August and September Department Meetings

For a complete list of each hospitals' committee/department meetings, click "Read more>>."

August and September CME Events

For a complete list of CME events, click "Read more>>."

Clinical Grand Rounds

 To read about two upcoming clinical rounds, click "Read more>>."

Physician Lunch and Learn: Insulin Dosing and Titration

WellStar Diabetes Services and Dr. Spencer Welch with Atlanta Diabetes Associates will present a physician lunch and learn about insulin dosing and titration on Sept. 8 and Sept. 13. Lunch will be provided. For details, click "Read more>>."

Medical Record: Multi-drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) Flag

Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) have important infection control implications, with the severity and extent of disease varying by patient population. Patients with an MDRO infection will have limited available antimicrobial therapy, and an increased length of stay and cost. Studies also indicate that patients with an MDRO infection have an increased rate of mortality.

Clinical Documentation Tip: Malnutrition Documentation

When you find a query that includes clinical descriptions of nutritional status (Nutrition assessment, albumin, prealbumin, protein levels, treatment such as TPN, Ensure Megace and descriptors i.e. cachexia, anorexia and BMI < 19), Clinical Documentation RNs are inquiring if you are treating, monitoring and evaluating the diagnosis of malnutrition (protein/calorie) and are asking for that to be documented along with a degree of severity (mild, moderate or severe).

WellStar’s Zynx-Based Print-On-Demand Orders

In CY 2009, more than 3,400 orders arrived to WellStar inpatient pharmacies without patient or provider identification.

WellStar Welcomes New VP of Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care

Barbara Ballard has been named Vice President of Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care. She joined the WellStar family on Aug. 2.

WellStar Shines at AAPL Conference

Dee Hammond, executive director of physician relations, was recently named to the 2010-2011 Board of Directors of the American Association of Physician Liaisons, Inc. (AAPL). AAPL brings together those actively engaged in physician liaison activities in acute care medical centers for educational and networking opportunities. AAPL consists of more than 400 healthcare professionals who are interested in establishing professional relationships with their peers from around the country.

New Pharmaceutical Waste Program

To stay ahead of the compliance curve and enhance our efforts to protect the environment for the communities we serve, a pharmaceutical waste disposal program is being implemented at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding, Kennestone and Windy Hill hospitals.

New Electrophysiologist with WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine

WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine welcomes Atlanta native Jacob N. Blatt, M.D. as a cardiac electrophysiologist. Dr. Blatt, who joined WellStar this month, is fully trained in all aspects of invasive cardiac electrophysiology including pacemakers, defibrillators, resynchronization therapy, complex arrhythmia management and ablation, transseptal catheterization, and transvenous lead extraction. He has a special interest in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Blatt is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone and Cobb hospitals.

Responsibilities of Preceptors

In Fiscal Year 2010, more than 300 medical students, PA students, college students, advanced practice nursing students and others served clinical rotations in WellStar facilities.

Quantum Radiology – The Three A’s

Many of us are taught that the secret to a successful medical practice lies in the three A’s: availability, affability and ability.

WellStar Imaging Print Ads

The following two print ads feature WellStar imaging excellence, in addition to the wide range of locations, competitive pricing and the comprehensive care found throughout WellStar. The ads began running the week of July 26 in the Marietta Daily Journal and the Cherokee Tribune and will continue  through August in our other markets including Bartow, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding. 

Reminder to take GAMES by End of Month

WellStar’s annual required training program, Goals for Achieving Mandatory Education and Safety (GAMES) provides key reminders about information and skills that are important to your job. GAMES also helps WellStar demonstrate compliance with regulatory agencies such as the Joint Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that require ongoing assessments of team member, physician and volunteer understanding of key functions at WellStar.

Patient Satisfaction

To view the latest patients satisfaction scores, click "Read more>>."

Accreditation Readiness - The Use of Restraints

The Joint Commission Accreditation is required for a hospital to see federally-funded patients. Although The Joint Commission typically conducts surveys every three years, they can appear at any time. Our last survey was conducted more than a year ago.

GAMES2010 Now Underway

GAMES2010, WellStar's mandatory annual training program for all team members, physicians and volunteers has returned to re-orient team members with vital safety and organizational information, and to help get the word out on important updates.

Capitol Chronicle: House and Senate Pass Fix...For Now

With efforts to approve a comprehensive JOBS bill stalled in the Senate, on June 18 the House passed a stand-alone bill (H.R. 3962) that restores the 21.3 percent Medicare reimbursement cut to physicians and provides a 2.2 percent increase in Medicare physician payments through November 30. The bill passed 471 in favor and only one opposed.

Welcome New Medical Staff Members

For a complete list of Medical Staff and Advanced Practitioners, click "Read more>>."