The Loop - Nevada (October 2024)

THE LOOP A COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM AROUND NEVADA

OCTOBER 2024

ISSUE 42

Dear WestCare Family, As we reflect on the month of October, we are thrilled to share the incredible milestones, achievements, and events that have brought us closer together as a community. At WestCare Nevada, every event, award, and initiative showcases our unwavering commitment to Uplifting the Human Spirit and fostering excellence in all we do.

This October, we took part in the Las Vegas Rotary Club’s Tiberti Classic Golf Tournament, where team spirit and camaraderie were in full swing! Thank you to everyone who supported this event as we built connections and shared our mission with others in the community.

We also celebrated our amazing staff through the CORE Awards, honoring our employees of the month for their outstanding dedication to making a difference every day. These individuals remind us of the incredible passion and care that power our organization.

Inside this issue, you’ll also find an insightful article on Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), by our VP of RCM and Credentialing, Ms. Angela Mangum. RCM is a vital component in sustaining and growing the impact of our programs and services. It’s an excellent read for understanding the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us running strong!

VOLUME 4

Our 2nd annual Uplift Open Golf Tournament, hosted by Camp Rhino Northwest, was another remarkable success, bringing together supporters and stakeholders for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to advance our mission in such a meaningful way.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Community Trunk-or-Treat event. With over 500 attendees, the evening was filled with smiles, costumes, and a true sense of togetherness. Events like these remind us of the joy that comes from engaging directly with other providers and our recovery community as well as the individual and families that we have the great pleasure and opportunity to serve daily.

As always, we are grateful for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.

Let’s continue to make an impact together!

With gratitude,

Leo Magrdichian, LCSW, LCADC, Vice President

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OUR OUTREACH EFFORTS

Leo Magrdichian at the Rural Nevada Community Health Fair

Nestor Lazo at the Las Vegas Holiday Job Fair

Edgar Salcido and Andrea Raney at the Las Vegas Municipal Court Resource Fair

Revenue Cycle Team Impact: Advancing Behavioral Health and Medicaid Reform

By Angela Mangum, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management & Credentialing WestCare Nevada has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolving landscape of the behavioral health sector in Nevada. As the healthcare industry continues to transform, there has been an increased emphasis on the need for robust behavioral health services in the community.

Recognizing this, the State of Nevada has been working on developing a more specific provider type for Substance Use providers, aligned with ASAM levels of care, ensuring a structured and supportive network that is reimbursable through Medicaid.

The revenue cycle is the process by which organizations track and manage the financial aspects of their operations, from the initial interaction with a customer or patient to the final payment for services or goods provided. In the context of healthcare, it specifically refers to the process of managing the financial transactions and interactions that occur as a patient receives care. The revenue cycle is crucial for a healthcare organization's success because it directly impacts its financial health.

Over the past several years, WestCare Nevada, along with the Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) team, has dedicated significant efforts to building trust and compliance with both state authorities and payers. Their commitment to transparency and collaboration has positioned them as a trusted leader in the behavioral health community. Through active participation in open forums and public hearings, the revenue cycle team has successfully brought attention to critical issues such as variances in Managed Care processes and regulations surrounding MedicationAssisted Treatment (MAT), Residential Treatment, and Partial Hospitalization. Their input has been consistently backed by evidence-based practices, CMS guidelines, and ASAM regulations, further solidifying their influence.

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As the new provider type and Medicaid chapter were being developed, Medicaid administration frequently sought out WestCare’s revenue cycle team for feedback and guidance. This collaboration led to significant changes, including adjustments to the 1115 waiver, which works to allow Medicaid to fund residential treatment.

The RCM team’s advocacy highlighted concerns with Managed Care organizations' readiness, issues with changes in length of stays, and the need for increased infrastructure.

Additionally, RCM’s leadership was instrumental in driving changes to the State’s Plan Amendment (SPA), allowing MAT services to be individually billable across all levels of care. These efforts helped the state recognize the need for inclusivity in service offerings, which will now enhance revenue opportunities and access to care for qualified clients.

One of the most significant changes influenced by WestCare’s RCM team was the revision of provider requirements for partial hospitalization. Previously restricted to hospitals or FQHCs, the new guidelines now allow any provider properly licensed and accredited by the state or an accrediting body to offer ASAM 2.5 services. This change directly resulted from concerns raised by the RCM team during the Medicaid chapter draft review and public hearing process in June.

WestCare Nevada’s leadership and revenue cycle management team’s strong and transparent relationships with funders have been crucial to these advancements, ensuring that the organization continues to Uplift the Human Spirit in the lives of WestCare’s clients by significantly influencing behavioral health benefits and covered care in the state.

Amazing job, team!

Uplifting the Human Spirit The conference featured a packed agenda filled with valuable training sessions and workshops. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a range of topics from affordable housing toolkits and direct rental assistance to navigating federal clean energy finance. One of the standout sessions was a deep dive into Nevada’s supportive housing opportunities led by Brooke Page and Christine Hess from the Nevada Housing Division. This community roundtable provided insightful discussions on innovative solutions to improve housing access and support for residents.

WestCare Engages at the Annual Nevada Housing Conference 2024

By Andrew Moran, Development Director WestCare’s own Leo Magrdichian, Scott Faulkenberry, and myself, proudly attended the annual Nevada Housing Conference held on October 16 and 17 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada. This premier event brought together key stakeholders in the housing sector, including politicians, industry experts, and advocates dedicated to addressing the pressing issues surrounding affordable housing in the state. Congressmen Mark Amodei and Secretary of State Zach Conine were Keynote speakers. Washoe County Commissioner and Supportive Services Advocate, Clara Andriola was also in attendance to answer questions.

The event proved to be an exceptional platform for networking, allowing WestCare team members to connect with fellow professionals, policymakers, and community leaders. The conversations sparked new ideas and collaborations that can enhance our collective efforts in addressing housing challenges across Nevada. The two-day conference was not just about learning; it was also an opportunity to share experiences and best practices with others committed to improving housing stability in our communities. The energy and enthusiasm of participants was palpable, with many expressing a shared commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions for all Nevadans.

As we reflect on this enriching experience, WestCare is inspired to integrate the knowledge gained from the conference into our ongoing initiatives. We remain dedicated to advocating for affordable housing and supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families in need. The annual Nevada Housing Conference was a tremendous success and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners and stakeholders to foster a thriving housing landscape in Nevada!

GOLF TOURNAMENTS FOR A CAUSE

Las Vegas Rotary Club Hosts Successful Tiberti Classic Golf Tournament

Second Annual Uplift Open Supports the Men at Harris Springs Ranch

By Andrew Moran, Development Director

By Brody Santini, Assistant Director, Harris Springs Ranch

On September 30, the Las Vegas Rotary Club proudly held its annual Tiberti Classic Golf Tournament at the scenic Angel Park Golf Club. This year’s event combined the joy of golf with community spirit, featuring a barbecue that brought together members of the Rotary Club, their families, and local community members. The tournament was not only a wonderful day of fun and camaraderie, but also served a vital purpose: to support the Rotary Exchange Program of the Las Vegas Rotary Club. This program provides invaluable opportunities for students to experience different cultures and broaden their horizons through international exchange. WestCare returned as a hole sponsor for the tournament, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting community initiatives. For the third year in a row, we also finished in first place! Thanks to the generosity of participants, sponsors, and supporters, the tournament raised over $4,000, which will significantly contribute to the Rotary Exchange Program!

On October 26, Camp Rhino Northwest, a local CrossFit and bootcamp gym, hosted the second Uplift Open, a golf tournament with proceeds benefiting Westcare Nevada’s Harris Springs Ranch (HSR) program. The tournament wasn't just about perfecting swings or sinking putts, it was a day dedicated to camaraderie, compassion, and community upliftment. As participants gathered on the green, there was a palpable sense of purpose in the air. Teams of two were formed, each member ready to contribute not only to their game, but also to the greater cause. The competition was friendly, yet spirited. However, the true victory lay in the generosity of the participants. Through their collective efforts, we were able to raise money to support the men we serve at HSR. These funds will be used to purchase exercise equipment which will continue to enhance the lives of our clients as they continue their journey to recovery.

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Uplifting the Human Spirit

TRUNK-OR-TREAT FUN at the Women and Children’s Campus

Thank you for joining us this year!

CORE AWARDS CORE Award: Above and Beyond Kelly Jeffries Scotty Alexander

Continue the journey online!

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CORE Awards are awarded on a monthly basis to staff who demonstrate Characteristics of Remarkable Employees (CORE). Please join us in commemorating our CORE Award recipients.

CORE Award: Leadership Heather Eagle Scotty Alexander

CORE Award: Morale Booster Amekia Hampton Brody Santini

Follow WestCare Nevada on social media to learn more about our team and the work we're doing in our local community! #WestCareNevada

CORE Award: Problem Solver Kitty Ketenheim Lady Hope Bautista Rhonda Davisson

WestCare Nevada

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@westcarenevada