a PDF copy

THE
PCOMS NEWS
Fall 2012
Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society
6021 142nd Avenue North, Suite #130
Clearwater, Florida 33760
www.pcomsociety.com
Pinellas County Osteopathic medical Society
P.O. Box 13489
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
www.pcomsociety.com
PCOMS
Officers
President
Charles David Wingfield, D.O.
President-Elect
Frank Armstrong, D.O.
Vice-President
Amy Tunanidas, D.O.
Secretary
Samuel Gubernick, D.O.
Treasurer
Lee Ann Brown, D.O.
Governors
Robert D’Amico, D.O.
Charles Friedman, D.O.
Jennifer Hayes, D.O.
Alison Howard, D.O.
Tahirih Jensen, D.O.
Marc Kudelko, D.O.
Jerome Koser, D.O.
Bonnie Lloyd, D.O.
Nicholas Okeson, D.O.
Mark Ritch, D.O.
Rima Sanka, D.O.
Plato Varidin, D.O.
Trustees
Bridget Bellingar, D.O.
Andrew Gross, D.O.
Gregory James, D.O.
Michael Markou, D.O.
Lee Shettle, D.O.
Philip Shettle, D.O.
Amy Tunanidas, D.O.
AccidENtS HAPPEN FASt.
Alternate Trustees
Lynne Columbus, D.O.
EmErgEncy carE For your
PatiEnts
should too.
Richard Cottrell,
D.O.
You and your patients can receive
by checking out our websites:
Robert Fedor, D.O.
Allen Finkelstein, D.O.
Jeffrey Grove, DO
our
average Emergency
Anthony Ottaviani, D.O.
Randy Shuck, D.O.
Executive Director
www.EdwardWhiteHospital.comKenneth E. Webster, Ed.D.
www.LargoMedical.com
Executive Secretary
www.NorthsideHospital.com
Lisa Belliveau
www.StPeteGeneral.com
PCOMS
Room Wait Times
PCOMS
PCOMS NEWS
P.O. Box 13489
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
Phone: 727-581-9069 Fax: 727-581-8537
Website: www.pcomsociety.com
Vol. 25 No. 3 Fall, 2012
Officers
President
Frank Armstrong, D.O.
President-Elect
Samuel Gubernick, D.O.
Vice-President
Lee Ann Brown, D.O.
Table of Contents
1......................................................................................................... Table of Contents
2............................................................. General Membership Holiday Dinner Meeting
Secretary
Nicholas Okeson, D.O.
3.................................................................................................... President’s Message
Treasurer
Tahirih Jensen, D.O.
4.............................................................................................................Advertisements
Governors
Robert D’Amico, D.O.
Jennifer Hayes, D.O.
Jerome Koser, D.O.
Tracie Leonhardt, D.O.
Christopher Newman, D.O.
Mark Ritch, D.O.
Rima Sanka, D.O.
Plato Varidin, D.O.
5................................................................................. Largo Medical Center Graduates
Trustees
Bridget Bellingar, D.O.
Robert Fedor, D.O.
Andrew Gross, D.O.
Gregory James, D.O.
Michael Markou, D.O.
Lee Shettle, D.O.
Amy Tunanidas, D.O.
6...... New CEO at Largo Medical Ctr/New Emergency Dept. Director at Edward White
7....................................................................................................................Health Fair
8........................................................................................................ AOA Accreditation
9...................................................................................................Members in the News
10............................................................................................................ Advertisement
11.................................................................................. Effects of new Health Care Law
12...........................................................................................................Advertisements
13.................................................................................St. Petersburg General Hospital
Alternate Trustees
Frank Armstrong, D.O.
Richard Cottrell, D.O.
Allen Finkelstein, D.O.
Jeffrey Grove, DO
Anthony Ottaviani, D.O.
Philip Shettle, D.O.
Randy Shuck, D.O.
16...................................................................................................Medical Stabilization
Executive Director
Kenneth E. Webster, Ed.D.
