American College of Physicians Honors Bob Lubitz, M.D., with Mastership

The American College of Physicians recently honored Bob Lubitz, M.D., vice president of medical affairs for WellStar Kennestone Hospital, with advancement to Mastership during its annual Convocation ceremony in Orlando, Fla.

Election to ACP Mastership recognizes outstanding and extraordinary career accomplishments. Dr. Lubitz was recognized for his leadership in health care delivery and his impact nationally on issues related to health care access, quality of care and patient safety.

Dr. Lubitz joined WellStar in Oct. 2012 and has spent much of the past 15 years developing innovative education and research programs across multiple hospitals, including graduate medical and nursing education programs that stressed inter-professional teamwork and safety training. He also played a key role in formation of the Marian University (Indiana) College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has mentored more than 3000 medical students, resident physicians and health care leaders.

Richard W. Cohen, M.D. Receives 2014 Hero in Healthcare Ethics Award

Richard W. Cohen, M.D. has received a 2014 Hero in Healthcare Ethics Award for the Healthcare Ethics Consortium.

The Heroes in Healthcare Ethics award recognizes an individual or group for exemplary achievements in the field of healthcare ethics fostering a culture of ethics within the healthcare organizations and/or communities.

Dr. Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.  He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed his orthopedic residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  Over the last 30 years, Dr. Cohen has served as the medical director of the WellStar Health System Ethics Program.  He is also the chair of the Board of Georgia Health Decisions and facilitator for the Georgia POLST (Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment) Collaborative.
Dr. Cohen was honored on March 20 at the Healthcare Ethics Consortium’s 20th Annual Conference, Embracing Change: Balancing Innovation and Our Humanity.  Dr. Cohen was one of two recipients of the award.  2014 is the 11th year the award has been given.

Two WellStar Medical Group Practices Become NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Homes

Two WellStar Medical Group (WMG) practices are now certified as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by NCQA, a milestone achievement for the WellStar Medical Group. Internal Medicine Associates of Marietta became the first of six pilot practices to be awarded recognition as a Level 3 PCMH in January by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which is the highest level of distinction. In addition, Family Medicine at East Cobb was awarded NCQA recognition as a Level 2 PCMH.

Other pilot practices in the process of obtaining NCQA recognition include:

• Acworth Family Practice & Internal Medicine
• West Cobb Medical Center
• East Paulding Primary Care Center
• Douglasville Medical Center

What is a Patient-Centered Medical Home?
It is a care model that strengthens the physician-patient relationship by replacing disjointed, episodic care with coordinated care that engages the patient a long-term health-oriented relationship. This model creates an environment where we partner with our patients to help them achieve their health goals. It’s about our care team thinking about our patients and promoting their care even when they are not in the office.  In the right environment, medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs, and can improve patients’ and their providers’ experience of care.

NCQA-Recognition
NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.  Physician Practice Connections® (PPC) recognizes practices that use systematic processes and information technology to enhance the quality of patient care.  Practices who meet the Physician Practice Connection standards demonstrate they have established connections to information, patients and other providers that allow them to:

• Know and use patient histories
• Follow up with patients and other providers
• Manage patient populations and use evidence-based care
• Employ electronic tools to prevent medical errors

This recognition was a truly a team effort, and we want to thank all of the physicians and care providers, as well as the practice managers, Jill Darbonne and Connie Robinson, and all of their team members who worked so hard to make this happen.  Our continued efforts and diligence are required to deliver the benefits of a Patient-Centered Medical Home over the long-term. Our hope is that all WellStar Medical Group Primary Care practices will be awarded this NCQA recognition in the future.

Ethics Forum Planned May 7

WellStar Physicians Publish Unusual Case History with Dramatic Imaging Studies

WellStar Kennestone physicians Nitin Mayur, M.D., Rodolfo Bordoni, M.D., Drew Locandro, M.D. and Mark McLaughlin, M.D. published in the March 2014 issue of Endocrine Practice an unusual case of Cushing’s syndrome due to Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone production from an Olfactory Neuroblastoma. The case is the seventh in the world’s literature of Cushing Syndrome produced by ACTH from this rare nasal tumor.

The case report is highlighted by a dramatic MRI image of the tumor as well as immunohistochemical visualization of the tumor cells. The patient presented with markedly elevated ACTH levels that fell to normal after multimodal therapy.   

Life After Go-Live: Testimonials on WellStar Connect

 A new video, “Life After Go-Live” has been posted on wellconnected.wellstar.org. Clips of WellStar Kennestone Hospital team members showcase the efficiency of Epic. Watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gSetoG9W5tc

Organ Donation Presentation Planned featuring Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D.

Run for Your Life 5K Planned

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.

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.

New Providers

Cassandra Treadway, M.D.
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.

Tawain M. Livingston, M.D.
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.

Rodrick G. Lawton, M.D.
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

Making CME More Convenient for Providers
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.    

WellStar Connect Phase Two - Thrive After Go Live Training

Dan Miller, M.D., Joins WellStar: Enhances and Expands Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Trial Capabilities

After five years at the Mayo Clinic and 12 years at Emory Healthcare, Dan Miller, M.D., a renowned thoracic surgeon and clinical trial leader, has joined WellStar.

“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. 

WellStar Connect Phase Three Go-Live Provider Tips

Phase 3 Go-Live Dates are:

• WellStar Paulding Hospital & WellStar Medical Group: April 1, 2014
• WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Windy Hill Hospitals: April 6, 2014

Complete training, both classroom and personalization labs (send training questions via email to connecttraining@wellstar.org).

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:

• eConsults are non-emergent electronic consultations developed for the outpatient setting.
• All eConsults must be submitted to the WellStar Mayo eConsult Coordinator for processing.

 For more information on how to do an eConsult, review these Quick Reference Guides:
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.

New Providers

Angelina Foley Cain, M.D.
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.

Margaret B. Keeling, M.D.
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

Kennestone Surgical M&M: March 26; 7:30 a.m.; Azalea/Camelia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cobb Surgical M&M: March 27; 7 a.m.; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital

Trauma Grand Rounds – Kennestone: March 27; 7 a.m.; Auditorium; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cancer Conference (TB)-KH: March 24, 31; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Cancer Conference (TB)-CH: March 19, 26; noon; Wisteria/Jasmine Room; WellStar Cobb Hospital

Breast Cancer Tumor Board-KH: March 19, 26; 7 a.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Thoracic Clinic Kennestone-KH: March 19, 26; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Thoracic Clinic Cobb-CH: March 20, 27; 5 p.m.; STAT Clinic; WellStar Cobb Hospital

GI Tumor Board Kennestone-KH: March 20, 27; 7 a.m.; Azalea/Camellia Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Anesthesia M&M: March 19; 7 a.m.; Anesthesia Conf. Room; WellStar Kennestone Hospital

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.