THE VITALINK - Maury Regional Medical Center

THE VITALINK
Maury Regional Medical Center
October 2011
Vol. XXX, Issue 10
MRMC TOP 100 HOSPITAL FOR PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Maury Regional Medical Center (MRMC) was
recently recognized as one of the country’s Top 100
Hospitals for Patient Experience based on female
patient satisfaction by
WomenCertified®.
“Being recognized
Performance
as a Top Hospital in
Excellence
Patient Experience by
Award Winners WomenCertified® reaffirms
our commitment to
Pages 4 and 5
provide excellence for
every patient, every day,”
said MRMC CEO Robert Otwell. “We are honored to
receive this recognition, and we value our solid reputation
among female patients.”
Hospitals are selected for this prestigious annual list
based on a scoring process that incorporates Hospital
Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and
Systems (HCAHPS) data. HCAHPS is a publicly reported
standardized survey for measuring patients’ perspectives
on hospital care across the nation. These scores are used
along with a higher level of analysis that weighs criteria
identified as the most important to women for patient
satisfaction.
Additionally, it takes into consideration
WomenCertified’s in-depth research on customer
satisfaction among women, including a joint study on
customer satisfaction by gender conducted with the
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Winners of this award were recognized in USA Today.
MRMC offers comprehensive services for women
throughout the different phases of life. The Women’s
Center offers some of the latest tools to aid in the
detection and treatment of breast cancer, including digital
mammography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy
and MRI-guided breast biopsy. The center also offers
bone density studies to detect osteoporosis. For women
expecting a baby, MRMC provides everything from
expectant parent classes to a neonatal intensive care unit
for those babies who need advanced care.
Cancer Center begins new radiation therapy
The Cancer Center at MRMC has begun conducting stereotactic
body radiation therapy (SBRT) for liver and lung cancer patients,
according to Cancer Center Director David Thomas.
SBRT is a radiation technique in which high doses of radiation
are delivered using a very precise beam during three to five treatment
sessions. It is generally used for medically inoperable lesions and
metastases. Because the tumors treated with SBRT are generally quite
small, this approach requires precise patient positioning and exact
targeting of the beam. “The new TrilogyTM linear accelerator and imaging system
from Varian that we installed earlier this year has given us SBRT
capabilities. The precision with which we can treat tumors and
(See “SBRT” on page 3)
Dr. Joel Kochanski is pictured with a patient in the
room housing the TrilogyTM linear accelerator that
provides stereotactic body radiation therapy.
THE VITALINK
NEW EMPLOYEES
ADMITTING
Deborah Bray
FOOD & NUTRITION
Matthew Rummage
HOME SERVICES
James Foriest, Jr.
Lisa Sessions
IMAGING
Ashley Czajka
Gordon Ricketts
LABORATORY
Jena Bastin
Carissa Brock
Dorina Jackson
NURSING
Tara Comer
Holly Goldman
Allison Hill
Marjorie Hogan
Joseph Jacob
Sherry Jaeger
Laura Jean
Shannon Kelley
Brittany Legg
Paul Chadwick McGill
Ashlie Osborn
Jennifer Owens
Amy Roth
Donna Shelton
Jeri Stewart
Joel Thacker
PATIENT ACCESS
Krystle McCormick
PHARMACY
Marcus Brown
(Continued on page 3)
The VitaLink is published monthly for
Maury Regional Medical Center through the
Marketing Department. Distribution is to
employees, retirees, members of the medical staff,
board of trustees, advisory board, Maury County
Commission and volunteers.
For address corrections,
please contact the
Human Resources
Department.
Scan this QR code
with your smart
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Web site.
Editor: Rita Williams
Designer: Jesse Foreman
Writers: Rita Williams and
Michele Tankersley
Proofreader: Jan Varnado
1224 Trotwood Avenue
Columbia, TN 38401
KEN MACNAIR IS SERVICE
CHAMPION OF THE MONTH
Ken MacNair, a mechanic in Plant
Operations, was named September
Service Champion of the Month. Ken
has been an employee at MRMC since
2000. He was described by those who
nominated him as someone with a
positive attitude who takes pride in his
work and provides quality service with
dedication and enthusiasm.
“Ken is a true champion for Maury MacNair (center) is pictured (l-r) with
Regional in that he always has a positive John Collier, vice president of support
attitude and is willing to help others
services, and Corvin.
with their needs at work and in his
neighborhood. Ken makes it fun to be at work with his humor and excitement
to work. Ken is dependable when we have a need for a quick action request or
a large task to be completed. We can all depend on Ken,” said Director of Plant
Operations Paul Corvin.
