BUSINESS OPERATIONS SERVICES

Due mainly to decreased state funding and no cost of living increases for years, executive staff was required during FY 2002 to reduce the budget deficit by more than $4.4 million or 11 percent. This exceptional accomplishment was achieved through cuts in expenses in all service units, as well as a strong emphasis being placed on increasing revenue.

Emergency response plans were coordinated throughout the Health Department in the event of a biological terrorist incident impacting DuPage County. Plans were coordinated with the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management. Staff communications, the distribution of medications, employee training and scheduling are included, as well as facilities preparation. A new Internet-based disease tracking system called Pro-Net was launched for faster tracking and response to diseases. The Health Department is participating in an international and national emergency response exercise in May.

Staff is responding to the federally mandated requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It is estimated that HIPAA will require nearly $1 million in staff time and resources to comply with this unfunded mandate.

The Health Department-owned CMHC System, a department-wide client billing, scheduling and information system, was utilized for the successful implementation of the new Medicare billing module. The intent is to significantly increase billing revenue from clients in Mental Health Services, as well as other service units.

Communications with the media and public increased dramatically on a wide range of topics, as well as promoting proactive, positive programs in all service units.

Responding to the need for ongoing evaluation of public health programs, and to the administrative mandate set forth by the state, the Office of Planning and Evaluation developed and facilitated a department-wide process for assessing and monitoring program results. Fifty-six program description reports were prepared documenting program objectives, activities and outcomes.

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