Summer 2010
President’s Message: Healthcare Reform Expands Opportunities for Care Management Programs
Claire Levitt, MS
AMM President
With the passage of the new healthcare reform law, many are trying to sort out the details. Among other
opportunities, the new law recognizes the value of quality-based, care management programs that support
chronicaly ill populations. This article provides some insights on how these new federally-sanctioned
programs align with AMM’s current mission, programs and services.
back to top
Reducing Readmissions with Patient Transition Coaching
Julie O’Brien, BSN, RN, MS
AMM Vice President/COO
As many as 20 percent of patients discharged from the hospital end up back in the hospital within 30
days – many due to a lack of follow-up care or the patient’s inability to understand and follow doctor’s
orders. This story showcases how AMM reduces hospital readmissions through its Patient Transition Coaching
Program, which can save costs and improve clinical outcomes.
back to top
The Evolution of Utilization Management
Bernard M. Bettencourt, Jr.
DO, MPH, FACEP, CPE
AMM Medical Director
The face of Utilization Management (UM) has changed significantly over the past 20 years. As a
result, UM Programs are now much more than just rendering a “medical necessity” determination. Today,
UM Programs are part of a larger integrated care management system with an emphasis on quality along
with the appropriate utilization of resources. This article reminds us that UM will continue to evolve
to keep pace with both public and private sector initiatives.
back to top
Overview of AMM’s Utilization Management Program
This sidebar showcases AMM’s dynamic UM Programs, which can be customized and private-labeled for
each client. AMM brings to the table a quality-based, integrated and seamless approach to UM decision-making.
back to top
Employee Spotlight: Pamela Gould, RN
Sales Executive
Pamela Gould brings more than 20 years of healthcare industry experience from business development and
sales management to strategic planning, market analysis, training and development, and clinical
assessments. Gould possesses an appreciation for “going the extra mile” when following-up on a sales
lead or supporting a client. Read this “Employee Spotlight” to learn more about one of AMM’s rising stars.
back to top
Gearing Up for Healthcare Reform: Phase II
This brief healthcare reform update identifies the major players at the federal regulatory level as
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) begins to draft regulations and implement The
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by President Obama last March.
back to top
Medical Management News
- More U.S. companies offer financial incentives to motivate employee health
- Study demonstrates possibility of “universal” flu vaccine
- One in ten stroke patients experience another stroke within one week after hospital discharge
- Shorter hospital stays result in higher readmission rates
- Bariatric surgery rates skyrocket, but quality varies
- National Case Management Week slated for October 10-16, 2010
back to top
|
