Join us to Celebrate 30 Years of WellStar Community Hospice

You are invited to join in an evening of dinner and celebration commemorating 30 years of WellStar’s Community Hospice Program.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012
Reception: 6 p.m.
Dinner and program:  6:30 p.m.

​Special guest: Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," 
Rabbi Kushner will autograph books following dinner.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, Ga. 30339

Tickets:$75

To register online, or to make a donation to the WellStar Foundation in support of this event, visit http://www.wellstar.org/30yr. Please RSVP by Nov. 5, 2012.
For more information, call 470-956-6673.

Department Spotlight: WellStar Research Institute

Growth of WellStar clinical research program leads to new name

Over the past several years, clinical research activities have grown significantly at WellStar.  This growth has led to the transformation of the previously entitled Clinical Trials Office (CTO) to the WellStar Research Institute (WRI). The WRI operates a robust and centralized translational research program that supports clinical trials in many of our service lines. With the growth of the program, we have transformed into a large, multidisciplinary research team at both WellStar Cobb and Kennestone Hospitals, which includes physicians, research nurses, research assistants, graduate students and other research team members. Our scope of clinical research has grown to involve not only leaders in the medical industry, but also world-renowned medical centers including the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

The WRI currently supports 73 clinical research studies, with 973 patients enrolled in the trials.  These trials cover a broad range of disciplines including cardiology, oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine, infectious disease, rheumatology, women’s health, vascular surgery and laboratory services. Our current and pending clinical trials consist of phase II-IV drug and device studies as well as post-market registries and investigator initiated research protocols. New research protocols will be initiated in fiscal 2013 involving the latest technology in intracoronary stents and pacemakers, surgical devices and tissue regeneration therapies.

In 2011, WellStar and Kennesaw State University (KSU) began a collaboration that has brought together WellStar team members working on research projects with KSU faculty and students. The collaboration has provided student interns who work with KSU’s Epidemiology Department. An atrial fibrillation protocol was written by a physician investigator in our cardiac research division and is serving as the prototype for the KSU internships. This initial project is supported by donations from our cardiac research investigators to a cardiovascular research foundation fund.  Our investigator-sponsored research initiative will answer important clinical questions, positively impact the health of our community and support the academic endeavors of KSU’s graduate students.

Two WellStar physician investigators have been appointed to the KSU Institutional Review Board. Additional physicians and WellStar leaders have recently been granted graduate clinical adjunct faculty status by the university.

WRI has become increasingly recognized as a leader in the research industry, both locally and globally. We look forward to continued growth in our research program, and we welcome new investigators as we follow the path of innovation and opportunities in the advancement of medical science.
 
 For more information, please contact Joan Dorin, director of the WellStar Research Institute at 770-793-5148 or joan.dorin@wellstar.org.

WellStar Medical Group New Providers – October

Rafik Raphael, M.D.

Rafik Raphael, M.D. - WellStar Family and Internal Medicine
Dr. Raphael earned his medical degree from Cairo University School of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt. He completed his internship at Verdun General Hospital in Montreal. Dr. Raphael completed his residency in anatomical and clinical pathology at McGill University-affiliated hospitals in Montreal.
Board certified in special hematology, clinical and anatomical pathology, Dr. Raphael is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the College of American Pathologists. He also is a member of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.   

Leslie Choy-Hee, M.D.

Leslie Choy-Hee, M.D. - OB/GYN Hospitalist – at WellStar Cobb
Dr. Choy-Hee received her bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from Emory University. She earned her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Choy-Hee is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Emory-Grady Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians.

Advance Practice Professional (APP) Leadership Council

WellStar’s Advance Practice Professionals (APPs) team has established a Leadership Council whose goals include professional excellence, educational advancement and improved communication. The Leadership Council is comprised of three sub-committees: community service, communications and professional practice.

Our APP team is comprised of physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, mental health clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse midwives.

As of June 30, 2012, there were 483 APPs Systemwide, and of those, 320 are privileged at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

APPs perform various clinical functions throughout the System, including assessing and diagnosing; conducting physical examinations; monitoring patient status; educating and counseling patients; and consulting and collaborating with, and referring to, other providers. They may be found in every department and specialty area. 

