Partners: Montifiore Hospital and White Plains Hospital to Merge

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The White Hospital Medical Center design for its current expansion. The Hospital accounced Thursday the expansion would continue under their new proposed partnership with Montifiore Hospital

WPCNR  WELLNESS WATCH. From White Plains Hospital. February 7, 2014:

White Plains Hospital, a leading community Hospital in Westchester County and Montefiore Health System, a premier academic medical center and the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine,  announced plans Thursday  to form a new healthcare partnership.

The Board of Directors of White Plains Hospital approved the signing of a letter of agreement to enter into a partnership with Montefiore at its February 5th Board meeting.   This new affiliation enhances the missions of both hospitals as they continue to provide advanced, quality healthcare to their communities and an expanding service area of nearly 3 million people.

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“Our Board of Directors established the qualities it sought in selecting a partner for the future, and Montefiore meets all of these criteria,”  said Jon Schandler, CEO, White Plains Hospital (Second from left, above with County Executive Robert P. Astorino)

“Our hospital provides an exceptional level of care through a close working relationship between our physicians, nurses and staff.  With Montefiore as our partner, we will be able to build upon and continue this remarkable culture and together deliver advanced health care to the entire community.”  Schandler continued.

Montefiore’s main campus is just 10 miles south of White Plains and has a growing network of practices in Westchester.

“We are excited to be embarking on this journey with White Plains Hospital.  There is tremendous synergy between our two institutions and our people and, importantly, we share fundamental values,” said Steven M. Safyer, MD, President and CEO of Montefiore. “As an academic health system, Montefiore brings to the relationship the best of science and a unique expertise in coordinated care.  Our vision is to build a regional network of hospitals and community physicians closely aligned in an integrated system of care. White Plains Hospital will serve as the center of that network to strengthen and expand our position as a healthcare leader in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.”

For more than 120 years, White Plains Hospital has been a leader in providing high-quality, sophisticated, patient-focused care to the Westchester Community.  The recipient of many prestigious awards, the Hospital has been repeatedly recognized for high performing excellence in several areas including  oncology, cardiology, stroke care, gynecology and geriatrics. In 2012, White Plains Hospital received Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and in 2013 the hospital was recognized by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®.

“Over the past several years, White Plains Hospital has been actively re-defining community health care,” said Susan Fox, President, White Plains Hospital.   “Advances in technology and medicine, and recruitment of expert physicians have allowed us to increase our level of services and keep care local.”  Fox continued, “Montefiore is an academic medical center, with strong community values.   Our visions are aligned and we are excited about working closely with Montefiore and supporting the continued advancement of services provided close to home.”

Montefiore is nationally renowned for its clinical excellence, scientific discovery and innovative care. Ranked among the best in the nation, Montefiore has several notable Centers of Excellence including the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, the Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, and the Montefiore Einstein Center for Transplantation.

The formalization of the new partnership will take several months to be finalized.  State applications will also need to be filed and approved.

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About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is a premier academic health system and the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Combining nationally-recognized clinical excellence with a population health perspective that focuses on the health needs of communities, Montefiore delivers coordinated, compassionate, science-driven care where, when and how patients need it most. Montefiore consists of six hospitals and an extended care facility with a total of 2,059 beds, a School of Nursing, and state-of-the-art primary and specialty care provided through a network of more than 150 locations across the region, including the largest school health program in the nation and a home health program.

For more information please visit www.montefiorehealthsystem.org.

About White Plains Hospital (WPH)  WPH is a 292-bed voluntary, not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of offering high quality, acute health care and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit Westchester County and its surrounding areas.  Centers of Excellence include the, The William & Sylvia Silberstein Neonatal & Maternity Center and The Ruth and Jerome A. Siegel Stroke Center.  The hospital’s Flanzer Center is the busiest Emergency Department in Westchester County, seeing over 55,000 visits a year.  White Plains Hospital is the only community hospital in Westchester County licensed to perform emergency & elective angioplasty.  The Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and earned its recognition as a Top Performer for Key Quality Measures® in 2013.  The hospital is also an eleven-time winner of the Consumer Choice Award, an honor given to the nation’s top hospitals by the National Research Corporation, and received Magnet® designation in 2012 from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For additional information, visit http://www.wphospital.org.

