Direct line from Max Buetow for 10/21/22

Oct. 21, 2022

A Magnet dream realized

It’s not often that we can say we have reached a milestone in CoxHealth history, but this week was one of those rare moments.

On Thursday morning, we got the call our nursing teams have been waiting for. After more than a decade of tireless effort, CoxHealth’s Springfield hospitals have earned Magnet recognition!

The Magnet designation is the most prestigious distinction hospitals can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care.

Beth Polivka, our system chief nursing officer, summed up the achievement this way: ​“Magnet is not just a designation, but a reflection of meeting the highest standards in nursing practice. The designation acknowledges that we have an environment where nurses are empowered and engaged in providing outstanding care.”

We are constantly striving to make CoxHealth a place for great people to do their best work. The Magnet recognition is an acknowledgement from outside experts that we are doing this, and we are doing it well.

In early September, I shared how the surveyors at the Magnet site visit had been blown away by our culture. It was so uplifting to see them recognize the camaraderie and sense of family in our organization.

It takes all of us to achieve this kind of success. While the Magnet designation recognizes nursing excellence, we know that performance is driven by a culture of collaboration and teamwork across all disciplines in our health care system.

I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be at this point in CoxHealth’s journey, as we roll out a new strategic plan in a culture that has earned national recognition. I know the lessons we have learned from the Magnet experience will inform how we continue to drive positive change at CoxHealth.

This is a time to celebrate all of our colleagues who have made this recognition possible, and a time to acknowledge that there are great things ahead. Earning Magnet recognition is a powerful demonstration of what we can accomplish, together.

Celebrating with our team at Missouri State’s homecoming game

It’s almost time for Missouri State University’s homecoming football game, and we will be celebrating with our employees as we host a tailgating event before the game on Oct. 29.

We’re excited to gather with our colleagues and cheer on the Bears! It’s a great chance to enjoy a fall tradition and support one of our local universities.

CoxHealth will have a tent set up in Bearfest Village before the game from 11 a.m. until kickoff at 2 p.m. MSU will have festivities for everyone to participate in throughout the day; you can click here to see the full list.

In addition, Missouri State University is offering discounted football tickets to CoxHealth employees. I hope to see CoxHealth represented by many friends and families at the game – don’t forget your BearWear!

Upcoming changes to Medicare Advantage plans

Open enrollment is now underway, and we know many people in our community are considering their options for coverage.

I am proud to share that Cox HealthPlans is offering a CoxHealth Medicare Advantage plan starting Jan. 1, 2023. CoxHealth is participating with several Medicare Advantage plans in 2023 – you can see a full list of all plans contracted with CoxHealth providers on coxhealth.com.

We recently announced that as of Jan. 1, our contract with Essence will terminate. CoxHealth Network providers will no longer be in network with Essence Healthcare, also known as CoxHealth Medicare Plus. If you have questions about coverage, you may email ProviderService@CoxHealth.com.

Spirit Halloween partnership supports pediatric patients

There is still plenty of time to pick out the perfect Halloween costume for your kids – or yourself, since you’re never too old for trick-or-treating.

Spirit Halloween stores in Springfield partner with CoxHealth for the #SpiritofChildren campaign each year. Since 2010, local stores have raised more than $167,000 in donations for CoxHealth. These funds support a range of services provided by our Child Life team.

When you have your costume, don’t forget to join us for CoxHealth’s Trunk or Treat Halloween events in Springfield and Branson. Springfield will host a Trunk or Treat in the Wheeler/Hulston parking garage at Cox South, and Branson will host their event in the ortho/neuro building parking lot at 121 Cahill Road. Both events will be held on Oct. 31.

Voice of the Patient

Adapted from inpatient feedback from Cox Barton County Emergency Department: “The nurses have always been very knowledgeable when explaining things. They kept me informed about what was going to be done.”

Thank you for all you do,

Max