October 3, 2008
Volume 52, Issue 37
[The following article was sent as a news release to the statewide press on October 2, 2008.]
Hospitals in every region of the state are reporting workforce shortages—a situation that is expected to worsen over the next decade as Wisconsin’s population continues to grow.
The number of Wisconsin residents reached 5.6 million, a 5.7 percent increase over 2000 census figures. However, the growth in the health care workforce is lagging behind the demand for health care being driven by both the growth in and aging of the population. By 2010, Wisconsin hospitals, along with all other employers, will be competing for a much smaller pool of people to fill their job vacancies.
According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2008 Health Care Workforce Report released on October 2, Wisconsin hospitals’ vacancy rates for key positions are on the rise, with hospitals listing therapists and pharmacists among the most difficult positions to fill. (The full report is available at www.wha.org.)
The increase in consumer use of pharmaceuticals is driving a need for professional assistance with managing medication regimens and fueling the demand for pharmacists statewide, according to the WHA report. That, combined with the fact that it takes five or more years of education to become a pharmacist, contributes to shortages.
Hospitals also report that the largest percentage of vacancies and the most difficult to fill are therapist positions. This includes physical and occupational therapists, a need that is partially created by the increasing demand for medical care to improve joints and increase mobility. Hip and knee replacement surgeries, along with other increasingly sophisticated interventions that help patients overcome physical limitations often require multiple visits to a therapist to ensure a full recovery. Education programs for these professionals are lengthy, sometimes requiring more than five years, and the number of slots available in these college programs has failed to keep up with the demand from applicants and employers alike.
WHA’s Judy Warmuth, vice president of workforce for the Madison-based Association, said expanding the number of slots in college training programs is critical if the supply of health care professionals is ever going to keep pace with demand.
"We’re starting to see some promising movement with a new pharmacy school in the planning stages, but at this point, the demand for some key health care professionals is still increasing much faster than supply," according to Warmuth.
Health care (hospitals, nursing and residential facilities, and ambulatory care) is the largest employer segment in Wisconsin, and it is the segment that is consistently creating new jobs, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Office of Economic Advisors. However, the majority of the available health care jobs in Wisconsin will not be new; rather, they will be replacement positions for individuals leaving the workforce, mainly due to retirement.
Advanced Practice Providers Surface as Emerging Shortage
With the demand for care likely to outstrip supply in the near future, new models of delivering care are being implemented. Advanced practice providers (APPs), which includes physician assistants and advanced practice nurses, are becoming a critical component of the health care delivery system. Hospitals have created roles for these professionals in their medical practice groups, emergency rooms, working with hospitalists in managing care of hospitalized patients, and in convenient care clinics.
There is a growing demand for APPs. If education programs for these professions do not increase in number or capacity, it is expected that APPs will emerge as the next group of professionals that will be in short supply.
High Tech-High Touch Careers
Technology is changing the nature of many health care jobs. Electronic medical records, increasing reliance on complex diagnostic procedures, and enhanced sophistication of even basic equipment like temperature monitors, require that health care employees have a high degree of comfort working in a high-technology environment.
"It is no longer sensible to ask if health care is high tech or high touch. It is both," according to Tomah Memorial Hospital CEO Phil Stuart, who chairs the WHA Council on Workforce. "Patients want and need committed, caring empathetic caregivers who make appropriate and skillful use of high technology."
Stuart said health care positions are often attractive because they offer good salaries, a stable work environment, and are unlikely to be downsized or moved out of state.
"Health care is a career that affords a person an opportunity to make a lasting difference in other people’s lives. That kind of personal fulfillment is often what leads a person to choose a health career," Stuart said.
Political Action Spotlight: Political Action Fundraising Campaign Tops $192,000The Wisconsin Hospitals state political action funds fundraising campaign topped the $192,000 mark this week. The state political action funds include the Wisconsin Hospitals Conduit and Wisconsin Hospitals PAC. To date, the campaign garnered a total of $192,363 in contributions. This puts the 2008 campaign at 92 percent of its $210,000 goal.
To date, 564 individuals have contributed compared to 542 in 2007. Individual contributions are up as well. The average individual contribution has increased by $30, from $311 in 2007 to $341 in 2008.
2008 contributors to date are listed below. Individual contributors are by name and affiliated organization. Contributors are listed alphabetically by contribution category.
For more information, contact Jenny Boese at 608-274-1820 or Jodi Bloch at 608-217-9508.
