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It is a pleasure to write this message on behalf of HealthShare/THA, which is a vital part of THA's mission and member benefits and key to our efforts in advocating for and helping our members. During the recently adjourned 80th Legislature, THA participated in frank discussions on the uninsured, Medicaid, and CHIP, where we project coverage for an additional 127,000 children. We saw success in nursing education, workforce issues, trauma and other areas. There is much post-session work to be done, first, and perhaps most importantly, communicating to our members all the details of the session. John Hawkins and our advocacy staff are available to make presentations in your communities and I encourage hospitals to join together on these. Contact Ollie Jo Bozeman at 800/252-9403 ext. 1007 to schedule a presentation in your community.
Looking ahead, we will be working on monitoring and providing input on issues of continuing interest and future Legislative action, including Medicaid reform, advance directives, and the uninsured. We appreciate the participation of many of you in staying informed, testifying, or otherwise helping with our efforts. After 21 years as an internist and seven years as the CEO of a health system, I feel privileged to be involved with an association that makes such a difference in the lives of Texans.
HealthShare/THA supports the efforts of THA by offering to our members services and products, as well as education. Through its careful selection of partners and endorsements, it is part of our efforts to stay on the front edge of a constantly evolving health care environment. We appreciate the business you do with HealthShare and with the various experts we have on the THA staff. It was a great experience to watch the association work during the session, and I look forward to continuing to helpTexas hospitals grapple with important issues.
Dan Stultz, M.D., FACP, FACHE
President/CEO
Texas Hospital Association
NEWS
The Texas Healthcare Trustees annual Summer Forum, "Lead. Govern. Inspire." is August 3-4, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Austin. It is preceded by a Public Hospital Orientation and Refresher on August 2. The Forum includes break-out sessions on issues of vital importance to today's trustees, important panels and advocacy updates, as well as an awards luncheon and chairman's reception. For information & registration contact Emily Brown at 800/252-9403 ext. 1562 or www.thaonline.org.
PROFILES
Physician-generated Revenues
A survey conducted by Merritt, Hawkins and Associates (MHA), shows a physician generates an average $1,496,432 in annual net revenue for his or her affiliated hospital. This included both net inpatient and outpatient revenue from patient referrals, tests and procedures performed in the hospital. The survey asked for figures in 17 specialty areas, with invasive cardiologists topping the list at more than $2.5 million in revenues generated, orthopedic surgeons at about $2.3 million, neurosurgeons $2.1 million, and general internists almost $2 million. The figures illustrate the importance of physicians in the health care delivery system, as those who are driving admissions, discharges, tests ordered, and procedures performed. Endorsed by HealthShare/THA, MHA specializes in physican search and consulting and is a division of AMN Healthcare, the nation's largest health care staffing company. For more information visit mhagroup.com
Reduced Injuries
ARJO/Diligent has considerable experience in comprehensive and effective safe patient handling programs. Its services include the ARJO Guidebook for Architects and Planners, which has detailed recommendations for incorporating patient handling equipment into construction and remodeling; sample report forms for reports to nurse staffing and quality assurance committees, as well as governing bodies; resource forms to aid in evaluating equipment and the environment; assistance with development of safe patient handling policies; comprehensive safe patient handling assessments and cost/benefit analyses at no charge; and evidence-based literature and guidelines for staff education. Safe patient handling programs are win-win-win endeavors for hospitals, employes and patients, according to Diligent. Find out why today by visiting diligentservices.com or contact Mark Morris at 800/323-1245 ext. 4546.
The Big Picture
Day to day operational concerns can keep your facility from seeing the big picture in health care facility development. Parsons, endorsed by HealthShare/THA, provides program management services that equate to responsibility for the big picture. Program management can mean shorter development schedules and lower construction costs, and, ultimately, a facility that works better for you. Risk management is an important function of this approach. Program management is especially beneficial on large projects with short timelines and tight budgets, for a series of related projects, and where it is important to limit owner risk. For more information, visit parsons.com/healthcare or contact Dan Olphie at 800/448-6382.
Comment Card
Let us know what you think about our companies and services by visiting our website healthshare-tha.com and click on request information.
If you have any questions on companies you have read here or other endorsed services please call us at 800/252-9404.
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