Working Mother magazine has named WellStar Health System as one of the 2012 Working Mother 100 Best Companies. The companies are recognized in the October/November issue of the magazine, on workingmother.com and will be honored at the Working Mother Work Life Congress, to be held in New York City in October. This makes five years for WellStar to place on the list and the third year to be recognized among the coveted Top Ten companies.
Working Mother rewarded companies for their wide array of progressive workplace programs, including child care, flexibility, advancement and paid family leave. This is the 27th year Working Mother has recognized organizations for their initiatives.
“WellStar is honored to be named a Working Mother 100 Best Companies Top 10 company for the third straight year,” said David Anderson, executive vice president of human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer for WellStar Health System. “Part of the formula for delivering world-class healthcare is having world-class employees. To attract and retain these talented team members, WellStar offers competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and innovative work/life programs."
Some of the other companies who were awarded recognition are: Bank of America, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, General Mills, Grant Thornton, IBM, KPMG Procter & Gamble and PwC.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
WellStar Named One of America’s Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
WellStar ranked first in the healthcare industry and 35th overall on the 2012 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list released by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
WellStar offers its full-time employees 120 hours and eligible part-time employees 60 hours of paid leave, per adoption. WellStar also offers employees a maximum of $10,000, per finalized adoption ($20,000 maximum lifetime amount).
“Retaining our exceptional team members and recruiting new ones are vital to WellStar’s vision, as is our on-going commitment to making WellStar a great place to work,” said David Anderson, WellStar’s executive vice president, human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer. “Offering these kinds of exceptional benefits enables our employees to maintain a work-life balance for a fulfilling personal and professional life.”
Every year, the Foundation announces America’s top 100 adoption-friendly employers, the top 10 by size, and the leaders in each industry from its annual survey of U.S. employers. Rankings are determined by an analysis of a company’s adoption benefits, including the maximum amount of financial reimbursement and paid leave for families who adopt. The top 100 are featured in the September issue of Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is the leading source of information for benefits decision makers.
WellStar offers its full-time employees 120 hours and eligible part-time employees 60 hours of paid leave, per adoption. WellStar also offers employees a maximum of $10,000, per finalized adoption ($20,000 maximum lifetime amount).
“Retaining our exceptional team members and recruiting new ones are vital to WellStar’s vision, as is our on-going commitment to making WellStar a great place to work,” said David Anderson, WellStar’s executive vice president, human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer. “Offering these kinds of exceptional benefits enables our employees to maintain a work-life balance for a fulfilling personal and professional life.”
Every year, the Foundation announces America’s top 100 adoption-friendly employers, the top 10 by size, and the leaders in each industry from its annual survey of U.S. employers. Rankings are determined by an analysis of a company’s adoption benefits, including the maximum amount of financial reimbursement and paid leave for families who adopt. The top 100 are featured in the September issue of Employee Benefit News, a SourceMedia publication that is the leading source of information for benefits decision makers.
Olympic Champion Triple Jumper Christian Taylor Partners with WellStar
WellStar Health System is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Triple Jumper, Christian Taylor.
“I’m very excited to embark on this partnership with WellStar Health System,” states Taylor. “To be able to align with such a great system and really make a difference in my hometown community is a dream come true."
As part of his partnership, Taylor plans to visit patients and team members and share his motivation for healthy living throughout the WellStar five-county service area.
“Having an Olympic gold medalist serve as an advocate for healthy living is a great way for WellStar to connect with our community,” said Michelle Robinson, vice president of Marketing, PR and Internal Communications at WellStar. “Christian is a role model for leading an active lifestyle and good sportsmanship.”
Born and raised in Fayetteville, GA, Taylor became the youngest Olympic Triple Jump Champion in more than 100 years. As the reigning World Champion and former NCAA Champion at the University of Florida, Taylor now has his eyes set on bringing down the world record. Maintaining his health and wellness are a priority to achieve this goal.
