FUHN leverages technology to boost results for clinics

FUHN leaders continually explore healthcare solutions that can add value to our member clinics, from improving operations to enhancing patient care. As part of this work, FUHN guided three of our member clinics to deploy Coronis Health's Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solution. The technology, along with the RCM expertise and innovation of the Coronis team, helps clinics transform and optimize efficiency across their revenue cycle and financial operations. Our clinics using Coronis have significantly improved metrics. FUHN was able to negotiate favorable rates and support this strategic collaboration. 

REVENUE ENHANCEMENT: From technology to VBC arrangements

One of FUHN's 2026 strategic priorities is "revenue enhancement" for our member clinics. FUHN leaders explore opportunities, whether through technology solutions like Coronis Health's RCM or through value-based care contracts, to increase revenue for our member clinics. We've arranged several value-based care contracts, including Wellvana for Medicare fee-for-service, an Integrated Health Partnership with the State of Minnesota for Medicaid, and others with managed care organizations such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. We're in ongoing conversations about other possible arrangements.

Indian Health Board shares culture and crafting for healing

Every week, the Indian Health Board team invites community members to participate in its Cultural Craft Group and its Drum & Dance Group at its 2020 Minnehaha Building. On Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, you'll see participants creating something new and learning as they go with the help of Dancina Warner, IHB's Cultural Navigator. On Thursdays from 6-8 pm, community members join the Drum & Dance Group and learn Powwow jammers with IHB's Drum Instructor Fredrick LoneEagle. In July, Dancina and Frederick helped community members finish their breastplates (see picture above).

Indigenous societies across the globe have long understood that visual arts, drumming, dance, storytelling, and crafting are inseparable from individual and community wellness, while Western medicine and psychology are only relatively recently quantifying the benefits of creative expression (see Why Art Is a Pillar of Health and How creative arts support mental health in daily life).

Soon, IHB will have a stunning new space for their cultural crafting and drumming! On September 22, IHB will be moving into its new Medical and Dental building at 2027 E. Franklin Ave. To learn more about the future Menaandawiwe Wellness Campus— Ojibwe for "a place where healing happens”—check out this Sahan Journal article, New Mpls. clinic will blend Indigenous, Western health care, or the Menaandawiwe Wellness Campus webpage.

FUHN, our member clinics, and partners benefit greatly from the deep experience Mark Sonneborn brings to the team

Mark Sonneborn is FUHN's Data Analytics Consultant. He is an innovative and results-driven senior healthcare leader with demonstrated success driving and managing statewide projects focused on cost reduction, payment reform, and improved service quality and patient experience. He brings significant experience and knowledge of public performance reporting, value-based payment reform, pay-for-performance programs, e-health, and other policy issues. Mark is advancing FUHN’s use of data and analytics to boost clinic services and reduce costs.

Mark has been leading the implementation of Azara in the clinics, in partnership with the clinics and the Azara Healthcare team. He researched the population health tool extensively, building off the recommendation of Isaac and Rhonda at CHSI.

Learn more about Mark's background and perspective in the FUHN blog, Reflections on “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System,” 25 years later–and implications for today.