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The whitepapers on HealthLeadersMedia.com includes case studies and research briefs on business and technology issues affecting healthcare organizations. Information on submitting a whitepaper to HealthLeaders Media.
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2002
2004 MARKET ANALYSIS AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: TEMPORARY HEALTHCARE STAFFING
December 15, 2004
Demand for temporary coverage fell below past levels in 2003, for the most part. Yet temporary staffing gained efficiency, filling a majority of all demand. Other factors-use of overtime, medical malpractice costs-also shape the market. According to this analysis, demand for locum tenens continues to grow, while mid-level and nursing markets move toward equilibrium. Staff Care, Inc. www.staffcare.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
21ST CENTURY PHYSICIAN EXECUTIVE: AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT HEALTHCARE RECRUITMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY
November 16, 2004
Opportunities for physician executives in hospitals and health systems, drug companies, HMOs, medical product companies, large group practices and other organizations have expanded during the past decade. The good news for these organizations is that many physicians possess abilities that are critical in executive roles and are more interested than ever in pursuing these opportunities. Aptitudes typical among physicians include critical thinking skills, thoroughness, the ability to solve complex problems, strong motivation to be successful and, in many cases, the ability to work well with other physicians. by Lois Dister, Senior Vice President, Managing Principal Cejka Search is a nationally recognized executive and physician search organization providing services exclusively to the healthcare industry for more than 20 years. Partnering with organizations in pursuit of the nation's best healthcare talent, Cejka Search completes assignments across all levels of the healthcare continuum. Cejka Search is a Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCRN) company, a leading provider of healthcare staffing services in the United States. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
ENCOURAGING A RESPONSIBLE APPROACH TO CONSUMER-DRIVEN HEALTH CARE
November 8, 2004
Consumer-Driven Health Care (CDHC) is beginning to make significant inroads into the health benefits marketplace. CDHC products, initially designed by small, innovative vendors have become mainstream products offered by major national health insurers, and represent one of the fastest growing segments of the employer-sponsored health market. This white paper outlines recommendations for CDHC programs which aim to promote its goals of reducing employer/system costs while improving the health status of consumers. McDermott Will & Emery www.mwe.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
PRACTICAL GOVERNANCE: CO-OPETITION-THE NEW GOVERNANCE CHALLENGE
November 3, 2004
Co-opetition is not a buzz word or fad. While it may seem like a new development in the health care industry, the term and the actual practice of co-opetition have been quite common in other industries for many years. Co-opetition recognizes that at times an organization can be more successful if it reaches out to cooperate with another organization - sometimes, a competitor - who has a product, technology, service, or geographical presence that the first organization does not. Ernst & Young LLP Health Sciences Advisory Services (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
SUTTER HEALTH IMPROVES PATIENT CARE & PHYSICIAN CONNECTIVITY WITH SINGLE PATIENT VIEW
October 26, 2004
In 1998, Sutter launched an initiative to implement best-of-breed applications needed to support leading edge clinical and business operations. To complement this initiative, an Integration Center of Excellence (ICoE) team was established to support the integration requirements associated with this modern IT infrastructure. The objective was to establish a best practices methodology for integration that would be critical for realizing the full value from Sutter’s existing IT investments. SeeBeyond www.seebeyond.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EMERGING PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE IN THE UNITED STATES
October 15, 2004
"Does the United States have too few physicians, too many, or the appropriate number? The answer to this question holds important implications for medical education in particular and for health care delivery as a whole. In this paper, leading medical staff consultants with The MHA Group examine current physician supply and demand trends, and conclude that the U.S. is in the midst of a pervasive and growing physician shortage that is impeding access to medical services and exacerbating challenges in physician recruitment." Merritt, Hawkins & Associates www.mhagroup.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
VIRTUAL PARTNERSHIP: HEALTH COACHING GOES HIGH TECH
September 26, 2004
How did Brad Pitt bulk up to play muscular Achilles in Troy? Who helps Oprah Winfrey slim down and shape up? When celebrities need a new look, they call on experts to help them set and reach goals. Health Coaches bring a proactive approach to managing employee health. And today, with access to new technologies health coaches offer supplemental education most physicians wish they had time to offer patients - the result? Virtual partnerships that pay big dividends in employee health and productivity. Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
