At its core, Remaking American Medicine is a glimpse into the type of health care we can all have. It is about the pioneering work of providers, patients and their families, private purchasers, government agencies and others committed to making health care in America safe, evidence-based, efficient and effective. We call these people and organizations Champions of Change. Because there are many more stories about these groups and individuals than can be told in a four hour television series we’ll be featuring them here and in other areas of the Web site. Learning from others is an important aspect in the drive to remake American medicine. At the conclusion of each Champion of Change story is contact information provided for follow up.
As CEO and Managing Director of Summerlin Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV, Tim Hingtgen is a “hands-on” leader who enthusiastically shares his philosophy of open communication and cooperation with hospital staff and physicians. Since joining the staff in February 2005, he has instituted forums to discuss hospital successes and challenges and allowed for staff input to solutions. Above all, Hingtgen believes in placing his trust in staff and physicians and this has improved staff loyalty to the institution. Mr. Hingtgen believes this provides safer and higher quality patient care.
Mr. Hingtgen implemented the Five Pillars of Success Program. It includes improving patient flow and adding extra patient rooms from existing space. Under his leadership, the hospital has added a Pediatric Emergency Room and ICU, Open Heart Services and a Women’s Health Center.
Because of his knowledge and support of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service’s (CMS) core measures and best practice standards, the hospital has had great success in improving patient’s care. Mr. Hingtgen joined forces with HealthInsight, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Nevada, and the hospital became the first of only six hospitals in the region selected to participate in CMS’s Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP).
Thanks to Mr. Hingtgen’s vision and support, Summerlin Hospital is transforming itself into a Champion of Change in the community.
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