Contributions Ranging from $1 - $249
Abels, Maya Aurora Health Care
Ackerman, Jamie Sacred Heart Hospital
Adams, Daniel Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Ambs, Kathleen St. Mary’s Hospital
Anderson, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital
Anich, Matthew Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Appleton, Karl St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
Arendt, Kathleen Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Ashbeck, Norbert Good Samaritan Health Center of Merrill
Axelsen, Kathern Sacred Heart Hospital
Ayers, Mandy Wisconsin Hospital Association
Baer, James Shawano Medical Center
Baker, David Saint Michael’s Hospital
Barkovich, Catherine Sacred Heart Hospital
Bartingale, Robert St. Vincent Hospital
Bauer, Carl Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Bauer, David Sacred Heart Hospital
Bauer, Pam Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Beckler, Rick Sacred Heart Hospital
Beglinger, Joan St. Mary’s Hospital
Bellin, Carolyn Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Benish, Nancy St. Joseph’s Hospital
Benz, Staci Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Berard, Celse Riverview Hospital Association
Bergmann, Ann Spooner Health System
Bernklau, Robert Memorial Health Center
Bertsch, Cynthia St. Nicholas Hospital
Bjork, Ted Westfields Hospital
Block, Jennifer Sacred Heart Hospital
Bloom, Deborah Sacred Heart Hospital
Bonnett, Joseph Beaver Dam Community Hospitals
Bosio, David Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Boson, Ann Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Bouvat, Dale Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Bowe, Cynthia Sacred Heart Hospital
Bowman, Andrew Sacred Heart Hospital
Bradley, Edward St. Nicholas Hospital
Brauer, Theresa Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc
Braun, James Flambeau Hospital
Brenholt, Craig St. Mary’s Hospital
Brenny, Terrence Stoughton Hospital Association
Brockman, Susan Meriter Hospital
Bryans, Richard Sacred Heart Hospital
Burgener, Jean Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Burtch, Sue Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Busch, Rebecca Spooner Health System
Buss, Diane St. Mary’s Hospital
Campau, Patricia Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Carlson, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital
Carr Lee, Mary Meriter Hospital
Carrier-Diemer, Peggy Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Casey, Candy Columbia Center
Caven, Michael Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Ceelen, John Ministry Health Care
Censky, Bill Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Christensen, Leslie St. Mary’s Hospital
Cich, Dawn St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior
Cisler-Cahill, Lorna Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Clapp, Nicole Grant Regional Health Center
Cleveland, Herbert Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Coblentz, Kathy Jo St. Joseph’s Community Health Services
Cohen, Joan Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Colby, Daniel Mercy Health System
Coller, James St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
Colpaert, Gary Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Craft, Carolyn St. Joseph’s Hospital
Dalebroux, Steve St. Mary’s Hospital
Danzinger, Marcia Sacred Heart Hospital
Davis, Kathleen Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
DeMars, Nancy Sacred Heart Hospital
Derks, Darla Sacred Heart Hospital
DeWitt, Pamela St. Joseph’s Community Health Services
Dille, Wendy Agnesian HealthCare
Dittrich, Peggy Memorial Health Center
Dougherty, Kim Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Ducommun, Shellie Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Dwyer, Amy Sacred Heart Hospital
Dwyer, Maxine St. Mary’s Hospital
Eady, Diane Sacred Heart Hospital
Ellis, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Erickson, William Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals
Eskridge, Melissa Sacred Heart Hospital
Evenson, Wendy Sacred Heart Hospital
Ewing, Thomas Aurora Health Care
Facey, Alice St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Fedie, Robin St. Joseph’s Hospital
Fink, MD, Jordan Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Fisker, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Flanagan, Tracy Sacred Heart Hospital
Floyd, Duane Watertown Memorial Hospital
Fochs, Mary Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Folstad, John Sacred Heart Hospital
Fuchs, Thomas St. Joseph’s Hospital
Galfano, Victor Sacred Heart Hospital
Gantner, Sue Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Garavet, Scott Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Garcia, Dawn Sacred Heart Hospital
Gengler, Tim Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Giedd, Jan St. Joseph’s Hospital
Giles, Barbara St. Joseph’s Hospital
Gilmore, Ronald
Gjolberg, Skip St. Joseph’s Hospital
Godden, Scott Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Golden, Joan St. Joseph’s Hospital
Goodyear, Penny Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Gorecki, Susan Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Gormican, John J. Agnesian HealthCare
Govier, Mary Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Green, Mary Jean Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Groskreutz, Kevin St. Joseph’s Hospital
Gruber, Richard Mercy Health System
Gulan, Maria Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Gullicksrud, Lynn Sacred Heart Hospital
Halberg, Carole St. Mary’s Hospital
Harrop, Pauline Meriter Hospital
Hassemer, Robert Sacred Heart Hospital
Hedrington, Brian Sacred Heart Hospital
Herbert, William Meriter Hospital
Hieb, Laura Bellin Memorial Hospital
Hink, Dawn Sacred Heart Hospital
Hoege, Beverly Reedsburg Area Medical Center
Hofer, John Bay Area Medical Center
Holmes, Sheri Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Horn, Diane St. Joseph’s Hospital
Huemmer, Paul St. Mary’s Hospital
Iding, Laura Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Jablonske, William St. Joseph’s Hospital
Jacobsen, Joan Meriter Hospital
Jahn, Timothy St. Vincent Hospital
Jain, Raj St. Mary’s Hospital
Jay, John Community Memorial Hospital
Jelle, Laura St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Jensema, Christine St. Nicholas Hospital
Johnson, Curtis Tri-County Memorial Hospital
Johnson, Jean Sacred Heart Hospital
Johnson, Kimberly Sacred Heart Hospital
Johnson, Patricia Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home
Jones, Linda Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Jost, Donna Agnesian HealthCare
Juckem, Elizabeth Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus
Kachelski, Barb
Kaiser, Ann Sacred Heart Hospital
Karoliussen, Dave Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals-Tomahawk
Kell, Tom St. Joseph’s Hospital
Kempen, Patricia Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Klay, Lois St. Joseph’s Hospital
Kleinschmidt, Sharon Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Klinge, Ann Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Koeppl, Gina St. Mary’s Hospital
Korff, Sally St. Nicholas Hospital
Kowalkowski, Carolyn St. Joseph’s Hospital
Krause, Carolyn Meriter Hospital
Kruse, Joe Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse
Lachecki, Therese Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Land, Andrew Agnesian HealthCare
Lange, Mark Riverview Hospital Association
Larson, Piper Sacred Heart Hospital
Leonard, Mary Kay St. Mary’s Hospital
Lerch, Shawn Columbus Community Hospital
Lien, Kristine Sacred Heart Hospital
Lodes, Mary Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Lucas, Roger Aspirus Wausau Hospital
LuCore, Patricia Sacred Heart Hospital
Luskin, Ronald Arnold and O’Sheridan, Inc.
