The Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals (TORCH) is pleased to host the 2013 Texas Critical Access Hospital Conference & Tradeshow. The 2013 Texas Critical Access Hospital Conference & Tradeshow is scheduled for June 12-13, 2013 at the beautiful Omni Colonnade in San Antonio, Texas. This unique education event focuses entirely on critical access hospitals (CAHs) and their needs! We are proud to provide expert speakers and targeted information on a wide variety of timely and relevant issues for CAHs. Participants attending this event will learn valuable information, insights and strategies for improving your hospital’s operations, enhancing your overall performance, and positioning your facility for success. For more information on the Conference agenda please click here and to register for this event, please click here.

Now accepting job applications for DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Responsible for developing and managing the organization’s communications and public relations activities. Develops and implements communications that are directed to association members, and external audiences, including the news media, policymakers and the public. Serves as the initial contact for all news media. Provides support with the marketing and promotion of TORCH and its affiliates’ products and services by both print and electronic means. Research and author articles specific to the health care industry for inclusion in quarterly magazine publication. Manage the organizations’ internet websites, social media and other electronic tools. Assist in selecting, implementing and maintaining an effective CRM or other association management software application.Click here for more information.

2013 TORCH ICD-10 Boot Camp

TORCH and the TORCH Foundation invite hospital coders and rural hospital staff preparing for the October 1, 2014 ICD-10 transition to participate in an in-depth training boot camp in Austin, Texas scheduled for December 3-4, 2013. This is not a general overview workshop. Basic to intermediate knowledge of ICD-10 coding is highly recommended to ensure maximum learning during this event. You will receive two full days of instruction by certified coders that will focus on ICD-10 CM and PCS education. Course materials will be provided and AHIMA CEUs will be offered! As part of our efforts to provide TORCH Hospitals with the education and training they need to assist with the A critical piece of the TORCH Program is a two-day intensive hands-on training program taught by certified instructors. This boot camp is scheduled for December 3-4, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Austin Hotel. Space is limited and applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information and important details are provided in the program brochure.

Deadline to sign-up for the boot camp is June 21st. Being first-come, first-served, applicants will be informed of status/acceptance on or before June 27th. Hotel Reservation Deadline is November 18th.

Click here for more information.

Medicaid 1115 Waiver - Texas Health Care Transformation and Quality Improvement Program

HHSC has received federal approval of a waiver that allows the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving hospital funding, provides incentive payments for health care improvements and directs more funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of uninsured patients.

Waiver Overview
The Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program (the transformation waiver) allows the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving federal hospital funding historically received as Upper Payment Limit (UPL) payments—supplemental payments to make up the difference between what Medicaid pays for a service and what Medicare would pay for the same service. Replacing the UPL payment methodology are two funding pools – the Uncompensated Care and Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) pools. [READ MORE]