Their words change lives. Their compassion brings comfort. Their dedication offers hope. They are our doctors and they do so much more than simply heal bodies. Their personal care touches hearts and impacts lives.
For the last three years, the WellStar Foundation has mailed letters to 25,000 patients who had been treated in one of our facilities sometime during the last year. Patients are asked to consider making a Doctors’ Day gift to honor their personal physician—one who has made a difference in their lives.
The response this year was overwhelming. More than $14,000 was raised, representing gifts from more than 360 individual patients and recognizing more than 200 individual physicians. Each doctor receives a World-Class Caregiver certificate and lapel pin to commemorate this special honor.
A number of physicians have received multiple recognitions and those shown below will receive a gold lapel pin signifying more than 10 honors:
Jackson Bates, M.D.
Tami Breton, M.D.
David Cantrell, M.D.
Ryan Cantwell, M.D.
Toni Coombs, M.D.
Charles Crabbe, M.D.
Thomas Gearhard, M.D.
John Gelly, M.D.
Carl Goolsby, M.D.
David Gose, M.D.
Glenn Hirsch, M.D.
Roger Hill, M.D.
Timothy Helton, M.D.
Stanley Mogelnicki, M.D.
Suzanne Starke, M.D.
Jeffrey Tharp, M.D.
Roy Ujjin, M.D.
Rosa Urrutia, M.D.
“When I became a physician 30 years ago, it was with the intention to practice Medicine with no regards to outside recognition. However, I discovered a sense of great pride when my patients honored me with their donations to the Foundation. I am also a donor to the Foundation since I have seen the great work they do for our community. My patients’ recognitions renew my pride in the profession I have spent my life pursuing.”
--Charles Crabbe, M.D.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
WellStar Douglas and Paulding Hospitals Place on GHA Quality Honor Roll
WellStar Douglas and Paulding hospitals have been named to the Georgia Hospital Association’s (GHA) Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) Core Measures Honor Roll. WellStar Douglas is one of 18 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Presidential category and WellStar Paulding is one of 26 hospitals in Georgia to be placed in the Trustee category. These categories are two of the highest on the list. The honor roll is based on clinical data provided by the federal Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS), which administers the nation’s Medicare and Medicaid programs. The data was collected from January 2011 to December 2011.
Hospitals are required to submit care data to CMS, which details how well a hospital’s caregivers adhere to a list of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) core measures. These measures are the clinical processes of care that are known to be the most effective methods of treatment for surgical patients and patients who have suffered heart attacks, pneumonia and heart failure.
For instance, a recommended treatment to help prevent a heart attack is to take aspirin either before or upon arrival at the hospital, as well as at discharge. A suggested treatment for pneumonia is to administer an antibiotic within four hours of a patient’s arrival. It is recommended that surgery patients are given an antibiotic one hour prior to surgery to prevent infection. The VBP core measure is a composite measure that determines whether or not a patient received the right care at the right time. A hospital’s adherence to these recommended clinical practices usually leads to better outcomes.
Cultural Connections - Snapshot on Veterans/Military
Did You Know?
Information highlighted in this publication is from the Culture Vision tool and Global Atlanta Snapshots, a publication of Atlanta Regional Commission. More in-depth information can be found on the Culture Vision tool on eSource, by navigating to Human Resources > Cultural Competency > Cultural Connections Newsletter.
- By the end of 2009, the veteran population in the U.S. and its territories numbered close to 23 million. California, Florida and Texas are the states with the largest Veteran populations.
- To most veterans, direct eye contact signifies genuineness and attentiveness and prompt arrival is appreciated as a sign of seriousness and respect. In the U.S. military punctuality is valued and required of all military personnel.
- The U. S. Armed Forces is comprised of five main branches: Army which serves on land, sea and air; Navy which serves primarily at sea, but also on land and air; Air Force which serve in the air, space and cyberspace; Marine Corp, usually the first forces in ground combat and Coast Guards which serve as protection in the U.S. waterways, law enforcement, search and rescue efforts and environmental cleanup operations.
Information highlighted in this publication is from the Culture Vision tool and Global Atlanta Snapshots, a publication of Atlanta Regional Commission. More in-depth information can be found on the Culture Vision tool on eSource, by navigating to Human Resources > Cultural Competency > Cultural Connections Newsletter.
The 7th Annual East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run - Saturday, Aug. 11
Whether you choose to run the race or come out with your family to cheer on the runners and enjoy the festivities, WellStar would love your support.
Start/Finish and General Parking: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta
Registration
$15 Pre-Registration
$20 Race Day
$25 “phantom” runner
Registration Opens: 6:30 a.m.
5K Road Race: 7:30 a.m.
1 Mile Fun Run: 8:15 a.m.
Awards: 9 a.m.
As a Platinum sponsor of the event, WellStar receives Platinum level event sponsor signage and recognition on the race t-shirts as well as through print media and broadcasting advertising. All proceeds from the race benefit local and international service projects of the East Cobb Rotary Club. WellStar’s hospice program is a major recipient of community gifts from the East Cobb Rotary Club.
