Michael Gratch

Steward Health Care seeks bankruptcy protections This was inevitable with the health system's debt load and leverage of the organization After months of uncertainty about its future, the nation’s largest private, for-profit hospital chain has filed for bankruptcy in Texas. Dallas-based Steward Health Care filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday, saying it will move to restructure its debt under court supervision and keep running its hospitals across the U.S. — including eight in Massachusetts — as it does so. Steward, in its statement, blamed government reimbursement rates, increasing labor costs, and inflation for its financial difficulties, as well as lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. "Steward Health Care has done everything in its power to operate successfully in a highly challenging health care environment," said Steward's CEO Ralph de la Torre. Can Ralph de la Torre be believed? His health system was mired in debt, was behind in rent payments to MPT, its landlord, stiffed staffing companies, and countless vendors, yet kept his lavage lifestyle including two expensive yachts, and paid himself well Flanked by health care officials, union leaders and the state's attorney general Monday morning, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey placed the blame for Steward's bankruptcy squarely on the shoulders of company leaders. "This situation stems from and is rooted in greed, mismanagement and lack of transparency on the part of Steward leadership in Dallas, Texas," Healey said. #anotherforprofithospitalbitesthedust, ##privatequitygrabsitsmoney, #privatequityextractsprofits, #profitsfirst, #dumpstewart https://lnkd.in/eqc3nhVs

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Here’s your recap of last week’s health IT news ??? ?? ??? AI Ambient Scribes ? CHRISTUS Health + Abridge: The 15,000 provider Texas health system adopted the ambient scribe enterprise-wide. ?? ? Tampa General Hospital + Nuance Communications DAX Copilot: Over 500 providers at the health system will begin utilizing the AI ambient scribe. ?? ? Texas Oncology + DeepScribe: The statewide oncology practice adopted the AI ambient medical scribe. (ed. note: scribes continue to be hot!) ?? AI Contact Center ? Clearstep: The AI conversational chat vendor launched a new feature allowing patients to self-schedule specialist visits. ?? Data & Analytics ? InterSystems + CLEAR: The cloud-based patient data service is integrating the identity technology to expedite access to patient records. ?? ? WakeMed + Bamboo Health: The health system is adopting the data interoperability and encounter notification service. ?? Clinical Decision Support ? University Hospitals + Aidoc: The Cleveland-based health system is implementing the AI clinical decision support platform across 13 of its hospitals and additional outpatient locations. ????? Virtual and At-Home Care ? University of South Carolina School of Medicine + Rimidi: The hospital group and an affiliated multispecialty clinic are adopting the remote patient monitoring platform to reduce complications from postpartum hypertension. ?? ? Mount Sinai Health System + HealthSnap: The medical center announced a new remote patient monitoring and chronic care management program in partnership with the virtual care management platform. ?? ? Wheel: The telehealth company released a new AI-driven virtual care platform designed to enhance the patient experience and offer resources to help partners scale their virtual care services. ?? Patient Engagement ? CipherHealth: The patient engagement solution focused on patient rounding released a new AI summary tool. ?? ? DexCare: The care orchestration platform completed a $75M series C funding round ?? Durable Medical Equipment ? Better Health: The medical device and peer support network completed a $14M funding round. ?? Food for Thought: ? Silicon Valley Bank released an interesting report on the state of investment in AI in healthcare, including stats on AI usage at healthcare organizations and the impact of leveraging AI on startup valuation. https://lnkd.in/em7AfivT ?? ? The journal Critical Care Medicine published an editorial on an “in clinico” evaluation of a machine learning-based early warning system to predict in-hospital deterioration. We found it to be an interesting look at the actual impact of a model’s deployment on care processes and patient outcomes in a critical care setting. https://lnkd.in/eQhZbVKu

