Programs and Services Guide
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
VHA has a comprehensive and strategic approach that addresses all aspects of
our members’ operations. We help members go beyond day-to-day operating
efficiencies by creating and facilitating an environment where members learn
from each other, share successes and best practices, collaborate and even form
joint operations in unique and innovative ways to accelerate their successes.
The VHA New England Region offers a focused portfolio of leading solutions
customized to meet local needs. We invite you to take advantage of all that your
membership offers. Thank you for your continued commitment to working with
us to ensure the success of not-for-profit health care.
For additional information on any
VHA service or for support, contact the
VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
We look forward to working with you.
2
Stockholders and Partners
Connecticut
Day Kimball Hospital
Putnam
Greater Waterbury Health Network
Waterbury
The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
Torrington
Western Connecticut Health Network
Danbury
Yale-New Haven Health System
New Haven
Maine
Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems
Brewer
MaineGeneral Health
Augusta
MaineHealth
Portland
Mid Coast Health Services
Brunswick
Massachusetts
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Boston
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston
Mount Auburn Hospital
Cambridge
Partners HealthCare System
Charlestown
South Shore Health and Educational Corp.
South Weymouth
New Hampshire
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital
Lebanon
Southern New Hampshire Health System
Nashua
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Dover
Rhode Island
Care New England
Providence
Lifespan
Providence
Vermont
Rutland Regional Health Services
Rutland
The University of Vermont Health Network
Burlington
Hallmark Health System
Medford
Harrington Healthcare System
Southbridge
Heywood Healthcare
Gardner
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
3
Clinical Performance Improvement
Accelerate overall performance, improve patient outcomes and sustain financial improvements. VHA experts and
solutions can help you take action to improve performance no matter where you are in your value-based journey.
Accreditation Services
All VHA members have access to our highly skilled and experienced accreditation team. Their
expertise is available to provide individual support and education. The VHA New England
Board of Directors made a strategic investment in Accreditation Services to help improve the
performance of its regional members. The following services are included as a benefit of regional
membership:
Virtual System Survey: An offering unique to VHA
The Joint Commission (TJC) recognizes participating members across the country as a virtual
system. Members are assigned a common TJC account representative and TJC provides common
team leaders during surveys. A continual feed of intelligence is provided through aggregated
hospital survey findings, reports of TJC surveyor questions from actual surveys, and on-site
support.
~~Estimated value: $20,400 per three-year cycle
Mock surveys
REGIONAL
Mock surveys provide assessments of patient care and organizational functions and compliance
with TJC standards through tracer methodology, education on standards and survey issues,
written reports summarizing findings and recommendations specifically referencing TJC
standards. We offer two mock surveys: two-day mock survey (about six to eight months from TJC
anniversary) and pre-survey check (about 30 days from TJC anniversary).
~~Estimated value:
– Two-day mock survey: $9,000 per survey
– Pre-check survey: $4,500 per survey
Education and Networking: VHA New England Accreditation Network meetings
This service includes in-person network meetings held twice annually, VHA New England
Accreditation Listserv, and Accreditation Educational Webinar Series presenting the latest
hot TJC standards.
~~Estimated value:
– In-person network and Listserv: $1,500 per person, per year
– Educational webinar series: $1,800 per phone line, per year
Ad hoc, ongoing member support
The VHA New England and VHA Accreditation Services teams are available for questions and
answers as needed.
Nursing Leadership
Excellence Series
4
This highly acclaimed vhatv satellite broadcast series focuses on critical issues and competencies
for the nurse leader. An outstanding faculty presents educational programs that foster excellence
in nursing. Participation is on a pay-per-view basis.
REGIONAL
Performance
Improvement
Services Bureau
The VHA New England Performance Improvement (PI) Services Bureau advances member
performance through a focused agenda of common improvement opportunities identified
by supply and clinical data integration. The PI Services Bureau is piloted by several VHA New
England Region members with funding support approved by the VHA New England Board of
Directors. Members work together to share better practices and develop and implement plans
of action. Teams are guided by a member steering committee that approves initiatives, sets goals
and monitors progress. Initiatives are linked to the agenda of the Northeast Purchasing Coalition
and leverage VHA IMPERATIV ® Advantage to maximize improvement.