Serving a population of more than one million residents of NW metropolitan Atlanta, WellStar consistently looks at total patient wellness and works to ensure that all systems support that focus. With industry awards ranging from Integrated Delivery Networks to Working Mother Magazine’s Best Places to Work, WellStar strives to provide the best care possible with Atlanta’s top medical professionals.
At WellStar, specialists and primary care providers work in a multi-disciplinary environment with more than 12,000 diverse team members throughout their five hospitals and medical group offices. By working through a patient-centered model of care, WellStar places an enormous value on quality and safety.
Additionally, WellStar is a huge proponent in giving back to the community. Its influential community outreach allows WellStar to serve 1.5 million annually. The WellStar Foundation continues to fund initiatives ranging from new medical facilities to genetic testing services.
“I’m very excited to embark on this partnership with WellStar Health System,” states Taylor. “To be able to align with such a great system and really make a difference in my hometown community is a dream come true."
As part of his partnership, Taylor plans to visit patients and team members and share his motivation for healthy living throughout the WellStar five-county service area.
“Having an Olympic gold medalist serve as an advocate for healthy living is a great way for WellStar to connect with our community,” said Michelle Robinson, vice president of Marketing, PR and Internal Communications at WellStar. “Christian is a role model for leading an active lifestyle and good sportsmanship.”
Born and raised in Fayetteville, GA, Taylor became the youngest Olympic Triple Jump Champion in more than 100 years. As the reigning World Champion and former NCAA Champion at the University of Florida, Taylor now has his eyes set on bringing down the world record. Maintaining his health and wellness are a priority to achieve this goal.
Serving a population of more than one million residents of NW metropolitan Atlanta, WellStar consistently looks at total patient wellness and works to ensure that all systems support that focus. With industry awards ranging from Integrated Delivery Networks to Working Mother Magazine’s Best Places to Work, WellStar strives to provide the best care possible with Atlanta’s top medical professionals.
At WellStar, specialists and primary care providers work in a multi-disciplinary environment with more than 12,000 diverse team members throughout their five hospitals and medical group offices. By working through a patient-centered model of care, WellStar places an enormous value on quality and safety.
Additionally, WellStar is a huge proponent in giving back to the community. Its influential community outreach allows WellStar to serve 1.5 million annually. The WellStar Foundation continues to fund initiatives ranging from new medical facilities to genetic testing services.
WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement
Clinical Documentation Tips: General and Specific for Neoplasms/Malignancy
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:
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:
- Document the diseases associated with the patient’s signs/symptoms
- Indicate acuity, even when it is obvious (i.e., congenital, chronic, acute, acute on chronic [exacerbation])
- Clarify the reason requiring inpatient admission (i.e., diagnosing, treatment or staging of malignancy)
- Clarify if the reason for admission is a sign/symptom that is due to the malignancy (i.e., dehydration, malnutrition, cachexia, intractable pain, ascites, anemia or weakness)
- Clarify malnutrition, indicating acuity (i.e. mild, moderate or severe)
- Clarify anemia, indicating if it is associated or due to chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy
- Clarify any coagulation disorders as well as the cause
- Clarify if thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia or anemia is induced by malignancy or treatment of malignancy (i.e., chemotherapy induced)
- Clarify if fractures are a result of the malignancy (i.e., due to neoplasm)
- Clarify any electrolyte abnormality (i.e., hyponatremia, hypokalemia [up and down arrows plus corresponding electrolyte does not constitute a diagnosis])
- Clarify all secondary diagnoses, indicating if condition is acute or chronic during current admission
- Clarify all diagnoses/conditions that are present on admission (POA)
- Clarify if the patient is placed in palliative care (i.e., hospice care, terminal care, comfort care or end-of-life care)
WellStar Medical Group New Providers – September
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| Nana Arthur, M.D. |
Dr. Arthur earned her bachelor’s degree and medical degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. She completed her internship in internal medicine/obstetrics and gynecology from Komfo Anokya Teaching Hospital, also in Kumasi, Ghana, West Africa. Dr. Arthur completed her residency in internal medicine from the Hospital of St. Raphael’s in New Haven, Conn. and her fellowship in geriatrics from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
Dr. Arthur is board certified in geriatric medicine. She is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Geriatrics Society and the Society of Hospital Medicine.
