Tower & Church Bistro Opening Soon at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

When Tower & Church Bistro, a new restaurant, bakery and deli opens at WellStar Kennestone Hospital at the end of February, it will have its guests asking themselves if they really are on a hospital campus.

The 5,200-square-foot facility, which is located in the former Women’s Imaging space, is designed to provide its guests with an oasis from the traditional institutional environment. Featuring a dining room resplendent in rich wood, tile and stacked stone finishes, with an eclectic mix of transitional and antique furnishings, Tower & Church Bistro offers the convenience of a casual dining experience right on the hospital's campus.

General Manager and Executive Chef, Steve Barron, CEC, ACE,AAC, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Chef Barron will offer a variety of delectable breakfast, lunch and dinner menu options, featuring French-Mediterranean and other international cuisines. The menu also will include salads, sandwiches, soups, hand-tossed pizzas, calzones and “Knead to Go” take-out options. A limited Starbucks® coffee menu also will be available.

WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement

General and Nephrology-Specific Clinical Documentation Tips

WellStar Health System’s Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Program is designed to ensure that clinical documentation in a patient’s medical record appropriately reflects the care provided. The most vital role of the CDI program is facilitating a true representation of healthcare services provided, through accurate reporting of the principal diagnosis, co-morbidities and any treatments or procedures.

As part of the program’s ongoing efforts, the CDI team offers specific tips monthly from the Program’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement. 

General Tips:

• Multi-organ failure: list organs separately, such as “acute respiratory failure” and “acute renal failure.”
• Link disease processes as appropriate (i.e. PVD caused by controlled DM or heart failure caused by hypertension).
• Urosepsis is a nonspecific term, document UTI only, or sepsis due to UTI, as appropriate.

Renal:

• AKI: Clarify if this is acute kidney injury or acute kidney insufficiency.
• ARI or acute renal insufficiency is not interchangeable with acute kidney injury or failure. Clarification will be sought when both are documented in the record.
• Clarify the abbreviation of A/CKD. Acute kidney disease is non-specific, please specify as acute insufficiency or acute injury.
• Document underlying cause of acute kidney injury or acute renal failure, if known.
• Remember to document ATN when appropriate.
• Clarify stage and underlying cause of chronic kidney disease (i.e. CKD III due to diabetes).
• Document linkage when a UTI is related to a foley or suprapubic catheter.

Radiation Reduction Policy for Without and With

WellStar Health System and Quantum Radiology are dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to our patients, particularly with diagnostic imaging. In addition to reducing radiation dose for individual CT scans, we are committed to eliminating specific CT studies that provide no supplementary diagnostic value. To eliminate excess radiation exposure and cost to the patients, we ask that the technologists directly contact a radiologist for protocol confirmation or modification. These studies include:

1. CT of the chest without and with IV contrast (no CT angiogram protocol)
2. CT of the neck without and with IV contrast
3. CT of the temporal bones without and with IV contrast
4. CT of the sinuses without and with IV contrast
5. CT of the orbits without and with IV contrast
6. CT of the maxillofacial without and with IV contrast
7. CT of the spine without and with IV contrast

With orders for a CT scan of the chest without and with IV contrast, the technologist should contact the following radiologist in order:

1. South Cobb Imaging Radiologist – 678-945-8648
2. Cobb STAT Radiologist – 770-732-3505
3. Kennestone Fleuro Radiologist – 770-793-5526

With orders for a CT scan of the neck, temporal bones, sinuses, orbits, maxillofacial, or spine without and with IV contrast, the technologist should contact the following neuroradiologist in order:

1. Cobb Neuroradiologist – 770-732-2240
2. Kennestone Neuroradiologist – 770-793-7937
3. Outpatient QR Neuroradiologist – 770-953-0108

We hope that this simple policy will continue to provide our patients with the quality care that they deserve.

March of Dimes March for Babies

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.

This year we are asking that every team member at WellStar take part and help us to reach our goal of 200 WellStar walkers and raising $30,000 to help fund the research that helps promote healthy babies. Last year, with your support, WellStar raised more than $9,000 for the March of Dimes.

