PATIENT HANDBOOK - Optim Medical Center

PATIENT
HANDBOOK
800.827.6536
Table of Contents
Welcome/Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 1
Our Mission................................................................................................................................................... 1
Mission Statement...........................................................................................................................................1
Goals and Objectives.....................................................................................................................................1
Disclosure of Financial Relationships.................................................................................................. 3
Physician Ownership Disclosure: Optim Medical Center-Tattnall................................................ 3
Patient Rights............................................................................................................................................. 4
Patient Responsibilities............................................................................................................................ 5
Advance Directives.................................................................................................................................... 6
Advance Directives....................................................................................................................................... 6
Georgia Law Regarding Advance Directives...................................................................................... 6
Living Will......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care........................................................................................ 6
FAQ: Advanace Directives...................................................................................................................... 6-7
Admitting................................................................................................................................................8-13
Home Medications........................................................................................................................................ 8
Identification Bracelet................................................................................................................................. 8
Personal Items/Valuables/Lost Articles............................................................................................... 8
Safety Drills...................................................................................................................................................... 9
A Tobacco Free Environment................................................................................................................... 9
Pain Management......................................................................................................................................... 9
Improving the Safety of Your Health Care.........................................................................................10
Accessibility....................................................................................................................................................10
Telephones......................................................................................................................................................10
Television.......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Spiritual Needs............................................................................................................................................... 11
Housekeeping Services............................................................................................................................... 11
Visitors and Visiting Hours......................................................................................................................... 11
Meals and Nourishment.............................................................................................................................. 11
Nursing Services........................................................................................................................................... 12
Ancillary Services......................................................................................................................................... 12
Private Duty Nurses or Sitters................................................................................................................. 12
Volunteers....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Social Services............................................................................................................................................... 12
Financial Arrangements............................................................................................................................. 13
Before Leaving the Hospital..................................................................................................................... 13
Hospital Programs and Services..........................................................................................................14
Physicians/Specialists.............................................................................................................................15
Appointments, Locations, Telephone Numbers.........................................................................16-17
Grievance Policies.....................................................................................................................................18
Quality of Patient Care...............................................................................................................................18
Provision of Auxiliary Aids........................................................................................................................18
Non-Discrimination Policy............................................................................................................... 19-21
Notice of Health Information Practices...............................................................................................19
Use and Disclosure on PHI for National Priority Purposes..........................................................20
Patient Health Information Rights........................................................................................................20
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall Duties.................................................................................................. 21
Complaint Process....................................................................................................................................... 21
Notes.....................................................................................................................................................22-23
Welcome/Introduction
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, located at 247 Main Street, Reidsville, Georgia is a
physician-owned, Critical Access Hospital offering local healthcare services at six
clinics: Cobbtown, Darien, Glennville, Reidsville (2) and Vidalia. Emergency services
are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With many of the finest and best
trained Orthopedic surgeons in the region, Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is able to
offer a wide variety of Orthopedic services to our patients. We continually strive to
provide excellent patient care in the following services: orthopedics, neurosurgery,
interventional pain management, general surgery physical and occupational
therapy.
On behalf of our physicians and staff, we are pleased that you have chosen us for
your health care needs. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality
patient care, never forgetting your individual needs and privacy.
Our entire staff is here to help you and your physician work toward your recovery.
Please let us know if we can do anything to make your stay more comfortable.
The information in this handbook has been prepared to help answer questions you
or your family may have during your stay at Optim Medical Center-Tattnall.
Our Mission
Mission Statement
To provide our patients with the highest quality care in surgical, hospital, clinical,
diagnostic and therapeutic services with convenience, cooperation, efficiency and
cost effectiveness in a comfortable and pleasant environment.
Goals and Objectives
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•
•
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•
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To provide state-of-the-art care by maintaining quality standards at affordable
costs.
To render a wide range of patient services that benefit surrounding
communities.
To select qualified individuals of high caliber that will continuously strive
toward professional excellence.
To maintain high standards of quality patient care.
To ensure integrity, corporate responsibility and ethical behavior in all we do.
To provide physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
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2
Disclosure of Financial Relationships
We believe you are entitled to make informed decisions regarding your medical
care. To assist you in making an informed decision, we hereby notify you that Optim
Medical Center-Tattnall meets the federal definition of a physician-owned hospital
pursuant to 42 C.F.R. 439.20(u).
