In
this issue
Adaptive
Technology and Sports Fund at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare helps
children gain mobility
Every individual, no matter their ability level, deserves to
experience independence, freedom and the ability to communicate. However, for
some children, complex medical conditions – and the mobility issues they can
create – present challenges.
Recognizing this, Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare developed an
Adaptive Technology and Sports Fund in 2015. Gillette is an independent,
specialty care hospital that serves children and adults who have complex
musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida
and traumatic brain injuries. Besides mobility problems, these conditions can
result in abnormal muscle tone and issues maintaining balance.
Although adaptive equipment exists, it comes at a price that is unattainable
for many families. An adapted bicycle, for example, costs between $1,000 and
$5,000 or more. An iPad equipped with technology to help a nonverbal child
communicate can cost upwards of $2,500. The benefits, however, can’t be
understated. There are physical benefits, certainly: riding a bike helps
children by keeping muscles active and by improving strength and coordination.
There are social and emotional advantages to adaptive bikes and technology,
too, like the ability to engage with peers in the classroom or enjoy a family
bike ride.
Visit the MHA website to learn more and read the full Community Benefit Report. return to top
Legislative
update
The Minnesota Legislature returned to St. Paul Feb. 20 for what
is expected to be a fast-paced session. Legislators will focus on tax
conformity, changing state law to align with the new federal tax law; a state
capital investment bill bonding for new infrastructure projects; and any
biennial budget changes needed. Most expect a budget surplus when the final
February forecast is released on Feb. 28. View MHA’s legislative priorities on
the MHA website.
This week at the Capitol, the Senate will hold an informational hearing
presentation by the Department of Health on the hospital moratorium law in
Minnesota. MHA will answer questions as needed. MHA has also introduced a bill
that would streamline the Department of Human Services’ Intensive Residential
Treatment Services (IRTS) licensing process. The bill would help speed the
process for developing community-based mental health services with supportive
housing.
March 1 is Opioid Day on the Hill. MHA supports the bipartisan Opioid Family
Recovery Act, which would impose a stewardship fee on opioid manufacturers.
This fee would raise approximately $20 million per year, with funds used for projects
such as integrating the prescription drug monitoring program into a provider's
electronic health record. MHA members are asked to contact their legislators to
share their support for opioid efforts. MHA member chief executive officers and
government relations officers will receive additional information by email.
With questions, contact Mary Krinkie, vice president of government
relations, MHA, 651-659-1465, or Kristin Loncorich, director of state
government relations, MHA, 651-603-3526.
Session bill tracker
For a complete list of 2018 legislative bills MHA is tracking, visit the MHA Member Center. For assistance accessing the
Member Center, contact Ashley Beno, member services and
communications specialist, MHA, 651-603-3545. return to top
MHA
unveils analytics partnership with 3M
Last week, MHA unveiled its new analytics platform for members,
in a first-of-its kind partnership with 3M. This effort leverages an analytics
module from 3M’s Performance Matrix Platform and is based on the MHA inpatient
and outpatient administrative claims databases. There is no cost to members to
access and use the tools.
In addition to the types of analyses that MHA has traditionally provided, this
easy-to-use software incorporates 3M’s risk-adjustment methodologies, such as
APR-DRGs and potentially preventable events. This will expand the value and
analytic capabilities of the MHA data considerably to include clinically
relevant topics.
The software is part of a broader 3M platform that has been co-developed with
Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences), combining 3M’s clinical expertise and
experience with Verily’s analytical and processing power.
There is no limit on the number of people within an organization who can have
access to the tool. To request access, contact Bonnie Terveer, data operations assistant, MHA, 651-603-3520.
For more information, view the kickoff webinar (the presentation begins at the
six-minute mark). With questions, contact Mark Sonneborn, vice president, health information and analytics, MHA,
651-659-1423, or Katie Banks, health informatics analyst, MHA,
651-659-1406. return to top
Submit
a presentation for MNCM annual seminar
MN Community Measurement (MNCM) is seeking stories of success
and challenges in improving the health of patients through measurement and
data. This call for presentations is an opportunity to share best practices,
lessons learned, achievements and future plans at MNCM’s annual seminar in
September. Presentation focus areas include:
- Effective strategies to improve
health equity and reduce disparities
- Advancing quality through
collaboration and effective use of data in rural communities
- Leveraging performance data to
target interventions and improve quality
- Leveraging cost data to inform
strategies for advancing affordability
The seminar’s format includes keynote speakers,
plenary panels and breakout sessions with quality measurement experts both
locally and nationally. There is also the ability to network with colleagues in
health care quality.
The proposal submission deadline is March 9. Learn more and submit your
application on MNCM’s website. With questions, contact info@mncm.org. return to top