Friday, April 18, 2014
Top 10 MyChart Activation Providers
This chart highlights the top 10 providers that have the highest MyChart activation rates. MyChart activation is important as it directly correlates to several of the Meaningful Use objectives. Increased activation rates leads to increased patient usage of MyChart.
For Meaningful Use, providers are relying on patients to send them secure messages that are clinically relevant and this is doing via MyChart. It is seen that providers with higher activation are performing well on the Patient Send Secure Messages objective for Meaningful Use.
For Meaningful Use, providers are relying on patients to send them secure messages that are clinically relevant and this is doing via MyChart. It is seen that providers with higher activation are performing well on the Patient Send Secure Messages objective for Meaningful Use.
CME Available for Faculty Development Series to Begin Mid-May
As Graduate Medical Education plans come together at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, we will see an increasing number of medical students doing clinical rotations that will include some third year students from Georgia Regents University (GRU). A large number of physicians across the System have become approved as clinical faculty at GRU and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Although many WellStar physicians have had teaching experience at academic medical centers, most have not had formal training as instructors.
Faculty from GRU will join with Waldon Garriss, M.D. to present the first in a series of programs that will bring basics of educational theory along with practical tips on instructional techniques. The class with be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. in the Kennesaw Mountain Room at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
The program will provide 2.0 hours of CME Credit. The program is open to any physician or APP who is interested in becoming a better teacher. Contact Don Campbell, M.D., senior vice president, Physician Leadership & Student Affiliation, at don.campbell@wellstar.org for further information.
Faculty from GRU will join with Waldon Garriss, M.D. to present the first in a series of programs that will bring basics of educational theory along with practical tips on instructional techniques. The class with be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. in the Kennesaw Mountain Room at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
The program will provide 2.0 hours of CME Credit. The program is open to any physician or APP who is interested in becoming a better teacher. Contact Don Campbell, M.D., senior vice president, Physician Leadership & Student Affiliation, at don.campbell@wellstar.org for further information.
New Providers
Dr. Treadway received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta and her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga.
Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, she is a member of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Treadway is in practice with WellStar Internal Medicine at Princeton Lakes.
Dr. Livingston received his bachelor’s degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Georgia Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is a member of the Georgia Board of Medical Examiners and the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Livingston is in practice with WellStar Internal Medicine at Princeton Lakes.
Dr. Lawton received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Ga. and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga. He completed his internal medicine internship and residency at Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta and his family medicine internship and residency at The Medical Center in Columbus, Ga.
Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Medical Association. Dr. Lawton is currently in practice with WellStar Cobb Hospital Medicine.
April 2014 CME Events
- Kennestone Surgical M&M: April 30, May 28; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camelia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cobb Surgical M&M: April 24, May 22; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Trauma Grand Rounds – Kennestone: April 24, May 29; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 28; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: April 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital
- GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Anesthesia M&M: April 16, May 21; 7 a.m.; Anesthesia Conf. Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital
The Physician Education Program at WellStar strives to meet the continuing education needs of all providers. We want to be sure you know that there are many online CME opportunities available. Please do not hesitate to call (770-22-MYCME (69263)) and let us help you with your CME needs.
WellStar Connect Training
Providers will be receiving CME credit for the e-Learning modules and classroom time of WellStar Connect Training. CME credit will be automatically added to each provider’s SuccessFactors Learning transcript. If you need a CME certificate please contact Jennifer Reagan at jennifer.reagan@wellstar.org.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Dan Miller, M.D., Joins WellStar: Enhances and Expands Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Trial Capabilities
“WellStar is well established in the screening and prevention of lung cancer, which is one of my areas of expertise and interest,” said Dr. Miller. “The System is a national leader in video-assisted thoracic surgery, in lung cancer screening and an innovator with its STAT Clinic for thoracic oncology. Most importantly, WellStar is known for putting the patient first. I’m excited to be here.”
“Dr. Miller’s recruitment shows WellStar can attract top talent,” said Bill Mayfield, M.D., chief surgical officer, and a colleague of Dr. Miller’s at WellStar Medical Group, Thoracic Surgical Associates. “It also shows we’re becoming part of the fabric of leadership for surgery nationwide. In addition, Dr. Miller’s experience and skill set will allow us to pursue and conduct cutting edge clinical trials.”
