Medicare Advantage Urged to Relax

Ranked among the top 150 “Health Care CFOs to Know” in 2014, Paul Generale works for Christus Health, an international, not-for-profit health system based near Dallas. Paul Generale’s responsibilities at Christus Health include post-acute and ambulatory services.

Estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) show that 25 percent of Americans grapple with multiple chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes. The figure rises to 75 percent among people over age 65.

The ability to quickly transfer patients to appropriate levels of care and clinically appropriate settings is critical to ensure that they receive timely emergency care. Amid the COVID-19 infection rate surge, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in August called upon Medicare-Medicaid and Medicare Advantage organizations to either relax or waive some prior authorization requirements. All Medicare-Medicaid and Medicare Advantage organizations have been reminded that they are free to waive these requirements whenever the situation demands such action.

Christus Health is Rising to the Covid-19

The Becker’s Hospital Review has recognized Paul Generale as one of the top 150 health system CFOs. As Chief Strategy and Network Officer, Paul Generale leads the Christus Health response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2023, Christus Health is not only planning to move into an international headquarters in the Las Colinas area, Texas, but is adopting new technology amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. For example, they are drastically expanding screening tools with an online Covid-19 screening tool. This nonprofit is also expanding to offer HIPAA-compliant secure video visits. The live video visits are available for Android, iPhone, and desktop computers.

During a video visit, if the primary care provider determines the need for an in-person consultation, medical evaluation, or blood work, they will arrange a referral with suitable instructions. The Christus Health telemedicine approach is useful in preventing coronavirus exposure and clinic overcrowding. The mission at Christus Health is to offer high quality care and improve health outcomes.

Christus Health is Looking into Future

Paul Generale has decades of healthcare leadership experience. He has been with Christus Health since 2002 and serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy, and Network Officer. As part of his work at Christus, Paul Generale leads business development and strategy.

A part of Christus Health’s growth strategy entails moving into a new international headquarters, expected to be commissioned in 2023. Christus Health has operated from a leased space in Irving, Texas, and the search for an alternative accommodation has been ongoing. A suitable location has been identified and the groundbreaking ceremony for the 456,000-square-foot space in Las Colinas, Texas, was held on June 3, 2020.

Earlier in 2020, Christus bought Central Texas Medical Center. This agreement transfers the prestigious AdventHealth’s San Marcos hospital to Christus Health. The 170-bed acquisition will expand the nonprofit’s hospital footprint. With hospitals in New Braunfels, San Antonio, San Marcos, and a new headquarters, Christus Health is now positioned to serve the rapidly growing communities across Central and South Texas.