 

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Westchester Medical Center Accepts a NY Insurer.

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WPCNR WESTCHESTER COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. FROM THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS (EDITED) FEBRUARY 7, 2014:

WWestchester Medical Center in Valhalla haS agreed to terms with Empire Blue Cross, one of the insurance companies offering health insurance plans through the New York State health exchange. The decision will allow thousands of Westchester residents on the health insurance plan to utilize the hospital for health services.
Of all the plans being offered on the New York State exchange, Empire Blue Cross is used by the most residents. Six other insurers offer plans to Westchester residents, and Lyndon Williams, Majority Whip of the Westchester County  Board of Legislators hopes the Westchester Medical Center will work out financial details with them as well.

Previously, officials at the Westchester Medical Center said that none of the plans on the state health exchange would be honored at the hospital, citing low reimbursements for their decision. The Medical Center was the only hospital in the region not accepting insurance plans offered on the exchange.

“Thankfully, both the Medical Center and Empire Blue Cross were able to work out their differences and move forward with a decision that benefits our residents,” said Lyndon Williams, Majority Whip of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL). “This is a positive step in the right direction, and proves that issues regarding health insurance may be problematic, but can be negotiated and resolved.”

Understanding that many Westchester residents have important questions and concerns regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and health insurance needs, Legislator Williams hosted and moderated a public forum last week at the Mount Vernon Campus of Montefiore Medical Center. The event included representatives from the NY State Department of Health, Montefiore Hospital and the Mount Vernon NAACP.

The press coverage surrounding the status of the Medical Center accepting the ACA plans came about as the result of the forum. Afterwards, Legislator Williams followed up with representatives of Westchester Medical Center in an attempt to ascertain whether the hospital had taken a firm position on the insurance plans offered by New York State on its health exchange.

“It’s important that our residents, with full confidence, be able to use their insurance plans at all of the hospitals in the area,” said Williams. “As I heard last week at the Town Hall meeting, people are dealing with a lot of misinformation about affordable health care and insurance plans. Residents need answers, and they expect that the parties involved with health care and public safety will work together cooperatively for the benefit of us all.”

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Commissioner of Public Safety David Chong Visits the Council of Neighborhood Associations Tuesday

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White Plains Council of Neighborhood Associations (WPCNA)

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 7:30 pm, at Education House (downstairs Meeting Room), 5 Homeside Lane, WP (off North Street).

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Commissioner David Chong supervising an investigation.

Our guest speaker will be WP Public Safety Commissioner David E. Chong. Commissioner Chong oversees police, fire, emergency medical services and all hazard-planning bureaus.  He will give us tips on home safety and will update us on current and future safety developments in our City.  A question and answer period will follow.

All our meetings are open to the public and start promptly at 7:30 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.

 

 

 

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Ralph Kiner — The Best Former Player Turned Announcer–Feared NL Slugger of the 40s Dies.

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WPCNR VIEW FROM THE UPPER DECK. From Larry The Dutchman. February 6, 2014: 

Some of you may have read about Ralph Kiner’s passing.  For Mets’ fans, he will be remembered as one of the original voices of the Mets, along with Lindsay (loud sports jacket) Nelson and Bob Murphy.

His ratio of homeruns hit to at bats is second only to Babe Ruth and he lead the National League in homeruns for seven years in a row.

His bad back caused this former WW2 Navy pilot to have his baseball career limited.

He was, at one time, the highest paid player in the National League (at $30,000 per year) and was in the top four of his day, behind Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and (I believe) Hank Greenberg.

The name of his postgame show was “Kiner’s Korner”, a reference to the section of Pittsburgh’s home field (Forbes Field) where Ralph would typically hit his homeruns.

Ralph’s commentary on television doing Mets games was always enlightening and ruthlessly honest. When a Met made a bad play. He said so. You always learned something new about this fascinating game listening to Ralph and his easy-going style on the postgame shows made losses easier to bear and wins so much sweeter.