Alternative sources of the services for which you have been referred to this entity
are as follows:
Memorial Health University Medical Center
4700 Waters Avenue
Savannah, GA 31405
St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital System
5353 Reynolds Street
Savannah, GA 31405
East Georgia Regional Medical Center
1499 Fair Road
Statesboro, GA 30458
Physician Ownership Disclosure:Optim Medical Center-Tattnall:
Don G. Aaron, MD
Thomas M. Crews, MD
John P. George, MD
Manning M. Goldsmith, MD
Joseph C. Hegarty, MD
Bradley A. Heiges, MD
John T. Hodges, MD
Charles A. Hope, II, MD
Juha Jaakkola, MD
Mark Kamaleson, MD
William E. Kropp, MD
Thomas Lawhorne, III, MD
Donald K. McCartney, MD
John D. McCormick, MD
Christopher W. Nicholson, MD
David N. Palmer, MD
Andrew Pandya, MD
Michael D. Poole, MD
C. Mark Spivey, MD
Benjamin D. Sutker, MD
Edward J. Whelan, III, MD
James W. Wilson, Jr., MD
Kent E. Woo, MD
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Patient Rights
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Be treated with respect and kindness.
Appropriate and safe treatment for your health condition no matter what race,
age, creed, gender, national origin, or source of payment for your care.
Be told about your medical condition, treatment and outlook in terms that you
can understand, in order to make an informed decision.
Make choices about your own care, including the right to request care.
Say no to care as allowed, including refusal to participate in research.
Have your family, you caregiver or your personal physician notified of your
admission to the hospital.
Make an Advance Directive including a Living Will and/or Power of Attorney
for Healthcare. They will ask you about this when you are admitted. You also
have the right for your caregivers to follow your Advance Directive.
Privacy of your medical records and details about your care.
Look at your medical records.
Request a discharge planning evaluation.
Personal privacy.
Safety while in the hospital and facts about the use of safety items.
Be free from all forms of abuse.
Know that the hospital will give you the best care it can. You may be asked
to move to another hospital or place of treatment. If so, you will be told your
choices and what could happen with those choices.
Be told about how to continue you care upon your discharge
from the hospital.
Be told of the hospital’s rules.
Receive a copy of your bill as permitted by law.
Be told how and to whom you may voice a complaint. At Optim Healthcare,
call the Compliance Officer Hotline at 877.233.0377 or the Department
of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD), at
800.878.6442 or 404.657.5726 and by mail at 2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA
30303, or notify the Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman at www.
Medicare.gov/Ombudsman/resources.asp, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
Appropriate assessment and treatment of pain.
Emotional and physical care that supports families and children. This includes
care that supports the need of children to grow, play and learn.
Patient Responsibilities
1.
Letting the hospital know about any medicines you are taking at home, your
medical history and your present medical problems.
2. Giving the hospital a copy of your Advance Directive, if you have one.
3. Asking questions when you or your family do not understand what you have
been told about your medical condition, your treatment, or what you should
do to take care of yourself.
4. Knowing and following the hospital rules, and provide a responsible adult to
drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours if required.
5. Participating in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the
health care team.
6. Following instructions, including your plan of care as developed by you and
your health care team. Your plan of care includes the effect of lifestyle on
your health. Your are also responsible for accepting the consequences of not
getting treatment or not following the instructions of your caregivers.
7. Educating yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are
undergoing, and your treatment plan.
8. Asking a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
9. Showing respect toward other patients and the hospital staff. This includes
treating hospital belongings with respect.
10. Paying your hospital bill. This includes giving the hospital correct information
about your insurance or the way you will pay your bill*
11. Letting the hospital know of any suggestions you may have for improving the
quality of care rendered to our patients.
These rights and responsibilities can and should be exercised on the patient’s
behalf by the patient, guardian, designated surrogate or proxy decision-maker if the
patient lacks decision-making capacity, is legally incompetent, or is a minor.
*You may also receive a separate bill from the surgeon, anesthesiologist, lab and/
or radiologist.
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Advance Directives
Advance Directives
What are Advance Directives? Advance Directives are documents which State your
choice about medical treatment in case of serious illness. They must be filed out in
advance of a serious illness, or must name someone who can make choices for you if
you become too ill to make decisions for yourself. The hospital will provide a booklet,
before you sign any documents, which explains your choices. Through Advance
Dierctives, such as Living Wills or Durable Power of attorney for health care, you can
legally make valid decisions concerning your medical treatment, control all aspects of
his or her personal care and insist upon medical treatment, decline medical treatment,
or direct that medical treatment be withdrawn. If you do not fully understand the
information a designated staff member at the hospital can provide more information to
you. Questions about your medical care at the end of life are very important. Medical
technology can prolong life, but to be in control of that process, you must make choices
about the use of this technology in advance and take care of paperwork about it in
advance.