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This story in "D Magazine: Healthcare" is basically neutral on the fact that three of the top five most-profitable health systems are in the Dallas area. But the real headline should be that health systems continue to rake in the money, much of that for egregious collection practices and inflated charges, among other things. Self-insured employers and their patients continue to "feed the beasts" by allowing routine, scheduled, planned, and elective procedures to be done in these settings. Instead, these kinds of procedures can generally be done at independent surgical facilities with independent physician practices. The costs are significantly lower, and oh, by the way, the the quality is usually considerably higher. #SurgicalBundles #SurgeryBundles #FreeStandingASCs #IndependentPhysicians #PriceTransparency #DontFeedTheBeast

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Is it #PrivateEquity, COVID-19, #medicare reimbursements or something else? Dallas-based Steward Health Care , the nation’s largest private, for-profit hospital chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Texas, saying it will move to restructure its debt under court supervision and keep running its hospitals across the U.S. — including eight in Massachusetts. Steward operates more than 30 hospitals in a handful of states, and employs tens of thousands of workers, including 16,000 in Massachusetts, according to their unions. In its bankruptcy filing, Steward estimated its creditors number more than 100,000, and its liabilities range from $1 billion-$10 billion. The company estimated its assets in the same range. Steward, in its statement, blamed government reimbursement rates, increasing labor costs and inflation for its financial difficulties, as well as lingering impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. #Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, placed the blame for Steward's bankruptcy squarely on the shoulders of company leaders. The disclosure of Steward’s financial woes?in January?sparked criticism of the role of?for-profit companies?in health care and calls for greater oversight. Massachusetts lawmakers recently proposed legislation that would more closely regulate hospitals in the state. The bankruptcy process could reveal new details about Steward’s financial straits — and how the situation became untenable. The company has long kept financial records?close to the vest, even defying a Massachusetts rule requiring hospital companies to disclose detailed financial information. Although Steward has said it is looking for a buyer for its Massachusetts hospitals, no deal has emerged to date. Steward has also been working to sell its #physician network, Stewardship Health. In March Steward announced it had?reached a deal with Optum, whose parent company, UnitedHealth Group, owns the larger insurer UnitedHealthcare, but the companies have yet to file completed paperwork. Steward indicated the timing of this process played a role in its decision to file for bankruptcy. Massachusetts Association of Health Plans President and CEO Lora Pellegrini said in a statement Monday that its group, which represents 14 health plans, will keep providing coverage at Steward facilities. https://lnkd.in/eZ8h_F54

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PE acquisitions of healthcare providers organizations has slowed this year. I think this is just a pause to take a deep breath before the next plunge. Look for activity to start to spike again later in the year. #healthcare #hospitals #clinics #healthsystems #pe #privateequity #venturecapital #mergers #acquisitions #consolidation

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How do people who cannot speak assent to being touched? It’s complicated, but I believe that all people are equally capable of showing their preference or non-preference for physical touch. I believe (and state in both my LinkedIn profile and my website (www.alamobehavior.com)) that I believe all learners should assent to be touched and should not be touched without their assent (including physical prompting). Obviously, when you're working with a learner with a nonvocal or nonverbal individual who can't sign or use AAC yet, or a learner with a co-occurring intellectual disability who struggles to self-advocate, assent can be a nebulous concept. I thought I would share my personal definitions of Assent and Dissent for touch here so you can see how I determine whether a learner is assenting to or rejecting my physical touch: ?? ASSENT FOR TOUCH?? : When touched by someone else, a learner displays one or all of the following with the absence of dissent/rejection behaviors: A.) displaying approach behaviors, like leaning into the touch, B.) positive affect (e.g., laughing, smiling), C. vocalizing or signing for "More", "Tickles", or more complex explicit mands for touch, or D.) idiosyncratic behaviors specific to the learner determined from caregiver report or observation. ?? DISSENT OR REJECTION OF PHYSICAL TOUCH: ?? When touched by someone else, a learner displays one or all of the following behaviors, EVEN in the presence of an assent behavior (rationale: we often laugh when tickled even if we are in distress AND/OR a learner might mask or otherwise think accepting touch is what is expected): A.) Physically moving away from touch (e.g., moving body part away, B.) Cringing, C.) negative affect (e.g., grimacing, frowning), C.) Manding in any modality for cessation (e.g., signing "No" or "Stop", vocalizing "No" or "Stop", showing vocal signs of distress like grunting, gasping, crying, or screaming), D.) Idiosyncratic signs that the learner does not want to be touched determined from caregiver report or from data collection. Caveat: These are MY operational definitions. They are not based on peer-reviewed research. They are based solely on observation and data collection across 20 years of service provision with highly impacted autistic individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. Hope that helps! #ABA #AppliedBehaviorAnalysis #Autism #Autistic #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #BCBA #RBT

