Now that you have completed an in-depth analysis of the case study, it is time to provide recommendations. You will recommend a course of action regarding strategic planning in light of the issue the healthcare organization is facing. Be sure to address the following in a 1–3-page paper.
Provide a brief summary of the issue facing the healthcare organization and the aspects you have previously reviewed that relate to the issue.
What course of action would you recommend the healthcare managertake in terms of strategic planning around this issue? Be sure to justify your recommendation with evidence.
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The Impact of Policies and Policy Changes on the Healthcare Organization’s
Strategic Plan
Courtney Roberts
June 5, 2023
2
The Impact of Policies and Policy Changes on the Healthcare Organization’s
Strategic Plan
HH has encountered obstacles in managing its revenue cycle in the past few years. The
aforementioned challenges have arisen due to a multitude of factors, such as the escalating
intricacy of healthcare regulations, the surging prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs),
and the evolving terrain of healthcare payers. The present study undertakes an analysis of the
influence of policies and policy modifications on the strategic blueprint of the healthcare
entity that is the subject of the case investigation. This study focuses on an analysis of extant
policies that pertain to a particular issue, an evaluation of their efficacy in addressing
external factors, the formulation of internal policy modifications, a discussion of the
healthcare manager’s role in guiding strategic planning processes, and an assessment of the
impact of key stakeholders on policy change or development.
Current Organization Policies
The present policies of the organization about the identified issue center on enhancing
revenue cycle management and giving precedence to patient-centered care. The
aforementioned policies encompass. The proposed policy pertains to patients’ financial
responsibility and aims to delineate the expenses associated with healthcare services and the
available payment options for patients. Two policies are necessary for healthcare providers:
one for billing and collections, which delineates the procedures for invoicing patients and
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obtaining payments, and another for coding and documentation, which establishes the
criteria for coding and documenting healthcare services (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne, 2018). The
aforementioned policies are designed to enhance the billing and collections process, advance
financial management, and offer tailored healthcare services of superior quality to patients.
Furthermore, the organization has enlisted the services of consultants to assess protocols and
pinpoint impediments impeding advancement.
Influence of External Factors
The present policies of the organization demonstrate a moderate degree of alignment
with external factors. Although revenue cycle management and patient-centered care are
emphasized in the policies, it is possible that they do not comprehensively account for all the
external factors that impact the issue. The effect of the software conversion on the duration of
accounts receivable days necessitates careful preparation, instruction, and assistance, which
may require implementing additional policies (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne, 2018).
Internal Policy Changes
To enhance the efficacy of addressing the identified matter, it is recommended that the
healthcare organization consider the adoption of subsequent internal policy modifications or
novel policies. The initial modification pertains to the alteration of the management policy.
The implementation of a policy that delineates a systematic methodology for change
management, encompassing the process of software conversion, is how this objective is
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achieved. The policy should encompass unambiguous communication strategies, instructional
methodologies, and mechanisms to alleviate potential disruptions (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne,
2018). The next policy slated for modification pertains to the Quality Assurance Policy. The
task entails formulating a policy that guarantees the systematic evaluation and appraisal of
the billing and collections procedure. The policy ought to encompass performance indicators,
feedback mechanisms, and a continuous improvement approach to identify and resolve issues
promptly.
The proposed policy modifications will establish a structured approach to oversee the
software conversion process, mitigate potential interruptions, and prioritize quality assurance
and enhancement (Chaudhary, 2022). Consequently, this will augment the organization’s
capacity to tackle the issue at hand effectively.
Role of the Healthcare Manager
The healthcare manager is pivotal in guiding strategic planning procedures about
revising or developing policies. The healthcare manager must recognize the necessity for a
modification in the policy. The healthcare manager must know the organization’s obstacles in
managing the revenue cycle. Collaborating with other stakeholders, the healthcare manager
should strive to recognize the necessity for policy modification. The manager must be able to
formulate novel policies or modify pre-existing ones (Chaudhary, 2022). Collaboration with
various stakeholders is imperative for healthcare managers to formulate novel policies or
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modify the current ones to tackle the obstacles encountered by the organization effectively.