Georgia Law Regarding Advance Directives
What does the Georgia law say? Generally, you have the right to refuse any medical
or surgical treatment you do not wish to receive. Georgia law allows you to sign
advance directives so that your wishes will be followed, even if you become unable to
communicate them to your healthcare provider.
Living Will
What is a living will? It is a document which instructs your doctor to withhold or stop
any life-sustaining procedures if you become terminally ill. State law describes the kind
of form which must be used in order to have a valid living will. A lawyer is not needed
to draw up a living will although you may wish to consult one. Once written, the living
will must be signed, dated and witnessed.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
What is a Durable Power of Attorney for health care? It is similar to an Advance
Directive. It’s a signed, dated and witnessed document in which you can name another
person (an agent) to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to make
them. In a health care power of attorney, you can describe treatment you want and do
not want. It can relate to any medical condition such as Alzheimers Disease, rather than
just a terminal illness. Georgia law describes a health care power of attorney form, but
other forms are also acceptable. A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care form can
be written without the advice of a lawyer, although you may decide to consult one.
Who Should Have an Advance Directive?
A severe illness or serious accident can happen to any person at any age—it’s not just
for senior citizens. If you have strong feelings about what choices you would want to
make in such a situation, regardless of any age, you are encouraged to consider signing
an Advance Directive.
Can An Advance Directive Be Changed At Any Time?
Yes. If you wish to make a change, be sure to destroy all outdated copies and provide
updated copies to your family, physician and attorney. If you wish to revoke an Advance
Directive while receiving treatment at a hospital, notify your physician or nurse.
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What If I Have An Emergency?
Will an Advance Directive be honored in an emergency situation? Usually it is
impossible to determine the chances for survival in an emergency situation or to
determine the outlook for recovery. After the initial emergency has passed, and
depending upon your condition, your Advance Directive may be considered if you
are unable to express your wishes.
How Long Will An Advance Directive Be Valid?
There is no time limit for an Advance Directive, but you are encouraged to update
any Advance Directive periodically, since this indicates you have given the matter a
great deal of thought.
If I Am Pregnant, Are There Any Limitations On Carrying Out An
Advance Directive?
Yes, most likely any instructions which would result in withdrawing life-prolonging
treatments would not be honored during the time you are pregnant.
If I Do Not Have An Advance Directive Can I Be Refused Admission To
A Hospital?
No. Federal law prohibits a hospital from refusing to admit a patient because he
or she does not have an Advance Directive. However, hospitals are required to ask
adult patients if they have Advance Directives document their answers and provide
information on state laws and hospital policies about them.
Does Optim Medical Center- Tattnall Have An Advance Directives Policy?
Yes, it is our policy to honor a patient’s Advance Directive if it meets the
requirements of state law. We recognize and respect the right of patients to accept
or reject offered medical or surgical treatment to the extent permitted by law.
Where Can I Get Forms For Advance Directives?
You can obtain Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care forms by
writing to Medical Association of Georgia, the State Bar Association the Georgia
Hospital Association or your local hospital. If you plan to sign the document while
receiving treatment at the hospital, you, or your family members will be responsible
for assuring witnesses, other than hospital personnel, are present when you sign
the documents, as required by law.
Georgia Hospital Association
1675 Terrell Mill Road
Marietta, GA 30367
(404) 955-0324
Medical Association of Georgia
938 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 876-7535
State Bar of Georgia
50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 800
Atlanta, GA 30303-2934
(404) 527-8700
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
247 S. Main Street
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-1000
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Admitting
We believe that a smooth admitting procedure is one of the keys in helping to
make your stay more pleasant. All information gathered at the time of admission
is required by the state of Georgia, Department of Public health, federal agencies
or health insurance companies. If you do not have insurance, Medicare or Medicaid
cards with you at the time of admission, please have a family member bring
them to the Admitting Office no later than the day following admission. Any
deductible and/or co-payment amounts are due at the time of service unless prior
arrangements have been made.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and if you don’t understand
something, please ask about it. You have a right to know.
Please pay close attention to the care you are receiving and do not assume
anything. Make sure you are getting the correct treatments and medications by the
appropriate health care professionals.
Home Medications
Please give your nurse any medications your doctor has instructed you to bring
to the hospital. For your safety always leave your medications in the bottle you
purchased them in. They must be properly identified in order for you to continue
taking any home medications while a patient in the hospital. The type and name of
the medication, the prescription strength, and the directions must be verified and
noted in your medical chart to ensure you receive the correct dosage at the correct
time. A hospital usually does not carry every drug in a similar group of drugs. For
example, there may be 10 drugs which work the same way. A hospital would usually
carry one or more of these instead of all 10. These similar drugs may be substituted
for ones you may have been taking at home. Occasionally, we may ask that you use
some of your own prescription drugs while you are a patient, so your drug therapy
is not interrupted. Otherwise, all of your home medications should be sent home
with a family member.
