Blueprint Playbook for Health Catalyst

Who the Hell is Jordan Crawford?

Founder of Blueprint. I help companies stop sending emails nobody wants to read.

The problem with outbound isn't the message. It's the list. When you know WHO to target and WHY they need you right now, the message writes itself.

I built this system using government databases, public records, and 25 million job posts to find pain signals most companies miss. Predictable Revenue is dead. Data-driven intelligence is what works now.

The Old Way (What Everyone Does)

Your GTM team is buying lists from ZoomInfo, adding "personalization" like mentioning a LinkedIn post, then blasting generic messages about features. Here's what it actually looks like:

The Typical Health Catalyst SDR Email:

Subject: Healthcare data platform for better outcomes Hi [First Name], I noticed [Hospital Name] is growing and wanted to reach out about how Health Catalyst helps healthcare organizations like yours improve outcomes. We're a cloud-based data platform that integrates clinical, financial, and operational data to drive measurable improvements. Our clients have validated over $1.5B in improvements. Would love to show you how we can help. Are you available for a quick call next week? Best, SDR Name

Why this fails: The prospect is an expert. They've seen this template 1,000 times. There's zero indication you understand their specific situation. Delete.

The New Way: Intelligence-Driven GTM

Blueprint flips the approach. Instead of interrupting prospects with pitches, you deliver insights so valuable they'd pay consulting fees to receive them.

1. Hard Data Over Soft Signals

Stop: "I see you're hiring compliance people" (job postings - everyone sees this)

Start: "Your facility's CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating dropped from 3 to 2 stars in Q4 2023" (government database with exact timeframe)

2. Mirror Situations, Don't Pitch Solutions

PQS (Pain-Qualified Segment): Reflect their exact situation with such specificity they think "how did you know?" Use government data with dates, record numbers, facility addresses.

PVP (Permissionless Value Proposition): Deliver immediate value they can use today - analysis already done, deadlines already pulled, patterns already identified - whether they buy or not.

Health Catalyst PQS Plays: Mirroring Exact Situations

These messages demonstrate such precise understanding of the prospect's current situation that they feel genuinely seen. Every claim traces to a specific government database with verifiable record numbers.

PQS Public Data Strong (8.4/10)

Critical Access Hospitals Approaching CMS Star Rating Threshold

What's the play?

Target Critical Access Hospitals that have dropped to 2-star CMS quality ratings and are at risk of falling to 1-star, which triggers enhanced CMS oversight and threatens Medicare Advantage contracts. Use specific hospital names, locations, and exact rating changes from public CMS data.

Why this works

Quality ratings are publicly visible and career-defining for hospital leadership. When you lead with their specific star rating and the exact threshold they're approaching, you demonstrate domain expertise and urgency. The recipient immediately knows you've done real homework, not just scraped LinkedIn.

Data Sources
  1. CMS Hospital Compare - overall_rating, patient_safety_rating, quality_star_rating, reporting_period
  2. Hospital Inspection Reports - facility_violations, inspection_findings, compliance_status

The message:

Subject: St. Mary's CAH rating at 2 stars - CMS threshold St. Mary's Critical Access Hospital in Bend, OR dropped to 2 stars in Q4 2023 CMS quality ratings. You're now 1 star above the CMS Special Focus Facility trigger that brings mandatory reporting. Is your quality team tracking the Q1 2024 measures?
PQS Public Data Strong (8.6/10)

Home Health Agencies with Declining OASIS-E Functional Outcomes

What's the play?

Identify home health agencies showing declining OASIS-E functional improvement scores over 3+ consecutive reporting periods. Target agencies that have fallen below the 50th percentile benchmark and face reimbursement cuts under value-based payment models.

Why this works

OASIS scores directly impact Medicare reimbursement and agency reputation. When you cite their specific year-over-year decline with exact percentages and benchmark comparisons, you're speaking the language of their quality directors. The specificity proves you're tracking their performance, not guessing.