New Medical Staff as Approved at the August Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Adigweme, Adaeze C., M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Alturkmani, Ragheed, M.D.	Pulmonary Medicine	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Bhavaraju, Avinash V., M.D.	Trauma Surgery	WellStar Trauma Surgery	KH, MG
Boekhaus, Melissa N., M.D.	Pediatrics	WellStar Pediatric & Adolescent Center	CH, MG
Cheng, Raymond D., M.D.	Pediatric Neurology	ASCEND Pediatric Neurology	CH, DH, KH
Demo, Michael M., DDS	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	NW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.	KH
Desai, Pranav J., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Eller, Daniel P., M.D.	Maternal-Fetal Medicine	Maternal-Fetal Specialists	CH, KH
Ellington, Jeffrey G., M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
French, Russell E., M.D.	Pulmonary Medicine	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Garrett, Jeffrey P., M.D.	Orthopaedic Surgery	Resurgens Orthopaedics	KH
George, Binu J., M.D.	Pulmonary Medicine	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	WH, MG	CH, DH, KH, PH
Gibbons, Caroline M., M.D.	Obstetrics and Gynecology	WellStar Northwest Women’s Care	KH, MG
Han, John J., DO	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Hoover, Brianne, M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Hughes, Jody M., M.D.	Pulmonary Medicine	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
James, Kimone M., M.D.	Nephrology	Georgia Kidney Associates	CH	DH, KH, WH
Jones, David W., III, M.D.	Pediatric Cardiology	Georgia Pediatric Cardiology	CH, DH, KH
Klein, Heidi G., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Lam, Hamilton, M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Lin, Shwu-Fang, M.D.	Pediatrics	Kennesaw Pediatrics, PC	KH
Maun, Dimple C., M.D.	Pediatrics	Kennesaw Pediatrics, PC	KH
Mehta, Pratik D., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Momin, Zahirabbas A., M.D.	Diagnostic Radiology	Quantum Radiology	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH
Moore, Charles M., M.D.	Urgent Care	WellStar Urgent Care (Acworth HP)	MG	KH
Patel, Jay P., M.D.	Diagnostic Radiology	Quantum Radiology	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH
Patel, Sital V., M.D.	Neurology	Northwest Neurology, PC	CH, DH, WH
Threadgill, Jonathan M., DM.D.	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	NW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery	KH
Verma, Neha, D.O.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Bales, Jason, PA	Physician Assistant	Emory Healthcare	KH
Bhakta, Bina M., PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Thoracic Surgery	DH	CH, KH, MG
Carpenter, Matthew D., PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC	KH, PH
Daya, Uma T., PA	Physician Assistant	GA Plastic & Reconstructive Sur	CH, KH, WH
Fur, Kara S., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Pain Solutions Treatment Ctrs	KH
Measel, Nathaniel, PA-A	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC	PH	KH
Pannell, Beth M., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	KH
Pickens, Herretta L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Craniospinal Institute of GA	KH
Reardon, Elizabeth J., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Rheumatology	CH	MG
Rodger, Sifiso, NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Thornton, Alison M., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Douglas County Task Force	DH
Tuuk, Alexandra D., PA	Physician Assistant	NW Georgia Oncology Centers	DH, KH
Whitener, Robert G., PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Cobb County Adult Detention Center	MG