The third obligation of a healthcare manager is to disseminate novel policies to the personnel
effectively. It is imperative for the healthcare manager to effectively and succinctly convey
any newly implemented policies to the staff. Finally, the efficacy of novel policies is monitored
by the administration. The healthcare manager must oversee the efficacy of novel policies to
ascertain their alignment with the organization’s requirements (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne,
2018). By implementing these measures, the healthcare administrator can ensure congruence
between the organization’s policies and its overarching mission, vision, and values.
The Influence of Stakeholders on Policy Change
The strategic planning process with regards to policy change or development can be
influenced by key stakeholders that have been identified, including frontline staff, patients,
and payers. The involvement of stakeholders can be instrumental in informing the necessity
for policy modification, the formulation of novel policies, and the assessment of the efficacy of
newly implemented policies (Chaudhary, 2022). Through collaboration with relevant
stakeholders, the healthcare manager can ensure the development and implementation of
novel policies that cater to the requirements of the healthcare organization and its patients.
Conclusion
In order to adequately tackle the identified issue, the healthcare organization must
conduct an evaluation and subsequent revision of its current policies, taking into account the
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impact of external factors. The implementation of internal policies, such as change
management and quality assurance policies, can improve the organization’s capacity to
handle the matter. The role of the healthcare manager is pivotal in providing guidance for the
strategic planning process, facilitating revisions to policies, and ensuring the successful
implementation of such policies. The involvement of crucial stakeholders is a fundamental
aspect of obtaining a variety of viewpoints and securing stakeholder support in the process of
policy alteration or creation. Through the implementation of these suggestions, the healthcare
institution can enhance its strategic planning and policy formulation procedures, resulting in
better results for both the organization and its clientele.
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References
Chaudhary, M. (2022). Strategic Management for Health Care. In Healthcare System
Management: Methods and Techniques (pp. 369-388). Singapore: Springer Nature
Singapore.
Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., & Swayne, L. E. (2018). The strategic management of health care
organizations. John Wiley & Sons.
1
Analysis of Huntington Hospital
Courtney Roberts
HCM-415
May 28, 2023
2
Analysis of Huntington Hospital
Healthcare organizations face the ongoing challenge of adapting and enhancing their
strategies to effectively address the dynamic needs of patients and the industry within a
constantly evolving healthcare landscape. The case study elucidates the obstacles that Markey
encountered while enhancing the revenue cycle and converting the Business Services Office
into a patient-centric facility. The forthcoming software transition has contributed to the
increased intricacy of the matter. The engagement of consultants was intended to tackle these
challenges and pinpoint obstacles hindering advancement. The present paper conducts a
SWOT analysis of HH, evaluating the coherence between its policies and strategic planning
vis-à-vis its mission and vision. Furthermore, the essay elucidates the environmental
determinants that influence the provision of healthcare services and discerns emerging
policies or trends that influence routine activities.
Case Study Summary
The subject of the case study is Huntington Hospital (HH), a non-profit regional
medical center located in Pasadena, California. Kim Markey was appointed the Executive
Director of Revenue Cycle at HH to enhance the organization’s performance, specifically in the
Business Services Office. Markey’s objective was to convert the departments under her
supervision into business centers prioritizing patients, beginning with enhancing the crucial
billing metric of Accounts Receivable (AR) (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne, 2018). Markey
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anticipated that the AR days would be affected by the major software conversion that the
hospital was undergoing. In order to tackle these obstacles, the individual in question enlisted
the services of consultants to evaluate the current procedures and pinpoint any hindrances.
Organization’s Policies Addressing the Issue
The policies of the organization demonstrate a dedication to tackling the matter of
enhancing revenue cycle efficiency and prioritizing patient-centered care. The organization’s
decision to enlist Kim Markey and grant her the authority to spearhead the transformation
indicates its acknowledgement of the significance of revenue cycle management and the
imperative for reform (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne, 2018). The decision to engage consultants is
a manifestation of the organization’s dedication to seeking external knowledge and skills to
surmount obstacles and enhance its operational efficiency.
