June 04, 2010 03:12am EST 

There are 200 Illinois hospitals and health systems that have an advantage in fulfilling their missions as a member of the Illinois Hospital Association. The Illinois Hospital Association (IHA), formed in 1923, has been strengthening and uniting hospitals in Illinois through raising the quality and affordability of health care in the state of Illinois. Ranging from teaching hospitals, community hospitals, rural facilities, and specialty institutions, the members of the IHA experience advocacy and support for their service to Illinoisans and their communities. In an effort to provide high-quality, affordable health care, the IHA strives to ensure adequate resources for the Illinois health care delivery system. Through their values of excellence, respect, unity, ethical practice, and stewardship, the IHA continues to exceed even their members’ expectations by providing programs and services that respond to member needs.
Advocating in Washington is one example of the IHA’s commitment to better health care. In 2008, the IHA, working closely with the American Hospital Association and the Illinois Congressional Delegation, fought for the interests and issues of Illinois hospitals and health systems. Through letters, meetings, alerts, calls and visits the IHA encouraged the passing of the Medicaid moratorium that prevented harmful Medicaid regulations and blocked the President’s proposed Medicare and Medicaid cuts in the congressional budget resolution. They also fought changes in the new IRS Form, leading to a substantially improved form that included a one-year filing delay and a more liberal community benefit definition.
In the future, the IHA aims to help their members prepare to survive and thrive with the many inevitable changes that hey will experience. Their strategic planning committee specializes in identifying trends and developing goals, strategies and action plans for the future years. For example, on December 3, 2009, the IHA is hosting a webinar aimed at department managers, division directors, clinicians, and chiefs of service named “Business Decision Making for Clinicians.” The program aims to provide clinicians with the tools they need to develop the business side of any venture, providing them with the ability to prepare estimates and costs, understand marginal financial analysis, and develop a business proposal for the ventures.

You can register for the webinar by logging on to the IHA website.