Awakened Alternatives, Inc.

Areas of Expertise

Home health, disease management, case management, utilization review.

Organization Profile

Founded in 1992 by Genevieve D. Thomas, Awakened Alternatives, Inc. (AAI) provides comprehensive healthcare cost management services across public and private delivery systems. Since its inception, AAI has grown from a small home based business to a multimillion dollar organization employing licensed professionals and paraprofessionals to serve the company's individual clients and contracts with government and private industry.

At the outset, Mrs. Thomas differentiated AAI from similar organizations by adopting an integrated approach to patient care. She recognized early in her career that a person's quality of life improved dramatically when the physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural aspects of their life were integrated and balanced with their healthcare needs. Awakened Alternatives has remained steadfast to its mission: To provide alternatives for managing healthcare that integrate the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of customers, while conducting business in a compassionate and ethical manner.

Since its initial launch as a home health agency, the company has diversified into other areas of health care. The company currently offers a comprehensive array of managed care services. In 2004 the company leveraged its expertise in home health disease management to launch a formal disease management program. Disease management is the process of identifying individuals afflicted with chronic, complex or severe conditions and initiating more intensive clinical interventions to improve health outcomes, while minimizing care treatment related expenditures. Examples of these conditions are asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, etc. AAI also provides case management and utilization review services under its managed care division.

Professional Background

Throughout her career, Mrs. Thomas has served in various leadership positions including Vice-President of Patient Care Services, Vice President of Operations, Director of Psychiatric Nursing and Director of Intake and Emergency Services at various major medical facilities. Among her many accomplishments are designing and implementing comprehensive Utilization Review and Case Management Departments for a large multi-state managed care company.

Education/Awards

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Hampton University/ Master of Science in Community Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing Administration, Hampton University/ Recipient of Connexions, Inc. Black Pearl Award/ Honoree of Chicago Chapter of the Black Nurses Association

Business/Community Affiliations

Active member and leader in Valley Kingdom Ministries International/ Board Member, Reclaim a Youth (RAY)/ Former Board Member, Rising Star, Inc./ Former Board Member, Ada S. McKinley Social Services - Center for Living & Learning/ Actively mentors other entrepreneurs who share her commitment to conducting business in a fair and ethical manner.

Certifications

Joint Commission accredited (JCAHO)/ Illinois Department of Health/ Indiana Department of Health/Medicare-Medicaid Certified/ MBE Certified with Cook County and the City of Chicago/ Minority Business Development Council