At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Dietitian PRN position is responsible for functioning as an entry-level clinician for the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This position is responsible for implementing nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated. The Clinical Dietitian position functions as part of the interprofessional team to ensure quality...
At Houston Methodist, the Hyperbaric Technician position is responsible for administering hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to patients of the Wound Care Program, under the supervision of a hyperbaric physician. This position records data established by policy and procedure, and reports observations and patient problems to the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy-qualified Registered Nurse. The Hyperbaric Technician position, under the direction of a Hyperbaric Oxygen-qualified Registered Nurse, demonstrates highly competent knowledge necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated patient care tasks for assigned patient populations, providing high quality support of patient care and services. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions which support the...
At Houston Methodist, the Unit Administrative Assistant (UAA) position performs key functions that support the interprofessional team in delivering high quality, cost-effective care. This position assists with the process for transfers or transport for procedures and employs effective communication skills in all interactions and promotes excellent customer relations. The UAA position provides prompt and personalized service to all patients, responding to the nurse call system as appropriate, contacting nursing personnel, and follows through with meeting patient needs. This position oversees multiple priorities and uses organizational skills to maintain an orderly environment and maintains competency requirements for computer medical terminology and other job-related functions, while...
This posting covers multiple departments, multiple schedules, multiple shifts, and various managers. Qualified applicants will be interviewed for and considered for positions into units where their skills and interests are determined to be a best match.
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) II position is a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN II position provides professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducts nursing assessments, assists with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of...
At Houston Methodist, the System Process Engineer is a central member of the Process Engineering team and plays a key role with strategy deployment and other transformation efforts through the facilitation of Kaizen events, projects and workshops. This position serves as a role model by integrating customer service skills, leadership skills and communication skills when interfacing with both internal and external customers. The System Process Engineer will work in coordination with specific site leadership according to business needs and priorities, with a focus on organizational goals and targets around finance, access, quality, efficiency and other operational metrics. S/he will act as a change agent for the organization and facilitate improvement activities...
At Houston Methodist, the Sr. Internal Auditor is responsible for independently planning, coordinating, and executing reviews of processes or activities of Houston Methodist entities and identifying risks and controls in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. Evaluates risks in achieving organizational objectives including the adequacy of internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, adherence to policy and procedures, safeguarding of assets, and the accuracy of reported financial activities. Formulates value-added and cost-effective recommendations for improvements to mitigate risks for presentation to department leadership. Supports governance by proactively assuring the organization about the...
At Houston Methodist, the Special Procedures Technologist I position is responsible for a variety of routine special procedure exams as well as diagnostic radiology procedures to include X-ray and Fluoroscopy (to include support for OR cases) and Interventional Radiology procedures of moderate complexity utilizing digital radiography and fluoroscopy techniques. Special procedures are invasive and utilize the injection or infusion of contrast media into veins or arteries; therefore this position will assist with patient preparation before procedures and perform proper sterile techniques including assisting physicians during procedures. The Special Procedures Technologist I position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to radiation standards and guidelines established by governing...
At Houston Methodist, the Supervisor Public Safety/Security position is responsible for overseeing day-to-day Public Safety/Security department operations and emergent activities of staff that provide safety and security for staff, patients and visitors of Houston Methodist. This position supervises daily shift activities including reviewing staffing levels to ensure compliance with facilities coverage. In addition, the Supervisor, Public Safety/Security position serves as the next higher level of reporting for department customers, regularly inspects on-site and off-site posts and facilities, investigates incidents and/or customer complaints and compiles data for accurate reporting. This position is the subject matter expert for normal department operations, acts...
At Houston Methodist, the Research Patient Care Assistant (RPCA) supports research projects under the supervision of the Clinical Trials Manager which may include assisting with clinical research protocols, and gathering patient data via methods specified in the study protocol. The RPCA demonstrates the basic knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated nursing assistant-level tasks for assigned age-specific, diverse patient populations, assisting in the delivery of patient care and services under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
This position ensures accurate data collection, documentation, organization, and safety of study volunteers. This position will also approach...
At Houston Methodist, the Nurse Practitioner AC PRN position is responsible for functioning as a licensed registered nurse and care provider to provide all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment and consultation while maintaining and promoting the health of the patient. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and performs according to the nurse practice act of the State of Texas and as part of a treatment team. Role models compassionate communication with patients, physicians and the interprofessional health care team. The NP-AC PRN position provides education to patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. This position may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's healthcare provider, prescribing medications...