Dr. Miller served as chief of general thoracic surgery and surgical director of the thoracic oncology program at Emory. He also held the position of Kamal A. Mansour Professor of Thoracic Surgery director for the General Thoracic Surgery Residency Program for Emory University School of Medicine.
At Mayo, he served as associate professor of surgery for the medical school and senior associate consultant for the Division of General Thoracic Surgery. He also served as president of the Mayo Clinic Thoracic Society.
“I love to educate patients, residents and staff,” said Dr. Miller. “And I’m thrilled that WellStar now has a connection to Mayo as a Mayo Clinic Care Network member. A lot of the physicians I’ve trained through the years are now on staff at WellStar – it’s exciting.”
Dr. Miller’s expertise includes mesothelioma, esophageal cancer and pectus excavatum repair surgery (sunken chest), in which he ranks in the top three in volume in the United States. As a research leader, he ranks as a top recruiter for many national lung cancer clinical trials.
Dr. Miller appreciates WellStar’s infrastructure and the System’s diverse service area. “With five counties and 1.3 million people, our service area encompasses many races and socio-economic levels. WellStar’s patient volumes and diversity will enhance clinical studies.
“I also appreciate that though WellStar is world class, it’s maintained a hometown feeling. The future is bright for all of us, but most importantly, for our patients.”
WellStar Connect wants to Help You Provide Safer Care
Every physician and APP can recall a case where a patient was put in harms way by taking the same medication more than once, often the result of having old medications not stopped. In reviewing medication orders within the Epic system at Kennestone, this situation can still occur.
The two top-reported error types being seen are duplicate entry and therapeutic duplication. Duplicate entries are most often seen when more than one provider orders the same medication. Therapeutic duplication is seen when a medication route is changed, as in changing from IV to oral medication, and the initial route is not discontinued.
In most of these situations, the computer will alert you to these problems with a warning. Reading and responding to these warnings will help us prevent patient harm.
The two top-reported error types being seen are duplicate entry and therapeutic duplication. Duplicate entries are most often seen when more than one provider orders the same medication. Therapeutic duplication is seen when a medication route is changed, as in changing from IV to oral medication, and the initial route is not discontinued.
In most of these situations, the computer will alert you to these problems with a warning. Reading and responding to these warnings will help us prevent patient harm.
WellStar Connect Phase Three Go-Live Provider Tips
Phase 3 Go-Live Dates are:
Practice makes perfect.Spend time practicing in Epic playground prior to go-live.
Know your Epic username and password.This is the same as your “Novell, Citrix, Remote, Email, etc.” username and password. (For help, call the IT Service Desk: 470-956-6000, press 5 for Epic.
Learn how to "remote" into WellStar using https://remote.wellstar.org.
Find your CyberStar for help during Go-Live. At-elbow, real time support is available. CyberStars wearing "red-shirts" are Provider support. They will be in offices and throughout the hospital. If a CyberStar is not available or cannot answer your question, call 470-956-6000. Help needed for immediate patient care will be prioritized.
If you are rounding on the first day of Go-Live, you will have a few unique steps in Epic. Look for a “day of go-live” check list in the physician lounge.
Affiliated Providers
Make sure your office manager has signed up your staff for EpicCare link (Go to https://epiccarelink.wellstar.org. For issues, contact jeffrey.quillian@wellstar.org)
Set Yourself Up For Success during Go-Live!
- WellStar Paulding Hospital & WellStar Medical Group: April 1, 2014
- WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Windy Hill Hospitals: April 6, 2014
Practice makes perfect.Spend time practicing in Epic playground prior to go-live.
Know your Epic username and password.This is the same as your “Novell, Citrix, Remote, Email, etc.” username and password. (For help, call the IT Service Desk: 470-956-6000, press 5 for Epic.
Learn how to "remote" into WellStar using https://remote.wellstar.org.
Find your CyberStar for help during Go-Live. At-elbow, real time support is available. CyberStars wearing "red-shirts" are Provider support. They will be in offices and throughout the hospital. If a CyberStar is not available or cannot answer your question, call 470-956-6000. Help needed for immediate patient care will be prioritized.