17............................................................................................................ Advertisement
Executive Secretary
Lisa Belliveau
14............................................................................................................ Advertisement
15........................................................................................................... HATS Program
18............................................................................................................ Advertisement
19............................................................................................Associates & Advertisers
20.....................................................................................................Calendar of Events
1
Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society
General Membership
Holiday Dinner Meeting
Friday, December 7, 2012
Sandpearl Resort
Clearwater Beach
-Special Room Rate for Overnight GuestsHospitality 7:00 P.M.
Dinner
8:00 P.M.
Program 9:00 P.M.
*Annual Awards*
*Election of Officers*
*Door Prizes*
Physicians & Spouses – No Charge
Associate Members - $30.00
Make your reservations now!
Sponsored by JSA Healthcare
Call in your RSVP to the PCOMS office @ 727-581-9069
By December 3, 2012
2
President’s Message
The lifeblood or our society is the dues paying members,
business partners, and associates. This support provides
45% of the annual budget. I want to acknowledge the importance of this support, and thank each member for your
continued support of our society’s meetings, events and activities. Also, a special thank you to our board members for
their dedicated and loyal service that keeps our society in a
leadership position in osteopathic medicine. On page 19 of
this publication is a list of our associates and advertisers.
Please review this page and support those who support our
society.
Our next event will be our annual “Holiday Dinner Meeting”
to be held on Friday, December 7th at the Sand Pearl Resort Hotel on Clearwater Beach. This is our second year at
this five-star hotel. Special room rates are available for those
wanting to stay overnight. Call the PCOMS office to make a
reservation. At this event we will elect officers for 2013, present our annual awards, and enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship with our osteopathic colleagues.
Special holiday music will also be a feature of the evening.
The PCOMS 24th Annual Osteopathic Winter Seminar will be held on January 16-19, 2013, at the
beautiful Sand Pearl Resort on Clearwater Beach. This is a new location for this event at this classic
hotel. A great program has been planned including the offering of all seven state mandates on Wednesday, January 16th. A total of 27 Category 1A CME Credits will be presented. Special social events will
be held on Thursday and Saturday evenings with entertainment at both events. I hope you will mark
your calendars and encourage your osteopathic friends to attend.
Fraternally,
Frank Armstrong, DO
President
PLEASE PAY YOUR 2012-2013 DUES
AND REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING
TH
24 ANNUAL OSTEOPATHIC WINTER SEMINAR
3
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Largo Medical Center Graduates 43 Interns /Residents/Fellows
On June 23, 2012, Largo Medical Center held its fifth graduation ceremony at which 43 graduates were
awarded diplomas at the Safety Harbor Resort. Diplomas were given to : one Interventional Cardiology
Fellow; two general Cardiology Fellows; one Gastroenterology Fellow; two Rheumatology Fellows;
ten Internal Medicine Residents; three Dermatology Residents; one Anesthesia Resident; four Family
Medicine Residents; and nineteen Traditional Rotating Interns! In addition, Dr. Randall Worth was
recognized for his dedication to educating residents by being named the Teaching Faculty of the Year.
Also recognized was Dr. Imran Ismail, a Cardiology Fellow, who was named Resident Lecturer of the
Year by his peers and finally Dr. Jennifer Leman, Family Medicine Resident, was recognized for her
leadership and dedication as the Chief Administrative Resident.
The keynote speaker was Perry S. Bechtle, D.O., Chief of Anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic in
Jacksonville. Dr. Bechtle is a graduate of the Traditional Internship of Sun Coast Hospital and now
serves as the Patient Safety Officer and quality leader within the Department of Anesthesiology. He is a
Quality Fellow of the Mayo Quality Academy and also serves as the Medical Director of the Neurosurgical
Interventional facility at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Bechtle served as a US Naval Flight Surgeon for five
years! Dr. Bechtle challenged the graduates to be involved in the evaluation and development of new
and innovative methods to provide high quality, cost-effective health care .