At Houston Methodist, the Research Coordinator position is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day activities of research protocols as well as assessing and determining qualification of patients for research studies. This position ensures accurate data collection, documentation, organization and safety of research participants.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Human Resources (HR) Generalist position is responsible for performing HR responsibilities at the subject matter expert level providing expertise and direct support to assigned business units/clients in functional areas such as employee relations consultation/conflict resolution, policy interpretation and application, management consultation, talent acquisition, workforce data analysis, performance appraisal training; applies an accurate working knowledge of benefit and compensation programs and processes. This role requires a high degree of emotional intelligence and critical thinking/decision making skills to work with all levels of management and staff in an effective and positive manner. The Senior HR Generalist must be able to rapidly shift from one...
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute The Surgical Planning Laboratory (SPL) at Houston Methodist Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated and qualified candidate for a Research Associate I position. This role requires expertise in one or more of the following areas: medical image analysis, computer vision, computational geometry, or artificial intelligence (AI), including deep learning. SPL is a clinically oriented computer science laboratory focused on the development of advanced tools for surgical planning. Our work involves...
At Houston Methodist, the Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (NP-AC) is responsible for functioning as a licensed registered nurse and care provider to provide all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment and consultation while maintaining and promoting the health of the patient. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and performs according to the nurse practice act of the State of Texas and as part of a treatment team. The NP-AC position role models compassionate communication with patients, physicians and the interprofessional health care team and provides education to patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. This position may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's healthcare provider, prescribing...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) II position a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN II position is responsible for providing professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. The RN II position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate, and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes. The RN...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) II position a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN II position is responsible for providing professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. The RN II position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate, and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes. The RN...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) II position a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN II position is responsible for providing professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. The RN II position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate, and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes. The RN...
At Houston Methodist, the Patient Care Assistant/Unit Administrative Assistant (PCA/UAA) position is responsible for performing key functions that support the interprofessional team in delivering high quality, cost-effective care. The PCA/UAA position demonstrates basic knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated nursing assistant level tasks for assigned patient populations, assisting in the delivery of patient care and services under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This position performs basic patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit-specific defined limits and job scope, such as assistance with patient elimination, hygiene, comfort, safety, nutrition, and progress activity and maintains competency requirements for computer...
At Houston Methodist, the Research Assistant I position is responsible for providing technical research support in performing research experiments. Work could be performed in either a laboratory or office environment. Under direct supervision of the
Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant I assists in the organization, tabulation and analysis of data. This position maintains records of data collected.
At Houston Methodist, the Operations Administrator (OA) position is responsible for providing operational oversight and leadership throughout the organization. This position is responsible for leadership in unforeseen situations, making timely decisions that directly impact patient care, fostering interdepartmental/interprofessional collaboration which reflect the mission and values of Houston Methodist. The OA position ensures timely and effective communication and provides clinical guidance in the management of patient care, staffing, and interpreting and implementing established policies and procedures. This position creates an environment for the management and delivery of safe patient care. The OA position demonstrates critical thinking through self-direction, initiative,...
At Houston Methodist, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) is responsible for functioning as a licensed registered nurse and care provider to provide all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment and consultation while maintaining and promoting the health of the patient. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and performs according to the nurse practice act of the State of Texas and as part of a treatment team. The NP position role models compassionate communication with patients, physicians and the interprofessional health care team and provides education to patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. This position may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's healthcare provider, prescribing medications as appropriate....
At Houston Methodist, the Revenue Cycle Analyst position is responsible for facilitating (gathering, trending, reporting, monitoring, analyzing) data and analytics and various data driven initiatives pertinent to the revenue cycle within the organization, acting as a bridge between the client, stakeholders and assigned team. The Revenue Cycle Analyst is assigned to projects of intermediate complexity and scope and is responsible for identifying the business needs of clients and stakeholders to optimize reimbursement. Duties involve producing, analyzing, validating and documenting business, organizational and/or operational requirements.
At Houston Methodist, the MRI Technologist I position is responsible for completing a variety of routine diagnostic MRI procedures to include exams of moderate complexity with progression towards exams of higher complexity. This position provides direct assistance to physicians with all diagnostic and special MRI procedures. The MRI Technologist I position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to MRI exam standards and guidelines established by governing agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Clinical Dietitian position is responsible for functioning as an experienced clinician at the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). In addition to fulfilling the duties of clinical dietitian, primary responsibilities for this position include application of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) including the completion of the nutrition assessment, determination of the nutrition diagnosis, developing and implementing nutrition intervention(s) and monitoring and evaluating of the patient's progress. The Senior Clinical Dietitian position serves as a preceptor for dietetic interns and mentors entry level clinicians, students, interns and other departmental employees, working closely with the interprofessional healthcare team to...
