Stars Implementation Plan at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Goal:  To address the patient satisfaction survey question regarding “response to concerns/complaints made during your stay.”

Situation:  We acknowledge that patients have unique needs and not all needs can be anticipated. As a result, we must be quick and consistent in our response to concerns and complaints brought forth by patients and family members.

2011 Medical Staff Satisfaction Survey

Physician satisfaction with the services we provide is a key indicator of our progress toward our vision. This year’s Press Ganey survey, which will begin April 18 and conclude May 29, requests your opinion regarding patient care quality, hospital / medical staff leadership, and access to information technology you need. We will utilize the information gathered in the survey to make decisions and prioritize our efforts to improve performance. The survey provides an opportunity for you to give candid feedback to administrative and physician leaders and, when appropriate, recognize a job well-done.

The survey is confidential; no one outside of the company that administers the survey will see your questionnaire. If you did not receive the survey last weekend at the Physician Retreat, you can expect to receive a hard copy in the mail next month. At that time, you will also receive a website link and a 16 character PIN number in case you prefer to complete the survey via the Internet.

March and April 2011 Department Meetings

For a list of upcoming department meetings, click "Read more>>."

Self Pay Pricing

The expanded self-pay pricing list includes a number of additional lab procedures and tests. Please note the great pricing on Heart Screenings at $99 per individual and $149 per couple. 

These prices will run through Dec. 31, 2011. The prices require cash payment in full at the time of service. No payment or installment plans are offered with these rates. This pricing will be offered to all eligible patients (as indicated on the following price list). Medicaid and Medicare patients are not eligible.

We believe that this new self-pay pricing structure for Imaging and Laboratory Services will address the rising number of individuals who are uninsured or have high-deductible health plans and remove a barrier that may be keeping your patients from getting the tests they need.

I think you will agree that this pricing is some of the best in the market.  Please help us by referring your eligible patients who can take advantage of this pricing. This change should make us more competitive with the independent diagnostic centers.

Our Physician Relations team will be visiting physician offices to discuss this new pricing and will provide you with order form pads that include WellStar imaging and laboratory locations.  If you have questions, please contact Carol Scoggins, Executive Director with Diagnostic Outreach at 678-581-5874.

For the self-pay pricing list, click "Read more>>."

Elimination of Elective Deliveries Prior to 39 Weeks Gestation

Last December, WellStar initiated a 39 Weeks Elective Induction Policy to eliminate non-medically indicated elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks gestation. This policy ensures patient safety (both mom and baby) and is a clinical best practice.

Safety First Training

All Medical Staff must complete Safety First Recertification training by April 15. For those who still need to complete the training, please click here.

New on the Physician Portal

For a description of new Physician Portal enhancements, including screen shots, click "Read more>>."

Upcoming CME Events

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

NextGen EPM Phase 2 Training and Go-live

As the WellStar Medical Group continues with its conversion to electronic medical records, training sessions have started for Phase 2 of the NextGen EPM (electronic practice management) go-live scheduled for Friday, April 1, 2011. The training sessions, being held now through Friday, March 25, 2011, include clinical scheduling, check-in and check-out processes for the following WellStar Medical Group practices:

East Paulding Pediatrics; North Cobb Women’s Health; Northwest Women’s Care; Cousins and Cantrell; Medical Specialists; South Cobb OB/GYN – Austell; South Cobb OB/GYN – Douglasville; Creekside Pediatrics; KenMar Pediatrics – Marietta; KenMar Pediatrics – Acworth; Kennestone Pediatric Associates; North Cobb Pediatrics; North Douglas OB/GYN – Douglasville; North Douglas OB/GYN – Villa Rica; Pediatric and Adolescent Center – Austell; Pediatric and Adolescent Center – Smyrna; Pediatric Professionals Pediatrics at Brookstone; Thoracic Surgery Associates – Marietta; Towne Lake Pediatrics.

All individuals working in scheduling, check-in and check-out at the locations above must be trained prior to the April 1 go-live.

Save the Date for WellStar’s Annual Ethics Forum

WellStar’s Annual Ethics Forum is on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in the Pacific Auditorium at the WellStar Development Center. This daylong event will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. with the keynote presentation beginning at 11 a.m.

In its 10th year, the Ethics Forum is meant to educate and create awareness of the issues around medical ethics, specifically on end-of-life and palliative care issues. The entire healthcare team, from physicians to nurses to care coordinators, is encouraged to attend.

For 2011 Ethics Forum highlights and for details on how to reserve your spot, click "Read more>>."

History and Physical Requirements

The following History and Physical (H&P) requirements were pulled from WellStar Medical Staff’s Medical Record Policy, which was last updated in February 2011. In addition to complying with The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services requirements, this is a patient safety issue. Physicians need to know the risks ahead of time in order to make the next decision regarding a patient’s medical care. Please note that items in bold and underlined represent new wording or additional content.

FAQ About Patient Satisfaction

For an overview on the importance of patient satisfaction, how the data is reported and how Press Ganey compares to HCAHPS, click "Read more>>."

Gift Cards for a Cause

The WellStar Foundation has partnered with Gift Cards For A Cause, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Norcross, Ga. You can help raise money for the WellStar Foundation simply by shopping at GiftCardsForACause.com. Each time you make a purchase, Gift Cards for a Cause will donate up to 17 percent of your order total to the WellStar Foundation.

March for Babies 2011 Commencement

Every year, more than 10,000 babies are delivered at WellStar hospitals. We strive for each of those babies to arrive healthy and strong. We are committed to supporting the March of Dimes research and the annual West Metro March for Babies to help improve the health of all babies in our community.

Atlanta's Biggest Loser

The sixth season of Atlanta's Biggest Loser started on Friday, March 11. This is the fifth straight year with WellStar as the title sponsor. For the next 12 Fridays, a WellStar physician will appear on Atlanta & Co at 11 a.m. to discuss their specialty and how it relates to obesity and weight loss. Mindy Gentry, M.D., a cardiologist with WellStar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine, will serve as the "medical advisor" for the 12 contestants. Other physicians scheduled to appear this season are Drs.Stan Dysart, Gary Jacobsen, Madhavi Jordan and Mitzi Rubin. Click here to watch the segments a couple days after they air.

Local Facility Named “Center of Excellence” for Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment

WellStar Kennestone Radiation Oncology Department was recently named a “Center of Excellence” in accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) for its use of the SAVI™ applicator, an advanced therapy for breast cancer as part of breast conservation therapy. The SAVI applicator can provide important advantages for women with early-stage breast cancer.

Coming Soon - UpToDate

An enterprise-wide contract for UpToDate has been signed for all WellStar Medical Staff. IT system configuration is in process and the UpToDate System should be available during the upcoming fiscal year. The system includes CME credits, and also provides answers to clinical questions, the latest clinical findings, treatment recommendations, patient education and more.

Physician Relations Team Becomes Part of WellStar Medical Group

The Physician Relations team has moved to the WellStar Medical Group. Dee Hammond and her team will work closely with Cam Crow in practice acquisitions and physician recruitment as well as with Ellen Langford and operations.

WellStar Cobb Hospital Unveils New Lobby

WellStar Cobb Hospital hosted a preview reception for its newly renovated lobby on March 8. The new lobby features a hospital history exhibit, WellStar Foundation donor recognition area, a special recognition wall for medical providers, and a remodeled gift shop and Cobbucino Café, featuring Starbucks coffee and ready-to-eat gourmet meals.

New Medical Staff Members – January Credentials - As Approved at the February WellStar Governing Board Meeting

For a complete list of new medical staff, click "Read more>>."