Diabetes Services Update
- WellStar Diabetes Services now offers Medical Nutrition Therapy for any patient with diabetes, pre-diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome and chronic kidney disease.
- Beginning this fall, outpatient education classes will be offered at WellStar Cobb Hospital and the new Acworth Health Park location.
- You can! Manage your Weight, an eight-week course designed to help people with diabetes and pre-diabetes, learn to better manage their weight, will be offered at WellStar Paulding Hospital beginning in September.
New clinic to open for ‘gap generation’ - by Geoff Folsom
Media Coverage from Marietta Daily Journal - Posted July 12, 2012
The WellStar clinic at the new Cobb Senior Wellness Center is intended for residents between the ages 55 and 64, people who Cobb Senior Services Director Pam Breeden said are often retired but too young for Medicare.
“It’s kind of called the ‘gap’ generation,” Breeden said. “Often people retire fully believing they are equipped for retirement, but their investments went south or the company they work for no longer provides benefits for retirees.”
The clinic, which will open on Aug. 30, the day after the ribbon- cutting on the senior center, will provide free services to Cobb County residents in that age group with incomes below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee and WellStar Chief Executive Officer Reynold Jennings will have a signing ceremony for the agreement at 2 p.m. today at the new senior services campus in the former Powder Springs Station shopping center, 1150 Powder Springs St. in Marietta.
The low-income clinic will be the third for WellStar Health System, along with locations at Kennestone and Cobb hospitals, but the first aimed exclusively at seniors, Breeden said. The county renovated the building and is providing the space for the clinic at a lease of $1 a year, but WellStar will run and staff the facility and be responsible for paying utility bills.
To read the full story, please click here.
The WellStar clinic at the new Cobb Senior Wellness Center is intended for residents between the ages 55 and 64, people who Cobb Senior Services Director Pam Breeden said are often retired but too young for Medicare.
“It’s kind of called the ‘gap’ generation,” Breeden said. “Often people retire fully believing they are equipped for retirement, but their investments went south or the company they work for no longer provides benefits for retirees.”
The clinic, which will open on Aug. 30, the day after the ribbon- cutting on the senior center, will provide free services to Cobb County residents in that age group with incomes below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Cobb Commission Chairman Tim Lee and WellStar Chief Executive Officer Reynold Jennings will have a signing ceremony for the agreement at 2 p.m. today at the new senior services campus in the former Powder Springs Station shopping center, 1150 Powder Springs St. in Marietta.
The low-income clinic will be the third for WellStar Health System, along with locations at Kennestone and Cobb hospitals, but the first aimed exclusively at seniors, Breeden said. The county renovated the building and is providing the space for the clinic at a lease of $1 a year, but WellStar will run and staff the facility and be responsible for paying utility bills.
To read the full story, please click here.
August CME Events
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board: Aug. 1, 8, 22 and 29; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB): Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB): Aug. 3 and 17; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- GI Tumor Board; Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Surgical M&M: Aug. 29; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
- Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference; Aug. 1; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Safety First Re-certification; Aug. 17; 10:30 a.m.; Admin Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic; Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 5 p.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds: Aug. 30; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
August Department Meetings
WellStar Cobb Hospital
WellStar Douglas Hospital
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
WellStar Paulding Hospital
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| OB/GYN | 7/6 – 12:30 p.m. | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Credentials | 7/7 – 12 p.m. | Administrative Board Room |
| APP Department | 7/8 – 12 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
| Medical Exec Committee | 7/21 – 12 p.m. | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
WellStar Douglas Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | 7/7 – 12 p.m. | Sycamore Room |
| QRC PI Committee | 7/9 – 7:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| Medical Exec Committee | 7/14 – 12 p.m. | Sycamore Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials Committee | 7/8 – 7 a.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Medical Exec Committee | 7/14 – 6 p.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| Surgery Department | 7/15 – 7 a.m. | Azalea Camellia Room |
| APP Leadership Council | 7/15 – 7 a.m. | Admin Conference Room |
| New Provider Orientation and Safety First Orientation |
7/17 – 8 a.m.- Noon | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| OB/GYN Department | 7/20 – 5:30 p.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Pediatrics Department | 7/21 – 6 p.m. | Kennesaw Mountain Room |
| APP General Meeting | 7/29 – 7 a.m. | Auditorium |
WellStar Paulding Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Exec Committee | 7/9 – 12:30 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
| Committee/Dept. | Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Exec Committee | 8/21 – 5:15 p.m. | Admin Conference Room |
Physician Leadership Academy
The Physician Leadership Academy is currently accepting applications for its fourth cohort starting on Sept. 15. The schedule, application and other information is available on eSource under the Organizational Learning tab. The program is open to physicians and Advanced Practice Professionals. Join your colleagues as you prepare to help lead WellStar on its quest for world-class care.
WellStar Medical Group New Providers – July
Dr. Alturkmani is board certified in internal medicine. He is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology, American Medical Association and American College of Physicians. He is fluent in English and Arabic.
Dr. French is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine.
Dr. Estrella is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologic Laparoscopists and a member of the American Medical Association. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, science fiction, baseball and computer science.
