Services

At Vermont Healthcare Consulting, we empower businesses with innovative solutions that drive growth and success. Our commitment to excellence, strategy, and innovation has made us a trusted partner for companies looking to stay ahead in a fast-evolving market.

Strategic Planning

📌 Strategic Planning FAQ

Helping mission-driven organizations move from reactive to resilient.

What is strategic planning

Strategic planning is the process of setting long-term goals, defining your organization’s direction, and aligning resources to achieve your mission. It helps you make informed decisions, respond to change, and stay focused on what matters most.

Why does my healthcare or human service organization need a strategic plan

If you’re facing workforce challenges, funding uncertainty, shifting regulations, or operational inefficiencies, a strategic plan helps you prioritize efforts and allocate resources more effectively. It’s not just a document—it’s a roadmap for sustainable impact.

What’s included in VHC’s strategic planning process

Our strategic planning engagements typically include:
– Environmental and operational assessment
– Stakeholder interviews and engagement
– SWOT or SOAR analysis
– Goal and priority setting
– Measurable outcomes and KPIs
– Implementation roadmap
– Optional support for board alignment and plan roll-out

How long does a strategic planning process take

It depends on your organization’s size and scope. Most projects take 2 to 4 months from kickoff to final deliverables. We offer both accelerated and phased approaches depending on your needs.

Who should be involved in the planning process

We recommend including:
– Executive leadership
– Key program or clinical leads
– Frontline staff (where appropriate)
– Board members
– Community or client voice (for mission-aligned input)
We’ll guide you through stakeholder mapping and engagement.

Can you help us implement the strategic plan too

Yes. Vermont Healthcare Consulting offers post-plan implementation support including project management, data tracking, grant alignment, and operational improvements. Strategy is only effective when it leads to action.

Do you offer facilitation for board retreats or strategy sessions

Absolutely. We offer on-site and virtual facilitation for board retreats, strategy sessions, and leadership off-sites. We tailor agendas to help you gain clarity, build consensus, and move from planning to execution.

What’s the cost of a strategic planning engagement

We offer tiered pricing based on organization size and scope. Projects typically range from $5,000 to $25,000. We also provide custom proposals and phased packages to align with grant timelines or budget cycles.

Is funding available to support this work

Yes—strategic planning is often an allowable cost under state and federal grants, including HRSA, SAMHSA, and ARPA programs. We can help you align your scope with grant priorities or write in planning costs into proposals.

What makes Vermont Healthcare Consulting different

We combine:
Local insight rooted in Vermont’s systems
– A scalable team of 100+ experts
– Deep experience across healthcare, government, and nonprofits
– A practical, systems-based approach focused on long-term results
We don’t deliver static plans—we build actionable strategies that evolve with you.

Regulatory Compliance

📌 Regulatory Compliance FAQ

Helping healthcare organizations stay compliant, confident, and audit-ready.

What is regulatory compliance in healthcare

Regulatory compliance in healthcare means following all laws, rules, and standards that apply to your organization—whether federal (like HIPAA or CMS), state (like Medicaid or licensure rules), or accrediting bodies (like NCQA or Joint Commission).

Why is compliance so important for my organization

Noncompliance can lead to financial penalties, funding loss, reputational damage, and even license suspension. Staying compliant helps protect your patients, staff, and mission—and keeps your operations running smoothly.

What types of organizations does VHC support with compliance

We work with:
– Hospitals and health systems
– FQHCs and rural health clinics
– Behavioral health providers
– Community nonprofits
– Long-term care facilities
– Private practices
– Government-funded programs and grant recipients

What areas of compliance does VHC support

Our compliance support includes:
– HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and patient privacy
– Medicaid and Medicare program requirements
– State licensure and certification
– HRSA, SAMHSA, and other grant-specific rules
– Quality and reporting requirements (e.g., UDS, HEDIS)
– Policy and procedure development
– Internal audits and mock surveys
– Corrective action plans (CAPs)

How do I know if we’re out of compliance

Warning signs include:
– Outdated or missing policies
– Staff unsure of regulatory requirements
– Failed audits or corrective notices
– Inconsistent documentation or billing practices
– Rapid program growth without oversight systems
We offer gap assessments to identify risks before they become liabilities.

What happens during a compliance engagement with VHC

We typically begin with a customized compliance assessment, followed by:
– A summary of risks and regulatory gaps
– Prioritized recommendations
– Policy updates and compliance calendar
– Optional staff training and mock audits
– Ongoing monitoring or retainer services (if desired)

Do you help prepare for state site visits or grant audits

Yes! We help organizations prepare for:
– Vermont Medicaid site reviews
– HRSA Operational Site Visits (OSVs)
– Federal grant audits (e.g., ARPA, SAMHSA, HRSA)
– Accreditation surveys (Joint Commission, NCQA)
We can support document readiness, interview prep, and staff training.

