Val Kraus, MBA, FACHE

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

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Had great prep calls with these guys. Key areas they will address and share bright spots on: - Matching benefits with member personas - Evolving virtual care beyond video - Various innovations in product design - Bringing price transparency to ACA and Medicare Advantage products - How to penetrate new, highly competitive markets

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Join the conversation! Our team is facilitating the strategy task force of a hospital client in Washington State this week. We're analyzing surveys, focus groups, market, and organizational data to develop a strategic plan framework for the next three years. What are your favorite and least favorite strategic working session activities? Do you hate ice breakers? Love SWOT analysis? Share your thoughts! #strategicplanning #healthcare #hospital #WashingtonStateHospitals #taskforce #dataanalysis

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The healthcare system is moving to a value-based model by 2030. Are you ready for the change? After attending the recent 2024 value-based care learning conference, hosted by the CMS Innovation Center, I’m dedicating this month’s entry of CareMadeClear to an important element of value-based care: risk, and why providers should take it on. In the context of value-based care, taking on risk means that providers are accountable for both the quality and cost –– the total outcome –– of the care they deliver. Shifting from the traditional fee-for-service model to a value-based care approach requires a fundamental change. So why should providers do it? Risk in a value-based framework incentivizes providers to focus on outcomes rather than volume. By assuming risk, providers are encouraged to deliver more efficient, effective and patient-centered care. This not only enhances patient outcomes, making them happier and healthier, but also reduces unnecessary costs, improving the overall patient experience. Consider a healthcare provider managing a chronic condition like heart disease. Under a value-based model, the provider has a vested interest in keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital. Proactive measures can take a variety of forms: regular case management, high-touch interventions, patient and family support, follow-ups, lifestyle interventions and more. By taking on risk, providers can reap the rewards of improved patient health and cost savings, aligning their financial incentives with patient outcomes. And of course, it’s also better for patients when their providers have a vested interest in their long-term health. At CareNu, we support providers in this transition by offering the tools and resources they need to manage risk effectively. We walk side by side with providers as they gradually take on risk. Through predictive analytics, individualized patient care plans and robust support systems, we empower them to confidently embrace risk and reach better health outcomes for their patients. Risk isn’t something to be feared –– it's a catalyst for innovation and improvement in healthcare. By taking it on, providers can help create a more sustainable, patient-centered future. And at CareNu, we’re leading the charge. #CareNuCares #CareNuIsNow #ValueBasedCare #Risk

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🌟 Prioritizing Primary Care: A Cornerstone for Community Well-Being Primary care is the bedrock of health and well-being in every community. It’s the compass guiding us toward better health outcomes, preventive care, and holistic support. 🌿 In Southwest Utah, Intermountain Healthcare is steadfastly committed to ensuring that primary care remains accessible and close to home. Our dedicated team of credentialed and compassionate primary care providers stands ready to serve new patients. 🏥 👉 Why Primary Care Matters: Holistic Approach: Primary care clinicians, including doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, take care of the whole person. They build lasting relationships with patients, families, and communities, ensuring comprehensive health support. Preventive Care: From health promotion to disease prevention, primary care covers it all. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and early intervention are essential components. Community Connection: Our primary care providers are embedded in the fabric of local communities. They understand the unique needs and challenges faced by residents. 📜 Join Us on the Journey: Let’s champion primary care together! Whether you’re a patient seeking reliable healthcare or a professional advocating for community well-being, let’s celebrate the tireless efforts of our primary care heroes. 🙌 👥 Meet Our Primary Care Providers: Below, you’ll find a list of our dedicated primary care providers who are eager to welcome new patients. Reach out, schedule an appointment, and take a proactive step toward better health! 🌟 Remember, strong primary care isn’t just about medical expertise; it’s about building trust, fostering connections, and ensuring a healthier future for all. Let’s make primary care a priority! 💙

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In this blog post written for Health Tech Idaho by Jason Hudson, Rourke Yeakley, MD and I break down in simple, easy to understand principles of why we need to switch away from historical #feeforservice healthcare billing and care delivery. Enjoy!

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

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Choosing the right provider call service partner is crucial for healthcare organizations to ensure seamless communication and quality patient care. In our latest blog post, we outline five essential questions to ask when selecting a provider call service partner. These questions, from responsiveness to technology capabilities, will help organizations make informed choices and find a partner who aligns with their needs and goals. Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/3NLHJG1 #HealthcareCommunication #CallServices #InformedChoices #PatientCare

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WebMD Health Services' Center for Research has recently completed some exciting new research surrounding #EmployeeExperience and #WellBeing. Next Wednesday, June 26th @ 10AM PT and 1PM ET they are hosting a webinar to share valuable insights uncovered when navigating workplace dynamics and enhancing employee engagement. A few key takeaways from the session will include: - Understanding current factors influencing the employee experience - Exploring employee perceptions on well-being and burnout - Learning practical insights to enhance your workforce strategies Don't miss this opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on fostering a positive work environment and improving overall employee satisfaction. Register now to benefit from scientific evidence-based research and real-world case studies. https://lnkd.in/gnQbBGJh #EmployeeExperience #Wellbeing #Webinar