New Medical Staff as Approved at the October Governing Board Meeting

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Ahola, Orrin R., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Arthur, Nana A., M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Bourne, Ebon A., M.D.	Internal Medicine	WellStar Internal Medicine	KH, MG
Bowles, Travis C., M.D.	Internal Medicine	WellStar Family Medicine	KH, MG
Branstetter, Danny R., II, M.D.	Infectious Disease	WellStar Infectious Disease	KH, WH, MG
Brody, Evan M., DPM	Podiatry	West Cobb Foot & Ankle Center	PH	CH
Brody, Jason S., M.D.	Ophthalmology	Woolfson Eye Institute	WH
Burak, William E., Jr., M.D.	Breast Surgery	Advanced Breast Care	KH
Cruz, Mark P., M.D.	Emergency Medicine	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	PH
Del Pozo, Robert J., M.D.	Psychiatry/Telepsychiatry	WellStar Psychiatry	DH	CH, KH, WH, MG
Goff, Bradley E., M.D.	Otolaryngology	WellStar ENT Associates of North GA	KH, PH, MG
Khaldi, Ahmad, M.D.	Neurological Surgery	WellStar Neurosurgery	KH, MG
Kihm, Carl A., DPM	Podiatry	Village Podiatry Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH
Lakhi, Nisha A., M.D.	Gynecology/Pelvic Surgery Experience/Surgical Assist	Atlanta Gynecologic Oncology	KH
Liaugminas, Alexander, M.D.	Physical Medicine & Rehab	WellStar Rehabilitation Medicine	CH, KH, WH
Lovett, Louis, M.D.	Pulmonary Medicine	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	KH
Mangham, Lindsey C., M.D.	Pediatrics	West Atlanta Pediatrics	DH
Manns, Jack E., M.D.	Ophthalmology	Marietta Eye Clinic	CH, DH
Meadows, Adam C., M.D.	Psychiatry/Telepsychiatry	WellStar Psychiatry	DH	CH, KH, WH, MG
Patel, Sona M., M.D.	Endocrinology	WellStar Endocrinology	KH, MG
Pittman, Sholah P., M.D.	Hospitalist (OB/GYN)	WellStar OB/GYN Hospitalist Group	MG	CH
Pratap, Kiran H., M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Quinn, Mark S., M.D.	Radiation Oncology	WellStar Radiation Oncology	KH, PH, WH, MG
Rao, Prasad H., M.D.	Hospitalist (Internal Medicine)	WellStar Hospitalist Group	CH, DH, KH, PH, MG
Robbins, Angela B., M.D.	Breast Surgery	The Breast Center	DH	CH, KH, WH
Roseman, Barry J., M.D.	Breast Surgery	Surgical Oncology of North GA	KH	WH
Shroff, Paulomi S., M.D.	Breast Surgery	The Breast Center	DH	CH, KH, WH
Taryla, Marianne F., M.D.	Hyperbaric Medicine	HyOx Medical Treatment Center	WH	CH, KH
Thomas, John S., M.D.	Sleep Medicine	John S. Thomas, M.D., PC	KH	PH

Advanced Practice Professionals

Name	Specialty	Group Name	Appointment	Current Staff Membership
Allen, Christian F., PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC	PH	KH
Anderson, Kristi A., AuD	Audiology	WellStar ENT Associates of North GA	KH, PH
Burse, Julia L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Castano, Olga L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Daskal, Kathleen T., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Rehabilitation Medicine	CH, KH, WH, MG
Davis, Dallis M., DA	Dental Assistant	Northwest Medical Center	WH
Dozier, James B., NP	Nurse Practitioner	Georgia Lung Associates, P.C.	CH, KH
Duncan, Sandy M., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, KH, MG
Favis, Tara L., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Forbes, Jessica R., PA	Physician Assistant	Urology Associates, P.C.	CH, DH, KH
Goldbach, Jennifer M., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Green, Amanda J., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Psychiatry	CH, KH, WH, MG
Hill, Scott C., PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC	PH	KH
Houston, Mark G., PAA	Physician Anesthesia Asst	MAK Anesthesia LLC	KH, PH
Humphries, Jeri A., PA	Physician Assistant	Georgia Lung Associates, P.C.	CH, KH
Iheanacho, Vera K., PA	Physician Assistant	Northwest Neurology, PC	CH, DH, WH
Kerce, Mylena A., CRNA	Nurse Anesthetist	MAK Anesthesia LLC	CH
Kerr, Joanna H., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Towne Lake Pediatrics	KH, MG
Mitchell, Bridgette A., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine	CH, DH, KH, MG
Moore, Stephanie C., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Trauma Surgery	KH, MG
Onwusibe, Joy C., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Hospitalist Group	PH, MG
Pace, Jennifer L., PA	Physician Assistant	The Bortolazzo Group, LLC	CH, DH, KH, PH
Scouten, Haley B., PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine	PH	CH, DH, KH, MG
Seaman, Shari, PA	Physician Assistant	WellStar Palliative Medicine	DH, MG	CH, KH
Spankowski, Julie E., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Trauma Surgery	KH, MG
Whaley, Lucie S., NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG
Zhang, Weihua, NP	Nurse Practitioner	WellStar Pulmonary Medicine	CH, DH, KH, PH, WH, MG

WellStar Health System’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement

Review of General 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 general and specific tips monthly from the program’s Gold Standards of Clinical Documentation Improvement. 


