Fall General Medical Staff Meeting Update

The fall 2012 WellStar General Medical Staff meeting was held Wednesday evening, Oct. 17, 2012, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. More than 200 physicians and advanced practice professionals (APPs) from our five hospitals were in attendance.  For those of you who were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, the highlights from the various senior leaders’ strategic updates are as follows:

WellStar Connect (EPIC):  Jon Morris, M.D., Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer and Murphy Townsend M.D., WellStar Connect Lead Physician Champion

1. WellStar's implementation of the EpicCare electronic medical record (EMR), titled WellStar Connect, will replace all WellStar inpatient and ambulatory clinical information technology systems by the end of CY 2014. 
2. Our investment in this single patient, single record system will improve patient safety and satisfaction by improving and promoting access to clinical data for both patients and providers.
3. Physicians will play a critical role in assuring we understand how to optimally configure these applications.
4. Optimal implementation will require mandated training and universal adoption by all clinicians in all venues of care.

Implications of Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (PPACA): Reynold Jennings,       President & CEO

1. WellStar is actively pursuing both local and regional collaborative efforts to ensure our future success.
2. Georgia’s political scene will impact WellStar, both on the Medicaid funding issue and on the uncertainty of Certificate of Need (CON).
3. WellStar senior leadership has initiated rapid action teams referred to Accelerated Results Teams (ART) to oversee key initiatives.
   
4. Physician Engagement and Integration: Robert Jansen, M.D., Executive Vice President, WellStar Medical Group (WMG) President & Chief Administrative Medical Officer
5. We have 10 service lines at present, each lead by a dyad consisting of an administrative vice president and a physician leader(s).
6. Currently, service line focus is on growth opportunities and development of quality initiatives.
7. In the future, service lines will focus on providing value to our patients and improving coordination of care across the continuum.
8. Future success will depend on seamless collaboration between all stakeholders; primary care physicians, specialists, service lines, WMG, private physicians and hospital medical staffs.

Accountable Care: Jim Budzinski, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

1. WellStar Health Network (WHN) was approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Shared Savings Accountable Care Organization (ACO), effective July 1, 2012.
2. For the 2011 baseline period, our ACO was assigned 36,560 beneficiaries with approximately $346,513,905 total yearly spend. This was almost evenly distributed between hospital, physician and pharmacy costs.
3. The WHN has already initiated population management components of patient identification and risk stratification.
4. This fall, WellStar will roll out an Independent Practice Association (IPA) as a physician-driven organization of both WMG and private practice providers to provide a venue for payment innovation to support population management.

 Safety and Quality: Marcia Delk, M.D., Senior Vice President, Safety & Quality and           Credentialing & Chief Safety Officer

1. In our journey to provide world-class healthcare, WellStar has targeted to be within the Premier top decile in outcomes by 2020.
2. WellStar already is realizing gains in the areas of length of stay, readmissions, mortality, complications and cost/case.
3. Successful WellStar Connect (Epic) implementation and adoption of evidence-based medicine, along with other initiatives, will be key drivers to achieve this goal by 2020.

Acute Care Management: Candice Saunders, Executive Vice President & WellStar  Kennestone Hospital President

1. A multi-hospital team of presidents, operational leaders and physicians will focus on patient centered care and quality outcomes.
2. Our care delivery model will be repositioned from volume-based to value-based.
3. Value-based purchasing (VBP) and public-reported programs promote patient experience as measured by HCAHPS.

 External Growth: Mike Graue, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

1. We will be changing our approach from REACTIVE to PROACTIVE.
2. Growth will be focused on acquiring/expanding high margin services that are relatively                                    easy to develop.

Once again, thank you to the physicians and APPs who were able to attend in person. WellStar is actively repositioning itself for success in the near-term as well as in the long-term, despite the outcome of the election or whether the PPACA is upheld or modified. WellStar values our physicians and other direct care partners, both WMG and affiliated, as we serve our patients and communities.
We fully understand that our physicians have limited time. Therefore, our job is to obtain, analyze and codify data, plus best practices, and to make meetings efficient and productive.

