Rhett Lankford

Key Metrics a Virtual Hospital Manager Should Monitor In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, virtual hospitals are at the forefront of leveraging technology to provide accessible and high-quality care. For a virtual hospital manager, monitoring key metrics is crucial to ensure smooth operations and optimize resource allocation. Appointment and Patient Flow Management Completed Appointments: Track successfully completed appointments. Cancelled Appointments: Monitor cancellation rates. Pending Appointments: Keep an eye on appointments awaiting confirmation. Geographic Distribution Patient Distribution Map: Visualize patient numbers from different regions. Service Coverage Areas: Identify high-demand regions. Service Performance Average Service Time: Measure service completion times. Patient Satisfaction Scores: Analyze feedback to improve services. Resource Utilization Staff Workload: Track patient numbers seen by healthcare professionals. Equipment Status: Monitor availability and functionality of medical devices. Emergency Management Emergency Calls: Track number and nature of emergency calls. Response Times: Measure emergency response times. System Health and Security Server Performance: Monitor IT system health. Data Security: Track security incidents. Financial Performance Revenue and Expenditures: Monitor income and operational costs. Insurance Claims: Track processed claims and billing accuracy. AI and IoT Integration Diagnostic Accuracy: Measure AI-based diagnostic tools' accuracy. Remote Monitoring: Ensure IoT devices are properly connected. By prioritizing these metrics, virtual hospital managers can create a responsive, patient-centered healthcare environment that meets the needs of a diverse and dispersed patient population.SEHA AL RAHBA HOSPITALSanalBeePudena Health Consulting Co.Mustafa Köroğlu

5

1 Comment

Great conversation here between my colleague Blake Watts and our friends over at Leader's Edge Magazine! Blake discusses point solution fatigue, the importance of investing in health tech, and what makes Ochsner Connected Health a unique player in how we approach chronic disease management with employers nationwide. #HealthTech #EmployeeWellness #ChronicDiseaseManagement #DigitalHealth #ValueBasedCare #Diabetes #Hypertension #GLP1 #Obesity

6

Here’s your recap of last week’s health IT news 🗞️ 👇 🖊️ AI Ambient Scribes • CHRISTUS Health + Abridge: The 15,000 provider Texas health system adopted the ambient scribe enterprise-wide.    • Tampa General Hospital + Nuance Communications DAX Copilot: Over 500 providers at the health system will begin utilizing the AI ambient scribe.    • Texas Oncology + DeepScribe: The statewide oncology practice adopted the AI ambient medical scribe. (ed. note: scribes continue to be hot!) ☎️ AI Contact Center • Clearstep: The AI conversational chat vendor launched a new feature allowing patients to self-schedule specialist visits. 📊 Data & Analytics • InterSystems + CLEAR: The cloud-based patient data service is integrating the identity technology to expedite access to patient records.    • WakeMed + Bamboo Health: The health system is adopting the data interoperability and encounter notification service. 🥼 Clinical Decision Support • University Hospitals + Aidoc: The Cleveland-based health system is implementing the AI clinical decision support platform across 13 of its hospitals and additional outpatient locations. 🧑‍💻 Virtual and At-Home Care • University of South Carolina School of Medicine + Rimidi: The hospital group and an affiliated multispecialty clinic are adopting the remote patient monitoring platform to reduce complications from postpartum hypertension.    • Mount Sinai Health System + HealthSnap: The medical center announced a new remote patient monitoring and chronic care management program in partnership with the virtual care management platform.    • Wheel: The telehealth company released a new AI-driven virtual care platform designed to enhance the patient experience and offer resources to help partners scale their virtual care services. 💬 Patient Engagement • CipherHealth: The patient engagement solution focused on patient rounding released a new AI summary tool.    • DexCare: The care orchestration platform completed a $75M series C funding round 🩼 Durable Medical Equipment • Better Health: The medical device and peer support network completed a $14M funding round. 🧠 Food for Thought: • Silicon Valley Bank released an interesting report on the state of investment in AI in healthcare, including stats on AI usage at healthcare organizations and the impact of leveraging AI on startup valuation. https://lnkd.in/em7AfivT    • The journal Critical Care Medicine published an editorial on an “in clinico” evaluation of a machine learning-based early warning system to predict in-hospital deterioration. We found it to be an interesting look at the actual impact of a model’s deployment on care processes and patient outcomes in a critical care setting. https://lnkd.in/eQhZbVKu