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| Avi Bhavaraju, M.D. |
Dr. Bhavaraju earned his medical degree from the University of Saint Eustatius School of Medicine in St. Eustatius, Netherlands-Antilles. He completed his residency in general surgery at Atlanta Medical Center and his fellowship in trauma/surgical critical care from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Dr. Bhavaraju is board certified in surgical critical care and general surgery. He is a member of The Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Telemedicine Association, American Medical Association, Southeastern Surgical Congress, American College of Surgeons, and American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Medical Student and Resident Section.
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| Megan Bowles, M.D. |
Dr. Bowles earned her bachelor’s and medical degree from Georgetown University. She completed her internship and residency at Vanderbilt University in ambulatory and internal medicine.
Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Bowles is a member of the American College Health Association and American College of Physicians.
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| Danny Branstetter, II, M.D. |
Dr. Branstetter received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his master’s degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine in Memphis. Dr. Branstetter completed his residency in internal medicine at Emory University in Atlanta and his fellowship in infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Branstetter is board certified in infectious diseases and internal medicine.
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| Caroline Gibbons, M.D. |
Dr. Gibbons earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
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| Bradley Goff, M.D. |
Dr. Goff received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wabash College and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed his internship in general surgery at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and his residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, at Indiana University Hospital.
Board certified in otolaryngology, Dr. Goff is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Rhinologic Society and a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
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| Ahmad Khaldi, M.D. |
Dr. Khaldi earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology and international studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his master’s degree and medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. and his endovascular fellowship at University of Florida.
Prior to joining WellStar, Dr. Khaldi was co-director of cerebrovascular neurosurgery and an assistant professor of neurosurgery in the Department of Neurosurgery at The George Washington University in Washington, DC.
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| Alexander Liaugminas, M.D. |
Dr. Liaugminas earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from The Ohio State University and his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine. He completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Cincinnati.
Dr. Liaugminas is a member of the Association of Academic Physiatrists, the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Medical Association.
Sona Patel, M.D. - Endocrinology (Photo not available)
Dr. Patel earned her bachelor’s degree in medical sciences and medical degree from Texas A&M University Health Science Center. She completed her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Dr. Patel is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Society.
Sholah Pitman, M.D. – OB/GYN Hospitalist, WellStar Cobb Hospital (Photo not available)
Dr. Pittman earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Emory University and her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Pittman is a junior fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists and a member of the National Medical Association.
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| Kiran Pratap, M.D. |
Kiran Pratap, M.D. - Hospitalist, WellStar Cobb Hospital
Dr. Pratap earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.
Dr. Pratap is board certified in internal medicine.
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| Pradad Rao, M.D. |
Dr. Rao earned his medical degree at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India. He completed his residency at Wenlock District Hospital and T.M.A. Pai Rotary Hospital in Mangalore.
Prior to joining WellStar, Dr. Rao was associate director of hospital medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta. He is board certified in internal medicine.