If you are rounding on the first day of Go-Live, you will have a few unique steps in Epic. Look for a “day of go-live” check list in the physician lounge.
Affiliated Providers
Make sure your office manager has signed up your staff for EpicCare link (Go to https://epiccarelink.wellstar.org. For issues, contact jeffrey.quillian@wellstar.org)
Set Yourself Up For Success during Go-Live!
- Two heads are better than one. Consider rounding in pairs, maybe with your APP.
- Come Early during Go-Live – it will be busy!
- Come Often: Consider doing hospital rounds (for hospital providers) at least several times during the first two weeks of Go-Live when Epic assistance will be at its peak.
- Parking will be tight the first few days. Arrive early and be flexible. This is temporary!
- Ask a partner to come in to see one to three patients to ease the load for the primary rounder. This will also give them a chance to get comfortable with the Epic system without the pressure to see the full patient list.
- If you have a very small number of inpatients, consider rounding after noon for greater availability of support staff.
- Medical staff can use their own laptop, if desired. Please bring it to be checked out during your training (WDC). Epic is compatible with PC and Mac.
- Tip sheets will be posted daily on wellconnected.wellstar.org.
- Be nice to staff; they are learning too.
- Print a copy of your census the day before Go-Live.
- Complete all chart deficiencies in portal ASAP.
Mayo Clinic Care Network eConsults
Tips to Help Ensure Quick Processing of Mayo eConsult:
eConsult Quick Reference Guide for Physicians (Epic)
eConsult Quick Reference Guide for Physicians (Non-Epic)
- eConsults are non-emergent electronic consultations developed for the outpatient setting.
- All eConsults must be submitted to the WellStar Mayo eConsult Coordinator for processing.
eConsult Quick Reference Guide for Physicians (Epic)
eConsult Quick Reference Guide for Physicians (Non-Epic)
Want to be a More Effective Leader?
More than 100 physicians and APPs have received the Certificate in Healthcare Leadership from the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University by participating in WellStar’s Physician Leadership Academy. The academy brings foundational training in leadership, communication and teamwork and introduces the participants to basic business skills.
The Leadership Academy is planning a return for the Fall of 2014. If you are interested in participating, contact Don Campbell, M.D., senior vice president, Physician Leadership & Student Affiliation at don.campbell@wellstar.org.
The Leadership Academy is planning a return for the Fall of 2014. If you are interested in participating, contact Don Campbell, M.D., senior vice president, Physician Leadership & Student Affiliation at don.campbell@wellstar.org.
New Providers
Dr. Cain received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., and her medical degree from the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. She completed her residency at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, she is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. Dr. Cain is currently in practice with WellStar Comprehensive Bariatric Services.
Dr. Keeling received her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., and her medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She completed her residency at the University of Florida School of Medicine in Tampa.
Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, she is fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Keeling is currently in practice with WellStar Obstetrics and Gynecology.
March 2014 CME Events
Making CME More Convenient for Providers
The Physician Education Program at WellStar strives to meet the continuing education needs of all providers. Given the need for WellStar Connect training over the next several months, we want to be sure you know that there are many online CME opportunities available. Please do not hesitate to call (770-22-MYCME (69263)) and let us help you with your CME needs.
WellStar Connect Training
Providers will be receiving CME credit for the e-Learning modules and classroom time of WellStar Connect Training. CME credit will be automatically added to each provider’s SuccessFactors Learning transcript. If you need a CME certificate, please contact Jennifer Reagan at jennifer.reagan@wellstar.org.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
WellStar Joins Mayo Clinic Care Network
“Our participation in the Mayo Clinic Care Network will enrich the level of care we provide through collaboration and innovation,” said Robert Jansen, M.D., executive vice president, WellStar Medical Group President & Chief Administrative Medical Officer. “This collaboration offers our physicians a new resource to ensure the kind of leading care patients have grown to expect from WellStar.”
Through their WellStar physicians, patients will have access to the Mayo Clinic’s expertise in all specialties, while continuing to receive close-to-home healthcare at WellStar.
WellStar staff will now be able to access Mayo Clinic knowledge and expertise using a variety of electronic tools and services and connect directly with Mayo Clinic experts on complex diagnosis and treatment plans.