Population Health
Organizational Assessment
VHA’s organizational approach to population health gives hospitals the ability to assess their
organization’s readiness to manage the health of a defined population. The assessment pinpoints
an organization’s individual strengths and opportunities for improvement results provide a
roadmap that identifies the elements an organization will need to develop and implement a
population health model.
Physician Strategies
and Services
A comprehensive set of solutions designed to assess a member’s physician alignment strategy,
identify improvement options and implement an integration plan. Expert advisors help
organizations better manage physician practices and adapt to new reimbursement models
under payment reform.
VHA Physician Strategies and Services include:
~~Physician acquisition and integration
~~Physician compensation
~~Physician integration readiness assessment
~~Practice operations optimization
~~Interim practice management
REGIONAL
We offer the capabilities to help your organization realize the benefits of solid physician
integration.
VHA Physician
Downstream Analyzer
Accurately measures a physician’s total financial performance across the continuum of care
to determine where improvements can be made, then tracked to assure compliance. With
the downstream analyzer, organizations can follow every patient’s business impact on all
the different physicians inside the group and all the departments inside the hospital.
Rapid Adoption
Network™ (RAN)
A Rapid Adoption Network helps members focus on designing improvements in clinical practices
that work in their environments through a contextualist approach. Key stakeholders (managers,
performance improvement staff members and frontline staff) participate in a VHA-facilitated
Clinical Design Day, followed by ongoing coaching calls with a VHA New England team leader
to focus on sustaining improvements and observing for understanding.
~~Estimated value: $5,250 per RAN project
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
5
VHA IMPERATIV®
VHA IMPERATIV is a comprehensive performance improvement solution that drives clinical,
operational and financial improvements. Available at no charge, the solution includes:
Advisory services: Expert advisors partner with you to help identify and prioritize opportunities
to accelerate performance improvements.
Analytics: Integrates disparate sources of data and consolidates into intuitive and easy-to-use
dashboards reveal opportunities to improve cost, quality and reimbursement.
Knowledge resources: Members can access accredited educational programs and the
VHA Leading Practice Blueprint® library with more than 200 blueprints covering topics such
as care coordination, clinical management and quality, patient safety, patient experience,
supply management, green health and population health management.
Collaboration and networking: You build upon existing regional and national member networks
and accelerate deployment of improvements and innovative solutions through peer-to-peer
sharing.
VHA IMPERATIV Advantage: A subscription-based offering, VHA IMPERATIV Advantage drills
deeper into patient and physician-level data to identify unnecessary variations in your care and
processes. Expert advisors provide industry-leading expertise to help engage hospital leaders and
physicians on improvements across the organization.
Supply Chain Improvement
Budget impact report
This report provides valid, price-related data and future forecasts for the supply and pharmacyrelated budgeting process. All pricing, including supplier list prices and Novation contract prices,
as well as up-to-date specs, allow you to create accurate, real capital budgets with no hardware
investment.
Capital equipment
contracts
Novation’s capital asset services offer members capital budget savings and efficiencies, access to
Novation’s extensive contract portfolios and lower costs through group buys.
Contracting
Focus on maximizing contract value.
Contract price optimization
Identifies savings opportunities by cross-referencing non-Novation items to Novation contracts
and examining product standardization opportunities and NOVAPLUS® product substitutions.
Also includes benchmarking of pricing, assistance with contract database development and
tracking, creation of customized cost savings reports, and development of purchasing decisionmaking tools.
Spend Essentials
This application provides detailed insight into supply spend allowing analysis of spend
by vendor, category and manufacturer at the facility or system level. Reports aid in
standardization, identifying volume and price variances, forecasting prices and improving
performance in specific areas.
Efficient settlement
6
This new offering focuses on consistent validation and verification, highly accurate payment
processing and maximization of payment terms.
Non-acute Care Services
Designed for ambulatory care, imaging centers, home health care, long-term care and
pharmacies (retail or closed), the program helps these providers realize significant savings
on a portfolio of products and services that meet their needs.
NOVAPLUS Optimization
Reports
The reports provide hospitals with a review of spending and aligns transactions with potential
savings opportunities available through our private label brand from a range of products. This
includes anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, medical, orthopedics, respiratory and surgical.
