As part of the ongoing dialogue with the Department of Health and Family Services concerning regulatory issues that are important to hospitals, George Quinn and Laura Leitch, WHA, and Tim Size, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC), met with Jane Walters, Cremear Mims and other Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) staff in this quarter’s "Hospital Forum."

Hospital Citation Reports - During the meeting, DQA staff presented the most recent quarterly report of hospital citations, both state and federal, by category. The reports indicate that Life Safety Code violations remain the most frequent federal cites, and medical record and nursing services remain the most frequent state citations. DQA again provided a description of the specific citations issued in the most recent quarter with the aim that hospitals will learn what issues DQA is identifying in other facilities and will address those problems in their facilities. The reports and citation descriptions are available at the following links:

Plan Review Process - Issues related to the DHFS plan review process continue to be a priority topic for the meeting. DHFS provided a summary of the questions and answers from the recent DHFS web conference concerning their plan review process and their checklist for ceiling closure and final occupancy inspections. These documents are also available on the WHA Web site.

At their December meeting, the WHA Board approved a position statement that calls for WHA to continue to seek meaningful Medicaid payment improvements that would address the growing financial crisis facing the state’s "safety net" hospitals and reduce the statewide "hidden tax" on commercial payers. The position states "WHA has an obligation to address the crisis that Medicaid underpayment has become for hospitals disproportionately hobbled by their geographic location and special missions."

The WHA Board action calls on "WHA (to) continue to work with all parties interested in finding sustainable solutions." The action also noted "the reworked hospital tax initiative… remains a viable approach to addressing this necessary outcome."

WHA Executive Vice President Eric Borgerding reported there will likely be separate legislation introduced to revive the hospital assessment, but details are uncertain and it will face an uphill battle in the Assembly. Borgerding said the 2007-08 legislative session will essentially come to an end in March, but planning for the 2009-2011 budget planning process will begin as soon as next August and will likely include a hospital assessment.

Fale: Member Involvement Rises in 2007

WHA President Steve Brenton thanked 2007 Chair Bob Fale for his leadership through a "challenging" year. Fale expressed his thanks to the Board and to the membership for their "solid and consistent unity." Fale thanked the Wisconsin Legislature for helping him meet one of his goals, which was to increase member participation in the Association.

"Member involvement at WHA teleconferences, special meetings and education programming was substantially up due in part to the challenges presented with the hospital assessment," Fale said. Fale also noted that one of the highlights of his term was when Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen voiced his support for the revised WHA Billing and Collection Guidelines during the 2007 Advocacy Day in Madison.

Brenton also thanked Mary Starmann-Harrison for her service to the WHA Board and as chair of the WHA PAC and to Greg Britton for his service on the Association Board.

Peer Review Statute Update Incorporates Criminalization of Medical Errors

Borgerding said WHA has reestablished its efforts to improve the outdated peer review statutes. In the last legislative session, WHA backed a comprehensive rewrite of the statutes that made it through both houses of the Legislature, only to meet the Governor’s budget pen. Borgerding said the large group that worked on this issue before has reconvened to redraft the legislation. The new legislation will incorporate changes in the criminal statutes related to unintentional errors, as well.

"No one should go to jail if they make an unintended error. The bill melds those two concepts because they do overlap, and our health care providers need greater protection in the event they would make a serious unintentional error," Borgerding said.

Health Plans Play Key Role in Improving Consumer’s Access to Health Care Prices

Wisconsin has a well-documented track record of being proactive and supportive of transparency efforts. Borgerding said transparency is a hot topic in the capitol among legislators who are not inclined to support a single payer system. A consumer-driven health care model requires that people have good information to make informed decisions. Borgerding said it is the very cornerstone to a more market-based consumer-driven philosophy. In line with that, WHA has been offering input on transparency legislation introduced by Rep. Jim Sullivan.

"We have taken the approach that transparency in health care is here, and it’s not going away. There are forces out there driving it who want to see consumers have access to more information," according to Borgerding.

Board member Mike Decker pointed out that insurers also have a responsibility to be more transparent with their policyholders so they can better understand their coverage. Decker said hospitals are often put in the middle between patient and insurer as they try to interpret benefits.

"It puts hospitals in a bad position. We are interpreting their benefits while it is the insurer who knows more up to the minute what the patient’s responsibility is for co-pays and deductibles," Decker said.

Brenton Report Outlines 2007 WHA Results

In reviewing the accomplishments of WHA in 2007, Brenton noted that while there were many important initiatives this year, they were overshadowed by the state budget. Brenton credited the "remarkable success" in 2007 to the WHA staff. Brenton called attention to the WHA 2007 Results, an annual report that details the outcomes of the Association’s goals. The 2007 Results will be sent to the general membership soon.

In other action, the Board approved the 2008 WHA Council and Committee membership rosters. The Board also approved the proposed members of the WHA Foundation Board, chaired by Dan Hymans.

Ford Titus, chair of the WHA Information Center Advisory Board, reported that WHAIC achieved a positive bottom line in 2007 in part by adding new users under a revised pricing system and by controlling expenses. He pointed out that WHAIC’s cost of operations in 2007 was about 60 percent of the Bureau of Health Information’s budget in 2003.

WHA Measures Team Unveils Next CheckPoint Measures

WHA Vice President Dana Richardson provided the Board with the WHA Measures Team’s preliminary recommendations for new measures to be added to CheckPoint (www.wicheckpoint.org) in 2009 and beyond. The Team recommended that measures be added related to the following topics:

• Surgical Care Improvement Project
• Outpatient Surgery
• Outpatient ER Transfer (AMI)
• Stroke
• Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI)

Richardson said member input on the recommendations will be obtained over the next few months during regularly scheduled WHA regional meetings.

