This welcome packet from Altius Healthcare Consulting Group introduces new client partners to the Altius team, process, and project timeline. It outlines the company’s collaborative approach to performance improvement and workforce optimization, profiles key team members, explains the data request and survey process, and provides links to useful tools like the Catalyst client portal. A clear, professional resource to set expectations and guide clients through each phase of the engagement
W E L C OM E TO
W E L C OM E
“The only impossible journey, is the one you never begin!” — Anthony Robbins Congratulations and welcome! Altius is excited to partner with you as you work towards achieving peak performance. We know improvement and workforce optimization initiatives can be a bit daunting, but our team of expert consultants and skilled analysts will make sure you are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to reach your goals. With the right resources and a positive outlook, you can start to effect meaningful change now. Altius recognizes that for a project to be successful, it is critical to be transparent and communicate openly. In that spirit, we invite you to learn more about our team, the process, the project deliverables, and any associated technology. Please take some time to review the information enclosed in this digital packet. If you have additional questions or require further information, email us at info@altiushcg.com or reach out to one of our team members directly.
Thank you for choosing Altius to help elevate your operations!
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MEET OUR TEAM
The Altius team is comprised of experienced healthcare executives, established consultants, and the brightest emerging talent in the industry. Throughout this partnership, you will enjoy the benefit of having our expert staff as resources to guide your improvement strategies. Our goal is to enhance performance by consistently educating and elevating leaders.
Stephanie Dorwart, MHA, Chief Executive Officer Ms. Dorwart currently serves as the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Altius . As the architect of Altius ’ successful labor management system, Stephanie has poured her talents into the development and execution of reporting, processes, and tools for enhanced healthcare operations. For nearly 20 years, Ms. Dorwart has focused her consulting practice on workforce optimization, productivity, and performance improvement for hospitals and health systems nationally. Stephanie also advocates for continued leadership development, guiding strategy discussions, change management, and team building activities. Having worked with hospitals ranging in size from 25 to 900 beds, Ms. Dorwart has the ability to realize each organization’s unique potential and capitalize on it. Stephanie’s exceptional analytical and mathematical skills, combined with in-depth practical healthcare experience, have contributed to her many professional accomplishments. Her problem-solving skills help leaders address the tough issues and arrive at practical solutions. To date, Altius has supported over 100 organizations and saved those clients more than $750M under Stephanie’s direction, always striving to deliver a greater than 10:1 ROI.
In addition, Ms. Dorwart serves on the Board of the Western PA chapter of ACHE and is a member of HFMA, MGMA and ASHHRA. She has also contributed to multiple professional publications and webinars.
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MEET OUR TEAM
RandiLynn Lukac, MHS, Chief Operating Officer As COO, Ms. Lukac has parlayed her expertise in workforce optimization, leadership development, project management, team building, and operational performance into the innovations that have elevated Altius ’ services. Throughout her tenure, RandiLynn has supported organizations across the country from critical access to academic medical centers and large health systems. Ms. Lukac prides herself on the strong partnerships she creates with clients and is dedicated to delivering the streamlined processes and optimal cost savings critical to their long-term success. RandiLynn not only effectively manages the internal operations of the firm, she also spearheads all customer engagements. She applies her talents in data analytics and astute knowledge of industry best practices to the meaningful improvement recommendations and exceptional consulting services she provides. Ms. Lukac ensures that all project deliverables are met within the designated timeline and that the operational and financial goals of each engagement are achieved or exceeded.
Most recently, RandiLynn has shifted her focus to supporting continuing education, increasing confidence and critical thinking skills in leaders.