Lynch, Sue Franciscan Skemp Healthcare-La Crosse
Mackey, Theresa Sacred Heart Hospital
Marcouiller, Don Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Markgraf, Janelle K. Langlade Memorial Hospital
Marks, Susan Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Marsch, Jean St. Vincent Hospital
Mathews, Larry St. Vincent Hospital
Maulson, Andrea St. Mary’s Hospital
Maurer, Mary Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
McCoic, Kristie St. Joseph’s Community Health Services
McKay, Jean Sacred Heart Hospital
McKevett, Timothy Beloit Memorial Hospital
Meicher, John St. Mary’s Hospital
Meyer, Markie Community Memorial Hospital
Mickelson, Ronald St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Mohr, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital
Mohr, James Riverview Hospital Association
Morauske, Michelle WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Mueller, Bonita St. Mary’s Hospital
Mulder, Doris Beloit Memorial Hospital
Myre, Judy Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals-Tomahawk
Needham, Jean Westfields Hospital
Neitzel, Kristin Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Nelson, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital
Nemeth, Joseph Mercy Health System
Ness, Nita Sacred Heart Hospital
Nezworski, Joseph Sacred Heart Hospital
Nick, Mary Meriter Hospital
Nohelty, Peter Sacred Heart Hospital
Norell, Brett Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Nulsen, Kate Sacred Heart Hospital
Oerter, Tracy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Olson, Bonnie Sacred Heart Hospital
Onsager, Sandra St. Mary’s Hospital
Ose, Peggy Riverview Hospital Association
Ott, Virginia St. Joseph’s Hospital
Padilla, Gilbert Sacred Heart Hospital
Palecek, Steve Sacred Heart Hospital
Peck, Lori Memorial Health Center
Peickert, Barbara Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home
Peiffer, Susan Sacred Heart Hospital
Pengra, Mary Sacred Heart Hospital
Penovich, Carrie Aurora Health Care
Peters, Kenneth Bellin Memorial Hospital
Petersen, Susan Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Peterson, Brenda Sacred Heart Hospital
Peterson, Lawrence St. Mary’s Hospital
Pielhop, Judy Sacred Heart Hospital
Pieters, Donald St. Nicholas Hospital
Piper, Barbara Sacred Heart Hospital
Pittenger, Jeannie Sacred Heart Hospital
Policello, Louise Bay Area Medical Center
Pollard, Dennis Community Memorial Hospital
Poquette, Jane Sacred Heart Hospital
Posthuma, Diane Waupun Memorial Hospital
Powell, Stacey Sacred Heart Hospital
Powers, Mary Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Preston, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital
Prince, Nancy Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Raaum, Karl Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Rademacher, David Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Rasmussen, Kathy Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home
Reinke, John Bay Area Medical Center
Reinke, Kathy Shawano Medical Center
Richbourg, Mary Sacred Heart Hospital
Roethle, Linda Bellin Psychiatric Center
Rooney, Suzanne St. Joseph’s Hospital
Rosien, Shirley Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Rothfuss, James Meriter Hospital
Roundy, Ann Columbus Community Hospital
Rowe-Peplinski, Lisa Riverview Hospital Association
Rubenzer, Deanne St. Joseph’s Hospital
Santini, Kathy Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Schaefer, Joyce Amery Regional Medical Center
Schaefer, Mark Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Schaetzl, Ron St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Schmidt, Fredrick St. Nicholas Hospital
Schmidt, LaVerne Aurora Lakeland Medical Center
Schneck, Judy Sacred Heart Hospital
Schnell, Carol Sacred Heart Hospital
Schoff, Dennis Sacred Heart Hospital
Schraufnagel, Patricia Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Schultz, Rebecca Sacred Heart Hospital
Schwoegler, Mary St. Mary’s Hospital
Scinto, Jeanne Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Segerstrom, Amy Sacred Heart Hospital
Selberg, Heidi St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center
Sergey, Mark Sacred Heart Hospital
Sheehan, Heather Hayward Area Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home
Skulan-Balmer, Anna Sacred Heart Hospital
Skye, Dorothy Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals
Smith, Julie Sacred Heart Hospital
Sood, Manu Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Sorenson, Heather Sacred Heart Hospital
Sorenson, Jim Sacred Heart Hospital
Soward, Cindy Sacred Heart Hospital
Sparks, Steven St. Mary’s Hospital
Spindler, Greg Sacred Heart Hospital
Sprengeler, John Sacred Heart Hospital
Stefonek, Duane Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals
Stelzer, Jason St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Stenson, Jill Agnesian HealthCare
Stone, Stacy Sacred Heart Hospital
Storing, Sandy Sacred Heart Hospital
Stout, Johni WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Studer, Vince Shawano Medical Center
Sullivan, Anne Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Swanson, Becky Sacred Heart Hospital
