SystemHappenings a publication for the Berger family
Top Performer on Joint Commission Key Quality Measures
In this issue
Learn more about the new award, stay up to date on upcoming holiday celebrations and learn details about our new Employee Clinic.
Internal Medicine Announcement Berger Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Keith Holten, has made a commitment to increase his clinical time in a collaborative effort with Pickaway Health Services providers. Effective Tuesday, November 5th, he will begin seeing patients two days per week in the PHS Internal Medicine Office alongside Drs. Palmer and Singh. In addition to providing patient care, he will be exploring novel ways to improve primary access for our community. Visits with PHS providers can be scheduled by calling 740-420-8422.
Congratulations! Congratulations to three of our own who have been nominated for Nurse of the Year. Valerie Hugus, Dana Liston and Lori Hamann are the award nominees for Berger Health System. The recognition program is sponsored by The March of Dimes. All three nominees are experienced nurses who have demonstrated a long commitment to Berger, their profession and our patients. They will be honored and acknowledged at a dinner in Columbus on Saturday evening where statewide winners will be announced. Congratulations and thank your for honoring Berger with your achievement.
Gift Shop Holiday Bazaar and Friends of Berger Food Sale & Raffle
by Kyleen Valone kyleen.valone@bergerhealth.com The holiday season is quickly approaching! Get a jump start on your shopping at the Berger Gift Shop Holiday Bazaar on November 12th and 13th. The sale will feature ornaments, holiday giftware, jewelry, OSU gifts, cards, gift bags, baby and children’s gifts and more! Proceeds from the sale support Berger with equipment purchases for patient care and nursing scholarships for Pickaway County high school graduating seniors. The Berger Gift Shop Board and volunteers extend their sincere appreciation to all Berger team members for their continuous support of the Gift Shop throughout the holidays and all year long,” said Doris Gillespie, administrative chair of the Berger
Hospital Gift Shop. “Without your wonderful support, we would not be able to provide all the equipment we have given throughout the years.” Gift Shop Holidary Bazaar Sale Hours Tuesday, November 12: 8 a.m.—7 p.m. Wednesday, November 13: 9 a.m.—3 p.m. In addition to the Holiday Bazaar, the Friends of Berger will be hosting their annual Holiday Food Sale & Raffle on November 12-13 in the Berger Hospital Lobby. Specialty food items available at the sale include: cheese, nuts and fruit cakes. Proceeds from their sale support continuing education opportunities and scholarships for clinical team members at Berger Health System. Friends of Berger Holiday Sale & Raffle Tuesday, November 12: 8 a.m.—7 p.m. Wednesday, November 13: 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Berger Health System Earns ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures’ Recognition from The Joint Commission by Shea McMahon shea.mcmahon@bergerhealth.com Berger Health System was recently named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America. Berger Health System was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. The clinical processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services. New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza. Berger Health System is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Berger Health System was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: pneumonia and surgical care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year. The list of Top Performer organizations increased by 77 percent from last year and it represents 33 percent of all Joint Commissionaccredited hospitals reporting accountability measure performance data for
2012. Berger Health System and each of the hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures must: 1) achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures; 2) achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases; and 3) have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measures have a performance rate of 95 percent or above. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – examples include giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics one hour before surgery, or providing a home management plan of care for children with asthma. “Berger Hospital and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” says Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P., M.P.H., president
and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinction. This truly shows that we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.” “We understand that what matters most to patients at Berger Health System is safe, effective care. Berger has been committed to exceptional care at every level of the organization, including incredible leadership from board members Charles Hedges and Pamela Mets. Berger Health System is proud to receive the distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures,” says Tim Colburn, President/CEO. In addition to being included in today’s release of The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Berger Health System will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.
