A partnership between Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Tennessee State Department of Health has helped some VHAN practices improve antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) was awarded $1 million in funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to expand the research done through the Outpatient Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship. The project will take place at several VHAN member clinics, including VUMC-affiliated outpatient pediatric primary care clinics and Heritage Medical Clinic sites.

Between the increase in mental health diagnoses and a shortage of mental health specialists nationwide, primary care providers have taken on increased involvement in treatment mental health concerns. To help our members and patients navigate these issues, VHAN offers helping tools and resources.

Recently, VHAN’s Care Management team came together to give back to Youth Villages, a nonprofit organization that works with children and youth experiencing emotional, mental and behavioral problems. The VHAN team helped sort and organize school supplies for youth in need. We are grateful for Youth Villages’ work in the community to support families facing many challenges.

Following her gastric bypass procedure at another area hospital, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) employee immediately began to experience serious complications. In addition to the physical challenges, she became depressed, even feeling a sense of embarrassment and shame over having chosen to undergo the procedure. Read the full story to learn how VHAN RN Care Navigator Katie Crider connected with her to provide essential support.

On a recent episode of the miniVHAN podcast, host Mallory Yoder discussed best practices in risk-adjustment coding with Victor Legner, MD, a geriatrician with expertise in clinical documentation and coding integrity. In the following Q&A, Dr. Legner offers further insights on coding for depression, diabetes, obesity, heart failure as well as guidelines for better patient communication.

Milan Medical Center (MMC) is a well-oiled machine when it comes to addressing quality measures for their patient population, thanks in large part to Care Coordinator Elizabeth Hutcherson. Read this practice spotlight to learn more about how Hutcherson plays a vital role at MMC and in the community at large.

VHAN’s Adult Behavioral Health Consult Line offers primary care providers a real-time phone consultation by a licensed clinical social worker to help manage patients’ mental health needs. Shannon Brown, LCSW, answers some FAQs. to help members better understand this service.

As young people graduate from high school and move into a new phase of early adulthood, it’s a good time to focus on moving these patients to adult care. Read the full article to get details on how VHAN’s Pediatric to Adult Transitions Quick Reference Guide can help your practice in this area.