Client News: Robert L. Walker, Executive V.P. & Administrator of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Elected to Texas Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees

[Source: Press Release - Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children]

Robert L. Walker, FACHE, executive vice president and administrator of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas, has been elected to the Texas Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees. He will take office on Jan. 1 for a three-year term.

Hospitals; Ten-Step Plan for Increasing Service Income and Ensuring Quality Outcomes

1. Market and promote service availabilities to physicians and consumers.
2. Expeditiously collect the physician orders and patient diagnosis, and convert orders to facility procedures.
3. Identify and confirm the patient, guarantor, insurance plan(s) and eligibility, including medical necessity when applicable.
4. Ensure proper service, service(s) sequence through clinical review of patient's history, linking to pre-service testing when warranted.
5. Arrange payment program with patient/guarantor and insurance plans.
6. Solicit patient preferences and special needs related to times, locations, transportation, and caregivers.
7. Schedule and coordinate applicable resources for services, special needs, preferences, and set up patient reminder program.
8. Expeditiously deliver services.
9. Arrange for follow-up services prior to discharge.
10. Monitor and manage process activities, including automatic priority-driven alerts.

Client News: Casas Named Chief Nursing Officer at ETMC Henderson

Miguel Casas, MBA, MSN, RN, has been named chief nursing officer at East Texas Medical Center (ETMC) Henderson.  Casas will assume his duties on Nov. 14. In his new position, he will oversee all nursing staff, coordinate care among all hospital departments and ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations, among other duties.

Casas most recently served as nurse manager for the ETMC Specialty Hospital in Tyler, a 36-bed facility offering long-term, acute care for patients with complex medical conditions. Prior to joining ETMC in 2005, he served in clinical positions in the oncology and emergency departments at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler and in the intensive care unit at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Tyler. He served in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 1996.

Casas recently earned dual master’s degrees in nursing and business administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, where he previously earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing.

“We are excited to have Mr. Casas join our team at ETMC Henderson,” said Administrator Mark Leitner. “His nursing and management experience across a variety of clinical areas, coupled with his education, will make him a tremendous asset to our hospital and community.”

Visit ETMC online at: http://www.etmc.org/

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor the courage & sacrifice of our U.S. military veterans and their families!

Client News: East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System Goes Mobile with iTriage

Source: ETMC Press Release

East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System has expanded its presence in the growing mobile market through a partnership with iTriage® -- a consumer healthcare application that gives users on-the-go access to medical information and providers. 

Mobile users have quick and easy access to symptoms, diseases and hospital information. iTriage is available as a free download through the app stores for iPhone® and Android® mobile devices, and any Internet-enabled device at http://www.itriagehealth.com/. 

According to the most recent Nielsen statistics, 40 percent of mobile consumers in the U.S. now own a smartphone, with 50 percent adoption predicted by the end of 2011. 

This growing trend has led ETMC to reach out to mobile users in the community by providing convenient access to information about its facilities and services. 

Schumacher Group, the nation’s third largest emergency and hospital medicine management firm, is partnering with ETMC to bring iTriage to ETMC hospitals throughout the region. This state-of-the art technology gives East Texas residents the resources to learn more about a specific medical condition and make the most informed decision about where to seek treatment. iTriage lets users: 

• Research medical symptoms 
• Learn about possible causes and treatment options 
• Obtain medication information for treatment of a specific condition 
• Find detailed ETMC information like services, specialties, hours of operation and turn-by-turn directions 

“Our partnership with iTriage allows us to provide more information about the services we offer throughout East Texas and helps our patients make informed decisions about where to seek attention for their medical needs,” said Art Chance, vice president of operations for ETMC. “We are proud to offer the latest technology to our community, which reinforces our commitment to enhancing the patient experience.” 

“ETMC’s decision to partner with iTriage speaks directly to their belief in providing cutting-edge medical care through advanced technology,” said Peter Hudson, MD, iTriage co-founder. “At iTriage, we are leading the way in creating new opportunities for healthcare providers to engage with patients by using integrated mobile technology, and we look forward to working with this experienced hospital to increase patient engagement.” 

About iTriage, LLC 
Headquartered in Denver, CO and co-founded by two emergency physicians, iTriage offers a unique Symptom-to-Provider™ pathway that empowers patients to make better healthcare decisions. iTriage helps people answer the two most common medical questions: “What condition could I have?” and “Where should I go for treatment?” 

Millions of consumers around the globe have downloaded iTriage on their mobile devices and thousands of healthcare providers use iTriage to reach and communicate critical facility and service information to patients. 

For more information, please visit www.iTriageHealth.com.  

ACO UPDATE: Final ACO Regs Include Bigger Bonuses

Source: ModernHealthcare.com
Written by: Melanie Evans

Medicare accountable care organizations could see larger bonuses and face fewer quality measures under rules issued by the CMS.

In final rules for Medicare accountable care organizations (PDF), published today, the CMS said it would no longer require all ACOs to face potential penalties, and it increased possible bonuses. The final rule also proposed half the number of quality measures included in draft rules released last March. Under accountable care, healthcare providers that reach quality and cost-saving targets are eligible to share in the savings.

Federal officials, speaking to reporters after the rules were released, stressed the changes were a response to the crush of comments on draft rules. CMS Administrator Dr. Donald Berwick described the volume of replies as a “mountain” of comments.

Hospitals and physician groups largely rejected draft proposals as too risky and too demanding. High-profile physician groups that tested an early model of accountable care declared the draft rules unworkable in a letter that said none would participate without significant changes.

The CMS also proposed an advanced-payment program for small physician-owned and rural hospitals that lack capital to start an accountable care group. Under the program, up to 50 small ACOs will quality for upfront payments that will be paid back as providers reduce Medicare costs. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will award up to $170 million under the program.

Agreements for Medicare ACOs and the advanced payment program will begin next year on two dates: April 1 and July 1.

Under the Medicare accountable care final rules, the CMS would monitor quality performance using 33 measures instead of the 65 measures proposed in March.

As proposed in March, ACOs may choose one of two incentive options under the final rule. However, providers no longer face possible penalties under both options. Previously, providers that failed to achieve quality and savings targets could be at risk for penalties either for one year or three years, depending on the option. The CMS eliminated the possible one-year penalty under the final rules.

