The final rules of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) went into effect July 1, 2011. These rules, incorporating clinical outcomes and patient’s experience, will have a profound impact on the reimbursement paid for inpatient hospitalization by CMS. Future changes will include expansion of the basic program by CMS and possible use of the program by other insurers.

Changes in the healthcare setting are nothing new. Healthcare providers of all levels must do three things to effectively incorporate these changes into their work: understand the rationale for the change, understand the effects of the change and learn how to best incorporate the change.

At the completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify the component parts of VBP
• Describe the HCAHPS dimensions utilized in VBP
• Interpret the changes in HCAHPS scores as they relate to achievement and improvement
• Recognize and prioritize HCAHPS dimensions for improvement

About Donald Wood

Donald Wood has been a clinically active nurse since 1973. His work has encompassed administering anesthesia, staff and patient education, leadership, and risk management. He is the president of Blythe-Wood, Inc., a small nurse based business that focuses on risk management, legal nurse consulting and leadership training for nurses.

Donald has written a book (The Intelligent Nurse) and been published or quoted in several magazines. He has been featured in podcast for The Nurses’ Station and J&J Nursing Notes Live. Donald has spoken at local, state and national conferences of various nursing organizations. Living in North Central Florida with his wife Deborah (also a nurse), Donald is currently enrolled in Western Governors University’s MSN in Leadership and Management program.