October Department Meetings
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| OB/GYN | Oct. 1; 12:30 p.m. | Auditorium |
| Credentials | Oct. 2; noon | ABR |
| APP General | Oct. 10; noon | Dogwood Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 16; noon | ABR |
| WellStar Combined General MEC | Oct. 17; 6 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | Oct. 2; noon | Sycamore Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 9; noon | Sycamore Room |
| QRC PI Committee | Oct. 11; 7:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| WellStar Combined General MEC | Oct. 17; 6 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
| Gen’l Medical Staff and Medicine & Surgery Depts. |
Oct. 18; noon | Douglas Medical Center – Community Room |
| APP meeting | Oct. 23 | Admin. Conference Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | Oct. 3: 7 a.m. | KMR |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 9; 6 p.m. | KMR |
| OB/GYN | Oct. 15; 5:30 p.m. | Azalea/Camellia Room |
| Surgery | Oct. 17; 7 a.m. | Azalea/ Camellia Room |
| WellStar Combined General MEC | Oct. 17; 6 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
| New Provider Orientation and Safety First Initial Training |
Oct.19 21; 8 a.m.-- noon |
KMR |
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 11; 12:30 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
| WellStar Combined General MEC | Oct. 17; 6 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Oct. 17; 5:15 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
| WellStar Combined General MEC | Oct. 17; 6 p.m. | Cobb Galleria |
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
September Department Meetings
WellStar Cobb Hospital
WellStar Douglas Hospital
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
WellStar Paulding Hospital
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | Sept. 4; noon | ABR |
| Surgery | Sept. 10; 5:30 p.m. | ABR |
| Internal Medicine | Sept. 10; 5;30 p.m. | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Family Practice | Sept. 10; 5:45 p.m. | Dogwood Room |
| General Staff | Sept. 10; 6:30 p.m. | Auditorium |
| Medical Executive Committee | Sept. 11; noon | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| Physician Orientation | Sept. 12; 7:30 a.m. | Dogwood Room |
| Pediatrics Department | Sept. 25; 12:30 p.m. | Jasmine/Wisteria Room |
| APP General | Sept. 26; 6 p.m. | Auditorium |
WellStar Douglas Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | Sept. 4; noon | Sycamore Room |
| QRC PI Committee | Sept. 13; 7:30 a.m. | Sweetwater Room |
| Medical Executive Committee | Sept. 11; noon | Sycamore Room |
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Credentials | Sept. 5: 7 a.m. | KMR |
| Medical Executive Committee | Sept. 11; 6 p.m. | KMR |
| Medicine | Sept. 13; 7 a.m. | KMR |
| Family Practice | Sept. 13; 6 p.m. | KMR |
| OB/GYN | Sept. 17; 5:30 p.m. | Azalea Room |
| Surgery | Sept. 19; 7 a.m. | Azalea Room |
| New Provider Orientation and Safety First Initial Training |
Sept.21 21; 8 a.m.-- noon |
Admin. Conference Room |
WellStar Paulding Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Sept. 13; 12:30 p.m | Dogwood Room |
| Medicine | Sept. 25; noon | E. Paulding Primary Care Center Conference Room |
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
Committee/Dept. |
Date & Time | Place |
| Medical Executive Committee | Sept. 12; 5:15 p.m. | Admin. Conference Room |
Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain Offers Comfort, Serenity to Patients and Families
Since opening in March, Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, WellStar Community Hospice’s newest inpatient hospice center, has already touched the lives of a number of patients and their families.
Like its sister facility at WellStar Cobb Hospital, Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain provides compassionate care in a homelike setting to patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.
“Patients have been pleased with the serene environment and the sense of peace they have while they’re here,” said Barbara Ballard, vice president, Post Acute Services. “Most importantly, they know they’re being well cared for.” “We had a patient here recently who asked me to come see him in his room,” said Ballard. “He told me that, while he received great care at Kennestone, nothing has compared to the level of service he has received here. I’m grateful that we were able to touch his heart in a special way.”
The facility has a capacity for 18 private suites, each of which will offer amenities designed with both patients and their families in mind. Currently nine of those suites are open, with another three opening soon.
For Carolyn Meier, whose mother-in-law is a patient at Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, exceptional care and attention to detail have added much needed comfort during a difficult time.
“We’ve had an excellent experience since she’s been there,” said Meier. “The facility is beautiful and the staff is very attentive to the patients, as well as the families who are there. You couldn’t ask for better care. They even did a Fourth of July cookout for all the families. Small things like those really mean a lot when you’re going through something like this.”
Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain was funded by the WellStar Foundation through generous gifts of support from WellStar, team members and the community. Founded in 1982, WellStar Community Hospice is one of the state’s oldest hospital-based hospice programs. More than 1,500 patients each year receive care through the program.