We are asking that you take the time to support this cause by participating in one of the following activities:

· Join the WellStar team, participate in the walk and help us raise funds. To join the team, visit www.marchforbabies.org/wellstar. You can then ask for donations from friends and family to support you in the walk and/or team up with other WellStar team members to organize fundraising activities. This year’s West Metro March for Babies will be held April 28 at Marietta Middle School. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9 a.m.

· Help out by supporting the March of Dimes fundraising activities such as bake sales, a cookbook sale and many others that will be held across the System in support of the WellStar team between now and the walk.

· You can also make a direct donation by credit card to March of Dimes by going to http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1454015. Make sure you indicate that your donation is in support of the WellStar Health System Team.

Four Simple Ways to Improve Medication Safety

Medication errors are often caused by simple communication errors.  More than 50 percent of errors in written orders involve mistakes interpreting these common numbers and letters.  Click here and then click on the "Video Webcasts" near the upper right side of the page to view a short video about how you can prevent errors.

Avastin (bevacizumab): Counterfeit Product - FDA Issues Letters to 19 Medical Practices

The FDA is warning healthcare professionals and patients about a counterfeit version of Avastin 400mg/16mL which may have been purchased and used by some medical practices in the United States. The counterfeit version is labeled as Avastin, manufactured by Roche, and does not contain the medicine's active ingredient, bevacizumab, which may have resulted in patients not receiving needed therapy. Nineteen medical practices in the United States purchased unapproved cancer medicines from Quality Specialty Products (QSP), a foreign supplier that may also be known as Montana Health Care Solutions. Volunteer Distribution in Gainesboro, Tenn. is a distributor of QSP’s products.

WellStar did not purchase Avastin from the supplier mentioned above.  As the media has highlighted the recent multiple shortages of critical, life saving medications, WellStar has made significant efforts to reduce the impact on our patients. Major media stories have reported hospitals resorting to purchase medications from the secondary market, or "gray" suppliers, where purity may be compromised. WellStar pharmacies only purchase medications from an FDA approved wholesaler or directly from the manufacturer. Patient safety is our utmost importance.

The only FDA-approved version of Avastin for use in the United States is marketed by Genentech (a member company of Roche). The FDA-approved version does not include the Roche logo on the packaging or vials. FDA approved versions of these medicines are available in adequate supply to meet demand.

WellStar Wins Two Statewide Patient Safety Awards for Excellence in Patient Care

The Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) presented its prestigious Quality and Patient Safety Award to WellStar Health System and to WellStar Windy Hill Hospital, both in Marietta. The health system’s project titled, “Glycemic Control Initiative,” improved inpatient diabetes care and won second place in the Hospital/Health Systems Category. WellStar Windy Hill’s project, titled, “War on the Spore: Clostridium difficile among Patients in an Acute Care Long Term Hospital,” decreased infection rates and won third place in the Hospitals with Less Than 100 Beds Category.

WellStar Health System was also presented with a Circle of Excellence Award, an honor given to hospitals and health systems that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to quality and patient safety as evidenced by not only winning a patient safety award in 2011, but also by earning three or more PHA Patient Safety Awards within the previous five years. These annual awards recognize Georgia health care organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

WellStar Health System set a goal to standardize the care of diabetes patients to optimize outcomes, specifically for hyperglycemic patients (those with high blood sugar levels), at each of its hospital sites. Multidisciplinary teams led by physician champions were formed at each site and diabetes educators at two sites formed best practices/education programs. These programs included patient education; better communication with attending physicians regarding glycemic management; and post-discharge follow-up calls to high-risk patients.

To efficiently identify and improve processes of care for hyperglycemic patients, a daily email list was developed and sent to all hospital units and pertinent staff, including nurse managers, unit educators and diabetes best practice nurses. Additionally, a toolkit with sample clinical guidelines was used.
Results showed a decrease in readmissions for diabetic patients and a decrease in hospital-acquired conditions related to manifestations of poor glycemic control.

The goal of WellStar Windy Hill’s project was to decrease the incidence of the Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) by 15 percent. Clostridium difficile is a bacterium found in the intestines that can cause life-threatening intestinal conditions. It is the second most common hospital-acquired infection in most hospitals.

