West Palm Beach, FL Dec 15, 2014 – Oasis Outsourcing, one of the nation’s largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), is geared up for a festive and charitable holiday season. Several years ago, Oasis employees chose to forego a formal holiday party in favor of a holiday luncheon and to instead donate the money saved to help local nonprofit charities. The tradition has continued and Oasis was proud to announce at its West Palm Beach holiday luncheon on December 5th, that it is donating a total of $10,000 to five worthy nonprofit organizations.
Oasis is also hosting the annual “Can You Can It” food drive at its corporate headquarters. All employees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items by bringing them directly to work during the first three weeks of December. All donations will be given to the Palm Beach County Food Bank.
In addition to the holiday-specific events, Oasis encourages employees to participate in charitable events year-round. Several times a year, Oasis invites the blood mobile onsite to provide added convenience for those employees who would like to donate. Annually, Oasis employees participate in a bowl-a-thon to raise money for Junior Achievement. And this year, Oasis’ CEO and two EVPs participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raising a few thousand dollars for that important cause.
“I’m proud of the spirit of giving that is prevalent at Oasis,” said Debra Bathurst, Vice President, Human Resources for Oasis. “The added component of charitable donations to our local communities gives additional meaning to our holiday events.”
Author: Julie Kaloides
Precyse Renews HFMA Peer Review Designation
Chicago, IL Dec 15, 2014 — The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) announced that Precyse, industry leader in Health Information Management (HIM) performance solutions, continues to achieve the “Peer Reviewed by HFMA®” standard for its HIM Technology & Services Suite.
The Precyse HIM Technology & Services Suite includes:
- • Transcription – a combination of transcription technology, processes, and services that accelerate turnaround time, reduce cost, minimize capital outlay, and transform dictation into meaningful clinical information.
- • Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Services and precyseCDI™ – evaluate the physician’s current clinical documentation practices, identify inefficiencies, and offer strategies for improved clinical documentation. Additional CDI technology solution helps track and maintain documentation accuracy and efficiency.
- • Coding – a convenient and timely solution that delivers accurate and quality results for your coding needs, whether onsite or remote.
- • Coding Audit & Compliance Services – help identify risk areas, offer specific audit improvements, and education for operational enhancements and compliance requirements.
- • PrecyseCode™ Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) – an integrated platform that supports multiple HIM roles across an organization driven by natural language processing (NLP) for embedded intelligence, supporting inpatient and outpatient coding needs.
- • Precyse University – with more than 1.6 million learners, this on-site, online, and mobile healthcare education solution is designed to prepare all healthcare populations for the transition to ICD-10.
- • HIM Strategic Sourcing – a solution combining technology and services that help hospitals or physician practices optimize their effectiveness, and advance their capabilities and functions to successfully operate under a more challenging reimbursement environment.
- • HIM Interim Management & Consulting – a professional HIM department director or manager takes responsibility for every challenge including monitoring, measuring, and reporting on key metrics critical to success.
- • Cancer Registry & Oncology Data Management – includes backlog abstracting and operational assessments, interim management, consulting, software selection, and American College of Surgeons pre-survey assessment.
“We are very proud to continue our HFMA Peer Review designation,” said Precyse CEO Chris Powell. “We value the positive feedback from our clients. This recognition is a testimony to Precyse’s ongoing commitment to excellence, and the exceptional and consistent quality of technology and services provided to our clients.”
HFMA’s Peer Review process provides healthcare financial managers with an objective, third-party evaluation of products and services used in the healthcare workplace. The rigorous, 11-step process includes a Peer Review panel review comprised of current customers, prospects who have not made a purchase, and industry experts. The Peer Review status of the product or service and its performance claims are based on effectiveness, quality and usability, price, value, and customer and technical support.
“We’re pleased to have Precyse renew their HFMA Peer Reviewed designation,” says HFMA President and CEO Joseph J. Fifer, FHFMA, CPA. “The HFMA Peer Review process assures our members, through a rigorous evaluation, that the reviewed product or service meets an objective third-party assessment of overall effectiveness, quality, and value.”