Alignment of Strategic Planning with Mission and Vision
The alignment between the organisation’s strategic planning, mission, and vision is
vital. The organization’s mission and vision prioritize providing superior healthcare services
centered on the patient’s needs. Additionally, there is a dedication to fostering a collaborative
relationship with patients. Implementing a strategic plan aimed at converting the Business
Services Office into patient-centric business centers, eliminating obstacles for patients, and
enhancing revenue cycle performance is in direct alignment with the mission and vision of
the organization. The emphasis on staff empowerment and operational efficiency is consistent
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with the organization’s mission and vision of collaborating with patients to comprehend their
healthcare experience.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
HH exhibits notable strengths, as it has established a robust reputation for being a
high-performing healthcare facility, acknowledged for its steadfast dedication to providing
exceptional quality care. The cultivation of a favorable impression contributes to the
establishment of patient confidence and promotes allegiance (Ginter, Duncan & Swayne, 2018)
. Moreover, the decision made by HH to enlist proficient consultants exemplifies its proactive
stance in tackling obstacles and seeking external knowledge to facilitate enhancement.
Weaknesses
A weakness that has been identified pertains to the low morale and tense atmosphere
within the Business Services Office. This particular issue has the potential to impede
productivity and collaboration. The resolution of this matter is imperative to establish a
favourable setting for accomplishing a prosperous metamorphosis. Furthermore, the
projected adverse effect of the software conversion on the number of days for Accounts
Receivable (AR) poses a difficulty that necessitates proactive handling.
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Opportunities
HH has an opportunity to restructure its departments as patient-centric business units,
focusing on prioritizing patient needs and experiences. HH can optimize efficiency and
patient satisfaction by implementing streamlined processes and improved revenue cycle
management. This metamorphosis can result in heightened allegiance, favorable oral
promotion, and enhanced fiscal outcomes (Chaudhary, 2022).
Threats
The obstacles that have been identified as hindrances to the advancement of HH
present potential challenges to the effective implementation of its transformation. Effectively
managing change necessitates implementing change management strategies to address the
challenges identified by consultants and overcome resistance to change. Furthermore, the
possible interference from the software conversion risks the organization’s revenue cycle
performance and necessitates meticulous planning and mitigation tactics.
Environmental Factors and Impact on Care Delivery
Environmental factors that considerably impact care delivery include software
conversion and identified roadblocks. The process of software conversion has the potential to
cause a temporary disruption in operations and affect the accounts receivable days.
Therefore, it is imperative to undertake meticulous planning, training, and provision of
support. The obstacles identified by consultants underscore the necessity of implementing
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strategic interventions, rectifying process inefficiencies, and cultivating a collaborative
culture (Chaudhary, 2022). HH must modify its policies and processes to mitigate adverse
effects and capitalize on prospects for enhancement.
Conclusion
The SWOT analysis conducted on Huntington Hospital indicates that the organization
has identified its internal strengths and external opportunities that can be leveraged to
improve its revenue cycle performance and patient-centered care. However, the analysis also
highlights specific weaknesses and threats that require attention and mitigation. HH exhibits
a dedication to its fundamental principles by harmonizing its policies and strategic planning
with its mission and vision. The achievement of successful transformation is contingent upon
the ability to surmount obstacles, cultivate a favorable workplace atmosphere, and
proficiently handle external circumstances. Through the strategic utilization of its
advantageous attributes, identification and resolution of its limitations, exploitation of
favorable circumstances, and management of potential risks, HH has the potential to establish
itself as a prominent purveyor of superior, patient-focused healthcare services within the
industry.
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References
Chaudhary, M. (2022). Strategic Management for Health Care. In Healthcare System
Management: Methods and Techniques (pp. 369-388). Singapore: Springer Nature
Singapore.
Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., & Swayne, L. E. (2018). The strategic management of health care
organizations. John Wiley & Sons.
1
Healthcare Management
Courtney Roberts
HCM-415 Healthcare Strat
3-2 Milestone Two
May 21, 2023
2
Healthcare Management
Strategic planning is essential for directing organizations toward their desired goals
and objectives. This study aims to assess the strategic planning methodologies employed by
the case study healthcare organization in relation to its mission, vision, and values.