Board Action Establishes Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor Task Force

The Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program was established to identify improper Medicare payment. In 2009 CMS intends to implement RAC in Wisconsin. WHA staff identified a number of potential advocacy and educational activities related to RAC, including creating a RAC Task Force to offer guidance and expertise. The WHA Board approved creating a RAC Task Force, which will be chaired by Board member Mike Decker.

627 individuals have contributed this year to the 2007 Wisconsin Hospital PAC and/or Wisconsin Hospital Conduit fund(s). This includes CEOs, employees, volunteers, and trustees affiliated with 102 health care organizations from around the state that together have contributed more than $200,000. The 2007 goal to raise $195,000 has been exceeded because 627 of you made it possible by making a contribution.

This is the highest annual total raised in the Campaign’s history. In just seven years individual contributions have more than doubled in the amount contributed and the number of individuals participating.

Contributors by name and affiliated organization have been published on a monthly basis and are listed below. This will be the last publishing of contributors in 2007. Individuals are listed by contribution amount categories and in the order the contribution was received.

For more information, contact Jodi Bloch at 608-217-9508 or Jenny Boese at 608-274-1820.

Contributions Ranging from $1 - $249

Ayers, Mandy Wisconsin Hospital Association

Brazys, Mary WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Callies, Julie WHA Information Center

Margan, Rob Wisconsin Hospital Association

Reichert, Kevin Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Kruse, Joe Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse

Gerke, Mary Lu Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Hiatt, Emily Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Schneider, David Langlade Memorial Hospital

Harm, Sandy Lakeview Medical Center

Coller, James St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

Policello, Louise Bay Area Medical Center

Schamberg, Jay, MD Aurora Health Care

Bonnett, Joseph Beaver Dam Community Hospitals

Baker, David Saint Michael’s Hospital

Jelle, Laura St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Buss, Diane St. Mary’s Hospital

Prince, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Tierney, Mary Alice Aurora Health Care

Quade, Steve Door County Memorial Hospital

Anderson, Mary Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Marcouiller, Don Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Reinke, Kathy Shawano Medical Center

Walker, Troy St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Marsch, Jean St. Vincent Hospital

Myers, Robert Vernon Memorial Healthcare

Korff, Sally St. Nicholas Hospital

Werner, Andrea Bellin Memorial Hospital

Dettman, Amy Bellin Memorial Hospital

Adams, Daniel Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Hinz, Russ Aurora Health Care

Heider, Lisa Community Memorial Hospital

Thompson, James Aurora Health Care

Casey, Candy Columbia Center

Lindquist, Keith Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Klinge, Ann Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Santini, Kathy Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Tandberg, Christine Sacred Heart Hospital

Skifton, Russell Saint Michael’s Hospital

McCloskey, Lynne Saint Michael’s Hospital

Mickelson, Ronald St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Olson, Keri St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Elsen, Mary Pat St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Stelzer, Jason St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Watts, Susan St. Vincent Hospital

Bell, Kristine Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Bosio, David Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burtch, Sue Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Hinker, Jennifer Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Thorpe, Marya Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Bliven, David Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Cohen, Joan Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Kopplin, Jean Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Murphy, Michael Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Tate, Marceline Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Arendt, Kathleen Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Bouvat, Dale Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burgener, Jean Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Danner, Forrest Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Lucas, Roger Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Burgett, Lyle Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Drengler, Kathryn Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Scinto, Jeanne Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Sczygelski, Sidney Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Sullivan, Anne Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Rothfuss, James Meriter Hospital

Mohr, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital

Rodriguez, Debra St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Brenny, Terrence Stoughton Hospital Association

Bjork, Ted Westfields Hospital

Plaisance, Christopher Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Weiland, Sonja Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Cox, Tamarah Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Campbell-Kelz, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Dorpat, Denice Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Todd, Jeffrey Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Carrier-Diemer, Peggy Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Roundy, Ann Columbus Community Hospital

Waldoch, Timothy Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Borgstrom, Jim Memorial Health Center

Schraufnagel, Patricia Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Pinekenstein, Barbara Meriter Hospital

Bessen, Paulette Saint Michael’s Hospital

Fochs, Mary Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Lakey, Sandy Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Maas, Pamela Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Ellis, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gengler, Tim Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Reider, Rodney Aurora Health Care

Roraff, Greg Memorial Health Center

Bush, Nan Bellin Memorial Hospital

Peters, Kenneth Bellin Memorial Hospital

Watson, Christopher Bellin Memorial Hospital

Fry, Robert Bellin Memorial Hospital

Rocheleau, John Bellin Memorial Hospital

Roethle, Linda Bellin Psychiatric Center

VanStraten, Randy Beloit Memorial Hospital

Trachte, Kathryn Saint Michael’s Hospital

DeWitt, Pamela St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Coblentz, Kathy Jo St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

McCoic, Kristie St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Lorenz, Bruce Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Gantner, Sue Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Erickson, Robert Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Cotone, Candace Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Pengra, Mary Sacred Heart Hospital

Bergeron, Brant Saint Michael’s Hospital

Jensema, Christine St. Nicholas Hospital

Pfaff, Stephanie Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Yunk, Dennis Agnesian HealthCare

Fulwiler, Terry Bellin Memorial Hospital

Maurer, Mary Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Jacobsen, Joan Meriter Hospital

Bundner, Mark Meriter Hospital

Greene, Roxanne Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Facey, Alice St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Dwyer, Maxine St. Mary’s Hospital

Schaefer, Joyce Amery Regional Medical Center

Decker, Dawn Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Holmes, Sheri Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Jay, John Community Memorial Hospital