Diabetes Team Meetings

March 8 – Wisteria/Jasmine Room, WellStar Cobb Hospital

March 12 – Manchester Room, WellStar Douglas Hospital

March 13 – Garden Room, WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

March 14 – Kennesaw Mountain Room, WellStar Kennestone Hospital

March 15 – Dogwood Room, WellStar Paulding Hospital

All meetings are 12-1 p.m. in the Wisteria/Jasmine Room. Reminders for each meeting will be sent out before the meeting via e-mail. Please note that these meetings are subject to change. You will be notified by e-mail of any changes or cancellations. Please contact Kimberly Roberts at kimberly.roberts@wellstar.org or call 770-793-7829 for more information.

Free Continuing Education Cultural Competency

Changes in the racial and ethnic composition of patient population has become more evident over the past several years. In order to better understand and communicate with patients and provide culturally competent patient-centered care, the following FREE resources are available to physicians and other providers. Visit the following site: https://ccm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov

Physicians and PA’s earn 9 CME credits. Nurse practitioners earn 9 contact hours.
Cultural Competency Tools & Resources on eSource

CultureVision is a robust database that is geared to healthcare professionals. It provides cultural, religious and other information about several ethnic groups.

DiversityToolkit is a resource designed for managers, leaders and front-line workers to help you to successfully build and manage diverse workgroups.

CareNotes provides inpatient/discharge information and drug-related information to patients. Information can be customized in multiple languages.

Primary Care Update Course: Rheumatology

May 5, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at WellStar Development Center

Breakfast will be included.

To register, call 770-22-MYCME (69263)

2012 Joseph M. Still Burn Symposium

March 4-5, 2012 at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

Established in 2007, the Joseph M. Still Burn Symposium is an annual gathering of medical professionals dedicated to the constant improvement of burn care in America. The sessions are presented by leading experts and provide the most current and thorough information regarding burn care, while offering the opportunity to earn educational credits. For more information, please visit www.jmsbc.org.

Sleep Medicine Boards

Congratulations to Patrick C. Melder, M.D. (ENT Associates of North Georgia) and Vivek Gupta, M.D. (WellStar Bi-County ENT) for passing their Sleep Medicine Boards!

Dr. Gupta completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Washington University in St. Louis. He obtained his medical degree at Washington University School of Medicine, one of the top five medical schools in the country. While in medical school, Dr. Gupta also obtained a master's degree in molecular biology doing cutting-edge research on head and neck cancer. He completed his general surgery internship and residency in otolaryngology head and neck surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. Since finishing his residency in 2003, Dr. Gupta has been in practice in Austell and Douglasville.

As a board-certified otolaryngologist, Dr. Gupta treats both adult and pediatric patients. He has a special interest in sinus surgery and utilizes the latest technologies, including computer-guided sinus surgery and minimally invasive balloon sinus surgery. Dr. Gupta also has an interest in office treatment of inner ear disorders. Dr. Gupta is an active member of the medical staff and has served on multiple committees at WellStar Cobb and Douglas hospitals. He is married with three children.

Dr. Melder received his undergraduate degree from Houston Baptist University and his medical degree from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army, completing a general surgical internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas. He completed his training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he was later named chief of the Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Service. During his tenure at Walter Reed, Dr. Melder was a pioneer in the application of robotic surgery in the field of head and neck surgery.

Dr. Melder served 13 years on active duty and was honorably discharged as a lieutenant colonel. He has a unique interest in the applications of digital technologies in the field of endoscopy. He is also an expert in the field of sleep-disordered breathing: snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Melder established the first surgical sleep-disordered breathing clinic during his tenure at Walter Reed. He is the founder of Envisionier Medical Technologies, developers of the world’s first palm-held endoscopic imaging system. He is a board-certified otolaryngologist.

