Below is a list of new providers who joined WellStar Medical Group in November.
Antonio V. Baute, M.D., F.A.C.C
A native of Columbia, Dr. Baute moved to the United States in 1974. He completed his internship at St. Francis General Hospital in Pittsburgh and his residency at Temple University Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. He was also a cardiac fellow at Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Dr. Baute has 31 years of clinical experience in addition to seven years of teaching at the Medical College of Georgia, VA Medical Center and the University of South Carolina. His special interests include performing cardiac catheterizations and other advanced procedures and in clinical cardiovascular care.
He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology. He is also a member of the Cobb County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
William Michael Brown, M.D., F.A.C.C
Dr. Brown, a board certified invasive cardiologist, received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at Talmadge Memorial Hospital. He also has an master’s in business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Brown’s family has lived in Cobb County since the 1830s. While attending Georgia Tech, he worked part-time at Kennestone Hospital as a cardiac monitor technician. Dr. Brown entered private practice in 1982. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Medical Association, Cobb County Medical Society, and the Georgia Medical Association. He is currently on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, and Kennestone hospitals.
Devin Campbell, M.D. - Douglas Hospitalist
Dr. Campbell received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Dr. Campbell is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also certified in advance cardiovascular life support, basic lifesaving for health providers and pediatric advance life support.
Amy Elsass, M.D., F.A.C.C. - Cardiovascular Medicine
Dr. Elsass is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology. She completed her undergraduate degree at Albright College in Reading, Penn., and graduated from medical school at MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed an internal medicine residency at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and a cardiovascular disease fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. During fellowship, she developed an great interest in general interventional cardiology and went on to complete an interventional cardiology fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta.
Prior to joining WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine in 2009 as an interventional cardiologist, she practiced for two years as an interventional cardiologist in Columbia, S.C., where she implemented a program for percutaneous structural heart disease intervention at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Hospital. She also started a program for cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Elsass is on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital since.
Paul C. Guichard, D.O., F.A.C.C
A native of California, Dr. Guichard graduated from the University of California at San Diego with a major in biochemistry and cell biology. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He completed his residency and both general cardiology and interventional fellowships at the University of Cincinnati. Dr Guichard was also on faculty at the University of Cincinnati as a Clinical Instructor.
He is board certified in both cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Special interests include acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and preventative cardiology. Dr Guichard is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and is on staff at WellStar Kennestone hospital.
Dennis Incorvati, D.O., F.A.C.C
Dr. Incorvati received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and then went on to complete his internship at the Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and his cardiac fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Dr. Incorvati is board certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. He is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Salvatore F. Mannino, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Mannino received is a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Boston University. After medical school, he went on to complete his internship and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey—New Jersey Medical School in Newark, N. J. During his final year of residency, he served as the chief resident in internal medicine. Dr. Mannino subsequently went on to complete fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology at the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York City.
During his medical training, Dr. Mannino was the recipient of numerous academic and teaching awards, including Intern of the Year, Resident of the Year, and Fellow of the Year. Dr. Mannino is a comprehensive cardiologist with specialty board certifications in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography. He is also recognized by the American Society of Hypertension as a Specialist in Clinical Hypertension.
Dr. Mannino specializes in the non-surgical treatment of complex coronary and peripheral artery disease.
Dhaval Patel, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Patel, originally from Houston, is an invasive cardiologist with board certification in cardiovascular disease and nuclear cardiology. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Patel graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University of Texas at Austin. He completed medical school and internal medicine residency at The University of Texas – Houston. He completed a fellowship at The Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va.
Dr. Patel’s interests include preventive cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and ischemic heart disease. Dr. Patel also has experience in sleep medicine for which he is board eligible.
Bryan T. Piedad M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Piedad is a board certified cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist . He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Georgetown University and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Dr. Piedad received his medical degree from the University of Rochester and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
He completed his residency tin internal medicine at the New York University Medical Center and his fellowship training at the New York University Medical Center for cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
Dr. Piedad specializes in cardiac electrophysiology. His interests include complex arrhythmia management, pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, resynchronization devices, electrophysiologic studies and ablations for arrhythmias. He is particularly interested in ablation for atrial fibrillation.
He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, and is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society and the Cobb County Medical Society.
Tonette Robinson, Ph.D. - WellStar Psychological Services
Dr. Robinson received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Georgia. She also earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Georgia. Dr. Robinson completed her postdoctoral fellowship in administration and evaluation psychology at the University of Colorado, Denver Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry. She is a licensed psychologist in George and Colorado. Dr. Robinson is also a board member of the Georgia Psychological Association and co-chair of the Early Career Psychologists Committee, Georgia Psychological Association.
David A. Zimmerman, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Zimmerman is an invasive cardiologist and is board certified in cardiovascular disease. He attended Duke University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree. After completing his internship and residency at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, he went on to complete a cardiology fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. He also completed a fellowship in heart failure and cardiac transplantation at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans.
