VHAN’s Pamela Bruce, Director, Quality and Clinical Transformation, has joined the NAACOS Quality Committee. This committee evaluates quality initiatives and requirements related to ACOs, while focusing on the role of quality performance in population-based payment models. The NAACOS Quality Committee also works to develop and guide the NAACOS quality strategy as it relates to Medicare ACO models including the Shared Savings Programs and other payers with ACO contracts. Congratulations, Pam!

This flu season has been one of the worst in recent years, with approximately 8.7 million flu illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 flu-related deaths reported across the United States. Flu vaccines remain the best defense against this year’s flu, along antiviral medications like Tamiflu, handwashing and plenty of rest. Your patients likely have plenty of questions about treating flu symptoms or avoiding flu altogether. In this article, we address some commonly asked questions with input from clinical experts.

VHAN’s Care Management team often steps in to provide relief and assistance to overworked caregivers. Recently, this coordinated approach benefited an overwhelmed daughter caring for her 75-year-old mother with a history of vascular dementia and multiple strokes. The patient came to VUMC with increased blood sugars, along with weakness and confusion that had resulted in a fall at home. The VHAN Care Management team not only help patients cope with complex conditions, but they also provide compassionate service and a listening ear to caregivers, reminding them not to neglect their own health while in pursuit of their loved one’s healing.

Recently, a VHAN RN Care Navigator was able to connect an overlooked patient to much-needed follow-up care after a joint replacement. The 63-year-old female patient with comorbidities was admitted to a hospital for a planned knee replacement, expecting that she would be referred to a rehab facility at discharge. However, after spending a week in the hospital, she was sent home with no follow-up instructions. She understandably felt confused and disconnected from the system and worried about what would happen next—that’s where VHAN’s RN Care Navigator Cheryl Landis stepped in.

As COVID-19 cases begin to increase again in the region, new outpatient treatment options are available that may lessen the severity of infection and reduce patients’ chances of being hospitalized or dying from the virus. VHAN encourages its members and their staff to learn more about these options to help educate themselves, their family members and their patients about their availability. Making use of these treatment options will be powerful in keeping COVID-positive patients out of the hospital, ensuring beds remain available for patients needing care of all kinds.

VHAN’s Care Management team of registered nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE), social workers, pharmacists and Care Navigators work together every day to address the physical, mental, spiritual and social needs of patients. Recently, the team applied multidisciplinary efforts to help a patient heal from a hospital stay while simultaneously recovering from a personal tragedy—a fire that took her home and most of her belongings. Read the full article to learn more about how VHAN can help patients manage their health through the most difficult times.

VHAN’s Care Navigators help address the physical, mental, spiritual and social needs of patients. Watch a video to see the powerful story of how VHAN’s Care Management team helped Tina improve her mental health and better manage her physical symptoms.

heir risk factors, explained how to differentiate between an eating disorder and picky eating, discussed when to speak to your child’s pediatrician, and outlined the family’s role in recovery.

The VHAN Care Management team serves as an important connection point between patients, providers and caregivers. This service is particularly helpful when patients are managing multiple complex conditions and additional barriers to care. Recently, several members of the care management team stepped in to help a VHAN patient who was struggling to stay out of the emergency department.