 Project to improve health system purchasing expects to yield major savings
An initiative to bring new efficiencies to Saint Luke's Health System's spending for all non-clinical and clinical supplies has identified nearly $13 million in savings. The project is part of FOCUS 2015 and will be co-led by Saint Luke's Materials Management Department and a team from Deloitte.
"The program will have two basic components - a value analysis looking at products currently carried in inventory, like patient care items for instance, and a technical assessment that looks at technology spending within Saint Luke's," said Howard Mann, senior director, Corporate Materials Management. "The goal is to use more aggressive and favorable contracting."
Value analysis teams consisting of physicians and clinical and support staff in the disciplines involved from across the health system will evaluate savings opportunities - both those already identified as well as new savings yet to be determined. The intent is to standardize items we purchase, where possible, to obtain the best pricing. All non-labor spending will be evaluated to find opportunities. Savings from the project will be tracked and rolled up to help meet the overall FOCUS 2015 targets. Mann said the teams will work closely with all departments and employees so that the users of contracted services have input into decision-making.
"It's important to point out that decisions won't be made on the basis of cost alone," Mann said. "The Saint Luke's goal of excellent patient-centered care remains paramount. We'll also be looking at what's needed in the future. For instance, the technology assessment team will look at what kinds of technologies we might need down the road."
All areas of the supply chain will be evaluated by the value analysis team including non-clinical and corporate areas as well as all aspects of clinical operations. In terms of existing purchasing procedures, the current centralized materials management model will continue to be used and materials management resource managers assigned to health system departments will continue to serve those areas.
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Saint Luke's receives accreditation to offer fellowship training in advanced heart failure, cardiac transplant
Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, in affiliation with the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine, has received accreditation in advanced heart failure/transplant cardiology from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The accreditation puts the Heart Institute in an elite group of just 24 out of 180 cardiology training programs across the country qualified to offer advanced medical training in heart failure and transplant to its cardiology fellows. It is the only program of its kind in the region.
The initial accreditation is effective through July 2015. The hospital can now begin accepting applications from cardiologists who have completed three years of fellowship training at an ACGME-approved program. Trainees in the 12-month program will learn to manage heart failure patients by determining whether they would be best served through medications, a heart transplant, or implantation of a mechanical ventricular assist device, using established and leading-edge treatment options.
The program is important to the community because it builds on Saint Luke's national reputation in heart failure and cardiac transplantation, according to Anthony Magalski, M.D., medical director of the heart failure program at Saint Luke's. "With the added prestige of this accreditation, we expect to recruit from among the best and brightest in the country for this opportunity. This will not only improve the quality of cardiology care, but will give us the opportunity to retain these future leaders in Kansas City, enhancing the quality of heart failure care for our entire region."
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Compliance Connection
Ethical dilemmas in coding
In a recent article in the Journal of American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), writer Mark Crawford examined several scenarios which may create an ethical dilemma for Health Information Management (HIM) coders. One of those situations involved "pressure to upcode."
Coders are responsible for assigning diagnosis and procedure codes utilized in billing for services. The coder/physician uses standardized ICD-9 and CPT-4 coding guidelines, along with documentation of the visit, to determine appropriate charge codes.
In the scenario described in the article, a coding supervisor was encouraging staff to code visits at a higher level than supported by the documentation. The coding supervisor implied that failing to "upcode" may result in loss of employment to the coder.
The behavior of the supervisor violates several standards in the AHIMA Code of Ethics as well as SLHS' Code of Conduct and related policies. Furthermore, the practice of inappropriate coding, of any kind, may lead to a False Claims Act violation.
The article demonstrates the importance of a corporate culture of compliance, which includes non-punitive reporting. Saint Luke's Health System strives to provide such a culture through the Code of Conduct and False Claims policy. Employees of SLHS are encouraged to be alert for situations involving Ethics and Compliance and to report any suspected violations. These employees are protected from retaliation.
Employees are also responsible for knowing and practicing according to the Code of Ethics for their professions. Any questions or concerns regarding a person's or entity's failure to follow the designated Code of Ethics or the SLHS Code of Conduct should be reported to the Ethics and Compliance Officer (ECO) for their entity, the SLHS Ethics and Compliance Office, through the incident reporting program on Citrix, compliance@saint-lukes.org, or via the Compliance Hotline 888-660-6227.
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Making a difference
Employees going above and beyond - Heidi Frazier
I would like to recognize Heidi Frazier, Au.D., CCC-A. She recently squeezed in a patient in her busy schedule during her lunch period on her birthday! This patient has severe tinnitus and came all the way from St. Louis to get her expertise. She was able to greatly decrease his perception of tinnitus in just an hour. He and his wife were both overjoyed and cried as he has been struggling with this for months and it was negatively affecting their quality of life. - Sarah Zlomke, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor of Audiology
Important to know
Every day our dedicated employees go out of their way to make a difference in the lives of our patients, visitors, and co-workers. You likely share these stories among your colleagues in your department. We would like to share these stories more broadly with all SLH employees through eRounds.