Data Sources
  1. CMS OASIS-E Home Health Reporting - functional_status_indicators, care_transition_measures, patient_assessment_data
  2. CMS Home Health Compare - quality_star_rating, benchmark_percentiles

The message:

Subject: Your OASIS mobility scores declined 12% YoY Sunrise Home Health's OASIS-E mobility improvement scores declined from 68% to 56% between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024. That's now 8 points below the national 50th percentile benchmark of 64%. Who's analyzing your care plan protocols?
PQS Public Data Strong (8.7/10)

Home Health Agencies Below CMS Payment Threshold

What's the play?

Target home health agencies in the bottom quartile for OASIS functional outcomes in their region. These agencies face direct payment impacts starting January 2025 when CMS uses Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings to adjust reimbursement rates.

Why this works

Payment rate changes are existential for home health agencies operating on thin margins. When you identify their bottom-quartile performance and connect it to upcoming payment adjustments, you're providing intelligence that directly impacts their financial survival. Offering the specific measures dragging down their composite score adds immediate value.

Data Sources
  1. CMS OASIS-E Home Health Reporting - functional_status_indicators, care_transition_measures
  2. CMS Home Health Compare - quality_star_rating, regional_percentile_rank

The message:

Subject: Sunrise Home Health below CMS payment threshold Your Q3 2024 OASIS functional outcomes put you in the bottom quartile for your region. CMS uses these scores for Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings that affect payment rates starting January 2025. Should I send the specific measures dragging your composite score?
PQS Public Data Strong (8.5/10)

Ambulatory Surgery Centers Below Quality Measure Benchmarks

What's the play?

Target ASCs reporting surgical site infection rates above the national benchmark of 1.4% in CMS quality data. These facilities face mandatory quality improvement plans and are at risk for accreditation issues and payor contract renegotiation.

Why this works

Infection rates are the most visible quality metric for surgical centers and directly impact accreditation status. When you cite their exact rate, the specific benchmark they're missing, and the mandatory QIP trigger, you demonstrate surgical quality expertise. The question routes to the right clinical team immediately.

Data Sources
  1. CMS Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting - quality_measures, performance_metrics, surgical_site_infection_rate
  2. Hospital Inspection Reports - compliance_status, facility_violations

The message:

Subject: Valley ASC's surgical site infection rate at 3.2% Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center in Phoenix reported a 3.2% SSI rate in Q2 2024 CMS data. That's 1.8 points above the national benchmark of 1.4% and triggers mandatory quality improvement plans. Is your infection control team addressing the root causes?
PQS Public Data Strong (8.8/10)

Ambulatory Surgery Centers with Patient Safety Indicators Above Benchmark

What's the play?

Identify ASCs reporting PSI-12 perioperative hemorrhage rates significantly above the national average of 2.1 per 1,000 procedures. These centers face reimbursement penalties and need immediate quality intervention.

Why this works

Patient safety indicators are high-stakes metrics that trigger both financial and regulatory consequences. When you show them their rate is 2.3x the benchmark and offer a procedure-type breakdown, you're providing actionable intelligence they can immediately use. The multiplier comparison makes the severity clear without being accusatory.

Data Sources
  1. CMS Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting - quality_measures, performance_metrics, patient_safety_indicators
  2. Hospital Inspection Reports - facility_violations, compliance_status

The message:

Subject: Your patient safety indicator flagged by CMS Premier Surgery Center's PSI-12 perioperative hemorrhage rate is 4.8 per 1,000 procedures in the latest CMS reporting period. The national average is 2.1 - you're 2.3x the benchmark and at risk for reimbursement penalties. Want the breakdown by procedure type?
PQS Public Data Strong (8.3/10)

Critical Access Hospitals with Low Patient Experience Scores

What's the play?

Target CAHs with HCAHPS patient experience composite scores below the 25th percentile nationally. These low scores are weighing down overall star ratings, and hospitals need to reach the 50th percentile to maintain 3-star status.

Why this works

Patient experience scores are one of the most heavily weighted components of overall star ratings, yet they're often overlooked until it's too late. When you identify their exact percentile and the specific threshold they need to hit, you're providing a clear improvement target. The routing question ensures the right stakeholder sees this.

