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In This Issue
Guest Blog: Kristin Jones, The Colorado Trust
In Remembrance: Michael D. English
Blog: Jay Want, Interim CEO & President
Cost Driver Spot Analysis: Payment Variation by Payer
Custom Data in Action: Medicaid Episode Analytics
Spotlight on Innovation: HopeWest
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Guest Blog:
Kristin Jones, Assistant Director of Communications, 
The Colorado Trust
"How much does a knee replacement cost?

By now, you may know that the answer to this question varies wildly. It depends where you live. It depends which hospital you visit. It also depends on who's paying."

February 2016
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In Remembrance: Michael D. English
November 22, 1961-January 26, 2016


With heavy hearts, CIVHC celebrates the life of Michael English, Ana English's husband. Mike passed away unexpectedly January 26th during a diving trip in the Cayman Islands while the couple was celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. 

Mike loved anything outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was passionate about the Olympic sports movement and fierce in his love and dedication to putting the athlete first. Most importantly, he wanted to be the best father to his children Amber and Josh, husband to Ana, son and brother and friend to all. More about Mike's incredible life and contributions to athletes can be read here.

 

While Ana English is taking time off to be with her family, Jay Want, MD, CMO, is acting as interim CEO for CIVHC. 

Blog: Jay Want, MD, Interim CEO & President
Why are prices so high in health care?
For many years we have been assuming that if Medicare costs were low in a particular region like Grand Junction on our Western Slope, then commercial insurance (insurance like the kind many of us get through our employer) costs were also likely to be relatively low. A recent report in the New York Times tells us that assumption is unfounded in the data. 
Cost Driver Spot Analysis
Payment Variation by Payer
Recent national studies have revealed little to no correlation between Medicare and commercial payer health care spending in the same region. In particular, areas like Grand Junction, Colorado, historically praised for their low cost to treat Medicare populations, have come under recent scrutiny for higher than average commercial health care costs relative to other areas in the state and nation.
Custom Data in Action
two_doctors.jpg Bundled Payment Opportunity Analysis for Colorado Hospitals
Payment reform advocates have long touted the cost savings associated with alternative payment models. However, providers and facilities frequently have no data with which to make an informed decision as to whether they should participate.
Spotlight on Innovation
HopeWest
Source: Healthy Transitions Colorado, Sep. 2015

Death is a taboo topic in America. In many cases, the reticence to discuss end-of-life concerns extends to serious diagnoses, such as cancer, which may not be terminal. Avoiding these conversations does a disserice to both the patient and family members. HopeWest helps Coloradans on the Western Slope face these challenging situations with grace.
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