The Loop

DearWestCareFamily,

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 theHumanSpiritandfosteringexcellenceinallwedo

This October, we took part in the Las Vegas Rotary Club’s Tiberti ClassicGolfTournament,whereteamspiritandcamaraderiewereinfull swing! Thank you to everyone who supported this event as we built connectionsandsharedourmissionwithothersinthecommunity.

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 incrediblepassionandcarethatpowerourorganization

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-scenesworkthatkeepsusrunningstrong!

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 advanceourmissioninsuchameaningfulway

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 opportunitytoservedaily

As always, we are grateful for your ongoing support and enthusiasm Let’scontinuetomakeanimpacttogether!

Withgratitude,

OUR OUTREACH EFFORTS

Impact: Advancing

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 andinteractionsthatoccurasapatientreceivescare Therevenuecycleiscrucialfor ahealthcareorganization'ssuccessbecauseitdirectlyimpactsitsfinancialhealth

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 inputhasbeenconsistentlybackedbyevidence-basedpractices,CMSguidelines,and ASAMregulations,furthersolidifyingtheirinfluence

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 TheRCMteam’sadvocacyhighlightedconcernswithManagedCareorganizations' 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 PlanAmendment(SPA),allowingMATservicestobeindividuallybillableacrossall levels of care These efforts helped the state recognize the need for inclusivity in serviceofferings,whichwillnowenhancerevenueopportunitiesandaccesstocare forqualifiedclients

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 andaccreditedbythestateoranaccreditingbodytoofferASAM25services This change directly resulted from concerns raised by the RCM team during the MedicaidchapterdraftreviewandpublichearingprocessinJune

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 coveredcareinthestate

Amazing job, team!

Revenue Cycle Team

Behavioral Health and Medicaid Reform

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

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 housing in the state. Congressmen Mark Amodei and Secretary Conine were Keynote speakers. Washoe County Commissioner and Services Advocate, Clara Andriola was also in attendance to answer questions.

Theconferencefeaturedapackedagendafilledwithvaluabletrainingsessions 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 housingaccessandsupportforresidents

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 sharedcommitmenttocreatingsustainablehousingsolutionsforallNevadans

As we reflect on this enriching experience, WestCare is inspired to integrate the knowledge gained from the conference into our ongoing initiatives We remaindedicatedtoadvocatingforaffordablehousingandsupportingthewellbeing 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 landscapeinNevada!

GOLF TOURNAMENTS FOR A CAUSE

Las Vegas Rotary Club Hosts Successful Tiberti Classic Golf Tournament

By Andrew Moran, Development Director

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!

Second Annual Uplift Open Supports the Men at Harris Springs Ranch

By Brody Santini, Assistant Director, Harris Springs Ranch

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.