Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
In looking for an idea for the blog, I came across this site from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/cardionews-rst/. Check it out!
Developing New Heart Surgery And STEMI Programs
~ This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 3:00 am
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
Yes, there are still new programs being developed in today’s market. The key driving forces for new program development are community demand and potential cardiovascular revenue. If I were to make one suggestion for any program, in addition to critical planning that needs to be done, the key factor that must be addressed is QUALITY! Case selection is critical in the first year. I always tell my clients to be sure that cases are carefully selected to ensure good outcomes and no mortalities. Many programs worry that there is not enough volume and begin to take cases that should be done after the staff has gained more experience. This is not to say that anyone is incompetent, just cautious. We want your program to be a success.
Cardiovascualar Dominates Most Frequently Billed DRGs
~ This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 3:00 am
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
For a medical surgical hospital, cardiac and vascular continue to dominate discharges. Even in programs that I work with that do not have invasive heart and vascular procedures, cardiovascular accounts for 25% to 30% of discharges.
When reviewing the Modern Healthcare Supplement “By The Numbers”, there are six cardiovascular DRGs in the top twenty. There is only one cardiovascualr procedural code - PCI. The groupings are:
- 30% Cardiovascular: 127 (Heart Failure); 143 (Chest Pain); (558) PCI; 138 (Conduction Disorders); 121 (MI); 14 (Stroke)
- 20% Respiratory: 89 (Pneumonia); 88 (COPD); 79 (Respiratory Infection); 475 (Ventilator)
- 15% GI: 182 (Gastroenteritis); 174 (Hemorrhage); 296 (Nutritional Disorders)
- 10% Renal: 320 (Kidney and Urinary Infections); 316 (Renal failure)
- 10% Infection: 277 (Cellulitis); 416 (Septicemia)
- 10% Ortho/Rehab: 544 (Joint Replacement); 462 (Rehab)
- 5% Psychiatric: 430 (Psychosis)
American Heart Association - STEMI Registry And Seminar
~ This entry was posted on Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 3:00 am
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
As part of GWTG, the American Heart Association has established a STEMI program. There is a seminar on Tuesday, May 5th (2 p.m. CDT). For more information, go to: http://www.informz.net/heart/archives/archive_761860.html
EHR - Must Be Mandated From The Top
~ This entry was posted on Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at 3:00 am
Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant
Until there is a mandate on the electronic health records (EHR), it will not happen. Only 1.5% of nonfederal hospitals have a comprehensive program; less than 10% have basic programs. I picture a system that is similar to the VA’s and Medicare billing (both well coordinated) with various vendors.
It does boggle the mind when you realize what is involved, and just thinking about all the various components that have to be coordinated to make it work. I think about the patients and the expectations . I know how many times a wrong number for a physician was accidently entered by registration staff. How do you make it work when there are five different hospital systems in one town - not even thinking about the big picture?
Essential? Yes! Happening tomorrow? Not unless mandated and coordinated.
Data source: “Still low tech - EHR adoption rates remain low: study by Joseph Conn, in Modern Healthcare, March 30, 2009, page 9.