He is on staff at WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals. His interests include cardiac catheterization, nuclear cardiology, preventive cardiology, and heart failure. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
New Medical Staff as Approved at the November Governing Board Meeting
New Medical Staff Members
| Name | Specialty | Group Name | Appointment | Current Staff Membership |
| Baute, Antonio V., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Brown, William M., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Elsass, Amy L., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | KH |
| Freitas, Alessandrina M., M.D. | LTAC Coverage | Windy Hill LTAC | WH, GRP | |
| Greene, Deidre J., M.D. | Pediatrics | WS Kenmar Pediatrics | KH | GRP |
| Guichard, Paul C., DO | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Harris, Drew A., M.D. | LTAC Coverage | Windy Hill LTAC | WH, GRP | |
| Holtz, Margaret C., M.D. | Anesthesiology | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Incorvati, Dennis L., D.O. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Mannino, Salvatore F., D.O. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Orjioke, Ngozika A., M.D. | Pulmonary Medicine | The Lung Centers of Georgia | DH | |
| Palac, Susan M., M.D. | Tele-NeuroMonitoring | Impulse Monitoring, Inc. | CH, DH, KH, PH, WH | |
| Patel, Dhaval G., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Piedad, Bryan T., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | PH, GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Thopu, Anuradha R., M.D. | Pulmonary Medicine | The Lung Centers of Georgia | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
| Williams, Eric L., M.D. | Family Medicine | WS Family Medicine | KH, GRP | |
| Zimmerman, David A., M.D. | Cardiovascular Disease | WS Cardiovascular Medicine | GRP | CH, DH, KH |
New Advanced Practice Professionals
| Name | Specialty | Group Name | Appointment | Current Staff Membership |
| Austin, Jennifer C., NP | Nurse Practitioner | NW Georgia Oncology Centers | KH, WH | CH, DH |
| Batson, Jessica M., PA-A | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Benson, Jennifer A., PA | Physician Assistant | Family Medicine | KH, GRP | |
| Butler, Diane B., PA | Physician Assistant | Pinnacle Orthopaedics & Sports | CH, DH, KH, PH | |
| Chen, Michele A., NP | Nurse Practitioner | Georgia Kidney Associates | CH, KH, WH | |
| Choi, Jonathan W., PA | Physician Assistant | The Bortolazzo Group, LLC | CH, DH, KH, PH | |
| Culver, Robert L., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Tri-County Anesthesia | WH | CH, DH |
| Elder, Torra Y., PA | Physician Assistant | Metro Atlanta Surgical Assist | WH | CH, KH |
| Flynn, Patricia, PA | Physician Assistant | Marietta Dermatology Assoc. | KH | |
| Guercio, Cynthia V., CNM | Nurse Midwife | South Cobb OB/GYN | CH, GRP | |
| Holden, Horace P., Jr., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Jacquet, Nelson, PA | Physician Assistant | Cardiovascular Medicine | PH | CH, DH, KH |
| Miller, Marlene S., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Minear, Alissa P., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH | |
| Nelson, Casey R., PA | Physician Assistant | Marietta Dermatology Assoc. | KH | |
| Ratliff, Rebecca A., AuD | Audiology | ENT, LLC | KH, GRP | |
| Ridings, Tansy, PA | Physician Assistant | Georgia Urology, P.A. | CH, DH, KH | |
| Stubbs, Elizabeth J., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Tri-County Anesthesia | CH, DH | |
| Thon, Daniel W., PAA | Physician Anesthesia Asst | Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC | KH, PH |
WellStar is 2 Weeks Away from Becoming a Tobacco-Free Environment - New Policy Starts Jan. 1, 2012
As you know, a decision was made last year to become a completely tobacco-free environment at all WellStar facilities by Jan. 1, 2012. This process began with the implementation of the Absence from the Unit procedure in Feb. 2011, which restricts patients from leaving their units for non-therapeutic reasons, such as smoking.
The next step in the journey will be the implementation of the Tobacco-Free Environment policy (No. 3075) effective Jan. 1, 2012. This policy prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone, anywhere on WellStar facilities. (Residents of the WellStar hospice facilities, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are excluded from this policy.)
As a healthcare organization, we know the detrimental effects of smoking and use of tobacco products. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States. It increases the risk of coronary heart disease by two to four times; stroke by two to four times; men developing lung cancer by 23 times and women by 13 times; and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.
For these reasons, WellStar believes it is important that we set an example and protect the safety and health of all those who work in or visit our facilities by becoming tobacco-free. This is also part of a major wellness initiative to improve the health of our team members.
Over the past few months, we have been preparing our facilities and our team members to make this transition. This included new signage at our facilities, eliminating our smoking pavilions, making our community aware of our initiative, developing scripting and processes for dealing with visitors who use tobacco and, most importantly, helping our team members who use tobacco products kick the habit.
We have provided tobacco-using team members with a wide variety of resources to ease their transition. These resources included traditional cessation classes, nicotine replacement therapy, peer support groups, one-on-one assistance and much more.
Everyone’s support is needed in order to make this initiative successful. Thank you for helping us create a healthier environment for our System and the communities we serve.
The next step in the journey will be the implementation of the Tobacco-Free Environment policy (No. 3075) effective Jan. 1, 2012. This policy prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone, anywhere on WellStar facilities. (Residents of the WellStar hospice facilities, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are excluded from this policy.)
As a healthcare organization, we know the detrimental effects of smoking and use of tobacco products. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly one of every five deaths each year in the United States. It increases the risk of coronary heart disease by two to four times; stroke by two to four times; men developing lung cancer by 23 times and women by 13 times; and dying from chronic obstructive lung diseases (such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema) by 12 to 13 times.
For these reasons, WellStar believes it is important that we set an example and protect the safety and health of all those who work in or visit our facilities by becoming tobacco-free. This is also part of a major wellness initiative to improve the health of our team members.
Over the past few months, we have been preparing our facilities and our team members to make this transition. This included new signage at our facilities, eliminating our smoking pavilions, making our community aware of our initiative, developing scripting and processes for dealing with visitors who use tobacco and, most importantly, helping our team members who use tobacco products kick the habit.
We have provided tobacco-using team members with a wide variety of resources to ease their transition. These resources included traditional cessation classes, nicotine replacement therapy, peer support groups, one-on-one assistance and much more.
Everyone’s support is needed in order to make this initiative successful. Thank you for helping us create a healthier environment for our System and the communities we serve.