Tietz, Llewellyn Community Memorial Hospital

Twomey, Patrick Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Meicher, John St. Mary’s Hospital

Stenson, Jill Agnesian HealthCare

Raaum, Karl Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Bagemihl, Katherine Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Connell, Marilyn Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Neikirk, Jon Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Pandl, G. John Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Ragalie, Elizabeth Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Clapp, Nicole Grant Regional Health Center

Peickert, Barbara Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Herbert, William Meriter Hospital

Studer, Vince Shawano Medical Center

Sparks, Steven St. Mary’s Hospital

Ambs, Kathleen St. Mary’s Hospital

Dalebroux, Steve St. Mary’s Hospital

Schwoegler, Mary St. Mary’s Hospital

Taplin Statz, Linda St. Mary’s Hospital

Beglinger, Joan St. Mary’s Hospital

Halberslaben, Holly St. Mary’s Hospital

Marggi, Michele St. Mary’s Hospital

Rothenbuehler, Gary St. Mary’s Hospital

Leonard, Mary Kay St. Mary’s Hospital

Sauk, Michael

Rice, Jay Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Tate, Missy Agnesian HealthCare

Bellin, Carolyn Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Furlong, Marian Hudson Hospital

Evenson, Wendy Sacred Heart Hospital

Kowalkowski, Carolyn St. Joseph’s Hospital

Ott, Virginia St. Joseph’s Hospital

Giedd, Jan St. Joseph’s Hospital

Klay, Lois St. Joseph’s Hospital

Wynimko, Susan St. Joseph’s Hospital

Jablonske, William St. Joseph’s Hospital

Goodyear, Penny Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Baalrud, Laura St. Joseph’s Hospital

Fedie, Robin St. Joseph’s Hospital

Corradi, Frank St. Joseph’s Hospital

Fuchs, Thomas St. Joseph’s Hospital

Rubenzer, Deanne St. Joseph’s Hospital

Petersen, Susan Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Penovich, Carrie Aurora Health Care

Meyer, Markie Community Memorial Hospital

Churitch, Karen Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home

Lachecki, Theresa Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Ose, Peggy Riverview Hospital Association

McKay, Jean Sacred Heart Hospital

McKee-Ghalib, Paula Sacred Heart Hospital

Roshell, Diane Sacred Heart Hospital

Pittenger, Jeannie Sacred Heart Hospital

Ackerman, Jamie Sacred Heart Hospital

Albrecht, Linda Sacred Heart Hospital

Bauer, David Sacred Heart Hospital

Stack, John Sacred Heart Hospital

Stone, Stacy Sacred Heart Hospital

Axelsen, Kathern Sacred Heart Hospital

Block, Jennifer Sacred Heart Hospital

Bryans, Richard Sacred Heart Hospital

Carlson, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital

Danzinger, Marcia Sacred Heart Hospital

Gullicksrud, Lynn Sacred Heart Hospital

Johnson, Jean Sacred Heart Hospital

Mackey, Theresa Sacred Heart Hospital

McFarlane, Marge Sacred Heart Hospital

Nezworski, Joseph Sacred Heart Hospital

Nulsen, Kate Sacred Heart Hospital

Poquette, Jane Sacred Heart Hospital

Powell, Stacey Sacred Heart Hospital

Richbourg, Mary Sacred Heart Hospital

Segerstrom, Amy Sacred Heart Hospital

Sime, Wayne Sacred Heart Hospital

Skulan-Balmer, Anna Sacred Heart Hospital

Sprengeler, John Sacred Heart Hospital

Storing, Sandy Sacred Heart Hospital

Worthing, Kelli Sacred Heart Hospital

Wrobel, Roberta Sacred Heart Hospital

Hink, Dawn Sacred Heart Hospital

Pielhop, Judy Sacred Heart Hospital

Barkovich, Catherine Sacred Heart Hospital

Beckler, Rick Sacred Heart Hospital

Bloom, Deborah Sacred Heart Hospital

DeMars, Nancy Sacred Heart Hospital

Dwyer, Amy Sacred Heart Hospital

Folstad, John Sacred Heart Hospital

Johnson, Kimberly Sacred Heart Hospital

Leonard, Thomas Sacred Heart Hospital

Lien, Kristine Sacred Heart Hospital

Ness, Nita Sacred Heart Hospital

Padilla, Gilbert Sacred Heart Hospital

Preston, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital

Schultz, Rebecca Sacred Heart Hospital

Spindler, Greg Sacred Heart Hospital

VanDeVoort, John Sacred Heart Hospital

Hon, Ronald Sacred Heart Hospital

Larson, Piper Sacred Heart Hospital

LuCore, Michael Sacred Heart Hospital

Patricia LuCore Sacred Heart Hospital

Palecek, Steve Sacred Heart Hospital

Peiffer, Susan Sacred Heart Hospital

Brunner, Pam Sacred Heart Hospital

Ganahl, John Sacred Heart Hospital

Gjolberg, Skip Sacred Heart Hospital

Hassemer, Robert Sacred Heart Hospital

Prock, Gail Sacred Heart Hospital

Galfano, Victor Sacred Heart Hospital

Huettl, Patty Sacred Heart Hospital

Kaiser, Ann Sacred Heart Hospital

Larson, Sondra Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Gormican, John Agnesian HealthCare