Novation portfolio
Members achieve 3% to 7% price advantage over the market through a portfolio of more than
1,000 contracts representing nearly 90% of a hospital’s purchasing needs. Novation, VHA’s supply
contracting company, manages nearly $40 billion in supply purchases annually and is
committed to providing the lowest price, highest quality and the broadest portfolio for
supplies in the industry.
Optimized inventory
management
This service focuses on improving distribution and logistics performance, and reducing
inventory levels, waste and carrying costs.
Distribution and logistics evaluation and improvement
Compares performance against inventory management benchmarks including turn rates,
backorders, picking errors, slow-moving and dead stock, par inventory levels, days on hand,
average usage, past-due purchase orders and more. The service improves and streamlines
processes, reduces errors, reduces storage costs, cuts overall inventory program costs and
enhances inventory delivery to end users.
Pharmacy portfolio
Through the pharmacy program, we have a deep expertise in pharmacy performance
improvement—informed by industry-leading analytics and contracting. Members maximize
the value of their pharmacy practices and position the pharmacy to serve as a strategic asset.
The approaches below can help reduce costs, improve efficiencies, enhance outcomes and
drive revenue and growth.
GPO and Contract Portfolio: Get market best pricing through continuous RFP processes with
an average savings of 1% to 3% on overall pharmacy purchases.
Innovative Drug Shortage Contracting Strategy: Our aggressive and long-term strategy
encourages the increased production of critical-access drugs and drugs in short supply. By
proactively negotiating agreements with drug companies to manufacture agreed-upon quantities
of the identified drugs, we help support the estimated needs of members.
At-risk Contract: In some instances, we have agreed to compensate drug manufacturers if actual
purchases by members fall below the estimated volume. Because these agreements provide
predictable demand, drug manufacturers are able to invest and allocate their resources in the
most effective ways.
NOVAPLUS Pharmaceutical Program: The program provides access to private-label products
and a comprehensive strategy for achieving standardization. It focuses on delivering quality
products at the best prices.
Failure to Supply Recovery Service: This service simplifies the collection of lost dollars by
removing the administrative burden from participants. Novation’s dedicated staff work with
suppliers to enforce contract terms and collect funds on behalf of the participant.
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
7
Pharmacy portfolio (cont.)
Data and analytics support: Through our suite of solutions such as VHA PharmaLYNX™, we
focus on driving savings through business intelligence, automating the value analysis process
and improving local sourcing results. Additional focus is on efficient purchasing processes, best
pricing and terms, optimal inventory management practices, maximized 340B programs and
optimized wholesaler contracts and transitions.
Pharmacy Supply Network: This network facilitates cost-effective medication use initiatives
amongst a group or region of hospital pharmacy members. Key sources of savings include
contract aggregation and opportunities using benchmarks.
Pharmacy reports
Use reports to compare purchased items to contract items; and review calculation of savings,
if items are purchased on contract. Additional pharmacy reports track spend, identify savings
opportunities, and manage the bottom line through rich, visual dashboards and exportable
information.
Procurement
You can enhance cash flow using analytics and business intelligence to capture value from spend
and contract management.
Marketplace|Procure
Our online procurement offers e-procurement, eliminates the need for manual purchase orders
(PO), helps ensure contract compliance and provides PO and contract validation.
Sourcing
Our sourcing offerings focus on driving savings through business intelligence, automating the
value analysis process and improving local sourcing results. Sourcing also helps with cleansing,
attributing and proactively managing the item master.
Local sourcing (Marketplace|Procure, aptitude™)
Here are solutions that help identify and execute on high-impact initiatives and deliver
unmatched results, bringing significant cost reduction and operational efficiencies to your supply
chain operations.
Supplier Diversity
Borrow resources from Novation’s Supplier Diversity Toolkit to build and enhance your supplier
diversity program. Track current spend with diverse suppliers both on and off contract.
VHA DataLYNX™
Support your item master management process and increase operational efficiencies with this
data management suite. The advisory services and analytics application help supply chain
leaders better support standardization and value analysis efforts within their facilities.
VHA PriceLYNX™
Take control and achieve supply chain success with the most innovative solution available. Now
you will be able to negotiate more effectively with suppliers, manage categories more efficiently
and maintain the lowest prices and biggest savings over time.