January Department Meetings
WellStar Cobb Hospital
WellStar Douglas Hospital
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
WellStar Paulding Hospital
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/10 - noon | Administrative Board Room |
| Cobb Diabetes Team | 1/12 – noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/17 - noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Pediatric Department | 1/31 - 5:15 p.m. | Magnolia Room |
WellStar Douglas Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/3 – noon | Sweetwater Room |
| Douglas Diabetes Team | 1/9 – 12:30 p.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/10 – noon | Sycamore Room |
| General Staff and Departments | 1/19 – noon | Syscamore Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 1/4 – 7 a.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/10 – 6 p.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Kennestone Diabetes Team | 1/11 – noon | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| OB/GYN Department | 1/16 – 5:30 p.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Surgery Department | 1/18 – 7 a.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| New Provider Orientation and Safety First Training | 1/20 – 8 a.m.-noon | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
WellStar Paulding Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/12 – 12:30 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
| Paulding Diabetes Team | 1/19 – 9 a.m. | Dogwood Room |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Windy Hill Diabetes Team | 1/10 – noon | Garden Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | 1/17 – 5:15 p.m. | Windy Hill Board Room |
Holy Moly Remove My Foley!
Catheter associated urinary tract infections are a preventable source of harm to patients. “Holey Moly, Remove my Foley” is the tag line for a new program at WellStar Kennestone Hospital aimed at reducing those infections. A card will be placed in the chart to alert the rounding provider that a patient’s foley may not meet best practice protocols. Physicians will be prompted to remove the catheter or justify its continued use.
Indications for a foley catheter:
Indications for a foley catheter:
- Perioperative use for selected surgical / invasive procedures
- Urine output monitoring in critically ill patients
- Management for acute urinary retention and urinary obstruction
- Assistance in pressure ulcer healing for incontinent patients
- End of life comfort care measures
- Alternatives to a foley catheter
- External catheters
- Intermittent catheterization multiple times a day
- Utilizing bladder scan to assess urinary retention instead of catheter
- Timed voiding
- Manage constipation/impaction (increases urinary incontinence)
WellStar Launches Nursing Leader Program
In partnership with the University of West Georgia, WellStar is offering a new graduate-level, Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) program. CNLs mentor and guide other RNs and serve as patient advocates.
Eighteen WellStar RNs began the program in August and will finish in May 2013 with a master’s degree. Participants work full-time while pursuing this advanced degree; classes are primarily online, with periodic face-to-face classes held at WellStar Development Center. The program is offered through WellStar’s Organizational Learning Scholar’s Program, which covers tuition and books in return for a two-year work commitment.
“CNLs will be assigned strategically to select units throughout our System,” explained Chenille Jones, MSN, RN, CNL, director of Learning and Development. “They will ensure best practices are employed, and that patients receive timely, cost-effective care.”
Studies show that CNLs are having a measurable impact on the quality of nursing services by:
Eighteen WellStar RNs began the program in August and will finish in May 2013 with a master’s degree. Participants work full-time while pursuing this advanced degree; classes are primarily online, with periodic face-to-face classes held at WellStar Development Center. The program is offered through WellStar’s Organizational Learning Scholar’s Program, which covers tuition and books in return for a two-year work commitment.
“CNLs will be assigned strategically to select units throughout our System,” explained Chenille Jones, MSN, RN, CNL, director of Learning and Development. “They will ensure best practices are employed, and that patients receive timely, cost-effective care.”
Studies show that CNLs are having a measurable impact on the quality of nursing services by:
- Quickly making significant progress on raising patient, nurse and physician satisfaction.
- Improving care outcomes.
- Realizing sizable cost savings.
- Promoting critical thinking and innovation in nursing care.
- Constructively managing change and promoting a team-based approach to care.
- Understanding the bigger picture when considering next steps, needed changes and setting improvements.
WellStar Nurse Residency Program Welcomes RN Graduates
In October, the Organizational Learning Department welcomed 105 newly-graduated registered nurses to the WellStar Nurse Residency Program.
“The Nurse Residency Program is designed to support WellStar’s mission and vision by assisting new graduate nurses as they transition to professional practice and the delivery of world-class healthcare,” said Ruth Wingel, MSN, RN, residency coordinator, WellStar Organizational Learning.
WellStar has partnered with the University Health Consortium (UHC) /AACN Nurse Residency Program, which was developed by experts from medical centers and schools of nursing across the country. The one-year program is designed to effectively support new graduate nurses as they transition into their first professional roles as caregivers in the acute-care hospital setting. Upon completion, the new graduate nurse gains clinical autonomy at the point of patient care.
The program is built on an evidence-based curriculum that meets national residency accreditation standards. Its core content focuses on three critical areas: leadership, patient outcomes and professional role. Nurse residents complete evidence-based team projects that provide the impetus for practice changes to promote safe, high-quality nursing care. Each nurse resident also develops a career plan to establish future goals within the nursing profession.
In order to maximize the success of the program, Organizational Learning has partnered with Nursing Leadership, Human Resources and Nursing Clinical Practice. Unit educators serve as group facilitators at each residency session to bring bedside nursing expertise to discussions.
WellStar also has partnered with academic institutions, such as the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Highlands College, to share knowledge and resources that assist the nurse residents in making a seamless transition into the profession.
“The Nurse Residency Program is designed to support WellStar’s mission and vision by assisting new graduate nurses as they transition to professional practice and the delivery of world-class healthcare,” said Ruth Wingel, MSN, RN, residency coordinator, WellStar Organizational Learning.
WellStar has partnered with the University Health Consortium (UHC) /AACN Nurse Residency Program, which was developed by experts from medical centers and schools of nursing across the country. The one-year program is designed to effectively support new graduate nurses as they transition into their first professional roles as caregivers in the acute-care hospital setting. Upon completion, the new graduate nurse gains clinical autonomy at the point of patient care.