Movember Partnership between the Texas Stars and HealthTronics, KVUE-TV (ABC)
Austin, TX Nov 20, 2014 — HealthTronics President, Russell Newman and Director of Media Relations and the ‘Voice’ of the Texas Stars, Brien Rea sit down with midday anchor, Brian Mays at KVUE-TV (ABC) to discuss Movember. HealthTronics has partnered with the Texas Stars to help increase awareness and funds for men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer. Employees and Texas Stars players have ditched their razors this month in honor of no-shave November and showed off their sprouting mustaches and beards. Click the link below to see the interview:
http://www.kvue.com/videos/news/local/2014/11/19/19275697/
GAFFEY Claims Management Webinar
Plano, TX Nov 20, 2014– GAFFEY Claims Management (GAFFEY CM) is the health care industry’s most comprehensive SAAS-based claims and Billing Software suite. GAFFEY CM drives the industry’s best results through the use of advanced workflow technology to automate the claims editing, billing, and remittance process.
By combining technology, EDI experience, and including a suite of Managed Services to support the entire billing process end-to-end, GAFFEY Healthcare customers have the highest Clean Claim Rates, Initial Claim Acceptance Rates, and lowest AR days in the industry.
Bundling support services with EDI and Payer management enables greater performance by any metric from pre-billing to remittance and denial management. GAFFEY Healthcare customers typically realize an increase of 2-6% of Net Patient Revenue when utilizing the full suite of GAFFEY Healthcare solutions.
Pamplona Acquires Majority Stake in Intralign
London, England and New York, NY Nov 20, 2014 Pamplona Capital Management (“Pamplona”) is pleased to announce that its private equity fund has acquired a majority stake in Intralign Holdings LLC (“Intralign”). Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Intralign was formed in 2012 with a disruptive thesis to address a critical issue facing many hospitals today – spiraling costs and inconsistent clinical outcomes in the operating room (“OR”). Intralign combines clinical expertise, consulting services and IT/analytics tools to increase efficiencies, lower costs and improve clinical outcomes in major joint replacement and other surgeries. Intralign’s unique, technology-enabled service model provides a fully-integrated offering that enables hospital clients to better manage the costs of surgical episodes of care and move towards a “RepLess” operating room environment. Pamplona is joining existing investors Heritage Group and Cardinal Health.
Commenting on the transaction, Rick Ferreira, CEO of Intralign, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Pamplona. Given their deep industry knowledge and strong track record investing in the healthcare sector, the Pamplona team will be valuable partners as we continue to build Intralign into a world-class business serving health systems, physicians and patients.”
Jeremy Gelber, Partner at Pamplona, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with the exceptional management team at Intralign. Given their history with Ascent Healthcare Solutions, Rick and the Intralign management team have a strong track record building businesses and developing cost containment solutions for hospitals and health systems. With the changes currently taking place in the U.S. healthcare industry, including an increasing focus on cost efficiency and clinical outcomes, Intralign’s unique business model and value proposition to hospitals positions the company well for continued success. We look forward to supporting Intralign during its next phase of growth.”
The investment in Intralign follows Pamplona’s recent appointment of Michael O’Boyle as a healthcare Operating Partner. Mr. O’Boyle, a senior healthcare executive and former CEO of Parallon Business Solutions, a subsidiary of HCA Holdings, will join the Board of Intralign. In addition to Intralign, Pamplona’s healthcare investment portfolio currently includes Alvogen, a fast growing multinational pharmaceuticals company focused on complex generic products; Magnacare, a leading healthcare administrative services company focused on self-insured employers and workers comp plans in the New York and New Jersey regions; and Privia Health, a physician practice management and population health technology company serving independent physicians and large physician groups in partnership with managed care organizations.
The acquisition will be made from Pamplona’s fourth private equity fund, Pamplona Capital Partners IV LP, a USD 4 billion investment vehicle, raised earlier this year. Pamplona was advised by Jefferies and Lowenstein Sandler LLP.
Oasis Outsourcing To Be Acquired by Stone Point Capital
West Palm Beach, FL Nov 20, 2014 – Oasis Outsourcing (Oasis) today announced that it has agreed to be acquired by Stone Point Capital and management. Stone Point is a leading private equity firm focused on investing in the global financial services industry. Oasis, a portfolio company of Nautic Partners and Altaris Capital Partners, is the largest private professional employer organization (PEO) in the United States, and is a leading provider of comprehensive and cost-effective human resources (HR) services to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Oasis provides HR services, such as HR administration and development, employee benefit plan management, full-service payroll administration, risk management, and staffing and recruitment to more than 4,700 SMBs and more than 160,000 worksite employees (WSEs) in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Through its nationwide platform, Oasis provides its solutions to clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including business services, hospitality and retail, manufacturing, technology, and wholesale trade, among others.