This month, we include a review of general clinical Documentation tips:

• Clearly Document the patient’s “reason/diagnosis for admission”
• If the patient’s reason for admission is a symptom, Document the likely cause including probable, possible, suspected or differential diagnoses
• Document the acute diagnoses present in the Emergency Department, even if improved, stable or resolved upon admission
• Document every condition that impacts the patients care, including chronic conditions
• 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])
• When radiology/pathology/laboratory findings are clinically significant they need to be referenced in the progress notes by a physician or mid-level provider
• 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 uncontrolled DM or heart failure caused by hypertension)
• Queries may be responded to by the attending, consultants or mid-levels; however, it is ultimately the attending physician’s responsibility
• Coding rules disallow the use of up and Down arrows to indicate a diagnosis. (e.g.,  ↑K   cannot be used to code  hyperkalemia, the provider must Document the condition)
• When using abbreviations the diagnosis is best captured when the condition is written out in full at least one time in the record. (e.g., AKI could indicate Acute Kidney Injury or Acute Kidney Insufficiency) 
• Clarification by the attending is necessary when there is conflicting or inconsistent Documentation in the medical record. (e.g., attending  physician Documents bacteremia and consultant Documents sepsis)
• Discharge summary: include all the diagnoses that were clinically evaluated, therapeutically treated, diagnostically tested, or caused an increase in length of stay or nursing care throughout the patient’s stay.

Patient Satisfaction Graphs

  

Safety First Training Coming Soon

The progress we have seen in reducing serious safety events, reducing hospital-acquired conditions and reducing mortality at WellStar can be attributed to many things, but Safety First training is high on the list. 

Medical staff rules and regulations call for Safety First training to be refreshed every two years.

Safety First Training - Version 3 will be available in November with a computer-based learning module for all providers through SuccessFactors Learning. In January 2013, live presentations of Safety First Training will be held at all hospitals, led by the hospital presidents, chief nursing officers and the presidents of the medical staff at each facility. In February, there will be unit-based simulation exercises at every facility, which also will fulfill the Safety First training requirement. 

All providers will be expected to complete Safety Training - Version 3 in one of the formats above by April 15, 2013. 

As we complete the fifth year of our Safety First journey, it has become clear that we need for all team members to be on the same page in regards to safety. Safety First Training - Version 3 will be offered to all clinical employees at WellStar and they will participate in the same learning exercises that are available to the medical staff and allied health professionals.  In the spring of 2013, a modified version of Safety First Training will be available for all non-clinical WellStar team members.

Look for details on how you can complete your Safety First Training to be sent to you soon and to be available on the Safety First web page on eSource.

November Department Meetings

WellStar Cobb Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Nov. 6; noon	ABR
New Provider Orientation	Nov. 7; 7:30 a.m.	ABR
APP General	Nov. 14; noon	Dogwood Room
Medical Executive Committee	Nov. 20; noon	ABR

WellStar Douglas Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Credentials	Nov. 6; noon	Sycamore Room
Medical Executive Committee	Nov. 13; noon	Sycamore Room

WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
APP Appreciation Luncheon	Nov. 1; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.	KMR
Credentials	Nov. 7: 7 a.m.	KMR
Medical Executive Committee	Nov. 13; 6 p.m.	KMR
New Provider Orientation and  Safety First Initial Training	Nov.16 21;  8 a.m.- noon	KMR
OB/GYN	Nov. 19; 5:30 p.m.	Azalea/Camellia Room
Pediatrics	Nov. 20; 12:30 p.m.	KMR
Surgery	Nov. 21; 7 a.m.	Azalea/ Camellia Room

WellStar Paulding Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Nov. 8; 12:30 p.m.	Dogwood Room

WellStar Windy Hill Hospital

Committee/Dept.	Date & Time	Place
Medical Executive Committee	Nov. 14; 5:15 p.m.	Admin. Conference Room

Nov. 15 CME Event: Head Injuries in Children: Concussion Protocol

WellStar’s Physician & Provider Education (CME) is presenting a CME course entitled “Head Injuries in Children: Concussion Protocol,” featuring Andrew Reisner, M.D., FACS, FAAP, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Date:  Nov. 15
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.  (Dinner is included)
Location: WellStar Development Center, 2000 South Park Place, Atlanta, Ga., 30339
To register: Call 770-22-MYCME (69263)