Identification Bracelet
This bracelet is designed for your protection and for positive identification. Hospital
personnel will verify your bracelet information to assure that your doctor’s orders
are followed correctly. We ask that you please wear it until you leave the hospital.
Personal Items/Valuables/Lost Articles
The policy of Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is to ensure that all patient valuables
are protected and secure. However, we recommend that valuables not be brought
into the facility. The hospital cannot assume responsibility for valuables retained by
you during your hospitalization. If, upon admission the patient has more than $5.00
or any valuables, we advise them to send them home with a relative or place them
in the hospital safe. In this case, or if the patient arrives in an altered mental state:
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1.
2.
The valuable(s) will be identified in a the presence of the patient or family
member with a description of the valuable(s).
Listed valuables will placed in an envelope, and a receipt issued before being
placed in a secure area.
If anything is reported lost or stolen by a patient, visitor or employee, a full incident
report should be completed about the stolen article. Any articles that are found or
left behind at the facility shall be tagged with the locations, date, and any other
information and turned into administration. At the end of 30 days from the time the
article is received, unclaimed articles will be disposed of as deemed necessary by
hospital administration.
Eyeglasses, contact lenses and dentures should be kept in protective containers
when not in use. Please do not leave these items on your food tray, on your bedside
table or other places where they might get lost or damaged.
If a lost item is not found prior to your discharge from the hospital, please leave
your telephone number and address information with hospital administration to
ensure that you can be contacted if the item is found.
Safety Drills
Fire and disaster drills for our staff are a necessary part of maintaining employee
preparedness for these events. If a drill should take place while you are a patient,
you may see or hear specific activity. If so, please do not let this activity alarm you.
Staff members will inform you if there is a need to take action.
A Tobacco Free Environment
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is committed to preventive care and the promotion
of healthy lifestyle habits. As such, Optim Medical Center-Tattnall provides a
tobacco-free environment for every patient, staff member, student and visitor.
A patient smoking area has been designated outside at the rear of the surgery
building in a specific area. Smoking anywhere else on hospital grounds other than
the designated smoking area is prohibited.
Pain Management
Your patient care team will assess your pain and your physician will provide
appropriate treatment for your pain. Tell your nurse or doctor if pain medications
are not working and ask about different methods of pain relief. You may request
medication from the nurse if you are having pain. Medication can only be given in
the dosage and frequency ordered by your physician.
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Improving the Safety of Your Health Care
Please ask for assistance when using a wheelchair, walker, or bedside commode.
Speak up if you have concerns. Ask a relative or friend to be with you if this will
help you ask questions and understand the answers. Write down your questions as
you think of them so you not forget them when your health care providers come to
visit you.
Whenever you are receiving any medication or blood, having a blood sample drawn,
your name band should be checked for proper identification by the health care worker.
This should be done in all cases; if they forget, remind them to check it.
Keep a list of all the medications that you take close at hand. Make sure you list
the name of the medication, strength and frequency that your doctor ordered. If
it looks different than you expected, ask about the medication. Tell your doctor,
pharmacist, and nurse about any drug allergies you have and all medications that
you are taking including vitamins and herbals.
Ask the doctor or nurse when and how you will receive the results of all tests and
procedures.
Talk with your doctor about your care options. Ask about follow-up care
instructions before you leave the hospital.
The best way to prevent the spread of infection is through proper hand washing.
Health care personnel should wash their hands before and after providing hands-on
care to patients. Speak up and ask if your caregivers have washed their hands.
Accessibility
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall strives to make all services accessible to all patients
with disabilities. If you have special needs, please discuss them with your nurse or
call the Utilization Review Nurse at 912-557-1206
Telephones
For your convenience, each patient room has a private telephone to allow you to
stay in touch with family and friends. Outgoing local calls may be placed at any
time, at no charge. To place a local call, press “9”; then immediately dial the number
(you will not hear a dial tone after pressing “9”). You will not be able to place long
distance phone calls from your room unless you are calling an 800 number, using
a credit card call, or a collect call. Please ask your nurse to assist you should you
need to place a long distance call. Incoming calls to patients come through our
switchboard.
Any problems with your telephone should be reported to your nurse immediately.
The issue will be reported to our IT department. They will try to resolve your
problem before reporting it to the local telephone company.
