Antibiotics prevent millions of deaths each year, fighting bacterial infections that could otherwise lead to serious complications or even death. But after years of overuse and inappropriate prescription, various bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. To ensure optimum use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), a team of physicians and pharmacists created the Vanderbilt Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (VASP). Learn more about the program’s successes in this case study.

VHAN is excited to partner with Aetna to create a member program for small to mid-size benefit plans that helps your employees stay healthy while your practice saves on health care costs. The Aetna Whole Health Employee program offers discounts, comprehensive benefit design, and enhanced features such as wellness, an Employee Assistance Program and $0 copay visits to multiple convenient care options. Hurry and sign up by Jan. 1—and find more information on the VHAN Hub.

VHAN’s Care Management team often steps in to provide relief and assistance to overworked caregivers. Recently, this coordinated approach benefited an overwhelmed daughter caring for her 75-year-old mother with a history of vascular dementia and multiple strokes. The patient came to VUMC with increased blood sugars, along with weakness and confusion that had resulted in a fall at home. The VHAN Care Management team not only help patients cope with complex conditions, but they also provide compassionate service and a listening ear to caregivers, reminding them not to neglect their own health while in pursuit of their loved one’s healing.

At least 30% of outpatient-prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary, sometimes leading to ER visits for adverse drug events in patients of all ages. To increase the appropriate use of antibiotics and decrease the threat of antibiotic resistance, VHAN has launched a new Antibiotic Stewardship Program, focusing on Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs) in the first phase.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on Nov. 1 that updates the physician fee schedule for calendar year 2023. The rule also includes numerous changes that directly impact the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

VHAN’s Care Management team often works with patients in the Diabetes Outreach Program to assist them in overcoming health obstacles that can stand in the way of positive outcomes. This was the case with a recent patient who was unable to complete the program due to difficulty having his labs drawn. VHAN Patient Service Specialist Lisa Fatzinger stepped in to offer direct communication and additional support, eventually helping him to complete the program successfully.

Recently, a VHAN RN Care Navigator was able to connect an overlooked patient to much-needed follow-up care after a joint replacement. The 63-year-old female patient with comorbidities was admitted to a hospital for a planned knee replacement, expecting that she would be referred to a rehab facility at discharge. However, after spending a week in the hospital, she was sent home with no follow-up instructions. She understandably felt confused and disconnected from the system and worried about what would happen next—that’s where VHAN’s RN Care Navigator Cheryl Landis stepped in.

Coinciding with VHAN’s 10th anniversary, the third season of the miniVHAN podcast looks back at the unique vision for VHAN and how the network launched amidst a major transition in health care from fee-for-service to value-based care following the signing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

To support patients with diabetes, Vanderbilt Primary Care began offering diabetes classes in 2020. After a short stint of in-person classes, COVID-19 caused the organization to move to a virtual environment, and attendance grew exponentially. The free, one-hour courses are held four times per month on Zoom, and they are available to all Vanderbilt Primary Care patients through a provider or nurse referral. Learn more about how Vanderbilt successfully launched this program—and how other practices could possibly do the same.