At Houston Methodist, the Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position completes a variety of routine diagnostic and vascular ultrasound procedures to include common and special ultrasound exams of moderate complexity. This position provides direct assistance to physicians with all diagnostic and special ultrasound/vascular procedures. The Ultrasound/Vascular Technologist I position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to ultrasound exam standards and guidelines established by governing agencies to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.
At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Dietitian position is responsible for functioning as an entry-level clinician for the requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). This position is responsible for implementing nutritional care according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) which includes, but not limited to, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition education, monitoring and reassessment of nutrition care plans, recommending consultation of adjunctive services (social services, speech pathology, immediate referral to RN re: pain assessment, etc.) as indicated, and termination of nutrition interventions as clinically indicated. The Clinical Dietitian position functions as part of the interprofessional team to ensure quality and...
At Houston Methodist, the Physical Therapist I (PT) position is responsible for assessing patients and developing the therapy plan of care. This position provides education to patients, patient's family members, and/or caregivers and collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals. As a member of the patient care team, the PT I position provides direct patient care and has responsibility to deliver exceptional patient care with adherence to safety standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Outpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to day surgery and observation encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Outpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to day surgery and observation encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines.
At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Documentation Specialist is responsible for improving the overall quality and completeness of clinical documentation. This position analyzes medical records for DRG's, complications, and comorbidities; identifies trends; and notes observations and recommendations for documentation improvement. This role also facilitates modifications to clinical documentation through extensive interaction with physicians, nursing staff, other patient care givers, and medical records coding staff to ensure that appropriate reimbursement is received for the level of service rendered to all patients. Additional duties include supporting the accuracy and completeness of the clinical information used for measuring and reporting physician and hospital outcomes and educating...
At Houston Methodist, the Physical Therapist I (PT) position is responsible for assessing patients and developing the therapy plan of care. This position provides education to patients, patient's family members, and/or caregivers and collaborates with other health care professionals as needed for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals. As a member of the patient care team, the PT I position provides direct patient care and has responsibility to deliver exceptional patient care with adherence to safety standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety, customer service, and optimum patient outcomes.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Medical Assistant Certified (Sr. MA) position is responsible for functioning as an expert and demonstrates highly competent knowledge in the more technical and advances examinations and treatments necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated medical assistant level tasks under the direct supervision of a Physician and/or Registered Nurse for assigned patient populations, for providing high quality support of patient care and services. This position oversees appropriate scope of practice (i.e. Hand Hygiene Validator, EMR super-user). The Sr. MA position assists with patient examinations, procedures, diagnostic studies, treatment, and dressing changes. This position also performs general administrative duties in accordance with CLIA,...
At Houston Methodist, the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic position is responsible for assisting in the delivery of patient care and services to diverse patient population and their families and performing EKGs and collecting lab specimens under direction of the licensed nurse and/or provider. This position performs patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit specific defined limits and job scope. The EMT/Paramedic position demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated tasks, conducting hourly rounding to ensure patient needs are met and records data established by policy and procedure, reporting observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse and/or provider. This position...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) II Department Premium position a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN II Department Premium position is responsible for providing professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. The RN II Department Premium position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate, and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality...
At Houston Methodist, the Mammography Technologist I position performs mammograms, biopsies and bone density exams, as applicable. This position performs high quality mammography examinations in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) standards. The Mammography Technologist I position may assist with quality control activities. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.
Palliative or hospicce care experience required.
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) PRN position is a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN PRN position provides professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducts nursing assessments, assists with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records.The RN PRN position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the...
At Houston Methodist, the Medical Assistant Certified (MA) position is responsible for assisting in the examination and treatment of patients under the direct supervision of the clinical or administrative leadership. This position is responsible for assisting providers in the administration of patient care in assigned clinical areas. The MA position assists with patient examinations, procedures, diagnostic studies, treatment, and dressing changes. This position also performs general administrative duties in accordance with CLIA, HIPAA, NCQA and government standards, as well as company policies and procedures. The MA position participates in patient care which is under the direction of a physician and within the scope of a medical assistant. This position may also be required to schedule...
At Houston Methodist, the Outpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to outpatient, emergency room, therapy, and/or clinic encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines.
At Houston Methodist, the Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (NP-AC) is responsible for functioning as a licensed registered nurse and care provider to provide all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment and consultation while maintaining and promoting the health of the patient. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and performs according to the nurse practice act of the State of Texas and as part of a treatment team. The NP-AC position role models compassionate communication with patients, physicians and the interprofessional health care team and provides education to patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. This position may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's healthcare provider, prescribing...