November CME Events

• Breast Cancer Tumor Board: Nov.7, 14 and 28; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB): Nov. 7, 14, 21 and 28; noon.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB): Nov. 5, 12, 19 and 26; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiothoracic Case Conference: Nov. 27; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cobb Surgical M&M: Nov. 15; 7 a.m.; Jasmine/Wisteria Room, WellStar Cobb Hospital
• GI Tumor Board; Nov. 1 and 15; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Kennestone Surgical M&M: Nov. 28; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
• Neurosciences Patient Care Conference: Nov. 7; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Safety First Re-Certification - Paulding;  Nov. 26; 5:30 p.m.; Chestnut Room, WellStar Paulding Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic: Nov.7, 14, 21 and 28; 5 p.m., STAT Clinic, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Trauma Grand Rounds: Nov. 29; 7 a.m. ; Auditorium, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Wound Case Conference – Cobb:  Nov. 2; noon; Auditorium, WellStar Cobb Hospital

October CME Events

• Breast Cancer Tumor Board: Oct. 3, 10, 24 and 31; 7 a.m.; Stat Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB): Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24  and 31; noon.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Cancer Conference (TB): Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Cardiothoracic Case Conference: Oct. 30; 7 a.m.; Radiology Conference Room, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• GI Tumor Board; Oct. 4, 18 and 25; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Kennestone Surgical M&M: Oct. 31; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room
• Neurosciences Patient Care Conference: Oct. 3; 7 a.m.; Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Safety First Re-Certification: Oct. 18; 10:30 a.m.; Administrative Conference Room, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Surgical M&M: Oct. 25; 7 a.m.; Jasmine/Wisteria Room, WellStar Cobb Hospital
• Thoracic Clinic: Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 5 p.m., STAT Clinic, WellStar Kennestone Hospital
• Trauma Grand Rounds- WellStar Kennestone: Oct. 25; 7 a.m. ; Auditorium

New WellStar Cancer Support Services Streamlined Referral Process

WellStar Cancer Support Services has implemented a streamlined patient referral process. The new process includes a one-page referral form that can be e-mailed, faxed or delivered by the patient to the WellStar Cancer Support Services’ office.

A tear-off pad of the referral form will be delivered to WellStar medical staff offices to be distributed to physicians and support staff.

Click here to view a copy of the referral form.

NOTE: The form also includes a description of each of the complimentary WellStar Cancer Network support services available for your patient, directions to our office and our contact information; therefore, please give the patient the original or a copy of the referral form for their reference).

To refer a patient to WellStar Cancer Support Services, you may choose one of the following three options:
(1)   Fax the referral form to 678-331-6943 and give original/copy to patient, or;
(2)   Click the e-mail referral box on the PDF and give original/copy to patient, or;
(3)   Call us directly at 770-793-7470 and give original/copy to patient

Referral options and instructions are listed at the top of the referral form for your convenience.

Thank you in advance for implementing this referral process in your office. Please call WellStar Cancer Support Services at 770-793-7470 if you have any questions.

WellStar Paulding Hospital Earns ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures™’ Recognition from The Joint Commission

WellStar Paulding Hospital has been named one of the nation’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures by The Joint Commission.

This recognition is given to hospitals for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services.

WellStar Paulding is one of 620 in the United States to earn the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. WellStar Paulding was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: pneumonia and surgical care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2011 calendar year.

“We understand that what matters most to patients at WellStar Paulding is safe, effective care,” said Mark Haney, president of WellStar Paulding Hospital. “That’s why we have made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. WellStar Paulding is proud to be named to the list of The Joint Commission’s Top Performers on Key Quality Measures.”

From its debut last year, the list of Top Performers increased by 50 percent and currently represents 18 percent of accredited hospitals reporting data.

Each of the hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures met two 95 percent (95/95) performance thresholds on 2011 accountability measure data. First, each hospital achieved performance of 95 percent or above on a single, composite score that includes all the accountability measures for which it reports data to The Joint Commission, including measures that had fewer than 30 eligible cases or patients. Second, each hospital met or exceeded 95 percent performance on every accountability measure for which it reports data to The Joint Commission, excluding any measures with fewer than 30 eligible cases or patients. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities to provide the practice. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – for example, giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, and providing a home management plan for children with asthma.