 Ralph was quoted in the book “Speaking of Baseball” in the section Then and Now, on today’s players compared to yesterday’s, it is a quote we all should take to heart:
“I think one of the most difficult things  for anyone who’s ever played baseball is to accept the fact that maybe the players today are playing just as well as ever.”
He also said: “Home run hitters drive Cadillacs and singles hitters drive Fords.”
So long, Ralph , I’m pouring  a glass of Rheingold Extra Dry in your honor.
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Boykin Alerts Folks to Affordable Housing in Briarcliff Manor

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http://westchesterlegislators.com/district-5.html

Dear Neighbor,

This is my first e-news letter to you as your newly elected Legislator for District 5.  I am here to serve you and I look forward to hearing from you.

I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity that you or someone you may know might be qualified to take advantage of.  In these challenging economic times it is difficult to secure an affordable home in Westchester County.  The County is involved in helping create Fair and Affordable housing for qualified individuals.  One such development is Comstock Heights Condominiums.  This Saturday, February 8 you will be able to attend an open house at this new development in Briarcliff Manor.  There are several units still available and staff will be on hand to answer your questions.  Please scroll down for details.

One of my top priorities will be to make sure that the resources needed to enable our hard working middle income families secure housing opportunities are available.

Sincerely,

Ben Boykin

Ben Boykin

 

http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/enewsletter/2014/020814_ComstockOpenHouseFlyer.pdf

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Clean Up Those Curbs, Guys! BID Reminds Downtown Businesses of Snow Removal Obligations

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WPCNR DOWNTOWN DAILY.From the Downtown Business Improvement District. February 6,2014:

SNOW REMOVAL REGULATIONS
City Streets and Sidewalk Maintenance

Snow and ice storms are not just inconvenient, they can affect everyone’s safety.
As such, City snow regulations must be strictly enforced.
 
SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL: Sidewalks and cross walk curb-cuts are to be kept clear of snow and ice with a path at a minimum of TWO FEET WIDE for safe passage including, if applicable, a clear pathway to adjacent parking meters.
 
WHEN A STORM ENDS AT NIGHT:
– Walkways abutting businesses and multifamily residences are to be clearer BY 10 AM.
– Walkways abutting single family residential homes are to be cleared by NOON.
 
WHEN A STORM ENDS DURING DAYLIGHT:
– Walkways abutting businesses and multifamily residences are to be clearer within 2 hours.
– Walkways abutting single family residential homes are to be cleared within 10 hours.
 

PARKING LOT & DRIVEWAY SNOW REMOVAL:

– Property owners are responsible for the acts of anyone they may hire to clear snow.
– Private operators of snow plows and snow blowers who are clearing driveways,sidewalks and/or parking lots may not push snow into or across public streets. When cleaning private or commercial driveways, operators of snow plows must push;snow to the rear of the property being cleared; NOT into the street or on or blocking a sidewalk.
 
NO “ON STREET” OVERNIGHT PARKING DURING SNOW or ICE EVENTS
– Due to snow plowing activity at night, it is illegal to park your car overnight on City streets. Cars left parked illegally may result in your vehicle receiving a ticket and being towed at the car owner’s expense.
 
Please direct any questions or concerns regarding snow regulations to:
Department of Public Works
Code Enforcement Office
422-1208
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Zoning Board Continues Hearing on Sunrise Detox Facility Aimed at DeKalb. Light Turnout. Null: ZBA has no right to Interpret NY Mental Health Laws.

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WPCNR ZONING ZONE. By Claudia Murphy.. February 6, 2014:

The White Plains Zoning Board of Appeals continued their proceedings on the Sunrise Detox proposal to turn the former Nathan Miller Nursing Home at 37 Dekalb into a detox center last night and did not make a decision on whether to reverse or uphold Commissioner of Building Damon Amadio’s interpretation that the proposed facility did not meet the city definition of a community residence.

Claudia Murphy reports on the action::

“There was a very light turnout. Basically, the public hearing was continued and lasted about 40 minutes.

Bill Null, attorney for Sunrise  spoke first. His argument is that the zoning board has no authority to apply or interpret NYS mental health law regarding the decision of whether an alcoholism facility is a community residence and if Sunrise can operate a community residence in White Plains that does not meet the NYS definition of a community residence.