47

3 Comments

Health insurance companies Medicare Advantage plans subsidy and premium based EBITDA and Profits can only be guaranteed and expanded by taking from the physicians who manufacture preventive, medical, surgical and palliative outcomes with their patients and also taking from the hospitals in which clinical outcomes are manufactured and produced. #quadrupleaim, #medicare #medicareadvantage #healthcarecosts

1

With decreased bed availability, thinned hospital margins and increased demand for care that exceeds the hospital supply — improving patient flow has become a focus for health system C-suite executives. I shared with Fierce Healthcare this broader strategy that could improve hospital throughput performance: 1. Use data to create a network of high-performing post-acute options 2. Measure and manage performance across that ecosystem with agreed-upon targets 3. Create alignment with post-acute providers to help with transfers 4. Make protocols that guide readmissions after initial discharge This strategy has allowed Allina Health to achieve high performance in our hospitals for throughput and capacity management. In less than a year, we have saved 24,808 inpatient days, reduced discharge to skilled nursing facilities length of stay by 1.61 days and decreased discharge to home health length of stay by 0.89 days. To read more about this strategy for improved hospital throughput performance, click the link in the comments below.

99

8 Comments

As 2024 concludes, healthcare leaders have gained critical insights amidst rapid advancements and challenges. Here's a glimpse of the year's key lessons: 🔍 Data as a Strategic Ally: Harnessing real-time analytics transforms operations and patient care. 💻 Telehealth’s New Era: Virtual care isn't just an option—it's expected. 🩺 Workforce Resilience: Supporting staff well-being is pivotal for quality care. 💡 Personalized Patient-Centered Care: Building trust through tailored approaches ensures loyalty and satisfaction. 📜 Adapting to Regulations: Proactive compliance safeguards growth and quality. 🚀 Tech Integration: Innovations like AI show promise but demand careful execution. 💰 Value-Based Care's Rise: Aligning rewards with patient outcomes reshapes operations. As we step into 2025, the focus remains on resilience, innovation, and care. These takeaways set the stage for a robust and adaptable future. What 2024 lessons resonate most with your healthcare journey? Let’s connect and discuss! #HealthcareLeadership #InnovationInCare #2024Lessons #FutureOfHealthcare

1

1 Comment

Purchased services are vital to healthcare, but they can also become financial drains if not managed properly. A mature purchased services strategy includes insight into all expenses, reduction in unnecessary variation, and prioritized patient care, outcomes, and experience. By focusing on these areas, health systems can lower costs, improve clinical care, and enhance patient experiences. Learn more in Advantus Health Partners article about how to create a mature purchased services strategy: https://lnkd.in/g4UwCjCW #HealthcareSupplyChain #ValueBasedCare #SupplyChainManagement

37

"We pay for service, not value or outcomes." Profound words coming from Kevin Cox, former CHRO of GE, during his recent appearance on our podcast. We had a great conversation surrounding so many facets of healthcare, including Kevin's view on the future. Catch the full conversation via the link below: https://bit.ly/4hm5fpv #BrokenBenefits #CustomerExperience #Healthcare

51

2 Comments

Great Post Bob ... I have said a few times... "The role of Supply Chain in healthcare is evolving significantly, shifting from a transactional role to a strategic function with a direct impact on financial performance. Supply Chain now has a presence at the C-level, underscoring its importance in driving margins and supporting sustainable financial models. By adopting a holistic approach to expense management and overseeing all non-labor spending, Supply Chain leaders can create substantial value.And its not all created equal. Exmaple: reducing costs by just 5% can yield the same profit impact as increasing revenue by 100%, highlighting the efficiency of cost management over revenue initiatives in improving profitability. This transformation aligns closely with strategic imperatives around delivering higher value with fewer resources, supporting revenue generation, and enhancing competitive advantage. Moving towards clinically integrated, population health-focused, and value-based contracting models is critical for the future."