WellStar Connect Launches New Website

WellStar recently launched a WellStar Connect website to keep team members informed about the details and progress of the implementation of WellStar’s EpicCare, electronic medical record (EMR).

“The WellStar Connect name represents the many connections that will be made across our System as we use the software’s one patient, one record approach to improve the coordination of care, increase patient safety and enhance the patient experience,” said Jon Morris, M.D., senior vice president and chief information officer.

The WellStar Connect website now is available from any computer located within the WellStar network at https://wellstarconnect.wellstar.org. The site contains Roles and Responsibilities, Guiding Principles, EpicCare Product List and Frequently Asked Questions. A video of the kick-off event, including President & CEO Reynold Jennings’s comments and the integrated demo, also is available for viewing. If you have questions related to the WellStar Connect project, an application is available on the site to submit questions.

The website also features the first edition of the WellStar Connect newsletter, WellStar Connect Link, which may be viewed by clicking the Newsletter tab near the top of the home page.

PerfectServe System Update

The implementation of the PerfectServe System is now complete at all hospitals.  Physicians now have the technology to directly connect to other physicians and providers using the 855-DocLink number or through their PerfectServe mobile app.  As groups begin to fine-tune their contact algorithms, the system is capable of efficiently connecting callers to the provider most needed. 

Problems with cell phone connectivity continue to exist in some areas of the hospitals, particularly for those providers whose cellular carrier is not Verizon. Verizon Wireless has recently connected to the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) at WellStar Douglas and Kennestone Hospitals.  The DAS at WellStar Cobb Hospital is near completion.  Other cellular carriers have not yet connected to the DAS system. For those providers whose cellular reception is poor, PerfectServe can mirror some communications to an e-mail to avoid missing connections.

The purpose for the implementation of the PerfectServe system is to enable provider-to-provider conversations about patient care that will improve patient and provider satisfaction.  Early use of the system has identified that some groups continue to structure their contact algorithms to route all calls to an office number or an answering service. Medical Staff leadership continues to work with PerfectServe to construct contact algorithms that respect the existing workflow of the providers, yet does not lose sight of the goal of enabling provider-to-provider conversations about patient care. 

Many providers have identified that texting is an efficient way to deliver messages about patient care between providers. As currently configured, texts are most often sent and received through the existing SMS function on the provider’s cell phone. Because those text messages are not secure, providers are reminded that identifiable Patient Healthcare Information (PHI) should not be included in texts. Because providers cannot control the information in texts that may be received from others, it is strongly recommended that all providers enable a password or PIN number on their phones to prevent the inadvertent disclosure of PHI. WellStar plans to enable the PerfectServe secure texting feature in the near future, which will help to protect patient privacy and protect providers from HIPAA claims. 

An FAQ has been posted on the Medical Staff page on eSource to answer your questions. The PerfectServe Help Desk also is available 24/7 to help with any problems you may be having with connecting to a provider. You can reach the help desk by dialing 855-DocLink and answering affirmatively to the prompt for assistance or pressing the link on your DocLink APP. You are encouraged to use the Help Desk without delay if you are having problems connecting with another provider during an urgent situation.  For problems with connecting using equipment in the hospitals the WellStar IT Service Desk at 470-956-6500 is available to assist you. 

Joseph Hormes, M.D. Appointed Neurosciences Service Line Co-Chief

Joseph Hormes, M.D

WellStar is proud to announce that Joseph Hormes, M.D., has joined William “Bill” Benedict, M.D., as co-chief of the new WellStar Neurosciences Service Line.

Dr. Hormes has been with the Marietta Neurology and Headache Center since 1987 and is affiliated with WellStar Kennestone Hospital. He also is a member of the clinical faculty at Emory University’s Department of Neurology and is an active member of a number of professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Neurology, the American Association of Electromyography & Electro-diagnosis and the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Dr. Hormes received his medical degree from St. John's Medical School, Bangalore, India, and his DM Neurology from National Institute of Neurosciences, India. He completed his neurology residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, and fellowship in Neurophysiology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. He is board-certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, the American Board of Clinical Neurophysiology and the American Board of Electro-Diagnostic Medicine.

William “Bill” Benedict, M.D.