All WellStar Medical Staff, nurses and other clinicians will have round-the-clock access to Mayo-vetted medical information and guidelines through AskMayoExpert, a web-based provider resource available through eSource (or www.mayoclinic.org with a member login).
Specialists in the WellStar Independent Physician Association can request a consultation through WellStar Connect or via paper order process. Physicians can usually complete a consultation request in two minutes – eConsult is convenient and easy to use. Providers will log on to Epic and click on Mayo eConsult; they will indicate discipline, subspecialty and tests performed.
For providers not yet utilizing WellStar Connect, physicians will complete the Mayo eConsult paper order and submit along with supporting documentation and tests to Lori Heilman, our eConsult coordinator, who will assist physicians in submitting all appropriate information to Mayo. The consulting Mayo physicians usually respond with feedback in two business days.
Quick reference guides, providing step-by-step instructions for accessing AskMayoExpert and for submitting an eConsult, can be found on eSource by clicking the Mayo Clinic Care Network icon from the home page.
“We don’t want to interfere with physicians’ current relationships with colleagues and mentors at other systems,” said David Hayes, M.D., medical director, Mayo Clinic Care Network. “We want to offer another convenient option. The electronic consultation gets to a granular level – with ready access to the patient information, it can be more complete, quicker and easier.”
According to Dr. Hayes, the most popular requests are in the specialty areas of oncology, neurology and cardiology.
“We want to support WellStar providers when they are dealing with rare diagnoses, have uncertainties or need validation,” said Dr. Hayes. “We also hope they will utilize our expertise when patients request second opinions.”
Joseph Hormes, M.D., co-chief of WellStar’s Neurosciences service line, said he “can’t wait” to begin using the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
“I trained there and already make one or two calls a month to Mayo colleagues. They do a great job. I’m excited all our physicians will have access to the experts at Mayo.”
Patients are not charged for the additional input and patient care remains at WellStar; WellStar physicians are not required to send their patients to Mayo Clinic.
“Working together, we can ensure patients have access to the finest medical knowledge available while staying closer to home,” said Stephen Lange, M.D., southeast medical director of Mayo Clinic Care Network.
“Mayo believes healthcare is best when regional providers are strong and independent, like WellStar,” added Hayes. “Our network was formed to support regional providers so they can best serve their patients and families.”
WellStar is the largest health system in the Southeast and only one in Metro Atlanta to be selected as a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network. The network, which began in 2011, has 23 member organizations throughout the continental U.S., one in Mexico City and one in Puerto Rico.
WellStar First in Georgia to offer Breakthrough New Fibroid Surgery
The outpatient surgery was performed by Kevin Windom, M.D., with OB/GYN Associates of Marietta at the WellStar Kennestone Outpatient Surgery Center.
This fibroid procedure is highly effective, less invasive than most surgical alternatives with faster recovery and symptom relief. Also the need for further fibroid treatment is low, as demonstrated by clinical studies in which 90 percent of patients three years after the procedure did not require further medical or surgical treatment.
“We are excited to offer our patients a new option for treatment of fibroids,” said Kevin Windom, M.D. “Often times, patients find that the medications used to treat fibroid symptoms only provide short-term relief, and then they usually have to make the tough choice of a more-invasive procedure that requires incisions in the uterus or removing the uterus altogether. What patients like about the Acessa™ Procedure is that it destroys only the fibroid tissue, not the surrounding uterus or healthy tissue.”
Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous tumors in a woman’s uterus that, when symptomatic, can be very painful and cause heavy bleeding, pressure on the bladder or rectum, and abdominal discomfort and distention.
The Acessa™ Procedure is a laparoscopic surgical procedure. Using a small scope and ultrasound guidance, the surgeon first locates the patient's fibroids. Then each fibroid is treated individually with radiofrequency energy to destroy it and leave the surrounding tissue unharmed.
Patients treated with the procedure typically experience a rapid recovery, returning home the same day and back to work or normal activities within three to four days. Those that need pain medication after surgery typically use only over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients experience relief from fibroid symptoms, such as pelvic pain and pressure, shortly after undergoing the procedure with heavy bleeding noticeably improved in three to six months.