In the News: Readmission Rate Reduction Policies Changing Health Care Culture, Officials Say by Andy Chow Ohio Public Radio News Bureau The following text is the radio script which recently ran on NPR affiliates across the State of Ohio. Bruce Vanderhoff is senior vice president and chief medical officer for OhioHealth, a network of 17 hospitals in the Columbus area and around central Ohio. That transformation he’s talking about was sparked by a provision of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which penalizes hospitals with high readmission rates. “It is no exaggeration to say that we are working with them to transform the model of health care delivery,” Vanderhoff said. With a possible cut to Medicare reimbursement on the line, medical facilities around the country are thinking of new ways to make sure patients don’t need to come back for additional treatment. Like many other hospitals around the state, OhioHealth placed an emphasis on patient education, making sure they know everything about their treatment and medication before they walk out the door. Vanderhoff said it’s also important to identify which patients are at a higher risk of readmission. Hospitals do this by providing health coaches who visit
Click Here to Listen to the Full Audio patients’ homes and help further their treatment. Follow-up phone calls, pharmacy consultations, and in-depth meetings with a patient’s family are also used in the process. “I’m always impressed by how energetically our nurses and doctors and respiratory therapists and others, our pharmacists, have engaged in that good work, because they have to help the patients understand their medication, understand their treatment plan,” he said. OhioHealth serves a wide area which includes many urban communities. But what about the state’s rural areas? Berger Health System has a hospital in Circleville which serves a smaller population. Tim Colburn, president and CEO, says this can sometimes be a good thing. “So our physicians probably know our patients a bit closer—more intimately,” Colburn said. “Our health care providers inside the hospital know their patients better. So we get that interactive, personal relationship to impact an individual or a patient’s behavior.” Keith Holten, chief medical officer for Berger, admitted there are some unique
challenges when it comes to reducing readmissions as a smaller establishment, but said that’s no excuse. “Instead of being a challenge, as an organization we view this as an opportunity to be innovative and to think outside the box because of our size,” Holten said. Both Holten and Colburn echoed Vanderhoff’s belief that the effort to bring down readmission rates has helped redefine the culture of health care, with community engagement as the cornerstone. “One of the important transitions that’s occurring in health care is for all of us to understand that we care for a population and a community of patients, instead of taking care of them in the hospital,” Holten said. “And many of the things that we have done are helping us to move in a direction of managing the population’s instead of their diseases.” The officials from OhioHealth and Berger Health System say the foundation for readmission reduction has been established in the first year of the provision and believe their rates will continue to decline as the roots of their policies settle in.
Circle of Caring – Faith in Action presents ‘Acoustical Dinner on an Autumn Evening’
Circle of Caring – Faith in Action is proud to announce the upcoming event, Acoustical Dinner on an Autumn Evening on Saturday, November 9th. The event features renowned singer pianist Phill Wilson and Nashville Country-Pop Recording Artist Jill Burke. Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Circleville Nazarene Church at 2264 Walnut Creek Pike. The dinner and concert will feature your choice of turkey, pork or a vegetarian dinner. Tickets for the event are $20 and proceeds will benefit Circle of Caring – Faith in Action, a community service volunteer group that serves Pickaway County’s frail, elderly and disabled residents. Circle of Caring provides: Transportation – Help someone get to the grocery, beauty shop, or medical appointments. Handyman chores – Lend your expertise by performing minor repairs and maintenance.
Yard work – Raking leaves, shoveling snow, and trimming bushes will be much appreciated. Shopping/Errands – A trip to the store or pharmacy will be much appreciated. Light housekeeping – You can help with meal preparation, laundry, dusting, sweeping and more. Friendly visiting in person and by phone – How important is it when you call or stop by Respite care – Help a family take a break and recharge from caring for a family member Ramp building – Entry rails, grab bars, steps to enhance home accessibility. All of these efforts are designed to help maintain those in need, independence, dignity, and quality of life in their own homes. Circle of Caring services are coordinated by Berger Health System, with support from the United Way of Pickaway County, local churches, and the community at large. To purchase tickets, please contact Martha Buller at 740-474-7844.
Friday Dec. 6 7-11 pm Amvets 818 Tarlton Rd Circleville
Formal Invitations Coming Soon!
