September 14, 2007
Volume 51, Issue 35
DHFS Plans for 35 Percent Cut to Hospital and Physician MA Payments, 15 Percent for Nursing Homes
Cuts could take effect if budget not enacted soon
On August 29, Department of Administration Secretary Mike Morgan proposed 20 percent reductions in Medicaid (MA) spending in response to the stalled state budget (see August 31 issue of The Valued Voice), and asked DHFS Secretary Kevin Hayden to recommend a plan to implement the cuts.
Late the week of September 3, Secretary Hayden delivered his plan. Leading the way—a 35 percent reduction in MA payments to hospitals (inpatient and outpatient) and physicians. In addition, Hayden’s plan would cut payments to nursing homes by 15 percent. Roughly half of Wisconsin’s hospitals own/subsidize nursing homes, and often do so at a tremendous financial loss. The cuts could go into effect if a state budget is not passed in the near future.
The cuts would generate millions in savings Secretary Morgan believes may be necessary due to the budget quagmire. But if implemented, the cuts would have a devastating impact on access to care for the MA population, create financial hardship for high Medicaid volume providers, and translate into higher health care costs for businesses and others.
"Cutting the state’s contribution to MA also means a loss of millions in federal matching dollars," said WHA Executive Vice President Eric Borgerding. "A 35 percent cut for hospitals would equal about $250 million annually. Just like current underpayments from MA, these cuts would have to be passed on to others, resulting in an immediate increase in health care costs while crippling our safety net hospitals and nursing homes."
The plan was requested largely in response to the Assembly’s version of the still pending budget bill, which cuts spending in several areas but leaves MA largely unscathed.
"The budget adopted by the State Assembly does not include (increases in the tobacco tax or a new hospital tax) for Medicaid, but instead proposes deep cuts to essential local services, state public safety programs, the University of Wisconsin and the state’s already meager budgetary reserves," Secretary Morgan said in his August 29 letter. "Since these cuts are unsustainable and in the absence of a budget and the associated revenue increases dedicated to support the Medicaid program, administrative action is necessary."
The plan for cuts has left many in the MA provider community puzzled, since it comes specifically in response to a version (the Assembly’s) of the state budget that has not been enacted and is staunchly opposed by Governor Doyle.
Further, in a memo requested by Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch, the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) stated that in the absence of an enacted budget, spending continues at the same rate as the previous fiscal year (FY07). Unlike many other states, Wisconsin government does not shut down if a new state budget has not been enacted. Additionally, the LFB memo noted that Wisconsin’s MA program could continue operating well into 2009 at FY07 budgeted levels.
"Regardless of whether these cuts are warranted, the proposal has been put on the table and we are taking it very seriously," said Borgerding. "We certainly hope solving the budget impasse does not come to massive and damaging cuts in the MA program."
Know Your Legislators...Rep. Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon)1. What are your legislative priorities?
I chair the Assembly Transportation Committee so certainly a lot of transportation issues are at the top of my list, such as improving highway safety and effectively handling issues that pertain to statewide commerce.
2. In his budget proposal, Gov. Doyle proposes a tax on hospitals. Several concerns have been raised about the viability of this tax and its negative impact on hospitals and health care consumers across the state. Do you support a tax on hospitals?
No, I do not support the hospital tax. The reality of the Governor’s proposal is if you are trying to hold down the cost of health care, then it is not helpful to put a tax on hospitals that they will need to pass on to their patients. This will force them to increase, not decrease, the cost of health care.
3. Governor Doyle also proposes to remove over $873 million from the current state Medicaid budget to use for other state spending unrelated to health care. This Medicaid budget "hole" is then backfilled in part with revenue generated from a tax on hospitals. What are your views on using funding designated for one state program to pay for other state programs?
I certainly oppose a lot of transferring of funds and raiding the Injured Patients and Family Compensation Fund that the Governor proposes in his current budget, and has done in other budgets. The classic example is the money in the transportation fund; the Governor has shifted money out of this fund, and now there is a short fall. We can’t let this happen to health care. I believe that money generated for a specific purpose should be used for that specific purpose.
4. As part of the state budget, Senate Democrats approved one of the most sweeping policy changes in state history when they introduced their plan to overhaul Wisconsin’s health care system. This proposal, Healthy Wisconsin, which relies heavily on state government to plan, administer and finance the delivery of health care, has been criticized for focusing on how health care is paid for rather than addressing the underlying causes of what is driving the rising cost of health care. What do you view as the key issues for health care reform? Do you believe Healthy Wisconsin will actually save Wisconsin employees and employers on their health care costs?
