Small Rural Hospital Improvement Grant Program (SHIP)

The overarching goal of the Kentucky Office of Rural Health (KORH) is to ensure that the Small Hospital Improvement Grant Program (SHIP) is implemented in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program grant funds are geared toward assisting small rural hospitals that are essential access points for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. FY12 SHIP funds will support activities related to quality improvement and investment towards meaningful use of health information technology. Hospitals will continue to participate in delivery system reforms outlined in the Affordable Care Act. The KORH, Kentucky Hospital Research and Education Foundation (KHA) and the Hospital Association Consortium of Kentucky will collaborate with the 39 small rural hospitals to ensure funds are used for: „h Value-based purchasing (VBP) to improve data collection activities. „h Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) focusing on improving quality outcomes. „h Payment Bundling to build accountability across the continuum of care. „h PPS- Maintain accurate PPS billing and coding.