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Reimbursement issues can create significant challenges for patients, providers, and payers within the healthcare system. Here are some common issues faced by each group: Patients: 1. High Out-of-Pocket Costs Many struggle with high deductibles and copays, leading to unexpected expenses for medical services. 2. Lack of Transparency Patients often find it to understand the costs with their care, making it hard to make informed decisions. 3. Claimials Patients may experience delays or denials in reimbursement for services received, adding stress and financial strain. 4. Confusion Over Coverage Navigating insurance plans and understanding what is covered can be overwhelming for patients. Providers: 1. Delayed Payments Providers often face delays in reimbursements from payers, impacting their cash flow and financial stability. 2. Complex Billing Processes Navigating the complex coding and billing requirements can lead to errors and subsequent claim denials. 3. Low Reimbursement Rates Some providers, especially in primary care, struggle with low reimbursement rates that do not cover the costs of delivering care. 4. Administrative Burden The time and resources required to manage billing and reimbursement processes can detract from patient care. Payers: 1. Fraud and Abuse Payers are constantly on the lookout for fraudulent claims, which can complicate reimbursement processes. 2. Rising Healthcare Costs Increasing costs of care put pressure on payers to control expenses while ensuring patient access to necessary services. 3. Value-Based Care Models Transitioning to value-based models requires new approaches to reimbursement and may create challenges in measuring quality and outcomes. 4. Network Management Payers must balance provider networks and reimbursement policies to ensure they can offer competitive plans while managing costs. Providers must have the appropriate person in place to ensue the negotiated rate is appropriate. To address these issues, collaboration between patients, providers, and payers is essential, along with advocacy for policies that promote transparency, fair reimbursement, and improved access to care.

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The Patient Access Management Summit hosted by @Dermsquared is designed to educate and support office staff in securing medication approvals and enhancing the patient experience, ensuring patients receive the treatments their clinicians prescribe. If you are a #dermatologypracticemanager or practice owner, you want to check this out for your staff!

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Prioritizing Compassionate Care: A Blueprint for Patient-Centric Rehabilitation At Reunion Rehabilitation Hospital Plano, our passion and excitement for elevating patient care experiences is what fuels us. Central to our culture is fostering compassion among our entire team, where every interaction embodies empathy and understanding. Here’s how we've cultivated this ethos and enhanced patient experiences: 1. Empathy First: At our hospital, empathy is more than a buzzword; it's our guiding principle. Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient, we tailor our approach to honor their individuality, ensuring they feel valued and understood throughout their journey. 2. Customized Treatment Plans: We reject the one-size-fits-all mentality. Instead, we craft personalized treatment plans that align with the distinct needs and aspirations of each patient. Whether it's physical, occupational, or speech therapy, our focus remains steadfastly on the individual's well-being and recovery. 3. Transparent Communication: Trust is built on transparency. That's why we prioritize clear, open communication with our patients, involving them in every decision-making process. By fostering a culture of honesty and accessibility, we strengthen the bond between caregivers and patients. 4. Comprehensive Support: We recognize that rehabilitation extends beyond physical healing. Hence, we offer holistic support services, encompassing nutritional guidance, mental health assistance, and daily living support. Our aim is to address the multifaceted needs of our patients holistically. 5. Commitment to Excellence: Continuous improvement is the cornerstone of our practice. Through feedback and reflection, we identify areas for growth and implement changes to enhance patient care. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and evolution, we uphold our commitment to excellence. At Reunion Rehabilitation Hospitals, our mission is clear: “Delivering exceptional care through inspired people, industry-leading programs, innovation, and strong partnerships within the communities we serve”. Join us in prioritizing empathy and compassion in healthcare, where every patient's journey is honored and supported. #CompassionateCare #PatientExperience #Rehabilitation #HealthcareExcellence

