AzHHA Insider

AzHHA Insider December 08, 2011

  • AzHHA Files Federal Complaint to Prevent AHCCCS Payment Cut

    The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) has filed a complaint in federal court seeking to prevent a five percent cut in Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) hospital payment rates. AHCCCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program. Read AzHHA’s official statement on this issue. 

    Back To Top

  • University of Arizona Cancer Center Enters Affiliation Agreement with St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

    The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center/CHW (St. Joseph’s) have entered into an agreement to form an innovative collaboration in Phoenix. The vision is to create an affiliation that leverages the strengths of both organizations, in collaboration with community-based oncologists, to transform the delivery of cancer care.  

    “We envision our operations in Phoenix – at St. Joseph’s and at our future outpatient facility – as a national and international model of integrated health care to fight cancer,” says David S. Alberts, MD, University of Arizona Cancer Center director.

     “I think it’s only fitting that this affiliation blossoms just as the state is starting to celebrate its centennial,” said Linda Hunt, senior vice president of operations, CHW-Arizona and president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. “Both UA and St. Joseph’s have national reputations for excellence and both attract medical talent and patients from around the world.”

    The Arizona Board of Regents has endorsed the affiliation, and at its Dec. 2 meeting in Tucson approved the construction of a UA Cancer Center facility on the Phoenix Biomedical Campus. Construction will begin in 2012.

    Back To Top

  • University of Arizona Medical Center Opens Exhibit Commemorating Tucson Shootings

    The University of Arizona Medical Center has opened an exhibit examining how the community has reacted to and recovered from the Jan. 8 shootings that killed six bystanders and injured another 13, most notably US Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The Healing in Tucson – The Healing Response to the Violence of January 8, 2011 exhibit features works from several Southern Arizona artists. The exhibit is housed in the lobby of the Medical Center's new Behavioral Health Pavilion. The exhibit is free and open to the public. 

    Back To Top

  • Carondelet Names New CEO

    Carondelet Health Network has announced that James K. Beckmann has been appointed president and CEO. Beckman has been the interim CEO since October. He has served in a variety of leadership positions at Ascension Health’s St. Louis headquarters during the past eight hears. Ascension Health is Carondelet’s parent organization. Prior to joining Ascension Health, Beckmann had a 16-year career as an executive in the insurance industry. He succeeds Ruth W. Brinkley who left Carondelet for a position with Ascension’s advocacy office in Washington, D.C. 

    Back To Top

  • Carondelet Hospitals Earn Chest Pain Center Accreditation

    The Carondelet Heart Institute has announced that both of its Tucson-based acute care hospital sites—St. Joseph and St. Mary’s Medical Centers—have earned Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. As Accredited Chest Pain Centers, the hospitals have shown that patients coming to the Emergency Departments with chest pain or discomfort are given the immediate treatment necessary to avoid as much heart damage as possible.

    “This accreditation further demonstrates our dedication to excellence and quality care for our patients,” said David Ireland, Carondelet Heart Institute CEO. “It shows that when patients come to the Carondelet Heart Institute at St. Joseph and St. Mary’s they can trust us to provide the best possible outcomes in heart care.”

    Back To Top

  • Mercy Gilbert First in Region to Perform Third Eye Retroscope

    Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has become the first in the region (Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico) to use the Third Eye Retroscope during colonoscopy. Third Eye Retroscope is a new device that allows doctors to see more of the colon through a reverse view as well as the traditional forward-looking view while performing a colonoscopy. This allows for a way to view areas “hidden” during traditional testing.

     “It is a great privilege for Mercy Gilbert to be the first medical center in Arizona, and in the region, to use this device while performing routine colonoscopies,” says Tim Bricker, president and CEO of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. “This advanced procedure will offer patients and our community many benefits by providing doctors with a better visualization of the colon while they are performing the exam.”

    “We are thrilled to have our doctors utilize a device that can illuminate blind spots allowing for an improved view of the colon,” said Abner Cruz, perioperative services director at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. “Utilizing the Third Eye allows for a colonoscopy to be performed in the usual manner. The  new device will be used throughout the procedure,  alongside the colonoscope.”

    Back To Top

  • Mayo Clinic Hospital Ranked Among Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals

    Thomson Reuters has named Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, to its list of the 50 top cardiovascular hospitals in the country. Thomson Reuters recognized Mayo Clinic as a leading teaching hospital with a cardiovascular residency category. Researchers assessed the hospital's clinical outcomes, clinical procedures, extended outcomes and efficiency measures.

    Back To Top

  • Complimentary luncheon with Mr. Jerry Colangelo

    The Neighborhood Christian Clinic is hosting a complimentary lunch with Mr. Jerry Colangelo.  There will also be a tour of the facility to see how they are providing healthcare for the uninsured. 

    For more information, click here.

    Back To Top

  • Information about the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)

    PCIP will cover a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available, beginning on the coverage effective date, even if it’s to treat a pre-existing condition - there are no waiting periods.

    For more information, visit www.pcip.gov

    PCIP offers a choice of plan options to fit your needs and provide more affordable premiums. Please note rates have changed in Arizona as of July 1, 2011. The monthly premiums for your state are:

    Standard
    Plan
    Age Rate
    00-18 $104
    19-34 $157
    35-44 $188
    45-54 $240
    55+ $334
    Extended
    Plan
    Age Rate
    00-18 $141
    19-34 $211
    35-44 $253
    45-54 $324
    55+ $450
    HSA
    Plan
    Age Rate
    00-18 $109
    19-34 $163
    35-44 $195
    45-54 $250
    55+ $347

    Back To Top

AzHHA Insider