The program is built on an evidence-based curriculum that meets national residency accreditation standards. Its core content focuses on three critical areas: leadership, patient outcomes and professional role. Nurse residents complete evidence-based team projects that provide the impetus for practice changes to promote safe, high-quality nursing care. Each nurse resident also develops a career plan to establish future goals within the nursing profession.
In order to maximize the success of the program, Organizational Learning has partnered with Nursing Leadership, Human Resources and Nursing Clinical Practice. Unit educators serve as group facilitators at each residency session to bring bedside nursing expertise to discussions.
WellStar also has partnered with academic institutions, such as the University of West Georgia, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Highlands College, to share knowledge and resources that assist the nurse residents in making a seamless transition into the profession.
January CME Events
With the January opening of the PCI program at WellStar Douglas, you are invited to attend the following CME:
WellStar Douglas Hospital Cardiac Grand Rounds
Jan. 17, 2012
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Centre @ Arbor Connection, 7475 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 100-A, Douglasville, Ga. 30135
Presentations by WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine physicians to include:
- Updates on Revascularization Therapies
- The Radial Approach in the Catheterization Lab
- Advances in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
- Management of Arrhythmias
Dinner, drinks and networking in advance of the presentation beginning at 5:55 p.m.
To register, call 770-226-9263
Primary Care Course
Topic: Endocrinology
Jan. 14, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WellStar Development Center
Breakfast will be included
To register, call 770-22-MYCME (69263)
“The Prevention of Surgical Site Infections with Valid Interventions”
Donald E. Fry, M.D.
Michael Pine and Associates
Jan. 18, 2012
6:45 – 8 a.m.
Kennestone Auditorium, 310 Building
WellStar Douglas Hospital Cardiac Grand Rounds
Jan. 17, 2012
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Centre @ Arbor Connection, 7475 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 100-A, Douglasville, Ga. 30135
Presentations by WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine physicians to include:
- Updates on Revascularization Therapies
- The Radial Approach in the Catheterization Lab
- Advances in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
- Management of Arrhythmias
Dinner, drinks and networking in advance of the presentation beginning at 5:55 p.m.
To register, call 770-226-9263
Primary Care Course
Topic: Endocrinology
Jan. 14, 2012
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WellStar Development Center
Breakfast will be included
To register, call 770-22-MYCME (69263)
“The Prevention of Surgical Site Infections with Valid Interventions”
Donald E. Fry, M.D.
Michael Pine and Associates
Jan. 18, 2012
6:45 – 8 a.m.
Kennestone Auditorium, 310 Building
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board – Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; 7 a.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB) – Jan. 6 and 20; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiology Case Conference – Jan. 31; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cardiothoracic Case Conference - Jan. 17; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room
- Cobb Surgical M&M – Jan. 26; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room
- GI Tumor Board – Jan. 5, 19 and 26; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Surgical M&M – Jan. 25; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
- Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference - Jan. 4; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Neurosciences Conference – Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Safety First Recertification - Kennestone – Jan. 20; 10:30 a.m.; Administrative Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Safety First Recertification – Douglas – Jan. 18; 6 p.m.; Administrative Conference Room; WellStar Douglas Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic – Jan. 4, 11 and 25; 5 p.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds – Jan. 26; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Wound Case Conference – Jan. 6; 12 p.m.; Cobb Auditorium
WellStar Kennestone Physician Networking Social
WellStar Kennestone Physician Networking Social was held Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Marietta Country Club. More than 100 physicians joined WellStar senior leaders and the Physician Relations Team for this event. Below are some photos.
Certified Hand Therapists Join Team at WellStar Kennestone Hospital Outpatient Rehab Center
Amy Barfield (right) is one of two certified hand therapists who recently joined the team at WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Outpatient Rehab Center.
The menu of patient services offered through WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Outpatient Rehab Center has expanded with the recent addition of two certified hand therapists: Amy Barfield and Meredith Brunson.
Barfield, who has won multiple awards for outstanding patient care, has 11 years experience as a certified hand therapist. She is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia Occupational Therapy Program. She has taught courses on custom splinting, patient care and functional capacity evaluations, as well as guest lectured, at local colleges.
Brunson also has won many awards for her patient care and has taught courses on various hand therapy topics. She has been a certified hand therapist for the past nine years. She has 14 years of experience as an occupational therapist and is a University of Florida alumnus.
Barfield and Brunson treat all hand and upper extremity diagnoses. Both were formerly with the Outpatient Rehabilitative Services’ team at WellStar Cobb Hospital.
To make a referral, call 770-793-7600. Fax physician orders and patient contact information to 770-793-7910.
Robert Jansen, M.D., Named Senior Vice President & WellStar Medical Group President
Robert Jansen, M.D., has been named president of the WellStar Medical Group (WMG). Dr. Jansen has served admirably as interim president for the past seven months. With more than 27 years of experience within our System, he understands the private practice of medicine and clearly has shown a passion for this role as an advocate for all physicians.
Dr. Jansen is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology and was one of the original leaders
of the WMG when it was formed in 1994. He joined WellStar in 2007 as vice president of medical
affairs for WellStar Kennestone Hospital and assumed the role of interim president of WMG in March
2011. He is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and has a master’s degree in
business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Jansen is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology and was one of the original leaders
of the WMG when it was formed in 1994. He joined WellStar in 2007 as vice president of medical
affairs for WellStar Kennestone Hospital and assumed the role of interim president of WMG in March
2011. He is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and has a master’s degree in
business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Jon Morris, M.D., Named Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Jon Morris, M.D., has been named Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer (CIO) for WellStar Health System. Dr. Morris has served as WellStar's Interim CIO for the past eight months and performed outstandingly during this period.