Driving simulator is the
newest addition to PT
The newest addition to the Physical Medicine Department is a driving
simulator, according to Director Cindy Kington. The simulator will evaluate
an individual’s cognitive and physical
skills in real-life driving scenarios and
is valuable for training those who have
experienced a stroke, head trauma or
joint replacement.
“In essence, this simulator helps us
re-train patients how to drive again by
evaluating their performance in various
driving environments,” said Kington.
The equipment offers 39 training
lessons with more than 200 driving
scenarios. Conditions include multilane expressways, congested city streets,
rural and mountain roadways, adverse
Physical Therapist Jason Martin is pictured
weather conditions and crash avoidance with a patient using the simulator.
scenarios. The vehicles simulated
include a compact car, mid-size sedan, small SUV, large SUV and a van.
The driving simulator is in the outpatient physical therapy facility located at
858 West James Campbell Boulevard.
—2—
THE VITALINK
NEW EMPLOYEES
PHYSICIANS JOIN MEDICAL STAFF
RADIATION THERAPY
Emily Jones
Kurtis Roof
MARIA C. KRAKAUER, M.D., a specialist in
neonatology, is associated with Monroe Carell, Jr.
Children’s Hospital. Dr. Krakauer received her medical
degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk,
Virginia. She completed an internship and residency in
internal medicine/pediatrics at Vanderbilt University
Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Krakauer also
completed a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine
at Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in
Nashville. She is board certified in pediatrics.
TRANSPORT SERVICES
Steven Serrett
PROMOTIONS
Ryan Cothran from EMT to
paramedic, EMS
Stacy Johnson from certified
phlebotomist to medical lab
technician, Laboratory
Cynthia Ruppel from technician to
certified technician, Pharmacy
TRANSFERS
Melissa Dingus from dispatcher,
EMS, to billing specialist,
Patient Accounts
BIRTHS
Tabitha Calahan, Nursing, and her
husband, Jim, welcomed Aubryn
Skylar Calahan on September 14.
She weighed 7 lbs. and 15 ozs.
Angela Frierson, Nursing, and Bobby
Williams, welcomed Darrian Kemari
Williams on September 22.
He weighed 6 lbs. and 1 oz.
Jessica Oliver, Nursing, and her
husband, Jonathan, welcomed Skyler
Raye Oliver on September 21.
She weighed 7 lbs. and 1 oz.
Stacy Smith, Nursing, and her
husband, Jay, welcomed Jacy Jo
Jackson Smith on September 13.
She weighed 7 lbs. and 3 ozs.
Kim Springer, Imaging, and her
husband, Jerad, Nursing, welcomed
Simon Uriah Springer on September
28. He weighed 7 lbs. and 7 ozs.
Jay Williams, Home Services, and
his wife, Michelle, welcomed Carson
James Williams on September 19.
He weighed 6 lbs. and 9 ozs.
Dr. Krakauer
EMILY P. NEELY, M.D.,
a specialist in endocrinology, received her medical
degree from the University of Mississippi in Jackson,
Mississippi. She completed an internship and residency
in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical
Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Neely also completed
a fellowship in clinical endocrinology at the University
of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is
board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Neely’s office is
located in Suite 601 in the Medical Office Building at 1222
Trotwood Avenue in Columbia.
SBRT
(Continued from page 1)
adjust treatments to account for
natural changes in tumor position is
impressive,” said radiation oncologist
Joel Kochanski, M.D.
Targeting such small tumors
requires highly accurate patient
positioning and immobilization. The
image guidance system uses CT scans
to track the target which allows for
a precise placement of the radiation
beam.
“Patients are benefiting from this
technology because it can deliver
powerful and precise treatment
beams that may eliminate the need for
more invasive treatments and reduce
treatment time. We anticipate that
we will expand its use beyond liver
and lung cancer in the future,” said
Michael Sattasiri, M.D., a radiation
oncologist.
—3—
Dr. Neely
Medicare Part D
Counseling Available
Auxiliary member Pete
Henry, a certified State Health
Insurance Assistance Program
volunteer, is available for
individual counseling sessions
regarding the Medicare Part
D prescription drug plan.
The open enrollment period
runs through December 7.
Worksheets are available in
Volunteer Services and should
be completed and returned
to the office. Henry will use
the worksheet to perform a
drug plan comparison and will
advise the participant of the
results. He is also available to
review the results in person,
by appointment. For more
information, call 931.380.4047.