7

Operationalizing Value-Based Care Across Multi-State Systems: A Complex but Rewarding Journey Healthcare executives leading multi-state organizations face a daunting yet exciting challenge: operationalizing value-based care (VBC) consistently across diverse geographies. It’s not just about aligning with a single-payer or adapting to one patient population. Instead, it’s about creating a framework that bridges the gaps between states, systems, and stakeholders while ensuring quality care and controlling costs. Here’s why it’s tough and why it’s worth it: 1. Payer Contracts Vary Widely: Different states have different payers, each with unique value-based agreements. Negotiating terms, understanding benchmarks, and aligning incentives across systems is like managing a puzzle where the pieces are constantly shifting. 2. Patient Populations Differ: A successful VBC model in a densely populated urban market may not work for a rural community where access to care and social determinants of health play a more significant role. Tailoring approaches while staying true to an overarching strategy is critical. 3. Regulatory Complexities Add Layers: Navigating the maze of state-specific regulations, licensure requirements, and reporting standards requires adaptability and a deep understanding of compliance. How Do We Overcome These Challenges? The key lies in striking the right balance between centralized strategy and localized execution. - Centralized Strategy: Develop a core value-based care framework focusing on quality, cost containment, and patient outcomes. Establish guiding principles and use data analytics to drive decisions. - Localized Execution: Empower regional teams to adapt the model based on local needs. Develop payer-specific playbooks, invest in population health management tools, and engage community resources to address social determinants of health. - Technology as an Enabler: Unified EHR systems and predictive analytics can provide a holistic view of performance across regions. This data ensures consistency while identifying areas for tailored interventions. The Payoff Organizations that navigate these complexities successfully achieve more than cost savings. They build scalable, sustainable systems that improve patient care across diverse communities. The path isn’t easy, but the rewards are transformative for multi-state systems committed to leading the VBC transformation. How is your organization tackling the operational challenges of VBC across state lines? #ValueBasedCare #HealthcareLeadership #PopulationHealthManagement #QualityandOutcomes

8

3 Comments

Are we, as leaders, doing enough to be transparent with our teams? Are we sharing not just the successes but also the challenges we face? By embracing transparency, we can build stronger, more resilient organizations ready to navigate any uncertainty. And, we need to recognize that being transparent is hard. It means openness, encourages collaboration, innovation, and a sense of ownership among team members. But, it involves vulnerability on our end. If we as leaders are successful, we will be able to create trusting and successful teams. #Leadership #Transparency #Trust #Communication

8

1 Comment

Elevance Health’s Carelon plans to acquire CareBridge, a Nashville-based provider of value-based home and community care for patients with chronic needs. This acquisition aims to enhance Carelon’s capabilities in managing healthcare spending, as noted by Elevance’s CEO during an investor call on October 17. CareBridge serves over 115,000 patients across 17 states and Washington, D.C., employing more than 500 staff. Elevance recently reported a third-quarter net income of $1 billion, while Carelon’s operating revenue increased 15% year-over-year to $13.8 billion, with a 5.8% operating margin. https://lnkd.in/erCDYsTT

5

Are you prepared for the coming additions to The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Advantage (MA) Star Ratings Measures? Beginning January 1, 2025, CMS is implementing additions and changes that will impact 2027 Star Ratings. MA Plans and providers must ensure they are fully prepared to identify beneficiaries for which these new measures apply and develop strategies to address their care needs — and time is ticking. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eee7bAvu #FTIHealthcare Key Contacts: Mark Van Ert and Krunal Patel

2

🌟 $1.4M Net Revenue Lift for a Texas Rural Hospital 🌟 Rural hospitals are essential lifelines for their communities, but financial pressures often make it challenging to sustain operations. At Ni2 Health, we specialize in delivering measurable results without burdening your budget or resources. ✅ Case Study Highlights When a 14-bed critical access hospital in Texas ($15M NPR) sought to optimize its revenue cycle, they turned to Ni2 Health. Here’s what we achieved together: $1.4M Net Revenue Lift (9.6% of NPR) Resolved 16 Charge Capture Initiatives Implemented 1,324 CDM Compliance Edits Flagged 13.6% of claims for review, addressing a 9% error rate 💡 How We Did It: Using our AI-powered ChargeView platform, we conducted a 100% charge capture audit of 12 months of claims. Our team handled: Data extraction and medical record reviews Full implementation of RCM initiatives to fix root causes and prevent missed revenue opportunities 💬 What the Client Said: "Despite having limited RCM team bandwidth, Ni2 provided the expert resources we didn’t have to partner seamlessly with us. They taught and implemented best practices, delivering critical revenue lift beyond our expectations. Working with Ni2 was an easy decision we’d make again." — Client CFO 🔗 Partner With Us Are you ready to transform your hospital’s financial outcomes without impacting your team’s bandwidth or IT resources? Let’s connect to discuss how Ni2 Health can help your organization achieve results like these. 📩 Contact us today! #RuralHealthcare #RevenueCycleManagement #ChargeCapture #RCMSolutions #FinancialStability #CriticalAccessHospitals #TORCH #TexasHealthcare #RuralHospitals

