Testimonials
"I have had the privilege of working with HMI for twenty plus years and have always found their representatives to be professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of acute hospital and professional service charge master management. Additionally ongoing coding related reviews and billing reviews and associated report backs are timely and positively impact appropriate revenue capture - billing - and compliance." "I recommend HMI to be considered when choosing a partner to assist with the...
Greg Yost, PFS Director Princeton Community Hospital, Princeton WV
We have utilized HMI Corp. since 2002 for consultation services related to chargemaster review and updates and have always found their services to be professional of nature and valuable to our organization.
https://www.starrregional.com/
David Alley, CFO Athens Regional Medical Center, Athens TN
We recently transitioned to HMI from another Physician Documentation & Coding Compliance Review vendor, and the entire experience has been positive. HMI has been extremely accommodating throughout the process and has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to our workflows, leading to a seamless transition. We’ve received positive feedback from our providers about their experiences with HMI, and the Coding Hotline has been an invaluable resource. For anyone looking for a new consulting partner,...
http://www.heritagemedical.com/
Dawn Chrismer, RHIT, CHC, CCS-P Director of Business Services/Compliance Officer Heritage Medical Associates, Nashville, TN
HMI has been a very reliable resource for Princeton Community Hospital for many, many years. I have had the opportunity to work with many staff members and have found all to be reliable and courteous in every aspect. The staff is very flexible and provides Princeton Community with the support and coding stability needed. Thank you for the sometime short notices for coding coverage when unexpected situations arise with our staff. We thank you for your coding expertise as well as your...
Denise Moore, CCS Coding Manager Princeton Community Hospital
I’ve worked with HMI employing them to conduct audits of physician documentation and coding. They have consistently produced quality work in a very timely fashion with reports that were well written and easy to understand. Communication has always been prompt and effective. I have such confidence in their work that, over the years, I brought them from my prior location to my current location. I would recommend HMI to anyone in need of accurate and timely coding or auditing.
https://www.stchristophershospital.com
Robert C. Kay, RRT, MBA, MJ, CHC, CPC-A Chief Compliance Officer St. Christopher\'s Hospital for Children
“I have had the privilege of working with HMI over the past 10+ years with two different health systems. I have used HMI for hospital CDM and compliance reviews as well as physician coding reviews and education. I always receive top-notch service from the HMI team and I appreciate working with a partner that is always honest and responsive to my questions and needs. I have worked with Mary Quimby and Vickie Faler and both have proven to be very knowledgeable, accessible, and...
https://williamsonmedicalcenter.org/
Rodney Adams, MMCH, Associate Administrator of Finance Williamson Medical Center
HMI has been a great partner with MedStar Washington Hospital Center now for many years. We can always count on them to provide us with support on small to very large projects. HMI delivers consistent and honest results and additionally provides very thoughtful & targeted education to our physicians.
https://www.medstarwashington.org/
Purvi Jani AVP Reporting and Revenue Cycle MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Having worked in healthcare revenue cycle for more than three decades, I have partnered with many vendors. My vendor of choice for CDM Review, E/M Coding Compliance and Physician Education is without a doubt HMI, LLC. Mary Quimby and Vickie Faler are not only subject matter experts, they are true partners providing that extra level of service that sets them far above others in the industry. I have worked with them for 15+ years in 5 different acute facilities, and multi-specialty physician...
MaryAnn Hastings, CPMA, Director Revenue Cycle Operations, Galen Medical Group
We have been working with HMI since 2010 and have expanded the use of their services to include CDM and ED Coding. The HMI coding staff is extremely knowledgeable and has become an integral part of our coding team. Our consultant Beth never shies away from any CDM project that comes her way. We appreciate the professionalism and teamwork we have with HMI.
https://monadnockcommunityhospital.com/
Janet Willis, Director of Revenue Management, Monadnock Community Hospital
We have utilized HMI’s for chargemaster compliance and billing reviews for nearly 10-years. We have always found that their staff to be knowledgeable, resourceful and professional in all services provided to our organization.
https://www.muhealth.org/locations/university-hospital
Jessica Mayfield, Manager Revenue Management University of Missouri Health Care
How Lean Six Sigma Works in Healthcare: Should Your Organization Implement Lean Six Sigma Strategies to Improve Patient Safety?