THE VITALINK
Quality award winners named
On September 20, MRMC held its fourth annual Performance Excellence Awards Banquet. A record 96
teams submitted their performance improvement projects for consideration of the judging panel. Winners were
selected for each of the five keys to success (KTS) as well as performance excellence, quality outcomes, hold-thegains and most innovative project. They are as follows:
QUALITY KTS: EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CT ORDERING PATTERNS
SERVICE KTS: OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION—IMPROVED CUSTOMER SERVICE
This project was implemented to reduce the amount of CT
exams ordered by Emergency Department physicians. Radiation
exposure concerns as well as the financial burden on the patient
related to multiple studies ordered were the reasons the project
was initiated. Team members pictured are Renee Tew, Carol
Welch, Holly Kunz and Deborah Lumpkins. Not pictured is Pam
Williams.
By eliminating scripting and allowing employees to be themselves and engage in conversation with patients, this team
increased customer service by receiving one four-star and three
five-star awards for patient satisfaction. Team members pictured
are Shirley Patterson, Sheila Staggs, Carlene Messick, Sandra
Yokley, Stephanie Morrison, Sheree Compton, Felicia McClain,
Rachel Allred and Lydia Benefield. Not pictured are Leslie
Alcaraz, Katharyn Baker, Clara Braden, Amanda Corbin, Janell
Hollis and Shelia Springer.
PEOPLE KTS: CRITICAL CARE MERGER
FINANCE KTS: DENIAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS
MRMC had three cost centers/units for critically ill patients. The
three were merged into one cost center to create a more cohesive
clinical and financial environment, provide consistency with
staffing and patient flow and improve productivity. Team members pictured are Jeff Pierce, Cathy Malone, Amanda Carroll,
Ginger Earnest, Beverly Hobson and Kaye Brewer.
With increased payer billing restrictions and decreased contractual reimbursement, patient accounts identified opportunities
to decrease and prevent clinical and technical denials. Team
members pictured are Nick Swift, Celena Westmoreland, Debbie
Stanage and Kirby Hedrick.
MORE AWARD WINNERS
—4—
THE VITALINK
GROWTH KTS: EMPLOYER WELLNESS
QUALITY OUTCOMES: CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
In the 2011 fiscal year, Business Development has coordinated
wellness programs for 11 employers and more than 1,600
employees were provided with a personal health enhancement
report. Employers were given aggregate results and have been
shown through an expense estimate what the modifiable health
behaviors will cost their organizations during the next year. This
allows them to look at wellness as a return on investment rather
than purely as an expense. Team members pictured are Nathan
Miller, Cindy Dugger, Sharon Dobbins, Cindy Kington, Teresa
Grimmett and Patrick Harlan. Not pictured are Glenda Davis,
Karen Miller and Dana Salters.
MRMC identified opportunities to potentially increase the case
mix index for the Medicare population resulting in an increased
reimbursement from Medicare. Team members pictured are
Sherry Russell, Linda Nichols, Stephanie Allred and Kathy
Church. Not pictured are Diane Aben, Dana Benderman, Jerri
Lynn Derryberry, Lou Ellen Earl, Jeannine Grimes, Brenda
Hogan, Henry Hornbaker, April Kelly, Karen Kelly, Darlene
McDonald and Carla Totty.
PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE: EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ACTION TEAM
HOLD-THE-GAINS & MOST INNOVATIVE PROJECT WINNER:
IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES
The Emergency Department Action Team comprised of all
the various departments that intersect the emergency department patient came together to embark on a two-day process to
redesign the patient experience in the Emergency Department.
Using a lean approach to process redesign, the team looked
through the eyes of the patient from the time they arrive at the
parking lot through the greet/quick registration, triage, room
placement and provider at bedside process. Team members pictured are Rodney Adams, Lydia Benefield, Renee Tew, Amanda
Cothran, Tracey Williams, Amy Richardson, Darryl Jett,
Amanda Gray, Teresa Grimmett, Jessica Kincaid, Holly Kunz,
Joan Stephens and Ryan Mix. Not pictured are Jeff Blocker, Rachel Hewill, Kate Huddleston, Kim Hughes, Dr. Jeff Livingston,
Dr. Mark McLean, Muriel Scroggins and Mike Short.