“When we raise the bar and provide the proper guidance and tools, hospitals have responded with excellent results,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president, The Joint Commission. “This capacity for continual improvement points toward a future in which quality and safety defects are dramatically reduced and high reliability is sought and achieved with regularity. Such day-to-day progress will slowly but surely transform today’s health care system into one that achieves unprecedented performance outcomes for the benefit of the patients.”

In addition to being included in The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, WellStar Paulding will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the November issue of The Joint Commission Perspectives and the October issue of The Joint Commission: The Source.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital Receives Accreditation for Treatment of Breast Disease

WellStar Kennestone Hospital has been granted a three-year/full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. 

During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease.  The standards include proficiency in the areas of center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement.  A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

Receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center ensures that a patient will have access to:

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services
• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options
• Quality breast care close to home.

For more information about the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

WellStar Cardiovascular Physicians Named to Cardiac Leadership Posts

Two physicians with WellStar Medical Group, Cardiovascular Medicine have been named to leadership roles with prominent cardiac organizations.

WellStar’s Chief Cardiology Officer, Barry Mangel, M.D., has been named president of the American Heart Association's (AHA) Metro Atlanta Division Advisory Board.  Additionally, Donald Page, M.D., has been named president of the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Dr. Mangel serves as the American Heart Association's Metro Atlanta Division’s voluntary health leader and official spokesperson on science, medical, health and public policy matters related to the American Heart Association in Metro Atlanta.  He has been a member of the AHA Metro Atlanta Advisory Board since 2010 and began his term as board president on July 1, 2012.

A board-certified, interventional cardiologist with WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine, Dr. Mangel studied at Boston University, where he completed a six-year Bachelor of Arts/Doctorate of Medicine program with honors. He completed his internship and residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and was a cardiac fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Mass., where he received training in cardiac intervention.

Dr. Mangel is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is board certified in cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology. He is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the Cobb County Medical Society, and is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

Donald Page, M.D., an invasive cardiologist, was elected president of the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology (ACC).  The presidency is the only office in the ACC that is selected with a general election by members, not by appointment.

The Georgia Chapter of the ACC promotes high standards in the practice of cardiovascular medicine/surgery in the state of Georgia. In addition, the Chapter advises local and state governments, as well as professional organizations and citizens concerning issues related to cardiovascular disease and the practice of cardiovascular medicine/surgery.

Dr. Page is vice president of WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine.  He attended Emory University School of Medicine where he received his medical degree with honors and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, as well as a cardiology fellowship. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease and trained in nuclear cardiology.

Dr. Page is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and chairman of the Cardiac Foundation Board of WellStar Health System. He has served on the WellStar Kennestone Hospital Medical Executive Committee and the WellStar Kennestone Community Healthcare Board.

Dr. Page is a member of the American Heart Association, the Medical Association of Georgia, Cobb County Medical Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Society.

Making a Hospice Referral: A Step-by-Step Guide

WellStar Community Hospice Makes it Convenient, Quick

Easy, fast, efficient – that’s what it’s like when you refer a patient to WellStar Community Hospice. Hospice provides same-day evaluations and admissions. Here’s how it works:

If you’re at a WellStar Hospital: Contact the Hospice Central Intake or Hospice Liaison Nurse (each WellStar hospital has one) with an order. He or she will evaluate the patient, educate the patient/family, obtain all necessary documents and begin medication orders. Hospice will make all arrangements and move the patient to their placement of choice (home, one of WellStar’s two inpatient hospice facilities, assisted living or skilled nursing facility)

If you’re off-site: Call/fax/scan/e-mail the Hospice intake coordinator, Margo Daniels, 770-732-6741, margo.daniels@wellstar.org; 770-732-6736 (fax) during office hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) ; After hours/Sundays/Holidays, call 770-793-5000 – the WellStar Kennestone Hospital operator will contact the on-call RN.

Please note: Patients are not required to be in a 'Do Not Resuscitate/Allow Natural Death' status to be considered for Hospice care.

Family members also can request evaluations. Hospice will contact you for a consultation/order once the evaluation is complete. Hospice also is happy to provide an information-only visit – in the hospital, your office, the home or an inpatient facility.

As part of our System, WellStar Community Hospice provides excellent coordination of care – with WellStar facilities, physician offices and clinics. For home patients, Hospice provides the medical management you choose. You can manage them, or you can choose to have WellStar’s three fellowship-trained, board-certified palliative physicians and three palliative-certified nurse practitioners manage them. In addition, short-term continuous care or acuity-based care is available for patients needing more intensive support.

