KFMC Health Improvement Partners (KFMC) is proud to recognize United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties as the recipient of the 2026 Health Equity Innovation Award. The award honors organizations and individuals who develop and implement inventive strategies to reduce health disparities and advance equity in their communities.
KFMC Health Improvement Partners is pleased to recognize Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, director of review and corporate strategy and compliance officer, for earning the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional credential.
Organizations can expand their capacity by partnering with an experienced organization that already has federal contracting systems, financial processes, stakeholder relationships and health care expertise in place.
Maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge in Kansas and across the nation. A structured, multidisciplinary review of maternal deaths provides insight into what happened, why it happened and how communities can prevent future loss.
A utilization review request doesn’t mean something went wrong. Often, it’s part of routine oversight to ensure accurate coding, medical necessity, and responsible use of Medicaid resources. Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, explains what hospitals should expect and how collaboration can turn reviews into stronger processes.
External peer review is not about finding fault. Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, explains how independent review helps small and rural hospitals protect patients, support providers and turn complex cases into opportunities for better care.
An insurance denial does not always mean the final answer is no. Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, explains how external review gives patients access to an independent, evidence-based evaluation of certain denied claims.
Access is not just about having information available. Tammy Elliott, RN, shares why real health care improvement means designing systems that people can actually understand, navigate and use when they need help most.
Small and rural hospitals face growing compliance demands with limited staff, time and resources. Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, explains why trusted partners can help strengthen processes, support patient care and ease the burden without adding bigger internal teams.
Tammy Elliott, RN, reflects on her journey from 27 years in a critical access hospital to statewide quality improvement work with KFMC, carrying the lessons of rural health care into every project she supports.