Ken Kristal and I both spoke after Bill Null. We pointed out the transient nature of this facility and the fact that Sunrise treats addicts as well as alcoholics.

The Zoning Board adjourned for a 10 minute executive meeting and returned to announce they would review all transcripts and materials and make a decision at next months meeting.”

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Governor: Delay Any Moratorium on Common Core/Teacher Evals Until Task Force Completes Study.

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Office. February 4, 2014:

Governor Cuomo believes that the best long term economic development strategy is ensuring New York State has the strongest possible education system. Common Core is an issue about which there has been a lot of dialogue. The Governor believes that we need to set real standards for our students and have a meaningful teacher evaluation system, and continues to support the Common Core agenda.

However, the Governor believes that the way that Common Core has been managed by the Board of Regents is flawed, leading to too much uncertainty, confusion and anxiety among students and their parents. The strength of public education in New York is dependent on a rational system that is well administered.

Two weeks ago, the Governor announced that he will assemble a panel that includes education experts and members of the legislature to identify flaws in Common Core’s rollout and take corrective action by the end of this session.

The Governor believes there are two issues – common core and teacher evaluations – and they must be analyzed separately. It would be premature to consider any moratorium before the panel is allowed to do its work.

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Nadine Hunt-Robinson Selected to fill Benjamin Boykin’s Seat on the Common Council

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Nadine Hunt-Robinson, being congratulated by Councilman Dennis Krolian after her swearing in to Benjamin Boykin’s former Council seat. She will serve through 2014, and if she wishes to serve in 2015,(the last year in Mr. Boykin’s current term, she must run in a special election.

WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. By John F. Bailey. February 3, 2014:

Councilman John Kirkpatrick nominated Nadine Hunt-Robinson of Fisher Hill in White Plains to fill the Common Council seat vacated by Benjamin Boykin.

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Ms. Hunt-Robinson coming up to be sworn in by Mayor Thomas Roach Monday night.

Ms. Hunt-Robinson was approved by the Council and will fill the seat until a special election can be held.

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Ms. Hunt-Robinson, with her husband, being sworn in by Mayor Thomas Roach

According to Liz Shollenberger. Chair of the White Plains Democratic City Committee, Ms. Hunt-Robinson grew up in Mount Vernon, graduated from Villanova Law School in Philadelphia, and is employed by Zurich American Insurance Company, specializing as an Environmental Team Manager who handles remediation of toxic and environment-damaging incidents and disasters.

She is active in the Big Brother Big Sister program, and a Board member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Ms. Hunt-Robinson, speaking to WPCNR this evening said “I’m very honored  to have the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens.”

She said her main objective on the council would be “to preserve our city for the next generation and leave a legacy, preserve the character of the city.”

She described herself as “I’m a very open person” who analyzes and examines the issues.

Asked whether she sought the nomination, or was approached she explained she was definitely approached by the Ministers Fellowship Council of White Plains, an organization of ministers of the city who asked her to accept the position replacing Mr. Boykin if offered.

She said she was interviewed by all of the White Plains Councilmembers who tonight voted her in to fill Mr. Boykin’s shoes.

She described her present position with Zurich American Insurance as  handling claims from clients faced with traumatic environmental emergencies , liaisoning  and aiding them in putting together the services needed to  get the client functioning normally again.

Ms. Hunt-Robinson has two decades of experience in the insurance business, joining Zurich in 2005. She was appointed Assistant Director of Environmental Claims in 2008. She was inducted into the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel in 2010.

Mr. Boykin, her predecessor on the Council was elected to County Legislator of District 5, in November of 2013, replacing William Ryan, creating a vacancy on the Council. The Charter provides the Common Council may choose an interim appointee to the seat who is subject to run in a special election the following fall, to win the seat for the 2015 year of Mr, Boykin’s unexpired term.

The  White Plains Common Council is now made up of three men (John Martin, John Kirkpatrick, and Dennis Krolian) and three women, (Milagros Leocuona, Ms. Hunt-Robinson, and Beth Smayda)  and the Mayor, Thomas R. Roach

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$851 Million in Medicaid Fraud Recovered in 2013

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Governor’s Press Office.(EDITED) February 3, 2014:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the largest single year of recoveries of taxpayer dollars in the history of the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG). Preliminary calculations show the administration recovered more $851 Million in 2013 alone.