“We are thrilled to partner with Stone Point, one of the nation’s leading private equity firms,” said Mark C. Perlberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oasis. “With its strong financial support, Oasis will have the opportunity to dramatically escalate our growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”
Chuck Davis, CEO of Stone Point Capital, said; “We are delighted to be partnering with Oasis and its management team. The company’s ability to provide cost-effective outsourced solutions while also providing access to affordable benefit plans is very compelling for small- and medium-sized businesses, especially in light of the increasing complexity and regulations related to HR.”
Perlberg added, “Stone Point’s investment in Oasis marks an important milestone in our history and we are confident that it will help drive our continued success in an exciting growth industry.”
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP is serving as a legal advisor to Stone Point. Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP and Jefferies LLC are serving as the legal advisor and exclusive financial advisor to Oasis, respectively.
Precyse Walks United States to Support St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.
Employees raise funds to support lifesaving mission of research hospita
Wayne, PA Nov 19, 2014 — Precyse, the industry leader in Health Information Management (HIM) performance solutions, is participating nationwide in the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.™ on
Saturday, November 22, 2014. More than 50 employees of Precyse have raised funds to support the campaign, already surpassing the company’s goal prior to the walk. Leading the Precyse effort is CEO Chris Powell.
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is special to the entire Precyse organization, not only because of our pledge to ensure a healthy organization to promote a healthy population, but also for our chance to help families so that they can focus on healing their child and not have to worry about the bills,” said Powell.
In addition to raising funds, Precyse colleagues will walk for St. Jude in communities throughout the United States. Precyse is offering a Fitbit Zip™ to each Precyse colleague who walks. Precyse further contributed to the St. Jude Give thanks. Walk.™ by making a donation on behalf of the College of Health Information Management Executives (CHIME) Fall Forum attendees. The fall forum took place October 28 – 31 in San Antonio, Texas.
Participation in the fundraising event is one of many benevolent initiatives led by Precyse’s charitable interest, PrecyseCares. Since the program was established in 2011, Precyse colleagues have participated in more than 12 events, donating time and money for the betterment of lives throughout the
country.
Oasis Outsourcing Breaks Down The Value of PEO Services
West Palm Beach, FL Nov 12, 2014 – Oasis Outsourcing, one of the nation’s largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), launched a new infographic titled: What Value Can a PEO Provide. As explained in the infographic, a PEO can provide a variety of Human Resources-type services to client companies through a co-employment relationship, which allows for improved efficiencies and economies of scale.
The infographic provides an overview of the value a PEO provides and the types of clients that benefit the most from the services offered. These tend to be businesses with 10-500 employees who are spending more than 10% of their time on HR-related activities. The need for PEOs has also grown due to the complexity of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) regulations. A comprehensive PEO, like Oasis, can offer guidance, and sometimes relief, from the administrative burden of these regulations.
The new infographic is available for use at www.oasisadvantage.com/peo-infographic.
Precyse Partners with Vermont HITEC to Build a Work-At-Home Medical Coding Workforce
Applications for Education Program Due January 4, 2015
South Burlington, VT Nov 12, 2014 — Precyse, an industry leader in Health Information Management (HIM) performance solutions and Vermont HITEC (a not-for-profit education center), announced today that the two organizations are entering into a partnership to fill Precyse’s current and future medical coding workforce development needs in Vermont.
The two organizations are now recruiting candidates for the first session of the medical coding education program to train candidates as at-home medical coders for Precyse. A medical coder analyzes medical documentation and assigns proper standardized codes used in medical claims. This program is a collaborative effort involving the US Department of Labor, Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont Agency of Commerce, Vermont HITEC and Precyse. Vermont HITEC has partnered with businesses to employ over 1,000 individuals in the healthcare, information technology and advanced manufacturing fields. The Precyse program is unique because the medical coding positions allow Precyse colleagues to work from home.
The Precyse program offers a combination of no-cost education and the advantage of working from home while receiving a competitive wage and full benefits. This presents an opportunity for those living in rural regions of Vermont with limited career opportunities, and is a great option for those who are looking for a fresh start with a new career, as no prior healthcare experience is needed for candidates to
apply to the Precyse program.
The program is offered at no cost to applicants who reside in Vermont. Candidates who have been unemployed for an extended period of time are encouraged to apply, as the educational program and apprenticeship is specifically designed to support Vermonters who are pursuing a significant career change or have been out of the work force, or who are recent graduates struggling to find a job.