3

🚨 Update on Baptist Health and Florida Blue Negotiations 🚨 Negotiations between Baptist Health and Florida Blue are ongoing and remain tense as the September 30 contract deadline approaches. Discussions have been underway since February 2024, but no agreement has been reached. The core issue is payment rates: Baptist Health seeks increases to cover rising costs, arguing that current rates are below market, while Florida Blue contends that these demands are excessive and significantly above inflation. With the potential for Baptist Health services to become out-of-network for Florida Blue members on October 1, many patients in Northeast Florida are left uncertain about their healthcare options. Both sides are committed to finding a resolution, but time is running out. 🔗 Sources: Action News Jax, Baptist Health, Health News Florida

4

Suggestions on Choosing the Right Healthcare Proxy Choosing the right healthcare proxy is one of the most critical decisions you can make for your health and well-being. A healthcare proxy is someone who will make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself. At Patient Advocates of Southwest FL, we understand the importance of this role. Based on first-hand and the experiences of more than a few clients, I’m here to share some key advice to help you make the best choice: 1.      Trust is Paramount: Select someone who understands your healthcare preferences and whom you trust implicitly to make decisions that reflect your wishes, not their own. 2.     Availability Matters: Your proxy should be generally available and can be present when needed, especially in urgent situations. Confirm they are willing and able to commit to this responsibility. 3.     Knowledge of Medical Matters: While they don't need to be a medical expert, choosing someone with a basic understanding of healthcare or who is willing to learn about your specific health conditions can be immensely helpful. 4.     Communication Skills: Your healthcare proxy should be a strong communicator. They will need to discuss your care with medical professionals and potentially other family members, advocating effectively on your behalf. 5.     Legally Prepared: Ensure that your healthcare proxy is legally documented. It’s always wise to consult with a legal professional to verify all paperwork accurately reflects your choices and is binding. Choosing the right healthcare proxy is about more than just fulfilling a role; it’s about ensuring that your healthcare decisions are in trusted hands. Your health deserves the utmost care and preparation. #HealthcareProxy #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalDecisions #HealthcarePlanning"

2

1 Comment

Advantus Health Partners strategic partnerships surpass other national GPOs. Teaming up with Alliant Purchasing introduces an unprecedented solution to the market, revolutionizing healthcare supply chain solutions. Our partnership with Alliant highlights critical contracts in the surgical implant portfolio, offering unique advantages for GPO members and vendors. Additionally, we provide comprehensive purchased service agreements for activation, delivering programmatic value to hospitals, health systems, and vendor partners. Since our collaboration, member hospitals have enjoyed savings ranging from seven to 21%, a significant achievement amid ongoing financial pressures in healthcare. At Advantus, we strategically manage the supply chain, focusing on sustained value in surgical implants, cost reductions, and reliability. Like the Costco model, we prioritize reputable brands to drive standardization, enhance clinical care, and reduce expenses. #HealthCareInnovation #AdvantusAlliantPartnership #SupplyChainTransformation Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eMs9REYw

70

2 Comments

Great defense of “private equity medicine” from former CMS administrator Leslie Norwalk. Though few clinicians fully understand it, PEM has become a popular bogeyman for a wide range of complaints about US health care. A few key takeaways: ·      All health care organizations require working capital. They should be judged on their behavior, rather than their source of capital. ·      Pushing health care organizations to more expensive sources of capital (e.g,, high interest loans) doesn’t serve anyone’s interests (except the banks). ·      The financial successes of private equity-backed companies accrue to everyone with a 401K or a mutual fund, not just a small number of wall street elites. ·      Reducing competition in health care (based on investment class) only accelerates market consolidation by integrated health systems, and the higher prices that come with it.

34

7 Comments