Flu Resources

The US Department of Health and Human Services Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships has developed flu resources that may be of assistance to you in your community-wide efforts to minimize the impact of influenza. These resources can be accessed electronically:

• Seasonal Flu Guide for Faith and Community organizations and leaders (4 page brief on flu facts, flu fighting action steps for leaders, ways to support vaccination)
• Faith and Communities Fight Flu bulletin insert (5 things community and congregational members can do to stop the flu, for bulletins, community notice boards etc.)

Thank you for your continuing efforts to improve the health of your communities.

Webinar: Simple Revenue Cycle Tips to Improve Your Physician Practice’s Bottom Line

Thursday, February 10, 2011; 2pm ET
It’s number time again. With some excitement about what the New Year may offer, we also endure the painful exercise of self-examination. How can you improve losses? What should you have paid more attention to? The revenue cycle is one of the most neglected areas in a medical practice and is also an answer to your improvement questions.

Quick survey: how many of you employ stringent auditing procedures? Quick fact: a recent MGMA survey estimated approximately $94 MILLION was reported in practice theft last year. Astounding, right? While this program is not designed for theft prevention, we will show you how a revenue cycle audit could help your practice avoid contributing to that astounding number. We will also help you identify weaknesses, take inventory of your own policies and procedures and guide you through the complete revenue cycle.

2011 Web Cast pricing $195.00

• Register now

Once your registration has been confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email message featuring a link for access to the Audio Web Cast.

Webinar: Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Compliance Program

January 12, 2011; 12:00-1:00 MST
Healthcare reform is bringing a new wave of focus on risk management and regulatory compliance. CMS is shifting from a focus on policies, procedures and retrospective audits, to a proactive focus on compliance program effectiveness and measuring the quality of outcomes. This change in focus is creating many new challenges for healthcare providers as they seek to measure and report on the effectiveness of their compliance programs. Join Compliance 360 for a presentation with Leah Guidry of Huron Consulting Group as she examines these new requirements and offers practical, hands-on guidance for measuring and proving the effectiveness of your compliance program. For more information and to register, click here.

Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance

This TrailBlazer job aid lists the Medicare Deductible and Coinsurance amounts for Inpatient, Lifetime Reserve, SNF, and Part B. To access the notice, click here.

Webinar: Chargemaster and Coding, Billing & Reimbursement for CAHs

January 13, 2011; 12:00-1:30MST; Cost $225
CAHs are cost-based reimbursed so those coding, billing and associated reimbursements differ from PPS hospitals. The coding and billing process along with the chargemaster and development of the cost-report are critical. A different philosophical approach to the chargemaster is needed with due consideration to CMS coding and billing requirements. For more information and to register, click here.

IHI Resources: Respectful Management of Serious Clinical Adverse Events

This first of its kind white paper developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) contains tools and resources to guide leaders in developing a clinical crisis management plan before they need it and a practical resource to guide their efforts in the absence of a plan. The risk of not responding to adverse events quickly and effectively include loss of trust, no learning or improvement, sending mixed messages, increased likelihood for regulatory action or lawsuits, and challenges by the media. Although this white paper focuses on serious clinical adverse events, the principles can be used to manage any adverse event, as well as other breaches, such as identity theft, behavioral issues, and other operating issues requiring respectful, effective crisis management. To access the white paper and other IHI resources on this topic, click here.

TrailBlazer Hospital Ask-the-Contractor Teleconference

January 12, 2011; 10:00am-12:00pm MST
ACTs provide a forum for providers to ask TrailBlazer specific questions concerning Medicare billing policies and procedures, identify provider issues and share information. TrailBlazer is conducting a Hospital ACT to discuss agenda items received from providers, Medicare updates and enhancements to the TrailBlazer Web site specific to acute, psychiatric, rehabilitation and long-term care hospitals. For more information and to register, click here.