Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 5/29/2020

Successful accreditation survey this week in Springfield

Our Springfield hospital operations hosted surveyors from our accrediting body, DNV-GL, this week for our annual survey. Due to COVID-19, the survey was conducted virtually, but was still a very thorough review. The survey team was very complimentary of our organization and extremely impressed with our preparation and planning for COVID 19. We were glad to hear surveyors calling us a high performing organization. Plans are already underway on resolving only two opportunities for improvement they identified for us. Our Branson and Monett operations will host the virtual survey in the coming days.

CoxHealth participates in Mayo Clinic trial for convalescent plasma

Convalescent plasma potentially offers benefits for patients suffering from COVID-19. In this new video, Dr. Annie Hayes, a pathologist with CoxHealth, shares more about this concept, as well as a clinical trial CoxHealth is participating in with the Mayo Clinic.

CoxHealth’s stance on Medicaid expansion in Missouri

CoxHealth fully supports an upcoming ballot issue in August that would expand Medicaid in Missouri to many vulnerable populations, if approved by voters later this summer. A majority to states have expanded Medicaid, as it is 90% funded with federal dollars. A Washington University study estimated that due to associated cost savings, the program is projected to be a net gain to the state.

New agreement with UHC for veterans

CoxHealth has a new agreement with United Healthcare for a new product for veterans only called OPTUM Veterans Administration (VA) Community Care Network (CCN). The new agreement includes all CoxHealth facilities and providers and became effective March 17, 2020.

CoxHealth honored as a top company for growth

CoxHealth has been recognized as a 2020 Dynamic Dozen company by Springfield Business Journal, recognizing the region’s fastest growing companies based on both dollar and percentage revenue growth during a three-year period.

Economic Impact Award for CoxHealth

CoxHealth has been selected as a finalist in Springfield Business Journal’s 2020 Economic Impact Awards, which are presented to local companies that make substantial contributions to the growth and maintenance of the Springfield-area economy. The awards will be handed out later this summer.

Cox Barton County launches ‘meds to beds’ program

A new service for patients hospitalized at Cox Barton County Hospital provides free and convenient bedside delivery service prior to discharge. The ‘meds to beds’ program is now offered at all of our hospital campus locations.

Voice of the patient

From Branson reports: My nurses and aides were ALL wonderful! The fellow that gave me MRI was great! Fantastic nurses, even at night. Hospital doctor seemed to be interested in my quality of life. Nursing staff was very good! Nurse Lauren was excellent! She took the time to listen and understand! All personal and services were top-notch!

Final thoughts

Greene County has recorded an additional 20 positive COVID cases from yesterday. This is our highest activity level, and the health department continues to do an excellent job with epidemiology, boxing in cases, contact tracings, and quarantine. However, this is a reminder that cases are developing and the risk of exposure is probably higher today than it ever has been. It appears that masking, minimum 6 ft. distancing and hygiene matter, and are good tools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. So, please be safe!

Respectfully,

Steve