Mulder, Doris Beloit Memorial Hospital

Pollard, Dennis Community Memorial Hospital

Wilde, Nancy Community Memorial Hospital

Zorbini, John Community Memorial Hospital

Nelson, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital

Smith, Julie Sacred Heart Hospital

Sorenson, Heather Sacred Heart Hospital

Soward, Cindy Sacred Heart Hospital

Werlein, George Sacred Heart Hospital

Wise, Richard Sacred Heart Hospital

Schnell, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital

Sorenson, Jim Sacred Heart Hospital

Stai, Linda Sacred Heart Hospital

Anderson, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital

Schoff, Dennis Sacred Heart Hospital

Hedrington, Brian Sacred Heart Hospital

Schneck, Judy Sacred Heart Hospital

Zemaitis, Tom Sacred Heart Hospital

Aminpour, Ali Sacred Heart Hospital

Bowman, Andrew Sacred Heart Hospital

Flanagan, Tracy Sacred Heart Hospital

Piper, Barbara Sacred Heart Hospital

Schroeder, Larry Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital

Selberg, Heidi St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

Hoege, Beverly Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Lange, Mark Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Lynch, Susan C. Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse

Forman, Elizabeth Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Dagnon, Patricia Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital

Comerford, Angela Sacred Heart Hospital

Eady, Diane Sacred Heart Hospital

Friberg, Manny Sacred Heart Hospital

Hassel, Joy Sacred Heart Hospital

Helland, Robin Sacred Heart Hospital

Maxey, Rita Sacred Heart Hospital

Zamora, Nicole Sacred Heart Hospital

Olson, Bonnie Sacred Heart Hospital

Bergmann, Ann Spooner Health System

Busch, Rebecca Spooner Health System

Fenno, James St. Joseph’s Hospital

Oberweis, Rita St. Joseph’s Hospital

Larson, William St. Joseph’s Hospital

Smalley, Scott St. Joseph’s Hospital

Christianson, Roger St. Mary’s Hospital

Goffinet, Jo St. Mary’s Hospital

Hofer, John Bay Area Medical Center

Arriola, Josephine Sacred Heart Hospital

Gingras, Jeanne St. Joseph’s Hospital

Oberweis, Joseph St. Joseph’s Hospital

Rhodes, Roger Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Whiteaker, Les Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Clark, Dennis St. Joseph’s Hospital

Wulff, Gary St. Joseph’s Hospital

Marshall, Linda St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Reinke, John Bay Area Medical Center

Lerch, Shawn Columbus Community Hospital

Cranberg, Judith Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Harrop, Pauline Meriter Hospital

Fowler, Rose Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Cherrier, Lori Columbus Community Hospital

Berard, Celse Riverview Hospital Association

Lessing, Tim Columbus Community Hospital

VanPay, Christa Door County Memorial Hospital

Guffey, Kerra Meriter Hospital

Gruendler, Deirdre The Monroe Clinic

Wilke, Julie The Monroe Clinic

Tell, Marge Riverview Hospital Association

Schaetzl, Ron St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Hurt, Rhonda St. Joseph’s Hospital

Hayhoe, Glenna St. Joseph’s Hospital

Koehler, Robert St. Joseph’s Hospital

Johnson, Joanne St. Mary’s Hospital

Needham, Jean Westfields Hospital

Lopas, Mary Door County Memorial Hospital

Kwiesielewicz, Nancy Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Gruber, Richard Mercy Health System

Chan, Wing Meriter Hospital

Possin, Charles Meriter Hospital

Westbrook, Diane River Falls Area Hospital

Nohelty, Peter Sacred Heart Hospital

Weiland, Theresa St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Horn, Diane St. Joseph’s Hospital

Pehlke, Joan St. Joseph’s Hospital

Melby, Shirley Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Lawson, Patricia Upland Hills Health

Lee, Teri Upland Hills Health

Wilson, Deanna Upland Hills Health

Heniff, Jean Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital

Fish, Linda Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Andersen, Travis Affinity Medical Center - Appleton

Holub, Gregory Door County Memorial Hospital

McKuen, Sandra Door County Memorial Hospital

Scieszinski, Robert Door County Memorial Hospital

Braun, James Flambeau Hospital

McGarigle, Kristine Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Dittrich, Peggy Memorial Health Center

Tuttle, Kathryn Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Caven, Michael Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Brown, Janet Moundview Memorial Hospital and Clinics

Stellflue, Nancy Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Gamroth, Charlotte Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Helin, Michelle Upland Hills Health

McCarthy, Steven Upland Hills Health

Scheel, Vicki Upland Hills Health

Lyons, James Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Juckem, Elizabeth Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus

Harnisch, Betty Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

May, Carol Mercy Health System

Nowicki, Judy Ministry Health Care

Beehn, Holly Ministry Health Care

Klein, Joan Ministry Health Care

Olson, Kathryn M. Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Clark, Julie Ann St. Joseph’s Hospital

Appleton, Karl St. Vincent Hospital

Kehrberg, Mark, MD Affinity Health System

Tirado-Kellenberger, Norma Agnesian HealthCare

Marquardt, Amy Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

Marnell, John Hudson Hospital

Halberg, Carole St. Mary’s Hospital

Pechan, Marlene St. Mary’s Hospital

Buck, Catherine Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Schultz, Rhea Meriter Hospital

Tapper, Joy Milwaukee Health Care Partnership

Bradley, Edward St. Nicholas Hospital

Castelaz, Kathy St. Vincent Hospital

Misiewicz, Barbara St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior

Priest, Geoffrey, MD Meriter Hospital

Contributions Ranging from $250 - $499

Braddock, Michelle WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Rickelman, Debbie WHA Information Center

Klauck, James Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Cryns, Janice Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Kinsella, Connie

Groepper, Ron Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Joseph

Curran, Joan Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Bayer, Tom St. Vincent Hospital