TAKING RISK MANAGEMENT OUT OF THE BASEMENT
September 19, 2004
This volume in the Cain Brothers Strategies in Capital Finance series discusses the need to integrate what are too often three separate spheres: operations, assets, and liabilities management. Organizations should have a broad asset/liability management strategy that incorporates both investment management and liability management policies and also gives consideration to pension fund assets and liabilities at the same time. The concept of interest rate management should be captured within and between these policies, since it is the bridge that links them. Further, integration of the operating plan is just as important as the inclusion of interest rate management, if an organization wants to have a successful overall asset/liability management strategy that meets the earnings and capital needs of the organization. Cain Brothers www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN TAPS INTO MULTIMILLION DOLLAR “DATA GOLD MINE” WITH ORSOS ONE-CALL®
August 23, 2004
Rich Trussoni, Gundersen Lutheran’s OR Application Specialist, didn’t have a long list of requirements for a new OR system — he just wanted one that allowed Gundersen Lutheran to capture OR charges and surgical case data, and one that was also Microsoft Windows®-based. Now, Trussoni readily acknowledges that what they found in Per-Se Technologies’ ORSOS One-Call® scheduling solution was so much more. Per-Se Technologies www.per-se.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
VERITY IN ACTION: JOHNS HOPKINS INSTITUTIONS
August 18, 2004
The Johns Hopkins Institutions had a pressing need for improved search technology. Only Verity® Ultraseek® met the renowned university and health system’s high standards for fast installation, relevant search results, and extremely low administrative overhead. Ultraseek lowers Johns Hopkins’ total cost of software ownership, while raising productivity and satisfaction levels for all users. The Johns Hopkins Institutions brought nearly a thousand internal & external websites together with a single search engine-Verity Ultraseek. Read the case study. Find out how Verity made it possible. Verity, Inc. www.verity.com
MEASURING A HEALTHY HOSPITAL: METRICS-BASED TOOLS FOR IMPROVING OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
August 17, 2004
Balanced scorecard, Six Sigma, and other metrics-based tools for total quality management are being implemented by an increasing number of hospitals as part of a more holistic approach to quality management. Per-Se Technologies www.per-se.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
RETURN ON INVESTMENT STUDY FOR MEDICAL SIMULATION TRAINING
August 15, 2004
This study is the first attempt to quantify the return on investment for medical simulators - because to justify a capital equipment purchase, a hospital or training institution needs both a clinical and a cost-benefit justification. Immersion Medical engaged Frost & Sullivan to do this study in conjunction with The Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET), the research affiliate of the American Hospital Association. This paper reports on the results. To learn more about Immersion Medical, visit www.immersionmedical.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
GOVERNING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: DEMYSTIFYING THE BOARD’S ROLE
August 1, 2004
Most boards of not-for-profit health care organizations are concerned about their executive compensation programs. Some think that pay levels are too high; some think the incentive plan rewards the wrong results. Many think the program is too complicated. Some Boards overreact, and others simply ignore the risks. To make changes that really matter, boards need to understand some basic facts about governance reform. Governing Executive Compensation: Demystifying the Board’s Role is a guide to "getting it right." www.clarkconsulting.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
BAD DEBT RISING: WHEN TO SELL YOUR ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
July 25, 2004
Selling of accounts receivable is quickly becoming a viable alternative for providers of healthcare. The industry is looking to improve cash flow and lower costs through increased productivity. Selling accounts meets both of these criteria and allows the provider retain a positive image in the community. The white paper developed by PARC is a road map to successfully implementing this technique. Premium Asset Recovery Corp. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
AN INTEGRATED PLANNING MODEL IN HEALTHCARE: FROM VISION TO REALITY
July 13, 2004
This paper discusses a conceptual model for integrating all levels of Healthcare planning into a Performance Management process. Each level of planning must include a comprehensive and appropriate statistics-driven architecture. Incorporating these concepts into a planning environment will provide organizations with a significant competitive advantage. SRC Software, Inc. www.srcsoftware.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
THE NEW HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP CULTURE: KEY SENIOR LEADERSHIP TRAITS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE 21ST CENTURY HOSPITAL