Physician Lunch and Learn: Glycemic Control in the Hospital

Presented by: WellStar Diabetes Services and Ann P. Ward, M.D.
WellStar Cobb Hospital
Feb. 1, 2012
12-1 p.m.
Auditorium

New Medical Staff as Approved at the December Governing Board Meeting

Medical Staff

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Campbell, Devin S., MD	Hospitalist/ Internal Medicine	Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, GRP
Elsass, Amy L., MD	Cardiovascular Disease	Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH	KH, PH, GRP
Goo, David J., MD	Pediatric Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, KH
Johnson, Rodney M., MD	Allergy and Immunology	Atlanta ENT Sinus & Allergy	KH
Martin-Ross, Amber, MD	Anesthesiology	Tri-County Anesthesia	CH, DH
Nelson, Crystal L., MD	Psychiatry	WS Psychiatry	CH, KH, WH, GRP
Ortiz, Narmo L., Jr., DPM	Podiatry	Marietta Podiatry Group	KH, WH
Syed, Abdul H., MD	Psychiatry	WS Psychiatry	CH, KH, GRP

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Bishop, Diana R., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Southeastern Gynecologic Oncology	CH, KH
Daly, Serena H., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WS Neurosurgery	GRP	KH
Dugan, Shannon C., PA	Physician Assistant	WS Cardiovascular Medicine/The Bortolazzo Group	CH, DH, PH, GRP	KH
Goodner, Andrew W., PA	Physician Assistant	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH
Kirkland, Meghan R., PA	Physician Assistant	Georgia Lung Associates, P.C./The Bortolazzo Group	DH, PH	CH, KH
Markwell, Maggi, PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Tri-County Anesthesia	CH
McHargue, Nicole M., NP	Nurse Practitioner	East Paulding Pediatric Center	KH, GRP
Perrett, Jade N., PA	Physician Assistant	Hospitalist Group	CH, PH, GRP
Rast, Jean L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH
Rodie, Jonathan P., PA	Physician Assistant	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH
Scouten, Haley B., PA	Physician Assistant	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH
Sullivan, Virginia T., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH
Weeks, Scott A., PA	Physician Assistant	WS Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, GRP	KH

December New Provider

The following provider joined WellStar Medical Group in December.

Micah Tepper, M.D. – WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine
Micah R. Tepper, M.D., F.A.C.C, received his medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in 2000, and then went on to complete an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/HarvardMedical School. This was followed by a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at the University of Virginia, which was completed in 2006.

Dr. Tepper is an invasive cardiologist board certified in both Cardiovascular Disease and Internal Medicine. He joined WellStarCardiovascular Medicine in December 2011 after practicing in Georgia with The Heart Clinic, P.C. since 2006. He is trained in cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, transthoracic/esophageal echocardiography,cardiovascular computed tomography and nuclear cardiology.

He is currently on staff at WellStar Cobb and Douglas hospitals where he also serves on the Cardiac Performance Improvement Committees. Dr. Tepper is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

January New Providers

The following providers joined WellStar Medical Group in January.

Dauda Griffin, M.D. – Psychiatry – WellStar Psychiatry

Dr. Griffin obtained a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from The George Washington University and a medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in adult psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, and his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Griffin is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association where he has held numerous leadership positions. In his spare time, Dr. Griffin enjoys photography, movies, music and exercise.

Fritz Jean-Pierre, M.D. – bariatric surgery, WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services

Dr. Jean-Pierre obtained his bachelor’s degree in microbiology and cell sciences from the University of Florida and his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School. He completed his fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Atlanta Medical Center. Prior to that, he completed the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago’s Mount Sinai Program from 2003-2009.



Rhonda Latif, M.D. – OB/GYN – WellStar Northwest Women’s Care at Windy Hill (no photo available)

Dr. Latif earned her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Georgia and her Doctorate of Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia. She completed her internship and residency at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in the Department of OB/GYN. Dr. Latif is board certified in OB/GYN. She is a member of the North American Menopause Society, Georgia Obstetrical Gynecological Society, Medical Association of Georgia, Medical Association of Atlanta, and a fellow of American College of OB/GYN. Prior to joining WellStar, Dr. Latif worked at Atlanta Gynecology Associates.