Patient rooms are located in the “100” and “200” halls. To dial a patient room in the
“100” hall, press 1 then the room number; to dial a patient room in the “200” hall,
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press 2 then the room number. The operator/receptionist can be reached by dialing
“0”. Patient rooms do not have voice mail service.
Television
Each patient room has a television. The remote to operate your TV is located on
the bedside table. Your nurse can show you how to operate the remote. The remote
is hospital property and should remain in your room when you are discharged.
Channel listings for the local cable television provider should be in your room when
you arrive.
Spiritual Needs
Volunteer Chaplains provide pastoral care for patients and their families. You may
direct your request for a Chaplain to your care-giver.
Housekeeping Services
Housekeeping will empty your waste containers and clean your room once daily. If you
require additional services, or if you have any concerns regarding the cleanliness of
your room for the hospital, please contact your nurse, the Housekeeping department,
extension 1240, or the Chief Nursing Officer, extension 1205.
Parking
Parking is available directly in front of the hospital with designated parking spaces
available for the handicapped. Parking for the Emergency Room is located to the
left of the Emergency Room Entrance. Since space is limited, please be careful not
to block Emergency Medical Service personnel from being able to access or use
the Emergency Entrance. At times, it is necessary to transport a critical patient to
another hospital via helicopter. If an announcement is made to move vehicles from
the Emergency Parking area, they must be moved immediately to ensure that the
approaching helicopter can land and take off safely without a delay.
Visitors and Visiting Hours
Although rest is a vital part of your treatment, we know how important visits from
friends or family can be because visitors can often be a significant factor in the
comfort and happiness of the patient. However medical considerations must also be
considered and certain rules are necessary for the health and the well-being of all
patients. Family and friends are welcome to visit between 9:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
We ask that you limit visitors to two at a time. Children under 13 may be permitted
with special permission form the doctor or the Nursing Shift Supervisor. We ask
that visitors cooperate by respecting our visitor regulations.
Nurses may ask visitors to leave the room while procedures are being conducted or
if it is judged best for the well-being of patient. If you do not want visitors in your
room please tell your nurse. Our staff will respect your request for privacy.
Meals and Nourishment
The diet prescribed by your physician is an important part of your recuperation and
total care. Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, menu selections for each
day will be prepared for all patients by our dietary staff under the direction of a
registered, licensed dietitian.
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Meals are served in the room according to the following schedule:
Breakfast: 7:30–8 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. Dinner: 5–5:30 p.m.
If you have special dietary needs, please discuss them with your doctor and our
staff. To reach the Dietary Manager with dietary concerns please call extension 1228
or the Dietary Department at extension 1229.
Nursing Services
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is dedicated to providing the optimum in Nursing
Care. The Nursing Staff are trained and experienced in providing the type and
amount of care needed to meet the needs of our patients. Their role is vital to the
Patient Care Team. Nursing Service Staff members are Registered Nurses, Licensed
Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Unit Secretaries, Activity Coordinator,
Total Joint Program Coordinator and Discharge Planner. Should you have any
questions or concerns about your nurse or other members of your nursing team,
please contact the Chief Nursing Officer at extension 1205.
Ancillary Services
Your medical and nursing teams are supported by a range of other healthcare
professionals including pharmacists, dietitians, respiratory therapists, physical
therapists, laboratory technicians and radiology technicians. These staff members
play an important part in providing the care you need. To help you identify the
staff that are providing the services to you, each hospital employee wears an
identification badge which shows his or her job title. Each student wears an
identification badge that identifies him or her as a student health care provider and
the school they represent. Speak up and ask any caregiver where his or her name
badge is if they are not wearing one.
Private Duty Nurses or Sitters
After a discussion with your physician, you or your family may decide that a private
duty nurse or sitter would best serve your needs. The patient and family are
responsible for the expense. Such nurses are employees of the patient, rather than
the hospital, so fees should be paid directly to them. You will be responsible for
locating a private duty nurse or sitter.
Volunteers
Our hospital volunteers are a valuable source of support to our patients, patient’s
family and our staff. The Volunteers work in various capacities throughout our
organization. Through their efforts, they have provided the hospital with equipment
and other supplies needed to deliver quality health care. Being a Volunteer can
be a very rewarding experience. If you, a family member or someone you know
is interested in becoming part of this organization, please contact our Director of
Volunteers at 912-557-1212.
Social Services
The Utilization Management/Discharge Planning Department assists patients and
families in meeting their social, emotional and financial needs, which often result
from illness, injury or hospitalization. This department offers Discharge Planning
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Services such as home care arrangements including home health nurses, aids,
medical equipment, supplies, etc. They may assist with nursing home placement,
transfers to other acute care or specialty care facilities, counseling services
(personal, family and financial) and community agency referral services. The
Utilization Management staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Utilization may be reached at 912-557-1206.