June 14, 2004
Emerging "hot" leadership skills in healthcare management
Reasons why today's most future-oriented healthcare organizations seek leaders who not only have high-level financial and organizational expertise, but a wide range of other high-level leadership abilities
Technological decision-making skills that are critical to effective strategic direction of 21st-century healthcare organizations
Critical executive actions and abilities, including development and utilization of diversity within leadership teams, in-depth communication with physicians, creation of a culture of innovation, and leadership team assessment
Cejka Search is a nationally recognized executive and physician search organization providing services exclusively to the healthcare industry for more than 20 years. Partnering with organizations in pursuit of the nation's best healthcare talent, Cejka Search completes assignments across all levels of the healthcare continuum. Cejka Search is a Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCRN) company, a leading provider of healthcare staffing services in the United States.
(PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
PAYING FOR PARTICIPATION: MEASURING THE RESULTS
June 14, 2004
Pay for performance? Sure. But participation yields the payoff in population health management. Smart companies lower claims costs by offering the right incentives to increase participation. But offering incentives alone, without measuring the results of your efforts, provides little to justify the return on investment in the commercial application of health promotion and disease management. "Paying for Participation: Measuring the Results" Benefits-integrated incentives give health, lifestyle and disease management enrollment a shot in the arm ... Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
MANAGED CARE URGE TO MERGE?
June 6, 2004
Strategies In Capital Finance Managed care consolidation activity so far in 2004 has been impressive with nine transactions announced or closed through mid May. In April and May alone, there have been five announced or closed transactions, which emphasize continuing industry consolidation trends. Provider-sponsored, independent, and middle market health plans continue to be acquired by larger plans looking to increase membership, expand geographical reach, and enhance profitability by taking costs out of the acquired businesses. Investor-owned companies pursuing Medicaid specialization strategies are particularly active consolidators. Managed care consolidation is continuing. Cain Brothers www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
WIRELESS OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES
May 2, 2004
Wireless technologies offer healthcare and pharmaceutical firms immediate benefits. Hospitals improve care by providing the staff with immediate access to medical records, bio-monitoring data, and each other while reducing the inefficiencies and errors of paper processes. Bio-monitoring devices reduce hospital crowding and enhance the lifestyle of patients with chronic illnesses by enabling homecare and workplace monitoring. In clinical trials, electronic diaries improve patient participation and data accuracy while eliminating costly delays in data collection and transmission. Mobile devices provide pharmaceutical sales staff complete marketing information while tracking and documenting the federally regulated distribution of samples to physicians. Visit www.qualcomm.com/qes for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
DEMYSTIFYING PATIENT THROUGHPUT TO OPTIMIZE REVENUE & PATIENT SATISFACTION
April 25, 2004
It’s not about increasing bed capacity, it’s about optimal patient placement. In the 1990’s, conventional wisdom indicated that widespread HMO coverage would diminish future utilization in the nation’s hospitals. Hospitals responded by consolidating services, reclassifying beds and closing hospitals. However, this prognostication has proven untrue as the American public “voted out” HMOs in favor of PPOs. Since PPOs are a less stringent gatekeeper, utilization of services has risen steadily and the industry is in the midst of a capacity and patient throughput crisis. Problems with patient throughput have resulted in lost revenue, ineffective policies and procedures, and dissatisfied patients. In response to the increased patient demand for services, many hospitals are redesigning patient flow and facing a wide array of unsolved issues. These issues include overcapacity, diversions to competitor facilities, excessive wait times, poor bed placement control and a poor discharge process. By Patricia Kloehn, Executive Vice President, West Coast Region Zimmerman
www.zimmermanrcm.com
MEDITECH OPTIMIZATION
April 22, 2004
Meditech is one of the most widely used software solutions in midtier hospitals. The reasons for Meditech’s broad market acceptance and penetration are many. INFOHEALTH has extensive experience with Meditech’s products. However, we found many hospitals were not getting what they perceived as “full value” from the product. To explore the major issues, we combined our hands-on Meditech knowledge with the results of a Meditech user survey conducted by our sister company, The Kennedy Group. The results are summarized in this white paper. Roy Walters
INFOHEALTH Management Corp.
