Bizzell Awarded $34m CMS Contract to Improve Quality of Healthcare Programs

September 30, 2019 (Lanham, MD)— The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), one of the fastest growing health services and strategic management consulting firms, was selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to lead the Data Validation and Administrative Contract (formerly known as the National Administrative Support). Bizzell will provide a broad range of healthcare quality improvement services involving support of the national data-driven initiatives to optimize health outcomes for persons and families while supporting clinicians, providers, and communities in improving health and healthcare of the population they serve.

Under the new contract, Bizzell will assume ownership of several task orders, providing support in data analytics, information technology, meeting planning, and communications. By assisting healthcare providers with quality improvement activities, Bizzell seeks to drive decreases in hospital admissions and readmissions, healthcare-associated infections (HAI), hospital-acquired conditions (HAC), adverse drug events (ADE), improvements in management of chronic diseases, and improvements in nursing home care quality.

“We are excited for the opportunity to continue working with CMS to build upon the foundation of the quality improvement programs and networks. We hope to help raise the standard of care administered across communities currently supported by CMS stakeholders”, says Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, President & CEO of The Bizzell Group.

CMS, through the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality’s (CCSQ) – Quality Improvement and Innovation Group (QIIG) has executed federally-mandated contracts to improve quality in a wide variety of settings through its Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) program and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network contracts. More recently, CMS has led quality improvement contracts with other organizations focused on specific networks of providers, including its Hospital Innovation and Improvement Networks (HIINs) and Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPi). Collectively, these organizations are accountable for providing technical assistance for quality improvement to healthcare delivery organizations including hospitals, nursing homes, primary and specialty care practices serving both large and small, rural and medically underserved communities. In achieving this work nationally, CMS has provided support to national contracts to facilitate achievement of the program aims.

About Bizzell

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting and technology firm that specializes in program management, administrative support, communication & outreach, conference management & logistical support, health services & research, technical assistance, as well as training & development. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environment, research, and information technology projects that meet national priorities.

Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA with ongoing projects across the world.

People First: Bringing Bizzell’s Values To Life

Lanham, MD—June 27, 2019 Dr. Nicole Crase is based out of the Lanham office but works remotely in Ohio, conducting 340B Program Audits. She is responsible for bridging resources between pharmacy practice and 340B Program integrity under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) contract. Dr. Crase’s responsibilities include leading all auditor training and education. This includes providing technical assistance to auditors and HRSA’s Office of Pharmacy Affairs. In addition, she provides pharmacy practice expertise in quality assurance review. She is a pharmacist by trade.

Q & A:

Bizzell tackles projects that impact public health issues locally/globally. How does your project/role align with this mission/strategy?

My responsibilities at Bizzell are focused on 340B Program Audits. The intent of the 340B Program is “to stretch scarce Federal resources as far as possible, reaching more patients and providing more comprehensive services.” This program is so important to the underserved population. Prior to coming to Bizzell in 2017, I focused 13 years helping to oversee the 340B Program, providing direct patient care for my underserved patients on a community health center level, opening an In-House Pharmacy and serving as a HRSA 340B Peer Mentor for 2 Leading Practice Sites. I gave 24 national presentations, 1 state presentation, and 3 collegiate presentations on topics of the 340B Program. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to continue my work with this program on the auditing side on behalf of HRSA. My role allows me the opportunity to not only see how the 340B Program is positively impacting the people in my own community but also around the country.

How do you demonstrate Bizzell’s core values inside/outside of the organizations? Within your respective community? Core Values: Excellence; Integrity; Innovation; People First/Professional Development/Diversity; Collaboration; Service?

I always try to exemplify Bizzell’s core values in everything that I do by striving for excellence and being a kind human. I think each day presents a new opportunity to strive to become a better person. My passion for healthcare has been exemplified in my medical mission work in Jamaica and Colombia as well as my medical contributions at the Ironman World Championships. At the Ironman World Championships this past October, I had the opportunity, along with another medical staffer, to take one of the top pro finishers from the medical tent out to the finish line to see his wife finish (who is also a pro athlete). Having once completed an Ironman 70.3 myself, being able to assist athletes and stand on that finish line on the world championship stage was an amazing moment for me as a pharmacist.

Another passion on mine is working with individuals with special needs. They bring so much joy to my life. I especially enjoy volunteering at an event each year called Night to Shine which is a prom night experience for these individuals. I also serve as a running guide at races for a wheelchair bound friend with muscular dystrophy. I’ve raced competitively since 2008 but racing to get another person to the finish line is so much more rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about working at Bizzell?