Financial Arrangements
Any special arrangements concerning the payment of your hospital bill must be
made with the Financial Counselor. You may reach the Financial Counselor Monday
through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 912-557-1226. While in the hospital,
a Billing Office Representative may contact you or a family member to ensure that
our records reflect complete and accurate information.
Before Leaving the Hospital
Talk to your doctor about the proper care, diet, exercise and medication to help you
while you recuperate at home.
Be sure to check hospital closets, drawers, restroom and bedside table for any
personal belongings, as well as retrieving any items you may have placed in the
safe at the nurses’ station.
All bed linens, blankets, hospital gowns, wheelchairs and TV remotes are the
property of Optim Medical Center-Tattnall and are not to be removed from the
hospital.
In the event that you or your family has any questions or concerns about the quality
of care, or our services, we encourage you to contact our Chief Nursing Officer by
calling 912-557-1205. If you are unable to contact the Chief Nursing Officer, ask for
the Nurse Manager or Charge Nurse on duty.
Thank you for selecting Optim Medical Center-Tattnall. We hope we have shown
you in many ways how happy we have been to be of service to you and your
family.
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Hospital Programs and Services
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is a 25 bed critical access facility. We provide services
for both outpatients and inpatients. The hospital operates five clinics, three of
which are rural clinics in Cobbtown, Darien, Glennville and Reidsville. The other two
hospital affiliated clinics are located in Reidsville and Vidalia.
Programs & Services:
24-Hour Emergency Services
Hospital Auxiliary
Diagnostic Imaging Services
• CT Scanner
• Diagnostic Radiography
• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• C-Arm
• MRI
Dietary/Nutrition Services
Patient Education Services
Surgical Services
Full Service Laboratory
Pain Management
Rehabilitation Services
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
Cardiopulmonary Services
• EKGs
• 24 Hour Holter
Complete Pulmonary
• Function Testing
EMG’s
With the finest and best trained Orthopedic surgeons in the region, Optim Medical
Center-Tattnall is able to offer the following:
Orthopedic Services:
• Foot & Ankle
• Hand, Wrist & Elbow
• Interventional Pain Management
• Joint Replacement
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Neck & Back
• Sports Medicine
• Trauma & General Orthopedics
Other Surgical Specialties:
•ENT
•Gastroenterology
• General Surgery
•Neurosurgery
Other Medical Specialties Available:
•Cardiology
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Practice
• General Practice
• Internal Medicine
•Rheumatology
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Physicians/Specialists
Cardiology
Charles E. Drake, MD
ENT
Thomas M. Crews, MD
Michael Poole, MD
Manning M. Goldsmith, III, MD
General Surgery
Donald F. Kennedy, MD
Interventional Pain Management
Joseph C. Hegarty, MD
Markus Neiderwanger, MD
Andrew B. Pandya, M.D
Spencer Paterson, M.D
Neurosurgery
Timothy Phillips, MD
John Sarzier, MD
Primary Care
Mallory G. Smith, MD – Family Practice
Paul A. Whitlock, Jr., MD – General Practice
Orthopedics
Don G. Aaron, MD
Thomas Alexander, MD
Jonathan Christy, MD
Michael D. Gaines, MD
John P. George, MD
Bradley A. Heiges, MD
John T. Hodges, MD
Charles A. Hope, II, MD
Juha I. Jaakkola, MD
S. Mark Kamaleson, MD
Gregory Kolovich, MD
William E. Kropp, MD
Thomas W. Lawhorne, III, MD
Donald K. McCartney, MD
John D. McCormick, MD
Christopher W. Nicholson, MD
David N. Palmer, MD
C. Mark Spivey, MD
Benjamin D. Sutker, MD
Stephen Tankersley, MD
Edward J. Whelan, III, MD
James W. Wilson, Jr., MD
Kent E. Woo, MD
Rheumatology
Kathy Lynn, MD
15
Appointments, Locations and Telephone Numbers
An appointment may be made with any Orthopedic physician by calling
800-827-6536. Physicians rotate between satellite offices located in Baxley,
Claxton, Darien, Douglas, Dublin, Glenwood, Hinesville, Metter, Millen, Pooler,
Reidsville, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Sandersville, Savannah, Springfield, Statesboro,
Sylvania, Tifton, Twin city, Valdosta, Vidalia, Waycross, Georgia as well as Bluffton,
South Carolina.