The CMS also increased the amount of bonuses that providers may earn. Now, once providers clear a savings target, the CMS agreed to share savings earned from the outset. Previously, providers were eligible to share savings after the first 2% in cost-reductions.

The CMS also relaxed one major capital-intensive requirement. Primary-care providers in accountable care organizations no longer face a requirement that at least half must have earned “meaningful use” designation by the second year.

The CMS also removed from the final rule some quality measures tied to electronic health records. One measure of EHR use remained, but somewhat altered: percentage of primary-care physicians who qualify for electronic health record incentive programs. The CMS said the measure will be weighted higher than quality measures.

Patients will no longer be assigned to accountable care organizations retrospectively, the CMS said. Medicare enrollees will be assigned to ACOs prospectively, every three months, but the CMS will review assignments at the end of each year.

Client News: TMF Announces New Senior VP And Chief Marketing Officer

Source: Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics Press Release

Officials with Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics announced the appointment of Darin Szilagyi, FACHE as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Szilagyi is responsible for Business Development and System Marketing.

Previously, he served as Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston and in similar capacities For AT&T Wireless, Primeco PCS and Halliburton.

Szilagyi received his Master of Business Administration with highest honors from Texas Christian University and his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Texas.

He is a fellow of The American College of Healthcare Executives and is a member of the American Hospital Association Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development, American Marketing Association-Houston Chapter, and American Marketing Association Healthcare SIG.

Client News: Tenet Announces Des Peres Hospital Appoints New Hospital CEO

Source: Des Peres Hospital Press Release

John A. Grah, FACHE

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) today announced that Des Peres Hospital has appointed John A. Grah as its chief executive officer, effective October 24, 2011.  Grah previously served as chief operating officer of Providence Memorial Hospital and The Children's Hospital at Providence in El Paso, TX.  As CEO, Grah will oversee strategic, operational and clinical activities for the 143-bed acute care hospital located in St. Louis, MO.

"During his tenure at Providence, John has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a true vision for growing the hospital," said Robert L. Smith, senior vice president of operations for Tenet's Central States Region. "His extensive experience in hospital operations will ensure Des Peres Hospital will continue to provide high-quality care to the patients in our community, and we are confident that he will be a strong addition to the leadership team."

Since Grah joined Tenet in 2009, he has overseen numerous expansion projects, including implementation of outpatient rehabilitation programs for Sierra Providence Health Network and establishing the first pediatric emergency department in El Paso.  In addition, he oversaw the successful acquisition of Insight Imaging in El Paso and Las Cruces, NM.

Prior to serving as chief operating officer at Providence, Grah served as managing principal with Chip Caldwell and Associattes, where he led a number of engagements with both individual hospitals and hospital systems.  He served as system vice president at Scripps Health and as chief excecutive officer of Scripps Chula Vista Hospital in California.  He also served as chief executive officer at several hospitals with the Appalachian Regional Healthcare, which is based in Lexington, KY.

Grah earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri in St. Louis and a master's degree in healthcare administration from Saint Louis University. He also holds and executive juris doctorate degree from Concord Law School.  Grah is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Tenet Healthcare Corporation is a health care services company whose subsidiaries adn affiliates own and operate acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and diagnostic imaging centers.

Tenet's hospitals and related health care facilities are committed to providing high quality care to patients in the communities they serve.  For more information, please visit http://www.tenethealth.com/.

Media: Rick Black, (469)893-2647  rick.black@tenethealth.com

Investors: Thomas Rice, (469)893-2522 thomas.rice@tenethealth.com

Some of the statements in this release may constitute foward-looking statements.  Such statements are based on our current expectations and could be affected by numerous factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec 31, 2010, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and periodic reports on Form 8-K.  Do not rely on any forward-looking statement, as we cannot predict or control many of the factors that ultimately may affect our ability to achieve the results estimated.  We make no promise to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.

Client News: Trinity Mother Frances Announces Executive Appointments

The Trinity Mother Frances Health System Board of Directors announced the appointments of Steven P. Keuer, MD as President and Chief Medical Officer and Gifford V. Eckhout, Jr., MD, MBA as Executive Vice President / Chief of Anesthesia. Both physicians have served in their respective roles on an interim basis following Dr. David Teegarden's retirement in April. Dr. Keuer previously served as Executive Vice President. Dr. Eckhout has served for many years as a Trinity Clinic physician and in other physician advisory positions.

Dr. Keuer, an Internal Medicine physician at Trinity Clinic, is a native of Houston, Texas. Dr. Keuer received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and is certified as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. His responsibilities include President and Chief Medical Officer of Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Chair of the System Quality and Safety Committee, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Clinical Pastoral Education, and Chair of the Chiefs of Service Committee at Trinity Mother Frances.

Gifford V. Eckhout, Jr., MD, MBA, is a native of Denver. He has and will continue to serve as the head of Trinity Clinic Anesthesia. He received his MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management in Cleveland and his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine. He is certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology and was named a Certified Physician Executive by the Certifying Commission in Medical Management. Dr. Eckhout is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, American College of Physician Executives and Texas Society of Anesthesiologists.

"With the appointments of Steve and Gifford, the Board wishes to affirm our commitment to the vital role that strong physician leadership plays in our organization and in our future. They bring a strong vote of confidence from the members of the Trinity Clinic and the System Board and round out our highly effective veteran leadership team," said Preston Smith, Chairman of the Trinity Mother Frances Health System Board.

Drs. Keuer and Eckhout complete the executive team of Trinity Mother Frances that also includes Lindsey Bradley, FACHE, President/CEO-TMFHS and Ray Thompson, FACHE, Executive Vice President/COO-TMFHS.

"The identity of great organizations is often measured by the success of the organization during a transition of executive leadership," said Roger N. Fowler, MD, Chairman of the Trinity Clinic Board of Directors. "I completely agree with their selection and am very proud to have Drs. Keuer and Eckhout as our leaders. I look forward to their expanded roles within our organization."

Client News: ETMC Athens Breast Care Center Re-Accredited by State

The radiology department at ETMC Athens received expected but still very welcome news recently. Department Director Richard Vasquez was notified by the state that the facility has successfully passed the mammography accreditation renewal process. That means they may continue doing excellent work without interruption.