With more than 30 years of emergency room experience (25 years in our System), he understands that the practice of medicine and information technology have clearly intersected and are permanently linked. Dr. Morris is a high energy, tech savvy physician leader with a passion for ensuring the right
tools are in place for our physicians, nurses and other care givers to deliver world-class healthcare.
Dr. Morris is board certified in emergency medicine. He began practicing in 1980 and joined the WellStar Kennestone Medical Staff in 1986. While still practicing as an emergency physician, he became a WellStar Medical Informatics Consultant in 2006 and in 2009 became WellStar’s Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO). He also continues to practice as an emergency physician on a
part-time basis. He is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine with undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry. He also has a master’s degree in business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Morris on his appointment as our new CIO.
With more than 30 years of emergency room experience (25 years in our System), he understands that the practice of medicine and information technology have clearly intersected and are permanently linked. Dr. Morris is a high energy, tech savvy physician leader with a passion for ensuring the right
tools are in place for our physicians, nurses and other care givers to deliver world-class healthcare.
Dr. Morris is board certified in emergency medicine. He began practicing in 1980 and joined the WellStar Kennestone Medical Staff in 1986. While still practicing as an emergency physician, he became a WellStar Medical Informatics Consultant in 2006 and in 2009 became WellStar’s Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO). He also continues to practice as an emergency physician on a
part-time basis. He is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine with undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry. He also has a master’s degree in business administration from Kennesaw State University.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Morris on his appointment as our new CIO.
WellStar Executive Appointed to AHA Council - Lou Little to Serve on Governing Council of AHA Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation
Lou Little, WellStar senior vice president of post-acute services and WellStar Windy Hill Hospital president, has been appointed to serve on the governing council of the American Hospital Association (AHA) Section on Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation. Little’s three-year term begins January 1, 2012.
Governing council members help shape AHA services and policy by advising the AHA on public policy matters, advocacy positions and emerging issues. The AHA’s Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Section focuses on the interests and concerns of post-acute providers, including long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.
“It is an honor to help form the policies of an influential organization like the AHA,” said Little. “Each member of the council brings a unique expertise, and it will be an educational, as well as fulfilling, experience to serve on the council.”
Little has been employed by WellStar Health System for 14 years providing leadership for post-acute services. He will also continue to serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Long Term Hospitals.
Governing council members help shape AHA services and policy by advising the AHA on public policy matters, advocacy positions and emerging issues. The AHA’s Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation Section focuses on the interests and concerns of post-acute providers, including long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies.
“It is an honor to help form the policies of an influential organization like the AHA,” said Little. “Each member of the council brings a unique expertise, and it will be an educational, as well as fulfilling, experience to serve on the council.”
Little has been employed by WellStar Health System for 14 years providing leadership for post-acute services. He will also continue to serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Long Term Hospitals.
Media Coverage
This story on the CyberKnife, featuring an interview with Dr. McLaughlin, aired on Nov. 16 on CBS Atlanta's Better Mornings Atlanta:
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6459171
Pulmonary Embolism
The MDJ story featuring Dr. Amyn Hirani of WellStar Medical Group, Pulmonary Medicine, and a patient:
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16150464/article-Pulmonary-embolism--Know-the-symptoms--risks?
Dr. Jansen Announcement
The announcement regarding Dr. Jansen's updated title was posted on the Atlanta Business Chronicle Web site on Nov 10.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/11/10/jansen-tapped-as-medical-group.html
Cooler Temps Push Insects Into Homes
Published Nov 1, this article featured Dr. Grace Chiang with WellStar Allergy and Asthma who spoke about spider and other insect bites during this time of year when insects start to come inside the home and out of the cold.
http://www.mdjonline.com/printer_friendly/16240765
Prostate Cancer
This front page story on Monday, Nov 7, featured a former CyberKnife patient who credited the technology with saving his life and an interview with Dr. Kenneth Haile.
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16310788/article-Prostate-cancer-gaining-awareness
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6459171
Pulmonary Embolism
The MDJ story featuring Dr. Amyn Hirani of WellStar Medical Group, Pulmonary Medicine, and a patient:
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16150464/article-Pulmonary-embolism--Know-the-symptoms--risks?
Dr. Jansen Announcement
The announcement regarding Dr. Jansen's updated title was posted on the Atlanta Business Chronicle Web site on Nov 10.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2011/11/10/jansen-tapped-as-medical-group.html
Cooler Temps Push Insects Into Homes
Published Nov 1, this article featured Dr. Grace Chiang with WellStar Allergy and Asthma who spoke about spider and other insect bites during this time of year when insects start to come inside the home and out of the cold.
http://www.mdjonline.com/printer_friendly/16240765
Prostate Cancer
This front page story on Monday, Nov 7, featured a former CyberKnife patient who credited the technology with saving his life and an interview with Dr. Kenneth Haile.
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16310788/article-Prostate-cancer-gaining-awareness
WellStar Community Hospice Raises Awareness During Hospice and Palliative Care Month
November was National Hospice Month. Coping with a life-limiting illness is not easy. In fact, it might be the hardest work anyone will ever do. Working with doctors and hospitals, navigating the maze of care needs, figuring out insurance coverage, all in addition to taking care of a family can be overwhelming. WellStar Community Hospice wants the community to know that there’s help.
Hospice providers take the time to talk with patients and loved ones to help them understand their illness and what care options might be available. They make patient wishes a priority and make sure patients get the care they want and deserve.
Hospice providers take the time to talk with patients and loved ones to help them understand their illness and what care options might be available. They make patient wishes a priority and make sure patients get the care they want and deserve.