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| Courtyard behind Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain |
“Patients have been pleased with the serene environment and the sense of peace they have while they’re here,” said Barbara Ballard, vice president, Post Acute Services. “Most importantly, they know they’re being well cared for.” “We had a patient here recently who asked me to come see him in his room,” said Ballard. “He told me that, while he received great care at Kennestone, nothing has compared to the level of service he has received here. I’m grateful that we were able to touch his heart in a special way.”
The facility has a capacity for 18 private suites, each of which will offer amenities designed with both patients and their families in mind. Currently nine of those suites are open, with another three opening soon.
For Carolyn Meier, whose mother-in-law is a patient at Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, exceptional care and attention to detail have added much needed comfort during a difficult time.
“We’ve had an excellent experience since she’s been there,” said Meier. “The facility is beautiful and the staff is very attentive to the patients, as well as the families who are there. You couldn’t ask for better care. They even did a Fourth of July cookout for all the families. Small things like those really mean a lot when you’re going through something like this.”
Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain was funded by the WellStar Foundation through generous gifts of support from WellStar, team members and the community. Founded in 1982, WellStar Community Hospice is one of the state’s oldest hospital-based hospice programs. More than 1,500 patients each year receive care through the program.
Help Us Celebrate the Opening of WellStar Acworth Health Park
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| WellStar Acworth Health Park |
4550 Cobb Parkway NW, Acworth, Ga.
Fun Day activities will include a rock wall; giant slide; inflatable obstacle course; tethered hot air balloon rides; police/fire/EMS vehicles; flu shots and blood pressure checks; SafeKids Cobb County presenting youth sports safety tips; the Atlanta Braves B.A.T team and two alumni players; and Christian Taylor, 2012 Olympic gold medalist, in the triple long jump (son of WellStar’s own Stephanie Taylor, director of Cultural Competency).
Participants can register to win prizes including a home gym, a set of four mountain bikes with helmets and an all-expense paid trip for four to Walt Disney World. Plan to attend!
WellStar Medical Group New Providers - August
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| Adaeze C. Adigweme, M.D., MPH |
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| Melissa N.H. Boekhaus, M.D. |
Melissa N.H. Boekhaus, M.D. – Pediatric & Adolescent Center - Dr. Boekhaus received her bachelor’s degree in biology summa cum laude from Mercer University. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed her residency in pediatrics at Emory University.
Dr. Boekhaus is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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| Ebon Bourne, M.D. |
Dr. Bourne is a member of the American Medical Association. He is board certified in internal medicine.
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| Travis C. Bowles, M.D. |
Dr. Bowles is a member of the American Association of Pediatrics and the American College of Pediatricians.
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| Binu George, M.D. |
Binu George, M.D. – WellStar Pulmonary - Dr. George received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Emory University and his master’s degree in developmental biology from Georgia State University. He earned his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. George completed his residency in internal medicine from Morehouse School Medicine – Grady Memorial Hospital and his fellowship in pulmonary critical care from George Washington University Hospital.
Dr. George is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Thoracic Society, Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Society of Hospital Medicine.
Maureen Lamm, M.D. – Acworth Urgent Care (Photo unavailable)
Dr. Lamm received her bachelor’s degree in biology magna cum laude from Boston University and her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She completed her internship at Georgetown University/Inova Fairfax Hospital and her residency in family practice at George Washington University/Holy Cross Hospital.
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| Mark Quinn, M.D. |
Dr. Lamm has been affiliated with WellStar Health System Urgent Care Centers since 2006.
Mark Quinn, M.D.
Dr. Quinn received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed his residency in radiation oncology at The Medical College of New York in Westchester, N.Y.
Perfect Serve Update
As of Aug. 22, medical staff members and advanced practice professionals across all WellStar hospitals are able to communicate directly with each other through the PerfectServe® system.
