The 2018 OPPS final rule, published in the Federal Register on November 13, has two changes that could affect case managers—the removal of the total knee replacement from the inpatient-only list and cuts to payments for drugs purchased through the 340B drug discount program.
The comprehensive population health program at Northern Arizona Healthcare in Flagstaff didn’t come together overnight. Rather, it evolved over time, relying on trial and error to fill the care gaps that so often result in avoidable hospital readmissions.
It is widely accepted that multidisciplinary rounds are essential for the success of a case management department, especially in ensuring achievement of their metrics. Case management metrics have a broader scope, more so than ever before; the number of metrics, ranging from financial to quality, is growing all the time.
Northern Arizona Healthcare in Flagstaff uses case management extenders to manage costs associated with its population health program. We thought it was worth a closer look at how these positions work and what these professionals can do within their organization.
Jamie, a novice case manager with only three months of experience, just could not understand the concept of “seamless” as it applied to case management. She had attended her case management orientation with full attention and commitment, but she still couldn’t grasp the concept.
