News

Michelle Spanier Earns Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional Credential

October 15, 2026

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.

The Infrastructure Advantage

October 8, 2026

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 to Action: From Data to Prevention

August 26, 2026

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.

Medicaid Utilization Review

July 22, 2026

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.

Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, featured in a KFMC blog post about external peer review and better care

From Peer Review to Better Care

July 8, 2026

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.

Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, featured in a KFMC blog post about external review after an insurance denial

What Happens After Your Insurance Denies a Claim? Understanding Your Right to an External Review

June 24, 2026

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.

Tammy Elliott, RN, featured in a KFMC blog post about designing care around real people

Too Many Clicks: Designing Care Around Real People

June 17, 2026

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.

Michelle Spanier, RHIT, CCS, CCEP, featured in a KFMC blog post about compliance partners for small hospitals

Small Hospitals Do Not Need Bigger Compliance Teams. They Need Trusted Partners.

June 3, 2026

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, featured in a KFMC blog post about her path from hospital care to statewide impact

From Hospital Hallways to Statewide Impact

May 27, 2026

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.