12 Good Medicine Winter 2016 13

Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing

Bend without breakingExperts at Turning Point teach the art and science of resilience

Reducing the burden of medical expensesEvery day in hospitals and clinics across the U.S., Cardon Outreach helps uninsured and underinsured patients reduce the burden of medical expenses – and helps reduce the cost of uncompensated care for healthcare providers.

At The University of Kansas Hospital, 12 Cardon Outreach team members are officed on site to gather information right at the bedside. They quickly screen self-pay patients to determine

eligibility for government programs or philanthropic funding that may cover care expenses. When beneficial information is missing, field advocates follow up in patients’ homes after discharge – a service that differentiates the company from others.

Team members also work with patients whose disability claims for medical expenses have been denied. They investigate the claims to help

patients navigate the often complex process of getting these claims accepted and paid.

“The work we do not only impacts the hospitals, but benefits the patients we serve through our advocacy efforts,” said Erin Keene, regional vice president for the Cardon Outreach office in Overland Park, Kansas. “On a daily basis, we strive to provide our services to the community with compassion and care.”

The company offers healthcare providers other revenue cycle management services as well. Handling billions of dollars in patient billings annually, Cardon Outreach is one of the largest national providers in the industry. Nearly 1,200 employees in 43 states assist patients in more than 650 hospitals and affiliated clinics.

Cardon Outreach also impacts the communities it serves through philanthropy. “Our organization was honored to support cancer patient care as a title sponsor of The University of Kansas Hospital’s annual Treads & Threads,” Keene said. “The work being done by the hospital and The University of Kansas Cancer Center is not only important, it’s an inspiration to other healthcare organizations.” n

spotlightCorporate

Erin Keene,Regional Vice President

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Why I giveEstate plan includes cancer patient assistance “My husband and I don’t have children, so in our will, we named philanthropies and causes that are important to us. William is a retired evolutionary biology professor from the University of Kansas; I’m a retired nurse – also a cancer survivor and currently in a clinical trial. We included the Oncology Patient Assistance Fund in our estate plans because The University of Kansas Cancer Center and The University of Kansas Hospital have played a big role in me being around to enjoy life.”

– Carol Bloom, Lawrence, Kansas

Prostate cancer survivor gives back“Why do I donate to The University of Kansas Cancer Center? Because the people there made it possible for me to still be here. I was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer, with a Gleason score of 10, which is the worst; the survival rate is about 20 percent. But here I am, more than two years after I finished my last radiation treatment. The care I received – and still receive – has been exceptional.”

– Mitch Borata, Leawood, Kansas

L ife’s storms throw everyone off kilter from time to time. Some people are flexible and can sway in the wind, standing upright again when the sun shines. But others are unable to

bend and stay rigid, more likely to snap under pressure. The experience changes both types of people, but who will be

better off?The concept of resilience – the ability to bounce back after

a stressful event – intrigued Moira Mulhern as she pursued a doctorate in community health psychology at the University of Missouri – Kansas City. The topic had been investigated from more narrow perspectives, such as optimism or emotional

intelligence. But at the time, most assumed people either were born resilient or weren’t.

“My research led me to believe resilience is not one simple characteristic,” said Mulhern. “Instead, resilience is a collection of facets or dimensions that determine our ability to manage life’s challenges constructively.”

The art of resilience, she found, is actually a science that can be taught.

Learning to weather the stormThe idea of teaching resilience led to the creation of Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing, where Mulhern now serves as executive director. Since facing serious or chronic illness is one of life’s most anxiety-ridden storms, the center focuses on helping people in that situation as well as their families and friends.

A team of experts designs, develops and delivers classes, resources and programs each with the goal of increasing resilience while reducing both anxiety and depression. Topics range from meditation to nutrition and from pain management to body movement. Programs specifically for children and teens are also offered.

Since joining with The University of Kansas Hospital in 2012, the center has grown from serving 5,455 participants a year to 11,788. No matter where they are treated, resources are available to everyone at no charge.

For Pam Westhoff, who has a blood disorder, the education and encouragement she has received at Turning Point has been crucial. “It’s such a positive, reinforcing place to be,” she said. “I’ve gained so much knowledge, information and hope. As a result, I can do more for myself.” n

10 Facets of Resilience Ability to calm yourself

Ability to care for yourself

Ability to express emotions

Ability to replenish yourself

Ability to support yourself without judgment

Sense of coherence

Sense of hardiness

Sense of hope

Sense of optimism

Social support

A program of

Turning Point programs empower and transform the mind, body and spirit of individuals and families living with serious and chronic physical illnesses. To learn how Turning Point can make a difference for you or a loved one, visit turningpointkc.org or call 913-574-0900.

Moira Mulhern

To learn more about the 10 Facets of Resilience or the four skills needed to learn resilience, visit turningpointkc.org.