VHA ValueLYNX™
Use this automated business intelligence solution that optimizes the value analysis process to
increase visibility of initiatives and savings, better engage multidisciplinary teams, monitor and
manage your process and demonstrate financial results.
8
Purchased services
Achieve 15% average annual cost reductions through VHA’s purchased services and its
wide selection of service and outsourcing agreements in seven key areas: asset and project
management, clinical services, human resources, revenue management, information
technology, telecommunications and support services.
Supply chain
optimization
VHA consulting and embedded, integrated analytics provide a complete solution to reduce
cost and improve operational performance. Our industry-leading business intelligence suite
and advisory services bring unmatched value to procurement, price performance, data
management and value analysis.
~~Holistic, systemwide improvement
~~Sourcing
~~Contracting
~~Procurement
~~Inventory management
~~Settlement
Comprehensive, strategic assessments
We offer a series of assessments to identify improvement opportunities for cost savings, efficient
operations, utilization and quality outcomes. You can also assess organizational readiness for
change and by considering your capabilities, processes and technology.
Holistic, systemwide improvement
Provides expertise to help with developing a structure that enables service excellence and
implementing change management that supports increasing demands.
Supply chain operations transformation
Experience end-to-end supply chain operations transformation through expert guidance,
mentoring and leadership to achieve best-practice performance levels. Enable the supply chain
operations team to exceed organizational goals, objectives and service levels of internal
and external customers.
Transitional role placement
We can help you fill a vacancy to ensure supply chain functions continue to run smoothly. If the
position is director level or above, the interim professional will begin the process of transforming
supply chain processes to improve your organization’s bottom line.
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
9
Collaborating to Accelerate Members’ Successes
Dedicated Member Services team
VHA members have access to a dedicated team of trusted advisors. ~~The market management subject matter expert champions resolution of complex member issues, provides
local and national industry knowledge, and identifies member requirements and potential solutions to further
members’ success.
~~The performance improvement advisor provides a conduit to VHA’s clinical resources, offers customized guidance
for members’ performance improvement initiatives and delivers Accreditation Services support. ~~The sales executive proactively presents solutions that provide value to your business, integrating deep industry
experience to provide insight on a wide range of solutions available to you from VHA. ~~The service specialist combines analytical skills and products knowledge to anticipate and proactively address
member needs including price discrepancy resolution, standardized performance monitoring and development
of quality business reviews. REGIONAL
Legal workshop
This one-day session features Novation’s legal counsel providing an in-depth analysis of legal and contractual
issues associated with the acute care hospital environment, including the Affordable Care Act, national legislative
developments, strategic contracting, confidentiality and indemnification.
~~Estimated value: $750 per person
REGIONAL
Northeast Purchasing Coalition (NPC)
The NPC is a supply network through which members collaborate to improve clinical quality and decrease costs
by maximizing purchasing strength. The NPC employs a robust structure involving physician advisors, clinicians,
pharmacists and subject matter experts. Cumulative member savings and cost avoidance of nearly $75 million over
three years is a result of collaboration through the NPC
Revenue Cycle, ICD-10 and Recovery Audit Contractor Education Series
This educational conference call series features industry subject matter experts and covers a broad range of
revenue cycle topics. Session titles for 2014 included: CMS IPPS 2014 Final Rule: Best Practice Recommendations;
Rice Memorial Hospital’s Journey to ICD-10 Readiness; Exploring the Dynamics of a 3-Legged Approach to an
Integrated CDI Program; Managing Your Commercial Denials to Maximize Returns; Mastering the Chaos of the Audits;
Chargemaster Coding Updates and Implementation for 2015.
REGIONAL
Superior Performance Indicators - Supply Chain
This online program offers quarterly reporting of key performance indicators for executives and supply chain leaders.
Indicators include: total supply cost per case mix adjusted discharge, drug cost per case mix adjusted discharge,
total supply cost as a percentage of total operating expenses and total supply cost as a percentage of net operating
revenue. In addition to real-time access to customized trending reports that show each organization’s indicators
over time, participating hospitals receive quarterly, unblinded regional organization comparison sorted by bed-size
and performance trending.
~~Estimated value: $395 per year, per hospital
10
REGIONAL
Superior Performance Indicators—Value Based Purchasing
Members receive detail quarterly reporting of clinical process of care, patient experience of care and outcomes data
to provide a more timely view of performance than available through public reporting. A unique benchmarking
report of VHA members in the New England region is provided.