SAVE THE DATE!
by Martha Buller martha.buller@bergerhealth.com
Berger Holiday Party
Berger Hospice set to host 21st Annual Light Up a Life Ceremony December 1st by Kyleen Valone kyleen.valone@bergerhealth.com Berger Hospice invites our team members, along with the community, to join them for the 21st annual Light Up A Life – Tree Lighting Ceremony & Service on Sunday, December 1. The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm with the tree lighting in front of the Pickaway County Courthouse and will continue in a candlelight procession to Saint Joseph Church - 134 West Mound St. - for the memorial service and refreshments. As part of the ceremony, the names of all those who are being honored and remembered will be read and included in a special program. Berger Hospice is Pickaway County’s only community based, non-profit hospice program. Light Up a Life raises
money for our program and the many people we serve. All contributions go directly to patient care and supplies.
To honor a loved one, luminaries may be purchased for $5, available at the Berger Health Foundation, 1280 North Court St., Circleville, OH 43113
Berger Apparel Orders Extended to Friday, November 8th by Kyleen Valone kyleen.valone@bergerhealth.com Show your Berger team pride this fall/winter season with stylish, comfortable apparel! Visit the Berger Intranet and click on the BHS Fall/Winter Apparel Order link under Quick Links to view the
catalog and order form. All items will feature an embroidered Berger logo. Please submit your orders with payment to Marketing by Friday, November 8th. Cash or check (made payable to Berger Health System) accepted. If you
Click to View Apparel Catalog have any questions, contact Kyleen Valone at ext. 8391 or kyleen.valone@ bergerhealth.com.
Thank you for representing Berger Health System at the 107th Circleville Pumpkin Show
by Cindy Adkins cynthia.adkins@bergerhealth.com
It’s the great pumpkin Charlie …
Actually it’s Berger Health System’s award winning “Health is Action” float with Bentley Beagle, and our enthusiastic float riders exercising and “Dancin’ in the Street” along the parade route. Combine flashing orange lights, jack-o-lantern koozies, and pumpkin flavored lip balm – it must be the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Regardless of the weather, in the Main Street Booth or Pavilion, it didn’t dampen our spirits to promote the quality health care we provide. During Tuesday night’s pre-
view alone, over 350 visitors to the Pavilion signed up to electronically receive Spirit of Women and Berger health information, plus a chance to win a FitBit Flex activity wristband. On Main Street, we introduced Berger’s sponsorship of the Circleville Herald app – scan or download to read on your Apple or Android device. Berger is a proud sponsor of the Greatest Free Show on Earth, and prouder still to say “thank you” to the volunteers who made it happen. With over 100 Berger employees, clinicians, extended family and friends, we were able to showcase our award winning service lines, employee enthusiasm and willingness to give back to the community [always].
Andrea Hardbarger Andy Chileski Annette Andrews Brenda Short Brenda Strittmatter Brian Kinzer Carl Cozad Carla Boggs Carrie Beatty Cathy Cole-Pyzik Cathy Marck Christa Barker Christine Day Chris Kerr Chris Peters Cindy Adkins Darcy Hughes Daylene Zwayer Debra Milstead Debra Starner Don Dibenedetto Doug Mills Emily Woods Heather Smith Hillairy Boltenhouse Holly Smith Jacque Brown Janet Smith Jim Ault Jim Bishop Judy Elzey Julie Draise Kara Maddux Katrina Robinson Keith Scott Kim Hehman Kim Malcolm Kristi Stradtman Kyleen Valone Larry Halm Lindsey Barrows Lisa Gray Lisa Hamilton Lisa Merrill Lori Martin Machelle List
Mandy Givens Maria Barr Mary Freeh Megan Rolfe Melinda Manyer Melissa Dennis Michele Brown Michelle Bone-Minor Mike Griffey Monica Riffle Nicole Esker Pat Hughey Patricia Ritchie Penny Linthicum Rob Carroll Sally Galecki Sandi Nunley Scarlett Glick Shawna Adrian Shea McMahon Sherry Crawford Shirley Bell Simona Kendrick Sr. Monica Justinger Stephanie McConnell Susan Strawser Susanne Hess Suzanne Welker Tim Colburn Tim Ritchie Tina Pierce Tiffany Bauman Tracy Huffman Tracy Keeton Valerie Hugus Vickie Fullen Wendy Krogh Will Thomaschek Dr. Dyment Dr. Holten Dr. Minuskin Dr. Mudrick Dr. Olson Dr. Raiken