With an increasing number of adults in the U.S. being
diagnosed with diabetes annually, the team examined ways in
which they could improve outcomes for diabetic patients, who
represent nearly 28% of adult admissions at MRMC. The team
implemented changes including aligning meal delivery and
insulin administration, revising the diabetes standard operating
procedure and much more. Their efforts resulted in a decrease
in readmission and the incidence of hypo- and hyper-glycemia.
Team members pictured are Renee Tew, Macie McKee, Deborah
Sutton, Donna Shedd, Cindy Dugger and Sandy Studebaker.
Not pictured are Jessica Agnew, Dana Allen, Erica Barnett,
Barbara Basalyga, Linda Clayton, Anna Cook, Conne Crook,
Ginger Cothran, Tally Fitzgerald, Andrea Van Fleet, Jessica Hale,
Davena Hardison, Michelle Hargrove, Brenda Hogan, Mary Jane
Hood, Lamonica Houston, Corey Ingram, Chastity Johnson,
Michelle Kennedy, Sue MacArthur, Lori Nix, Jim Norton,
Barbara Purcell and Deanna Tidwell.
—5—
THE VITALINK
MAURY REGIONAL HEALTH CARE
FOUNDATION
News
Spirit of
Planetree
FOUNDATION MAKES A
DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES
OF CANCER PATIENTS
Planetree recognizes the role that spirituality
plays in healing the whole person. Spirituality means
different things to different individuals but can
include chaplains, meditation programs and other
opportunities for reflection and support.
Each year, hundreds of patients are
diagnosed with cancer in our region. There is
nothing quite as life-changing as being told
that you have cancer. The fear and uncertainty
about one’s future is overwhelming, but
imagine if you could not afford the expenses
associated with your care.
The Spirituality Committee was formed in 2006
and has continued its efforts to develop a hospitalbased program for the spiritual care of patients
and their support system of friends and family.
The committee is led by Pastoral Care Coordinator
Rebecca Payne-Duke and co-chaired by Bob Vassar,
minister at Pleasant Heights Baptist Church. The
services implemented by this committee include:
The Maury Regional Health Care
Foundation, with the assistance of medical
center staff, identifies and assists those
cancer patients with financial needs. Services
provided by the foundation include:



Funding wigs and camisoles for patients
who would otherwise go without these
items. Last year, more than 70 wigs and
camisoles were provided to patients.
Providing gas cards to patients who have to
make daily trips to the Cancer Center for
treatments. Last year, gas cards were given
to 150 patients.
Operating The Retreat, a place of rest for
cancer patients to stay between treatments.
On more than 90 occasions, patients
utilized this hospitality house last year.
With the support of donors, the Maury
Regional Health Care Foundation is able
to make a difference in the lives of cancer
patients by alleviating some of their financial
concerns and enabling them to focus on
their care. Individuals who would like to
assist MRMC cancer patients may make a
donation by calling 931.380.4075 or visiting
mauryregionalfoundation.com.

Volunteer Support: This committee maintains a
group of volunteers willing to provide spiritual
support to our customers.

White Rose Program: A white rose and sympathy
card is signed by staff and given to a family
experiencing a death.

Care Tray Program: This program, funded by the
MRMC Auxiliary, provides a food tray to family
members at the bedside when death is imminent.

Clergy Resource: The committee maintains a
list of volunteer clergy, which is available on the
intranet for staff.

Religious/Cultural Resource: Educational
materials to help staff and physicians understand
various religious/cultural beliefs have been made
available on the intranet.
The committee’s 2012 goals include organizing
a small worship service on site and renovating the
chapel on the first floor.
—6—
THE VITALINK
LINCOLN RETIREMENT REPRESENTATIVE
BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT APPROACHING
MRMC’s open enrollment period for benefits begins
November 14 and continues through December 16. During this
time you will be able to enroll or make changes to your current
coverage to be effective January 1, 2012. You may enroll or
make changes in coverage for Health/Dental/Vision, Life, Long
Term Disability, Cancer and Flexible Spending Accounts. The
benefit counselors from Colonial Life will be on site to assist
you during the enrollment process. Please watch for e-mails
from “PEOPLE-Human Resources” with dates/times/locations
the benefits counselors will be available. In addition, you may
contact Barbara Widay, benefits specialist, at extension 1096 for
assistance or to request enrollment forms.
The 403(b) consultant will be available
for one-on-one sessions December 6 and 12.
Appointments must be made via the 403(b) oneon-one link on the MRMC Intranet.