Swiderski, Julie Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Tandberg, Ann St. Joseph’s Hospital
Tandberg, Christine Sacred Heart Hospital
Tate, Marceline Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Tell, Marge Riverview Hospital Association
Thurmer, DeAnn Waupun Memorial Hospital
Tietz, Llewellyn Community Memorial Hospital
Tirado-Kellenberger, Norma Agnesian HealthCare
Totka, Joan Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Tryba, Jennifer Aspirus Wausau Hospital
VanDeVoort, John Sacred Heart Hospital
Vogler, Linda Sacred Heart Hospital
Vogt, Paula Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Voigt, Yolanda Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Waldoch, Timothy Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Walker, Troy St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Werkheiser, Cindy The Monroe Clinic
Werlein, George Sacred Heart Hospital
Werner, Andrea Bellin Memorial Hospital
West, Karen Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital
Westbrook, Diane River Falls Area Hospital
Wheeler, Susan St. Nicholas Hospital
Whiteaker, Les Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Wiedeman, Karen Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals
Wise, Richard Sacred Heart Hospital
Woleske, Chris Bond Health Center
Worthing, Kelli Sacred Heart Hospital
Wymelenberg, Tracy Aurora Health Care
Zaher, Beth
Zemaitis, Tom Sacred Heart Hospital
Zimmerman, Christine Sacred Heart Hospital
Zorbini, John Community Memorial Hospital
Contributions Ranging from $250 - $499
Abitz, John WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Arnett, E. Stuart Aurora Health Care-South Region
Ashenhurst, Karla Ministry Health Care
Bagemihl, Katherine Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Baker, Chris St. Mary’s Hospital
Ballentine, Anne Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Bayer, Tom St. Vincent Hospital
Bestor, William Community Memorial Hospital
Biros, Marilyn SSM Health Care-Wisconsin
Blanchard, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Borgerding, Dana
Brandel, Patrick Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Bruss, Lori Roberts Group, The
Bukowski, Cathy Our Lady of Victory Hospital
Calhoun, William Mercy Medical Center
Callies, Julie WHA Information Center
Canter, Richard Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Carlson, Dan Bay Area Medical Center
Clough, Sheila Howard Young Medical Center
Coleman, John
Conwell, Lisa WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Cook, Craig Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Cryns, Janice Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Curran, Joan Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
Danner, Dean Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Deich, Faye Sacred Heart Hospital
Dettman, Amy Bellin Memorial Hospital
Dietsche, James Bellin Memorial Hospital
Dooley, Richard Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Douglas, Nancy Bay Area Medical Center
Drengler, Kathryn Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Elmer, Paula The Monroe Clinic
Erickson, Robert Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Gamez, Francisco Bay Area Medical Center
Greene, Roxanne Our Lady of Victory Hospital
Gresham, James Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Grundstrom, David Flambeau Hospital
Gutekunst, Penny Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Hall, Brenda Ministry Health Care
Hamilton, Mark
Hammel, Jennifer Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Harding, Edward Columbus Community Hospital
Hattem, Marita Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Hessert, Peter Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Hilt, Monica Sacred Heart-St. Mary’s Hospitals
Huettl, Patty Sacred Heart Hospital
Huggins, Melissa Meriter Hospital
Huys, Geoffrey Ministry Health Care
Jablonski, James Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Jamieson, Donna Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Jenks, David Aurora Health Care
Jensen, Christopher Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Jensen, Russell St. Mary’s Hospital
Jentsch, Lisa Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Johnson, Charles St. Mary’s Hospital
Johnson, Roy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Jones, Tom St. Joseph’s Community Health Srvcs.
Kaufman, Bruce Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Keene, Kaaron Memorial Health Center
Kersten, Juliet Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Kessenich, Patrick Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial
Klauck, James Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Kluesner, Kevin Aurora Health Care-South Region
Klunk, Timothy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Kolb, Marvin O. West Allis Memorial Hospital
Kostroski, Sharon Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Levar, Jane Ministry Health Care
Mantei, Mary Jo Bay Area Medical Center
McCutchin, John St. Joseph’s Hospital
Melzer-Lange, Marlene Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Meyer, Daniel Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Ctr.
