New Payment Models in Vermont

I, along with Kim Repac, WMHS CFO, just returned late last night, actually early this morning, from Rutland, Vermont.  The Vermont Hospital Association, the State of Vermont and Blue Cross of Vermont held a conference for hospitals across Vermont as they seek new approaches to creating sustainable payment models in Vermont.  We were there to present our transition to a form of global budget under total patient revenue (TPR).  We learned a lot from the host of speakers throughout the day.  Our presentation brought the day of presentations at the 30,000 foot level to ground level as we were the only health system presenting on our successes as well as our challenges under the new payment methodology for the last year.  Met some great people in an area that very closely resembles Western Maryland.  Time well spent.