Data Sources
  1. CMS Hospital Compare - hcahps_scores, patient_experience_composite, national_percentile
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - overall_rating, quality_star_rating

The message:

Subject: Memorial CAH patient experience score at 23rd percentile Memorial Critical Access Hospital's HCAHPS patient experience composite score is at the 23rd percentile nationally. That's weighing down your overall star rating and you need 50th percentile to maintain 3 stars. Who owns your patient experience improvement plan?

Health Catalyst PVP Plays: Delivering Immediate Value

These messages provide actionable intelligence before asking for anything. The prospect can use this value today whether they respond or not.

PVP Internal Data Strong (8.9/10)

ED Throughput Efficiency Gap Alert

What's the play?

Analyze ED door-to-provider time data across 200+ hospital clients and identify facilities with significantly longer wait times than peer benchmarks. Quantify the financial impact of left-without-being-seen patients and ambulance diversions caused by throughput delays.

Why this works

ED throughput directly impacts revenue, patient satisfaction, and ambulance diversion status. When you provide a specific peer comparison based on actual internal benchmarking and quantify the annual financial loss, you're delivering consulting-grade analysis they can immediately act on. The offer of bottleneck analysis makes the next step clear.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - ED door-to-provider time, facility size, patient volume metrics

The message:

Subject: Your ED throughput is 47 minutes slower than peers We analyzed ED data across 200+ hospitals and your average door-to-provider time is 89 minutes vs the 42-minute median for similar-sized facilities. That gap likely costs you $2.1M annually in left-without-being-seen patients and ambulance diversions. Want the operational bottleneck analysis?
This play assumes your company has:

Aggregated ED throughput data across 200+ hospital clients and can benchmark by facility size/type

If you have this data, this play becomes highly differentiated - competitors can't replicate it.
PVP Internal Data Strong (9.1/10)

OR Utilization Efficiency Gap

What's the play?

Compare hospital operating room utilization rates against peer benchmarks segmented by OR count and region. Identify facilities with utilization rates 15+ points below benchmark and quantify the lost surgical revenue opportunity.

Why this works

OR utilization is one of the highest-impact operational metrics for hospital CFOs. When you identify a 16-point gap worth $4.3M in annual revenue and offer surgeon-level block time analysis, you're providing immediate value that helps them optimize their most expensive asset. The yes/no question makes response frictionless.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - OR utilization rates, facility characteristics, surgical volume by surgeon

The message:

Subject: Your OR utilization is at 62% - peer avg is 78% Your operating room utilization rate is 62% compared to the 78% average for hospitals with 8-12 ORs in your region. That 16-point gap represents approximately $4.3M in lost surgical revenue annually. Should I send the block time analysis by surgeon?
This play assumes your company has:

OR utilization data across hospital clients and can segment by facility characteristics

This play helps CFO/COO identify revenue recovery opportunities and optimize surgeon scheduling.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.7/10)

Sepsis Mortality Risk Alert

What's the play?

Apply predictive models to current inpatient census data to identify patients with sepsis risk scores above 0.85 who aren't on the hospital's early intervention protocol. Use the hospital's own historical outcomes data to show the mortality reduction benefit of early intervention.

Why this works

This is life-and-death intelligence delivered in real-time. When you identify 14 specific patients at risk right now and cite the hospital's own 40% mortality reduction data, you're providing value so immense they can't ignore it. The offer of patient identifiers with room numbers makes immediate action possible. This is permissionless value at its peak - you're helping them save lives before they buy anything.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - EMR data access, sepsis risk scores, intervention protocol adherence
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - mortality benchmarks, quality measures

The message:

Subject: Your sepsis mortality risk scores predict 14 deaths We analyzed your EMR data and identified 14 current inpatients with sepsis risk scores above 0.85 who aren't on your early intervention protocol. Intervening within 24 hours reduces mortality by 40% based on your own historical outcomes. Want the patient list with room numbers?
This play assumes your company has:

Real-time EMR data integration and can run predictive models on current census combined with CMS mortality benchmarks

This play directly helps CMO/Quality Director save patient lives and avoid preventable deaths.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.4/10)

High-Risk Readmission Prevention

What's the play?

