Technology Update

Physician Wallmounts have been replaced.

• New Wallmounts are in the Green Tower and Short Stay I and II
• New Wallmounts are reliable, faster and accessible
• To report issues, please call 770-956-6000

Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Plan and Five Year Capital Plan

At its July 2010 Board meeting, the WellStar Health System (WellStar) Board of Trustees approved the Annual Plan (Budget) for operating funds and capital funds for its fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2010 and ending on June 30, 2011.

Photos from Physician Networking Event

On Aug. 5, WellStar physicians enjoyed a networking event at the Marietta Country Club. There were 150 physicians in attendance.

"The event was a great opportunity to network with PCPs and other specialists," said Alan Muster, M.D., WellStar's chief pulmonary officer. "It was a chance for me to catch up with many providers that I haven't seen in some time, and to meet others who I knew only by name. I would welcome more events like this."

To view photos from the event, click "Read more>>."

The Joint Commission - Informed Discussion and Informed Consent

Informed consent is not merely a signed document. It is a process that considers patient needs and preference, compliance with laws and regulations, and patient education. WellStar physicians should always strive to engage the patient in discussions regarding their health, care plan and treatment. By utilizing the informed consent process, we can help patients make informed decisions regarding their care, including allowing the patient to refuse treatment or revoke consent.

WellStar Pulmonary Medicine Grows with Five New Physicians

WellStar Pulmonary Medicine has added five new physicians to its practice: Folu Akinnusi, M.D.; Jonathan Y. Chen, D.O.; Salim S. Harianawala, M.D., M.B.A., F.C.C.P.; Amyn Hirani, M.D.; and Chirag Patel, M.D.

Patient Satisfaction

For results from the final patient satisfaction with physicians’ data for FY 2010 and to learn what patients expect regarding their healthcare experience, click "Read more>>."

August and September Department Meetings

For a complete list of each hospitals' committee/department meetings, click "Read more>>."

August and September CME Events

For a complete list of CME events, click "Read more>>."

Clinical Grand Rounds

 To read about two upcoming clinical rounds, click "Read more>>."

Physician Lunch and Learn: Insulin Dosing and Titration

WellStar Diabetes Services and Dr. Spencer Welch with Atlanta Diabetes Associates will present a physician lunch and learn about insulin dosing and titration on Sept. 8 and Sept. 13. Lunch will be provided. For details, click "Read more>>."

Medical Record: Multi-drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) Flag

Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) have important infection control implications, with the severity and extent of disease varying by patient population. Patients with an MDRO infection will have limited available antimicrobial therapy, and an increased length of stay and cost. Studies also indicate that patients with an MDRO infection have an increased rate of mortality.

Clinical Documentation Tip: Malnutrition Documentation

When you find a query that includes clinical descriptions of nutritional status (Nutrition assessment, albumin, prealbumin, protein levels, treatment such as TPN, Ensure Megace and descriptors i.e. cachexia, anorexia and BMI < 19), Clinical Documentation RNs are inquiring if you are treating, monitoring and evaluating the diagnosis of malnutrition (protein/calorie) and are asking for that to be documented along with a degree of severity (mild, moderate or severe).

WellStar’s Zynx-Based Print-On-Demand Orders

In CY 2009, more than 3,400 orders arrived to WellStar inpatient pharmacies without patient or provider identification.

WellStar Welcomes New VP of Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care

Barbara Ballard has been named Vice President of Home Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care. She joined the WellStar family on Aug. 2.

WellStar Shines at AAPL Conference

Dee Hammond, executive director of physician relations, was recently named to the 2010-2011 Board of Directors of the American Association of Physician Liaisons, Inc. (AAPL). AAPL brings together those actively engaged in physician liaison activities in acute care medical centers for educational and networking opportunities. AAPL consists of more than 400 healthcare professionals who are interested in establishing professional relationships with their peers from around the country.

New Pharmaceutical Waste Program

To stay ahead of the compliance curve and enhance our efforts to protect the environment for the communities we serve, a pharmaceutical waste disposal program is being implemented at WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding, Kennestone and Windy Hill hospitals.

New Electrophysiologist with WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine

WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine welcomes Atlanta native Jacob N. Blatt, M.D. as a cardiac electrophysiologist. Dr. Blatt, who joined WellStar this month, is fully trained in all aspects of invasive cardiac electrophysiology including pacemakers, defibrillators, resynchronization therapy, complex arrhythmia management and ablation, transseptal catheterization, and transvenous lead extraction. He has a special interest in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Blatt is currently on staff at WellStar Kennestone and Cobb hospitals.

Responsibilities of Preceptors

In Fiscal Year 2010, more than 300 medical students, PA students, college students, advanced practice nursing students and others served clinical rotations in WellStar facilities.

Quantum Radiology – The Three A’s

Many of us are taught that the secret to a successful medical practice lies in the three A’s: availability, affability and ability.

WellStar Imaging Print Ads

The following two print ads feature WellStar imaging excellence, in addition to the wide range of locations, competitive pricing and the comprehensive care found throughout WellStar. The ads began running the week of July 26 in the Marietta Daily Journal and the Cherokee Tribune and will continue  through August in our other markets including Bartow, Cherokee, Douglas and Paulding.