Mourey, Gerald Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Murphy, Michael Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Neet, Bradley Saint Michael’s Hospital
Neikirk, Jon Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Nelson, Nanine ProHealth Care
Nevers, Rick Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Nockerts, Steven Richland Hospital
Oberholtzer, Curt Bay Area Medical Center
Olive, Willie Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Olkowski, Leland Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Ordinans, Karen Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Pandl, G. John Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Pandl, Therese Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus
Pedretti, Julie Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Peterson, Douglas Chippewa Valley Hospital and Oakview Care Center
Post, A Charles Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Potts, Dennis Aurora Health Care
Ross, Forrest WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Roth, Stephen Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Rounds, Thomas St. Mary’s Hospital
Rowe, Jeanne Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Rozenfeld, Jonathan St. Mary’s Hospital
Rudolph, Wade Sacred Heart Hospital
Sagan, Jean Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Sanicola, Suzanne Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Schmidt, Richard C.G. Schmidt
Schneider, David Langlade Memorial Hospital
Schroeder, Larry Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital
Schulz, Janet ProHealth Care
Schuster, Lynn Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Sczygelski, Sidney Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Shapiro, David Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Sisney, Mary Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Sperka, Julie Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Staffileno, Gerri Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus
Statz, Darrell Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Steevens, Alan St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Stewart, Jeff Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Stuart, Philip Tomah Memorial Hospital
Tapper, Joy Milwaukee Health Care Partnership
Thiel, Mike Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Thometz, John Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Twinem, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
VanCourt, Bernie Bay Area Medical Center
Vogel, Martin Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Wade, Matthew ProHealth Care
Warmuth, Eric
Weisman, Steven Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Werner, Cinda Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Woodward, Jim Meriter Hospital
Contributions Ranging from $500 - $999
Allison Stonebraker, Pat Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Anderson, Sandy St. Clare Hospital and Health Services
Banaszynski, Gregory Aurora Health Care
Barnett, Jane
Bloch, Jodi Wisconsin Hospital Association
Braddock, Michelle WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Brasseaux, Mary St. Nicholas Hospital
Buerstatte, Gary ProHealth Care
Bultema, Janice
Capelli, A.J., MD Aurora Medical Center - Kenosha
Cardamone, Stephen Wheaton Franciscan - Milwaukee
Decker, Michael Divine Savior Healthcare
Devermann, Robert Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh
Duncan, Larry Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Dunigan, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Falvey, Patrick Aurora Health Care
Fehring, Chuck Ministry Health Care
Fish, David St. Joseph’s Hospital
Fitzpatrick, Lynn Agnesian HealthCare
Frank, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association
Guffey, Kerra Meriter Hospital
Gutzeit, Michael Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Heifetz, Michael SSM Health Care-Wisconsin
Herzog, Mark Holy Family Memorial Medical Center
Hyland, Carol Agnesian HealthCare
Hymans, Daniel Memorial Medical Center - Ashland
Jones, Michael Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Kellar, Richard West Allis Memorial Hospital
Kerwin, George Bellin Memorial Hospital
Klawiter, Anne Southwest Health Center
Korom, Nancy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Little, Steven Agnesian HealthCare
Lockhart, MD, Jack Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
Maxson-Cooper, Pamela Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
McCutcheon, Norma Wisconsin Heart Hospital, The
McGee, Fred Meriter Hospital
McNally, Maureen Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Merline, Karen
Meyer, Loren Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Miloszewicz, Angela Wisconsin Hospital Association
Minkus, Michelle
Mlynarek, Robert Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Mugan, James Agnesian HealthCare
Neufelder, Daniel Affinity Health System
Niemer, Margaret Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Noll, Gerald Rogers Memorial Hospital
Norton, Andrew Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
O’Connell, Blaine Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Postler-Slattery, Diane Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Potter, Brian Wisconsin Hospital Association
Quinn, Connie
Radoszewski, Pat Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Reynolds, Sheila Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Richards, Theresa Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Robertstad, John Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital
Roeper, Randy Aurora Medical Center of Oshkosh
Ronstrom, Stephen Sacred Heart Hospital
Runge, Charles Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Russell, John Boscobel Area Health Care
Sachdeva, Ramesh Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Sale, Nora Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Schafer, Michael Spooner Health System
Schmidt, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Schoof, Susie Essie Kammer Consulting Group
Shabino, Charles, MD Wisconsin Hospital Association
Ship, Mark Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Teigen, Bobbe
Titus, Rexford ProHealth Care
Wallace, Michael Fort HealthCare
