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.

Health care organizations store a huge amount of sensitive patient data, which has become a goldmine for cybercriminals holding health systems ransom with threats to use that data for identity theft, fraud and other malicious activities.

As VHAN’s executive director and chief medical officer, I want to extend a sincere thank you for your unwavering dedication to ensure patients receive high-quality, personalized care. As I reflect on our most recent performance year’s successes, I am reminded that our network’s collective strength and commitment enables better health outcomes.

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.

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.

Last year, VHAN member Brownsville Medical Clinic (BMC) in West Tennessee lost its founder and main provider with the passing of Jerald White, MD. If not for the efforts from a group of hometown heroes, the Brownsville community would have lost even more than a universally loved physician; the entire practice could have crumbled in the aftermath. Instead, something inspirational happened. Read the full story to learn how BMC kept its doors open and even improved their quality performance in the process.