WellStar to Acquire OrthoSport Physical Therapy
We are very pleased to announce that the WellStar Board of Trustees approved a letter of intent to purchase OrthoSport Physical Therapy. The acquisition is slated to be completed later this month. OrthoSport is a Cobb County-based practice with three locations in Kennesaw, Marietta and Woodstock. It is owned and managed by Kim Chastain, BS, PT, DPT OCS, a board-certified physical therapist with more than 25 years of experience. Niki Groves, DPT, serves as managing chief of operations. Established in 2002, Orthosport employs more than 20 individuals and their operations include aquatic therapy, sports medicine, work injury management, spinal rehab and vestibular and dry needling programs.
Once the acquisition is completed, Chastain will become executive director of outpatient rehabilitation services reporting to Mike Graue and Groves will become director of operations for outpatient rehabilitation services. This acquisition has great synergy with our current rehabilitation services. OrthoSport operations serve injured workers, sports injuries and other low severity patients in community-based locations. These services fit extremely well with our current accredited inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. WellStar focuses primarily on more intensive rehabilitation programs for stroke patients, patients with traumatic or acquired brain injury or neurological disorders and patients with spinal cord injuries, amputations, hip fractures and multi-trauma. Through this integration, we will be able to provide world-class rehabilitation services to meet the full range of needs within our entire community. We are very fortunate to have found a partner that brings such a successful retail business model to our System. Once the integration is complete, OrthoSport and WellStar’s current outpatient rehabilitation locations will be operated under one management team to facilitate a more cohesive and seamless experience throughout our seven outpatient facilities. This acquisition provides WellStar with an excellent opportunity to expand and grow all of our rehabilitation services. There will be no consolidation of operations or elimination of positions with the integration of OrthoSport. Please join us in welcoming the OrthoSport team to WellStar.
To learn more about OrthoSport visit their website at http://ospthome.com.
Media Coverage: The announced acquisition of this three-location physical therapy practice got placed in the "County by County" section of the AJC on Nov. 10 and in various Patch.com Web sites (one link below).
http://northeastcobb.patch.com/articles/wellstar-to-purchase-orthosport-physical-therapy
Once the acquisition is completed, Chastain will become executive director of outpatient rehabilitation services reporting to Mike Graue and Groves will become director of operations for outpatient rehabilitation services. This acquisition has great synergy with our current rehabilitation services. OrthoSport operations serve injured workers, sports injuries and other low severity patients in community-based locations. These services fit extremely well with our current accredited inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. WellStar focuses primarily on more intensive rehabilitation programs for stroke patients, patients with traumatic or acquired brain injury or neurological disorders and patients with spinal cord injuries, amputations, hip fractures and multi-trauma. Through this integration, we will be able to provide world-class rehabilitation services to meet the full range of needs within our entire community. We are very fortunate to have found a partner that brings such a successful retail business model to our System. Once the integration is complete, OrthoSport and WellStar’s current outpatient rehabilitation locations will be operated under one management team to facilitate a more cohesive and seamless experience throughout our seven outpatient facilities. This acquisition provides WellStar with an excellent opportunity to expand and grow all of our rehabilitation services. There will be no consolidation of operations or elimination of positions with the integration of OrthoSport. Please join us in welcoming the OrthoSport team to WellStar.
To learn more about OrthoSport visit their website at http://ospthome.com.
Media Coverage: The announced acquisition of this three-location physical therapy practice got placed in the "County by County" section of the AJC on Nov. 10 and in various Patch.com Web sites (one link below).
http://northeastcobb.patch.com/articles/wellstar-to-purchase-orthosport-physical-therapy
Lung Cancer Screenings
Lung cancer screenings are available for $199 per individual or $299 per couple.
To be eligible for the screening, you must be 50 years of age or older with a history of smoking, secondhand tobacco smoke exposure or exposure to occupational or environmental cancer-causing substances.
You are not eligible for this screening exam if you:
• Have had a chest CT within the past 12 months
• Have a history of pulmonary fibrosis
• Are pregnant
• Have a history of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) unless disease-free for five years
Lung cancer screenings are available in Austell, Douglasville, East Cobb, Hiram, Marietta and Woodstock. To schedule yours, call 770-956-STAR (7827).
To be eligible for the screening, you must be 50 years of age or older with a history of smoking, secondhand tobacco smoke exposure or exposure to occupational or environmental cancer-causing substances.
You are not eligible for this screening exam if you:
• Have had a chest CT within the past 12 months
• Have a history of pulmonary fibrosis
• Are pregnant
• Have a history of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) unless disease-free for five years
Lung cancer screenings are available in Austell, Douglasville, East Cobb, Hiram, Marietta and Woodstock. To schedule yours, call 770-956-STAR (7827).
WellStar Physician Installed as President of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Stanley Fineman M.D., was installed last week as the president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.
Dr. Fineman sees patients in Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic’s Kennestone and East Cobb offices.
Dr. Fineman sees patients in Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic’s Kennestone and East Cobb offices.
Kennestone Outpatient Surgery Center
The Kennestone Outpatient Surgery Center (KOSC) is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and is located on the fourth floor of the Kennestone Outpatient Pavilion. The new surgery center is designed to maximize efficiency and provide patients with a private and personal surgery experience.
Since treating the first surgery patients in early September, hundreds of ENT, general, plastic, gynecologic and breast cases have also been performed. To date, feedback from patients and surgeons alike has been consistently positive.
Dedicated nursing teams, fast-track anesthesia, convenient scheduling, expedited registration and the newest equipment and technology are some of the features that make the KOSC a great option for practices. If you have not had an opportunity to tour the new facility and would like to do so, please contact ChrisTina Goodall, KOSC director, at christina.goodall@wellstar.org.