PerfectServe routes clinical calls and messages to you according to your specific instructions. Because PerfectServe allows you to selectively filter and control the communications you receive, you experience fewer unnecessary interruptions and fewer delayed and lost messages. Keep in mind that as you use PerfectServe, it also can be adjusted to improve your efficiency. Simply tell us how you would like your calls handled and PerfectServe will make it happen.
Meanwhile, you can manage your communications and access other features with the additional tools PerfectServe provides.
What do you need to do? Take a few moments and update or install your PerfectServe mobile app.
PerfectServe routes clinical calls and messages to you according to your specific instructions. Because PerfectServe allows you to selectively filter and control the communications you receive, you experience fewer unnecessary interruptions and fewer delayed and lost messages. Keep in mind that as you use PerfectServe, it also can be adjusted to improve your efficiency. Simply tell us how you would like your calls handled and PerfectServe will make it happen.
Meanwhile, you can manage your communications and access other features with the additional tools PerfectServe provides.
What do you need to do? Take a few moments and update or install your PerfectServe mobile app.
- For iPhone users, access the App Store and find the PerfectServe app. Tap “Update” to automatically update your PerfectServe mobile app. You will not need to enter your PerfectServe username and password.
- For Android users, click here for instructions on updating your current PerfectServe mobile app. You must first uninstall your current PerfectServe app, then access the Google Play store to download the newest version. You will be prompted for your PerfectServe username and password. If you do not have your username and password information, please call PerfectServe’s 24/7 Help Center at 877-844-7727.
- If you do not currently have the PerfectServe mobile app, click here for detailed instructions on downloading it for iPhone or Android devices. Select your device under “Features” and follow the instructions to download the app.
- Physicians who do not carry a smart phone may contact medical staff colleagues by dialing 855-DocLink (855-362-5465) from your mobile phone. As long as that mobile device number is registered with PerfectServe, you will be identified and allowed access to WellStar physicians.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Townsend Named Physician of the Year
By Georgia Association of Physician Assistants
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| GAPA’s Mary Vacala presents Murphy Townsend, M.D., with his award at the association’s annual meeting in July. |
The award is presented to a physician who has provided exemplary service to PAs in Georgia, either as a mentor, preceptor or teacher, or has in other ways furthered or facilitated the practice of PAs in Georgia.
“Dr. Townsend has been a tireless and proactive champion for PAs and other advanced practice professionals (APPs) at Kennestone,“ said Damon Denzin, PA, WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s Advanced Practice Professionals Department chair.“The APP staff is valued and integrated within the System in a way previously reserved for physicians. Dr. Townsend’s leadership and hard work have impacted all APPs at WellStar in a meaningful and lasting way,”
Physician Leadership Academy: New Cohort Starts Sept. 15
WellStar’s Physician Leadership Academy is a leadership program for physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants that was created in partnership with the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University. A fourth cohort of the program will start on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the WellStar Development Center. A limited number of seats are available.
Our first three cohorts of the Physician Leadership Program were a resounding success. Ninety-eight of your fellow physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners have completed the program. Feedback from each cohort has allowed us to improve the program.
This certificate program gives participants an introduction to leadership and teaming skills, along with introductory business knowledge. The program runs for 10 Saturdays from September to March. Those who complete the program will be granted a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from WellStar and the Coles College of Business.
Complete program details, including application forms and a detailed course syllabus, are available on eSource > Organizational Learning.
Our first three cohorts of the Physician Leadership Program were a resounding success. Ninety-eight of your fellow physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners have completed the program. Feedback from each cohort has allowed us to improve the program.
This certificate program gives participants an introduction to leadership and teaming skills, along with introductory business knowledge. The program runs for 10 Saturdays from September to March. Those who complete the program will be granted a Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from WellStar and the Coles College of Business.
Complete program details, including application forms and a detailed course syllabus, are available on eSource > Organizational Learning.