Welch, Kimberly Aurora Health Care
Wong, George Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Worrick, Gerald Door County Memorial Hospital
Contributions Ranging from $1000 - $1999
Andersen, Travis Calumet Medical Center
Bazan, Bill Wisconsin Hospital Association
Birkenstock, Timothy Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Boese, Jennifer Wisconsin Hospital Association
Brideau, Leo Columbia St. Mary’s-Columbia Campus
Britton, Gregory Beloit Memorial Hospital
Bruce, Bill St. Joseph’s Community Health Services
Buettner, Susan Aurora Health Care
Byrne, Frank St. Mary’s Hospital
Christensen, Cinthia Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Cutler, Dave
Eddy, Lee Anne Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Eichman, Cynthia Our Lady of Victory Hospital
Ela, Susan Aurora Health Care
Erwin, Duane Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Gazzana, Thomas Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Getto, Carl
Grasmick, Mary Kay Wisconsin Hospital Association
Kachelski, Joe WHA Information Center
Kammer, Peter Essie Kammer Consulting Group
Karuschak, Michael Amery Regional Medical Center
Kief, Brian Howard Young Medical Center
Koehler, Thomas Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Kosanovich, John Watertown Memorial Hospital
Kryda, MD, Michael Saint Joseph’s Hospital
Leitch, Laura Wisconsin Hospital Association
Loftus, Philip Aurora Health Care
Mahoney, Lorelle Aurora Health Care
Martin, Jeff Ministry Health Care
Merline, Paul Wisconsin Hospital Association
Mettner, Michelle Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Mohorek, Ronald Ministry Health Care
Morgan, Dwight Aurora Health Care
Moulthroup, David Rogers Memorial Hospital
Munson, Kenneth Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Nestor, Donald Aurora Health Care
O’Brien, Mary Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center
Oliverio, John Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Olson, David Bay Area Medical Center
Olson, Edward Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Richardson, Dana Wisconsin Hospital Association
Roller, Rachel Aurora Health Care
Sanders, Michael The Monroe Clinic
Size, Pat
Smith, Linda Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Stanford, Matthew Wisconsin Hospital Association
Starmann-Harrison, Mary SSM Health Care-Wisconsin
Stein, Rick Bay Area Medical Center
Tyre, Scott Capitol Navigators, Inc
Van Bree, Margaret
Van Cleave, Bruce Aurora Health Care
Warmuth, Judith Wisconsin Hospital Association
Westrick, Paul Columbia St. Mary’s-Milwaukee Campus
Contributions Ranging from $2000 - $2999
Borgerding, Eric Wisconsin Hospital Association
Braddock, Jonathan WHA Financial Solutions, Inc.
Brenton, Mary E.
Buser, Kenneth Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - All Saints
Fale, Robert Agnesian HealthCare
Katen-Bahensky, Donna
Petasnick, William Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital
Quinn, George Wisconsin Hospital Association
Rudolph, Colin Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Vice, Jon Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Contributions $3000 and up
Bjork, Tanya
Brenton, Stephen Wisconsin Hospital Association
Desien, Nicholas Ministry Health Care
Size, Tim Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative
Turkal, Nick, MD Aurora Health Care
RAC Attack Audioconference Focuses on Utilizing Observation CorrectlyAs part of its continuing efforts to keep members informed and educated about preparing for the Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), WHA is offering the audioconference "RAC Attack: Utilizing Observation Correctly to Prevent Exposure with One-Day Stays and Short Stays," on October 23.
This audioconference will walk participants through the vulnerabilities identified when a health care facility does not have a good understanding of observation. Exposure areas will be discussed and enhanced tools will be provided to reduce lost revenue. One-day stay thresholds and integrated approaches will also be included.
Easy, online registration and additional information about this session is available at www.wha.org. For more information, contact Lisa Geishirt at lgeishirt@wha.org or 608-274-1820.
CMS Releases Final FY 2009 Wage Index and Other Data for Inpatient PPSThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released final wage index, standardized amount, and other data for the inpatient prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2009.
On July 31, when CMS published the inpatient PPS final rule, the agency stated that it was still implementing Section 508 reclassification and other wage index extensions contained in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 that passed in July. Therefore, CMS was only able to provide tentative FY 2009 wage index values for hospitals, as well as tentative standardized amounts, relative weights, and thresholds for outliers and new technology add-on payments.
For hospitals in labor markets affected by the Section 508 extension, CMS has assigned the highest FY 2009 wage index for which the agency believes the hospital is eligible. Hospitals have until October 18 to inform CMS whether they wish to revise the decision CMS has made on its behalf. If your hospital is in one of these markets, we recommend that you review the wage index that CMS has assigned you.
The final operating standardized amounts for FY 2009 are as follows:
Area Wage Index Greater Than 1.0
|
Full Update (3.6 percent) |
Reduced Update (1.6 percent) |
||
|
Labor-related |
Non-labor-related |
Labor-related |
Non-labor-related |
|
$3,574.50 |
$1,553.91 |
$3,505.49 |
$1,523.91 |
Area Wage Index Less Than 1.0
|
Full Update (3.6 percent) |
Reduced Update (1.6 percent) |
||
|
Labor-related |
Non-labor-related |
Labor-related |
Non-labor-related |
|
$3,179.61 |
$1,948.80 |
$3,118.23 |
$1,911.17 |
Cases would qualify for outlier payments in FY 2009 if their costs exceed the inpatient PPS rate for the diagnosis-related group, including indirect medical education, disproportionate share hospital and new technology payments, plus a fixed-loss threshold of $20,045. This is down from the tentative FY 2009 amount of $20,185 and the final FY 2008 amount of $22,185.