Use predictive models on current inpatient data to identify patients discharging in the next 48 hours with readmission probability above 65%. Reference the hospital's own historical data on enhanced discharge planning effectiveness to show the preventable readmission opportunity.

Why this works

Readmissions are both a quality and financial metric with direct CMS penalties. When you identify 7 specific at-risk patients with an urgent 48-hour window and cite their own 52% reduction rate, you're providing immediately actionable intelligence. The offer to route patient details to the care transitions team shows you understand their workflow.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Real-time EMR integration, readmission risk models, historical intervention data
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - readmission rate benchmarks

The message:

Subject: 7 readmission risks discharging in next 48 hours Your predictive model flagged 7 patients discharging in the next 48 hours with readmission probability above 65%. Your own data shows enhanced discharge planning reduces readmissions by 52% for this cohort. Should I send the patient details to your care transitions team?
This play assumes your company has:

Real-time EMR integration and historical readmission intervention data from the client

This play helps hospital avoid CMS readmission penalties while improving patient outcomes.
PVP Internal Data Strong (8.8/10)

Lab Turnaround Time Efficiency Gap

What's the play?

Benchmark hospital lab turnaround times against 150+ peer facilities and identify those with TAT significantly above the median. Quantify the operational impact on ED disposition decisions and lost admissions due to delayed lab results.

Why this works

Lab TAT directly impacts ED throughput and admission decisions but is rarely benchmarked externally. When you show a 34-minute gap vs 150 peers and quantify the 8-12 lost admissions per month, you're providing competitive intelligence they can't get elsewhere. The offer of test-type and shift breakdown shows you can provide actionable detail.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Lab TAT by test type, facility characteristics, time-of-day patterns

The message:

Subject: Your lab TAT is 34 minutes above benchmark We compared your lab turnaround times against 150 hospitals and your average is 67 minutes vs the 33-minute median. That's delaying ED dispositions and likely costing you 8-12 admissions per month. Want the breakdown by test type and shift?
This play assumes your company has:

Aggregated lab TAT data across 150+ hospital clients with the ability to segment by test type and time of day

PVP Internal Data Strong (9.0/10)

Nurse Staffing Optimization Opportunity

What's the play?

Compare hospital medical-surgical unit nurse staffing ratios against acuity-adjusted peer benchmarks. Identify facilities overstaffing without quality outcome improvements and quantify the excess labor cost opportunity.

Why this works

Labor costs are the largest expense for hospitals, but CNOs are terrified of understaffing impacting quality. When you show they're at 4.2 vs 3.1 peer average with no quality difference, you give them permission to optimize. The $3.8M annual savings and acuity-adjusted model offer make this immediately actionable while protecting quality.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Nurse staffing ratios, patient acuity measures, quality outcomes by facility

The message:

Subject: You're staffing 4.2 RNs per patient vs 3.1 peer avg Your medical-surgical units are staffing at 4.2 RNs per patient compared to 3.1 for similar acuity hospitals. That's approximately $3.8M in excess labor costs annually with no quality outcome difference. Should I send the acuity-adjusted staffing model?
This play assumes your company has:

Nurse staffing ratios and quality outcomes data across hospital clients to enable acuity-adjusted benchmarking

This play helps CNO/CFO optimize staffing costs without compromising care quality.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.3/10)

C. Diff Infection Prevention Alert

What's the play?

Apply predictive models to current inpatient data identifying patients with C. difficile risk scores above 0.75 based on antibiotic use patterns and comorbidities. Use the facility's baseline C. diff rate to quantify the preventable case opportunity.