The radiology department at ETMC Athens was re-accredited recently by the state of Texas. The ETMC Athens Breast Care Center features a state-of-the-art, full field digital mammography unit. Pictured (from left) are mammographers Jennifer Parker and Shelly  Robertson. 



“We’ve always been re-accredited without having to re-apply because we’re prepared,” said Vasquez. “We have an experienced physicist, an experienced radiologist and experienced mammographers. It’s a great team effort.”

Mammographer Shelly Robertson, RT(M), said she has been seeing many of the same patients for 18 years. “I love working in mammography so much because it’s personal,” she said. “My patients often become my friends. I ask about their families, and they ask about mine. It makes you feel good.”

Robertson works with fellow mammographer Jennifer Parker, RT(R). Dr. Harold Smitson is the experienced radiologist who interprets the images.

ETMC Athens began using a state-of-the-art, full field digital mammography unit in 2009.

“With the digital unit, we can manipulate the image in a way that isn’t possible with film. And the image resolution is so much higher,” said Vasquez.

CAD program

Once the images are captured, they are sent to a CAD program (Computer Aided Device) that “looks” at the images prior to the radiologist and identifies any areas of potential concern. From there, they are sent on to a reading station where Dr. Smitson examines them.

The use of a digital mammography unit shortened the amount of time it previously took to capture the necessary images.

In addition, Robertson pointed out that, unlike some other breast care centers, ETMC Athens routinely uses a MammoPad without additional charge. A MammoPad is a soft, foam pad that provides a cushion between a woman’s skin and the mammography machine.

“It can make a big difference in comfort,” said Robertson.

The American Cancer Society recommends women from the ages of 20 to 39 have clinical breast exams performed by their healthcare providers at least every three years and do self-exams once a month. Ask your healthcare provider to teach you the proper way to do a thorough breast self-exam.

Women 40 and over should have mammograms and clinical breast exams performed every year, as well as performing breast self-exams each month.

 If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines and scheduling with your healthcare provider.

To schedule an appointment or for more information about the mammography system at the ETMC Athens Breast Care Center, please call 903-676-2169.

Client News: Mon General Hospital Recognized for Outstanding Quality

SpecialtyCare recently announced that Mon General has received their 2010 Outstanding Quality Award for Perfusion and Autotransfusion services. SpecialtyCare is the largest provider of perfusion services, supporting one out of every ten open-heart surgery cases performed in the nation.

Ranked by SpecialtyCare as one of the Top 10% Best Performing, Mon General achieved this award based on the results of perfusion quality indicators when compared to over 160 open-heart surgery programs nationwide.

Mon General’s operating room staff and cardiac surgeons work closely with the SpecialtyCare perfusionists to monitor and provide quality services to the cardiac surgery patient. SpecialtyCare Perfusionists at Mon General provide Perfusion, ECMO, Anticoagulation Monitoring, Intraoperative Blood Gas Monitoring, and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump services.

"We are thrilled that SpecialtyCare, as our clinical partner in the delivery of perfusion services, has recognized our commitment and dedication to safety and quality services for our patients,” said Linda Ollis, COO, Mon General. Mon General’s open-heart surgery volume continues to grow, in the last twelve months they have performed more than 325 open-heart procedures.

In a recent statement, Chris Wells, Chief Medical Officer and head of the Clinical Quality Improvement program for SpecialtyCare said, “Quality improvement is the way that value is demonstrated in healthcare today. It is exciting to work with a program that has taken this message to heart. Achieving the Top 10% at SpecialtyCare demonstrates that Mon General has improved processes and procedures that are measured during surgery. These process improvements enhance and improve patient outcomes. The Mon General Hospital team is to be congratulated for their hard work.”

SpecialtyCare is the largest provider of outsourced clinical services in the nation and is dedicated to assisting hospitals in their efforts to improve operational efficiencies, improve outcomes, and decrease blood utilization. SpecialtyCare provides highly specialized clinical services to the operating room and related areas of the hospital. Services include cardiovascular perfusion, autotransfusion, surgical assist, minimally invasive surgical support, sterile processing department management, intraoperative neurological monitoring, and anesthesia support. SpecialtyCare provides services to more than 575 hospitals in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Germany. SpecialtyCare’s website is available at http://www.specialtycare.net/.

Client News: Hoag Breast Care Center First in California to Offer 3D Mammography

Source: Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Press Release

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced today that Hoag Breast Care Center is the first breast care center in California and one of only a handful in the United States to offer 3D digital breast tomosynthesis for breast cancer screening. This revolutionary technology promises to improve breast cancer detection, especially in young women and women of any age with radiographically dense breast tissue. Women who undergo routine mammograms at Hoag Breast Care Center now have the latest screening technology available to them.

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is an FDA-approved 3D imaging modality that gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue, the Achilles heel of 2D digital mammography.  Breast tomosynthesis is especially beneficial for women with dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can obscure an underlying cancer, or conversely mimic a cancer when none exists. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of breast cancers cannot be detected using traditional 2D mammography, especially in women with dense breast tissue.

“It’s a major milestone to be the first breast center in California to provide patients with digital breast tomosynthesis,” said Gary M. Levine, M.D., director of breast imaging at Hoag Breast Care Center and one of the nation’s leading experts in breast tomosynthesis. “At Hoag we have been involved with the development and testing of tomosynthesis since 2009. Recent reader studies have confirmed digital breast tomosynthesis to be superior to conventional mammography alone at finding early breast cancer. Tomosynthesis will allow us to discover more early stage breast cancers, and early detection translates to lives saved.”

During a tomosynthesis exam, 15 digital “projection” images are captured as it arcs over the breast, during a short four-second scan. These images are then digitally reconstructed into a series of high-resolution one-millimeter slices that can be reviewed individually or played back in a cine loop.

“Tomosynthesis, by solving the issue of tissue superimposition, will not only allow us to detect breast cancer more reliably, it will also reduce the number of unnecessary call backs for additional testing,” adds Dr. Levine. “This will then address a frequent criticism of mammography by reducing anxiety and controlling costs.”