~~Estimated value: $395 per year, per hospital
Supply Chain Education Series
Whether you seek strategic approaches to improve your organization’s results or training and development
opportunities for your staff, tune in to our programs throughout the year. Educationally focused supply chain
broadcasts provide new information and skills for you and your staff. To watch past programs, visit www.vha.com/
supplychainvideos.
VHA Affinity Groups
These group meetings provide an opportunity to network with and learn from other health care organization
executives who experience similar issues and challenges. Learning occurs through special events and sharing of best
practices.
~~CEO Affinity Group
~~CFO Affinity Group
~~CNO Affinity Group
~~COO Affinity Group
~~HR Executive Affinity Group
~~Managed Care Executives Affinity Group
~~Perioperative Executive Affinity Group
~~Supply Chain Executive Affinity Group
VHA Navigating to Excellence Forum
Consistent with VHA’s mission to deliver expert guidance and solutions that drive exceptional performance for
members. Forum participants gain insights that can lead to elevated performance for their health care organization.
General sessions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities give attendees an active, visible role in
discussions as well as chances to learn from recognized experts who share leading practices in clinical quality,
supply chain improvement and operational excellence.
REGIONAL
VHA New England Nurse Executive Network
The Nurse Executive Network provides a forum for nursing leaders to collaborate with peers on relevant issues.
Events include two, noon to noon, in-person meetings per year.
~~Estimated value: $1,080 per person, per year
REGIONAL
VHA New England Pharmacy Leaders Network
Pharmacy leaders come together through this network for personal and professional development. Participants
work with colleagues and engage subject matter experts to improve care and decrease costs. Events include a
one-day session, two webinar sessions and a two-day retreat.
~~Estimated value: $1,090 per person, per year
REGIONAL
VHA New England Supply Chain Leaders Network
Supply chain leaders meet to network, develop skills, and explore ways to increase efficiency in supply chain
operations. Events include a one-day session, two webinar sessions and a two-day retreat.
~~Estimated value: $970 per person, per year
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
11
Service Line Performance Optimization
~~Governance and structure for
Our expert dedicated resources, informed by integrated, comparative data analytics
and unique knowledge, help members quickly achieve and sustain the highest value of
patient-centric care across the continuum. Our solutions help drive value along the
care continuum with physician alignment, cost improvement, optimal operations
and quality outcomes, profitability and growth.
~~Supply and service cost improvement
~~Optimal operations and quality
~~Effective, aligned physician structure
~~Profitability and revenue growth
Effective, aligned
physician structure
competitive leadership
We help your organization better align and partner with physicians to develop mutually beneficial
goals that contribute to the delivery of lower-cost, high-quality, patient-centered care.
Co-management
We offer service line model development that focuses on leadership and oversight of clinical and
administrative operations in partnership with a health system.
Gainsharing services
This service establishes and administers a program that shares a percentage of cost savings with
participating physicians by using the industry’s first Office of Inspector General-approved model.
Pay for performance
You can establish and administer a model that shares performance bonuses resulting from
improvements in quality, efficiency, satisfaction, experience and overall service line performance.
Physician practice optimization
Experience how you can maximize physician practices through review of specialty and primary
care mix and capacity. Also address improvements in efficiency of practice operations.
Program reinvestment
We help you develop reinvestment strategies to reward clinical groups that participate in cost
improvement efforts.
Governance and structure
for competitive leadership
Our experts help you establish a governance and management model with organizational
alignment across settings to support a culture of accountability and empowerment.
Change management
Use assessment and recommendations on your organization’s ability to make and sustain clinical,
operational and financial improvements, while focusing on culture, infrastructure and results.
Clinical Quality Value Analysis™
Achieve performance improvement by applying this results-oriented clinical and financial
improvement infrastructure that drives multidisciplinary decision making.
Oversight and management structure
We offer expert resources to design an effective physician, service line and executive leadership
structure.
VHA ValueLYNX
Shift your focus from value of products to value of care to control your value analysis process,
achieve greater operational efficiencies and track realized savings. VHA ValueLYNX helps you
gain visibility, demonstrate financial results and engage multidisciplinary teams.
12
Optimal operations
and quality
We offer resources to optimize operations and quality for improved efficiencies and
reimbursement.