WellStar Cobb and Kennestone Hospitals Receive UnitedHealth Total Joint Replacement Specialty Center Designation
WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals received the UnitedHealth Premium specialty center designation in recognition of quality care. Both hospitals received three-star ratings (three: highest, one: lowest).
UnitedHealthcare developed the specialty center program to give its members information and access to hospitals meeting rigorous quality criteria. The designation is based on detailed information about specialized training, practice capabilities and outcomes and is designed to help members make informed decisions should they need total joint replacement care.
To receive this designation, WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals met extensive quality and outcomes criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards and expert advice. The criteria incorporate measurements of breadth and depth of care, staff experience, emergency care, quality and outcomes reporting.
The hospitals’ total hip and knee joint replacement programs also are certified by The Joint Commission.
For more information on the Center for Joint Replacement, contact Kim Purvis, RN, at 770-732-4598.
UnitedHealthcare developed the specialty center program to give its members information and access to hospitals meeting rigorous quality criteria. The designation is based on detailed information about specialized training, practice capabilities and outcomes and is designed to help members make informed decisions should they need total joint replacement care.
To receive this designation, WellStar Cobb and Kennestone hospitals met extensive quality and outcomes criteria based on nationally recognized medical standards and expert advice. The criteria incorporate measurements of breadth and depth of care, staff experience, emergency care, quality and outcomes reporting.
The hospitals’ total hip and knee joint replacement programs also are certified by The Joint Commission.
For more information on the Center for Joint Replacement, contact Kim Purvis, RN, at 770-732-4598.
Allergies Hit Businesses’ Health Costs
(Productivity Health-Care Quarterly: Corporate Wellness Premium Content From Atlanta Business Chronicle by Kimberly Smith, Contributing Writer)
Spring and fall are often regarded as Atlanta’s prime allergy seasons. But at work, wheezing, sneezing or worse can be a year-round challenge for people who have allergies, asthma or both.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of the U.S. population, which translates to about 50 million people, are affected by an allergy. In adults, allergy is the fifth most common chronic disease, and the incidence of being affected by an allergy has been steadily rising during the last 30 years.
“People tend to be genetically predisposed to developing allergies,” said Angel Waldron, spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in Landover, Md., “but certain environments can make it more challenging in that a person’s job might cause them to be exposed to the specific allergens that will trigger allergy symptoms.”
In addition to the physical toll these conditions take on employees, workplace allergies and asthma can add up to extra costs for employers in terms of lost productivity, workers’ compensation claims and higher costs for health insurance and health-care expenses.
Allergies are a major cause of employee absenteeism and “presenteeism,” a term for working while not fully functional due to illness or a medical condition, Waldron noted. Statistics from the AAFA cite allergies as the reason for almost 4 million missed or lost work days each year. Those work days carry an estimated cost of more than $700 million in total lost productivity, she said.
Research published in the journal Current Medical Research & Opinion also blames allergy-related symptoms as a significant cause of lost productivity at work. According to the study, the incidence of workplace allergies is significant, varying by occupation from between 5 percent and 65 percent at an annual cost of about $593 per employee in lost productivity.
What’s more, the annual health-care bill for allergy-related symptoms is at an estimated $14.5 billion, according to AAFA data. Of that amount, $12.3 billion accounts for prescription and over-the-counter medications and doctor visits.
To help workers breathe easier on the job and ease the financial burden on employers, experts recommend a series of measures to help decrease exposure to workplace allergens and other steps to remedy situations where allergy and asthma triggers may affect employees.
Dr. Amy Hirsh, an allergy and asthma specialist at Peachtree Allergy and Asthma Clinic, located in Buckhead, Vinings, Sharpsburg and Carrollton, said the close proximity of adjoining office work cubicles may aggravate allergy or asthma symptoms in some people.
“If you have allergies or asthma, and you work in an office environment, one of your co-workers could actually be triggering your symptoms,” Hirsh said. “For example, if a person owns a cat, they’re likely bringing cat dander into the office on their clothing, which could trigger symptoms for the person in the cubicle next door who is allergic to cat dander,” she said.