A woman can learn if her breasts are dense by asking her physician or the radiologist who performs her mammogram. Breast density is not based on family history and cannot be determined by look and feel of the breast. Approximately 75 percent of women in their forties have dense breasts, and this percentage typically decreases with age – with 54 percent of women in their fifties and 42 percent of women in their sixties having dense breasts.ⁱ Approximately 40 to 50 percent of women Hoag screens annually have extremely dense breast tissue, particularly younger women ages 40-49.

Regardless of whether a woman has dense breast tissue or not, mammograms and self breast awareness play a crucial role in early detection. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If found and treated early, while still localized in the breast, the ten-year survival rate for breast cancer is greater than 90 percent.

Hoag is pleased to offer digital breast tomosynthesis to Orange County women due to a generous grant from Circle 1000, a dedicated group of women that have raised funds for Hoag Family Cancer Institute since 1987. In the near future, Hoag will be extending this technology to Irvine as well.

Hoag is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering 3D breast tomosynthesis digital mammography, Hoag Breast Care Center provides the latest in imaging quality and the specialized experts to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.

For more information, please visit www.HoagBreastCareCenter.com.

Client News: Oakwood Hospitals Earn National Recognition from Joint Commission

Source: Oakwood Healthcare Press Release

Two Oakwood Healthcare hospitals were named as national top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in America.

Oakwood Heritage Hospital (OHH) in Taylor and Oakwood Southshore Medical Center (OSMC) in Trenton earned the distinction based on data reported about evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care.

“We understand that what matters most to patients at Oakwood Healthcare’s various sites is safe, effective, patient-focused care,” said Brian Connolly, president and chief executive officer of Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. “Our entire organization has made a commitment to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Oakwood Heritage Hospital and Oakwood Southshore Medical Center’s recognition for quality by The Joint Commission demonstrate how dedicated our physicians, employees and volunteers are in the pursuit of excellence in clinical care.”

The two hospitals are part of an elite group of just 405 U.S. hospitals and critical access hospitals across the nation that earned the distinction of top performer on key quality measures, for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Only 10 hospitals in Michigan received the recognition and Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. (OHI) was the only healthcare system with two hospitals honored in the metro Detroit area.

“Today, the public expects transparency in the reporting of performance at the hospitals where they receive care,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president, The Joint Commission. “The Joint Commission is shining a light on the top-performing hospitals such as Oakwood Heritage Hospital and Oakwood Southshore Medical Center, which have achieved excellence on a number of vital measures of quality of care.”

“This recognition falls right in line with Oakwood’s focused, relentless and continuous pursuit of excellence,” said Kelly C. Smith, chief operating officer of Oakwood Heritage Hospital. “The entire group of physicians and other clinicians at our hospital has been working tirelessly to exceed top decile across a multitude of quality indicators that we track for every patient, every day. Inclusion on this prestigious list—especially when so many other local hospitals were absent—speaks volumes about the dedication of the team at Heritage. I certainly am proud to work here.”

“This kind of honor goes straight to the heart of the Oakwood credo—‘The patient comes first,’” agreed Edith Hughes, president of Oakwood Southshore Medical Center. “The physicians, employees and volunteers at Oakwood Southshore are dedicated to every patient receiving excellent quality care. This award acknowledges their dedication. The Joint Commission’s stringent standards for this list demonstrate that we’ve had success in meeting the Oakwood goals for excellence in clinical care, and that translates to a high quality, safe environment for our patients.”

To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures, an organization must have met two 95 percent performance thresholds. First, they must have achieved a composite performance of 95 percent or above after the results of all the accountability measures were factored into a single score—including measures that had fewer than 30 eligible cases or patients. They must also have met or exceeded a 95 percent performance target for every single accountability measure for which they reported data, excluding any measures with less than 30 eligible cases or patients.

More information about the list can be found in The Joint Commission’s Improving America’s Hospitals annual report and on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website. 

Client News: ETMC Crockett State-of-the-Art Radiology Department Initiates Scheduling System

Source: ETMC Press Release


ETMC Crockett team members receive instruction on the benefits and functions of the USA Scheduling System during training sessions held at ETMC Crockett on Thursday-Friday, Sept. 8-9. Pictured (L-R) are ETMC Business Office Manager Dana lamb, ETMC Crockett Radiology Department Manager Karla Burdette and ETMC Regional Heralthcare System Call Center Supervisor Linda Gardner. 


On Monday, Sept. 12, the state-of-the-art radiology department at ETMC Crockett initiated an advanced software program, Unibased Systems Architecture Scheduling System (ForSite2020® Resource Management System (RMS)).

The software is also utilized by other ETMC affiliates including Tyler, Athens, Jacksonville, and Henderson.

One of the benefits of the software is that it will allow area physicians and clinic staff to call an ETMC Crockett telephone number to conveniently schedule all outpatient radiological procedures utilizing the hospital’s 64-slice CT, 1.5T MRI, ultrasound, digital mammography, nuclear medicine and diagnostic X-ray equipment.

In addition to the simplicity of requiring medical professionals to make a single telephone call to schedule procedures, the software incorporates the physician’s requests for labwork, necessary questionnaires, orders, reports and other pertinent data, and ensures required resources and patient preferences are properly coordinated, increasing patient satisfaction. The system helps staff eliminate errors and increase versatility, as well as enhance patient safety. The new scheduling system also provides time management benefits to physicians and their staffs as they schedule various radiological procedures for their patients.

Medical professionals and patients will use a single ETMC Crockett telephone number for scheduling and inquiries, 936-545-4611, and a dedicated fax line, 936-545-4696, will stage orders for immediate processing.  

ETMC Crockett will host a luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Classroom 2 for area physicians, clinics, medical staff and medical facilities, and will include presentations to provide in-depth information about the state-of-the-art equipment available in the ETMC Crockett Radiology Department, as well as detailed information about the advanced features and benefits to the local medical community of the Unibased Systems Architecture Scheduling System (ForSite2020® Resource Management System (RMS)).

For additional information or to RSVP for the luncheon please call ETMC Crockett Public Relations Coordinator Daphne Hereford at 936-546-3836.

Client News: Inova Loudoun Hospital Launches Mobile Hope

Source: Inova Health System Press Release

Inova Loudoun Hospital is launching a new program, Mobile Hope. This new program was recently developed by Inova Loudoun Hospital's Mobile Health Unit to support the needs of homeless children in Loudoun County.