Ms. Lukac is currently a member of the Western PA ACHE Programming Committee and is actively pursuing her certification in Executive Coaching from the College of Executive Coaching.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Julienne V. Custer, MHA, Vice President of Development Ms. Custer blends her professional skills in data analytics, consulting, communications, reporting, and project management with her strong attention to detail and creativity in her role as Vice President of Development with Altius . Julienne has contributed to the successful evolution of the firm’s Performance Improvement and Workforce Optimization services over the course of her tenure by partnering with clients to customize solutions based on each organization’s unique needs. Ms. Custer strives to establish a lasting rapport between client leadership and the Altius team, promoting teamwork and collaboration throughout each phase of every engagement. Julienne ensures essential data is procured for meaningful analysis, efforts are effectively coordinated, and the necessary tools are in place to monitor progress towards established goals. The result of her involvement in projects to date is a positive financial and operational impact without disruption to care delivery or client culture. In addition to supporting client operations, Julienne is integral in the development of the firm’s social media, webinar, whitepaper, and educational content. She uses her research and critical thinking skills, paired with her knowledge of current industry trends, to produce material that spotlights the Altius brand and is valuable to healthcare leaders.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Sheri Mater, Senior Consultant Sheri Matter, RN, PhD, MSN, MBA, MHA, BSN, NEA-BC is an accomplished healthcare and academic leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning acute care, women’s and children’s services, emergency, rehabilitation, and oncology. She currently serves as Assistant Dean of Graduate Professional Programs and Associate Teaching Professor at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, where she oversees DNP programs and teaches in the graduate curriculum. Previously, Sheri held senior executive roles, including Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO at Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Pinnacle Health System, where she led Magnet designation, advanced quality outcomes, improved patient experience, and spearheaded major operational initiatives. In addition to her academic and leadership work, she has served as a consultant to healthcare organizations focused on improving quality, financial performance, and workforce outcomes. Recognized with multiple awards for leadership, teaching, and professional excellence, Sheri is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences on nursing leadership, quality, and informatics. She is deeply committed to advancing the profession through education, mentoring, and evidence-based practice.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Barry Dennis, Senior Consultant Barry is a Registered Nurse and healthcare leader with over 40 years’ experience in the industry. He holds a Nursing Degree from Union University and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has served in various clinical and executive leadership roles including Chief Nursing Officer, Emergency Medicine, Case Management, EMS, Capacity Management, Access Center Operations, and Hospital Operations. He has held positions in both for-profit and non- profit health systems in addition to VC / PE backed start-up companies. He co-founded Navilife Health Solutions in 2013 which he divested in 2015. For the past ten (10) years he has served in various consulting roles focusing on operational logistics; designing, building and supporting operating models in collaboration with hospitals and health systems across the country in support of revenue growth and operating expense management. His work with hospitals and health systems has included identifying and building mitigation strategies around patient access and throughput to improve access to care and promote patient acquisition and retention. He has worked with for-profit, not-for-profit, community-based, and faith-based hospitals and health systems in addition to critical access hospitals, the VA Health system and post-acute provider networks. His experience has afforded him the opportunity to understand and appreciate the value of key service line strategies and affiliated partnerships with secondary referral sources for hospitals and health systems. He has a deep understanding of the financial challenges across the industry related to patient loyalty, payers and increased cost of delivery and has collaborated with health systems and providers to support organizational objectives to include alternative care delivery models and systemness thinking.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Brian Krugle, Vice President, Business Intelligence Systems Mr. Krugle brings a strong background in computer technology and information systems to the products and services offered by Altius . He is responsible for a broad range of duties that include both the set-up and maintenance of the firm’s internal systems as well as the support of all technology used for client engagements. His ability to research and procure system platforms was the foundation for the newly launched Virtual Training Academy (VTA). Brian manages the development and expansion of content, organization, and processes within the VTA. He is also responsible for the onboarding and continued support of all client users. In addition to the VTA, Mr. Krugle oversees the ongoing evolution of Catalyst, the Altius online client portal, partnering his industry knowledge and strong interpersonal skills to successfully operationalize the team’s vision for client tools and resources. Mr. Krugle has established long-standing client relationships, offering additional support and operationalizing specific requests regarding technology. As the VP for Business Intelligence Systems, Brian guides the team in delivering strong project results that increase financial stability and regulatory compliance for every organization with which Altius partners.
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MEET OUR TEAM
John Banke, Client Success Manager With a dedicated focus on client relations, Mr. Banke is a valuable asset to the Altius team. He supports each engagement as a liaison between our team and client leadership, building and maintaining strong rapport throughout the partnership. John is directly responsible for account management, working one-on-one with clients to provide the necessary information needed to improve performance and optimize processes. He extracts and organizes data into the meaningful reports and tools that clients routinely use to track progress towards their goals. In addition, Mr. Banke serves as a first-line resource to clients for all project or data related questions. His involvement ensures open communication between Altius and our clients, allowing engagements to run smoothly and the intended results to be achieved. John also functions as an integral part of our internal Business Development team. He works closely with the CEO and COO to drive new projects to the firm, supporting the sales process with his keen knowledge of relationship-building and tailored approach to prospective client interaction. Furthermore, Mr. Banke puts his legal expertise to work for Altius as well by managing contracts with clients, independent contracts, and all vendors to strengthen both the fiscal position of the firm and the organizations we serve.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Josh Budz, Account Manager Through his role as Account Manager, Mr. Budz facilitates the ongoing relationships between the Altius team and client leadership. His primary focus is on providing the strong data analytics and trusted reporting that clients rely on for effective decision-making. Josh’s interpersonal communication skills and quick response time speak to the high-level of customer service that he delivers. Mr. Budz strives to accommodate the needs of each organization and maximize the positive impact of every engagement. He works closely with the rest of the Altius team to develop new tools, portal features, and customized content to enhance the client experience and the effectiveness of the information shared. Josh has also been integral in the advancement of the Altius physician performance services, reimagining the assessment process, productivity dashboards, and routine reporting to successfully align staffing to volumes and industry best practices by clinic type and specialty.