Anthony Ottaviani, D. O., MPH and Chief Academic officer of the Graduate Medical Education Program
of Largo Medical Center, congratulated the fifth graduating class of Largo Medical Center and expressed
his appreciation for the work and dedication of the program directors of each of the 13 residency/
fellowship programs and the many faculty members who are dedicated to giving their time and talents
to the next generation of physicians. He commented that the backbone of our Statutory Teaching
Hospital‘s GME program is the breathe and depth of its teaching faculty. The graduation ceremony
concluded with Dr. Ottaviani challenging the graduates to be true to their strong foundation in the
principles of Osteopathic medicine while also contributing to the betterment of their fellow man.
“Doctors: Beware Signing ACO Documents”
By: Jeff Cohen, CEO
Florida Healthcare Law Firm
There continues to be terrific interest in accountable care organizations (ACO’s), which are of course
a financially risk-based model of providing healthcare to patients who choose to enroll in the Medicare
Shared Risk Program. ACO organizations are often led by hospitals and hospital systems, though
occasionally by physician organizations. One of the key common threads among these provider led
ACOs is the fear of being left out of “the game,” the fear of losing out financially. This fear, however, can
lead physicians to run headlong into danger when they sign ACO documents.
One of the key ways ACOs get formed involves a stack of contracts being created, then shoved under
physicians’ noses. Doctors afraid to lose out tend to just sign. The organizations are really to blame
here, when the document fails to contain material terms to deal with things like: credentialing criteria,
disciplinary procedures, financial provisions, how the financial up side or down side can affect physician
compensation. The documents are simply slid under their noses and, in fear of being left out, they get
signed! Or, as my buddy Rodger says “Ready, shoot, aim.”
5
New CEO At Largo Medical Center
The employees and physicians of Largo Medical Center are pleased to
introduce Anthony Degina as the hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Degina comes to Largo Medical Center with almost three decades of
healthcare experience, managing hospitals from 49 to 560 beds.
“I look forward to running a hospital where it’s evident that the quality and
safety of our patients are a top priority for employees and physicians,” said
Anthony Degina, Chief Executive Officer, Largo Medical Center.
For the past five years, Degina has served as CEO of the University of
Miami Hospital where he gained a broad experience in the management of
hospital graduate medical education programs.
“With Largo Medical Center having the third largest program of this kind in the Southern United
States, Tony’s experience should prove invaluable for our statutory teaching hospital,” said Peter
Marmerstein, FACHE, President of the HCA West Florida Division.
Degina received his B.S. in Health Care Administration from Providence College in Rhode Island and
his Masters of Hospital Administration at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas. Through the years,
he has served as a board member for a number of community and professional organizations,
including the United Way, Florida Hospital Association, Broward County Health Facilities Authority
and as a past President of the Florida Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida and South Florida
Hospital Association.
“With Largo Medical Center being one of the largest employers in the community, I look forward to
getting out in the community, building upon the relationships we already have as well as working to
create new ones,” said Degina.
Edward White Hospital New Emergency Department Director
Darrell Probus, RN is Edward White Hospital’s new Emergency Room
Director. Darrel has come to us from Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital
in Somerset, KY where he served as the Emergency Svcs Director. In
addition Darrell has worked as a flight nurse for Global Jetcare
International since January 2011. We also acknowledge Darrell’s service
to our country. He served as a US Army National Guardsman for the 131st
and 475th MASH units for a combined service time of 15 years, He is an
excellent fit to our hospital and we are thrilled to have Darrell as our new
ED Director.
6
Students and parents gather in SPC Auditorium prior to physical exams.
The Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society sponsored a “Health Fair” recently at the
Caruth Health Education Center of St. Petersburg College. The fair provided school physical
exams to 193 students on Saturday, August 11th. Each student received a backpack of school
supplies.
