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.

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.

In 2023, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing received a $3 million Health Resources and Services Administration grant to create a certification and training program for CHWs in Tennessee. The initiative, formed in partnership with the Tennessee Community Health Worker Association and Rural Health Association of Tennessee, is called the Community Health Worker Training Program of Tennessee (CHWTPT). Read the full article to learn more about how you can participate.

In October 2022 the FDA announced a potential shortage of ADHD medications in the United States. The impact continues to be felt a year later, with many alternative stimulants also experiencing intermittent shortages or limited availability. The VHAN Pharmacy Team put together helpful strategies you can incorporate to navigate the stimulant shortage successfully.

CMS announced 395 new ICD-10-CM codes, set to take effect on October 1, 2023. The new codes must be used for discharges occurring from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024 and for patient encounters occurring from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Read the full article for some key codes your staff should be aware of.

In the future, social determinants of health are expected to play a more prominent role in healthcare payer models as the industry continues to recognize their impact on patient outcomes and overall healthcare costs. What do you need to know about the social determinants that affect your patients?

For the past seven years, VHAN’s Beverly Puckett has served as a connection between the network and pediatric practice members who have contracted lives enrolled with VHAN. Learn more about her work as a Principal Clinical Quality Transformation Advisor.