Can you help us respond to a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

Absolutely. We’ll help analyze the findings, prioritize responses, update documentation, and create a realistic action plan that meets regulator expectations. We also offer follow-up support to ensure changes stick.

Do you offer compliance training for staff

Yes. We offer live and virtual training tailored to your team’s role—covering HIPAA, documentation, confidentiality, grant requirements, and more. We can also build a custom annual training calendar.

What makes VHC’s compliance support different

We understand the Vermont landscape, but we also bring national standards and grant experience. Our approach is:
– Practical and collaborative
– Scaled to your size and risk level
– Focused on sustainability, not just one-time fixes
We don’t just tell you what’s wrong—we help you fix it and build a stronger system for the future.

Team Development & Project Management

📌 Team Development & Project Management FAQ

Empowering healthcare teams and delivering strategic projects with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

Why is team development important in healthcare and human services

In mission-driven environments, your people are your most valuable resource. Team development helps improve communication, leadership, and collaboration—reducing burnout and turnover while aligning your workforce with your organizational goals.

What kinds of team development services does VHC offer

We offer:
– Team-based assessments (e.g., DISC, StrengthsFinder, burnout risk)
– Strategic leadership coaching
– Facilitation of retreats and strategy sessions
– Staff training in change management, communication, and accountability
– Culture-building and engagement planning
– Role clarity and performance improvement planning

Can you help us with workforce challenges like turnover or burnout

Yes. We help clients identify root causes of workforce instability and build strategies to address:
– Burnout and morale issues
– Ineffective communication
– Lack of structure or clear goals
– Disconnected leadership or siloed departments
We can also support the rollout of wellness and retention initiatives.

What makes your approach to team development different

We take a practical, systems-based approach—grounded in healthcare realities. We align people strategy with operational goals, focusing on sustainability, not surface-level fixes. Our facilitation style is engaging, inclusive, and outcomes-driven.

What is project management consulting, and why would we need it

Project management consulting helps organizations successfully design, implement, and complete complex initiatives—on time, on budget, and with stakeholder buy-in. This is critical for grants, new programs, EHR implementations, or strategic change initiatives.

What kinds of projects does VHC manage

We manage and support:
– New service or program launches
– Grant-funded project implementation (HRSA, SAMHSA, ARPA, etc.)
– Operational transformation initiatives
– Technology integration and EHR projects
– Cross-departmental process improvement efforts
– Pilot programs or statewide models

What does your project management support include

Depending on the scope, our support can include:
– Workplan development and timeline tracking
– Stakeholder coordination
– Budget alignment and resource planning
– Meeting facilitation and communication plans
– Outcome and milestone tracking
– Risk mitigation and problem solving
We can manage the entire project or support your internal lead.

Do you offer tools or templates for internal project teams

Yes. We provide customized project dashboards, templates, and SOPs so your team can confidently manage timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables—even after our engagement ends.

Can we combine project management and team development

Absolutely. Many of our clients use our services to launch a major initiative while also building team capacity to carry the work forward. We believe transformation is strongest when systems and people evolve together.

How do we get started

We start with a brief discovery call to understand your needs. From there, we create a customized scope—whether you need short-term support or long-term partnership. Our goal is to leave your team stronger, clearer, and more confident.

Financial Management & Grant Support

📌 Financial Management & Grant Support FAQ

Helping healthcare organizations build financial strength, manage grants, and invest in what matters most.

What is financial management consulting

Financial management consulting involves helping organizations strengthen their budgeting, forecasting, financial oversight, and sustainability. We help leaders make data-informed decisions that align with their mission and long-term goals.

What kinds of financial services does VHC offer

Our services include:
– Budget development and financial forecasting
– Cash flow planning and sustainability modeling
– Financial performance analysis
– Internal controls and fiscal policies
– Interim financial leadership or coaching
– Aligning finances with strategic plans or grant requirements

Can you help us with financial turnaround or restructuring

Yes. We’ve helped organizations facing deficits or instability develop clear recovery plans. This may include restructuring budgets, renegotiating contracts, analyzing service line performance, and building better financial systems and oversight.

Do you help with grant budgeting and reporting

Absolutely. We support clients with:
– Pre-award grant budgeting
– Post-award budget management
– Grant financial tracking and documentation
– Preparing for site visits and financial audits
– Aligning spending with allowable cost requirements
– Communicating with funders and managing reimbursements

What types of grants does VHC support

We work with a wide range of funding streams, including:
– HRSA, SAMHSA, ARPA, and BIL grants
– State-funded healthcare initiatives
– Foundation and philanthropic grants
– Medicaid transformation programs
– Behavioral health and SUD service expansion funds

Can you help us get reimbursed properly and on time

Yes. We help clients build systems to track expenses in real time, submit claims or reimbursement reports accurately, and stay ahead of funder deadlines. We can also assist with setting up cost allocation plans and documenting match requirements.