In all service aspects, Mr. Budz ensures timely updates and easy access to available material, keeping the performance improvement and workforce optimization solutions Altius offers real-time and meaningful to every leader.
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MEET OUR TEAM
Faith Remich, Associate Consultant As one of our newest team members, Ms. Remich brings a fresh perspective to her role as Associate Consultant. She applies her written and analytical talents to the execution of detailed productivity reports, educational content, and other key project deliverables. Faith effectively supports the timely rollout of client engagements, organizing meeting requests, preparing virtual and onsite schedules, and managing team calendars. In addition, Ms. Remich participates in both departmental and executive-level meetings, gathering information and documenting the actionable steps critical to successful results. Faith is also responsible for sourcing and analyzing key data for various projects. She supports all assessments and benchmarking engagements with the development of customized comparative groups, examining proprietary, public, and third-party resources for profitable, high-quality organizations that meet the operating criteria of each client. Ms. Remich’s detail-oriented approach keeps projects on track and ensures that clients have the data and tools necessary to create a lasting impact.
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T I M E L I N E
• Submit data request • Compile comparative group • Coordinate conference meeting schedules
• Continue comparative benchmarking process • Formulate initial recommended targets
WEEK 1
WEEK 4/5
• Complete comparative benchmarking process • Compile draft Assessment Report • Identify recommended departmental targets • Refine recommendations where appropriate • Present global analysis to Senior Leadership Team • Submit draft Assessment Report
• Conduct kick-off meeting with Steering Committee/Project Leads • Conduct kick-off presentation with all department leaders • Distribute survey to all department leaders • Collect information from data request • Begin data analysis • Collect survey responses • Conduct one-on-one meetings with department leaders
WEEK 5/6
WEEK 2/3
WEEK 6/7
WEEK 3/4
• Compile initial analysis results • Begin benchmarking process
• Submit final Assessment Report with SLT finalized targets • Discuss next steps: monitoring/ implementation plans
WEEK 7/8
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THE ALTIUS PROCESS OUR APPROACH Assessment Phase DATA REQUEST
Timing: Distributed upon contract signature and due within 2-3 weeks Requests are not complicated and are designed to be easily completed ● Financial and personnel data for KPI assessment and global analysis ● Department level data: ● Standard HR reports ● Management responsibility list PROJECT KICK-OFF Project kick-off meeting with Senior Leadership Project kick-off presentation to the entire leadership team Introduction to Altius team Review of the process (what has happened, what happens next, etc.) and expectations MANAGEMENT SURVEY Timing: Managers are given 5-7 business days to submit the survey ● Following the kick-off, a management survey is distributed for each cost center leader to complete CUSTOMIZED PEER GROUP DEVELOPMENT: 30-35 HOSPITALS Begin with an extensive database ● Search information according to the following criteria: 1. Size, structure, system affiliation 2. Services, outpatient ratio, payor mix 3. Geographical range around the client’s zip code (unless directed otherwise) ● Remove Outliers and poor quality and financial performers
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THE ALTIUS PROCESS
OUR APPROACH
MANAGEMENT ONE-ON-ONE: MEETING #1 Timing: 30-90 minutes per meeting depending on the leader’s scope ● After the submission of the survey, one-on-one meetings are scheduled to discuss day-to-day operations BENCHMARKING Timing: Two to three weeks depending on the client’s data submission Key Performance Indicator Analysis ● National, Regional, State and Customized Comparative Group ● 50th, 75th and 90th percentile rankings Departmental Analysis ● Historical data for each department and its relation to the comparative benchmarks ● Qualitative and Quantitative analyses ● 50th, 75th and 90th percentile rankings ASSESSMENT REPORT-OUT Timing: 6-8 weeks after engagement commencement Altius will compile and report all findings to the client’s Senior Leadership Team. This includes: ● Presentation highlighting the overall findings and recommendations ● The submission of the comprehensive assessment report detailing the global analysis as well as the agreed-upon comparative benchmarks, productivity targets, and performance-improvement operational recommendations for each department
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PEER GROUP
Altius has been engaged to provide a collaborative approach to performance improvement, breaking convention within your organization and driving greater efficiencies. It is impossible to move forward without first understanding where you currently stand. Therefore, a customized peer group is developed to gauge how existing operations stack up against other organizations of similar size, service, and structure. Our team understands that no two hospitals are the same and that it would be an impossible feat to identify identical organizations. In healthcare, about 80-85 percent of operations are consistent across facilities. The goal of the comparative group is to provide a range of performance that can be used as a starting point from which customization around your unique culture, processes, and care delivery model can be made.
