CMS issues risk-adjustment data-validation final rule
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is strengthening Medicare Advantage and restoring the payment oversight program in its risk-adjustment data-validation program final rule. The program is CMS’s primary audit and oversight tool of Medicare Advantage program payments.
Under the program, CMS identifies improper risk-adjustment payments made to Medicare Advantage programs in which medical diagnoses submitted for payment were not supported by the patient’s medical record. The policies in the final rule ensure people with Medicare can access the benefits and services while protecting the fiscal sustainability of Medicare. CMS provided a fact sheet about the final rule.
Meet gift shop vendors at 2023 IHAV conference
The Iowa Hospital Auxilians and Volunteers Gift Shop and Market Conference will feature innovative ideas for increasing foot traffic, promoting their products and creating visually appealing displays to support their hospitals.
Several volunteer and auxiliary managers at IHA member hospitals will share their successes and tips during panel discussions and breakout sessions. Participants will hear from:
- Sheryl Clough, gift shop supervisor, UnityPoint Health-Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge.
- Lisa Decena, gift and floral shops manager, UnityPoint-Des Moines Foundation, Des Moines.
- Lisa Gronstal, volunteer and guest services manager, CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs.
- Kirsten Heerdt, volunteer services coordinator, Henry County Health Center, Mt. Pleasant.
- Brittany Janssen, volunteer services manager, Orange City Area Health System, Orange City.
- Connie Manny, executive assistant, Madison County Health System, Winterset.
- Filimena Sicilia, lead sales association, UnityPoint-Des Moines Foundation, Des Moines.
The conference also will include an in-person gift shop market where participants can meet vendors, browse merchandise and place orders.
The conference is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Great Iowa Nurses program announces 2023 honorees
Seventy-eight Iowa nurses have been recognized as 2023 Great Iowa Nurses, including more than 70 nurses from IHA member hospitals. The program, formerly 100 Great Iowa Nurses, annually honors Iowa nurses for their contributions to the nursing profession.
Nominations for the honor are reviewed by a committee comprised of professionals from a variety of Iowa health care organizations. Great Iowa Nurses are chosen for their demonstrated service to patients, leadership, mentoring or serving as role models. A virtual ceremony featuring videos from award recipients will be held on a date to be announced.
To nominate a 2024 Great Iowa Nurse, volunteer for the selection committee or donate to the program, visit www.greatiowanurses.org.
100 Great Iowa Nurses was created in 2004 and hosted by the University of Iowa until 2020. In 2022, with the support of Mary Greeley Medical Center, the program was revived and renamed Great Iowa Nurses.
ServiShare partner MedCerts strengthens health care workforce
ServiShare partner MedCerts, a Stride company, is providing innovative e-learning solutions to strengthen the health care workforce. MedCerts focuses on certifications in high-demand areas of allied health care serving people from all backgrounds including members of the military and their families, people changing careers and people under- or unemployed.
MedCerts delivers certification training for several health care positions including:
- Behavior technician.
- Electronic health records specialist.
- EKG technician.
- Pharmacy technician.
Since 2009, the company has developed more than 50 career programs, trained more than 50,000 job seekers, and partnered with more than 500 American job centers and 1,000 health care organizations. MedCerts partner with employers to help reduce allied health vacancies through incumbent-staff training or using its recruit-hire-train model to create a talent pipeline.
Learn more about MedCerts or email Reagon Worthington or Jim Green with ServiShare to schedule a meeting.