There are many problems in health care. The number one priority should be controlling the spiraling cost. I don’t believe that the Healthy Wisconsin plan focus is on the right thing. Secondly, I believe that any type of reform has to focus on the items that drive costs, such as over utilization, duplication of services, the cost of prescription drugs, and the fact that government reimbursement doesn’t cover costs. The Healthy Wisconsin plan is a $15.2 billion tax increase for starters, but there are a host of unforeseen questions that have not been answered yet. I believe that if passed, Wisconsin would be a magnet for people across the country because of free health care and because it even covers illegal aliens. I am also very concerned that future cost over runs could lead to rationing.
5. Despite the fact that Wisconsin is a national leader in health care outcomes for its citizens, adequate access to health care services remains a challenge, especially in rural areas. What would you do to improve access to health care services in rural areas and how can more graduates in health care fields be encouraged to work in rural parts of the state?
Wisconsin has the best health care in the country, no matter where you live. In fact, we have some of the best health care in the world. To attract health care professionals to practice in rural areas, I think we should look closely at incentives, such as loan forgiveness.
6. A Madison nurse was criminally charged after making an unintentional error. Would you support legislation to protect our health care workforce from criminal charges for unintentional errors?
Yes, I would support it, but I also think it should be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the situation surrounding the case is well understood.
7. Any other comments?
Wisconsin has become a leader in providing some of the best health care in the country, thanks in large part to the medical professionals all across the state. I look forward to working together with the health care industry to improve on the successes that are in place without resorting to a total government takeover.
Political Action Spotlight: More Than $30,000 in Individual Contributions Needed to Reach Goal147 individuals have contributed in the last month bringing the total contributors to 504. This includes CEOs, employees, volunteers, and trustees affiliated with 74 hospitals from around the state who have together contributed $163,058 to date. This accounts for 84 percent of the $195,000 fundraising campaign’s monetary goal.
Contributors by name and affiliated organization are published on a monthly basis and are listed below. Contributors are listed by contribution amount categories and in the order the contribution was received.
Contributors will also receive a bi-monthly campaign newsletter, which provides additional information about the campaign, upcoming events, and insider information on the upcoming elections next year.
The next list of contributors will be published in the October 12 edition of The Valued Voice.
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.
Rickelman, Debbie WHA Information Center
Callies, Julie WHA Information Center
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
Sanders, Michael The Monroe Clinic
Coller, James St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
Policello, Louise Bay Area Medical Center
Schamberg, MD, Jay 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
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
Grady, Glen Memorial Medical Center - Neillsville
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
Thompson, James Aurora Health Care
Casey, Candy Columbia Center
Heider, Lisa Community Memorial Hospital
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
Misiewicz, Barbara St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior
Fochs, Mary Aspirus Wausau Hospital
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
Mulder, Doris Beloit Memorial Hospital
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
LuCore, Michael 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
LuCore, Patricia 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
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
Arriola, Josephine 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
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
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
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
Berard, Celse Riverview Hospital Association
Halberg, Carole St. Mary’s Hospital
Pechan, Marlene St. Mary’s Hospital
Contributions Ranging from $250 - $499
Braddock, Michelle WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Klauck, James Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Cryns, Janice Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Standridge, Debra Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - St. Francis
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
Schafer, Michael Spooner Health System
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
Neet, Bradley Saint Michael’s Hospital
Schroeder, Patricia Oconomowoc Memorial 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
Bezucha, Gary Boscobel Area Health Care
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
Lockhart, Jack, MD Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
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
Lange, George, MD Westgate Medical Group, CSMCP
Sagan, Jean Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Schuster, Lynn Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Dallman, Michael
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
Ballentine, Anne Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Boland, Susan Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -
All Saints
Sollenberger, Donna
Clark, Mary Ann Cumberland Memorial Hospital
Swiderski, Julie Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
De Vita, Robert Ministry Health Care
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
Hymans, Daniel Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Navti, Abigail Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Tarantino, Jennifer Aurora Health Care