The scents and odors lingering on colleagues who smoke outside of the office or wear perfumes or colognes to work can also trigger an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms if a person is sensitive to the chemicals and particulates in those substances, Hirsh said.
“If an allergen or asthma trigger from a co-worker is causing your symptoms to flare up, moving to a different cubicle location might be your best option,” she said.
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| Grace Chiang, M.D. |
Dr. Grace Chiang, an allergist and immunologist at WellStar Medical Group in Smyrna, said carpeting, drapes and upholstered furniture are among the favorite hideouts for tiny dust mites, a common allergy and asthma trigger.
“I would recommend removing the carpeting,” Chiang said. “It can harbor thousands of dust mites and other allergens. If possible, go with hardwood floors or tile instead.”
Chiang also cautioned against neglecting the office heat and air conditioning system. “Routine heating and air conditioning maintenance that includes a regular filter change using a pleated filter can help improve indoor air quality,” Chiang said. Pleated filters are better than the flat surface filters because the pleats create extra surface area, which helps to capture more allergens. Another option is to purchase a free-standing HEPA filter, Chiang said.
For people who usually work outdoors, there’s not a lot that can be done to avoid such allergy triggers as pollen, chemicals in polluted air or dust. “During pollen season when levels are high, it may help to wear a mask,” Chiang said.
Diabetes Services Update
Effective Management of Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
You are invited to a clinical discussion and lunch program:
Dr. Ward was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Okla. She received her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma City University and then attended the University of Oklahoma for Medical School. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Duke University and her fellowship in metabolism and endocrinology at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis.
She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the Medical Association of Georgia, Fellow American College of Physicians, Fellow American College of Endocrinology, Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association.
You are invited to a clinical discussion and lunch program:
- Date: Sept. 27, 2012
- Time: Noon—1 p.m.
- Location: Azalea/Camelia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Hosted by: WellStar Diabetes Services and Kari Traud of Sanofi Aventis
- Presented by: Ann P. Ward, M.D.
Dr. Ward was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Okla. She received her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma City University and then attended the University of Oklahoma for Medical School. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Duke University and her fellowship in metabolism and endocrinology at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis.
She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the Medical Association of Georgia, Fellow American College of Physicians, Fellow American College of Endocrinology, Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association.
WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement
Clinical Documentation Tips: General and Specific for Blood Organs, Blood-Forming Organs and Immunological Disorders
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:
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:
- Document the acute diagnoses present in the Emergency Department, even if improved, stable or resolved upon admission.
- Document every condition that is impacts the patients care, including chronic conditions.
- Clarify the type and/or cause of anemia (i.e., aplastic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, acute blood loss anemia).
- Clarify whether neutropenic fever, versus neutropenic sepsis.
- Anemia must be linked to condition, if cause is known (i.e., anemia in chronic kidney disease, anemia in neoplastic disease or anemia due to chemotherapy).
- If hemorrhagic disorder /coagulopathy is documented, please clarify if due to anticoagulants or a coagulation defect.
- Please do not use up and down arrow with a lab value if it is indicative of a diagnosis (i.e., down arrow platelets for thrombocytopenia).
- Many anemias are chronic conditions and do not require inpatient admission. If this is the reason for inpatient admission, please clarify after further study what diagnosis caused the admission.
September CME Events
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board: Sept. 5, 12 and 26; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB): Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26; noon.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB): Sept. 14 and 28; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- GI Tumor Board; Sept. 6,13, 20 and 27; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Kennestone Surgical M&M: Sept 26; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
- Neuroradiology/General Neurology Patient Care Conference; Sept. 5; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Pain Management: Sept. 15; 7:30 a.m. – noon; WellStar Development Center
- Safety First Recertification; Sept. 19; 6 p.m.; Admin Conference Room; WellStar Douglas Hospital
- Safety First Recertification; Sept. 21; 10:30 a.m.; Admin Conference Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic; Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26; 5 p.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds: Sept. 27; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
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