During the day’s activities the YMCA of St. Petersburg provided several outdoor games for the
students. The Pinellas Park Fire and Police Department displayed fire vehicles, an ambulance
and a K-9 dog team. Several organizations displayed materials of information for parents
including: Pinellas County Health Department, City of Pinellas Park, Pinellas Park Medical
District, St. Petersburg College and Fit for Kids.
PCOMS physicians participating were: President Frank Armstrong, DO, Health Fair Committee
Chairman Samuel Gubernick, DO, Amelia Tunanidas-Pantelis, DO, Robert D’Amico, DO,
Tracie Leonhardt, DO, Lee Shettle, DO, Andrew Gross, DO, Allen Finkelstein, DO, Carmen
Damiani, DO, Mark Ritch, DO, and Randy Shuck, DO.
The “Health Fair” had over thirty volunteer assistants including Phillip Nictorera, M.Ed., M.D.,
Provost of the Caruth Health Education Center of St. Petersburg College, Patricia Boswell,
MPH, Director of Clinical Services for the Pinellas County Health Department, Joe Incorvia,
AICP, Principal Planner, City of Pinellas Park, Shelley Swapp, Program Coordinator, YMCA of
Greater St. Petersburg, Stacy Vest, DO, Residency Clinic Director, St. Petersburg General
Hospital, and Randy Shuck, DO, Medical Director for Channel 9.
7
8
PCOMS NEWS
Andrew Gross, DO, PCOMS Past President was elected President of the Florida Society
ACOFP at their annual convention in Orlando on August 4, 2012. At this event he was also
recognized at the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the “Alumnus of
the Year”.
At the American Osteopathic Association “House of Delegates” the following PCOMS members were
appointed to committees by President Ray Stowers, DO:
Jeffrey Grove, DO – Bureau of Osteopathic Education and Council of Continuing Medical
Education
Gregory James, DO, MPH – Council on Postdoctoral Training
Serving as members of the FOMA to the House of Delegates were:
Jeffrey Grove, DO
Gregory James, DO
Anthony Ottaviani, DO
Philip Shettle, DO
Bridget Bellingar, DO,
PCOMS Past President, has been appointed by Governor Rick
Scott to serve on the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
Robert D’Amico, DO, and Jerry Koser, DO, members of the PCOMS Board, are
members of the Florida Academy of Osteopathy Board of Directors.
REGISTRATION FOR THE WINTER SEMINAR IS NOW AVAILABLE ON
OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.PCOMSOCIETY.COM
9
10
THE ROAD AHEAD
The new health care law no longer allows insurers to exclude patients based on pre-existing
conditions, eliminates lifetime limits on coverage and lets children stay on their parents’ policies
through age 26. Here are three other effects of the law.
1. Rewarding Efficiences
Tne of the centerpieces of the Affordable Care Act is the Medicare Shared Savings Program, which
uses accountable care organizations (ACOs) to bring together networks of physicians and other
providers who can earn bonus payments if they meet quality standards and reduce costs. The idea is
that coordinating care, eliminating duplication and focusing on prevention will lead to better outcomes
and reduce the spiraling costs in the fee-for-service Medicare program. While participation in the
program is optional, 13 ACOs including more than 1,000 doctors have recently been set up in Florida.
Robert Slavkin, an Orlando attorney with Akerman Senterfitt who recently led a team that set up an
ACO for HealthNet, a network of primary care physicians and cardiologists based in Palm Beach
County, says he believes that the experiment will work because the new ventures will benefit from the
efficiencies of shared technology platforms. “If you have a bunch of groups together using the same
computers and electronic medical records and billing systems and standards, you are going to reduce
costs. That’s the reason medical centers are streamlining their systems – there’s a great deal to be
said for efficiency.”
While organizations must have a minimum of 5,000 primary care Medicare patients under their care
to qualify as an ACO and participate in the shared savings program, ACO-style payment models are
also popping up among private payers. Florida Blue, for instance, recently partnered with Baptist
Health South Florida and a Miami based medical and radiation oncology group called Advanced
Medical Specialities to create an ACO focused on the delivery of cancer care.