As one of the richest counties in the country, it is easy to assume Loudoun does not have homeless youth. Yet recently over 650 young students were identified by Loudoun County Public Schools as homeless or precariously housed. Nearly 40 percent of these young people do not have a guardian or parent in their lives. They sleep in cars, in the woods, in abandoned warehouses or "couch surf" among their friends.

More frightening, there likely are many more homeless children living in Loudoun County – as many as hundreds – who have not yet been identified.

Inova Loudoun Hospital’s Mobile Health Services recently became aware of this harsh reality and is quickly establishing partnerships with the Loudoun County Public Schools, churches, police, government officials, health officials and community leaders to create ways for these children to receive essentials including:

• Food
• Clothes
• Blankets
• Hygiene products
• School supplies
• Medical care

The youth that are being helped don’t need to worry because:

Being homeless is not illegal and nothing to be ashamed of.
Being homeless is not always a Child Protective Services call.
Students can get free breakfast and lunch.
Students can get free transportation to and from school.
Students will not be transferred from their current school.
Confidentiality will be met, unless staff feels that the individual is in danger or being abused.

"Inova Loudoun Hospital is committed to successfully partnering with others to meet the basic needs of homeless children in our community. Our hope is that we’ll make a difference in their lives," said Donna Fortier, community affairs executive & director of Mobile Health Services.

The Inova Mobile Health Unit has been providing health care services in the county for over 10 years, traveling throughout Loudoun providing services to a number of clients from large corporations to those in need. This Mobile Health Unit is one solution to delivering needed items to these children.  Inova is especially concerned with providing preventative care to this population, including vaccines, general physicals and other screenings.

For more information visit us on the web at www.inova.org/mobile-hope or to find out how you can help please call 703-858-8935 or email donna.fortier2@inova.org.

Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for nearly 100 years, is part of the Inova Health System; a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes.  Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Visit us on the web at www.inova.org/ilh.

Homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act:
Anyone who, due to a lack of housing, lives:
• In emergency or transitional shelters;
• In motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, abandoned in hospitals, awaiting foster care placement;
• In cars, parks, public places, bus stations or train stations, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or similar settings due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• Doubled-up with relatives or friends, due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
• In these conditions and is a child or youth not in the physical custody of an adult (unaccompanied youth*); and/or
• In these conditions and is a migratory child or youth.

To determine homelessness, consider the permanence and adequacy of the living situation. Evaluate whether living arrangements are: fixed, regular, and adequate.

*Unaccompanied youth—are youth without fixed, regular, and adequate housing and who are not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. “Unaccompanied youth” would include runaways living in homeless situations and those denied housing by their families (sometimes referred to as “throwaway” children).

Client News: Frazier Rehab Institute’s Pulmonary Rehab Program and Jewish Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Program Receive Certification by Industry Leader

Source: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Frazier Rehab Institute and Jewish Hospital’s Garon Lifestyle Center and have received certification of their pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation programs respectively by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). Frazier Rehab and Jewish Hospital were recognized for their commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

The cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation program is designed to help people with cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and pulmonary problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD and respiratory symptoms – recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

“Frazier Rehab Institute and Jewish Hospital are known for world-class care in heart care and comprehensive acute rehab,” said Marty Bonick, president and CEO of Jewish Hospital and Frazier Rehab Institute. “We are honored to be recognized by a leading industry organization.  This certification further demonstrates our constant focus on providing the best possible patient care.”

AACVPR certification is meant to provide a benchmark for best practices, program quality and improving patient outcomes.  The Association provides a systematic approach to quality care and promotes a culture of quality patient care.  AACVPR is the only organization that certifies cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

Jewish Hospital and Frazier Rehab Institute’s cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs participated in the one-month application process which requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

About Frazier Rehab Institute 
Frazier Rehab Institute is a comprehensive rehabilitation system with more than 20 locations throughout Kentucky and southern Indiana, providing therapy in acute care settings for inpatient and outpatient rehab needs.  Comprehensive rehab programs, highly skilled therapists, state-of-the-art-facilities and innovative therapeutic techniques have earned Frazier Rehab Institute national recognition.  Patients span the age range from infancy to geriatrics with a wide variety of diagnoses which include neurologic (spinal cord injury, brain injury and stroke), amputations, multiple trauma, orthopedic, arthritis, cardiopulmonary, congenital, developmental, degenerative, and general medical cases.

About Jewish Hospital 
Jewish Hospital is an internationally renowned high-tech tertiary referral center developing leading-edge advancements in hand and microsurgery, heart and lung care, home care, rehab medicine (including sports medicine), orthopaedics, neuroscience, occupational health, organ transplantation and outpatient and primary care.  Site of the world’s first successful hand transplant, and the world’s first and second successful AbioCor® Implantable Replacement Heart procedures, the hospital is also federally designated to perform all five solid organ transplants – heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas.

About AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

Client News: LG Health Breast Cancer Program Receives National Accreditation

Source: Lancaster General Health News Release

Lancaster General Health’s (LG Health) Breast Cancer Program has received a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). According to NAPBC, LG Health’s program is one of about 200 in the country to receive this accreditation, which has been in existence for three years. It is the first time LG Health has received this recognition. 

To attain this recognition, breast centers undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance and compliance with the NAPBC standards and maintain their accreditation with on-site reviews every three years. NAPBC-accreditation is granted only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Several features of LG Health’s Center for Breast Health include digital mammography, MammoSite® Radiation therapy and breast MRI. When there is a diagnosis of breast cancer, nurse navigators guide patients through treatment and help coordinate their care with specialists. Other supportive services include a genetics testing program, a survivorship program and access to clinical trials.  Lancaster General Health is a member of the Penn Cancer Network affiliation.

In the fall of 2011, LG Health will break ground for the new Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center.  The two-story, 70,000 square-foot center will be integrated with LG Health’s Radiation Oncology department at the Suburban Outpatient Pavilion on Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster. 

The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) is a consortium of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast.

Happy Labor Day!

Whatever your plans may be today, we at Unibased wish you a happy and safe Labor Day!

Client News: Jewish Hospital Medical Center East Becomes Only Facility in Louisville to Receive Breast MRI Accreditation

Source: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Jewish Hospital Medical Center East (JHMCE) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is the only facility in Louisville to receive this accreditation.

MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that may not be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.

“We’re honored to be the first facility in the city to receive this prestigious recognition,” said Shelley Neal, president, Jewish Hospital Medical Center East.  “Accreditation from the ACR distinguishes our organization as the foremost provider of care for women in the region.”

“This accreditation confirms that our experienced MRI technologists are producing high quality exams which allow my partners and I to better detect subtle abnormalities in the breast,” said Frank Lee, M.D., Radiology Specialists of Louisville. “This is just another example of the very high quality service we continue to provide, not only in Women's Imaging but throughout our medical imaging department.”  

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

JHMCE is an outpatient and emergency care facility that provides 24/7 emergency care by board-certified/board-eligible emergency medicine physicians, comprehensive outpatient surgery and endoscopy and a full array of medical imaging and diagnostic services and physician offices covering a variety of specialties.

Client News: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare Names New Senior VP and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital President

Source: Jewish Hospital & St Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare (JHSMH) has named Jim Parobek as senior vice president of clinical innovation and president of Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

In these roles, Parobek is the senior officer responsible for the service line development and clinical integration across the Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare system, oversight of the operations of the Jewish Physician Group and all activities related to Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.

Parobek has more than 20 years experience in healthcare leadership. He most recently served as the president of the Saint Joseph Health System Physician Enterprise. In this role, he was responsible for the establishment and implementation of physician affiliation and integration. He also served as CEO of the former Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital in Louisville.

“Jim’s extensive background in hospital leadership makes him an ideal choice to lead Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital,” said David Laird, CEO, Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare. “I am confident he will further the healing mission of the hospital and guide the successful completion of improvements currently underway including the $16 million central utility plant project.”

Parobek earned his MBA from Webster University. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from Ohio University and a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Miami University. He and his wife, Susan, have two adult sons and live in Louisville.

Client News: ETMC EMS Names New Director of Operations

Source: ETMC News

ETMC EMS has named Neal Franklin as the new director of operations for the East Texas service area. Franklin previously served as EMS director of business development and came to ETMC in January after retiring as fire chief with the city of Tyler.

In this new position, Franklin will be responsible for more than 300 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, covering over 16,000 square miles in East Texas, responding to 110,000 requests for service and transportation of more than 77,000 patients each year.

Franklin is from Tyler and received his bachelor’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. While attending graduate school at the University of North Texas, he became a Dallas firefighter. In 1987, he moved back to Tyler and worked his way up through the ranks of the Tyler Fire Department and eventually served as chief for seven years.

Franklin has been married for 25 years to Valli and has three children.

Client News: York Hospital’s Trauma Center Receives 3-Year Accreditation

Source: WellSpan Health News



York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center has received a three-year accreditation from the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation, effective Oct. 1. York Hospital’s Trauma Center was upgraded to Level I in October 2009.

It serves more than 650,000 people in York, Adams and Franklin counties, and is capable of handling any kind of trauma 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Keith Clancy, M.D., medical director of trauma services, said, “Many people contribute every day to the success of the trauma program.  It’s the hard work of these often unrecognized staff members that really makes our trauma program the success it is.”

Trauma services is a true multi-disciplinary function, involving numerous departments such as respiratory, imaging, care management, pastoral care, laboratory, nursing, dietary, physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, volunteers, patient reps and many others.

Clancy added, “We provide high quality care to every patient, every day.  We have a trauma program in which we can all feel very proud.  The communities we serve can be confident that, should they need a trauma center, the care and quality they receive at York Hospital is of the highest quality and caliber."

York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center patients arrive with a higher injury severity score than most of the nation.  Yet, the outcome survivability score continues to exceed nationwide averages and expectation, according to Amy Krichten, R.N., trauma program manager.

“We strive to incorporate the best practices for patient care every step of the way—from the time the 911 call is placed to when the patient is discharged,” stressed Krichten.  “We constantly review our protocols.”

“This accreditation is a great way to begin our 25th year as a regional trauma center,” said Raymond Rosen, vice president of operations at York Hospital.  “We have made a difference in the lives of countless residents over the years.

“Receiving accreditation at the highest level with no significant findings means that an impartial third-party (The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation) believes we have a top-notch program.”

York Hospital’s Level I Trauma Center is one of only two in south central Pennsylvania, and one of 15 in the state.

Last year, the trauma center cared for 2,090 patients, the most ever.  The number of patients transferred from other area hospitals to the trauma center has doubled since gaining Level I status two years ago.

This fiscal year is shaping up to be the busiest ever.  In July, trauma services cared for a record 249 patients.  The previous monthly high was 230.

Client News: WellSpan Runs Top 25 Connected Streak to Six

Source: Around WellSpan Online

WellSpan has been named among the Top 25 Most Connected Healthcare Facilities by Health Imaging and IT magazine for the sixth consecutive year.

The magazine termed the 25 organizations “an illustrious group.” Editor Lisa Fratt wrote, “Health Imaging and IT’s Top Connected award recognizes true innovators in imaging and informatics.

“Winning organizations have clearly demonstrated their ability to leverage data to inform decisions and motivate clinical and administrative stakeholders to drive targeted improvements in patient care, quality and efficiency.

“It’s a model that healthcare enterprises across the United States need to embrace.”

R. Hal Baker, M.D., vice president and chief information officer, said, “Our sixth year of recognition is a strong validation that our collaboration across our entire organization is allowing WellSpan to achieve a connectedness that is not yet common across health care.

“Making sure everyone has access to the information they need, when they need it, remains the mission of our eCare efforts. This award should encourage us to continue to strive for innovation and excellence.”

WellSpan has a compelling story

Stephen French, program director of PACS, said, WellSpan has a compelling story to tell when it comes to data connectivity.

“Our philosophy on patient data is anywhere, anytime—fast, easy and secure.”

This past year, WellSpan expanded its Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) throughout the organization.

CPOE allows clinicians to directly enter medication orders, tests and procedures into a computer system, which then transmits the order to the pharmacy or appropriate department.

CPOE typically reduces errors by ensuring standardized, legible and complete orders. Physicians with the required licensure and privileges can log into any computer and complete their order entries.

With the goal of increasing the speed of connection and decreasing wait times, WellSpan upgraded its internet bandwidth from 50 to 150 megabytes. WellSpan also has provided many radiologists with full diagnostic work stations, allowing them to work from home.