A display copy of this notice is available at:
www.cms.hhs.gov/AcuteInpatientPPS/downloads/CMS-1390-N.pdf.Top of page
President’s Column: There’s One Certainty...The Money’s Gone
National events of the past several days have cast a dark shadow over the prospects for meaningful health reform expenditures in 2009. In addition to demonstrating to the electorate that it’s 17 percent approval rating is not a fluke, Congress’ unfortunate but necessary bailout of the financial markets will suck dry the national treasury...and then some. The blunt truth is that there will be no real money available to pay for significant coverage expansions, let alone "universal" care as promised by some. Even with tax increases supported in some quarters, financing health care and the umpteen other new and expanded programs promised during this election season will be quickly (but not quietly) placed on the back burner shortly after the November 4 results are tallied. The not-so hard to disagree with reason will relate to the urgency of getting the nation’s fiscal house in order before embarking on expensive new undertakings.
While there will be few dollars available to pay for major coverage expansions and access improvements, it is a near certainty that many in Washington and in Madison will still demand that "something be done" about health care coverage and costs. That dynamic will bring with it both challenges as well as opportunities. WHA needs to frame the reform agenda discussions around the "opportunities" presented by this dynamic.
A health reform agenda that includes Medicaid coverage expansions coupled to hospital payment reform, small group insurance reform, accelerated HIT diffusion, strategic address of physician workforce shortages and expanded performance reporting can be supported by a large public policy audience looking for measurable progress on a modest budget. That kind of a health reform is consistent with WHA’s Board-approved reform principles that seek to improve community health, produce meaningful coverage enhancements and chip away at the rising costs of health insurance—the number 1 issue of concern for most voters. So while the money may be gone, the opportunity will remain, and there are important initiatives that can fill the void and advance a reform agenda.
Steve Brenton,
President
Online registration is available at
www.wha.org.Top of page
WHA Community Benefit 2008 Report Highlights Hospitals’ Mission to Serve
Distribution to press, WHA members, Legislature, in full swing
The WHA 2008 Annual Community Benefit Report, first distributed at the WHA annual convention in Green Bay in September, is now finding its way to the press, members of the state Legislature and Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. All WHA member hospital CEOs should have now received seven copies of the report, along with a form to order more. The order form is posted online at www.wha.org/communityBenefits/2008CBOrderForm.pdf, or requests for additional copies can be sent to Mary Kay Grasmick, mgrasmick@wha.org or 608-274-1820.
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center, WatertownThe Watertown region is a little lighter these days after residents lost a combined weight of 1,379 pounds through the UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center Weigh to Win Program. In January, UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center kicked off the 2nd annual Weigh to Win campaign, with more than 1,000 community members participating. During the 10-week free weight loss challenge, participants attended group exercise programs, nutrition and fitness classes and programs encouraging healthier lifestyles.
The Weigh to Win program was initiated in 2007 in response to community health assessments that showed that the community’s most common health problems are heart disease and "being overweight." In order to help the community overcome these challenges, the health provider developed a free program which provides tools and motivation to help community members make healthy lifestyle changes.
Of the 1,000+ participants, 233 residents completed an initial weigh-in, regular bi-weekly weigh-ins, and a final program weigh-in. The top team lost 90 pounds, and the top individual lost 34 pounds during the 10-week challenge.
"We developed our Weigh to Win program to combat two of our community’s greatest health issues—obesity and heart disease," said Director Tina Crave. "Our initial goal was 100 participants. When more than 1,000 registered, we knew we had identified a real need in the community. It is very rewarding to offer a program like Weigh to Win, which provides such a great improvement in individual health status."
UW Health Partners Watertown Regional Medical Center partnered with various community organizations to offer enhancements to this year’s program. Tomorrow’s Hope, a local group with a mission to foster local health education, research and support, provided financial support for the program. Local restaurants offered discounts on healthy menu items, and exercise facilities offered membership discounts and special exercise programs. Together, these organizations continue to work to improve the health of the community.
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – Burnett Medical Center, GrantsburgSome years ago a local business, the largest employer in the area, asked if Burnett Medical Center would consider giving influenza immunizations at their plant. After conferring with the Medical Center pharmacist and business office manager, it was overwhelmingly decided to move forward with the new project. The Medical Center charged only for the cost of the vaccine and nothing else, meaning that supplies and labor would be absorbed by Burnett Medical Center.
A small success led to a much larger public benefit as the project was expanded to include not only the business that asked for "in-house" vaccinations, but also was expanded to eight other area employers. The total number of vaccinations hovers around 350, many of which would have never taken place if it had not been offered to employees at work. The results? A much healthier workforce, less time off work and more productivity for the businesses. Burnett Medical Center is proud knowing it has helped create a healthier community and local workforce!