The work is interesting and challenging. Each day presents new opportunities for learning and I truly enjoy working with my team. I also appreciate the opportunity to work for a company that truly cares about making a difference.

Profound Quote from Dr. Crase:

“Each day is new and different, but you focus on your passion to serve your community and leave space for the unknown which allows for a great work/life blend.”

Dr. Anton Bizzell Joins U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to Combat Opioid Crisis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Bizzell Group Contact
Trevis Cage
Director of Communications
301-459-0100 ext. 130
www.thebizzellgroup.com

April 8, 2019 (Lanham, MD) – President and CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), Anton Bizzell, M.D., will partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for the launch of Sharing Solutions – a campaign and online resource designed to help local businesses combat the opioid crisis.

“We have heard from many small and midsize business owners struggling to find a way to address prescription drug misuse among their employees and families, said Carolyn Cawley, president of the Chamber Foundation. “Employer specific resources are thin, and they’re scattered. Our campaign collects and curates credible resources to help employers get what they need more quickly.”

Dr. Bizzell, a U.S. Chamber Foundation Fellow, will serve as the substance abuse expert, advising The Chamber Foundation’s campaign, which will include a tour of ten hard-hit cities, where workshops and community education will be provided. Dr. Bizzell will lead and moderate panel discussions with other business leaders, sharing innovative solutions to help employers address the opioid crisis through changes in business processes, employee engagement, core competencies, and community outreach.

“Businesses at the core of our communities can help solve this public health crisis – starting with our families and people in the workplace,” said Dr. Bizzell. “As a business owner, I am honored to be a part of this movement, saving lives and making resources accessible to the people who need them most.”

Dr. Bizzell has more than 20 years of combined clinical, research, health services, policy and management experience with various private and public organizations and agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Most of his career has been spent on public health issues related to access and quality of medical, substance abuse and behavioral health services. Dr. Bizzell founded Bizzell in order to continue to drive change and address public health issues.

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) strategic management and consulting firm that specializes in Program & Project Management, Administrative Support, Communication & Outreach, Conference Management & Logistical Support, Health Services & Research, Technical Assistance, as well as Training & Development. Bizzell is a partner of choice for federal, state and local government agencies and private organizations. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environment, research, and information technology projects that meet national priorities.

Under the leadership and vision of founder, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA with ongoing projects across the world.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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Download this press release here.

People First: How Bizzell is Cultivating the Next Generation of Health Professionals

Lanham, MD – February 28, 2019 – On Saturday, February 9th, Senior Associate for The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), Dr. Rhonda Waller, was invited to participate in the Spelman College Health Careers Program Mock Interview Day. The Mock Interview Day prepares Health Careers students for the types of interviews they will likely encounter during the application cycle for internships, and graduate and professional schools.

“My dedication to Spelman College is rooted in my service to the institution that changed the trajectory of my life,” said Dr. Waller, graduate of Spelman College. “As an interviewer, I was able to provide immediate and direct feedback to students and share with them the work we do at Bizzell.”

Dr. Waller is a Psychologist, Professor, and Maternal and Child Health Specialist with more than 30 years of professional experience in administration, project management, organizational development, technical assistance, policy analysis, and community outreach. Dr. Waller is highly-skilled in program design and implementation, coalition building, and the development of community-based strategies to improve access to health care and education. While at Bizzell, Dr. Waller has led projects for Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health and HIV/AIDS Technical Assistance Center (BH-HIVTAC) and SAMHSA’s Targeted Capacity Expansion: Medication Assisted Treatment – Prescription Drug and Opioid Addiction (MAT-PDOA) Policy Academy.

Bizzell’s commitment to professional development, diversity, and service translates outside of the traditional work space and into the community. “We owe it to the next generation of public health professionals to support them as they grow and to let them see how we implement innovation and excellence in the health services and research arenas,” Dr. Waller added. “Minorities are often underrepresented in health professions, so it’s important that we continue to engage with students at HBCUs like Spelman College and provide insight into career paths they may not have considered otherwise.”

Dr. Waller serves as the Corresponding Secretary for the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and is the proud mother of a current Spelmanite, Kai Adura Waller (C’2019).

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) strategic management and consulting firm that specializes in Program & Project Management, Administrative Support, Communication & Outreach, Conference Management & Logistical Support, Health Services & Research, Technical Assistance, as well as Training & Development. Bizzell is a partner of choice for federal, state and local government agencies and private organizations. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environment, research, and information technology projects that meet national priorities.

Under the leadership and vision of founder, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA with ongoing projects across the world.