Institutional Leadership Solutions
Resident Rotation Schedule
Germain can assess the current resident rotation schedule and provide recommendations on how to alter the current structure in ways that will enhance the education experience.
Call/Coverage Cost and Effectiveness
Since hospitalist call/coverage is responsible for overseeing the majority of the inpatient visits it is important to develop a structure which is not only cost efficient but also satisfy the hospital’s coverage requirement. Germain will analyze the current call/coverage model and adjust it to meet any requirement (such as 7x24 coverage). We then create the new call/coverage model in conjunction with the program directors that will satisfy these new objectives.
Cost/Volume Outpatient Care
A significant portion of any GME program operations are tied up in its ability to effectively manage its outpatient services. Unfortunately for many hospitals there simply isn’t the necessary patient volume to support the expanding cost associated with this service. Subspecialties in particular can quickly become significant drains on operating funds when they lack patient volume. Germain will assess each subspecialty and determine if the current patient volume is suitable for the cost. If the program does not meet the volume criteria, Germain will work with the program directors and related parties to determine a method for providing these essential services without the hospital bearing the majority of the cost.
Physician Compensation Incentive
The design of the physician compensation incentive may be the single most powerful influence of physician performance that exists within a GME program. While the traditional RVU model remains prevalent and relevant, it fails to encompass many of the expanded metrics found in modern day health care. Germain has developed several alternative methods that better understand physician activities and generously reward physicians for activities that are beneficial to the hospital and their patients.
Revenue Cycle Analysis
Typically, one of the biggest areas of opportunity for improvement within teaching programs is their revenue cycle activities. Many teaching hospitals do not providing ongoing monitoring and feedback of revenue cycle activities for faculty and residents. The most common reason for not doing so is the belief that the poor payor mix that exists at many teaching hospitals does not justify the need for effective revenue cycle processes. As a result, timely, complete and accurate documentation and charge capture is not prioritized in many programs. Germain will work with its clients to identify missed charge capture opportunities and/or lacking physician documentation and then evaluate ways to effectively establish changes to mitigate or prevent these errors going forward. In many cases, improvements in revenue cycle processes represent a significant portion of financial return clients experience through our consultations.