2. Primary Care Shortage
An influx of newly insured patients, a mammoth wave of Medicare-eligible Baby Boomers and a
physician shortage that is expected to worsen as more doctors hit retirement age could further strain
an already overtaxed health care system. To meet the demand, physicians will increasingly rely on
other licensed medical providers such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide
primary care to patients – if they can find them.
Jeff Goldsmith, a health industry analyst and founder of the consulting firm Health Futures, warns that
nurse practitioners and Pas are also in short supply. The physician crisis, meanwhile, is worse than a
lot of people realize, Goldsmith says, because a lot of the younger physicians today are working 3540 hour workweeks, not the 60-hour workweeks their predecessors did. “I think we’re headed for a
train wreck here, frankly.”
3. Hospital Payment Pressures
Gov. Rick Scott’s decision not to expand Medicaid eligibility in Florida could have a disastrous
financial impact on Florida hospitals, says Bruce Rueben, president of the Florida Hospital
Association. To help finance the Medicaid expansion, the Affordable Care Act calls for significant cuts
in Medicare payments. Hospitals accepted the cuts with the expectations that newly insured patients,
including new Medicaid enrollees, would make up for their losses. Now, says Rueben, Florida
hospitals like Jackson Memorial in Miami that provide care for a large number of indigents will feel the
pain the most and could result in cuts to services. “It’s a bad deal for Florida – a bad deal for Florida
business,” says Rueben. “They pick up the hidden cost.”
11
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St Petersburg General Hospital is the first in the Tampa Bay Area to offer
Robotic Single Site Minimally Invasive General Surgery
(April 16, 2012- St. Petersburg, FL) A surgical team at St Petersburg General Hospital performed
their first Single Site Cholecystectomy today. The patient’s gallbladder was removed through one tiny
incision in the belly button, making the procedure virtually scarless.
Performed and led by Dr. Manu Nanda, the minimally invasive procedure used robotic assistance to
remove the gallbladder through an incision of approximately one inch. The surgery was performed in
under one hour and the typical hospital stay will be less than 24 hours. The Food and Drug
Administration cleared the specialized single-site instruments for use with the robotic surgical system
in December 2011.
"Neither robotic surgery nor single-incision surgery is new, but combining the two to remove the
gallbladder requires additional training and special equipment," says Dr. Nanda. "To be the first
hospital in the Tampa Bay area to offer this technically advanced surgery demonstrates the
commitment to provide patients with the most up-to-date minimally invasive surgical options
available." Dr. Manu Nanda and Robotic Coordinator, Lisa Buchianico P.A., were trained for this
specific procedure in March at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
More than 1 million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year. Most are
performed with traditional laparoscopy using several incisions. Robotic surgeries typically require
three to five small incisions and now, this new technology allows for a single incision in the belly
button.
St Petersburg General Hospital is a forerunner in this community in the utilization of robotic
technology since 2008 and in March 2011, was the first in Tampa Bay to purchase the most
technologically advanced robotic technology, the da Vinci Si robotic surgery system and training
simulator. St Petersburg General Hospital is 1 of 25 designated GYN Robotic Surgery Training
Epicenters in the nation and trains many physicians from around the country on minimally invasive
robotic assisted surgery in several specialties.
“Single Site instruments used with the robotic platform are the next step in the evolution of surgical
technologies,” said Robert B. Conroy, CEO of St Petersburg General Hospital. “Our robotic surgery
team was the first in Tampa Bay to have the newest Si System and now as the first to utilize SingleSite surgery, we are well positioned as the leader in the surgical treatments of tomorrow.”
St Petersburg General Hospital offers various types of robotic-assisted surgeries. In addition to
gallbladder removal, St Petersburg General Hospital surgeons perform robotic-assisted surgery in
gynecology, gynecologic oncology and urology. St Petersburg General Hospital also offers a wide
range of minimally invasive conventional laparoscopic surgeries.