Appropriate use
Our resources use criteria-based decisions to identify high financial impact accounts at risk for
denials and future audits by establishing proactive screening process to prevent regulatory and
compliance issues.
Clinical improvements
Build a culture of continuous improvement in processes and outcomes. Sustain gains using
Lean training, basic performance improvement (PI) training and PI team leader and facilitator
training workshops.
Labor resource optimization
See how to directly improve labor and benefit costs by eliminating inefficiencies, improving
staffing and pay practices and ensuring peak productivity.
Quality documentation improvement
Use a multidisciplinary approach to improve coding and documentation, resulting in revenue
enhancement and more accurately reported information.
Utilization and throughput improvement
You can gain more efficient patient throughput, appropriate bed utilization, reduced readmission
rates, effective case management and optimal use of ancillary services across multiple clinical
areas.
Workflow optimization
Apply lean Six Sigma methods for improving patient throughput, productivity, room utilization,
patient and staff scheduling and staff mix in the emergency department, operating room, cath
lab, electrophysiology lab and interventional radiology.
Supply and service
cost improvement
We help you improve supply and service costs per case by effectively managing price, utilization
and value.
National contracting
Maximize best-in-class Novation supply and service contracts for the highest price performance
and most favorable terms and conditions.
Physician preference cards management
A VHA advisor helps you identify methods for creation and maintenance of preference cards,
assist staff in revising preference cards to attain maximum efficiency and minimal waste, and
develop ongoing process to maintain accuracy.
Physician preference items—custom pricing
Use custom-pricing agreements that include physician engagement and negotiations to obtain
the best possible price for the items physicians want to use. You leverage Novation’s national
expertise of products and suppliers.
Physician preference items—utilization
Our tools hep you apply criteria-based decisions to reduce variation and improve resource
utilization to achieve the highest cost improvement per case.
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
13
Supply and service cost
improvement (cont.)
VHA PriceLYNX
Use our analytics and advisory services for physician preference benchmarking, savings
opportunity identification and supply price management.
VHA Physician PreferenceLYNX™
Analytics and advisory services that identify improvements in pricing, utilization, efficiency and
outcomes at the physician and patient level. Includes internal, regional and national benchmark
comparisons.
Profitability and
revenue growth
Access our services that drive program development for profitability and growth along the
continuum.
Alliances and partnerships
Develop relationships and partnerships with post-acute providers, community organizations,
payers and other referral sources to support growth and seamless delivery of clinical services
across the care continuum.
Market and clinical program assessment
Understand current and future trends in service areas, assess technology and capacity, plan
for future resource needs, and identify ways to achieve market differentiation through new and
enhanced clinical program development.
Physician recruitment and retention
We help you determine the adequacy and capability of the available physician specialty mix,
determine recruitment opportunities and support retention methodologies.
Risk readiness structure
You can evaluate risk vehicle adequacy and IT capability to manage risk, utilization and required
operational tools.
Medication Management Optimization
Deep expertise in pharmacy performance improvement informed by industry leading analytics and contracting help
members maximize the value of their pharmacy practice and position the pharmacy to serve as a strategic asset. Our
approach helps reduce costs, improve efficiencies, enhance outcomes and drive revenue and growth.
~~Efficient procurement and asset management
~~Safe, cost-effective medication use system
Efficient procurement
and asset management
~~Optimal practice model
~~Systemwide medication management leadership
These programs and services focuses on efficient purchasing processes, best pricing and terms,
optimal inventory management practices, maximized 340B programs and optimized wholesaler
contracts and transitions.
340B compliance and program optimization
This program delivers an implementation plan and/or evaluation of existing 340B policies,
procedures and performance to assure compliance and optimal value.
14
Efficient procurement
and asset management
(cont.)
Purchasing, inventory management and contract optimization
You achieve best possible drug acquisition costs and asset management through more effective
pharmaceutical supply chain practices.
Pharmacy Supply Network
The network facilitates cost-effective medication use initiatives amongst a group or region of
hospital pharmacy members. Key sources of savings include contract aggregation and utilization
opportunities using benchmarks.
VHA PharmaLYNX
Gain control of your pharmaceutical supply chain, level prices and increase your cash flow.