Appointments at any of our hospital affiliated clinics located in Cobbtown, Darien,
Glennville, Reidsville, and Vidalia can be made by contacting the appropriate clinic
telephone number listed below.
Hospital
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
247 S. Main Street
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-1000
Affiliated Clinics
Optim Primary Care-Cobbtown
36671 Hwy 23
Cobbtown, GA 30420
(912) 648-2071
Optim Primary Care-Vidalia
1811 Edwina Drive
Vidalia, GA 30474
(912) 537-9779
Optim Primary Care-Glennville
1000B N. Veterans Blvd
Glennville, GA 30427
(912) 654-4599 (912) 654-1080
Optim Surgery Associates-Reidsville
131 Memorial Drive
Reidsville, GA 30453
(877) 343- 4119
(912) 557-6224
Optim Primary Care–Reidsville
125 Memorial Drive
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-3434
Optim Primary Care-Darien
1001 North Way
Darien, GA 31305
(912) 437-3266
Surgery Centers
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
247 S. Main Street
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-1000
Optim Medical Center-Screven
215 Mims Road
Sylvania, GA 30467
(912) 564-7426
Optim Surgery Center-Savannah
210 E. DeRenne Ave.
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 644-5343
Optim Medical Center-Jenkins
931 East Winthrope Avenue
Millen, GA 30442
(478) 982-4221
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MRI Services
SavannahStatesboro
210 E. DeRenne Ave.
16915 Suite A US Hwy 67 South
Savannah, GA 31405
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 644-5313
(912) 681-6747
Optim Medical Center–Tattnall
247 S. Main Street
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-1204
Therapy Services
Armstrong Atlantic University
11935 Abercorn St.
Savannah, GA 31419
(912) 344-3540
Savannah
210 E. DeRenne Ave.
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 644-5333
Optim Medical Center–Jenkins
931 East Winthrope Ave.
Millen, GA 30442
(877) 689-1561
Statesboro
16915 Suite A US Hwy 67 South
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 681-6747
Pooler
101 W. Mulberry Blvd. Ste. 140
Pooler, GA 30453
(912) 748-5111
Optim Medical Center–Screven
215 Mims Road
Sylvania, GA 30467
(912) 564-5232
Optim Medical Center–Tattnall
247 South Main St
Reidsville, GA 30453
(912) 557-1000
Vidalia
3301 East First St., Suite B
Vidalia, GA 30474
(912) 537-0888
Rincon
810 Towne Park Dr. Ste. 200
Rincon, GA 31326
(912) 826-2533
17
Grievance Policies
I understand that it shall be the policy of Optim Medical Center-Tattnall that no
person will be excluded, denied benefits to, or otherwise be discriminated against
on the grounds of race, color, or national origin or on the basis of disability or age in
admission to, participation in, or the receipt of the services and benefits under any
of its programs and activities, whether carried out by Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
or through a contractor or any other entity with Optim Medical Center-Tattnall …
And activities
This statement is in accordance with the provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of
1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued
pursuant to these statutes at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 80, 84, and
91. In case of questions concerning this policy or in the event of a desire to file a
complaint alleging violations of the policy please immediately contact:
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
Compliance Officer
(912) 629-6925
Quality of Patient Care
I understand that, without fear of retribution, I may express my concerns about the
patient care provide in this facility. Concerns may be expressed to:
Optim Medical Center–Tattnall
Chief Nursing Officer: (912) 557-1205
I also understand that I may file a formal complaint with the Department of Public
Health by contacting the Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) at 1-404-657-5726 or
by notifying the Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman at www.Medicare.
gov/Omsbudsman/resoucrs.asp 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) TTY users
should call 1-877-486-2048. This notice is posted in the hospital as required by
regulation of the Department of Public Health.
Provision for Auxiliary Aids
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall will take appropriate steps to ensure that persons
with disabilities, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or who have
other sensory of manual impairments, have an equal opportunity to participate in
our services, activities, programs, and other benefits. All necessary auxiliary aids
and services shall be provided without cost to the person being serviced. Such aids
and services will include qualified interpreters, persons qualified to communicate
with sign language, foreign language translators, qualified readers, large print
documents, writing materials, TDDs, communication boards, note takes and speaker
telephones.
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Non-Discrimination Policy
As a recipient of Federal financial assistance, Optim Medical Center-Tattnall does
not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on
the grounds of face, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in
admission to, participation, or the receipt of the services and benefits under any of
its programs and activities, whether carried out by Optim Medical Center-Tattnall or
through a contractor or any other entity with which Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
arranges to carry out its programs and activities.
This statement is in accordance with the provision of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of
1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued
pursuant to these statutes at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 80, 84, and
91.