Home hospice care can prevent readmissions and reduce calls to your office by supporting patients and families, and anticipating/planning care to meet their needs. Hospice encourages the patient/family/caregiver to call the nurse case manager or on-call nurse so symptom management can be coached or managed with a visit.

Inpatients are managed first line by the palliative medicine team and you may consult, if you wish. Palliative Medicine is available around the clock for patient and family needs.

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, which includes home hospice care and two inpatient hospice centers (WellStar Tranquility at Cobb and WellStar Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain).

Once again, to make a referral to WellStar Community Hospice, please call:

• HospiceCentral Intake: 770-732-6741 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.); Fax – 770-732-6736; margo.daniels@wellstar.org
• 770-792-5000 (After Hours/Sundays/Holidays)
• Hospice Liaison Nurse at all WellStar hospitals
• WellStar Community Hospice – Austell – 770-732-6710
• WellStar Community Hospice – Kennesaw Mountain – 470-245-9930

Xenex Ultraviolet Light Room Cleaning Implemented at WellStar

In October, WellStar will complete Systemwide implementation of a new cleaning process called Xenex™. The process uses pulsed ultraviolet light technology to decontaminate rooms in five to 12 minutes.

Ten Xenex machines are in use Systemwide; WellStar Kennestone Hospital piloted two machines in November 2011 and will begin using three more this month; all other WellStar hospitals began using their machines in July 2012. There are two machines at WellStar Cobb Hospital, and one each at all other WellStar hospitals.

“In keeping with our mission and vision, WellStar is always looking for innovative ways to provide better and safer care to our community,” said Chaele Ellsworth, director, Quality & Safety, WellStar Kennestone. “Part of this commitment means ensuring our patients don’t acquire infections while in the hospital. The Xenex technology will help us keep our commitment.”

A.J. Kassim, manager, WellStar Kennestone Hospital Environmental Services Department, and EVS team member Jocelyn Josaphat, with one of the hospital’s five Xenex machines

Xenex’s efficacy has been confirmed in more than 1,400 independent lab samples and several hospital studies, including one at MD Anderson Cancer Center which showed the system was 20 times more effective than the regular cleaning protocol. It has been confirmed effective against MRSA, VRE, C. diff spores, Acinetobactor, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Norovirus and many more organisms. WellStar also conducted its own research to substantiate these results.

It will be used in patient rooms, the Emergency Departments, public restrooms, procedural areas (OR, GI Lab, EP Lab), supply rooms and nursing stations.

Environmental Services (EVS) team members are operating the machines at each hospital. A.J. Kassim, manager of EVS at WellStar Kennestone, appreciates the speed with which Xenex machines can disinfect patient rooms. “Now we can expedite room cleaning when there’s a crunch for beds,” he explained. “EVS team members find the machines easy to use and efficient, and I particularly appreciate that they are supported and maintained by the manufacturer.”

Lisa Brown, infection preventionist at WellStar Kennestone is excited that an independent study conducted at Kennestone on Xenex vs. standard cleaning showed a significant reduction in organisms. “This information confirms what independent studies have already revealed in hospitals currently using the technology,” she said.

Eunice Pollard, coordinator, Performance Improvement, at WellStar Kennestone, said Xenex is more effective and efficient than Bioquell, WellStar’s previous cleaning method. “Xenex is environmentally friendly and faster – we can clean a room in 10 minutes vs. two hours with Bioquell,” she said.

Xenex uses reflectors and movement to focus UV light toward high-touch surfaces. A visible light filter blocks the bright xenon pulse so rooms with interior glass can be treated without distraction. A motion detection system and door guards ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff.

WellStar Cancer Network Offering Free Workshop for New Cancer Patients

The WellStar Cancer Network is excited to announce a new educational opportunity - "Help, Hope and Courage: An Orientation for New Cancer Patients and Their Families."
 
This free workshop will provide newly-diagnosed cancer patients with valuable tips to use during their cancer treatment journey, including how to make the most of their medical appointments, helpful coping skills, how to navigate the system and where to find supportive and practical resources.

• Date: Nov. 16, 2012
• Time: 1 – 4 p.m.
• Location: WellStar Kennestone Hospital Auditorium

For more information and to register, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).