“Vermont residents are in need of opportunities for higher skill jobs at higher wages. This program is a great example of how Vermont State government, the healthcare industry, and our non-profit sector can collaborate to bring living-wage jobs to Vermont,” says Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin. “This training program – with guaranteed jobs at the conclusion – is the right way to invest our State’s training money, as it has both immediate gains and long-term sustainability for our Vermont economy and citizens. I am pleased to see pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs being used successfully in our state to match and educate motivated, hardworking unemployed and underemployed Vermonters with good-paying career opportunities.”
“Vermont HITEC, in partnership with the State of Vermont, provides Vermonters with the education they need to thrive professionally in rewarding careers,” comments U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy. “The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in our economy. I am pleased to see preapprenticeship, apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs being used successfully in our state to match and educate motivated, hardworking unemployed and underemployed Vermonters with goodpaying career opportunities.”
Potentially 15 individuals will be selected for the ten-week education program with Precyse through an extensive recruitment process. This education will prepare individuals to take the medical coding certification exam, issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon graduation from the program, participants will fill one of the open medical coder apprentice positions. All positions will receive full wages and benefits.
“Our team is excited to partner with the State of Vermont and Vermont HITEC on this initiative,” said Chris Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Precyse. “But for the economic growth incentives offered by the state and the state funding to cover the costs of the education, Precyse would continue its practice of hiring these jobs in other states and outsourcing overseas. This partnership will help us to enhance our medical coding services for the healthcare industry while providing Vermont residents exciting and rewarding careers. It’s a win-win.”
The deadline for medical coding applications is January 4, 2015. To apply, complete the online application via Vermont HITEC website: www.vthitec.org. For more information or assistance, contact: Rebecca Carter, ITAR Project Leader & Mentor, via email: rebecca.carter@vthitec.org, or via phone: 802-872-0660.
“We fill the gap between motivated individuals who lack specific job skills and employers looking for well-trained and qualified staff,” said Gerry Ghazi, President of Vermont HITEC. “Our goal at Vermont HITEC is to provide motivated Vermont job seekers with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for great jobs at highly successful businesses – these health care education programs are an excellent way to match Precyse up with exceptional individuals.”
Vascular Quality Initiative® now includes 300 Centers on M2S PATHWAYS platform
The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI®) now includes over 300 participating centers dedicated to quality improvement across 45 states and Canada.
Chicago, IL and West Lebanon, NH Oct 27, 2013 – The Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI®), governed by the Society for Vascular Surgery Patient Safety Organization (SVS PSO), and designed to improve the quality of vascular healthcare, has reached a milestone with 300 participating centers. The VQI is a collaborative between the Society for Vascular Surgery® Patient Safety Organization (SVS PSO), the American Venous Forum (AVF), and the Society for Vascular Medicine (SVM) and M2S, Inc.
Through regional and national benchmarking, the SVS PSO uses data for quality improvement, collected through the M2S PATHWAYS platform, to assist physicians and data managers to better understand clinical outcomes and follow up at a unique level of detail. Participating physicians have captured over 175,000 cases across 11 different vascular procedures. The VQI is now in 45 states, includes over 2300 physicians and represents almost 21% of all centers that provide vascular interventions in the United States.
Dr. Larry Kraiss, Chair of SVS PSO Governing Council for VQI, comments, “This is a remarkable milestone for the VQI which started in 2011. The rapid enrollment in VQI by the vascular community is gratifying because it confirms an existing broad and deep commitment to quality outcomes that we always knew to be present among our colleagues. Even more exciting are the prospects for quality initiatives that are only possible because we are organized around a common data platform that allows us to develop and monitor very concrete action plans that will provide useful information for evidence-based patient management on a daily basis. “
The regional quality groups of the VQI are fundamental for driving quality initiatives at the local level that reduce length of stay, readmissions, and complications. In addition to improving quality within hospitals, the VQI supports vascular research and works with device companies to support post-market device surveillance projects.
Greg Lange, President and CEO of M2S, adds “The VQI continues to increase its value to providers, hospitals and industry through expanded reporting and analytics, improved support for hospital quality improvement initiatives and innovative partnerships with the FDA and
Industry. Surpassing 300 centers is a major milestone which reflects the strong commitment to quality improvement and cost containment within the vascular community.”
In the latest developments, the SVS PSO and M2S are pioneering the use of VQI data for post- approval surveillance in vascular surgery in place of the traditional recruitment of sites by medical device companies. This approach allows for faster and less expensive recruitment of sites, and is strongly encouraged by the FDA.
The newest registry, focusing on the treatment of Varicose Veins, will be released in December 2014. For more information on the Vascular Quality Initiative, please go to www.vascularqualityinitiative.org