Calhoun, William Mercy Medical Center - Oshkosh
Hall, Brenda Ministry Health Care
Steevens, Alan St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Fowler, Rose Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Contributions Ranging from $500 - $999
Bloch, Jodi Wisconsin Hospital Association
Miloszewicz, Angela Wisconsin Hospital Association
Borgerding, Dana Wisconsin Hospital Association
Grasmick, Mary Kay Wisconsin Hospital Association
Frank, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association
Richardson, Dana Wisconsin Hospital Association
Cutler, Dave WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Shabino, Charles Wisconsin Hospital Association
Potter, Brian Wisconsin Hospital Association
Tyre, Scott Wisconsin Hospital Association
Rozenfeld, Jonathan St. Mary’s Hospital
Brandel, Patrick Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Bonk, Daniel Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Med.Center
Teigen, Bobbe Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc
Mlynarek, Robert Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Buerstatte, Gary ProHealth Care
Kellar, Richard West Allis Memorial Hospital
Brasseaux, Mary St. Nicholas Hospital
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
Allison Stonebraker, Pat Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Shapiro, David Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Robertstad, John Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital
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 Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Schmidt, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Byrne, Frank 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
Barnett, Jane
Geboy, Scott
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
Brannon, James Aurora Health Care
Sachdeva, Ramesh Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Wallace, Mike Fort HealthCare
Achenbach, Connie Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital
Contributions Ranging from $1000 - $1999
Leitch, Laura Wisconsin Hospital Association
Warmuth, Judith Wisconsin Hospital Association
Boese, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association
Stanford, Matthew Wisconsin Hospital Association
Bazan, Bill Wisconsin Hospital Association
Merline, Paul Wisconsin Hospital Association
Braddock, Jonathan WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Kachelski, Joe WHA Information Center
Gazzana, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Canter, Richard Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Nannis, Paul Aurora Health Care
Olson, David Bay Area Medical Center
Loftus, Philip Aurora Health Care
Nestor, Donald Aurora Health Care
Devermann, Robert Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh
O’Brien, Mary Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Starmann-Harrison, Mary SSM Health Care-Wisconsin
Van Cleave, Bruce Aurora Health Care
Erickson, Lief Aurora Health Care-South Region
Wick, Timothy Burnett Medical Center
Britton, Gregory Beloit Memorial Hospital
Johnson, George Reedsburg Area Medical Center
Birkenstock, Timothy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Dunigan, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Munson, Kenneth Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Olson, Edward Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Westrick, Paul Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus
Bruce, Bill St. Joseph’s Community Health Services
Merline, Paul Wisconsin Hospital Association
Kosanovich, John Watertown Memorial Hospital
Eichman, Cynthia Our Lady of Victory Hospital
Petasnick, William Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Eiler, Gary
Fish, David St. Joseph’s Hospital
Martin, Jeff Ministry Health Care
Buettner, Susan Aurora Health Care
Anderson, Loren Aurora Health Care-South Region
Wachs, Jon Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Kief, Brian Howard Young Medical Center
Johnsrud, Kimry Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial
Derrig, MD, Thomas Aurora Health Care
Contributions Ranging from $2000 - $2999
Brenton, Mary E. Wisconsin Hospital Association
Quinn, George Wisconsin Hospital Association
Buser, Kenneth Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Mahoney, Lorelle Aurora Health Care
Titus, Rexford ProHealth Care
Vice, Jon Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Ela, Susan Aurora Health Care
Brideau, Leo Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Johnson, Peter Aurora Health Care
Oliverio, John Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Contributions $3000 and up
Brenton, Stephen Wisconsin Hospital Association
Borgerding, Eric Wisconsin Hospital Association
Turkal, Nick Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Size, Tim Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Wisconsin Quality & Safety Forum ReminderWisconsin Quality & Safety Forum
"The Health Care System of the Future"
October 22-23, 2007
Country Springs Hotel, Waukesha
Final cut-off for hotel reservations: September 21
Conference registrations due: October 2
Brochure and registration information included in this week’s packet and online at
www.wha.org.Top of page
President’s Column: Annual Convention; health insurance premium increases; state budget
Speaking of leadership, we will have the opportunity during our Awards Dinner next Thursday evening to recognize three terrific hospital executives who have served their communities with distinction over the past several decades. Joe Neidenbach, former CEO of St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay; Glen Grady, Administrator/CEO at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville; and George Johnson, President/CEO at Reedsburg Area Medical Center, will be honored by friends and colleagues at our event. Joe, Glen and George have each made extraordinary contributions to the continuum of health care services provided in their communities. And all three were actively involved and leaders within WHA as well as other statewide and local organizations. Best wishes in retirement!
