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Archive for the ‘Strategic Planning’ Category

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.

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.

Jumpstarting A Mature Cardiovascular Program - Thoughts For The Weekend

~ This entry was posted on Friday, April 10th, 2009 at 3:00 am

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Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant

How can you jumpstart a mature cardiovascular program? Plan,  plan, and plan! And, of course, re-energize the stakeholders. We have had several calls in the last couple of weeks regarding this topic, and each of the programs is looking to schedule a planning retreat and update their business plan!

Cardiovascular Program Growth Today - Cardiologists And A Plan

~ This entry was posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 3:00 am

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Posted By Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant

It is an understatement in today’s health care market to say:  “Build it and they will come”. This is no longer true! The truth is that you “have to go out there and get it”. To “get it” you must have a strategic plan that involves extensive differentiation in the market and expansion of access points. A recent program we worked with was struggling to get enough patients in the hospital and the group practice. When we looked at the program, there was one cardiologist for every 50,000 persons! The national average is 1:16,000 persons. The only people who could get into the program were the ones who were coming through the emergency department with high acuity, already patients of  the practice,  or peopole with a long wait. The program could not figure out why volumes were not growing and why so many people were out-migrating! The ending:  they recruited 2 more cardiologists, created access, and now are busier than ever!

Heart And Vascular Marketing

~ This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 3:00 am

Posted by Carolyn Weaver, Executive Consultant

 

To create a successful heart and vascular turnaround effort with marketing, as you know, is more than advertising and collaterals. It is about program development and creating the awareness of differentiating factors. Marketing can not drive business as a stand alone component. There must be “something” to sell. Successful program growth is based on:

  • Common vision
  • Leadership
  • Referrals and relationships
  • Physicians and timely access/capacity
  • State-of-the-art facility and capacity
  • Quality outcomes

Once these elements are in place, differentiation through traditional marketing channels can be initiated and the marketing can be successful.