We are currently gathering submissions that highlight the ways our employees Make a Difference. If you would like to recognize a co-worker for exceptional patient care or for going above and beyond to help in some way, please send your name, the name(s) of those you wish to recognize, and a brief description of what they did to the SLH eRounds mailbox at slhrounds@saint-lukes.org. No need to worry about grammar, spelling, or writing the story exactly as it would appear in eRounds. The Marketing Department will wordsmith it appropriately.
Thank you for helping us share the passion and dedication of our incredible staff!
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities a success
The Center for Breast Care along with the Breast Cancer Awareness  Committee would like to thank everyone who supported our mission to promote breast cancer awareness during the month of October.
We held a great event dedicated to SLH employees currently going through breast cancer and those who have survived breast cancer. We provided mammograms to several employees throughout the month and at our girls' night out massage and mammogram event. The Pink Tribute Tree was a way for both patients and families to honor loved ones who have survived or lost their battle with the disease. We have 405 names placed on the tree.
Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by breast cancer, but we know that with early detection we are making a difference. Thank you for your support!
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Gary Gaddis, M.D., presents nationally and internationally
Gary Gaddis, M.D., has been sharing his knowledge with others. 
Recently, Dr. Gaddis taught 14 hours of biostatistics content to the Emergency Medicine Basic Research Skills (EMBRS) course at the Headquarters of the American College of Emergency Physicians in Irving, TX. EMBRS is attended by young physicians who want to become researchers. Most attendees are emergency medicine residency graduates from the United States. However, this year, several non-emergency physicians from various nations attended as well representing such countries as Canada, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates.
This was the fourth time Dr. Gaddis has taught the course for EMBRS. After EMBRS, Dr. Gaddis will serve as a mentor to four to six of the attendees, helping them develop a research project for presentation in April when the EMBRS course reconvenes.
Last week, Dr. Gaddis flew to Cancun, Mexico to present two medical talks (in Spanish) at the IV World Congress in Emergency Medicine and Disasters in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He presented on the topics "Sepsis in the Emergency Department: Current Concepts" and "Medication-Related Problems."
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Update employee information
Forms and changes submitted to your Human Resources Departments after Dec. 13 will apply to the first pay day of 2013
Name - Please review your name on the SLHS home page - For Employees - MyLink (Payroll) - Log On - myPersonal
If you have had a name change, hover the cursor on the Personal Information Change Form and a link to the form will open. Complete the form and print it. Hand-deliver the form to your local Human Resources office. You will need to demonstrate that your name matches the name shown on your Social Security card.
Address - Please review your address online. If you have had a change in address, please update your information.
Your address can be viewed on SLHS home page - For Employees - MyLink (Payroll) - Log On - myPersonal Address.
Hover the cursor on the Personal Information Change Form link and click to open the form. Complete and Print. Submit completed forms to your Human Resources office.
Federal W4 Form - Please review your withholding status.
Your withholding status can be viewed on MyLink in Employee Self Service - My Payroll Information - Tax Withholding.
If you wish to make a change, Federal W4 forms are located on SLHS Home page - For Employees - MyLink (Payroll) Log On - myPayroll - myWithholding. Form names are noted on the screen.
Hover the cursor on the desired form and click to open the form. Complete the form lines 1 through 7, then print. Ensure that your name, address, date, and signature appear on the form. Please read instructions thoroughly. The IRS considers a form invalid when incomplete, scratched out, or marked over fields appear on the submitted form. Invalid forms will not be processed, and withholding will revert to Single 0 dependents per IRS regulations. Submit completed forms to your Human Resources office.
Pay Statement - Please print the last pay statement of the year. Retain this document to show the entire year's earnings and deductions which may not be required on the W2.
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Make a Holiday wish come true...Adopt-An-Angel
Crittenton Children's Center's annual Adopt-An-Angel program began in early November, aiming to give a happy holiday to more than 300 children currently in residential, foster care, and home-based programs.
Crittenton's "angels" have completed their wish lists and included items such as bedding, shoes, bath and body products, coats, games, and toys. Although the holidays can be a very difficult time for many Crittenton youth, the Adopt-An-Angel program provides positive remembrances and gifts for children who otherwise wouldn't enjoy the holiday season this way.
With the help of employees, departments, and community members who adopt an angel, Crittenton makes holiday wishes come true for children who have no family, or whose families are not able or willing to participate in such activities.
To adopt a Crittenton Children's Center angel or for more information, send an email to adoptanangel@saint-lukes.org or call Sherry Ott at 816-767-4124.
