Saint Alphonsus Making a Critical Difference For Seniors

  Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) continues to proactively negotiate with Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida Blue) in an effort to come to a resolution regarding contract terms with the insurance company. Following on-going financial challenges stemming from inflation and external economic factors, the system is seeking fair payment from the insurance company to cover the rising cost of patient care and preserve local access to doctors and vital services for families across Southwest Florida. Florida Blue is the third most profitable Blue Cross program in the nation yet pays NCH a lower rate than other insurers that the community hospital is contracted with, meaning NCH is reimbursed less than other hospitals in the region for the exact same services, even though the cost to provide patient care is similar. NCH is asking Florida Blue to be accountable partners and pay fair rates that keep pace with inflation and prioritize the best interests of patients. If Florida Blue forces NCH out of network and refuses to pay our community hospital fairly, thousands of patients will be without access to local doctors and specialists, said Betsy Brothers, MD, NCH North Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Section Chair for OB/GYN. As the only birthing center in Collier County and the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in Southwest Florida, its critical that Florida Blue recognizes the role NCH plays in community health, and listens to the patients and their customers, who depend on us when they say they want and need to keep their doctors in-network. We hope Florida Blue recognizes that and does the right thing. NCH reached out to Florida Blue months ago to begin negotiations with the goal of coming to a resolution without having to cause concern for, or impact patients. Florida Blue took over three months to respond to NCHs initial proposal. Were disappointed Florida Blue has not shown they share our sense of urgency in reaching a resolution said Jon Kling, Chief Operating Officer for NCH. Were also disappointed they continue to prolong the negotiation and choose to prioritize profit over their members. Florida Blue reported over $14 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023 alone. We know the company can afford to pay our non-profit healthcare system fairly without passing costs to patients. For us, this is about ensuring the health of our organization so we can continue to serve our community and take care of people. If an agreement is not made by September 30, 2024, NCH will be considered out of network for individuals and families with Florida Blue insurance plans. During the negotiation, patients with Florida Blue insurance coverage should continue to access their NCH doctors and services as usual. Community members can learn more at www.standwithnch.com.

Naples, FL., March 21, 2024  NCH Rooney Heart Institute announces a groundbreaking procedure for patients with valvular heart disease. The operation performed by a highly specialized team led by Robert J. Cubeddu, MD, Harvard-trained interventional cardiologist and President of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, represents the first-ever transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement performed in the State of Florida and one of the first few in the country, after its recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Tricuspid valve disease is highly prevalent and affects thousands of Americans with heart disease. The condition typically manifests as a malfunctioning leaky valve that when severe, often results in congestive heart failure and is associated with poor prognosis. Until recently, treatment options for tricuspid valve disease have been limited to drugs aimed at providing symptom relief only. The introduction of a minimally invasive transcatheter approach to replace the tricuspid valve represents a major breakthrough for the thousands of patients affected by this adverse condition.The new tricuspid valve is known as the Evoque valve and is manufactured by Edwards Lifescience, Inc. The self-expanding valve prosthesis is engineered from bovine pericardial tissue and is effectively delivered through a catheter inserted in the groin and maneuvered antegrade into the heart across the venous circulation. Once in position, the valve is carefully deployed replacing the function of the damaged tricuspid valve. The procedure takes approximately two hours, and most patients recover quickly and are discharged home within two to three days.This major achievement represents not only an important milestone for our patients and our organization but underscores our overarching commitment to innovation and clinical excellence, said Dr. Cubeddu. As a center of excellence in valvular heart disease, we are most proud and committed in providing patients a breadth of innovative solutions with early access to breakthrough therapies. The Evoque system is no different and will enable us to evaluate and treat for many more patients with valvular heart disease.Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) remains at the forefront of cardiac care through innovation and research, continuously striving to provide patients with access to the latest advancements. The successful completion of the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement in Florida further solidifies NCHs position as a leader in cardiovascular care nationwide.NCH is one of Americas 100 Best Hospitals for the third year in a row according to Healthgrades. This achievement puts NCH in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance along with being named one of Americas Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care in 2024.For more information about transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement and other cardiovascular services offered at NCH Rooney Heart Institute, please visit www.nchmd.org.

NCHs downtown Baker Hospital will host a new 189,000-square-foot heart center, approved by the city council after nearly three years of discussions. Plans involve replacing the Telford Building at NCH Baker Hospital to expand cardiac care services in Southwest Florida. Concerns about the facilitys height and parking garage were addressed, with NCH agreeing to lower the garage by 10 feet. Despite initial skepticism, residents like Joe Frick believe the institute will be crucial for saving lives in the thriving community. NCH's CEO Paul Hiltz said the organization needed the space to keep up with the growth of Collier County and a facility upgrade to keep attracting top doctors to save lives."Stroke and heart attack continue to be the number 1 cause of death in the United States," Hiltz said. "This area, because of an older population, is in even more need of heart and stroke care." The money for the facility has been fundraised by the health care system. Hospital leaders are currently working to secure final funding, aiming to open the new cardiac center by 2026.