www.infohealth.net (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
DO OR DIE - THE CHALLENGES OF MANAGING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES
April 18, 2004
A growing number of healthcare providers are using system and network management software to manage their computing environments. In 2002, the North American healthcare industry spent $411 million on this type of software, and this figure is expected to increase to $619 million by 2007. This paper outlines the challenges facing healthcare IT professionals when managing large-scale, mission-critical systems in hospitals, research centers and clinics. It discusses the various management solutions available, and proposes one solution, PROGNOSIS from Integrated Research, as a viable answer to the management challenge. Visit www.ir.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
GORDIAN HEALTH SOLUTIONS’ GEOFF ALEXANDER WROTE THE BOOK ON HEALTH RISK APPRAISAL (HRA) TOOLS LITERALLY
April 11, 2004
The first step for a health plan, employer or community towards managing population health is assessing the current health and risk factors of the population in question. The HRA is commonly used in population health management (PHM) to measure the effect of a wide range of risk factors and there are important questions you should ask when selecting the HRA tool you will use as all HRAs are not created equally... Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
COSTS, COMMITMENT AND LOCALITY: A COMPARISON OF FOR-PROFIT AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT HEALTH PLANS
February 29, 2004
The emergence of predominantly for-profit health insurance markets in New York State raises significant public policy issues with regard to community benefits and services. This New York State market study shows the significant differences that for-profit and not-for-profit plans have with regard to premium costs, administrative expenses and participation in safety net programs. www.nonprofithealthcare.org (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
CAPITAL GROWTH VERSUS CAPITAL PRESERVATION - BACKGROUND FOR TRUSTEES
February 15, 2004
One of the key responsibilities of health care trustees is to make decisions about the assets and liabilities of their organizations. Trustees are challenged with applying their knowledge to nonprofit health care organizations in the current financial market. To thrive in the current environment, nonprofit health care organizations need to focus on the tradeoffs between capital growth and capital preservation. They need to go beyond just a risk assessment for their investment portfolios and look at the risks in both the assets and liabilities together. This Strategies in Capital Finance article provides an overview of the financial markets as they impact health care organizations to assist in the education process for Trustees and non-financial executives. Cain Brothers
www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
NONPROFIT HEALTH INSURERS: THE FINANCIAL STORY WALL STREET DOESN’T TELL
January 18, 2004
Is the fate of all nonprofit health insurers to convert to investor ownership? Wall Street thinks so. This Paper provides a deeper insight than typical investment analyst reports into the recent financial performance and capacity of the industry, and raises questions that those involved in conversions – Board Members, CEOs, CFOs, regulators, legislators – must answer before agreeing to a conversion. More about the Alliance for Advancing NonProfit Health Care at: www.nonprofithealthcare.org (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
December 15, 2004
Demand for temporary coverage fell below past levels in 2003, for the most part. Yet temporary staffing gained efficiency, filling a majority of all demand. Other factors-use of overtime, medical malpractice costs-also shape the market. According to this analysis, demand for locum tenens continues to grow, while mid-level and nursing markets move toward equilibrium. Staff Care, Inc. www.staffcare.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
November 16, 2004
Opportunities for physician executives in hospitals and health systems, drug companies, HMOs, medical product companies, large group practices and other organizations have expanded during the past decade. The good news for these organizations is that many physicians possess abilities that are critical in executive roles and are more interested than ever in pursuing these opportunities. Aptitudes typical among physicians include critical thinking skills, thoroughness, the ability to solve complex problems, strong motivation to be successful and, in many cases, the ability to work well with other physicians. by Lois Dister, Senior Vice President, Managing Principal Cejka Search is a nationally recognized executive and physician search organization providing services exclusively to the healthcare industry for more than 20 years. Partnering with organizations in pursuit of the nation's best healthcare talent, Cejka Search completes assignments across all levels of the healthcare continuum. Cejka Search is a Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCRN) company, a leading provider of healthcare staffing services in the United States. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