With this single business intelligence tool, you will gain more than just price benchmarking
insight—you will be able to confidently monitor and manage pricing across your entire system,
down to the drug level.
Wholesaler conversion supply cost improvement
This project manages a pharmaceutical wholesaler conversion.
Optimal practice model
Our models focus on ensuring a well-staffed clinical pharmacy practice, integration with patient
care teams across the continuum, plans for staff development and proper technology to support
the practice.
Leadership, staffing and practice model effectiveness
We help you develop a plan to optimize leadership structure, practice model and staff utilization
(staffing benchmarks, skill mix, productivity, alignment with key service lines).
Leadership transition support
We deliver expert mentoring to an internal interim manager during a period of leadership
transition. Our support provides project management and operational guidance with senior
executives.
Safe, cost-effective
medication use system
This system focuses on formulary management and drug use policies, leading practice drug
use protocols, accurate and efficient medication preparation and distribution, antimicrobial
stewardship and medication safety.
Antimicrobial Stewardship program
This program offers an operational plan and structure to reduce cost and improve quality of
antimicrobial use in the organization.
Automation assessment
Our advisors work with members to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and safety
through a global assessment of current automated dispensing technology.
Drug utilization and formulary review
This review develops implementable or implemented strategies to reduce drug expense and
improve clinical outcomes.
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
Identifies strategies that improve the effectiveness of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee
structure, function and decision-making processes to improve safety, cost and outcomes.
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
15
Systemwide medication
management leadership
VHA services focus on maximizing efficiencies and economies of scale, care coordination across
acute and ambulatory settings, reimbursement management, regulatory and accreditation
compliance, use of leading technologies and use of performance metrics and analytics.
Pharmacy and medication management
We deliver a comprehensive operational plan with tactics to reduce costs, improve efficiency,
optimize revenue and improve outcomes. This helps position the pharmacy and medication
process for success in a value-based care environment.
Pharmacy revenue cycle charge master assessment
The assessment helps update billing codes and charge master to assure accuracy and
compliance with current regulations. It also helps recapture lost revenue opportunities through
improved billing and coding procedures.
Retail pharmacy assessment
This assessment produces a plan for improved profitability and productivity of an existing
pharmacy or a feasibility study for a new venture. The plan may also include employee
prescription benefit design.
Risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, safety assessment
Here you will see assessment of key medication management risks, including drug diversion
prevention, regulatory compliance and medication use safety.
System-level improvement
We see you through development of a strategic plan and structure that drives organizational
efficiencies, reduces costs and improves quality by leveraging system purchasing power and
economies of scale.
Comprehensive Cost and Margin Improvement
VHA integrates cost reduction initiatives, operational improvements and behavioral changes using proven methods
that guide health care organizations to achieve and sustain significant financial improvement.
Labor resource optimization
Advisors use an interdisciplinary approach that improves labor costs, staffing, scheduling and work quality while increasing employee
satisfaction.
Operational and process improvement
Data-driven methods are used to examine patient care from admission to discharge, then experienced clinical consultants recommend
strategies to create physician buy in and involvement using a performance-based approach with guided implementation.
Supply cost improvement
Consultants use vast contracting experience, industry-leading tools, proven methods and physician alignment to provide significant cost
improvement from the operating room to the patient floor.
Revenue Cycle Management
A program that offers revenue cycle consulting and technology services to help with everything from ICD-10 conversion to revenue
growth by leveraging relationships with industry leaders such as Deloitte Consulting, 3M and VitalWare.
~~ICD-10 Documentation and Implementation services
~~ICD-10 Education, Training and Coding Support
16
~~ICD-10 Readiness Services
~~Revenue Cycle Transformation Services
Regional Programs and Contracts
In addition to the VHA and Novation portfolios, the VHA New England Region creates valuable contracts to meet
the unique needs of local members through our regional contract portfolio.