Notice of Health Information Practices
THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE
USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.
PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.
Optim Medical Center–Tattnall
247 S. Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453
Telephone Number: (912) 557-1000
Fax Number: (912) 557-1009
Private Health Information (PHI) will be used for the purpose of Treatment,
Payment, or Healthcare Operations only (writing prescriptions, planning menus,
and mailing out bills).
For example:
1. Information that identifies you will be entered in your record and used to
determine the course of treatment that should work best for you, and your
health care team will use this record to document the actions they took and
their own operations.
2. A bill sent to you or a third party payer may include information that identifies
you, your diagnosis, procedures and supplies used.
3. The quality improvement team may use information in your health record
to assess the care and outcomes in your case and others like it and use this
information in an effort to continually improve the quality and effectiveness of
the healthcare and service we provide.
PHI may be disclosed to another Healthcare Provider for Treatment and Payment
activities of the other Healthcare Provider. PHI may also be disclosed to another
Healthcare Provider for its healthcare Operations if:
1. The Health Care Provider has or has had a relationship with the patient who is
the subject of the PHI.
2. The PHI pertains to that relationship; and
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3. The disclosure is for the purpose of either conducting quality assessment
and/or improvement activities, reviewing the competence or qualifications of
healthcare professionals, or for detecting fraud and abuse of complying with
the same.
PHI may be used for the following. (If the patient objects to any of the uses listed
below, please cross them out.)
1. Contact patients to remind them of appointments.
2. To give information about treatment alternatives of other health-related
benefits and services.
3. Facility Directories.
4. Research studies conducted by medical staff and allied health staff.
5. Notification of family member, other relative or close personal friend of health
information relevant to that person’s involvement in your care of payment
related to your care.
Use and disclosure on PHI for National Priority purposes
The Privacy Rules permit Optim Medical Center-Tattnall to comply with national
priority purposes, requiring the use of disclosure of PHI without obtaining an
Authorization. For example, use and disclosure as required by law, public health
activities, judicial and administrative proceedings, health oversight activities and
law enforcement purposes.
Patient Health Information Rights:
Although the health record is the physical property of the healthcare practitioner or
facility that compiled it, the information belongs to the patient.
The patient has the right to:
1. Receive PHI via confidential communications.
2. Request that Optim Medical Center-Tattnall restrict the use and disclosure of
his/her PHI.
3. Access, inspect and copy his/her PHI.
4. Request amendments to his/her PHI.
5. Receive an accounting of all disclosures of his/her PHI during the 6 years starting
April 14, 2003, prior to the date of the patient’s request for the accounting.
6. A patient has the right to receive a copy of Optim Medical Center-Tattnall
privacy notice either electronically or in paper format.
7. A patient authorization will be required for any use and disclosure of PHI
for any purpose other than treatment, payment, and healthcare operations.
Request for items 2,3,4 or 5 should be sent in wring to:
HIM Director
247 S. Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453
Telephone Number: (912) 557-1220
Fax Number: (912) 557-1828
A response will be sent within 30 business days and all such requests, responses
and actions taken will be documented. Patients will have to pay for the cost
of copying and mailing records. All forms necessary for these requests will be
available at the business office.
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Optim Medical Center–Tattnall DUTIES:
1. The law requires that Optim Medical Center-Tattnall maintains the privacy
of PHI and that it will provide individuals with notice of its legal duties and
privacy practices regarding PHI.
2. Optim Medical Center-Tattnall is required to abide by the terms of the notice;
and
3. Optim Medical Center-Tattnall reserves the right to change the terms of its
notice and how individuals will receive any such revised notice. Should our
information practices change, we will mail a revised notice to the address you
have supplied us.
4. Optim Medical Center-Tattnall will enter into Business Associate Agreements
to mitigate their liability for any unauthorized uses or disclosures by Optim
Medical Center-Tattnall Business Association.
Complaint Process:
The patient has the right to complain to Optim Medical Center-Tattnall and to the
Secretary of DHHS if they believe their rights have been violated. Please address
such complaints to:
HIM Director
247 S. Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453
Telephone Number: (912) 557-1220
Fax Number: (912) 557-1828
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall will not retaliate against a patient for filing a
complaint.
Contact Information:
Please contact the HIPAA Privacy Officer for additional information concerning
Optim Medical Center-Tattnall privacy practices.
HIPAA Privacy Officer/HIM Director
247 S. Main Street, Reidsville, GA 30453
Telephone Number: (912) 557-1220
Fax Number: (912) 557-1828
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Notes and Important Things to Remember
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800.827.6536