Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/821337
114 Executive Briefing • A critical eye You must be willing and able to employ a critical eye when viewing your own organization and make a clear and un- biased assessment of what you do well versus what you wish you did well. "Most people are unable to make this critical internal evaluation," Barrow says. "As a result, they continue to try and do things on their own, often times leading to long-term failure." • Assemble the right team The right people must be in place to evaluate various al- ternatives and possible solutions as you go through the process and fill in the deficit gaps determined in the crit- ical assessment. Poor evaluation of organizational readiness, Mr. Barrow adds, is one of the most common pitfalls — particularly when it comes to the vital mutual commitment from administration and medical staff. "There has to be alignment between the business of medicine and the practice of medicine — it's paramount," he says. "The prevailing attitude must be that failure is not an option. This is not something where you put your toe in the water, see what happens, and then back out the first time you hit a bump in the road. Everyone must be on board with an all-in focus on clinical networks, evidenced-based best practices, shared ac- countability and a singular focus on best patient outcomes." Nearly two decades ago, LHC Group pioneered a model of post-acute care partnership that has since earned a reputation for enhancing patient outcomes and financial performance in cities and towns across the country. Since then, the company has pursued a mission to build stronger healthcare delivery systems in the communities it serves. Quality outcomes — for patients and partners — are the driving force behind everything LHC Group does. Quality metrics are now the preferred standard for evaluating post-acute provid- ers, and with more than 60 percent of its home health loca- tions named among the 2016 HomeCare Elite®, and with the highest CMS Star Ratings compared to home health national averages, LHC Group continues to enhance its reputation as one of the top quality home health providers in the country. "I can think of no other post-acute provider that demonstrates all of the 'Four C's' at the level of LHC Group," says Mr. Barrow, who formed his first joint-venture partnership with the com- pany in 2007. "Their overwhelming commitment to character, competence and creativity has allowed them to develop the strong capital to deliver on what they promise." LHC Group's record of designing and growing successful post-acute care partnerships throughout the country is the re- sult of years of dedication, tireless work and experience. Their team is accustomed to rising to the challenge of succeeding in the constantly shifting landscape that is the healthcare in- dustry, and they know how to provide value for partners and improved outcomes for their patients. The conclusion is clear: Choose the right partner. The health of your community and your organization is at stake. n Based in Lafayette, La., LHC Group Inc. (LHCGroup.com) is a national provider of post-acute care services, providing quality, cost-effective health care to patients within the comfort and privacy of their home or place of residence. With hundreds of locations around the country, we're always close to home. For more than two decades, we have provided exceptional care and unparalleled service to the patients and families who have placed their trust in us. LHC Group provides a comprehensive array of healthcare services through home health, hospice, facility-based services, and community-based services locations. "There has to be alignment between the business of medicine and the practice of medicine — it's paramount."