Dr. Benedict joined WellStar Neurosurgery in August 2010, after spending three years as an assistant professor of Neurosurgery at Emory University. He received his medical degree and did his internship and residency at Loyola University Medical Center. In addition, he has specialty training in complex spinal disease, adult spinal deformity and spinal oncology.

WellStar Cobb Hospital Opens STAT Cancer Clinic

WellStar is geographically extending its innovative STAT Cancer Clinic concept to WellStar Cobb Hospital. The clinic, which opened at WellStar Cobb in early September 2012, operates exactly like WellStar’s original STAT Cancer Clinic at Kennestone Hospital: patients see all members of the treatment and support team in one place in one afternoon.

WellStar STAT Cancer Clinics offer the only true multidisciplinary service of its kind in metro Atlanta. WellStar Kennestone Hospital’s STAT Cancer Clinic opened in 2006.

Andrew Helms, M.D., will head WellStar Cobb’s new STAT Cancer Clinic, which will serve patients with lung, esophageal or chest abnormalities.

“We can help patients with chest or esophageal abnormalities, those diagnosed with cancer seeking a treatment plan, patients with recurrence or those who want a second opinion,” said Suzie Allen, RN, OCN, WellStar thoracic oncology nurse navigator.

The new clinic gives patients in the WellStar Cobb service area a closer-to-home alternative. The STAT team includes specialists in thoracic surgery, pulmonary, medical oncology and radiation oncology, providing expertise in each cancer discipline, and a nurse navigator to guide patients through the treatment process. The clinic team also includes a medical social worker, a licensed certified counselor, a dietitian who works exclusively with cancer patients and other support staff. The clinic’s goal is for patients to start treatment quickly – in days, not weeks or months.

Referrals are accepted from any physician or patient. To make an appointment, call the WellStar STAT Cancer Clinic at 770-793-7470 or e-mail STATcancerclinic@wellstar.org.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital Honored for its Commitment to Saving Lives by the Georgia Donation Collaborative

WellStar Kennestone Hospital was honored with a Department of Health and Human Services Bronze Medal of Honor at the National Learning Congress in Grapevine, Texas for having outstanding organ donation rates from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012.

Attaining a Medal of Honor for conversion rate means that 75 percent or more of people who could become an organ donor did.  WellStar Kennestone reached a 79 percent conversion rate by recovering 80 life-saving organs for people in end-stage organ failure.

Nationally, there are more than 115,000 people waiting for a life-saving organ donor; of those people 3,500 are listed in Georgia. 

The goal of the National Learning Congress is to hasten the spread of leading practices to continue breakthrough improvements in donation and transplantation, and to promote the adoption of performance improvement practices that optimize organ viability and increase the number of organs transplanted from each donor.  Success is achieved when grieving families find comfort in their decision to donate and end-stage organ failure patients receive the life-sustaining organ they need.

WellStar Foundation Donation Honors Eric Fishman, M.D.

 (L-R): WellStar Foundation President Tracey Atwater, Robert Cole, Jeri Cole, Alyssa Cole, Eric Fishman, M.D. and WellStar Foundation Development Officer Jane Bunn.

Jeri and Robert Cole, formerly of Powder Springs, Ga., recently made a major gift to the WellStar Foundation to honor Eric Fishman, M.D., with Georgia Anesthesiologists, PC.

Dr. Fishman was both a professional and personal source of strength for the family four years ago when Mrs. Cole, who was eight months pregnant at that time, came to the Emergency Department at WellStar Kennestone Hospital with cardiac issues. Their daughter, Alyssa, recently celebrated her fourth birthday, and on Oct. 8, the family traveled from Alabama to surprise Dr. Fishman by meeting him outside the Main Operating Room to thank him again.

WellStar Kennestone Hospital Ranks High in CDC Survey of Maternity Care and Breastfeeding

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released the results of the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care Survey (mPINC) and WellStar Kennestone Hospital ranked high, receiving a score of 72.

The mPINC Survey is a national survey of infant feeding practices in facilities that provide maternity care services. Across Georgia, the average score was 59, and the national average score was 70.

This resource helps WellStar Kennestone Hospital improve outcomes by providing the best evidence-based care to patients.

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