improve Patient Care," which featured a discussion on strategies for hospitals to reduce unwarranted clinical variation.
4 Points on How ASCs Can Make Going Out of Network Work
MediGain sponsored a webinar titled "The ASC Revenue Trifecta: Payor Mix, OON and PPO." The webinar featured a discussion about why ASCs go out-of-network and other revenue-generation issues.
5 Strategies to Reduce Human Resources Costs at Surgery Centers
MedHQ sponsored a webinar titled "Controlling the Rising Costs of Human Resources: 5 Ways to Lower Expenses While Navigating PPACA Benefits Changes." The webinar featured Tom Jacobs, CEO and co-founder of MedHQ, and John Merski Jr., executive vice president and partner at MedHQ.
How Standardizing IP Protocols in ASCs Can Enhance Quality
CareFusion sponsored a webinar titled "How Standardizing IP Protocols in ASCs Can Enhance Quality." The webinar featured Chuck Peck, MD, Managing Director, Navigant Consulting and Leader of Clinical Operational Effectiveness, and TK Miller, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery at Virginia Tech/Carillion School of Medicine and Medical Director at Roanoke Ambulatory Surgery.
HealthCare Appraisers Share Valuation Tips and TrendsHealthCare Appraisers sponsored a webinar titled "What is a Surgery Center Worth? Multiples & Other Findings From HealthCare Appraisers' 2013 ASC Valuation Survey." The webinar featured Todd Mello, ASA, AVA, MBA, and Jason Ruchaber, CFA, ASA, both partners at HealthCare Appraisers' Denver office.
Strategies for Surgical Service Line Success Under Accountable CareSurgical Directions sponsored a webinar titled "Managing Surgical Services Lines Under Accountable Care and Value-Based Purchasing." The webinar featured Jeff Peters, president and CEO of Surgical Directions.
5 Big Out-of-Network Myths Debunked for Surgery CentersJohn Bartos, CEO of Collect Rx, presented a webinar titled "Debunking the Myths of Out-of-Network Reimbursement." During the presentation, Mr. Bartos spoke about the payor approach to reducing out-of-network reimbursements, opportunities for ambulatory surgery centers to continue with out-of-network and the five biggest myths about OON.
4 Commonly Cited ASC Infection Prevention Survey DeficienciesThe Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care sponsored this webinar covering commonly cited ambulatory surgery center infection prevention survey deficiencies. The webinar featured Marsha Wallander, RN, associate director of AAAHC, and Marcia Patrick, RN, MSN, CIC, an infection prevention consultant and member of the board of directors of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
Community Hospital Partnership Considerations: Lessons Learned From Hillcrest Health's Partnership With Scott & WhiteCommunity Hospital Corporation sponsored this webinar covering considerations for community hospitals considering a partnership or relationship. The webinar featured Mike Williams, president and CEO of Community Hospital Corporation, and Glenn Robinson, CEO of Hillcrest Health System in Waco, Texas.
5 Enablers for Population Health ManagementObjective Health, a McKinsey Solution, sponsored this webinar covering key enablers for the development of population health strategies. The webinar featured James Stanford, client service executive with Objective Health, and Luis Almeida Fernandes, Greg Gilbert, Peter Groves and Will Wright, all with McKinsey & Company.
Reusable medical devices are critical tools in ambulatory care sites, but properly processing those devices can be a challenge for employees due to varying processes and standards for different types of devices and a lack of training among staff.
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