New Gynecologic Oncology Specialty Expands WellStar Services
Dr. Carroll, who started with WellStar in August, explained the importance of seeing patients quickly when it comes to abnormal results. “It’s critical to take care of these issues quickly because it’s a very frightening experience for the patient. We try very hard to get them in within a week, sometimes even same day,” she explained.
Referring physicians may also have questions on a specific case or need a sounding board. Dr. Carroll is available to assist in those instances. “In some cases where OB physicians are unsure on whether or not to refer a patient, I’m happy to answer questions,” she explained. Dr. Carroll’s preferred method of communication is email, and she can be reached at amy.carroll2@wellstar.org.
WellStar Gynecologic Oncology is located at the following locations:
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
699 Church Street
Suite 500
Marietta, Ga. 30060
770-590-4177
Fax: 770-590-4187
1700 Hospital South Drive
Suite 102
Austell, Ga. 30106
770-792-6262
Fax: 770-907-6608
116 Upper Riverdale Road, SW
Riverdale, Ga. 30274-2527
770-907-3570
Fax: 770-907-6608
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For additional information on Dr. Carroll, click here.
For additional information on Dr. Hines, click here.
Navigating WellStar Connect Tips & Tricks
WellStar Connect trainers have compiled an array of information on the wellconnected.wellstar.org site to assist providers and practices with issues that arise when using Epic. The "Tips & Tricks" section of the website is a valuable resource and can be used to answer many of your questions quickly.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Tips & Tricks section of the WellStar Connect website:
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Tips & Tricks section of the WellStar Connect website:
WellStar Winter Storm Forum
During the recent snow storm, there were many incredible stories of the effort and commitment that WellStar team members put forth in order to serve our community. To capture and share these stories with the entire WellStar team, we have created a WellStar Winter Storm Forum.
Please use this forum to share your stories and photos and recognize team members who went above and beyond.
To access the forum, go to www.wellstar.org/winterstorm2014.
Please use this forum to share your stories and photos and recognize team members who went above and beyond.
To access the forum, go to www.wellstar.org/winterstorm2014.
New Providers
Dr. Ahmad received his medical degree from Dow Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan. He completed his internship and residency at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.
Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, he is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Ahmad is currently in practice with WellStar Family Medicine in Acworth.
Anant G. Dalvi, M.D.
Dr. Dalvi received his medical degree from K. J. Somaiya Medical College in Bombay, India. He completed his residency and fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, N.Y.
Board certified, he is a member of the American College of Chest Physicians. Dr. Dalvi is currently in practice with WellStar Pulmonary Group.
Dr. Lawver earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. and her medical degree from the University of Florida Medical School in Gainesville. She completed her internship at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and her residency at the Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Board certified, she is a member of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Lawver is in practice with WellStar Palliative Medicine.
Dr. Noohani received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. and her medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She completed her internship at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, Pa. and her residency at St. Luke’s Family Practice in Bethlehem, Pa.
Board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, she is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Ostepathic Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Associations and the American Medical Association. Dr. Noohani is in practice with WellStar Acworth Family Medicine.
Dr. Maddineni received his medical degree from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India. He completed his internship at Kingston Public Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica and his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science in Little Rock, Ark.
Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine, the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Maddineni is currently in practice with WellStar Hospitalist Group.
Dr. Reddy received his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. and his medical degree from Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Gulbarga, Karnataka, India. He completed his internship at Gandi General Hospital in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India and his residency at West Lake Medical Center in Melrose Park, Ill.
Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, he is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Reddy is in practice with WellStar Cobb Hospital and WellStar Paulding Hospital.
February 2014 CME Events
Making CME More Convenient for Providers
The Physician Education Program at WellStar strives to meet the continuing education needs of all providers. Given the need for WellStar Connect training over the next several months, we want to be sure you know that there are many online CME opportunities available. Please do not hesitate to call (770-22-MYCME (69263)) and let us help you with your CME needs.
WellStar Connect Training
Providers will be receiving CME credit for the e-Learning modules and classroom time of WellStar Connect Training. CME credit will be automatically added to each provider’s SuccessFactors Learning transcript. If you need a CME certificate please contact Jennifer Reagan at jennifer.reagan@wellstar.org.
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