Lean Six Sigma is a business optimization method that focuses on eliminating defects.
In healthcare, defects can be the difference between life and death. That’s why many healthcare organizations have implemented Lean Six Sigma principles.
When properly implemented, Lean Six Sigma optimizes every stage of patient care – from revenue cycles to patient outcomes.
Today, we’re explaining how Lean Six Sigma works in healthcare – and how it can help your organization eliminate defects.
What is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma is a method that emphasizes a collaborative team effort for improving performance and reducing inefficiencies.
The method is based on lean manufacturing techniques. If you’re familiar with lean healthcare practices, then Lean Six Sigma may sound familiar.
In addition to targeting defects and waste, Lean Six Sigma targets overall cultural change. The system emphasizes growth and optimization.
You’ll encounter Lean Six Sigma at a range of corporations. It rose to popularity with electronics companies and car companies.
Since the mid-2000s, however, we’ve seen Lean Six Sigma in healthcare, finance, supply chain, and other sectors.
When implemented successfully, Lean Six Sigma maximizes efficiency while increasing profitability – in any field.
How Lean Six Sigma Works with Healthcare
Many healthcare organizations use lean healthcare practices – or specific Lean Six Sigma strategies – to maximize efficiency and increase profitability.
Healthcare consultants spot inefficiencies within an organization. Good organizations can quickly fix these inefficiencies and move forward. Some organizations, however, need sweeping cultural changes and foundational shifts.
The purpose of Lean Six Sigma is to identify defects. In healthcare, a single defect can be the difference between life and death.
Medical errors in the United States contribute to the deaths of more than 210,000 people per year. They also cost healthcare organizations over $17.1 billion per year.
By implementing Lean Six Sigma strategies, healthcare organizations can improve patient safety by eliminating life-threatening errors. It’s not just about optimizing revenue: it’s about improving patient safety.
Benefits of Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare
Lean Six Sigma and similar strategies can improve patient outcomes, maximize efficiency, and boost revenue at any healthcare organization.
When properly implemented, Lean Six Sigma could improve the follow areas of your healthcare organization:
- Reduce waiting times in hospitals and private practices
- Reduce the risk of a defect that negatively affects patient outcomes
- Prevent falls, injuries, and other accidents in the workplace for patients and staff
- Reduce medication errors when prescribing or administering drugs
- Reduce unnecessary expenses
- Improve workplace environment, efficiency, and safety for staff
How to Implement Lean Six Sigma
Healthcare organizations may partner with healthcare consultants to implement Lean Six Sigma methods. Many healthcare consultants are certified in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology.
Certified LSS experts often recommend the DMAIC method, where you Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control defects within a healthcare organization:
Define: The consultant defines the problems with the process and sets goals. The consultant might observe high rates of medication errors, for example, and sets a goal of reducing those errors. The analyst then creates a process map that details each step of the process, from the initial prescription to the final dispensing.
Measure: The consultant measures how the current process performs, gathering data for each step. The consultant looks for bottlenecks or areas with a high rate of errors. Where is the process inefficient?
Analyze: The consultant analyzes data from each step, identifying areas that could be optimized. The goal is not just to identify bottlenecks, but to identify the root cause of those bottlenecks.
Improve: The consultant develops and tests solutions. The consultant might recommend an extra safety check before the final dispensing of the prescription, for example, among other solutions.
Control: The consultant ensures the new prescription procedure stays on course. The consultant monitors the new system, analyzes the improvement at each step of the way, and verifies the improved outcomes.
The consultant repeats this process at every step of the organization.
Some of these consultants work within organizations. They have titles like Chief Patient Experience Officer or Director of Quality Management.
Other organizations hire outside consultants.
Some healthcare consultants specifically advertise their Lean Six Sigma certification. Or, a healthcare organization may require Lean Six Sigma certification for some leadership positions – including a Green Belt or Black Belt certificate.
Final Word
Lean Six Sigma, also known as LSS, is a proven methodology that could improve patient outcomes – and boost revenue.
Many healthcare organizations have implemented Lean Six Sigma strategies with powerful results. Some healthcare organizations achieve similar results just by implementing basic lean healthcare practices.
HMI, LLC specializes in spotting inefficiencies within healthcare organizations.
Contact HMI, LLC for a consultation – and discover how your organization can improve patient outcomes and revenue.