For information on robotic and other minimally invasive surgeries at St Petersburg General Hospital,
call 727-341-4842 or visit www.stpetegeneral.com.
St. Petersburg General Hospital is a Joint Commission accredited full-service 219-bed acute care facility, providing
comprehensive emergency, diagnostic, medical, surgical and women’s services. St Petersburg General Hospital is
accredited as a Breast Center with Digital Imaging and Computer Aided Detection, Chest Pain Center and Certified
Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Accredited Cancer Center by the Commission on Cancer.by the American College of
Surgeons and a GYN Robotic Surgery Epicenter. For more information about the hospital, please visit our website at
www.stpetegeneral.com.
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14
The Healing After the Stroke (HATS) Program
Cypress Palms, an enhanced assisted living community located at The Palms of Largo, has
introduced a new addition to their Cypress Alternative program that will aid residents who are
recovering from a stroke.
The Healing After The Stroke (HATS) program is a “Stroke Friendly” exercise program that includes
classes that are tailored to the strengths of stroke survivors. These classes are designed to enrich the
rehabilitation the participants have already undergone as a stroke survivor.
“We have partnered with the National Stroke Association and are members of the Stroke
Rehabilitation and Recovery Network. This new program will not only strengthen the survivors’ rehab
program, but it will also strengthen our community,” said Lenah Robles.
The HATS program consists of weekly yoga, exercise and fitness classes. The yoga classes are led
by Lisa Rechionne, an instructor with a background in Hatha and Kundalini yoga and more than 20
years of experience. The exercise and fitness classes are led by Ian McGarrity. McGarrity is an
experienced massage therapist and personal trainer who teaches a wide variety of classes at The
Palms of Largo. His experience, alongside the rest of the staff at The Bonsai Holistic Spa, offers
residents assistance that focuses on the unification of the mind, body and spirit. Mary Miller leads
Tune Up! – a music healing class that incorporates movements and voice techniques.
In addition to the weekly classes, the Tampa Bay senior living community hosts an education series
on the fourth Tuesday of every month that provide the most current information on research,
treatment and community offerings available to assist survivors with their recovery. By partnering with
the National Stroke Association’s Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Network, Cypress Palms has
also allowed their staff and community health care providers access to continuing education
opportunities. A support group also meets on the second Tuesday of every month to provide the
survivors the ongoing emotional support to cope with the challenges they face on a daily basis.
The Cypress Alternative program was introduced last year and offers support and increased
awareness for Cypress Palms residents and members of the community-at-large who are affected by
movement disorders such as a stroke or Parkinson’s disease. The program encourages a holistic
approach to care that focuses on exercise, education and maintaining a strong support system for
each survivor.
According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the
United States, and an estimated 800,000 Americans are expected to suffer a stroke in 2012. Studies
have shown that as much as 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through risk factor management.
For more information about The Palms of Largo or Cypress Palms, please visit
www.ThePalmsofLargo.com or www.cypressalf.com. The Palms of Largo, located in the heart of
Pinellas County, is an 88-acre campus offering housing, programs, and services for individuals of all
ages. Residents enjoy family and senior independent apartments, assisted living and memory care, a
holistic spa and fitness center, an experiential pre-school, home health care and skilled nursing. The
intergenerational living facility also features Pearl Essence, Pinellas County’s first ‘women only’
memory care environment at Cypress Palms. The campus is located within minutes of Gulf beaches,
major shopping, restaurants, and the Largo Cultural Center.
