Kentucky Healthcare Strategy Forum

April 2006 Newsletter

_______________________________________

 

Competitive Intelligence-Necessity for Strategy Development

 To develop the best strategy it is imperative that you know not only your own organization, but also your competition.   When the moratorium on the development and expansion of health care services, facilities and equipment for which certificates of need are required was lifted in January, 2006 there was an influx of applications from hospitals, physicians and other entities for various services.  Our biggest source of information for individuals anticipating new services in our service areas is the Certificate of Need Newsletter that is published the third Thursday of every month, the newsletter is available online at http://chfs.ky.gov/ohp/con/. 

Upon reviewing the newsletter you notice an unknown entity with big plans for your region, how can you find out more?  A copy of any CON application is available to you by requesting one by phone (502) 564-9589 or by contacting your CON legal counsel.  If the entity on the CON application is not familiar, you can begin gathering additional information about officers, articles of in corporation, annual reports, etc. on the Secretary of State Web site at http://sos.ky.gov/business/online/.   

An additional source of competitive intelligence that is often untapped is the largest resource of your organization – your employees, physicians and vendors.  These individuals are often an untapped market with large circles of acquaintances representing a large bank of information.  Service line directors are typically a great source with ties to their professional societies, vendors and peer networks.  By developing relationships and letting the managers, staff and physicians know of the types of information you need regarding the competitors, you will be amazed by the unsolicited responses you will receive in the cafeteria line.   

 

Membership Renewal Time

 It’s not too late to renew your KHSF membership.  Renewals were due July 1 but are still be accepted.  See the attached form.  Because we are changing the renewal dates next year to January, this year you are only being charged for half the rate ($30 for professional members and $15 for students).  If you have any questions regarding membership renewal, contact John Mark Fones (jmfones@chc.net or 270-745-1514 )

 

 

New Cancer Center to be Constructed at 
Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center

Work is currently under way for a new $6.1 million outpatient cancer center on the campus of the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center in Hazard, Kentucky .  The proposed 10,000 square-foot cancer center will provide state-of-the-art technology and advanced cancer services under one roof and close to home for patients. The new facility will include a linear accelerator, CT simulator, radiation therapy treatment planning system, additional exam rooms, expanded patient/family waiting areas and a dedicated chemotherapy suite. The project is slated for completion in 2006 or early 2007.

Data shows a great need for advanced cancer treatment in the area.  In the counties that make up the Kentucky River Development District – Perry , Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley and Wolfe counties – 27 percent of all cancer cases were lung cancer, 11 percent colon and rectum cancer, 11 percent breast cancer and 10 percent prostate cancer, according to the 1998-2002 Kentucky Cancer Registry.  Data shows Hazard ARH currently provides care for 60 percent of the service area inpatient oncology cases.

 

Nominations for Wade Mountz Visionary Award Due September 1

The Kentucky Healthcare Strategy Forum is currently seeking nominations for the Wade Mountz Visionary Award.  Since 1991, the KHSF has presented this honor to individuals who have distinguished themselves through their contribution to the enhancement of the practices of health care planning and marketing.

The KHSF takes great pride in the selection of recipients for this award and considers nominations for people who have demonstrated the following qualities and achievements:

1.      The nominee has made major contributions to the enhancement of health care strategy, planning and/or marketing in Kentucky ;

2.      The nominee exhibits leadership qualities in their own organization, other health care associations, and community and civic organizations and endeavors, and;

3.      The nominee exhibits personal and professional qualities which enhance the field of strategy, planning and/or marketing (i.e. integrity, creativity, and willingness to share knowledge and experience).

If you know of someone whom you believe meets the criteria for nominations, we would appreciate you completing the attached nomination form and returning it to Kentucky Healthcare Strategy Forum, c/o Rob Ramey, PO Box 436629 , Louisville , Kentucky 40253 .  If you prefer, you may nominate an individual on the KHSF Web site, www.khsf.net.  Nominations must be received by September 1, 2006 .