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – Monroe Clinic, MonroeFor several years, Monroe Clinic has hosted annual events to promote cardiac health. "Heart Healthy Life" was created to celebrate February heart health month and provide community education on cardiovascular health.
The 2008 event, "Healing the Broken Heart: Forging the Bond Between Patient and Caregiver" featured Emmy award-winning actress Tracey Conway, who shared inspiring stories to motivate people to become actively engaged in their health and life choices.
Conway was 38 years old when she literally dropped dead on stage from sudden cardiac arrest while taping a television show. Because there was a health care worker in the audience, she survived and turned her miraculous recovery into a poignant presentation that had the audience laughing out loud one moment and teary-eyed the next. Especially moving was a story about her brother who died from the same condition not long before her own close call.
Conway’s presentation dispelled the myth that heart disease only affects older men, and pointed out important differences between heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. Following Conway’s presentation, attendees were invited to meet and talk with a Monroe Clinic cardiologist.
The "Heart Healthy Life" event is the highlight of Monroe Clinic’s Health ADVANTAGE Series that brings relevant health information, tools and screenings to the community. The positive feedback and strong attendance has proven it to be a worthwhile endeavor.
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – Riverside Medical Center, WaupacaSince 2001, Riverside Medical Center (RMC) of Waupaca has provided certified athletic trainers to Waupaca High School and the Weyauwega-Fremont High School. This program, which is offered to the schools for free, is designed to help athletes participate safely in their sport by providing them with education on how to avoid injury and necessary treatment if they are injured.
The RMC athletic trainer is present at football, soccer, basketball and volleyball games as well as wrestling and track and field meets. Close communication between the coach, athlete and athletic trainer is a key to success in the program.
"We want our service to help the young athlete keep playing the sport they love, while educating them as to how to protect them from re-injury," said RMC athletic trainer Gary Premo. "Our goal is to offer a wider range of service that includes head injury care," Premo said.
Right now, ThedaCare Orthopedics Plus in Appleton provides head injury baseline evaluation and treatment, but Premo is working with them to bring the service to Riverside Medical Center, which is affiliated with the ThedaCare health system in Appleton.
"We know that participating in sports carries some risk of injury. Our job is to work with the coaches and athletes to prevent injuries, but when they occur, to provide them with treatment and get them back into the sport and to protect them from re-injury," Premo said.
Community Benefits: Stories From Our Hospitals – Mercy Health System, JanesvilleThe House of Mercy is an excellent example of generosity in giving to a community group and is a contribution that has provided many benefits to southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Homelessness is a problem with far-reaching effects. It devastates families and in our cold climate is often an issue of survival. Entering its tenth year of operation, the House of Mercy Homeless Center opened after Mercy Health System’s President and CEO Javon R. Bea, noticed more and more patients were citing the family car as their primary residence when coming into the emergency department. This was alarming because up until that point, local support resources had assumed that homelessness wasn’t a significant or growing problem in the southern Wisconsin area.
These observations led Mercy to partner with other local non-profit resources and city officials to investigate the problem. A mid-1990s survey confirmed that over 103 individuals were homeless at any given time and support resources were either non-existent or on the decline. In response, Mercy donated a 25-bed residential facility and organized a community-based taskforce with representatives from many local agencies.
In spring 1996, Mercy converted its former residential addiction treatment building into the House of Mercy Homeless Center, which can comfortably house 25 people for up to 30 days at a time. In August 1996, the House of Mercy Homeless Center for women and families opened after nearly one year of concerted effort. Within three days of opening, the Center’s 25 beds were filled to capacity.
The House of Mercy is more than a temporary shelter. It is dedicated to helping its residents find lasting housing solutions. Residents receive the services of a housing resource counselor and social worker, and support services have grown to include parenting classes, stress management training, free child care, rent assistance and budgeting education.
One past resident of the House of Mercy stated, "I came to the House of Mercy because I had nowhere else to turn. I would have never dreamed I’d be homeless, but if it wasn’t for the House of Mercy it’s hard telling where I would be right now, and I don’t think it would be very good. I went from absolute nothing to having everything I need thanks to the help of the House of Mercy. I have an apartment. I have a job. My kids have food. They even supplied me with resources of people giving furniture away, so I had everything I needed when I moved into my apartment. I mean it was a true blessing."
Since opening its doors, the House of Mercy has provided shelter and support to over 3,600 individuals, half of whom were children.
Submit hospital community benefit stories to Mary Kay Grasmick, editor, at
Top of page
Member News: Hudson Hospital Announces Intent to Join HealthPartners
HealthPartners and Hudson Hospital of Hudson announced their intent to have Hudson Hospital join the HealthPartners family of care. At the agreement’s closing, expected in January, the hospital would become a member of HealthPartners system but will remain a separate entity, retaining its own governing and foundation boards with continued representation from the hospital’s medical staff and the community.
HealthPartners includes Regions Hospital that serves Minnesota and western Wisconsin, HealthPartners Medical Group and Clinics, RiverWay and North Suburban clinics and Westfields Hospital.