Vandalia Health: The Power of Two

For years, the overall health profile for West Virginians has not been what its residents would wish. The state generally ranks poorly across several important health measures, including overall health, obesity, smoking, diabetes and physical inactivity.

That’s why the expanded size, power and scope of services offered by the recent merger of two of the state’s major health systems — Mon Health System and CAMC Health System — is good news for the people of West Virginia.

The new entity, Vandalia Health, is now a network of 17 hospitals, three hospital affiliates, and more than 180 outpatient locations reaching nearly every point in the Mountain State. Details of the integration of the two systems into Vandalia are still being worked out, but already the sharing of best practices, data and learning promise to ensure quality care and patient-centered service.

Effectiveness of Systems during Difficult Times 
Vandalia has tackled supply-chain issues with the implementation of new software that has made the process more efficient, cost effective and generated an annual savings of $2.6 million.

Role in the Community 
Recognizing that nourishing diets are an essential step toward advancing health in the state, Vandalia recently kicked off its FARMacy program with partners to provide fruits and vegetables for eligible people in rural regions across West Virginia identified as food deserts or food swamps. The health system also supports “Healthy Neighborhood,” a transformational food insecurity program that offers prefunded, restricted-use debit cards for use at Dollar General stores, which provide an assortment of nutritious foods, including produce at select locations.

In addition, Vandalia collaborates with the West Virginia Drug Intervention Institute to increase training and education on overdose response in the state’s 55 counties, and has provided emergency overdose reversal kits to all public schools and all federally qualified health centers in West Virginia.

Operational Efficiencies In the months since Vandalia Health was created, standardized contracting has resulted in significant savings for cardiology supplies including stents, balloons, wires, guides, etc. On the administrative side, training is now provided for documentation integrity to improve coding, drive better quality and patient outcomes and help to prevent coverage denials.

The integration of the two formerly separate health systems has also produced efficiencies including human resources, marketing, medical staff and pharmacy leadership.

Maintain and Expand Access 
CAMC and Mon Health System have long been known for quality heart care. Mon Health Medical Center, for example, was only the second hospital in the state with the da Vinci SP, which gives surgeons the ability to deliver robotic-assisted surgery through a single port.

Their cardiology services have only been strengthened after the creation of Vandalia Health brought the institutions together. Together as Vandalia Health, they continue to lead the way in technological advances.

CAMC also continues to operate a Mobile Medical Unit on the road 3-5 days a week serving at-risk populations in both cities and rural communities. It is used to provide screenings, vaccines and basic health checks at community events, and has IT capabilities to connect patients in small towns with specialists at CAMC via telemedicine. This keeps health care local for patients who may otherwise experience difficulties in cost or transportation if they had to come to Charleston for a doctor’s appointment.