November 8, 2004
Consumer-Driven Health Care (CDHC) is beginning to make significant inroads into the health benefits marketplace. CDHC products, initially designed by small, innovative vendors have become mainstream products offered by major national health insurers, and represent one of the fastest growing segments of the employer-sponsored health market. This white paper outlines recommendations for CDHC programs which aim to promote its goals of reducing employer/system costs while improving the health status of consumers. McDermott Will & Emery www.mwe.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
November 3, 2004
Co-opetition is not a buzz word or fad. While it may seem like a new development in the health care industry, the term and the actual practice of co-opetition have been quite common in other industries for many years. Co-opetition recognizes that at times an organization can be more successful if it reaches out to cooperate with another organization - sometimes, a competitor - who has a product, technology, service, or geographical presence that the first organization does not. Ernst & Young LLP Health Sciences Advisory Services (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
October 26, 2004
In 1998, Sutter launched an initiative to implement best-of-breed applications needed to support leading edge clinical and business operations. To complement this initiative, an Integration Center of Excellence (ICoE) team was established to support the integration requirements associated with this modern IT infrastructure. The objective was to establish a best practices methodology for integration that would be critical for realizing the full value from Sutter’s existing IT investments. SeeBeyond www.seebeyond.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
October 15, 2004
"Does the United States have too few physicians, too many, or the appropriate number? The answer to this question holds important implications for medical education in particular and for health care delivery as a whole. In this paper, leading medical staff consultants with The MHA Group examine current physician supply and demand trends, and conclude that the U.S. is in the midst of a pervasive and growing physician shortage that is impeding access to medical services and exacerbating challenges in physician recruitment." Merritt, Hawkins & Associates www.mhagroup.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
September 26, 2004
How did Brad Pitt bulk up to play muscular Achilles in Troy? Who helps Oprah Winfrey slim down and shape up? When celebrities need a new look, they call on experts to help them set and reach goals. Health Coaches bring a proactive approach to managing employee health. And today, with access to new technologies health coaches offer supplemental education most physicians wish they had time to offer patients - the result? Virtual partnerships that pay big dividends in employee health and productivity. Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
September 19, 2004
This volume in the Cain Brothers Strategies in Capital Finance series discusses the need to integrate what are too often three separate spheres: operations, assets, and liabilities management. Organizations should have a broad asset/liability management strategy that incorporates both investment management and liability management policies and also gives consideration to pension fund assets and liabilities at the same time. The concept of interest rate management should be captured within and between these policies, since it is the bridge that links them. Further, integration of the operating plan is just as important as the inclusion of interest rate management, if an organization wants to have a successful overall asset/liability management strategy that meets the earnings and capital needs of the organization. Cain Brothers www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
August 23, 2004
Rich Trussoni, Gundersen Lutheran’s OR Application Specialist, didn’t have a long list of requirements for a new OR system — he just wanted one that allowed Gundersen Lutheran to capture OR charges and surgical case data, and one that was also Microsoft Windows®-based. Now, Trussoni readily acknowledges that what they found in Per-Se Technologies’ ORSOS One-Call® scheduling solution was so much more. Per-Se Technologies www.per-se.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
August 18, 2004