Jonathan Herbst, M.D. – WellStar Medical Group, Pulmonary - Dr. Herbst received his bachelor’s degree in physiology from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. and he earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. He is board certified in pathology. From 1999-2004, he served as lieutenant in the United States Navy.
Dr. Hughes is board certified in internal medicine and pulmonary medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and a member of the American Thoracic Society, American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Meadows is a member-in-training of the American Psychiatric Association and a fellow member of the American Medical Association and the National Medical Association. He is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society.
WellStar Acworth Health Park Offers Highly Advanced Imaging Services
The WellStar Acworth Health Park offers an array of the most advanced imaging services in the region. Along with digital mammography, digital X-Ray, bone densitometry, and ultrasound, the center provides the lowest dose CT scan available and a high field, open MRI with ambient features.
The WellStar Acworth Health Park is one of the only health care facilities in the region that offers the Ambient Experience open-MRI from Philips Healthcare, an innovative, calming and stress-relieving approach to diagnostic imaging. The high field, open MRI, which offers improved images for the radiologist and physicians, has an ambient feature which allows patients to choose a scene to be projected around the room to ease anxiety. The lighting of the room changes colors to compliment the scene and the patient will have the opportunity to listen to music that also matches the scene they have chosen. The Ambient feature offers the patient the ability to control the environment, enhancing their experience. Pediatric and adult patients can choose from images ranging from beach and mountain scenes to cartoons and desert landscapes.
The WellStar Acworth Health Park is also implementing a dosage program in which minimal dosage from CTs will be administered. With CT dosage and radiation levels a growing concern for patients, having the iDOSE4 capability allows an 80 percent reduction in the typical dose, while maintaining high quality imagery for the radiologist’s review of the images. The WellStar Acworth Health Park offers the low-dose CT scan to pediatric and adult patients.
WellStar Health System Opens First Health Park
The first floor of WellStar Health System’s first health park is now open! The first floor includes an imaging center, urgent care center, laboratory, pre-admission testing and a community education/wellness center. The retail pharmacy and café, also located on the first floor, will open later this summer.
The Urgent Care Center is staffed full-time with physicians and led by an emergency-trained physician, enabling a higher level of acuity to be treated. Patients from newborn through adulthood can be treated at the Acworth Health Park Urgent Care, which is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located at 4550 Cobb Parkway NW, the WellStar Acworth Health Park is a three-story, 70,000-square-foot building. The second and third floors, scheduled to open in late August, will provide physician office space to 12 medical specialties with a strong foundation of primary care physicians: family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics and OB/GYN. Other physician specialists planned will include cardiology, pulmonary, ENT, hand surgery, orthopedics, gastroenterology, general surgery and neurosurgery.
*Make plans to attend a Family Fun Day and tour the Acworth Health Park on Sunday, Sept. 16 from 2-5 p.m. There will be numerous family fun activities including a rock wall, giant slide, inflatable obstacle course, police/fire and EMS vehicles on-site, Cobb County SafeKids car seat inspections, blood pressure checks and bike safety tips. Register to win prizes including a home gym, set of mountain bikes and a trip for four to Disney World.
WellStar Health Network to Participate as a Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization
On July 9, WellStar Health System announced that it has been accepted to participate in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Medicare Savings Program as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). WellStar is one of the 89 entities selected and the only organization from Georgia.
With this recognition by CMS, WellStar has joined an elite group of pioneering health systems across the country that CMS is confident can achieve its goals of improving quality while at the same time bending the cost curve.
Through the Shared Savings Program, WellStar Health Network will work with CMS to provide Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with high quality service and care, while reducing the growth in Medicare expenditures through enhanced care coordination.
"WellStar Health System is pleased to be accepted into the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare Shared Savings Program as an Accountable Care Organization," said Reynold J. Jennings, president and CEO of WellStar. "Our success in innovation and creativity, along with our national recognitions in quality measures, integrated health and patient satisfaction has allowed WellStar to be selected. We are joining an elite group of health systems as innovators in how healthcare will be delivered across the country for years to come. Initially, more than 36,000 Medicare beneficiaries will be a part of the WellStar Health Network, which provides us an excellent opportunity to gain population management experience and to positively impact the quality of patient care."
With this recognition by CMS, WellStar has joined an elite group of pioneering health systems across the country that CMS is confident can achieve its goals of improving quality while at the same time bending the cost curve.
Through the Shared Savings Program, WellStar Health Network will work with CMS to provide Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with high quality service and care, while reducing the growth in Medicare expenditures through enhanced care coordination.
"WellStar Health System is pleased to be accepted into the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) Medicare Shared Savings Program as an Accountable Care Organization," said Reynold J. Jennings, president and CEO of WellStar. "Our success in innovation and creativity, along with our national recognitions in quality measures, integrated health and patient satisfaction has allowed WellStar to be selected. We are joining an elite group of health systems as innovators in how healthcare will be delivered across the country for years to come. Initially, more than 36,000 Medicare beneficiaries will be a part of the WellStar Health Network, which provides us an excellent opportunity to gain population management experience and to positively impact the quality of patient care."
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