15
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction through Medical Stabilization
St Petersburg General Hospital holds the unique position of being the only hospital in Tampa Bay to
offer an innovative new inpatient medical stabilization service for adults. New Vision™ is a medical
stabilization service for people with drug, alcohol and health related issues and accepts appropriate
patients who are experiencing incapacitation due to substance use or are experiencing acute
withdrawal symptoms. The service consists of a medically supervised hospital stay for inpatient
stabilization which typically lasts 3 to 5 days. The inpatient stay includes the following aspects:
• Pre-Screening
• Assessment
• Admission
• Medical Stabilization
• Appropriate Discharge Planning
• Referrals for rehabilitation
New Vision™ has a fully qualified treatment team which includes a physician Medical Director,
service coordinators and nursing personnel and utilizes a multi-disciplinary team approach in the
individualized treatment plan of each patient. Upon admission to the hospital, the patient is assessed
and a medical history, physical, a complete laboratory workup and a nursing assessment are
accomplished. Patients, who are under the influence of chemical substances and / or other medical
co morbidities, are closely observed and medically stabilized in a safe environment and then referred
to subsequent inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and counseling services.
If I Die Young: The pain pill epidemic
Every day seven Floridians die from prescription drug overdoses. In 2010, Pinellas County had the
most deaths -249 (up 60 from the year before). ABC Action News and The Tampa Bay Times
documented the struggles of two families trying to find help and answers for their daughters and their
addictions. They followed these two young women for over a year through their downward spiral into
drug addiction, drug court and tenuous recoveries. This 60 minute documentary was a powerful
program that aired in July 2012 and was sponsored by St Petersburg General Hospital with the tag
line There is Hope. The response to the commercial during the airing of the show and throughout the
month was immense.
The medical stabilization service at St. Petersburg General Hospital continues to demonstrate that
there is a significant need in the community. The primary service area for the hospital encompasses
thirteen zip code areas around the hospital. This area includes St. Petersburg and the Pinellas midcounty and beaches area. However, less than half of the patients seeking medical stabilization
services are coming from those thirteen zip codes. Approximately 50% of the patients are coming
from the greater Tampa Bay region. “We have had patients who have come from as far away as
Orlando, Lakeland, Titusville, Sebring and St. Augustine” according to New Vision Service
Coordinator, Thomas Sachs, Ph.D. Quality measures of the service have been very impressive in
terms of follow up with various outpatient programs during several months after their discharge.
The hospital accepts appropriate patients who are experiencing problems and incapacitation due to
substance use and/or abuse, or are experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms from cessation or use
of certain substances. The service accepts most Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare plans.
For additional information contact 727-341-4913 or
http://www.stpetegeneral.com/our-services/medical-stabilization
16
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Sensible Rates – Sensible Coverage
Why Pay More?
Physicians Casualty offers a premium “discount” plan
to all Florida physicians that are members of the
Florida Osteopathic Medical Association.
“. . . PCRRG saved me and my practice a significant difference
in premiums, this was the best call I made all year.”
- Pinellas County Family Physician
Physicians Casualty, RRG
Medical Malpractice Insurance
Contact PCRRG Directly For A Free Quote
727-581-6400 or www.physicianscasualty.com
18
PCOMS Associates & Advertisers
David Maskewitz / MetLife - 941-961-6105
Elizabeth Battaglia / MetLife - 941-961-6078
Tanya Porter / JSA Healthcare - 727-828-2341
HCA Hospitals
Robert Conroy, CEO / St. Petersburg General Hospital – 727-341-4802
Anthony Degina, CEO / Largo Medical Center – 727-588-5801
Steve Daugherty, CEO / Northside Hospital – 727-521-5001
Bill Law, President / St. Petersburg College – 727-341-3241
Jeffrey Pollick / Physicians Casualty – 727-581-6400
Manuel Rose, M.D. / Rose Radiology – 727-781-3888
Michael Wilkinson & Thomas Davis / Integrated Wealth Management - 813-387-2531
Jack Armero / Physicians Revenue Solutions – 727-844-5404
Benjamin Gilbert / Hygeia Home Health – 727-343-6462
Chuck Wasson / Wasson & Associates Insurance – 727-392-4400
Bill Cavilieri, Jr. / LifeBack Consumer – 727-376-2003
Avi Elias / Cypress Palms Assisted Living – 727-559-7888
David Koon / Humana – 727-725-8080
Lee Shettle, DO / Eye Physician & Surgeon – 727-674-2500
Michael Markou, DO / Markou Hair Restoration – 727-446-0608
Merrill Krolick, DO & Ronald Walsh, DO / Heart & Vascular Institute – 727-724-8611
Leslie Gibson, RN / Suncoast Hospice – 727-586-4432
Theresa Drake, CEO / American Medical Transporters – 727-538-2500
Brian Artze /American Clinical Solutions
Michael McQuilkin / Wright’s Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
19
Calendar of Coming Events
20
October 7-11
OMED Convention
American Osteopathic Association
San Diego, California
Monday, October 22
PCOMS Board Meeting
Office Conference Center
7:00 P.M.