The Johns Hopkins Institutions had a pressing need for improved search technology. Only Verity® Ultraseek® met the renowned university and health system’s high standards for fast installation, relevant search results, and extremely low administrative overhead. Ultraseek lowers Johns Hopkins’ total cost of software ownership, while raising productivity and satisfaction levels for all users. The Johns Hopkins Institutions brought nearly a thousand internal & external websites together with a single search engine-Verity Ultraseek. Read the case study. Find out how Verity made it possible. Verity, Inc. www.verity.com
August 17, 2004
Balanced scorecard, Six Sigma, and other metrics-based tools for total quality management are being implemented by an increasing number of hospitals as part of a more holistic approach to quality management. Per-Se Technologies www.per-se.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
August 15, 2004
This study is the first attempt to quantify the return on investment for medical simulators - because to justify a capital equipment purchase, a hospital or training institution needs both a clinical and a cost-benefit justification. Immersion Medical engaged Frost & Sullivan to do this study in conjunction with The Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET), the research affiliate of the American Hospital Association. This paper reports on the results. To learn more about Immersion Medical, visit www.immersionmedical.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
August 1, 2004
Most boards of not-for-profit health care organizations are concerned about their executive compensation programs. Some think that pay levels are too high; some think the incentive plan rewards the wrong results. Many think the program is too complicated. Some Boards overreact, and others simply ignore the risks. To make changes that really matter, boards need to understand some basic facts about governance reform. Governing Executive Compensation: Demystifying the Board’s Role is a guide to "getting it right." www.clarkconsulting.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
July 25, 2004
Selling of accounts receivable is quickly becoming a viable alternative for providers of healthcare. The industry is looking to improve cash flow and lower costs through increased productivity. Selling accounts meets both of these criteria and allows the provider retain a positive image in the community. The white paper developed by PARC is a road map to successfully implementing this technique. Premium Asset Recovery Corp. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
July 13, 2004
This paper discusses a conceptual model for integrating all levels of Healthcare planning into a Performance Management process. Each level of planning must include a comprehensive and appropriate statistics-driven architecture. Incorporating these concepts into a planning environment will provide organizations with a significant competitive advantage. SRC Software, Inc. www.srcsoftware.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
June 14, 2004
June 14, 2004
Pay for performance? Sure. But participation yields the payoff in population health management. Smart companies lower claims costs by offering the right incentives to increase participation. But offering incentives alone, without measuring the results of your efforts, provides little to justify the return on investment in the commercial application of health promotion and disease management. "Paying for Participation: Measuring the Results" Benefits-integrated incentives give health, lifestyle and disease management enrollment a shot in the arm ... Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
June 6, 2004
Strategies In Capital Finance Managed care consolidation activity so far in 2004 has been impressive with nine transactions announced or closed through mid May. In April and May alone, there have been five announced or closed transactions, which emphasize continuing industry consolidation trends. Provider-sponsored, independent, and middle market health plans continue to be acquired by larger plans looking to increase membership, expand geographical reach, and enhance profitability by taking costs out of the acquired businesses. Investor-owned companies pursuing Medicaid specialization strategies are particularly active consolidators. Managed care consolidation is continuing. Cain Brothers www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
May 2, 2004
Wireless technologies offer healthcare and pharmaceutical firms immediate benefits. Hospitals improve care by providing the staff with immediate access to medical records, bio-monitoring data, and each other while reducing the inefficiencies and errors of paper processes. Bio-monitoring devices reduce hospital crowding and enhance the lifestyle of patients with chronic illnesses by enabling homecare and workplace monitoring. In clinical trials, electronic diaries improve patient participation and data accuracy while eliminating costly delays in data collection and transmission. Mobile devices provide pharmaceutical sales staff complete marketing information while tracking and documenting the federally regulated distribution of samples to physicians. Visit www.qualcomm.com/qes for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