Why this works

C. diff is a high-visibility hospital-acquired infection that impacts quality ratings and patient safety. When you identify 23 specific at-risk patients and show they could prevent 6-8 cases this quarter based on their own baseline, you're providing infection prevention intelligence that directly improves outcomes. The offer of antibiotic regimen details makes intervention immediately possible.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Medication administration records, C. diff risk models, facility baseline rates
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - Healthcare-associated infection rates

The message:

Subject: 23 patients at high risk for C. diff this week Our model identified 23 current inpatients with C. difficile risk scores above 0.75 based on antibiotic use and comorbidities. Your facility averages 4.2 C. diff cases per month - early intervention could prevent 6-8 cases this quarter. Want the patient list with antibiotic regimens?
This play assumes your company has:

Real-time medication administration records and can apply predictive models to current census combined with facility-specific historical C. diff rates

This play helps infection control and pharmacy prevent hospital-acquired infections.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.8/10)

Stroke Treatment Window Alert

What's the play?

Monitor real-time ED tracking data to identify stroke patients who've exceeded the 30-minute optimal treatment window for CT imaging. Use the hospital's own historical stroke outcome data to show the benefit of faster treatment.

Why this works

This is the highest-urgency play possible - you're alerting them to stroke patients waiting RIGHT NOW who are losing brain function with every passing minute. When you cite their own 35% outcome improvement data for 30-minute treatment, you're using their own evidence to trigger immediate action. This is permissionless value at its absolute peak - you're helping them save brain function and prevent disability in real-time.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Real-time ED tracking system integration, historical stroke outcome data
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - Stroke care quality measures

The message:

Subject: 5 stroke patients outside optimal treatment window We flagged 5 patients in your ED right now with stroke symptoms who've been waiting 38+ minutes for CT. Your own data shows treatment within 30 minutes improves outcomes by 35%. Should I alert your stroke coordinator?
This play assumes your company has:

Real-time ED tracking system integration and historical stroke outcome data from the client

This play directly helps ED and neurology teams improve stroke outcomes and save brain function.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.2/10)

Uncontrolled Diabetes Patient Alert

What's the play?

Identify current inpatients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >9%) who aren't on the hospital's endocrine consult protocol. Use the facility's own historical data showing LOS reduction when early endocrine involvement occurs.

Why this works

Uncontrolled diabetes complicates every aspect of hospital care and extends length of stay. When you identify 18 specific patients not on protocol and cite the hospital's own 2.1-day LOS reduction data, you're providing intelligence that improves both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The offer of current glucose trends makes intervention immediately actionable.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Lab results access, endocrine protocol adherence tracking, historical LOS data
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - Diabetes care quality measures

The message:

Subject: 18 diabetes patients headed for complications We identified 18 inpatients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >9%) who aren't on your endocrine consult protocol. Your data shows early endocrine involvement reduces hospital LOS by 2.1 days for this group. Want the patient census with current glucose trends?
This play assumes your company has:

Access to lab results and can identify patients not on consult protocols combined with historical LOS data

This play helps endocrinology and hospitalist teams improve diabetic patient outcomes and reduce length of stay.
PVP Internal Data Strong (9.0/10)

ICU Length of Stay Optimization

What's the play?

Benchmark hospital ICU average length of stay against 180 peer facilities with case mix adjustment. Identify facilities with LOS significantly above benchmark and quantify both the lost revenue and patient access opportunity.

Why this works

ICU beds are the most constrained and expensive resource in hospitals. When you show a 1.8-day LOS gap worth $5.2M in lost capacity and 340 additional patients they could treat, you're addressing both financial and mission-critical patient access issues. The dual impact (revenue + access) makes this compelling to both CFO and COO.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - ICU LOS data across 180+ hospital clients with case mix adjustment capabilities

The message:

Subject: Your ICU length of stay is 1.8 days above peers We analyzed ICU data across 180 hospitals and your average LOS is 5.3 days vs 3.5 days for similar case mix. That's approximately $5.2M in lost bed capacity annually and 340 additional patients you could treat. Want the discharge planning workflow analysis?
This play assumes your company has:

ICU LOS data across 180+ hospital clients with case mix adjustment capabilities

This play helps COO improve patient access while optimizing critical care resources.
PVP Internal Data Strong (8.9/10)

Surgical Supply Cost Optimization

What's the play?