Miller, Kimberly Beaver Dam Community Hospitals

Roller, Rachel Aurora Health Care

Iding, Laura Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Meyer, Miles Meriter Hospital

Baer, James Shawano Medical Center

Johnson, Charles St. Mary’s Hospital

Wilk, Leonard Aurora Sinai Medical Center

Carlson, Dan Bay Area Medical Center

Mantei, Mary Jo Bay Area Medical Center

VanCourt, Bernie Bay Area Medical Center

Grundstrom, David Flambeau Hospital

Klein, Jacqueline Lakeview Medical Center

Biros, Marilyn SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Fields, Mary Aurora Health Care

Abels, Maya Aurora Health Care

Capstran, Barbara Aurora Health Care

Harding, Edward Columbus Community Hospital

Schroeder, Patricia Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital

Neet, Bradley Saint Michael’s Hospital

Hessert, Peter Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Nevers, Rick Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Olkowski, Leland Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Baker, Scott Aurora Health Care

Ulery, David Aurora Health Care

Schmidt, Kari Aurora Health Care

Arnett, E. Stuart Aurora Health Care-South Region

Svetlik, Joe Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Banzhaf, Elaine Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Rocole, Theresa Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Hammer, Michael Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill

Dietsche, James Bellin Memorial Hospital

Peterson, Kimberly Bellin Memorial Hospital

Hiltunen, Mary Bellin Memorial Hospital

Woleske, Chris Bellin Psychiatric Center

Heifetz, Michael SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Jones, Tom St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Stuart, Philip Tomah Memorial Hospital

Johnson, Curtis Tri-County Memorial Hospital

Clough, Sheila Howard Young Medical Center

Keene, Kaaron Memorial Health Center

Kolb, Marvin O. West Allis Memorial Hospital

Peterson, Douglas Chippewa Valley Hospital and Oakview Care Center

Hansen, Robert Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Censky, Bill Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Nockerts, Steven Richland Hospital

Deich, Faye Sacred Heart Hospital

Hyland, Carol Agnesian HealthCare

Kunferman, Deb Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Palagi, Richard Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital

McManmon, Kristin SSM St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood

Baker, Chris St. Mary’s Hospital

Jensen, Russell St. Mary’s Hospital

Casanova, James St. Mary’s Hospital

Dallman, Michael

Lange, George, MD Westgate Medical Group, CSMCP

Sagan, Jean Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Schuster, Lynn Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Kluesner, Kevin Aurora Health Care-South Region

Krauklis, Gene Aurora Health Care-South Region

Levar, Jane Ministry Health Care

Schulz, Janet ProHealth Care

Kostroski, Sharon Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Sollenberger, Donna

Ballentine, Anne Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Boland, Susan Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Clark, Mary Ann Cumberland Memorial Hospital

Swiderski, Julie Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Peterson, Brenda Sacred Heart Hospital

Decker, Michael Divine Savior Healthcare

Hilt, Monica Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Andritsch, Stacie Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Swift, Roberta Ministry Health Care

Erickson, William Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Spieckerman, Jill Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals

Holmes, Sandra Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Blanchard, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Bestor, William Community Memorial Hospital

Navti, Abigail Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Tarantino, Jennifer Aurora Health Care

Hall, Brenda Ministry Health Care

Steevens, Alan St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Huber, Mark Aurora Health Care

Calhoun, William Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh

Penczykowski, James St. Mary’s Hospital

Winegarden, Carol L. St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center

Mugan, James Agnesian HealthCare

Mourey, Gerald Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Worrick, Gerald Door County Memorial Hospital

Nick, Mary Meriter Hospital

Hoff, Linda Meriter Hospital

O’Keefe, Jim Mile Bluff Medical Center

Pennebecker, Allen Ministry Health Care

Hamilton, Mark

Staffileno, Gerri Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus

Sanicola, Suzanne Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

DeVetter, Roberta Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Pandl, Therese Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus

McNally, Maureen Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Ashenhurst, Karla Ministry Health Care

Meysembourg, Len Spooner Health System

Petonic, Mary Frances Meriter Hospital

Umland, Steve Ministry Health Care

Bartlett, Elizabeth Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Huggins, Melissa Meriter Hospital

Maroney, Lisa

Froemming, Lisa Columbia St. Mary’s

Getto, Carl, MD

Contributions Ranging from $500 - $999

Bloch, Jodi Wisconsin Hospital Association

Shabino, Charles, MD Wisconsin Hospital Association

Miloszewicz, Angela Wisconsin Hospital Association

Richardson, Dana Wisconsin Hospital Association

Frank, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association

Cutler, Dave WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Potter, Brian Wisconsin Hospital Association

Rozenfeld, Jonathan St. Mary’s Hospital

Standridge, Debra Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis

Milakovich, Paul Aurora Health Care

Brandel, Patrick Holy Family Memorial Medical Center

Schafer, Michael Spooner Health System

Brannon, James Aurora Health Care

Bonk, Daniel Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Ctr.