Do you provide grant writing or just post-award support

We do both. Our team can help you write or review proposals, align scopes with funder priorities, and build grant budgets that support long-term success. Once awarded, we offer full post-award fiscal and operational support to help you stay compliant and deliver results.

How do we know if we’re managing our grants effectively

Signs of effective grant management include:
– Timely spending and reimbursement
– Strong documentation and audit readiness
– Clear alignment between program goals and spending
– Cross-departmental collaboration
We offer grant management assessments and improvement plans.

What makes VHC different from other financial consultants

We combine technical financial skills with deep experience in healthcare and nonprofit systems. We understand the real-world constraints organizations face—and we build practical, mission-aligned solutions that empower your team, not overwhelm them.

How do we get started

We offer a free consultation to learn about your financial or grant-related goals. From there, we’ll create a tailored support plan—whether you need short-term help or a long-term partner to strengthen your financial future.

Operational Efficiency & Technology Integration

📌 Operational Efficiency & Technology Integration FAQ

Helping mission-driven organizations streamline workflows, improve systems, and unlock the power of technology.

What is operational efficiency in healthcare and human services

Operational efficiency means delivering services in a way that maximizes resources, minimizes waste, and improves quality and outcomes. It’s about simplifying processes, reducing duplication, and ensuring your team can do their best work without unnecessary barriers.

How can Vermont Healthcare Consulting help improve our operations

We help you identify inefficiencies, gaps, and bottlenecks—then design solutions. Our services include:
– Workflow mapping and process redesign
– Cross-functional team alignment
– Service line optimization
– Policy and procedure updates
– Change management and implementation support

What are common signs our operations need improvement

Signs include:
– Frequent errors or delays
– Staff burnout and high turnover
– Confusion around roles or handoffs
– Patient/client dissatisfaction
– Inconsistent documentation or reporting
We offer operational assessments to uncover root causes and build improvement plans.

What does technology integration mean

Technology integration means selecting, implementing, and optimizing tech tools to support your operations and goals. This includes EHRs, case management systems, telehealth platforms, and other digital tools that increase access, coordination, and efficiency.

Can you help us choose or implement new technology

Yes. We provide technology support including:
– Needs assessment and vendor selection
– Implementation project management
– Workflow integration and staff training
– Evaluation of current systems and upgrades
– Ongoing change management and adoption planning

What types of systems do you work with

We are platform-agnostic and have supported organizations with:
– Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
– Practice management and billing systems
– Telehealth platforms
– Referral and case management systems
– Grant reporting and compliance software
– Custom or open-source tools

Our current system is clunky. Can you help us optimize what we already have

Absolutely. We don’t always recommend buying new systems. Often, improvements come from better training, updated workflows, or integrating features you already pay for. We can help you get more value from your current tools.

How do you balance tech integration with staff capacity

We know that new tools can add stress. That’s why we prioritize user experience, phased rollouts, and clear training. Our approach is always grounded in your staff’s real-world workflow—not just what looks good on paper.

What makes VHC’s approach different

We understand both operations and technology—so we bridge the gap between strategy and implementation. Our process is people-centered, locally informed, and focused on long-term sustainability. We’re not here to sell software—we’re here to make systems work for you.

How do we get started

We start with a discovery call and a quick scan of your current systems and operations. From there, we offer tailored options—from one-time assessments to full project leadership—to meet your needs and budget.

“In just six months, Jen turned around one of our most challenging locations—stabilizing operations, rebuilding morale, and mentoring a new manager who still leads the site today. Her leadership made a lasting impact on our staff, business, and patient care.”

Tim Dodd
Division Director, Lincare VT/NH

“Jennifer Mayhew was an invaluable addition to our School-based Health Centers leadership team in 2017.   As a consultant she integrated herself over five months with our team of nurse practitioners to best understand their work and their needs, to revamp the policy and procedure manual for our network of 13 health centers serving more than 7,000 students in Title One schools. Her work helped us to streamline our protocols and usability, and our training platform for all staff.   Ultimately her work was pivotal in helping the organization take the next step to forward in growth and impact.”

Julie Cousler Emig
Executive Director, Education Plus Health

“Jennifer had a significant impact on Serve City’s grant operations—standardizing processes and securing the most grant funding in our 20-year history. She brought structure, expertise, and was always willing to roll up her sleeves to support the mission.”

Larry D. Wallace
Chair, Board of Directors, Serve City

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