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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

surgeryYes, 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.

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

computerPosted 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.

Angioplasty Without SOS Continues To Expand

~ This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 at 3:00 am

Posted by Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant

Angioplasty without surgery on site continues to expand across the United States with more than 300 program performing services. The road is also expanding beyond STEMI to include elective services, even in Certificate of Need States with excellent outcomes. Thinking of starting a program? Some of the challenges that are faced include:

  • Acceptance by the medical staff
  • Recruitment of interventional cardiologist and coverage
  • Non-physician staffing
  • Strategic planning and partnership
  • Capital investment

The impact has been positive for all the hospitals that we have worked with and started similar programs across the country, but it is more than just adding a service.

It’s Time to Increase Your Vascular Revenue

~ This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 at 10:17 am

Today, most hospitals and healthcare systems consider a cardiovascular program to be their heart program. A recent industry survey that was published in the February 2009 issue of HealthLeaders magazine, healthcare leaders were asked, “In your opinion, which service line today has the greatest potential to produce strong revenue growth within the next three years?” Not surprisingly, cardiology topped the list while vascular received only 2% of the votes. Read the complete commentary in Cardiovascular Business under Industry News. http://www.cardiovascularbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_newsletter&id=5996&year=2009