In the future, social determinants of health are expected to play a more prominent role in healthcare payer models as the industry continues to recognize their impact on patient outcomes and overall healthcare costs. What do you need to know about the social determinants that affect your patients?

Adolescence, those formative years between childhood and adulthood, can be a confusing and sometimes challenging time as young people go through changes both emotional and physical. It’s also a time of discovery as they learn to form their individual identity. A big part of that journey is sexuality, finding where they fit in and how they identify on the spectrum. VHAN Social Workers support young patients through all stages of life, providing behavioral health referrals when needed along the way.

The March 27 shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville was devastating for all of us, especially those in the middle Tennessee communities served by you, our VHAN members. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, the first responders and all of those who are struggling with the impact of this traumatic event.

In the aftermath, we turn our attention to our young patients, particularly those in need of counseling and other behavioral health services. Read the full article to access behavioral health tools and resources for pediatric patients and their families.

VHAN’s RN Care Navigators are trained to help patients find their way through a complex health care system. But beyond untangling health care’s confusing details, these professionals also exhibit compassion for every patient they encounter, listening and showing genuine concern that’s as powerful as any prescription. In the case of one patient, the care management team’s ability to listen closely had potentially life-saving results.

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 is excited to partner with Aetna to create a member program for small to mid-size benefit plans that helps your employees stay healthy while your practice saves on health care costs. The Aetna Whole Health Employee program offers discounts, comprehensive benefit design, and enhanced features such as wellness, an Employee Assistance Program and $0 copay visits to multiple convenient care options. Hurry and sign up by Jan. 1—and find more information on the VHAN Hub.

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.

Coinciding with VHAN’s 10th anniversary, the third season of the miniVHAN podcast looks back at the unique vision for VHAN and how the network launched amidst a major transition in health care from fee-for-service to value-based care following the signing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.