http://www.orhcnews.com/index.html Oregon Healthcare News RSS Feed en-us Copyright 2010, David Peel epeel@wahcnews.com (Elizabeth Peel) dpeel@wahcnews.com (David Peel) Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss20 http://www.orhcnews.com/images/orhcmasthead.gif http://www.orhcnews.com/index.html 72 13 http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dwaldo-0312.pdf Doctors, nurses and other health care providers in America work incredibly hard to deliver the best care possible to their patients. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dwaldo-0312.pdf http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dblackwell-0311.pdf Rachel became our patient in 2005, and just like hundreds of other patients, sought medical care because her back pain was limiting her ability to remain active. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dblackwell-0311.pdf http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dedwards-0312.pdf The need for high quality affordable health care is growing significantly in Clackamas County, Oregon. Many county residents are doing without adequate health care or showing up in emergency rooms with acute medical crises that are significantly more costly to treat than early prevention and treatment. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dedwards-0312.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-krebay-0312.pdf Yes, of course, it’s a 10-letter word. But those of us who have been in the health care industry for a while can remember the days of managed care, when capitation was marred by many negative characteristics including an intense and distracting bottom-line focus, inadequate technology that didn’t always facilitate data capture and care management, and a shortage of clinical oversight and involvement. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-krebay-0312.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-gmontgomery-0312.pdf This Time Is Different. The baby-boomer generation is now turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 a day and will continue to do so for the next 18 years. The average 65-year-old spends approximately four times as much on healthcare services as the average 40-year-old. These changing demographics, and the increasing healthcare costs associated with them, create a healthcare environment that differs from the past. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-gmontgomery-0312.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mburns-0312.pdf According to a Price Waterhouse Coopers report, the number of groups self-funding their health benefits increased by 20% between 2008-2010. The average increase in premiums for plan years 2009 to 2010 was $808 per employee per year for fully-insured plans versus $248 for self-funded plans. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mburns-0312.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rhansten-0312.pdf 2012 healthcare leaders must streamline processes, avoid uncompensated hospital acquired conditions, optimize the patient/family experience, compete for top tier patient satisfaction and quality, and provide the best value healthcare in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty in reimbursement along with policy turmoil. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rhansten-0312.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bsjw-0212.pdf Social media creates concerns for all employers and special concerns for hospitals, which by design, regularly handle confidential medical information. The speed and ease with which employee and patient information can be shared renders it imperative that hospitals address social media concerns and expectations with their employees. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bsjw-0212.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dwaldo-0212.pdf We know that patients judge healthcare providers not only on clinical outcomes but on their ability to be compassionate and deliver excellent, patient-centered care. No hospital can afford to offer anything less than the best clinical, physical and emotional experience to patients and their families. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dwaldo-0212.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice-0211.pdf Like any new relationship, mergers and acquisitions come with great expectations and enthusiasm. They bring the prospect of increased market share, a strengthened core business, expanded product lines, enhanced technologies and, of course, reduced costs--all driven by the power of synergy. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice-0211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel-0112.pdf Oregon domestic health plans recently reported third quarter 2011 financial results and ten of the thirteen plans were profitable. Nine of the plans reported higher underwriting gains and only three reported an underwriting loss, suggesting a measure of premium stability in 2012. However, the uncertainties of healthcare reform will likely be factored into 2012 figures as actuaries finalize rates. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel-0112.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tpritchard-0112.pdf Wouldnt it be great if all we needed to do in healthcare was follow protocol, process, and procedures? Id love a world that was only black and white—in the form of checklists and algorithms. But that certainly isnt the reality--particularly in an industry where changes are happening at an increasingly rapid pace. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tpritchard-0112.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tonnell-1211.pdf Non-unionized health care employers – especially clinics and other non-hospital employers – may feel like the government has made them a target. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tonnell-1211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice-1211.pdf This columns focus on trends and opportunities underscores that, as an industry, we are facing a wide array of opportunities and challenges. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice-1211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jstacy-1211.pdf It is an unfortunate reality of our era that health systems will have to deal with the stresses of patient decontamination. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jstacy-1211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-amasser-1211.pdf Sometimes, a patient needs care your facility can’t offer. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-amasser-1211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-williamskastner-1111.pdf The First Circuits August 29, 2011 decision in Tuli v. Brigham & Womens Hospital depicts the harsh financial consequences that may arise when a hospital fails to investigate and reign in a disruptive physician. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-williamskastner-1111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbl-1111.pdf The view of fraud prosecutions new frontier is becoming clearer with the announcement of substantial new enforcement actions and settlements focusing on the hospitals role in the performance of allegedly unnecessary procedures. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbl-1111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-crivard-1111.pdf Certain portions of the recently passed health care reform law are in the headlines, and in the courts, as opponents of the legislation seek to roll back or repeal what they view as governmental overreach. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-crivard-1111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-csimpson1111.pdf In early July, PeaceHealth Laboratories expanded our EasyAccess discounted laboratory testing program for uninsured patients to include specimens collected in a physicians office. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-csimpson1111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice1011.pdf After twenty plus years in the belly of America’s healthcare system beast, I am skeptical but not cynical. I no longer look for or believe that there is a silver bullet that will “fix” healthcare. The system is just too complex and fragmented. It’s hard to see how there could be a lever that, when pulled, will align all the practices, incentives and systems into a unified model of care and funding. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dprice1011.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-hma1011.pdf In today’s competitive marketplace, where budgets are stretched thin, employers want cost effective alternatives to a traditional medical plan. Companies understand that employees have historically enjoyed relatively robust medical plans that offer coverage with little to no out of pocket cost. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-hma1011.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tsmigel0911.pdf Billing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is nothing new, but the face of it is rapidly changing. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tsmigle0911.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rpicado0911.pdf For payers who have been struggling in a stagnant economy, the proposed health reform mandates will create much-welcome growth in the health benefits market. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rpicado0911.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tmiles0911.pdf New data available from both the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Premier healthcare alliance offer health care providers their best opportunity yet to determine whether participating in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) would be beneficial. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-tmiles0911.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0911.pdf The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule on HIPAA electronic standards that would replace ICD-9 code sets with the greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets for claims, remittance advice, eligibility inquiries, referral authorizations, and other transactions. Health care organizations without a solid upfront strategy in place prior to implementation could fall behind. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0911.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-crivard0811.pdf Health care reform has always been complicated, but the complexity is escalating at an accelerated pace. One of the reasons for this growing intricacy is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), enacted in March 2010, which requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Medicare Shared Savings Program by the start of 2012. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-crivard0811.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0811.pdf Health care reform has placed an increased focus on accountability for quality outcomes and, at the same time, low-cost care. Health care leaders should evaluate the degree to which hospital mergers or affiliations will offer improved quality of care and lower costs in their own facility. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0811.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-shurwitz0811.pdf In 2009 Seattle Children's updated and revised its compensation practices to provide managers with better tools to recognize and reward workplace performance for our more than 4,000 employees. Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-shurwitz0811.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-planfinancialsytd033111.pdf This report presents first quarter 2011 Oregon Health Plan financial results compared to the first quarter of 2010. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-planfinancialsytd033111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lmaslen0711.pdf Healthcare reform is about accountability for care. As a nurse, should someone ask me if I provide quality care, I would answer, "Absolutely." But if they ask me, "What is your data to support that claim of quality care?" Then I may need to say, "I'll be right back with you on that." Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lmaslen0711.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rhoward0711.pdf Providers who participate in Medicaid should familiarize themselves with proposed federal regulations published on May 6, 2011 that, if adopted, would substantially impede their ability to challenge Medicaid rate reductions in court. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rhoward0711.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-srose0711.pdf After months of anticipation and speculation the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued proposed rules relating to a voluntary Shared Savings Program for Medicare providers and suppliers participating in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Under the Shared Savings Program, providers and suppliers will continue to receive traditional Medicare fee-for-service payments under Parts A and B, and be eligible for additional payments if specified quality and savings requirements are met. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-srose0711.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dfeider0611.pdf Medical professionals are sensitive to potential claims from employees for age, gender, race, national origin, citizenship, religious, sexual orientation, and disability discrimination or workplace harassment claims. That said, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) which investigates and prosecutes claimed violations of federal employment laws, reports that retaliation claims are on the rise and exceed those alleging any other type of claim at this point in its history. Retaliation is perceived as a "growth industry" for lawsuits. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dfeider0611.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelrives0611.pdf The federal health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, requires employers to report the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage on employees' W-2 forms. The IRS recently released additional information on this requirement: Notice 2011-28, available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-11-28.pdf. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelrives0611.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jschoonard0611.pdf Health and wellness aren't simply buzzwords at Providence Health Plans - not for the registered nurses who make up the Providence Care Management team. They minister to people with chronic conditions or acute illnesses and help many of them find new ways to manage their health. In 2010, the team worked with 30,577 individuals experiencing more than 20 types of chronic conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to congestive heart failure. Tue, 10 May 2011 07:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jschoonard0611.