CIRCLEVILLE HERALD: Berger attains Top Performer rating for second straight year by Trish Bennett The Circleville Herald CIRCLEVILLE - For the second straight year, Berger Hospital has earned Top Performer recognition from The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the U.S. As a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, Berger Hospital shows its commitment to ongoing effective care, according to Tim Colburn, president and CEO of Berger Health System. “We’re really proud of this,” Colburn said. “It really shows the high quality of care you can get here locally in Pickaway County.” Berger was one of only 1,099 hospitals in the nation to earn the Top
Performer distinction out of about 5,000 that submit accountability data to The Joint Commission, Colburn said. Other central Ohio hospitals that also received the distinction include Grant Medical Center and Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. The local hospital met two 95-percent performance thresholds based on 2012 data, meaning Berger provided an evidence-based practice in 95 out of 100 opportunities to provide the practice. Evidence-based practices include things like giving an aspirin upon arrival for heart attack patients; giving antibiotics one
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hour before surgery; and providing a home management plan for children with asthma. Berger’s recognition comes in the areas of pneumonia and surgical care. “Berger Hospital and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement, and they should be proud of their achievement,” said Dr. Mark R. Chassin, president and CEO of The Joint Commission. Colburn said Berger’s efforts do not end with the Joint Commission report, though. Its employees and board of governors continue to push and expand their expectations to provide an even higher quality of care. “The Joint Commission keeps working with you on new objectives and new goals,” Colburn said. “So not only have we proved we are sustaining what we have already accomplished, but we’re also focusing on even higher expectations for the future.”
Staying Healthy at Work: Understanding the new changes in Workplace Health and Wellness by Susan Strawser susan.strawser@bergerhealth.com Berger Health System has some exciting news! The former Employee Health department has been redesigned and is now Workplace Health and Wellness (WHW). WHW is focused on partnering with each employee on their own personal wellness journey. WHW can work with you in a number of ways: • Develop a personalized plan to improve your health status • Assist with plans on staying healthy • Complete of annual screening requirements • Treat minor illnesses or injuries promptly and effectively The new WHW team of staff members and providers will be led by Director Susan Strawser. Susan will be instrumental in developing overall direction and ensuring coordination of efforts and programs to benefit Berger Health System employees. WHW Practioner, Annette Perry, CNP, is available to provide annual screening, personalized wellness plans, and acute care for all BHS employees on a daily basis. Employees seeking acute care can be assured acute care documentation is pro-
tected by HIPAA. Information will not be available to Human Resources and will only be provided to the employee being seen. Each employee will be responsible for sharing their visit summary information with their primary care provider. Rounding out the WHW providers, Dr. Brett Cale’s internal role will focus on those with work related injuries. Information documented on these types of injuries will continue to be handled under Workers’ Compensation rules and regulations. Dr. Cale will also continue to provide occupational health services to area plants and businesses. There are a number of things you can do to ensure you remain healthy throughout the upcoming winter months: • Be sure you get your annual flu shot soon. The best way to protect against the flu and its severe complication is to get a flu vaccine each year. Anyone can catch the influenza virus, but as a healthcare worker, you are exposed
at a higher rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a flu vaccine for anyone six months of age or older. This year Berger Health System has made the flu shot mandatory for the first time to protect you and the patients we care for. • Partner with WHW to develop a personalized wellness plan to follow over the upcoming months. Whether you have a goal in mind or need help with a starting point, we are here for you. For example, your personalized plan may focus on things like tips and techniques to reduce stress, lose weight, increase exercise, and/or improve nutrition, it’s up to you. • If you aren’t feeling well or have a minor injury, please visit the WHW Acute Care Clinic to receive free, convenient acute care. The Clinic is located in the Noecker Building lower level Suite 4 and is open Monday – Friday with daily hours posted.
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