Morgan, Dwight Aurora Health Care

Teigen, Bobbe Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc

Mlynarek, Robert Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Brophy, Michael Aurora Health Care

Grady, Glen Memorial Medical Center - Neillsville

Buerstatte, Gary ProHealth Care

Brasseaux, Mary St. Nicholas Hospital

Kellar, Richard West Allis Memorial Hospital

Neufelder, Daniel Affinity Health System

Capelli, A.J. Aurora Health Care

Falvey, Patrick Aurora Health Care

Duncan, Larry Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Eddy, Lee Anne Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Gutzeit, Michael Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Jones, Michael Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Niemer, Margaret Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Radoszewski, Pat Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Reynolds, Sheila Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Ship, Mark Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Woodward, James Meriter Hospital

Anderson, Sandy St. Clare Hospital and Health Services

Postler-Slattery, Diane Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Allison Stonebraker, Pat Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Shapiro, David Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

Lockhart, Jack, MD Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center

Smith, Linda Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Kerwin, George Bellin Memorial Hospital

Korom, Nancy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Klawiter, Anne Southwest Health Center

McGee, Fred Meriter Hospital

Wilkerson, Terry

Runge, Charles Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Kryda, Michael, MD Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Schmidt, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Byrne, Frank, MD St. Mary’s Hospital

Zaher, Beth

Maxson-Cooper, Pamela Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Myers, Raymond St. Joseph’s Hospital

Blum, William Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Meyer, Loren Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints

Norton, Andrew Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Geboy, Scott Hall Render

Barnett, Jane

Bultema, Janice

Ronstrom, Stephen Sacred Heart Hospital

O’Connell, Blaine Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Richards, Theresa Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Becker, Richard Community Memorial Hospital

Hymans, Daniel Memorial Medical Center - Ashland

Sachdeva, Ramesh Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Achenbach, Connie Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital

Sanders, Michael The Monroe Clinic

Little, Steven Agnesian HealthCare

Plantenberg, Thomas Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Kepchar, Dennis Ministry Health Care

Wallace, Michael Fort HealthCare

Fritsch, Phyllis Upland Hills Health

McCutcheon, Norma The Wisconsin Heart Hospital

Cardamone, Stephen Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Smith, David Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Dicus-Johnson, Coreen Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Bezucha, Gary Boscobel Area Health Care

Noll, Jerry Rogers Memorial Hospital

Contributions Ranging from $1000 - $1999

Leitch, Laura Wisconsin Hospital Association

Dana Borgerding Wisconsin Hospital Association

Judy Warmuth Wisconsin Hospital Association

Boese, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association

Merline, Paul Wisconsin Hospital Association

Stanford, Matthew Wisconsin Hospital Association

Bazan, Bill Wisconsin Hospital Association

Kachelski, Joe WHA Information Center

Braddock, Jonathan WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.

Tyre, Scott Wisconsin Hospital Association

Grasmick, Mary Kay Wisconsin Hospital Association

Gazzana, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Canter, Richard Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Olson, David Bay Area Medical Center

Loftus, Philip Aurora Health Care

Nestor, Donald Aurora Health Care

Devermann, Robert Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh

Kaufman, Nancy Aurora Health Care

Van Cleave, Bruce Aurora Health Care

Erickson, Lief Aurora Health Care-South Region

Wick, Timothy Burnett Medical Center

Britton, Gregory Beloit Memorial Hospital

Robertstad, John Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital

Johnson, George Reedsburg Area Medical Center

Birkenstock, Timothy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Dunigan, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Karuschak, Michael Amery Regional Medical Center

Munson, Kenneth Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Derrig, Thomas, MD Aurora Health Care

Olson, Edward Waukesha Memorial Hospital

Westrick, Paul Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus

Kosanovich, John Watertown Memorial Hospital

Eichman, Cynthia Our Lady of Victory Hospital

Petasnick, William Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital

Eiler, Gary

De Vita, Robert Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Fish, David St. Joseph’s Hospital

Ganju, Badri Aurora Health Care

Martin, Jeff Ministry Health Care

Wachs, Jon Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Kief, Brian Howard Young Medical Center

Johnsrud, Kimry Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial

Mohorek, Ronald Ministry Health Care

Wolf, Edward Lakeview Medical Center

Mattes, Dan Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee

Kammer, Peter Essie Kammer Group

Koehler, Thomas Aurora BayCare Medical Center

Bruce, Bill St. Joseph’s Community Health Services

Fale, Robert Agnesian HealthCare

Nannis, Paul Aurora Health Care

Buettner, Susan Aurora Health Care

O’Brien, Mary Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

Erwin, Duane Aspirus Wausau Hospital

Desien, Nicholas Ministry Health Care

Starmann-Harrison, Mary SSM Health Care-Wisconsin

Anderson, Loren Aurora Health Care-South Region

Moulthrop, David Rogers Memorial

Contributions Ranging from $2000 - $2999

Brenton, Mary E. Wisconsin Hospital Association

Quinn, George Wisconsin Hospital Association

Vice, Jon Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Mahoney, Lorelle Aurora Health Care

Johnson, Peter Aurora Health Care

Ela, Susan Aurora Health Care

Brideau, Leo Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus

Oliverio, John Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Contributions $3000 and up

Brenton, Stephen Wisconsin Hospital Association

Borgerding, Eric Wisconsin Hospital Association

Size, Tim Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative

Titus, Rexford ProHealth Care

Turkal, Nick Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center

In what turned out to be a very controversial decision, the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) Board voted to keep its provider fee assessments the same for 2008. The Board votes annually on the level of assessments charged to health care providers for what is excess medical liability coverage. The IPFCF is Wisconsin’s mandated patient compensation fund that pays for damages in medical malpractice cases that are in excess of $1 million. It serves as a stabilizing force on medical liability insurance for our State.

The Actuarial Committee of the Board had accepted the recommendation of the IPFCF’s actuaries, Pinnacle Actuarial Resources, Inc., to increase rates by 25 percent. The recommendation was based on Pinnacle’s projection that the total dollars of malpractice claims are expected to increase dramatically over the next several years. That was coupled with the fact that $200 million had been taken from the Fund as a result of the State budget process, leaving fewer assets to pay for potential claims. Both issues contributed to the Actuarial Committee accepting the recommendation for a 25 percent increase and forwarding the recommendation to the IPFCF Board.

