Wednesday, March 10, 2010

WellStar Focuses on Physician Satisfaction

The 2009 Physician Satisfaction Survey revealed a need for improvement in the ease of care, overall patient care and strengthened relationships between physicians and hospital leadership.

WellStar Medical Group President Named

Richard T. Lopes, M.D., will join WellStar as a System Senior Vice President and President of the WellStar Medical Group. He will begin on April 5 and brings more than 25 years of physician leadership experience.

Nursing Leadership Announcement

Mary Lou Wesley, RN, MSN has been named WellStar’s Chief Nursing Executive. She will join us March 29, 2010, and will report to Mike Graue, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Quantum Radiology: Physician-to-Physician Line

Based on feedback from referring physicians, Quantum Radiology has instituted a dedicated Physician to Physician Line to streamline contact with our sub-specialized radiologists. By calling 404-WE X-RAY1 (404.939.7291), physicians are able to connect with specific radiologists or a sub-specialty radiologist. The phone line is currently available between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Physician Leadership Academy Coming in May

WellStar’s Organizational Learning Department has partnered with the Coles School of Business at Kennesaw State University to offer physicians and advanced practitioners a certificate course. The course will build leadership and communication skills along with improved business acumen. Participants can expect to learn skills that will be immediately useful in their medical staff roles, as well as in their interaction with team members and patients.

Douglas Lundy, M.D. Presents on Trauma Efforts in Haiti

Douglas Lundy, M.D., of Resurgens Orthopaedics, presented a CME opportunity for WellStar Medical Staff and Advanced Practitioners on Friday, March 2. His presentation titled, “Trauma Surgery in the Field – The Medical Response to the Earthquake in Haiti,” covered his experiences from his time in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.

Physician Published in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Journal


William D. Lyday II, M.D., with Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates, was published in the April 2009 issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr. Lyday is the lead physician on the statement for "Radiofrequency ablation of Barrett’s esophagus: outcomes of 429 patients from a multicenter community practice registry."

Welcome New Medical Staff Members

For a complete list of new Medical Staff and Advanced Practitioners, click "Read More."

Patient Satisfaction

According to a recent study in the Journal of Healthcare Management, patient satisfaction is a critical part of the quality outcomes for patients. Quality is often measured with structure, process and outcomes. Outcomes include such traditional measures as mortality, morbidity and functional improvements. Patient satisfaction is also part of this dimension.

Supply and Equipment Analysis

WellStar’s Value Analysis and Purchasing teams have provided the most recent cost-saving initiative through Opportunities 2010.

News from Enterprise Health Information Management - Transcription Services

In February, WellStar implemented improved fax distribution capabilities for transcribed reports reports (H&Ps, Operative Reports, Consults, Discharge Summaries, etc.)** via the Webmedx fax solution. This technology enhancement provides us with two options: 1) author copy and 2) cc copy which will assure that all physicians (within and outside of WellStar) receive a copy of a transcribed report when the dictating physician has requested one. Physicians can opt-in or out of receiving fax copies of reports.

WellStar Cobb Hospital Builds Rehabilitation Team

Recent recruiting efforts have resulted in the hiring of three new physical therapists for WellStar Cobb Hospital’s Rehab Department. With the addition of two Physical Therapists (PTs) in acute care, the department will now be staffed with six full-time PTs.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s “Purple Paper People” or Clinical Documentation Specialists

Word has spread quickly and physicians are referring to WellStar Kennestone’s Clinical Documentation Specialists as the “Purple Paper People.” The group’s new program went live in December 2009. Team members, comprised of RNs in backgrounds such as ED, medical/surgical, PACU, orthopaedics, ICU/CCU, telemetry, OR, neuro-surgical ICU and more, include: Jill Czigans, Kellie Klus, Melissa Graham, Leontanette McDowell, Lise Tassy, Shamina Tate and Kristine Tully.

Physician Satisfaction at WellStar Kennestone Hospital

Robert Jansen, M.D., VP of Medical Affairs

With the winter season well underway, the forthcoming warm weather and spring season are a welcome thought. Spring also brings us toward our annual Physician Satisfaction Survey and the opportunity for you, as a provider, to share your feedback. Our hope is that you will participate, encourage others to participate and use this opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made since the 2009 survey.

Save the Date: Orthopaedics for the Primary Care Physician

Saturday, May 1, 2010
8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marietta Conference Center

Who should attend?
Primary Care Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners & RNs

Save the Date: Annual Ethics Forum

Daytime Forum  
Thursday, March 25 
WellStar Development Center
Pacific Auditorium
Symposium: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dinner Event 
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Maggiano’s Little Italy
1601 Cumberland Mall, Atlanta, GA 30339
6:30 p.m. – Reception
7:00 p.m. – Dinner

Featured Speaker: Thomas H. Murray, Ph.D., President - The Hastings Center

March and April: CME Events

For a complete list of CME offerings, click "Read More."

March and April Meetings

For a complete list of each hospitals committee/department meetings click "Read More."

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Medical Student Rotation Changes

Don Campbell, M.D., Senior Vice President, Physician Leadership

WellStar is committed to treating patients in a secure and private environment. To that end, medical student rotations will be limited at WellStar.

Safety First: Annual Physician Infection Prevention Review


Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms - (MDROs) are defined as microorganisms, predominantly bacteria, that are resistant to one or more classes of antimicrobial agents. Although the names of certain MDROs describe resistance to only one agent (e.g., MRSA, VRE), these pathogens are frequently resistant to most available antimicrobial agents.