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When selecting between a transformational and a transactional leader for your organization, it's essential to consider key elements. Cindy A Segar-Miller LLC Consultants specialize in pivotal roles like CEO, CFO, CNO, and COO, embodying ownership and delivering rapid, measurable, transformative outcomes. Looking for a leader who can drive change and inspire others? Transformational leaders exhibit: - Idealized influence by living values that motivate others - Individual consideration, taking time to know each team member - Intellectual stimulation, fostering creativity and diverse perspectives - Inspirational motivation, showcasing passion and effective communication. If you're navigating leadership choices or seeking transformation in your organization, connect with Cindy A Segar-Miller LLC for insights and solutions: https://lnkd.in/eaucGSJv.

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As the Urgent Care Conference gets underway, it's important to recognize the vital role that Urgent Care providers play in addressing healthcare's most pressing challenges. However, the healthcare industry often uses buzzwords like "low-cost", "accessibility", and "easy-to-use" without truly defining their meaning. At 3EO, we're committed to giving these terms their meaning back. When it comes to point-of-care molecular testing, low-cost means within $5-10 of antigen, while accessibility means low-cost with no instrument outlay or contract commitment. Easy-to-use means no sample prep and no manual steps. As we expand to COVID/flu, Strep A, STIs, and more, we remain committed to these standards. Come visit us at Booth 735 to learn more about how we're redefining what it means to be low-cost, accessible, and easy-to-use in the healthcare industry. #UrgentCareConference #HealthcareInnovation #PointOfCareTesting

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🌟 Team integration is the cornerstone of project success. 🌟 Shout out to Denton Wilson for shedding light on the importance of team integration at the recent HealthSpaces conference. The audience's survey responses are included below. I was surprised to see how low standards and prototypes were prioritized for success. It makes a ton of sense when you stop and think about it. Open and transparent communication fosters a culture of trust and shared understanding, which ultimately promotes project success. Integrating diverse skills and viewpoints results in more comprehensive and creative problem-solving. Aligning the team around common objectives ensures everyone works towards the same vision. As healthcare facilities management professionals (or all professionals, for that matter), we should prioritize building cohesive teams and nurturing collaborative environments. By doing so, we enhance project success and contribute to creating safer and more efficient healthcare facilities. Here's to championing teamwork and collaboration in our work endeavors! 🤝✨ Legacy FM #LegacyFM #empowerment through #education #EmpowermentThroughEducation #EmpowermentSquad #HealthcareFacilities #FacilityManagement #healthcare #hospital #FacilitiesManagement #SkilledTrades #leadership #HealthcareManagement #Teamwork #Collaboration #ProjectSuccess #HealthSpaces

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🔹The key to success in value-based care is Patient Activation and there is no better, no more efficacious tool out there than #virtualcare to deliver on that premise:  https://buff.ly/3RANvMJ #TelehealthTuesday #telehealth

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Maximizing Patient Conversion in 2024 - Conversions with Cutting-Edge Tools and Methodologies. As the healthcare industry evolves, so do the strategies for nurturing and converting leads. Here are 4 best practices: *Ensure that your lead management software connects with your practice management solution bi-directionally to maximize productivity and tracking. Most lead management systems one connect in one direction. * Embrace Automation for Efficiency: Automate lead distribution, follow-ups, and nurturing. Streamline processes to ensure timely responses to prospects and personalized interactions with potential patients. For instance, create drip campaigns consisting of Email, Voice and SMS. * Invest in Omnichannel Lead Nurturing: Engage leads across multiple channels—email, social media, chatbots, and phone calls. Consistent messaging and personalized experiences improve conversion rates. *Adopt a Data-Driven Strategy: Analyze data to refine your approach. Understand lead sources, conversion rates, and bottlenecks. Data-driven decisions lead to better outcomes.

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Understanding and receiving feedback effectively is essential for growth. In "Thanks for the Feedback," Stone and Heen highlight that feedback sits at the intersection of our desire to improve and our need to be accepted. For healthcare leaders, mastering this balance can improve team dynamics and patient care. Embrace feedback with curiosity, not defensiveness, to create a culture of continuous improvement and trust. Prioritize listening and reflecting on feedback to lead by example and inspire your team. #Healthcare #Leadership #coaching #leadershipdevelopment #personaldevelopment

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In March, CMS announced a new voluntary model, the Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Primary Care Flex Model (ACO PC Flex Model), that will test primary care capitation in CMS’s permanent ACO program, the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).    In our featured Health Affairs article, we share more about the model, the restrictions on participation and how these factors may impact the ACO market.    Looking for targeted performance improvement to promote clinical, financial and operational excellence in your health system? Check out Premier Inc.’s PINC AI™ Value Based Care Collaborative. Read the full feature: https://lnkd.in/eqk8qsqc

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