For example, OMIG audited Abbott House in Irvington, Westchester County, to check compliance with Medicaid regulations regarding outpatient services. These services are furnished at clinic and day treatment facilities and through home- and community-based federal waiver programs. The audit found information was missing from Medicaid consumer records needed to support reimbursement for service.

Auditors discovered that critical components of consumer records were absent, so they could not confirm whether a consumer had responded to treatment, or whether the treatment had been delivered in the first place. Additionally, Abbott House billed for more days of service than were documented, as well as for services when there was not a required residential habilitation plan. OMIG recovered the full amount – more than $254,000 – from this provider.

Some notable actions in 2013 included:
· Cracking Down on Ineligible Individuals – OMIG investigated a ring of ineligible individuals who had been fraudulently enrolled in the Medicaid program in Brooklyn, New York. In these cases, members of an exclusive gated beachfront community had fabricated information on their Medicaid applications in order to bypass eligibility limits. One notable case included an individual who vacationed in Las Vegas and drove a Porsche, Aston-Martin, and a BMW. This work lead to six prosecutions by the Brooklyn District Attorney for welfare fraud, grand larceny, and offering a false instrument for filing.

· Recovering Home Health Payments – OMIG reconciled Medicare and Medicaid payments for dual-eligible Medicaid consumers. When Medicaid consumers are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, home health care providers should first bill Medicare, and then bill Medicaid for whatever portion of the bill Medicare does not pay. OMIG’s work to review statewide home health payments identified instances where the Medicare program should have paid but did not. This work identified $496 million in inappropriate Medicaid billings. OMIG recovered $211 million in New York State’s share for taxpayers during 2013.·

New Yorkers can assist the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse by reporting potentially suspicious behavior or incidents. OMIG encourages anyone who observes instances of potential Medicaid fraud, waste, or abuse to contact OMIG’s fraud hotline at 1-877-87-FRAUD or visit the Web site at www.omig.ny.gov. Tips can be completely anonymous, and OMIG investigates information from all calls.New Yorkers can assist the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse by reporting potentially suspicious behavior or incidents. OMIG encourages anyone who observes instances of potential Medicaid fraud, waste, or abuse to contact OMIG’s fraud hotline at 1-877-87-FRAUD or visit the Web site at www.omig.ny.gov. Tips can be completely anonymous, and OMIG investigates information from all calls.

 

Th $851 Million brings the three-year total under Governor Cuomo to more than $1.73 billion recovered from Medicaid providers who inappropriately billed Medicaid and individuals who received services to which they were not entitled. This is a 34 percent increase over the previous three years. OMIG’s recoveries are the highest on record for any state Medicaid program integrity unit.

“With more than $851 million recovered from Medicaid abuses in 2013 alone – the most in the State’s history – New York is truly leading the nation in fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our focus on cleaning up the Medicaid program is showing record-breaking results, and OMIG’s efforts serve as a role model for other states to follow. Eliminating this kind of waste is vital to transforming New York’s healthcare system, and this year’s tremendous amount of recoveries shows that we are well on our way to building a healthier and fairer New York.”

“Fighting Medicaid fraud is a cornerstone of our efforts, and anyone who steals from Medicaid should know that we will find them. OMIG is proud of this record result,” said Medicaid Inspector General James C. Cox. “This is an extraordinary accomplishment, and an historical achievement. Through dedication and perseverance, our staff not only met but exceeded all expectations in recoveries for the year. Governor Cuomo’s support was crucial to our efforts.”

These results reflect the administration’s focus on eliminating or preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, particularly in the Medicaid program. OMIG has worked to eliminate fraud through aggressive responses to allegations of fraud in social adult day care, excluding unscrupulous providers, and focusing on ineligible individuals. Among the improvements in fraud and abuse prevention established under the Cuomo administration are the creation of pre-claim reviews – specialized reviews of home health claims and inventory reports – improved practices for reviewing pharmacy operations, and strong data sharing and coordination with federal, state, and local partners.

 

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