Courier Services
Medical Liability Management
Skycom Courier
Express delivery and logistics services including on-demand
deliveries, routine and scheduled deliveries
Medical Risk Management
Process-driven educational programs and systematic solutions
for hospitals and physician groups to improve patient safety and
reduce malpractice losses
E&M Coding Physician Education
MediSync—Healthcare Solutions
Physician-to-physician evaluation and management coding
education and tools for owned physician practices
Electronic Payment Solutions
Bank of America and PNC Bank
Electronic payment solutions: purchasing cards and ePayables
programs
Energy Consumption Savings
American Energy Assets
Optimization of energy assets through proprietary technology
to reduce costs and energy consumption
Energy Procurement and Expense
Management
Hospital Energy Services
Energy procurement and strategies for building energy
budget stability
Energy Utility Auditing Services
Eric Ryan Corporation
Billing history accuracy review and recovery of over payment from
utilities with no-risk, shared-savings model
Patient Communications Solutions
NotifyMD
Communication services for acute-care hospitals and owned
practices
Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions
RecoveRX™
Turn-key program to recover replacement or obtain co-pay
assistance from pharmacy assistance programs for facility’s
uninsured and under-insured patients
Pharmacy Remote Order Entry
Cardinal Health
Prescription e-source is a full-service solution for pharmacy
remote order entry and verification
Satisfaction Services
Press Ganey Associates
Surveys and reports to measure patient, employee and
physician satisfaction
Sleep and Balance Center Services
Persante
Creates revenue opportunities by filling new or existing sleep
center beds, reducing cancellations, improving insurance
verification and establishing new balance center referrals
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
17
VHA New England Staff List
Paul Hess
Senior Vice President and
Executive Officer
781.794.6501
phess@vha.com
Liz Petti
Executive Assistant
781.794.6512
epetti@vha.com
Patricia Rouleau
Manager, Operations
781.794.6540
prouleau@vha.com
Market Management
Mary Cellini
Administrative Assistant
781.794.6528
mcellini@vha.com
David Greenberg
Director, Operational
Improvement Services
972.868.7454
dgreenbe@vha.com
Jim Mahan
Vice President, Regional Operations
781.794.6504
jmahan@vha.com
Jim Witherell
Senior Director, Market Management
781.794.6507
jwithere@vha.com
Northeast Purchasing Coalition
Linda Bolland
Implementation Manager, Pharmacy
972.830.6362
lbolland@vha.com
Linda Goode
Administrative Assistant
781.794.6545
lgoode@vha.com
18
Paula Jurewicz, MS, RN
Clinical Director
203.688.1510
Leanne Todisco
Vice President, Supply Chain Operations
781.794.6535
ltodisco@vha.com
Dan Warmuth
Senior Director, Supply Networks
972.830.6903
dwarmuth@vha.com
Performance Improvement
and Business Development
Alida Hecht
Manager, Performance Improvement
781.794.6554
ahecht@vha.com
Jane McCarthy, MS, RN, CPHQ
Senior Director, Performance
Improvement
781.794.6515
jmccarth@vha.com
LeeMichael McLean
Director, Business Development
and Networks
781.794.6577
lmclean@vha.com
Theresa Schmidt, BSN, MS, RN, CPHQ
Director, Performance Improvement
781.794.6571
tschmidt@vha.com
Laural Whitmore
Vice President, Business Development and
Performance Improvement
781.794.6586
lwhitmor@vha.com
Kathy Yue
Senior Analyst
781.794.6502
kyue@vha.com
Sales and Service
Kathy Galullo, RN
District Sales Vice President
972.868.7432
kgalullo@vha.com
Lori Helm
Sales Executive
781.794.6520
lhelm@vha.com
Tracie Lightfoot
Member Service Specialist II
972.868.7419
tlightfo@vha.com
Vin Matozzo
Member Specialist II
972.868.7405
vmatozzo@vha.com
Nancy Miller
Member Service Specialist III
972.830.7805
nmiller@vha.com
Mark Somerville
Sales Executive
603.703.8755
msomervi@vha.com
Nancy Swierczynski, BSN
Strategic Account Executive
781.794.6513
nswiercz@vha.com
Melissa Szabo
Account Executive
972.868.7426
mszabo@vha.com
Bisrat Tedla
Member Service Specialist I
972.830.2950
btedla@vha.com
Kyna Widermyre
Member Service Specialist I
972.868.7410
kwidermy@vha.com
For additional information on any VHA service or for support, contact the VHA New England office at 781.794.6500.
19
A wholly owned subsidiary of VHA Inc.
VHA New England Region
350 Granite St
Suite 2304
Braintree MA 02184
Tel. 781.794.6500
www.vha.com
©2015 VHA Inc. All rights reserved.