WellSpan is one of four Pennsylvania organizations to make this year’s list. The others are Aria Health in Philadelphia, Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

For a complete list of the Top 25 Most Connected Healthcare Facilities, go to http://www.healthimaging.com/.

Client News: Inova Fairfax Hospital's Prematurity Program Awarded Joint Commission Certification

Inova Fairfax Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s first ever Gold Seal of Approval™ for Prematurity (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety in premature birth care. The certification awarded Inova Fairfax Hospital, part of the world-class healthcare provider Inova Health System which had in excess of 20,000 birth’s in 2010, recognizes the hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

"This Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval™ validates that the care premature babies receive in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit not only consistently meets but exceeds the national standards leading to the best care possible," commented Reuven Pasternak, CEO of Inova Fairfax Hospital and SVP, Inova Health System.  "To be the first in the United States to achieve this certification is a tribute to the multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable professionals who are truly dedicated to improving the health of the diverse community we are privileged to serve through excellence in patient care."

The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification Program, launched in 2002, is designed to evaluate clinical programs across the continuum of care. Certification requirements address three core areas: compliance with consensus-based national standards; effective use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage and optimize care; and an organized approach to performance measurement and improvement activities.  A team of Joint Commission expert reviewers evaluated Inova Fairfax Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"This certification is a tribute to the care and commitment of our doctors, nurses and staff who, over many years, have developed a neonatal program offering a full spectrum of services available from the time of  delivery until discharge.  This includes advanced clinical procedures for treating premature babies as well as newborns suffering from birth defects, injury, illness or life-threatening conditions," according to John M. North, MD, Medical Director, NICU, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.  "We are proud to provide excellence in patient care, which ranks among the best in the nation."

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 19,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States as well as providing certification of more than 1,700 disease-specific care programs, primary stroke centers, and health care staffing services.

"In achieving this Joint Commission certification, Inova Fairfax Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its premature birth patients" observed Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. executive director, Disease-Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission. "Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Inova Fairfax Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves."

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

Client News: Mon Health System and Mon General Announce Board Changes

The Boards of Directors of Monongalia Health System and Monongalia General Hospital recently elected new board chairmen and added several new members.

Glenn Adrian is the new Chairman of the Monongalia Health System Board of Directors and Sarah Minear is the new Chairman of the Mon General Hospital Board of Directors. Monongalia Health System is the parent company of Mon General Hospital, Mon HealthCare Equipment and Supplies, Monongalia EMS and The Village at Heritage Point.

New members include Bobbie Hawkins on the Monongalia Health System Board of Directors and Helen Blevins, Terry L. Shaffer and Natalie Stone on the Mon General Board of Directors. The new members’ first board meeting was held on Aug. 2.

“It’s a privilege to serve as Chairman of the Mon Health System Board of Directors,” Adrian said. “I’m looking forward to leading the Board as we embark upon the continual evolution of healthcare delivery in our community.

“For a strong community hospital like Mon General to remain viable, it needs to be led by a strong volunteer leadership board,” Adrian said. “Mon Health System and Mon General have been fortunate throughout the years to have had a commitment from community members to serve on its boards and that tradition continues with our newest members.”

Adrian has been a member of the Mon Health System Board of Directors since 2006. He also served on The Foundation of Mon General Hospital Board of Directors from 1990-2011.

“Mon General Hospital has a great Board of Directors and I'm honored to be the new chairman,” Minear said.

“The hospital has long enjoyed a strong reputation for providing quality healthcare to the region,” Minear said. “We have very progressive goals to keep Mon General on the cutting edge of quality healthcare and my role as chairman will be to keep our focus on those goals to bring them to fruition.”

Minear joined the Mon General Board of Directors in 2007. She previously served three terms in the West Virginia State Senate, having been elected in 1994, 1998 and 2002, representing the 14th Senatorial District. In addition, she has been active on numerous area boards.

The Monongalia Health System Board of Directors welcomed one new member:

Bobbie Hawkins has been the Business Development Manager at Alpha Associates, Inc. since 2004, a position created to further develop the marketing strategy of the firm. Alpha Associates is a local architectural and engineering firm.

Prior to becoming the Business Development Manager, Hawkins was the Marketing Coordinator at Alpha Associates. She was also a loan officer and assistant branch manager at Bartlett Farmers Bank.

Hawkins serves as the Vice Chair of Membership for the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Co-Chair of the Citizens Review Board for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and the Vice President of the Monongalia County 4-H Leaders Association. She is also involved with Leadership Monongalia, Leadership West Virginia, the Cheat Lake Sailors 4-H Club and is on the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown.

She received her Bachelors in Business Administration from Harding University and her Associates in Business from Ohio Valley College.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Mon Health System Board,” Hawkins said. “Morgantown and the surrounding areas are extremely blessed to have a comprehensive healthcare system to serve our healthcare needs. At a time in history when the healthcare industry is on unsteady ground, I will do my best to strengthen the Mon Health System through effective stewardship and service.”

The Mon General Board of Directors welcomed three new members:

Helen Blevins is the Manger of Clinical Occupational and Non-Occupational Healthcare at CONSOL Energy. She has extensive experience managing CONSOL’s substance abuse program and is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on the problem of substance abuse in the mining industry. Blevins has worked in the mining industry for over 31 years in various healthcare positions. She has a BS Degree in Nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and has also worked in clinical nursing at Mercy Hospital and Jefferson Hospital in Pittsburgh, as well as ALCOA.

Blevins has had frequent contact with Mon General, including physicians and the Emergency Department, through CONSOL workers utilizing the hospital for workers comp and short-term disability. In addition, she works with Mon General Community Wellness to offer annual health fairs for CONSOL employees and retirees.

“Mon General is an exceptional hospital,” Blevins said. “I have seen the care the hospital provides, not only to our (CONSOL) employees, but to our employees’ family members. Mon General is constantly working to meet the needs of the community. To me, that is so important.

“I’m very honored and happy to be part of the team of the Mon General Board of Directors,” she said. Blevins resides in Bridgeville, PA.