Doctor Dialogue

WellStar joins Spirit of Women ® Hospital Network

WellStar Health System is a new member of Spirit of Women®, an elite coalition of hospitals and healthcare providers across the United States that ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in women’s health, education and community outreach. Their mission is to inspire women in all stages of their lives to take action for better health for themselves and their families. To execute this mission, each year Spirit of Women develops a national education platform with topics based on critical areas of women's health that parallel hospital business building strategies across all service lines. As our community's exclusive Spirit of Women hospital system, we have direct access to evidence-based, best practice programming that will build loyalty and drive women to our physicians, hospitals and other key services we provide. By joining Spirit of Women, we have an opportunity to further differentiate WellStar as the provider of choice for women in our community. 

This partnership will provide a wide variety of programs, including:

• A quarterly seminar series: Offered through our Speaking about Wellness for Women programs, this series will pair fun activities with educational health messages for women of all ages.  Please call 770-956-STAR (7827) for schedule information and to register to participate in these programs. These seminars will be a great opportunity to earn points for HealthStart.
•  eNewsletter subscription: Sign up to receive a free monthly newsletter and information on other special events; to request a subscription or to be added to our mailing list, please visit www.wellstar.org/SpiritofWomen or e-mail SpiritofWomen@wellstar.org.
• National Signature events: Through events held annually, WellStar Health System and other Spirit of Women member hospitals come together to address critical women’s health issues. Through fun and camaraderie with other women, signature events provide attendees with education on how to live vibrantly while maintaining best cardiac, breast and overall health. We will share more information about these events in the future.  

Physicians and other clinical team members will have numerous opportunities to be involved in Spirit including:

• Contribute articles to the monthly Spirit eNewsletter and quarterly national Spirit Magazine.
• Participate as a presenter for WellStar’s Speaking about Wellness for Women programs and other monthly health promotions.
• Participate in future national signature events. 
• In working towards achieving the National Standards of Excellence in Women’s Health designation, it will also be in asset in our journey toward MAGNET status.
• Physician/clinician led community presentation opportunities under future new OB programming (coming in FY13).

For more information about our Spirit of Women partnership, please contact Kristin Caudell, Director of Corporate & Community Health/Women’s & Children’s Resources and Spirit of Women coordinator at 770-793-7385 or kristin.caudell@wellstar.org.

February Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
OB/GYN	2/6 - 12:30 p.m.	Auditorium
Credentials	2/7 – 12 p.m.	ABR
Medical Executive Committee	2/21 – 12 p.m.	Admin Conference Room

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
PI Committee	2/2 - 7:30 a.m.	Sweetwater Room
Credentials	2/7 - 12 p.m.	Sycamore Room
APP Meeting	2/13 - 12 p.m.	Sycamore Room
Medical Executive Committee	2/14 - 12 p.m.	Sycamore Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	2/1 - 7 a.m.	Kennesaw Mountain Room
Medical Executive Committee	2/7 – 6 p.m.	Kennesaw Mountain Room
APP Leadership Council	2/8 – 7 a.m.	Admin. Conference Room
Surgery Department	2/15 – 7 a.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
Pediatrics Department	2/15 - 12:30 p.m.	Kennesaw Mountain Room
New Provider Orientation and Safety First Training	2/17 - 8 a.m.	Admin. Conference Room
OB/GYN Department	2/20 - 5:30 p.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
APP General Meeting	2/29 - 7 a.m.	Auditorium

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	2/16 - 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	2/21 - 5:15 p.m.	Admin Conference Room

February CME Events

• Breast Cancer Tumor Board – Feb. 1, 8, 22 and 29; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB) – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB) – Feb. 3 and 17; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiology Case Conference – Feb. 28; 7 a.m.; Kennesaw Mountain Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiothoracic Case Conference – Feb. 21; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room
• Cobb Network Tumor Board – Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 12 p.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Cobb Surgical M&M – Feb. 23; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• GI Tumor Board – Feb, 2, 16 and 23; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Kennestone Network Conference – Feb. 3 and 17; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Kennestone Surgical M&M – Feb. 29; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference – Feb. 1; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Neurosciences Conference – Feb. 1; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital – Purple Tower
• Safety First Recertification - Kennestone – Feb. 17; 10:30 a.m.; Admin Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic – Feb. 1, 8, 22 and 29; 5 p.m.; Post Stat Cancer Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Trauma Grand Rounds – Feb. 23; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital