WCHS Receives 5,000,000 in Network Cutover Reimbursement

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) has negotiated and justified an over 5-million-dollar reimbursement from Indian Health Service (IHS) for the transitioning of their information technology network and systems earlier this year. During the network cutover, the Health System rebuilt their entire network infrastructure from scratch to become independent from the Indian Health Services’ D1 network. 

The expansive cost of rebuilding a health facility’s IT network and infrastructure is what holds many native health facilities back from self-governance. WCHS is only one of a handful of native facilities who’ve managed this transition, forging the path for others who may want to follow. 

“This transition was a significant investment and undertaking for WCHS, the new network has already begun to enhance collaboration throughout our organization and has allowed us to work toward improvements we couldn’t even dream about before.” Monti Molzen, WCHS Information Technology Manager, explains.  

The new network allows the organization to manage all network servers, switches, internet, security, and phone systems enabling WCHS to prevent outages that could impact patient experience. Since the network cutover, there have been no phone outages, a feat WCHS and its patients could not go 30-days without experiencing prior. Round-the-clock phone services, stable internet connections, reliable servers' storage, and trusted cyber security practices are crucial for emergency services and healthcare facility operations and the patients they serve.   

“Earning reimbursements for the network cutover positively reinforces the strategic decisions we have made and enables us to continue moving in the best direction for our patients.” David Edwards, CEO of WCHS, expressed. “Our new network capabilities, enhanced bandwidth, functionality, reliability, and digital independence will help support us as we strive to lead the nation in indigenous healthcare.”  

WCHS’s actions of self-governance will greatly improve the quality of care received by the Winnebago community, while setting an example for more tribal health facilities to follow suit.