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PEER GROUP
DEVELOPMENT
Altius uses an array of tools and sources to complete the peer group development for each client hospital ● Proprietary database ● Third party subscription services ● Publicly available data such as CMS and HCAHP ● Discipline specific such as HFMA, NDNQI, AWHONN, MGMA Initial search criteria are defined and typically include: ● Bed-size (licensed or staff beds depending on how the size of the organization is categorized) 1. A band around your organizations’s bed-size is used to produce potential peers in a similar range ● Scope of service (key service lines such as Cardiology, Oncology, OB, Rehab, SNF, etc.) ● Special distinctions/accreditations (trauma designation, teaching designation, Safety Net, etc.) ● Structure of the organization (part of a system, non-profit, for-profit, etc.) ● Type of facility (short-term acute care, critical access, etc.) ● Annual discharge range 1. A band around your organizations’s provided annual discharges ● Geographic location (urban, rural, etc.) ● Poor performers in both categories are eliminated The following is a detailed account of the Altius approach to comparative group development:
ALTIUS can then determine where your organization falls in relation to the peer group comparisons in terms of the Key Performance Indicators (such as FTE/AOB, Paid Hour per Adjusted Discharge, Revenue per FTE, etc.)
ALTIUS then takes the comparisons drawn from the developed peer group and makes adjustments/customizes the performance standards based on non-traditional staff, unique functions, and other operational factors outlined in the Assessment.
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PEER GROUP
PRIVACY STATEMENT The Altius comparative group development process is subject to privacy obligations with which we must comply. The specifics of our privacy policy are included below for your review/reference. Altius combines numerous purchased and proprietary databases to produce the most meaningful, customized comparative groups available for its clients. Based on subscription agreements with purchased data sources, Altius is legally bound to protect the privacy of the organizations within the tailored peer groups that are developed. The hospitals and health systems sourced are not always Altius clients and therefore, may not participate in the Altius Performance Improvement/Workforce Optimization solutions. While these selected facilities are excluded from name recognition, Altius facilitates the networking of its clients with highly efficient organizations across the country as well as with content experts from specific disciplines.
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DATA REQUEST
The data request is not cumbersome or time consuming. The goal is to have a streamlined approach to requested data for both the initial benchmarking and the ongoing biweekly reporting. The baseline information is key to understanding the client’s current status as it compares to peers. It is critical that accurate data is submitted from the onset of the project. Data Request Includes: Client requested data definitions such as:
● Where are orientation hours charged? ● How is the Adjustment Factor calculated?
Global financial and personnel information such as: ● Total worked/productive and paid hours and dollars
● Total patient days and discharges ● Operating Revenue and Expense Departmental
● Payroll and volume statistics by department ● Worked/productive and paid hours and dollars Job Code Detail ● Worked/productive and paid hours and dollars Organization Chart(s) Responsibility List ● Cost center/Department assignments by leader ● Email addresses Budgeted FTEs by department
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S U R V E Y
All department managers are asked to complete an online survey for each department in their scope of management. The survey should be answered to the best of the manager’s knowledge and does not require the assistance of HR, Finance, or IT. The questions are designed to provide Altius with an understanding of each leader’s knowledge of productivity and description of operations.
Survey question examples: Please give a brief summary of your department including responsibilities and functionality
Please list any vacant positions
Please describe any job functions within the department that you consider unique
Describe any barriers that may impede day-to-day operations
Please list any outsourced functions or agency/traveler use
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TECHNOLOGY AND USEFUL LINKS
Survey Link The link below should be used to complete the online survey before your individual one-on-one meeting. Please complete the survey to the best of your knowledge. Using N/A for an answer is acceptable. Aspirus St. Luke’s (Duluth) Survey Link Aspirus Wausau Survey Link Catalyst Link The link below is to Catalyst the Altius client portal. All Action Plans are completed through Catalyst. In addition, the client portal offers data tracking and tools to assist in workforce optimization. http://Catalyst-portal.com Troubleshooting If you have questions or concerns regarding the Scheduling or Survey links, or ff you are experiencing technical difficulties with Catalyst, please reach out to help@altiushcg.com All department managers are asked to complete an online survey for each department in their scope of management. The survey should be answered to the best of the manager’s knowledge and does not require the assistance of HR, Finance, or IT. The questions are designed to provide Altius with an understanding of each leader’s knowledge of productivity and description of operations.
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ALTIUS HEALTHCARE CONSULTING GROUP P.O. Box 499, New Kensington, PA 15068
©2023 ALTIUS HEALTHCARE CONSULTING GROUP
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