Furthermore, the present study aims to ascertain the predominant issue discussed in the
chosen case study and examine the overarching strategic planning concerns pertaining to this
issue. Additionally, the present study will investigate the function of healthcare managers in
strategic planning and recognize the primary stakeholders implicated in tackling the matter.
Organization’s Approach to Strategic Planning
The strategic planning approach of the organization can be inferred from its mission
and vision statements. The mission statement serves to delineate the fundamental objectives
and underlying principles of the entity, whereas the vision statement elucidates its enduring
ambitions and prospective trajectory. Through the process of scrutinizing these assertions, it
is possible to discern the strategic planning methodology employed by the organization. The
mission statement of the organization underscores the significance of patient-centred care,
highlighting the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services that
are customized to meet the unique needs of its patients. The aforementioned statement
implies that the strategic planning methodology would encompass endeavors and tactics
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geared towards augmenting patient contentment, ameliorating health consequences, and
giving precedence to patient safety.
Similarly, the vision statement emphasizes the importance of innovation and
technological progress, indicating that the organization places significant value on remaining
at the forefront of medical advancements. In this scenario, the strategic planning methodology
would entail allocating resources towards state-of-the-art technology, conducting research
and development, and cultivating an innovative organizational culture.
Prevailing Issue and Strategic Planning Concerns
The primary concern highlighted in the chosen case study pertains to the inadequacies
observed in the billing and collections procedure of the organization, resulting in setbacks,
inaccuracies, and monetary predicaments (Ginter et al ., 2018). The aforementioned matter
impedes the organisation’s financial viability and affects its capacity to provide superior
healthcare services. The issue at hand entails strategic planning considerations that pertain to
the optimization of the billing and collections process, the augmentation of cash flow, and the
enhancement of financial management in general. The organization must formulate strategies
that enhance revenue cycle management, curtail accounts receivable days, and establish
efficient financial controls and systems..
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Role of the Healthcare Manager in Strategic Planning
The healthcare manager assumes a crucial role in developing strategic plans
pertaining to this matter. Their primary responsibility entails supervising the billing and
collections process, identifying potential areas for enhancement, and formulating strategies to
tackle financial hurdles. To implement effective solutions, the manager must collaborate with
key stakeholders, including but not limited to the finance department, IT department, and the
Medicare Team. Furthermore, the healthcare manager functions as a facilitator for
transformation, promoting enhancements in procedures and cultivating a climate of
responsibility and effectiveness. Their role is critical in ensuring that strategic planning
initiatives are in harmony with the organisation’s mission, vision, and values.
.
Key Stakeholders and their Role in Strategic Planning:
The issue at hand involves several key stakeholders, namely the finance department,
IT department, frontline staff, patients, and the Medicare Team, who are either affected by or
involved in the matter. The finance department collaborates with the healthcare manager to
scrutinize financial data, pinpoint opportunities for enhancement, and execute tactics to
improve financial performance. The pivotal function of the IT department is to provide
support for the integration of technology-based solutions, such as electronic health records
and billing systems, which are aimed at optimizing the billing and collections process.
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Frontline personnel play an active role in the process improvement endeavors by contributing
valuable insights and feedback from their daily experiences. Patients, being important
stakeholders, have an indirect impact on strategic planning through their feedback and by
shaping the organization’s approach towards patient-centred care. The Medicare Team
functions as consultants, providing specialized knowledge and advice to enhance the billing
and collections procedures.
.
Conclusion
Study results indicate that the healthcare organisation’s strategic planning methods
align with its mission, vision, and values. The current challenge of inadequacies in the billing
and collections procedure underscores the necessity for deliberate strategizing to improve
financial viability. The healthcare manager assumes a crucial function in propelling strategic
planning endeavors, while pertinent stakeholders, including the finance and IT departments,
frontline personnel, patients, and the Medicare Team, collaborate to create and execute
efficacious strategies. The organization can enhance its financial performance and guarantee
patient-centered care by tackling the strategic planning issues related to this matter.
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References
Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., & Swayne, L. E. (2018). The strategic management of health care
organizations. John Wiley & Sons.