Laura Ramos Hegwer
About the Author
Laura Ramos Hegwer
Latest Work
Beyond the Mandate: Better Strategies for Price Transparency
Some healthcare organizations have taken the spirit of new price transparency regulations a step further by striving to inform patients in advance about their true out-of-pocket costs for care.
No-Divert Policy, Strategic Growth Help Erlanger Increase Revenue by $300 Million
A strategic plan that focused on growth and expanding specialty services helped Erlanger Health System improve its balance sheet while maintaining high-quality performance. A pay-for-performance program also increased nurse productivity.
When Indirect EHR Communication Drives Up Medical Costs
Indirect communication among primary care team members using EHRs is associated with increased hospital visits and higher medical costs for their patients with diabetes, according to one study. Researchers found that medical costs rose by $223 per patient with diabetes in a six-month period for every increase in one percentage point in indirect communication.
Community Paramedicine Saves Organization $6M in 1 Year
By training paramedics to treat patients at home under a physician’s supervision, Commonwealth Care Alliance is reducing unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Implementing Green Strategies That Contain Costs and Reduce Waste
A campaign to educate clinicians on proper waste segregation can improve compliance with regulations and keep regular waste out of more costly waste streams.
Why don’t more patients use transparency tools?
A critical factor in shifting consumer behavior is creating more compelling incentives, says Sally Rodriguez of the Health Care Cost Institute.
Mercy Saves Millions in the OR Through Standardization and Automation
Surgeons from Mercy’s 41 hospitals worked with perioperative directors to reduce costly physician preference items. The health system also used an inventory management system to improve charge capture and eliminate time-wasting manual processes. Overall, Mercy has cut its supply costs by $3.6 million in 12 months.
Hospital Saves $49M by Engaging Department Leaders
Small-scale projects to reduce waste and improve efficiency can add up to boost hospital bottom lines. The key is tapping leaders’ knowledge of what processes need to change.
Succession Planning as a Strategic Initiative
Hospitals and health systems can groom future leaders using methods such as analytics, performance evaluations, and formal development programs.
The CFO’s Role in Innovation
Setting aside less than one percent of operating revenue for innovative projects can help organizations improve patient services and advance the Triple Aim. “The high performers in innovation are not necessarily the high percentage investors,” says Adam Ward, an innovation consultant.