At Houston Methodist, the Physician Assistant (PA) functions as an advanced practice practitioner, responsible for maintaining and promoting the health of the patient requiring care, practicing medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. This position will provide diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical and preventative care, under the supervision of a physician. The PA position exams, diagnoses and decides treatment for patients, including analyzing and interpreting x-rays and lab results, writes prescriptions, takes patients' histories, provides surgical assistance, and orders various forms of therapy. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and can perform independently under the license of a physician or as part of a treatment team. The PA position...
At Houston Methodist, the Nurse Practitioner Acute Care (NP-AC) is responsible for functioning as a licensed registered nurse and care provider to provide all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment and consultation while maintaining and promoting the health of the patient. This position may work in both inpatient and outpatient situations and performs according to the nurse practice act of the State of Texas and as part of a treatment team. The NP-AC position role models compassionate communication with patients, physicians and the interprofessional health care team and provides education to patients about preventative care and prescribed treatments. This position may also conduct physicals, order tests and serve as a patient's healthcare provider, prescribing...
At Houston Methodist, the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) II position is responsible for evaluating and developing the therapy plan of care for a broad range of diagnoses and acuities. This position may specialize in care for certain complex patient types, through advanced training and education. As an experienced SLP, this position provides education to patients, patient's family members, and/or caregivers, and collaborates with other interprofessional team members, as needed, for problem resolution and/or achievement of identified patient specific goals. As a member of the interprofessional care team, the SLP II position provides patient care directly and delivers exceptional patient care with adherence to safety standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety, customer...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) PRN position is a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN PRN position provides professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducts nursing assessments, assists with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records.The RN PRN position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes. The...
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) PRN position is a licensed staff nurse, an experienced clinician, functions at the Competent to Proficient stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN PRN position provides professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducts nursing assessments, assists with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records.The RN PRN position provides direct patient care effectively and efficiently which may include patients with varied and complex needs. This position communicates and collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate, coordinate and maintain compassionate, efficient, quality care and achievement of desired treatment outcomes. The RN PRN position...
At Houston Methodist, the Lead CT Technologist position performs specialized functions as a regular part of their normal job responsibilities. In addition to performing at a Technologist II level, this position serves as the liaison and primary point of contact between management, staff and physicians for routine matters. The Lead Technologist position answers questions and resolves issues for the CT Technologist I & II job roles as well as other members of the care team to ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care and adherence to practice standards. This position ensures optimal patient safety, quality outcomes, and customer service. Duties for this position may include the following tasks: organize work schedules and delegate work assignments; review...
At Houston Methodist, the Pharmacy Technician position is responsible for completing a variety of routine pharmacy services related to medication acquisition which may include, but are not limited to triaging phone calls, repackaging medications, dispensing medications, labeling medications, charging/crediting medications, compounding medications, and inventorying medications. This position ensures optimal patient safety and customer service.
At Houston Methodist, the Mammography Technologist I position performs mammograms, biopsies and bone density exams, as applicable. This position performs high quality mammography examinations in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) standards. The Mammography Technologist I position may assist with quality control activities. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.
At Houston Methodist, the Registered Nurse (RN) I position a licensed staff nurse, may be an entry level nurse, functions at the Novice to Advanced Beginner stage of Benner's model of clinical practice. The RN I position demonstrates the ability to continuously progress in skill to care for increasingly complex patients, receiving coaching from experienced RNs and management and benefits from their practice. The position participates in unit initiatives and shared governance. The RN I position provides professional nursing care to a diverse patient population, conducts nursing assessments, assists with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. This position collaborates with the physicians and interprofessional health care team to facilitate,...
At Houston Methodist, the Point of Entry Nurse (POE) is a licensed registered nurse (RN) who responsible for facilitation of the functional and operational aspects for patients' entrance into the hospital. This position provides support to hospital units through the facilitation and coordination of patient flow and bed utilization. The POE Nurse position collaborates with clinical staff and interprofessional health care team to ensure resource utilization is appropriate to the patient's clinical needs and within covered benefits. This position ensures a compassionate, integrated, multi-disciplinary case approach which supports health caregivers to provide the highest quality, most clinically appropriate admission placement of patients, while promoting the most cost-effective utilization...
At Houston Methodist, the Point of Entry Nurse (POE) is a licensed registered nurse (RN) who responsible for facilitation of the functional and operational aspects for patients' entrance into the hospital. This position provides support to hospital units through the facilitation and coordination of patient flow and bed utilization. The POE Nurse position collaborates with clinical staff and interprofessional health care team to ensure resource utilization is appropriate to the patient's clinical needs and within covered benefits. This position ensures a compassionate, integrated, multi-disciplinary case approach which supports health caregivers to provide the highest quality, most clinically appropriate admission placement of patients, while promoting the most cost-effective utilization...