Benchmark hospital supply cost per surgical case against peer facilities performing similar procedure mixes. Identify hospitals with supply costs significantly above median with no quality or safety differences.

Why this works

Supply costs are one of the largest variable expenses but rarely benchmarked at the item level. When you show $847 vs $612 peer median with procedure mix adjustment and no quality difference, you're providing immediate cost reduction intelligence. The $2.9M annual savings and item-level variance offer make this actionable for supply chain teams.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - Surgical supply cost data across hospital clients normalized by procedure type

The message:

Subject: Your supply cost per case is $847 vs $612 benchmark Your supply cost per surgical case is $847 compared to $612 median for hospitals performing similar procedure mix. That's $2.9M annually in excess supply costs with no quality or safety difference. Should I send the item-level variance analysis?
This play assumes your company has:

Surgical supply cost data across hospital clients normalized by procedure type

This play helps supply chain and finance teams reduce costs without impacting surgical outcomes.
PVP Public + Internal Strong (9.4/10)

Fall Risk Patient Safety Alert

What's the play?

Identify current inpatients with Morse Fall Scale scores above 55 who aren't flagged in the hospital's fall prevention program. Use the facility's own historical data showing fall prevention when standard protocols are implemented for high-risk patients.

Why this works

Falls are among the most common preventable hospital harms and directly impact quality ratings. When you identify 12 specific high-risk patients not on protocol and cite the hospital's own 3-4 falls per month prevention rate, you're providing patient safety intelligence that prevents harm. The easy routing to patient safety officer makes action immediate.

Data Sources
  1. Company Internal Data - EMR fall risk assessments, fall prevention protocol adherence tracking, facility-specific fall rates
  2. CMS Hospital Compare - Patient safety indicators, fall rates

The message:

Subject: 12 fall risk patients not on prevention protocol Your EMR shows 12 patients with Morse Fall Scale scores above 55 who aren't flagged in your fall prevention program. Implementing your standard protocol for this cohort prevents 3-4 falls per month based on your historical data. Should I send the list to your patient safety officer?
This play assumes your company has:

EMR integration with fall risk assessments and tracks fall prevention protocol adherence combined with facility-specific fall rates

This play helps patient safety team prevent injuries and associated complications.

What Changes

Old way: Spray generic messages at job titles. Hope someone replies.

New way: Use public data to find companies in specific painful situations. Then mirror that situation back to them with evidence.

Why this works: When you lead with "Your facility's CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating dropped from 3 to 2 stars in Q4 2023" instead of "I see you're hiring for quality roles," you're not another sales email. You're the person who did the homework.

The messages above aren't templates. They're examples of what happens when you combine real data sources with specific situations. Your team can replicate this using the data recipes in each play.

Data Sources Reference

Every play traces back to verifiable public data or proprietary internal benchmarking. Here are the sources used in this playbook:

Source Key Fields Used For
CMS Hospital Compare overall_rating, patient_safety_rating, quality_star_rating, hcahps_scores, mortality_ratio Critical Access Hospital star ratings, patient experience scores, mortality ratios
CMS OASIS-E Home Health Reporting functional_status_indicators, care_transition_measures, patient_assessment_data Home health agency functional outcome scores, care quality tracking
CMS Home Health Compare quality_star_rating, benchmark_percentiles, regional_percentile_rank Home health agency quality ratings and regional benchmarking
CMS Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality Reporting quality_measures, performance_metrics, surgical_site_infection_rate, patient_safety_indicators ASC quality benchmarks, infection rates, patient safety metrics
Hospital Inspection Reports facility_violations, inspection_findings, compliance_status Compliance issues, quality violations across all facility types
Company Internal Data ED throughput, OR utilization, lab TAT, staffing ratios, supply costs, ICU LOS, predictive risk scores Operational efficiency benchmarking, real-time patient risk alerts, cost optimization opportunities