Update from WellStar Inpatient Diabetes Teams
WellStar Inpatient Diabetes Teams have had many achievements this year! Thank you to everyone on these Systemwide teams who have helped push these initiatives through and improved patient care. Here is a list of just a few of the accomplishments:
- Revision of Hypoglycemia Standing Orders
- Creation and pilot of DKA Insulin Infusion Orders at Cobb Hospital
- Creation of Nursing Education Toolkit and roll-out of nursing education for Zynx Adult Basal Bolus Insulin Orders
- Creation of Physician Education Toolkit and roll out of physician education Zynx Adult Basal Bolus Insulin Order
- Poster presentation second place winner for Quality and Safety – Cobb Insulin Infusion Pilot, Evidence Based Glucose Target Range for Insulin Infusions in the ICU. Second place for Clinical Improvement and Innovation. Evidence Based Practice Tool Kit for Bedside Nurses, Research Conference, Marietta, Ga., September 2011
- Creation of Diabetes Best Practice physician follow-up letter
- Participated in the GHA Glycemic Control Statewide Collaborative
- Created action plans for reducing and eliminating Health Care Acquired Conditions related to Manifestations of Poor Glycemic Control
WellStar Featured on Cover of Modern Healthcare Magazine
Getting their appetite back
In need of capital, not-for-profit hospitals take advantage of dropping interest rates
By Melanie Evans for Modern Healthcare Magazine
Investors last week snapped up tax-exempt bonds sold by WellStar Health System, and as they did so erased $4.2 million from the Georgia health system's interest costs.
WellStar, based in Marietta, refinanced $58 million last week while it borrowed another $75 million to expand the system's flagship hospital. The five-hospital system locked in interest rates of 4.58% even after accounting for underwriter fees that add incrementally to borrowing costs.
“We're taking advantage of the current market,” said Jim Budzinski, executive vice president and chief financial officer of WellStar.
Borrowers such as WellStar have moved to take advantage of lower rates in recent weeks after borrowing by not-for-profit hospitals mostly steered clear of municipal bond markets this year. In September and October, hospitals and health systems have issued $4.3 billion in municipal bonds—one-quarter of the amount they issued since Jan. 1.
The amount borrowed and refinanced from municipal investors through mid-September was only 60% of the sum in the same period last year—$14 billion compared with $23.6 billion—and the smallest amount for the January-through-September period during the past decade. With two months remaining this year, hospitals have sold 215 municipal bonds compared with an average of 765 a year during the past two decades, Thomson Reuters data show.
Though activity in the municipal markets has been modest most of this year, healthcare borrowers' appetite for loans directly from banks has grown since 2010. Incentives under the 2009 economic stimulus act sparked interest in the deals, but direct bank loans continued to thrive after incentives expired last December.
“We are cash rich today,” said healthcare banker Mark Huebner, a vice president with Commerce Bank in St. Louis. Healthcare lending offers the bank a better return than other avenues to invest its cash deposits as the Federal Reserve seeks to boost the economy with low interest rates, he said. “We have it on the shelf, ready to be deployed.”
In need of capital, not-for-profit hospitals take advantage of dropping interest rates
By Melanie Evans for Modern Healthcare Magazine
Investors last week snapped up tax-exempt bonds sold by WellStar Health System, and as they did so erased $4.2 million from the Georgia health system's interest costs.
WellStar, based in Marietta, refinanced $58 million last week while it borrowed another $75 million to expand the system's flagship hospital. The five-hospital system locked in interest rates of 4.58% even after accounting for underwriter fees that add incrementally to borrowing costs.
“We're taking advantage of the current market,” said Jim Budzinski, executive vice president and chief financial officer of WellStar.
Borrowers such as WellStar have moved to take advantage of lower rates in recent weeks after borrowing by not-for-profit hospitals mostly steered clear of municipal bond markets this year. In September and October, hospitals and health systems have issued $4.3 billion in municipal bonds—one-quarter of the amount they issued since Jan. 1.
The amount borrowed and refinanced from municipal investors through mid-September was only 60% of the sum in the same period last year—$14 billion compared with $23.6 billion—and the smallest amount for the January-through-September period during the past decade. With two months remaining this year, hospitals have sold 215 municipal bonds compared with an average of 765 a year during the past two decades, Thomson Reuters data show.
Though activity in the municipal markets has been modest most of this year, healthcare borrowers' appetite for loans directly from banks has grown since 2010. Incentives under the 2009 economic stimulus act sparked interest in the deals, but direct bank loans continued to thrive after incentives expired last December.
“We are cash rich today,” said healthcare banker Mark Huebner, a vice president with Commerce Bank in St. Louis. Healthcare lending offers the bank a better return than other avenues to invest its cash deposits as the Federal Reserve seeks to boost the economy with low interest rates, he said. “We have it on the shelf, ready to be deployed.”
WellStar Kennestone Hospital becomes designated Level II Trauma Center
The Georgia Department of Public Health designated WellStar Kennestone Hospital as a Level II Trauma Center, making WellStar Kennestone the only designated TraumaCenter in WellStar Health System’s five-county primary service area (Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties). The designation comes after nearly two years of planning, implementation of a formal model for trauma care and the hiring of key physicians and support staff.
“This is an important day for not only WellStar but, more importantly, the residents of Northwest Georgia as they now have access to high quality trauma care closer to home,” said Candice Saunders, executive vice president and WellStar Kennestone Hospital administrator. “Exceptional emergency care is already available at four of the five WellStar hospitals; however, the addition of this trauma designation is a further demonstration of our commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to the communities we serve.”