Friday, December 7
PCOMS Holiday Dinner Meeting
Sand Pearl Hotel
Clearwater Beach
7:00 P.M.
January 16-19, 2013
24th Annual PCOMS Winter Seminar
Sand Pearl Resort Hotel
Clearwater Beach
February 21-24, 2013
FOMA 110th Annual Convention
Hyatt Bonaventure Hotel
Weston, Florida
A resource program created by Caregivers Support Network to assist the
caregivers, and those who support caregivers, with information, hope and heart.
Community Programs • Support Groups • Speakers
On Our Campus - Support Group Schedule
Alzheimer’s Support Group
Regal Palms • 300 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
Held on the second Tuesday of each month. June Sharp, RN, Facilitator.
Light dinner served.
Arthritis Support Group
Imperial Palms East Clubhouse • 1300 Imperial Palm Drive, Largo
Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Ruth Morissette, Facilitator.
Light lunch served.
Diabetes Support Group
Regal Palms • 300 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
From our pet friendly, active
senior living to assisted living and
memory care to rehab and skilled
nursing; we have everything
you’re looking for, all on one
beautiful campus!
You will even find a holistic
spa & fitness center,
The Bonsai Holistic Spa,
in Cypress Palms that’s open
to the public.
Held on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Janet Muni, RN, CDE Facilitator. Light lunch served.
Fibromyalgia Support Group
Imperial Palms East Clubhouse • 1300 Imperial Palm Drive, Largo
Held on the second Saturday of each month. Nancy Cohen & Joel Christie,
Co-facilitators. Light lunch served.
Gluten Intolerance Support Group
Cypress Palms • 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
Held on the fourth Saturday of each month. Carolanne Leblanc, Facilitator.
Parkinson Support Group
Cypress Palms • 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
Held on the third Tuesday of each month. Faye Kern, Facilitator. Light lunch served.
Largo Parkinson Support Group is affiliated with the American Parkinson Disease
Association (APDA) sponsored by The Palms of Largo
Stroke Survivor Support Group
Cypress Palms • 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo
Everything you need on one
campus, in the Heart of
Pinellas County!
727-437-1600
www.thepalmsoflargo.com
Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Gina Wilson, Facilitator.
Light lunch served.
To R.S.V.P. or request more information
for a support group, please contact
Margie at (727) 437-1639.
The Palms of Largo is professionally managed by
THE GOODMAN GROUP
SNF Lic. #1487096, ALF# 9570, #8113, #HS8018
21
Your financial future? In excellent health.
As a healthcare professional, you’re dedicated to the physical health of your clients. MetLife representatives are
dedicated to their clients’ financial health. From life insurance to disability income insurance, we offer simple
tools and easy-to-understand guidance to help make sure the prognosis for your financial future is excellent.
Talk to your MetLife representative. See what you can do with MetLife.
David Maskewitz
Elizabeth Battaglia, MBA
Financial Services Representative
1819 Main Street, Suite 1300
Sarasota FL 34236
(941) 961-6105, D. Maskewitz
(941) 961-6078, E. Battaglia
www.cwmg.metlife.com
©2012 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166.
L0912277939[exp1013][All States][DC,GU,MP,PR,VI] © 2012 PNTS 1208-3153