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-kvillanueva0511.pdf A devastating earthquake. A raging storm. An unrelenting flood. Each of these natural disasters could easily disable or dismantle the best-built health care facility in the world, as recent events in Japan have made all too clear. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-kvillanueva0511.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcra0511.pdf While Lean design--particularly Lean Production Preparation Process (Lean 3P)--is quickly becoming de riguer on healthcare design projects, even the 3P process itself is subject to streamlining with technological advances. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcra0511.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lharris0511.pdf The recent Healthcare Reform legislation removed many of the mechanisms health plans had in place to control healthcare costs. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lharris0511.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-janderson0511.pdf The Workforce Improvement with Immigrant Nurses (WIIN) Program prepares experienced foreign-educated nurses for licensure and practice in the United States. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-janderson0511.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jjay0511.pdf There are some simple measures you can take to avoid potential fraud and discourage a would-be theft while still maintaining a comfortable working environment. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-jjay0511.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0411.pdf No one knows whether the health care reform law will withstand the series of challenges that now confront it in the courts, Congress, and the states. But one thing is certain: Whether it's through decreasing fraud and abuse or increasing operational efficiency, the drive to cut health care administrative costs will continue, no matter how the health care reform battle turns out in 2011 and 2012. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-mossadams0411.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-gmennegar0411.pdf Despite the strong push for physician practices to go paperless through the adoption of EMR and EHR, many are still drowning in paper. In the back office, practices are inundated with patient and insurance company payments, EOB's and other mail. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-gmennegar0411.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-apgar0411.pdf Imagine being in compliance with federal regulations, no matter how often they change, covering your entire security and privacy footprint, thereby minimizing the legal risks that come with being a healthcare organization in today's world. Sounds dreamy, kind of like head-in-the-clouds type thinking, right? Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-apgar0411.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-vhess0411.pdf Professional Paradise. Some healthcare leaders might say it's an oxymoron. But even those who readily believe it is in fact possible to achieve a constant state of "paradise" or "bliss" at work might think that finding or creating Professional Paradise in today's climate of healthcare reform is ludicrous. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-vhess0411.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelaco0411.pdf Given the absence of rules implementing the Accountable Care Organization ("ACO") provisions of The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA"), many have been left wondering whether those organizations already claiming to be ACOs have taken a route that is benefiting their organizations. Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelaco0411.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-mayoproton0311.pdf When Mayo Clinic announced construction of a $188 million cancer treatment center, it energized the Phoenix, Arizona area. Not only will the highly precise technology allow patients to have shorter treatment times and fewer side effects, but it also provides what is often a more cost effective solution for patients suffering from particular types of cancer. Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-mayoproton0311.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mthurston0311.pdf A recent Washington State Department of Health study found that about one in three Washington adults ages 25 or older had fasting blood glucose levels indicating pre-diabetes. Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/wa-mthurston0311.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-sstelzriede0311.pdf Responsibilities of audit committees have increased significantly over the past 20 years. Although some committees have shifted to accommodate new structures and operations, many have been slow to embrace the increase in roles and responsibilities, leaving them vulnerable to shareholder and stakeholder scrutiny. Sun, 06 Feb 2011 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-sstelzriede0311.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-millernash0311.pdf In today's healthcare industry, community hospitals face unprecedented challenges. From problems with physician retention and recruitment, to increasing technology and compliance costs, to the lack of negotiating power with vendors and suppliers, many community hospitals are at a severe disadvantage. Is merger or affiliation an option to improve the health of community hospitals? Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-millernash0311.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bsjw0211.pdf Human resource professionals are critical to the success of every organization. As the New Year begins, they should ensure their companies have updated policies and employees trained on new and developing issues. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bsjw0211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-bannerironwood0211.pdf The ironwood tree provides a place of shelter and refuge from the hot desert sun. Likewise, when Banner Health chose the site of recently opened Banner Ironwood, a previously underserved area gained a healing refuge. "We're in an urban area, but still pretty remote. The next nearest hospital is 14 miles from here," explained Deb Krmpotic, CEO of Banner Ironwood. "Our mission is to make a difference in people's lives through excellent patient care. The ironwood tree's purpose inspires ours, to provide a place of healing and recovery." Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-bannerironwood0211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/co-flight0211.pdf Flight For Life Colorado was the first civilian, hospital-based helicopter program in the nation, and began service in 1972 with a single Aloutte III helicopter. Mon, 17 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/co-flight0211.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelrives0111.pdf The passage of federal healthcare reform in 2010 marks a new era for employer-sponsored health plans. Along with the requirements of other recently passed laws, group health plans must comply with several new provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") summarized in this article. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-stoelrives0111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-djohnson0111.pdf Physician reimbursement has been central to the extensive debate over health care reform. Understanding the essentials of physician reimbursement is fundamental to understanding healthcare finance, the recently approved changes to our health care system, and how to respond as those changes take effect. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-djohnson0111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel0111.pdf Oregon domestic health plans recently reported third quarter financial results and six of the largest seven plans posted higher net income (or a reduced loss) compared to the same period in 2009. However, the other, smaller plans all reported lower profits and one plan, LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon, reported a loss of $1.8 million. Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel0111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-dpeel0111.pdf Arizona hospitals report a wealth of data each year to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). They are required to report financial, utilization and staffing information using a form called the Uniform Accounting Report (UAR). Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/az-dpeel0111.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/co-dmeyers.pdf The CU School of Medicine advances medical education services to Colorado in many ways. This article will focus on two efforts, Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/co-dmeyers.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbow1210.pdf Two years ago I spent the better part of seven days at the bedside of my eighty-five year old mother who had fallen and was hospitalized in a highly reputable Portland hospital. While the experience was difficult for her, it was profound for me. Despite two decades of hospital employment, I had never spent this amount of concentrated time viewing the world from the standpoint of the person at the center of our work--the patient. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bbow1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-pgoldberg1210.pdf Your healthcare organization is being constantly besieged with change and uncertainty: healthcare reform, patient safety, cost reductions, reimbursement changes, etc. There is one certain and mandated change, which if not completed, could bring many of your organization's activities to a grinding halt - the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. With a deadline of October 2013, this important project should be close to the top of today's priority list. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-pgoldberg1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rlahner1210.pdf Such frenzied messages are the stuff of sleepless nights for hospital administrators. But, in spite of administrators' best efforts, these calls are a given hazard of the business, and this was indeed the call received several years ago by a startled Los Angeles hospital CEO. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rlahner1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcra1210.pdf In the healthcare field, we all use a number of different tools to assist us in effective management of our current facilities and sound strategy for future development and growth. We manage using dashboards, spreadsheets, charts, trends, and management reports, among many others. Working with C-level healthcare executives and administrators, we get to see first hand how disparate and disconnected these tools can become, making management less a visual tool and more an "in the numbers" process. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcra1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/ca-dpeel1210.pdf In a sign of continued stability for the California Health Plan industry, twenty-eight of the largest thirty plans reported positive net income through the first six months of 2010. Total enrollment of 20.9 million was comparable to the same time period in 2009 while total revenues of $47.8 billion were up $1.9 billion. Investment revenues were considerably higher during the first six months of 2010 with $624.8 million reported versus $193.9 million reported during the same time period in 2009. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/ca-dpeel1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore1210.pdf To protect their valuable assets (patients, goodwill, and confidential information) and investments (recruiting, training and development costs), healthcare employers commonly require physicians to agree to restrictive covenants as a condition of employment. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/wa-jshore1210.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-pfrisch0910.pdf Readers of the Oregon Healthcare News are undoubtedly familiar with changes to HIPAA included in the HITECH Act, creating new privacy and security requirements and enhancing current enforcement tools. This article is intended to help organizations take a step back to reasonably ensure they are compliant with HIPAA/HITECH and if not, what key risk areas to address first. As often is the case, many who are intimately involved with compliance sometimes miss critical compliance issues within our own organizations. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-pfrisch0910.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel1109.pdf The article describes the best way to find Clinic Practice Manager candidates. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-dpeel1109.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcech0409.pdf Why healthcare organizations must integrate process improvement techniques into their daily work. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bcech0409.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lbottomly0910.pdf Seven percent of annual revenue is lost to employee fraud according to some estimates. The healthcare industry is not immune from this affliction. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lbottomly0910.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bmcmullan1110.pdf Close Collaboration is Key to Finding the Solutions to Major Healthcare Cost, Quality Issues Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-bmcmullan1110.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-wsmall1110.pdf An article about the new disclosure requirements for employee retirement plans. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-wsmall1110.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-djohnson1110.pdf An overview of current pharmacy reimbursement contracting methods. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-djohnson1110.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rlewis1110.pdf Methods for hospitals to guard against RAC audit losses. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-rlewis1110.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-kbaker1110.pdf Texting Patient Information may violate HIPAA and other privacy laws and this article describes why. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-kbaker1110.pdf http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lp1110.pdf What executives need to consider in terms of hospital debt when acquiring or affiliating with another hospital. Fri, 08 Oct 2010 08:00:00 PST http://www.orhcnews.com/newsletters/or-lp1110.pdf