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The latest National Hospital Flash Report highlights a concerning trend - the gap between high and low performing healthcare organizations is widening. Lower performing organizations often struggle to invest in key areas like strategic initiatives, employee retention, and facility enhancements. Is your organization looking to elevate its performance and drive positive change? Altius Healthcare Consulting Group offers leadership development, workforce optimization, and change management support to help you achieve your goals. Don't risk falling behind - take action today to propel your hospital or healthcare system to new heights of success. Reach out with a quick phone call or message to get started on your journey towards excellence. #HealthcareConsulting #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkforceOptimization #ChangeManagement https://lnkd.in/eZzvA2Ch

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After years of anticipation, my dear friend and healthcare trailblazer, Luis Montes, DPT, MBA, and CEO of Innova Health made an appearance on the AHI Show. : ) Luis is a fabulous leader, whose knack for fostering high-performing, collaborative teams is unmatched. What truly makes a solution transformative in the complex world of rehab therapy? In this episode, he shares not only his transformative journey but also his profound insights into combating clinician burnout and meeting intricate patient needs in rehab therapy. The secret, as Luis says, lies in the perfect blend of innovative tech with a deep understanding of healthcare's human touch. Check out this awesome episode as we delve into a wide range of topics and questions. Luis drops so many gems and wisdom. "I don't care if an idea comes from somebody that just joined the organization, somebody that's super junior, or somebody that's in a leadership team, it doesn't matter. The best ideas always win." - Luis Montes, DPT, MBA Could Luis’s approach be the blueprint for future success? Catch the entire episode in the comments below. #HealthInnovation #Leadership #TeamBuilding #RehabTherapy

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Main Point of Value-Based Care Value-based care is a healthcare model that ties the amount providers earn to the quality and cost-effectiveness of the care they deliver to patients. Unlike the traditional fee-for-service system where providers are paid for each service rendered regardless of outcome--value-based care rewards providers for improving patient outcomes while keeping costs down.

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Dr. Damian Poustie, founder of The Health Collective, has helped 39 healthcare practice owners transition from clinicians to successful practice owners, with some doubling their revenue in just 8 weeks! Here’s how it was achieved: 1?? Understanding Patient Needs: By delving deep into what patients truly want, expectations were exceeded, creating memorable experiences and leading to more WOM referrals. 2?? Identifying Ideal Clients: Strategic targeting of the right clientele brought 3-5 new patients into clinics weekly ?? 3?? Mastering Communication: Enhancing patient communication and motivational interviewing improved retention and outcomes. 4?? Confidence & Care: Empowering owners with confidence and genuine care to achieve patient results. These strategies proved game-changing, emphasising that exceptional patient experiences and business growth go hand in hand. #HealthcareExcellence #PatientCare #PrivatePracticeGrowth #PassionAndPurpose

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Very interesting! When looking at design we also need to be taking into account our access control capabilities, security and Visitor management and flow. Design in regards to security is not only a brilliant defensive strategy for workplace violence prevention, it should take into account opportunities for offensive strategic operations as well as giving the organization profitable elements of design that aid in sustainability. #healthcare #innovation

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Enroute to Zimmet Healthcare Services Group, LLC conference. Message me if you plan on being there and want to discuss how Dynamic Reimbursement Services can help you with your reimbursement needs.

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Good Morning Health Professionals, Telemedicine is reshaping healthcare delivery, yet many patients are still hesitant due to misconceptions. My latest article, Telemedicine's Most Tenacious Myths and Truths, addresses these concerns and prepares patients for confident participation in telemedicine visits. Discover how this resource can help dispel myths and encourage your patients to embrace telemedicine with confidence. #Telemedicine #HealthcareInnovation #PatientBetter https://lnkd.in/gXGFKpE7

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