2011 EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY PARTY DATES
You are invited to attend the annual
Christmas parties in the cafeteria on the
following dates:
 Saturday, December 3: Children’s Christmas
Parties—9 a.m.-11 a.m., 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
 Saturday, December 10: Employee Christmas
Parties—2 p.m.-4 p.m., 10 p.m.-11 p.m.
 Tuesday, December 13: Employee Christmas
Parties—2 p.m.-4 p.m., 10 p.m.-11 p.m.
NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
November 1
DIABETES EDUCATION GROUP:
11:30 a.m., PDR1, call 540.4324
November 1
HEALTHY HEARTS EDUCATION
GROUP: 1 p.m., PDR1, call 381.1111, ext.
4343
November 2
LUNGS FOR LIFE: COPD Support
Group: 2 p.m., PDR1, call 380.4094
November 3
CONTROLLING YOUR BLOOD
SUGAR SEMINAR: 6-8 p.m., Annex,
must register by calling 540.4324
November 7
EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS –
BREASTFEEDING: 7-9 p.m., call
490.7046
November 8
NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION: 8
a.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 380.4017
November 8
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK:
9:30-10:30 a.m., Columbia Senior Center,
call 490.4600
November 16
TOWN HALL MEETING: 7:30 a.m., 10
a.m., 2 p.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room
November 17
RETIREE LUNCHEON: noon, Auxiliary
Conf. Room, must RSVP by November
8, call 490.7167 or e-mail lables@
mauryregional.com
November 18
AUXILIARY BAKE SALE: 6:30 a.m.,
Auxiliary Conf. Room
November 12
FREE TOUR OF LABOR & DELIVERY:
8:30 a.m., call 490.7046
November 18
EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – DATE
NIGHT: 6-9 p.m., call 490.7046
November 4
EMPLOYEE DIABETES FAIR: 7:30 a.m.6 p.m., PDR1, call 540.4324
November 12
EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS – JUST
FOR SIBLINGS: 9-11 a.m., call 490.7046
November 5
EMPLOYEE DIABETES FAIR: 11 a.m.-6
p.m., PDR1, call 540.4324
November 12
EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS –
INFANT CPR: 11 a.m.-Noon, call
490.7046
November 21
HOLIDAY HUGS: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.,
Employees pick up name tags in PDR1.
Holiday Hugs is a program designed to
provide gifts to Maury County elementary
school children in need.
November 5
EXPECTANT PARENT CLASS –
COMPREHENSIVE COURSE: 9 a.m.-2
p.m., call 490.7046
November 7
NEW EMPLOYEE ORIENTATION: 8
a.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 380.4017
November 14
AUXILIARY JEWELRY SALE: 7 a.m. – 7
p.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 380.4047
November 15
AUXILIARY JEWELRY SALE: 7 a.m. – 4
p.m., Auxiliary Conf. Room, call 380.4047
—7—
November 21
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP:
5:30 p.m., call 540.4166
November 21
LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER – A free
program for women undergoing cancer
treatment; 5:30 p.m., reservations must be
made, call 615.327.0991
KUDOS FOR CAREGIVERS
Suzanne Alverson
Pam Anderson
Alisha Ashley
Ashley Barnett
Debbie Becker
Karen Blair
Cassie Bowling
Casey Brewer
Peggy Burgess
Henry Canaman
Annette Dixon
Jerry Hamilton
Jan Harris
Sandy Hayes
Faith Hendrix
Rita Hillis
Andrea Hobbs
Sue Hooker
Dr. Pamela Hughes
Rachel Hughes
Chris Jackson
Jennifer Laws
Rhonda Lunn
Macie McKee
THE VITALINK
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Dr. Gibran Naddy
Brenda Price
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MRMC offers services at community events
Pictured (l-r) are Connie Demumbreum, RN, and Susan
Graham, RN, at MRMC’s pumpkin decorating table during
the Country Ham Festival.
During the month of October, staff members from
MRMC participated in several community events. On
October 1 and 2, Maury Regional and Family Health Group
offered information and blood pressure checks at the annual
Country Ham Festival in Spring Hill. More than 12,000
people attended the event on the grounds of the Tennessee
Children’s Home.
On October 6, MRMC offered blood pressure
checks and bone density screenings at the Senior Health
Information Fair sponsored by the Maury County Senior
Center. Representatives from Nursing, Women’s Center and
Volunteer Services participated in the event, attended by
seniors from throughout Maury County.
Maury Regional EMS offered a free community CPR
program on October 15 at St. Catherine Catholic Church in
Columbia.
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1224 Trotwood Avenue
Columbia, Tennessee 38401
Columbia, TN 38401
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