In addition to adopting an angel, individuals, departments, or groups can also help make holiday wishes come true with the following.
- Cash donations in any amount.
- Donation of holiday gift boxes/bags, bows, and other supplies.
- Donation of items for our general wish list to be used throughout the year.
- Volunteering to wrap presents and/or host a holiday party or event.
For monetary donations, please make checks payable to "Crittenton Holiday Fund" and mail to Crittenton Children's Center, Attn: Krista Allen, 10918 Elm Ave., Kansas City, MO 64134.
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| Noteworthy
Saint Luke's in the news
SLH has been making news, and our staff is sharing its expertise in the media. Click on the link below to see the full story.
Pay It Forward: Single Mom Says Thanks, Fox 4, 11/19/12
HR holiday closure
The Human Resources offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 22, and Friday, Nov. 23, in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Town Hall meetings
The December Town Hall meetings have been cancelled and will be rescheduled for some time during the beginning of the year.
Retirement reception for Dr. McKinley
A retirement reception will be held for Lois McKinley, M.D., on Friday, Nov. 30 from 2 - 5 p.m. in the Women's Courtyard. Dr. McKinley has been on staff with our Multi-Specialty Clinic and prior to that she had her own practice. She has served the community well for many years and we wish her well on her retirement.
December is the new January!
The Center for Health Enhancement is offering a Personal Training Scholarship. Submit your personal fitness story and win two free months of personal training. One of our new personal trainers, Amanda Boyd, wants to help you create a new success story. Click here for more information on how to enter your application.
Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony
The Grief Support Committee at Saint Luke's Hospital is hosting their annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Service on Sunday Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in the chapel at Saint Luke's Hospital. This worldwide ceremony is held for one hour every second Sunday in December to unite families and friends and remember children around the globe who have died. This invitation is for anyone in the community. Please join us for candle lighting, music, readings, and refreshments.
Apply Now for M.S.N. program at SLCHS
Saint Luke's College of Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for the M.S.N. program that starts in January. The application deadline is Jan. 4, 2013. Classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Currently, there are two tracks to choose from in the M.S.N. program: nurse educator and adult acute care nurse practitioner. SLHS employees and alumni of Saint Luke's College who start in January will receive a 10 percent tuition discount for the entire length of the program.
Saint Luke's College is located at 624 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111. If you have questions about the M.S.N. program, please contact Josh Richards at 816-932-6748 or via email.
Saint Luke's Hospital Blood Drive
Monday, Nov. 26
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
BMW Dining Rooms
Hundreds of Red Cross blood drives have been cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, representing a loss of thousands of blood and platelet products. We're asking people who are eligible, especially in places not affected by the storm, to schedule a time to give blood in the days and weeks to come.
This is an easy way for us to pitch in - make an appointment and come donate Monday, Nov. 26.
Make an appointment to donate blood at www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code SaintLukesKC.
Fit & Festive Team Challenge Begins Nov. 26
Registration for Fit & Festive, a six-week Team Challenge for the holiday is open! Get your team together to commit to balancing healthier choices with less healthy choices. Team members earn points by exercising, maintaining or losing weight, and managing stress. Points are lost by eating desserts, extra helpings, and drinking holiday drinks. The first 50 team captains with five or more registered team members will receive $10 eStore vouchers. The top five teams will win $50 Giving Cards, which are a donation to a favorite charity. Click here for more details. Go to Aetnagetactive.com. If you're new to the web site, use the company name "SLHS" and your employee identifier to register.
Environmental Services has 24/7 dedicated line
To provide better and faster service, Environmental Services has established a 24/7 Cisco line (ext. 26646) which is carried by a manager or coordinator at all times.
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42nd Annual Dr. Robert D. Conn Heart Conference
Dec. 6-7 The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
Register now for the 42nd Annual Dr. Robert D. Conn Heart Conference, Dec. 6-7, at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo. This conference will focus on improving the quality of care for patients with cardiovascular disease using evidence-based medicine and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
The conference is intended for cardiologists, electrophysiologists, general practitioners, internal/family physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other allied health professionals. This educational event is a joint sponsorship of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.
For more information and to register, click here. SLHS non-physician employees can call UMKC CME at 816-235-6808 for special discount registration forms.
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2013 SLH Summer Student Scholars Program
The Summer Student Scholars Program is designed to provide an opportunity for eight college undergraduates with an interest in health care to spend six weeks in a clinical or research area of emphasis at SLH. The hope is to someday see some of these students become members of the SLH medical staff.
The SLH-funded program will begin the week of June 10, 2013. Orientation will be held June 7, 2013. Application deadline is Jan. 4, 2013. Applicants accepted to the program will be notified by March 4, 2013.
For more information or for an application, please contact Jeanne Kimball in Medical Education at jkimball@saint-lukes.org.
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