The current budget impasse is ideological and seems to be hardening. While compromise is generally arrived at when both sides are ready to move toward a middle position, nothing currently suggests that that will happen anytime soon. That fact is framed by what appears to be a deeply felt sense from all three parties (Governor, Assembly GOP leadership, and Senate DEMS) that they are right where they need to be when it comes to budget policy and budget politics. And since, in Wisconsin, government spending doesn’t grind to a halt when a new budget is not in place at the beginning of a new fiscal year, a catalyst for legislative action that exists in most states is absent here.
Steve Brenton
President
Efforts to facilitate the adoption of electronic medical records and inter-organization electronic health information exchange took a step forward on September 12, when a workgroup convened by the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) voted to recommend the removal of statutory barriers in §51.30 of the Wisconsin Statutes that prevent the sharing of mental illness, developmental disability, and alcohol and drug dependency information for purposes of treating a patient.
Consisting of providers, information technology experts, and consumer advocates, the 25-person §51.30 Workgroup has met three times in August and September to consider and recommend changes to §51.30 of the Wisconsin Statutes that would enable health care providers to exchange needed health care information for treatment purposes only.
After considering multiple options to amend §51.30, the 51.30 Workgroup voted on September 12 to adopt a recommendation proposed by WHA that would recommend the development of legislation that would permit some, but not all, information from §51.30 treatment records to be disclosed, without patient consent, for treatment purposes only. In October, the Workgroup will consider the particular records and information that should be sharable for treatment purposes under an amended §51.30.
"The §51.30 Workgroup’s recommendation, a culmination of several months of discussions and analysis by several DHFS workgroups analyzing barriers to quality care, was a compromise between sharing very limited information for treatment purposes and sharing all information for treatment purposes," said Matthew Stanford, WHA associate counsel and a member of the §51.30 Workgroup. "The broad support this option received from this diverse workgroup shows the need for changes to §51.30 as health care advances toward the full promise of electronic records."
"The safest, highest quality patient care occurs when providers have access to all relevant health information about a patient," said Dana Richardson, WHA vice president of quality initiatives. "The changes recommended by the §51.30 Workgroup would enable safer and more coordinated care for patients with mental illness and developmental disabilities, while preserving the confidentiality of the most sensitive information that is only relevant to the care provided by the patient’s mental health provider."
The workgroup’s final recommendation will be forwarded to the Governor’s eHealth Quality and Patient Safety Board in October for the eHealth Board’s consideration. The eHealth Board will then be invited to approve the recommendation.
DHFS Secretary Kevin Hayden indicated to the eHealth Board on September 11 his interest in bringing forward "in the very near future," legislative remedies to some of the issues around §51.30 based on the "great work" that has been done.
eHealth Board Hears Call for Legislation to Facilitate Health Information ExchangeThe eHealth Care Quality and Patient Safety Board met on September 11 and heard an update from the Department of Health and Family Services on preparations to propose statutory changes to Wisconsin’s medical record laws in chapter 146 (general health care records) and §51.30 (mental health records) that would remove barriers to the adoption of electronic health care records and information exchange. Much of the work to identify barriers in the statutes and identify statutory solutions to those barriers has been undertaken by stakeholder workgroups convened by the Department as part of the Governor’s eHealth initiative.
Catherine Hansen, director, Health Information Services, St. Croix Regional Medical Center, and a member of the eHealth Board, asked what the timeline was for moving forward with the recommendations of the stakeholder workgroups and the eHealth Board regarding changes to chapter 146 and §51.30.
"What my interest is, and I’ve spoken to Governor Doyle directly about this, is that we want to in the very near future prepare to bring forward, based on the great work that has been done here, legislative remedies to some of the issues in 51.30 and 146," DHFS Secretary Kevin Hayden told the eHealth Board.
"We have studied this issue. We could perpetually study this issue. But we need to reconcile the opportunity for eHealth with the legislative reality that we’ve got to start somewhere," said Secretary Hayden. "I think that we have made awesome strides around what I think is an emerging consensus document."
These comments were made one day before a stakeholder workgroup voted to propose changes to §51.30 that would permit the sharing of additional mental health information between providers for treatment purposes. (See article above).
The Board also received an update on various electronic records and electronic health information exchange projects being developed in the state, including the Milwaukee Emergency Department Linkage Project, and the breakthroughs and challenges identified by these projects. The Department also provided a brief background on the initial stages of the development of an RFP (request for proposal) to explore and recommend an architectural model for the development of a model health information exchange. Details are still emerging on this RFP, and the Department indicated that it would involve stakeholders as the RFP is developed.
Grant Moves Rural Hospitals Closer to Electronic Medical RecordsElectronic medical records is a goal in nearly every health care setting in the United States, but purchasing the technology and implementing the system in a hospital is expensive. This has led rural hospitals in Wisconsin to look for a new approach. Thanks to a federal grant, they are now closer to their vision for a rural friendly approach to electronic medical records (EMR). A $1.6 million grant from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration was awarded to the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative (RWHC) and the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health to help develop a shared hospital information system for rural hospitals in Wisconsin. Participating hospitals will share some of their staff, computers and software in order to have access to a higher quality system and save significant dollars.
The grant will help launch the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative Information Technology Network (RWHC ITN), a non-profit cooperative owned by participating non-profit hospitals, set up to serve rural hospitals and physicians by providing:
RWHC has been working hard on the development of this complex initiative for several years. RWHC’s Executive Director Tim Size said, "This federal support will go a long way to help achieve our vision to create an affordable, high quality information network for rural Wisconsin hospitals and their patients."
Participation in the network will be open to all rural hospitals in Wisconsin, with St. Joseph’s Health Services in Hillsboro, Tomah Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington signing on as the first members of the RWHC ITN.
"Consistent with Governor Doyle’s Wisconsin eHealth Initiative goals, the RWHC ITN promises to dramatically increase EHR adoption in small and rural Wisconsin hospitals and physician practices," according to Size.
Following an initial implementation period, the organization intends to work with larger hospitals toward a regional data exchange that will further enhance patient safety and health care system efficiency for Wisconsin health providers and all Wisconsin residents.
Legislation Treats Organ Transport Vehicles as Emergency VehiclesThe Assembly Transportation Committee held a hearing September 13 on bipartisan legislation, Assembly Bill 461, authored by State Rep. Peggy Krusick (D-Milwaukee). The Wisconsin Hospital Association registered its support for this bill.
Under AB 461, a vehicle used by an organ procurement organization to transport organs or medical personnel for the immediate purpose of harvesting or transplantation would be treated as an emergency vehicle and provided the same exemptions from traffic laws. The bill allows these transport vehicles to be equipped with red or red and white lights but mandates that they must be equipped with a siren. Unlike other emergency vehicles, organ transplant vehicle operators must successfully complete a safety and training course in emergency vehicle operation. In addition, such vehicles must be marked as an organ transplant vehicle or emergency medical device transport vehicle in order for traffic law exemptions to apply.
Access the legislation online at
www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/AB-461.pdf.Top of page
Health Care Consumer Education Program Begins with Trainers
On September 11, 2007, 30 health care consumer educators attended an entertaining "train-the-trainer" program at WHA to learn how to facilitate three consumer education modules. The educators will offer training to health care consumers throughout the state in a variety of venues. The educators represented a diverse group including hospitals and health systems, employers, coalitions, and state government.
The education modules provide consumers with basic information about the health care system and the opportunity to practice skills they can use to be more engaged partners in their health care. The module topics include:
The modules were developed by the WHA and the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) through a grant from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Wisconsin Partnership Fund. For more information about these consumer education modules, contact Dana Richardson at drichardson@wha.org or 608-274-1820.
Valley Plans Ahead for Health Care RetirementsRetirements in the health care workforce within the next decade will pose a number of challenges to employers in the Fox Valley, according to a survey released by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board (FVWDB). Health care employers could see almost 25 percent of their current workers retire over the next ten years.
The Fox Valley survey, completed by nearly 8,000 regional health care employees representing six major health care employers, confirmed that shortages are on the horizon. While just over 11 percent of the employees surveyed said they plan to retire within the next five years, 15 percent indicated they would retire within 6-10 years, a cumulative loss of more than 26 percent of health care workers over the next 10 years. While a significant number of workers will retire within the next decade, nearly 40 percent of workers are at least 20 years from retirement.