April 25, 2004
It’s not about increasing bed capacity, it’s about optimal patient placement. In the 1990’s, conventional wisdom indicated that widespread HMO coverage would diminish future utilization in the nation’s hospitals. Hospitals responded by consolidating services, reclassifying beds and closing hospitals. However, this prognostication has proven untrue as the American public “voted out” HMOs in favor of PPOs. Since PPOs are a less stringent gatekeeper, utilization of services has risen steadily and the industry is in the midst of a capacity and patient throughput crisis. Problems with patient throughput have resulted in lost revenue, ineffective policies and procedures, and dissatisfied patients. In response to the increased patient demand for services, many hospitals are redesigning patient flow and facing a wide array of unsolved issues. These issues include overcapacity, diversions to competitor facilities, excessive wait times, poor bed placement control and a poor discharge process. By Patricia Kloehn, Executive Vice President, West Coast Region Zimmerman
www.zimmermanrcm.com
April 22, 2004
Meditech is one of the most widely used software solutions in midtier hospitals. The reasons for Meditech’s broad market acceptance and penetration are many. INFOHEALTH has extensive experience with Meditech’s products. However, we found many hospitals were not getting what they perceived as “full value” from the product. To explore the major issues, we combined our hands-on Meditech knowledge with the results of a Meditech user survey conducted by our sister company, The Kennedy Group. The results are summarized in this white paper. Roy Walters
INFOHEALTH Management Corp.
www.infohealth.net (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
April 18, 2004
A growing number of healthcare providers are using system and network management software to manage their computing environments. In 2002, the North American healthcare industry spent $411 million on this type of software, and this figure is expected to increase to $619 million by 2007. This paper outlines the challenges facing healthcare IT professionals when managing large-scale, mission-critical systems in hospitals, research centers and clinics. It discusses the various management solutions available, and proposes one solution, PROGNOSIS from Integrated Research, as a viable answer to the management challenge. Visit www.ir.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
April 11, 2004
The first step for a health plan, employer or community towards managing population health is assessing the current health and risk factors of the population in question. The HRA is commonly used in population health management (PHM) to measure the effect of a wide range of risk factors and there are important questions you should ask when selecting the HRA tool you will use as all HRAs are not created equally... Visit www.gordian-health.com for more information. (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
February 29, 2004
The emergence of predominantly for-profit health insurance markets in New York State raises significant public policy issues with regard to community benefits and services. This New York State market study shows the significant differences that for-profit and not-for-profit plans have with regard to premium costs, administrative expenses and participation in safety net programs. www.nonprofithealthcare.org (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
February 15, 2004
One of the key responsibilities of health care trustees is to make decisions about the assets and liabilities of their organizations. Trustees are challenged with applying their knowledge to nonprofit health care organizations in the current financial market. To thrive in the current environment, nonprofit health care organizations need to focus on the tradeoffs between capital growth and capital preservation. They need to go beyond just a risk assessment for their investment portfolios and look at the risks in both the assets and liabilities together. This Strategies in Capital Finance article provides an overview of the financial markets as they impact health care organizations to assist in the education process for Trustees and non-financial executives. Cain Brothers
www.cainbrothers.com (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
January 18, 2004
Is the fate of all nonprofit health insurers to convert to investor ownership? Wall Street thinks so. This Paper provides a deeper insight than typical investment analyst reports into the recent financial performance and capacity of the industry, and raises questions that those involved in conversions – Board Members, CEOs, CFOs, regulators, legislators – must answer before agreeing to a conversion. More about the Alliance for Advancing NonProfit Health Care at: www.nonprofithealthcare.org (PDF format - click here to download the latest version of acrobat reader)