Terry L. Shaffer is a Morgantown native and a graduate of Morgantown High School. He received his BS degree in Business Administration from West Virginia University. He has been Market President at United Bank since 1996, and has worked as a commercial lender at Community Bank and Trust, was President of Mountaineer National Bank, was President of CB&T of Monongalia County and a commercial lender at Huntington National Bank. His community involvement includes Rotary and serving on the Mylan Park Board of Directors, the Mon General Hospital Finance Committee and the Morgantown Area Partnership Board of Directors.

“Being a native of and professional in Morgantown, I appreciate and want to help maintain the high quality of healthcare being provided by Mon General,” Shaffer said. “It is essential in finding and employing professionals in our market, as well as attracting new businesses to our community. I am joining the Mon General Board of Directors to aid in the continuation of quality service to this community, their patients and their employees.”

Natalie Stone is the Executive Director of the North Central Building and Construction Trades Council, an AFL-CIO affiliated organization representing more than 3,000 construction workers in the North Central and Eastern Panhandle regions of West Virginia. She is also a member of IBEW Local 596, a representative on the West Virginia State Building Trades Executive Board and has served on the auditing committee for the WV AFL-CIO at various conventions. She presently serves on the WV Attorney General’s Consumer Advocate Board and was recently selected to serve on the Mon General Auxiliary’s 2011 Ball of the Year Committee. Raised in Preston County, she now resides in Morgantown.

“My connection through the Building Trades and the 3,000 working families that I represent may enable me to better serve the community and the hospital with my service as a member of the Mon General Board,” Stone said. “My own family has experienced medical situations over the years and I have been impressed with the compassion shown to us by the hospital staff and administration.

“It’s an honor for me to now consider myself a member of the Mon General team and know that that same compassion will be shown to the families in North Central West Virginia,” she said. “I have had the opportunity to work closely with the leadership at Mon General and I feel confident in their ability to lead us in the healthcare challenges we face now, and in the future, and therefore I am extremely honored to be part of that team.”

The Monongalia Health System Board of Directors consists of Adrian, Chairman; Zack George, Ph.D., Vice Chairman; Mike DeProspero, Secretary/Treasurer; Susan Capelle, MD; Mon Health System President and CEO Darryl Duncan; Don Gallion; Hawkins; Alan Hess, MD; Patrick Martin, Immediate Past Chair; Robert Maust; Carol Rushford; George Snider, MD; Wade Stoughton, MD; and Ron Stovash. Billy Atkins and David Myerberg, MD, left the Board when their terms expired on June 30. There is one vacancy on the Board which will be filled at a later date.

The Mon General Board of Directors consists of Minear, Chairman; Roger King, MD, Vice Chairman; Sister Nancy White, Secretary/Treasurer and Immediate Past Chair; Adrian; Blevins; Duncan; Robin Garrett, DO, Mon General Chief of Medical Staff; Martin; Carol Rushford; Shaffer; Dr. Stoughton; and Stone. The new members replace Atkins, Joseph Kun and Mary Petropoulos whose terms expired on June 30.

Client News: Des Peres Hospital Awarded HFAP Accreditation

Source: Des Peres Hospital Press Release

Des Peres Hospital was recently awarded accreditation from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), an independent, recognized accreditation authority. It earned this distinction after HFAP conducted an extensive and objective review of the hospital’s quality and safety standards.

“Des Peres Hospital clearly demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care,” said Michael Zarski, CEO of HFAP. “We base our decision on federal standards, patient safety and treatment, quality improvement, and environmental safety. Des Peres Hospital met or exceeded standards in every case.”

“We’re proud to achieve this prestigious distinction,” said Michael Kendrick, chief operating officer. “By awarding us accreditation, the HFAP has recognized our commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and our community. In fact, quality is consistently the priority focus in our strategic plans and goals.”

The HFAP is one of only three national voluntary accreditation programs authorized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to survey all hospitals and other medical facilities for compliance with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.

The HFAP is a non-profit, nationally recognized accreditation organization. It has been accrediting healthcare facilities for more than 60 years and under Medicare since its inception. Its mission is to advance high quality patient care and safety through objective application of recognized standards. Its accreditation is recognized by the federal government, state governments, managed care organizations, and insurance companies. For more information, go to: http://www.hfap.org/.

Client News: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare Names VP of Finance

Souce: Jewish Hospital & St. Mary's HealthCare Press Release

Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare has named Christopher L. Roszman as Vice President of Finance. Roszman will be responsible for corporate finance, budget, finance and strategic planning, decision support, tax reporting, reimbursement, payroll and accounts payable.

“Christopher Roszman has a terrific history of managing the financial interests of a healthcare system like ours,” said Ron Farr, JHSMH Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. “We’re pleased to bring his expertise onto our team.”

Roszman has more than 20 years of progressive health care financial and operations experience. He has served as both a senior vice president of finance in a multi-hospital system and as a public practice CPA. Most recently, he served as partner with BKD, LLP Health Care Group, one of the country’s largest accounting and consulting firms. At BKD, he assisted health care providers with audit, consulting and revenue and performance management solutions.

Roszman is a certified public accountant, a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and a Six Sigma Green Belt. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky.

Client News: ETMC Names New Vice President for EMS

Source: ETMC Press Release

East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System has named Ron Schwartz as the new vice president/chief operating officer for ETMC EMS.  

Schwartz has been with ETMC for over 11 years serving as director of operations and general manager. In this position, he was responsible for more than 400 paramedics and emergency medical technicians, covering over 17,000 square miles, responding to 135,000 requests for service and transportation of more than 105,000 patients each year.

Schwartz helped ETMC add EMS services to several markets in Texas including Waco and Pasadena. Last year, ETMC EMS joined an elite group of emergency providers to receive a three year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services for quality patient care in America’s medical transportation system.

Schwartz will also serve as president of Paramedics Plus, an ambulance division of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. Paramedics Plus currently provides emergency services to residents of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Okla., Pinellas County, Fla., Fort Wayne, Ind., and in November will begin providing services to Alameda, Calif.

Schwartz began his career as a paramedic in Michigan and then worked as a paramedic and a firefighter in Nevada. He later went into management for ambulance services in Reno, Nev., and Lincoln, Neb. Schwartz has a degree in EMS management from Davenport College in Michigan.

Schwartz replaces Tony Myers, who retired in June after 18 years with ETMC EMS and Paramedics Plus.