Staff and administration at Atlantic General Hospital gathered recently outside the hospital to celebrate the 2014 Map Award for High Performance in Revenue Cycle. Submitted Photo
The Ocean Pines and Ocean City Chambers of Commerce jointly sponsored a ribbon cutting Aug. 8 at the Shore Bank offices on Stephen Decatur Highway in West Ocean City. Among those pictured are Worcester County Commissioner Bud Church, Shore Bank President Tom Mears, Bank Manager Laurie Isaacs, Ocean Pines Chamber President Gwen Cordner, Senator Jim Mathias, Ocean Pines Chamber Executive Director Liz Kain-Bolen, Ocean City Chamber Executive Director Melanie Purcel, Maryland Delegate candidate for Legislative District 38C Judy Davis and Ocean Pines Chamber representative Steve Cohen. Photo by Jeanette Deskiewicz
M&T Bank presented a sponsorship check to the March of Dimes, Eastern Shore Division for the 2014 March for Babies Wicomico County walk. Pictured, from left, are Jon Sherwell, Administrative Vice President-Commercial Group Manager M&T Bank; Wendy Jarrett, Commuinty Director, March of Dimes; Gene Malone, Administrative Vice President-M&T Bank
AGH Wins National Award
BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital and Health System was recently awarded HFMA’s 2014 MAP Award for High Performance in Revenue Cycle.
As a national award winner, Atlantic General has met or exceeded stringent evaluation criteria addressing critical performance factors such as revenue cycle processes, financial performance, innovation, adoption of PATIENT FRIENDLY BILLING® principles, and patient satisfaction. In addition, it recognizes sustainable financial performance that serves the mission of the organization.
More than 120 hospital and system considered application for this year’s award. Winners of the 2014 MAP Award for High Performance include seven hospital systems and nine individual hospitals nationwide. Atlantic General is the only Maryland hospital to receive this award.
“We’re thrilled with this achievement,” said Atlantic General Hospital CFO Cheryl Nottingham. “It’s a testament not only to the efficiency of our revenue cycle processes but to the overall dedication to excellence shared by our staff in every department.”
HFMA President and CEO Joseph J. Fifer added, “In light of the significant changes taking place in the healthcare industry, achieving revenue cycle excellence has never been more important than it is today. I congratulate you on your outstanding performance, and thank you for sharing your knowledge for the benefit of the patients and communities we serve.”
Atlantic General Hospital was honored during a special presentation at HFMA’s national conference this summer in Las Vegas, Nev.
HFMA’s MAP Award for High Performance in Revenue Cycle recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence across all the MAP Key indicators of revenue cycle performance. Winners show innovative and effective revenue cycle practices that deliver sustainable financial performance. Criteria for the award are based on HFMA’s MAP Keys – revenue cycle key performance indicators.
The award will be formally presented at HFMA’s 2014 Annual National Institute in Las Vegas, Nev. MAP stands for measure performance, apply evidence-based strategies for improvement, and perform to the highest standards in today’s challenging healthcare environment.
Real Estate Market Update
BERLIN – While settlements dipped in July across the Tri-County area, an increase in contracts, or pending home sales, points to a rebound in the coming months, according to the latest figures from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).
In comparison to July 2013, Wicomico County’s single-family home settlements increased by 25.6 percent last month, but the county’s condominium settlements decreased by 37.5 percent.
Worcester and Somerset counties as well as Ocean City saw an across-the-board decline in single-family home and condominium settlements.
However, while pending sales of condominiums appear to be down, contracts for single-family homes are up in all three counties and in Ocean City. Additionally, the average number of days that homes spend on the market has largely decreased in all areas, reflecting a faster turnaround on sales.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the country saw a modest decrease in contract signings throughout June, which is likely the product of ongoing challenges – such as supply shortages, flat wages and tight credit conditions – that impede full sales potential. NAR’s figures for July have not yet been released.