In a surprising development, the Insurance Commissioner, who is Chair of the IPFCF Board, met with the Chair of the Actuary Committee and Pinnacle prior to the Board meeting, and brought forward a recommendation of a 5 to 10 percent increase. This was done without the involvement of the full Actuarial Committee.

In the end, neither of the two recommendations was acted upon. Instead, the Wisconsin Medical Society, expressing concern over requiring providers to pay assessments into the fund that might subsequently be taken for State budget purposes, proposed no increase. That proposal passed on a 7 to 5 vote.

"This episode illustrates how political the IPFCF deliberations have become," said George Quinn, WHA’s representative on the IPFCF Board. "Recommendations from the Actuarial Committee were uncontroversial in the past. It looks like that has changed."

WHA’s Task Force on Access and Coverage will reconvene in January following a 14-month hiatus. The group faces a full meeting agenda given current and anticipated health reform proposals and heightened interest as we head into a very busy political season.

The Task Force was directly responsible for identifying WHA’s current Access, Coverage and Cost Principles (www.wha.org/financeAndData/pdf/2006accessprinciples10-19.pdf ) that were adopted by the WHA Board in October 2006. Those principles were used on several occasions this past year by WHA members and by staff as we considered a variety of health reform initiatives that were very much in play in Madison.

As we consider our future work, we will be guided by three global principles that must shape the Association’s advocacy priorities. Specifically, as described in the WHA Strategic Plan, we must work to: foster consumerism; improve access, coverage and the health of our communities; and promote member accountability to the communities we serve. Armed with these global principles, we then have eight very specific health reform principles that will directly guide WHA’s decision to support or oppose (or more likely work to improve) the various state and national initiatives that will be front and center in the coming months.

One of the most important health care reform principles to understand and achieve is the notion of shared responsibility. Shared responsibility ultimately means that improving access and coverage requires the active participation of multiple stakeholders including government, service providers, payers, employers and individuals. Shared responsibility also means shared sacrifice in that a meaningful plan must require some level of "heavy lifting" from all of us. Any plan that focuses too much on one or more of these stakeholders, while sheltering others, will fail to receive WHA’s full support.

Finally, recent WHA Board discussions clearly suggest an understanding that to be successful, WHA must actively partner with a coalition of likeminded groups and organizations when it comes to supporting public policy initiatives. That approach has resulted in past success on tort reform, workforce and payment issues. It must be a key advocacy strategy going forward as we seek to advance a meaningful access and coverage agenda.

Steve Brenton,
President

In an effort to make accessing the latest information on important industry topics easier, WHA created the Toolkit. The WHA Toolkit can be accessed from the front page of the WHA Web site (www.wha.org). It includes summary papers on 21 health care issues. The papers include WHA’s position on the issue, the WHA staff contact and links to related resources available on the topic. Resources range from customizable PowerPoint presentations to brochures that can be personalized for individual hospital use.

This week, WHA updated the Workforce section of the Toolkit. Other papers recently updated include Billing and Collection, Community Benefits, Uncompensated Care, and Health Care Costs. A new paper on Recovery Audit Contractors was just added, and a new resource from AHA, "Community Accountability and Transparency" was added to the Community Benefit summary paper resource list.

The public is invited to provide input on the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Program’s 2009-2014 strategic plan to improve health for the citizens of Wisconsin. The College will hold a community forum in Stevens Point January 10, 2008, for in-person comments. It is also offering opportunities for individuals to submit their opinions online, by email, phone or mail.

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Program is the public and community health initiative created through funds awarded to the College as a result of Blue Cross and Blue Shield United of Wisconsin’s conversion to a publicly-traded company.

The program’s goal is to improve the health of the people of Wisconsin through three complementary components: the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program, Educational Leadership for the Health of the Public and Research for a Healthier Tomorrow. To date, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Program has awarded approximately $55.4 million to 171 projects.

Individuals may express their opinions in person at a community forum, to be held in Stevens Point, Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Country Springs Hotel, Salon E, 1501 North Point Drive. No reservations are required.

Interested persons who cannot attend the community forum may share their opinions by completing an online questionnaire at www.mcw.edu/healthierwisconsin, calling toll-free at 1-877-407-2577, emailing healthierwisconsin@mcw.edu, or by sending written comments to Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, CCN Rm. 2536, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, PO Box 26509, Milwaukee WI 53226-0509.

For more information, contact Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin at (414) 456-4350.

The Wisconsin chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) now offers up to two $2,000 scholarships and seven student memberships in HFMA per year to eligible full- and part-time college students, with junior status or higher, pursuing degrees in accounting, business, economics, public policy, public health or a related degree. This new program serves several purposes:

• To recognize contributions of those who work in the health care field;
• To encourage health care finance as a field for financial professionals;
• To increase the visibility of HFMA within the health care and overall communities;
• To provide networking opportunities for students who may be interested in health care as a career;
• To make a difference in health care’s future.

Dave Snow, president of the Chapter, states "The Wisconsin Chapter of HFMA is pleased to offer this program to the dedicated workers and their families who provide health care in the state. Our goal is to say thank you for a job well done and increase awareness of the many challenges facing the health care industry."

For complete eligibility requirements and application forms, visit HFMA’s Web site at www.hfmawi.com. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2008. For more information, call Carol May at (608) 741-5651.

For the past 19 years the Meriter Hospital SANE Program has been providing comprehensive forensic nursing services to adult (women and men) and child victims of intimate violence including victims of sexual assault (majority of victims), domestic violence and child physical abuse and neglect. These services are provided 24 hours/day, 7 days/week through Meriter’s Emergency Department. The program is the only program of its kind in Dane County. Meriter Hospital’s SANE staff will care for approximately 400+ sexual assault victims this year (2007). Fifty percent of these patients will be under the age of 17.