Knowing that the health care industry is the second largest employer in both the state and in the Fox Valley, the FVWDB determined that shortages would be detrimental to not only the economy of the region, but also could limit access to health care services in the area. In response to the issue, the FVWDB formed the Fox Valley Healthcare Alliance, a group of hospitals, health systems, nursing homes and public health agencies, along with technical college systems, UW Oshkosh and Marian College. The Alliance determined that without data, an adequate assessment and plan for meeting the future health care workforce needs in the Fox Valley would not be possible. With the help of Moraine Park Technical College, the group developed a workforce survey.
"Members of the Alliance are committed to assuring an adequate future workforce for the entire region. This survey is one of many projects aimed at achieving that goal," Linda Mingus, director of human resource services at Aurora Health Care – Oshkosh. "It is exciting to see what a group of employers and educators working together can accomplish," she added.
The survey is the first such effort that provides data to predict the future health care workforce supply—information that is critical in planning how to meet the future demand for employees in the health care sector. Earlier anecdotal information collected by health care organizations has pointed to statewide shortages in key occupations, such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy and radiological technologists.
Since 2000, hospitals and other health care providers have made concerted efforts to attract and retain employees, a fact that helps explain the growing number of younger workers and the number of older workers who have chosen to stay at work. In spite of this progress, a shortage of health care workers is imminent in the Fox Valley and throughout the state.
The Wisconsin Hospital Association has been actively encouraging Wisconsin’s colleges and universities to increase capacity and in response, they have asked, "By how many and by when?" Until now, that question has not been answered with data.
"This survey will help the local educational programs determine what programs need to increase capacity and when. No longer using a shotgun approach, workforce planning in the Fox Valley may become a reality," according to Cheryl Welch, FVWDB director.
Moraine Park Technical College developed the survey and analyzed the data. Employees from Agnesian HealthCare, Affinity Health System, Aurora Health Care, ThedaCare, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Home, and Lutheran Homes and Health Services participated in the survey. In total, more than 55 percent of the employees across those six organizations completed the survey.
Wisconsin Chapter of ACHE Offers Networking Program – September 28The Wisconsin Chapter of ACHE is presenting a workshop entitled "ACHE Central Region Networking and Education Kick-off" September 28.
This program offers a great opportunity to learn more about ACHE and the benefits of ACHE Membership and FACHE membership.
The conference will be held on Friday, September 28, 2007, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at Saint Michael’s Conference Center, Stevens Point. There is no cost to register for this event, but pre-registration is requested. A brochure with registration form is included in this week’s packet and on the Web site at www.ache-wi.org. Easy, online registration is available as well.
For more information on the program content, contact Lynne McCloskey at 715-346-5182 or email mccloskl@smhosp.org. For registration questions, contact Sherry Collins at 608-274-1820 or email
scollins@wha.org.Top of page
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay
Trauma team teaches perils of alcohol to college students
Having witnessed the sometimes tragic aftermath of excessive drinking, members of the Aurora BayCare Medical Center trauma team shared real emergency room examples with St. Norbert College students.
The talk was part of the trauma team’s mission to educate the community about choices and actions that can prevent accidents, injuries and even death. They met with students to discuss how much alcohol is considered to be lethal, how it affects the body, what the legal limits are and the equivalent number of drinks that amounts to for men and women. They also discussed date-rape drugs and other substance abuse.
Tom Bergmann, RN, MSN; Lisa Koehler, RN, and Alan Matzke, EMTP, were the presenters. Each shared their personal experiences in treating and working with young adults whose alcohol consumption led to emergency room admissions. To accommodate the students’ many questions, an open and frank dialogue followed the presentation.
Submit hospital community benefit stories to Mary Kay Grasmick, editor, at
mgrasmick@wha.org.Top of page
WHA Financial Solutions: Fee Disclosure Developments
(From Solutions Spotlight, included in this week’s packet.)
On July 24, 2007, 12 organizations representing plan sponsors and plan vendors submitted a response to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) request for information regarding 401(k) fees and expenses. The response states the belief that the DOL possesses the "statutory authority and institutional expertise" to enhance fee disclosure without the need for further legislation. The response makes the following recommendations:
Two days later, U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) introduced the 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2007 (FDRSA). FDRSA is intended to require and enhance 401(k) fee disclosure and participant education. Among other provisions, FDRSA requires:
In addition, FDRSA would enhance the DOL’s oversight of 401(k) plan fees.
If you have questions regarding the industry response to the DOL or the introduced legislation, contact David Cutler at dcutler@wha.org.
Source: 401k Advisors, "Retirement Report," August 2007