Despite this decrease, Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, expects a slight uptick in sales during the second half of the year.
“The good news is that price appreciation has decreased to its slowest pace since March 2012 behind much needed increases in inventory,” Yun said. “With rents raising 4 percent annually, potential buyers are less likely to experience sticker shock and can make smart decisions on whether or not it makes sense to buy or continue renting.”
The Lower Shore should expect the same sort of uptick, according to Sheila Dodson, executive director of CAR.
“The encouraging increase in contracts shows there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Dodson said. “More people are leaning on local REALTORS® to help them find their family homes and we’ll likely see better numbers in the coming months as those contracts go to settlement.”
Melissa Welch
Nurse, Associated Honored
Debbie Patterson
BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital has announced the Nurse of the Year and Clinical Associate of the Year. These awards were presented during National Nurses Week based upon votes submitted by the nursing staff.
Registered Nurse Melissa Welch was chosen as Nurse of the Year. She is a charge nurse on the Med Surg unit and is the Clinical Coordinator for the Stroke Center. She has been instrumental in the Atlantic General Hospital Stroke Center obtaining the highest recognition from the American Stroke Association. This was her fourth nomination for the award.
The Clinical Associate of the Year award went to Debbie Patterson, unit secretary for Med Surg and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for over four years. She is committed to customer service, patient safety and acts as a mentor to new associates. She is described by her co-workers as someone who “always goes above and beyond.
Ace Stores Join Promotion
SALISBURY — The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Bucket Promotion begins on Saturday, Aug. 16 at all Rommel’s Ace Hardware locations.
Shoppers are asked to make a $5 donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for a five-gallon bucket and they will receive 20% off everything that fits in the bucket. Johns Hopkins Children’s Center will receive the funds from Rommel’s Ace Seaford, Ocean City, Severna Park, Salisbury, Cambridge, Stevensville, Selbyville and Perry Hall stores.
The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters will receive the donations from Rommel’s Ace Exmore and Chincoteague stores, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will receive the donations from Rommel’s Ace in Dover.
This fundraising event will feature special store discounts, prizes, food, bounce houses, and more for the community. Each of Rommel’s Ace eleven stores is doing something special and unique. Favorite local eateries, pet adoptions, giveaways and more are some of the special activities that everyone can enjoy.
Rommel’s Ace Hardware stores are active in supporting non-profit organizations in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Accreditation Maintained
SALISBURY — Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business has maintained its business accreditation by AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
“We are pleased to have earned this continued distinguished recognition. It affirms the quality of our programs, faculty, staff and students and recognizes our commitment to delivering a high-quality business education,” said Dr. Christy Weer, interim dean of the Perdue School. “This accreditation places the Perdue School among a small elite group of business schools worldwide.”
Only 711 schools of business — fewer than 5 percent internationally — have earned this hallmark of excellence in management education. To maintain accreditation a business program must undergo a rigorous internal review every five years, during which the program must demonstrate its continued commitment to quality standards relating to faculty qualification, strategic management of resources, and interactions of faculty and students.
Schools must also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
Program Applications Sought
SALISBURY — Applications are being accepted for the third round of funding through Salisbury University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship program beginning Friday, Aug. 22.
Business startups throughout the mid-Atlantic are eligible to apply for their share of $200,000. Selected entrepreneurs will have the chance to present their proposals to the program’s advisory board for consideration Friday, Oct. 24, at SU’s Perdue Hall. The deadline for submissions is Monday, Sept. 22.
During the first round, participants will pitch their business ideas to the board. Those chosen to move on to the second round will have the opportunity to make more in-depth presentations. Entrepreneurs selected for funding will be assigned seasoned business mentors to help guide their startup or expansion.
The Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery program is a $1 million, five-year initiative to assist entrepreneurs and help them create new jobs in the community. It is administered through SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business.
For application materials and more information visit https://www2.salisbury.edu/perdue/sh.