A WellStar Trauma Steering Committee, made up of physicians and administrators, has been in place for nearly two years working on developing a model for trauma care and the implications of trauma designation. As part of the process, WellStar submitted data to the State of Georgia Trauma Registry over the past 10 months and had a state trauma site inspection from the Department of EMS/Trauma of WellStar Kennestone Hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
“Obtaining this designation was a lot of work by many key individuals,” said Saunders. “Additionally, we had to create several key roles to support the trauma program, including a trauma program manager, a trauma registrar and a medical director for trauma services. As a Level II Trauma Center we also are required to have 24/7 access to certain medical specialists, such as a neurosurgeon, orthopaedics, and oral maxillofacial.”
With the addition of WellStar Kennestone to the Georgia Trauma Care Network, there are now 19 designated Trauma Centers (two of which are pediatric) in the state. Trauma Centers must meet guidelines to become a “designated” trauma center and are ranked at Levels I - IV. A Level I Trauma Center offers 24-hour, seven-day-a-week in-house availability to an attending surgeon and is usually aligned with an academic institution (i.e. medical school) as trauma research is required. A designated Level II Trauma Center has the same standard of care as a Level I, but does not provide training programs for surgery residents or fellows.
“The formalized trauma program will enhance the training of staff in the Emergency Department and improve the coordination of care,” said Barry Renz, M.D., a traumatologist who is serving as medical director for trauma services. ”Additionally, trauma patients who come to the WellStar Kennestone Hospital Trauma Center are more likely to survive as trauma mortality rate is 25 percent lower in trauma centers compared to non-trauma centers.”
WellStar Kennestone Hospital, already an accredited chest pain and stroke center, and its emergency department of three trauma rooms and 63 exam rooms is one of the busiest in the state. Last fiscal year, WellStar’s four emergency departments (WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone and Paulding hospitals) had 306,346 patient visits and served more adult patients than any hospital system in the state.
Here are links to various media mentions:
WSB-TV
http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/kenestone-hospital-named-level-2-trauma-center/vD6bX/
MDJ (front page with photo)
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16321192/article-WellStar-Kennestone-receives-approval-to-offer-trauma-care?
MDJ (Editorial Piece the following day)
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16331199/article-New-designation-for-Kennestone-welcome?
Georgia Health News Web Site
http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/
This also made the Atlanta Journal Constitution's "County by County" section on Nov. 9 and several of the local Patch.com Web sites.
“This is an important day for not only WellStar but, more importantly, the residents of Northwest Georgia as they now have access to high quality trauma care closer to home,” said Candice Saunders, executive vice president and WellStar Kennestone Hospital administrator. “Exceptional emergency care is already available at four of the five WellStar hospitals; however, the addition of this trauma designation is a further demonstration of our commitment to bringing world-class healthcare to the communities we serve.”
A WellStar Trauma Steering Committee, made up of physicians and administrators, has been in place for nearly two years working on developing a model for trauma care and the implications of trauma designation. As part of the process, WellStar submitted data to the State of Georgia Trauma Registry over the past 10 months and had a state trauma site inspection from the Department of EMS/Trauma of WellStar Kennestone Hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
“Obtaining this designation was a lot of work by many key individuals,” said Saunders. “Additionally, we had to create several key roles to support the trauma program, including a trauma program manager, a trauma registrar and a medical director for trauma services. As a Level II Trauma Center we also are required to have 24/7 access to certain medical specialists, such as a neurosurgeon, orthopaedics, and oral maxillofacial.”
With the addition of WellStar Kennestone to the Georgia Trauma Care Network, there are now 19 designated Trauma Centers (two of which are pediatric) in the state. Trauma Centers must meet guidelines to become a “designated” trauma center and are ranked at Levels I - IV. A Level I Trauma Center offers 24-hour, seven-day-a-week in-house availability to an attending surgeon and is usually aligned with an academic institution (i.e. medical school) as trauma research is required. A designated Level II Trauma Center has the same standard of care as a Level I, but does not provide training programs for surgery residents or fellows.
“The formalized trauma program will enhance the training of staff in the Emergency Department and improve the coordination of care,” said Barry Renz, M.D., a traumatologist who is serving as medical director for trauma services. ”Additionally, trauma patients who come to the WellStar Kennestone Hospital Trauma Center are more likely to survive as trauma mortality rate is 25 percent lower in trauma centers compared to non-trauma centers.”
WellStar Kennestone Hospital, already an accredited chest pain and stroke center, and its emergency department of three trauma rooms and 63 exam rooms is one of the busiest in the state. Last fiscal year, WellStar’s four emergency departments (WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Kennestone and Paulding hospitals) had 306,346 patient visits and served more adult patients than any hospital system in the state.
Here are links to various media mentions:
WSB-TV
http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/kenestone-hospital-named-level-2-trauma-center/vD6bX/
MDJ (front page with photo)
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16321192/article-WellStar-Kennestone-receives-approval-to-offer-trauma-care?
MDJ (Editorial Piece the following day)
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16331199/article-New-designation-for-Kennestone-welcome?
Georgia Health News Web Site
http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/
This also made the Atlanta Journal Constitution's "County by County" section on Nov. 9 and several of the local Patch.com Web sites.
Supply Chain Strategy Delivers Quality Supplies and Services Along With Cost Savings
WellStar’s Value Analysis Department uses a systematic, evidenced-based approach to facilitate the selection and purchase of safe, high-quality medical supplies and services that maintain or improve the quality of patient care at the best possible price.
In order to achieve this, several Value Analysis teams, which are part of WellStar’s Supply Chain Division, work closely with WellStar physicians and clinicians across all service lines to review both current and future medical supply needs. Value Analysis uses information from several national quality and price benchmarking services to identify potential savings opportunities.
In order to achieve this, several Value Analysis teams, which are part of WellStar’s Supply Chain Division, work closely with WellStar physicians and clinicians across all service lines to review both current and future medical supply needs. Value Analysis uses information from several national quality and price benchmarking services to identify potential savings opportunities.
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