SANE nurses conduct examinations with a special understanding of the emotional and physical trauma that may be present after a sexual assault. If the victim wishes, the nurse gathers medical-forensic evidence that may be useful in court. SANE nurses assist victims with the many concerns following an assault, including the threat of sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy. If the victim wishes, the nurse will contact a rape crisis advocate, help the victim find a safe place to go, develop a follow-up medical plan, provide information on crime victim compensation and testify as an expert witness if the case goes to court.

The services provided by the Meriter Hospital SANE program significantly lessen trauma for victims by providing most needed services in one place and in a supportive environment, BUT a SANE program cannot work in a vacuum. It is essential that our program work within a collaborative framework with others who will be involved in the further care, investigation and prosecution of these cases. Local law enforcement, prosecutors, the crime lab and advocacy were all involved in the planning and implementation of the program and in its continued support.

This collaboration among agencies ensures that there is a comprehensive, organized response to the victim and the crime of rape.

As a result of the collaboration that exists with local law enforcement, prosecutors, the crime lab and advocacy, the Meriter Hospital SANE Program has been included in the orientation and ongoing education of staff of these various disciplines and visa versa. Such sharing of information enables the members of each discipline the ability to understand what services the others provide and to work more effectively together. This ultimately provides the victim with a more complete and supportive response.

The SANE Program also serves as an educational resource for the community. The SANE Program provides knowledgeable speakers to groups and organizations. These speakers present up-to-date information about intimate violence and its effects, as well as prevention, treatment and resources.

"I had a badly ulcerated left leg. I couldn’t work, had no insurance, or any funds. Because of Holy Family Memorial’s Community Care Program, I got the help I needed to save my leg. Prior to my leg problem, Tamarack Behavioral Health Center helped me pay for the counseling sessions so I could get help to quit my alcohol and drug abuse. I’ve been clean and sober for six years. Thank you so very much!"

100 Percent Full Community Care Assistance Helps Single Female with Leg Surgery and Therapy

A 37-year-old single female fractured her ankle. The break required extensive surgery and months of physical therapy. She worked part-time at a job that did not provide health insurance, and there was no liability insurance involved in the incident. She qualified for 100 percent Community Care assistance to cover medical care related to her ankle injury, which amounted to over $38,000 in services.

A 22-year-old male patient suffered from severe depression, panic attacks and more. He was unable to hold a job and had become homeless. He required ongoing treatment for his mental illnesses and applied for Community Care. He was approved for 100 percent Community Care and was able to continue with his treatment. During the treatment, they found a brain tumor. He has now applied for Social Security Disability and is awaiting the determination. If Community Care had not assisted this patient and allowed for follow-up care, who knows how long it would have taken before the brain tumor was found.

A 58-year-old, uninsured, male patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was approved for 100 percent Community Care assistance. Holy Family Memorial provided him with well over $100,000 in services covered under Community Care in 2006 alone. He is currently on Social Security Disability but will not receive Medicare until March of 2007. His Social Security Income is too high for him to be eligible for Medical Assistance.

A 45-year-old female patient was diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, at the time she was diagnosed, she was only receiving income to take care of her elderly disabled father. She did not have health insurance of her own. She applied for Community Care from Holy Family Memorial and received a full discount. Her treatment took over one year and she received well over $50,000 worth of treatment fully covered by Community Care.

Life Sustaining Treatment Through Community Care Keeps Woman Awaiting Liver Transplant Alive

One patient, a 47-year-old female patient, qualified and received over $100,000 in Community Care in 2006 from Holy Family Memorial because of her numerous health issues. Those issues kept her from maintaining and obtaining employment. Community Care allowed her to receive the life sustaining treatment she requires while she awaits a potential liver transplant. She also awaits her Social Security Disability determination and potential Medical Assistance coverage.

A 37-year-old, unemployed man with a bone infection required antibiotic therapy twice daily for two months. He had no insurance, however. Holy Family Memorial’s Community Care covered the expenses to have the gentleman transported by the Holy Family Memorial Care Van to our hospital, and received his two months of therapy service twice each day.

The Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians (WAFP) is looking for volunteers to serve as preceptors for the 2008 Summer Extern Program. The need for family physicians in Wisconsin continues; the extern program provides medical students an opportunity to experience life as a family physician in a specific community or family practice setting.

"Last summer’s program helped to provide a tremendous experience to 21 first-year medical students. The program was a great success," noted WAFP Executive Director Larry Pheifer.

Additional program information is available at the WAFP Web site at www.wafp.org/s_extern.asp. Hospitals interested in supporting the summer extern program are encouraged to contact the WAFP for more information.

FinCor Solutions came to Wisconsin more than three years ago offering medical professional liability insurance through MHA Insurance Company, a company with 30 years experience serving health care providers, including hospitals, health systems and physicians. FinCor Solutions is excited about the growth it has experienced, currently insuring 13 health care facilities and more than 600 physicians. FinCor Solutions has built a strong relationship with WHA Financial Solutions Inc. and is beginning its fourth year as a corporate champion with the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

As a medical professional liability insurance client of FinCor Solutions, health care facilities receive a comprehensive clinical risk management package through The Risk Management and Patient Safety Institute (RM&PSI). In addition to the services provided to policyholders, The RM&PSI offers nearly 60 products and services to meet the clinical risk management and patient safety needs of all health care organizations across the United States.