Create authentic branding at spring marketing conference
Strategic branding is an important piece of a hospital’s vision. At the 2023 Iowa Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations Spring Conference, marketing experts from Amperage Marketing and Fundraising will discuss how to create an authentic brand that incorporates organizational strategies, goals, culture and patients. Participants also will learn how to maintain their organization’s brand for the future.

Other topics include:

• Building a content marketing strategy.
• Incorporating traditional and digital media in an overall marketing strategy.
• Networking opportunity with other hospital marketing professionals.

The conference is scheduled from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, and is sponsored by Amperage Marketing and Fundraising

Register for IHC Annual Forum
The Iowa Healthcare Collaborative is convening providers and community stakeholders to work toward a common goal of exceptional health care in Iowa and beyond. Attendees at the IHC 2023 Annual Forum will learn from subject-matter experts and hands-on exercises to generate discussion, enhance knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Topics discussed at this year’s forum include:

• Behavioral health.
• Community and rural health care.
• Health equity.
• Neurodiversity.
• Strategic planning.

The forum is scheduled from Wednesday, May 10 – Thursday, May 11.

United Healthcare simplifying prior-authorization process
United Healthcare is easing health care access starting this summer by eliminating nearly 20% of current prior authorizations. As part of a comprehensive effort, United Healthcare will implement code reductions starting in the third quarter for most commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid businesses.

The company also announced that in early 2024, it will implement a national Gold Card program for care provider groups that meet eligibility requirements. The program will eliminate prior-authorization requirements for most procedures. Qualifying groups will follow a notification process for most procedure codes instead of the prior-authorization process. IHA has contacted United Healthcare for more information.

CMS releases FAQs about COVID-19 coverage
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid released two fact sheets about COVID-19 coverage after the public health emergency ends. The FAQs were developed with the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury. They address COVID-19 diagnostic testing, vaccines, preventive services and timeframes to complete certain employee benefit elections, including losing Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program eligibility. CMS also provided tips for helping someone losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage.