Fall • 2017
Geisinger expands orthopaedic services in region For Pennsylvania residents in the State College and Lewistown areas, there have never been more options for getting advanced orthopaedic care close to home. From sports medicine to concussion management, athletic training services, same-day surgeries, joint replacements and podiatry services, Geisinger has dramatically ramped up its orthopaedic offering in the region. As of this summer, the orthopaedics clinic at Geisinger Gray’s Woods in Port Matilda is fully staffed five days a week by Geisinger physicians and staff. For many patients in the area, traveling for orthopaedic healthcare can represent a serious commitment of time and money. As a result, some
patients may forego important treatments at the expense of their health. The expansion of orthopaedic services in the Lewistown and State College areas means that Geisinger patients won’t have to face those difficulties. The clinic features 16 exam rooms, X-ray facilities and a large casting area so patients can get same-day appointments, especially for traumatic or urgent injuries or issues. According to Michael Suk, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the expansion of services provided by Geisinger physicians and other healthcare professionals answers an urgent need in these communities. “Our musculoskeletal program at Gray’s Woods features many of our most experienced, fellowship-trained orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons,” he said. “Our goal is to deliver the right orthopaedic care at the right time — locally and with the fewest number of visits, whenever possible. We keep the focus on the patient and what is best and most convenient for them while always delivering the highest
quality orthopaedic care possible.” In addition to the full-time staff, orthopaedic specialists from Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) in Danville and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH), including the chiefs of many of the orthopaedic specialties available at Geisinger, regularly offer outpatient services at Gray’s Woods. Inpatient surgeries are performed at either GLH or GMC. Continued on page 2
Orthopaedic services available at Gray’s Woods and GLH include: • Adult reconstruction • Concussion management • Foot and ankle • Hand • Joint replacement • Pediatric orthopaedics • Podiatry • Shoulder and elbow • Pediatric spine • Sports medicine • Sprains and fractures • Trauma
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital • Geisinger Gray’s Woods
Geisinger Lewistown Hospital • Geisinger Gray’s Woods Fall • 2017
Continued from page 1
Whether an injury is traumatic, due to an accident such as a fall, or is from a chronic condition, Geisinger orthopaedic professionals work to alleviate pain and get the patient back to his or her everyday life as soon as possible. Of course, all providers at Geisinger Gray’s Woods and GLH accept Geisinger Health Plan insurance. Joe Mount, operations manager for Geisinger Gray’s Woods and Lewistown orthopaedics, said that the orthopaedic staff in the region work as a team to offer area residents advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments for a wide array of diseases, disorders and injuries. “Whether you’re a weekend warrior
with a new injury or have been dealing with a chronic issue for many years, our skilled team of doctors, physician assistants, nurses and athletic trainers can take care of you,” he said.
backed by the excellent physicians and resources of Geisinger. Brooke Westover, Geisinger Western Region clinical manager, said that when it comes to orthopaedic care in the Lewistown and State College areas, patients can find everything they need at Geisinger. “We are committed to delivering the best orthopaedic care and we are guaranteed to be here, so making appointments will be easier than ever.”
Geisinger Gray’s Woods is a lightfilled, eco-friendly 80,000-squarefoot center community clinic that delivers comprehensive primary and specialty healthcare for area residents. Besides orthopaedics, Gray’s Woods offers nearly 30 medical specialties, from “There has never been a question obstetrics and gynecology to about the quality of the healthcare surgical oncology. It features that our doctors, nurses and other a full range of health services, staff provide,” said Dr. Suk. “Now including a laboratory, a pharmacy, we’re making sure that residents in comprehensive imaging, radiology the State College and Lewistown and even a sleep center. Gray’s area have everything they need Woods offers patients the best without the inconvenience and of both worlds — a personalized, expense of traveling.” local healthcare experience,
in dermatology, Dr. Malerich is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Medical Association, the Columbus Medical Association, the Ohio Dermatologic Association, the Ohio State Medical Association and the Kiran Rayalam, MD, recently joined Women’s Dermatologic Society. To Geisinger in Lewistown. Board schedule an appointment with Dr. certified in family medicine with Malerich, call 800-230-4565. an added qualification in geriatric medicine, Dr. Rayalam received his Jean Reams, DO, recently joined medical degree from the Rangaraya Geisinger. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Reams received Medical College. He completed her medical degree from the his residency in 2012 at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1991. She completed and a fellowship in geriatric her internship at Lewistown medicine at Weill Cornell Medical Hospital that same year and has College/New York Presbyterian practiced locally in Mifflintown and Hospital in New York City in 2013. Lewistown since 1992. Dr. Reams Dr. Rayalam is a member of the is a member of the American American Academy of Family Osteopathic Association, the Physicians, the American Medical Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and the American Association, the Pennsylvania Geriatrics Society. To schedule an Medical Society and the appointment with Dr. Rayalam, call Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family 717-242-4200. Physicians Society. To schedule an Patricia Malerich, MD, is a appointment with Dr. Reams, call dermatologist now practicing 717-242-4200. at Geisinger Scenery Park in Dana Jackson, MD, is the State College. Dr. Malerich newest addition to the radiology received her medical degree team at Geisinger Lewistown from The Ohio State University Hospital. Dr. Jackson received his School of Medicine in 2003. She medical doctorate in 2005 from completed an internship in 2004 Georgetown University School at Riverside Methodist Hospital of Medicine, and completed his in Columbus, Ohio, and her residency at Jefferson Health residency at Geisinger Medical Systems in Philadelphia. He then Center in Danville. Board certified
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Over the past year, major changes were implemented at Geisinger in the Lewistown and State College communities. Renovation, expansion and centralization plans were all directed toward one common purpose: an elevated level of patient service. “The completion of these projects has dramatically improved efficiency of care,” said Kirk Thomas, vice president of operations at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH).
Geisinger welcomes new providers Geisinger is pleased to welcome five new healthcare providers to Lewistown and State College in its continuing effort to provide increased access to quality local healthcare.
Healthcare at Geisinger: A community investment
served as a clinical assistant instructor at SUNY’s Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn from 2006 to 2010. From 2010 to 2015, Dr. Jackson completed fellowships in the radiology and imaging departments at the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, all in Baltimore, and the AI DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del. He is a member of the Society of Breast Imaging, the American Association for Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Forensic Radiographers, the American Board of Radiology, the American College of Radiology, the Radiological Society of North America, the American Medical Association and the National Medical Association. Sarah Scott, MD, recently joined Geisinger Lewistown Hospital as an OB/GYN physician. She received her medical degree in 2004 from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, after which she completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center in Grand Rapids, Mich. Dr. Scott was board certified in 2013 and is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott, call 717242-4200.
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Putting services where the patients are A series of relocations have helped make several services more convenient for patients and given providers precious time that they can now spend on patient care, instead of on traveling. In Lewistown, many physician offices had been in locations that were not near the hospital campus, where many of the doctors actually provided treatment. Because of this, patients and doctors alike spent time traveling between offices. The centralization efforts eliminated much of this time on the road and the need for patients to go to more than one location for their appointments. “We made moves to get more physicians’ offices into the hospital where their patients are treated,” said A.J. Hartsock, director of operations at GLH. Several departments transitioned to new locations over the past year. For example, the Cardiology Department moved in June to the fourth floor of the hospital campus to make things more convenient for patients and the cardiology team alike. “Cardiology is now right down the hall from the ICU, telemetry, stress testing labs and cardiac rehab,” Mr. Thomas said.
In early September, pulmonary services moved to the offices that formerly housed the Cardiology Department, at 217 S. Logan Blvd. in Burnham. “This will provide additional exam room space as we continue to grow the pulmonary practice and offer additional space for expanded services in the future,” Mr. Hartsock said. Women’s health services relocated to the fifth floor of GLH, one floor below labor and delivery, while the hematology/ oncology physicians moved their offices to the third floor. These doctors, like those in women’s health, used to divide their time between the Green Avenue location and their inpatient practices at the hospital. Now they are just one floor above the infusion suite where chemotherapy is administered. The shift helped create space for two hematology/oncology doctors and one interventional pain medicine physician. Dermatology moved to the LeMed Building at 27 Sandy Lane in Lewistown, where it functions as a telemedicine practice. That means the site is manned by two physician assistants who see patients in the office, but consult digitally with specialists at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The teledermatology program allows patients to receive specialist care without driving to Montour County. Renovations increase services, improve patient experience Extensive renovations were made to the Emergency Department at GLH, and radiology services have been expanded. Updated equipment and a new large-bore MRI machine were installed to increase efficiency. The addition of Dana Jackson, MD, brought the department up to full staff
at the end of June. Additionally, the Imaging Department added a second shift, which means outpatient MRIs can now be scheduled until 7:15 p.m. and there is more staff coverage in imaging for the Emergency Department during its peak hours. “By adding more patient care rooms and improving patient flow, we’re working to serve our patients and families even better than before,” Mr. Thomas said. Renovations to the Gastroenterology Department on the second floor of the Electric Avenue Medical Center in Lewistown were completed in April. Orthopaedic services also expanded last year at this location and in July at the Geisinger Gray’s Woods facility in State College. The Gray’s Woods location is open five days a week, with the intent to grow to a multi-subspecialty practice to provide sports medicine, pediatric orthopaedics, physical therapy and chiropractic care. “These are all examples of Geisinger following through on promises to bring the proven, quality care it has practiced for years into the region by investing in our community,” Mr. Thomas said. Matt Nussbaum, associate vice president of Regional Operations, said that the focus is always on providing a wide range of services in local communities. “We’re trying to expand the breadth of services provided in the area and allow adequate space for the practices,” he said. “We want to deliver the best outpatient care possible and help our providers to more proactively manage care while helping patients understand how to participate in managing their health.”
To request an appointment, visit geisinger.org or call CareLink at 800-275-6401.
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Geisinger Lewistown Hospital • Geisinger Gray’s Woods Fall • 2017
Geisinger in Lycoming County
School of Graduate Studies offers students real-world healthcare and scientific education Building upon its vision to create a university for health sciences, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine has launched its new School of Graduate Studies. Since 2009, 410 students have earned their master of biomedical sciences degree from the program. Now, additional degrees in areas such as informatics, genomics and population health are being developed. The school will offer joint degrees with academic partners in the region, including The University of Scranton and the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute in Doylestown, Pa. “When the School of Medicine integrated with Geisinger, the intent was to offer a range of new degree programs built upon Geisinger’s unique research and systems strengths,” said Steven J. Scheinman, MD, Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean, as well as chief academic officer for Geisinger. “Our new School of Graduate Studies is the first step in that direction.” Scott Koerwer, EdD, oversees the new school as vice dean for graduate studies. Dr. Koerwer, who also serves as Geisinger Commonwealth’s vice president for strategy, planning and communication, said the School of Graduate Studies will make
the community its classrooms. Students will be required to consider community health needs and to work with community partners when pursuing graduate studies in biomedical sciences, population health or any number of other degree programs that will be added. “Our community is brimming with experts outside the realm of medicine — people who run homeless shelters, shelters for victims of domestic abuse, food pantries, counseling centers — who have unique and valuable insights to share,” Dr. Koerwer said. “Bringing their knowledge to our curriculum, Geisinger Commonwealth will educate the healthcare teams of the future. Our new graduate programs will address the most pressing healthcare challenges in our communities.” The school’s genomics program, currently under development, will leverage the resources of the MyCode project, while also requiring learners to form an understanding of medical informatics and to consider this wealth of data in relation to population health. “We aren’t developing cookiecutter programs. Our programs will be distinct — recognized for
the way they leverage Geisinger’s institutional knowledge by creating pathways for varied members of a healthcare team to apply what they’ve learned for the improved health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Dr. Koerwer. “In the design of the genomics curriculum, we are working on multiple pathways to benefit a variety of learners. The pathways include things like nutrigenomics, the genomics of aging and even ethics and public policy. Potential learners include traditional graduate students, but may also include aspiring and practicing physicians and nurses seeking additional expertise in this burgeoning field.” Dr. Scheinman said, “Under Dr. Koerwer’s leadership, our master of biomedical sciences program has been redesigned to accommodate a broader array of students with varied professional goals. I am confident that his vision, energy and drive will make the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Graduate Studies the first choice for students seeking an advanced education that is relevant to the health careers of the future.”
The Medicare Annual Election Period is here Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in or switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Election Period, which begins Sunday, Oct. 15, and ends Thursday, Dec. 7. Now is the time of year to make sure you have the healthcare coverage you need. You already trust Geisinger for your healthcare needs — now be sure to check out Geisinger Gold for your insurance coverage. Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans offer better value and more benefits than Medicare alone. With HMO and PPO plans designed to meet a variety of needs and budgets, you can be sure there’s a plan for you. A Special Needs Plan is also available to beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid.
Plans start at $0 monthly premium and may include vision, dental, hearing, and fitness benefits, or these may be added for an additional monthly premium. Prescription drug coverage is also available. With access to quality healthcare providers throughout the state, Geisinger Gold provides peace of mind to more than 90,000 Pennsylvania residents. Patients interested in learning more about Geisinger Gold can call 800-547-8793 or visit GeisingerGold.com. Current Geisinger Gold members with questions about their coverage can call 800-498-9731. TDD users should call 711. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and HMO SNP plans are offered by Geisinger Health Plan/Geisinger Indemnity Insurance Company, health plans with a Medicare contract. Continued enrollment in Geisinger Gold depends on annual contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/ or copayments/coinsurance may change on Jan. 1 of each year. The formulary, pharmacy network and/ or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Other providers are available in our network. Y0032_17219_2 File and Use 8/11/17
Team approach is changing the face of primary care
Top-flight trauma care saves lives ever
Historically, primary care has been the responsibility of the physician — it’s been a largely one-way relationship between a patient and a single doctor who manages the patient’s overall health. Though the patientdoctor relationship is and will always remain crucial, Geisinger is employing a concept that will build on that relationship. The new approach uses dedicated care teams to improve efficiency while delivering the best care possible to every patient, every time.
Juniata counties. “I may need to see you twice, because your health is being managed by other members of the team. You may be able to see one of them or, in some cases, even receive a phone call instead of coming into the office all the time.” Non-physician members of Geisinger’s care teams are highly trained healthcare providers who are directly involved in patient care every day and can build a relationship with their patients. Because there are more people involved in direct patient care, a broader and more convenient support system begins to grow around every patient.
“The care team approach is one Extended appointment times that can benefit our patients in will also be made available for a number of ways,” says Amit those who have chronic health Mehta, MD, department director concerns. of Centre County Community Life Flight crew members provide immediate care when every second counts. When a patient with a chronic Practice for Geisinger. He said this “We are only in the beginning condition has flare-ups or innovative approach doesn’t just of this in Scranton terms of airport, who No one plans a forcare or invites accident. atstages the Wilkes-Barre questions, teamanmember challenge the traditional delivery identified needingbased an But when of Lycoming aswe’ve well as a ground as ambulance may be residents able to help more quickly of healthcare, but improves it. County are the victims of accidents and inextended Danville, Life Flight provides appointment for rapid optimal than if the patient has to make a medical traumas, they don’t have to transportation from accident scenes care,” Dr. Pacheco says. And since doctor appointment. Care teams contain all the people worry. That’s because the area’s most and between hospitals some patients who for arepatients assigned involved in a patient’s regular advanced critical care medical services who need it most. “You have direct access to an extended appointment time care. In this model, the physician, are available right here at Geisinger your case manager, who is a may nothelicopters need the are entire time, “Life Flight equipped Medical Center (GMC) in Danville. nurses, advanced practitioners registered nurse, and they can revised scheduling process asthe flying emergency rooms that travel and staff work together to givewas youone direction,” more room for urgent “GMC of the firstDr. fivePacheco programs atallows about 140 miles per hour,” explains coordinate care and to deliver the “The case manager then inexplains. the state to receive accreditation as Jerry Splitt, Life Flight’s program appointments. best patient experience possible. a speaks Level I trauma center, and we’re the director. “We work and communicate with the doctor for further One goal of this approach is patientteam callstorequesting only Level I trauma center in the region,” as“Ifa acohesive get patientsto from directions or input.” to reduce waiting times and bepoint seenoffor UTI,orsore throat, says Denise Torres, MD, trauma the theainjury illness to the eliminate redundancies. But more medical The doctor still whether director at decides GMC. “Most of the Trauma Centerpain, as quickly safely as abdominal rash and or bronchitis, people our board-certified surgeons possible, whilebe treating them like they importantly, it can help people a patient should be seen in the we should able to better treat have involved in motor to the are members of our own between family.” stay well through prevention office orbeen should be admitted accommodate them our vehicle accidents or falls, but we are and management of chronic hospital. But for routine healthcare scheduled appointments,” Dr. equipped to handle all trauma patients, Well trained conditions, instead of just reacting issues, this kind of system Mehta says. and well including gunshot and stab wound equipped to healthcare issues when they helps We cut have down on unnecessary victims. subspecialty surgical Geisinger’s care team approach become serious. emergency room orfor waiting support that allows usvisits to care the Mr. Splitt says much of Life Flight’s is being rolled out to provide the for an office appointment. most severe traumatic brain injuries 36 years of success is due to the More professionals caring for best patient experience possible expertise that each of its 100-plus and orthopaedic injuries.” more patients to allmembers patients, toand support its team has the ongoing Extended appointment times doctors and skills of training they doto to use stay the at the top of The traditional model of only for those need them Life Flight:who rapid response non-physician their profession. care providers to physicians seeing patients can and transport their maximum potential. “This Geisinger is also working lead to multiple office visits to “Our paramedics and making flight nurses When life-threatening injuries happen, is really all about sure toward implementing extended ensure proper care. With a care go through specialized training and GMC’s award-winning, internationally our patients get the best care appointment times for certain team in place, patients may see certification programs in critical care, recognized Life Flight® is ready to help. possible,” Dr. Pacheco says. patients. The goal is to have transport-based care, advanced life their doctor less often, but stay in With five helicopters in Danville, State patients aged 65 and older support, cardiac and trauma care,” he touch through follow-up calls from College, Williamsport, Minersville and
nurses or visits with a physician assistant. This allows the doctor to see the patients who truly need it, which will become even more important as the demand for services increases among an aging population. It will also allow physicians time to see more patients, while the other members of the care team are following up with existing patients. “I, as the physician, may not need to see you three or four times a year,” says Cybele Pacheco, MD, department director of Community Practice in Mifflin and
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RN career opportunities Discover Geisinger: Join the team America is watching Are you an experienced RN? Geisinger has opportunities for you in Danville, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and beyond. It’s a great time to join our team! We offer a variety of incentives for experienced inpatient and home health nurses. • Joining bonus of $5,000 – $20,000, depending on experience
• Medical/dental/vision benefits, effective day one • Opportunities for career advancement • Relocation benefit • Retirement plan: 401(k)/403(b) • Tuition reimbursement option
If making a difference in healthcare is your calling, we’d like to talk with you. Discover all that Geisinger has to offer at geisinger.org/careers or call and speak with a member of our talent team at 844-GHS-JOIN or 844-447-5646.
AA/EOE: disability/vet
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automatically scheduled for a longer appointment. Many patients in this age group struggle with chronic diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, and extra time in the office helps the care team decide how to manage those factors and answer questions. They can better coordinate care with specialists and case managers, preventing patients from having to return multiple times for recurring issues or services like lab work and prescription refills.
geisinger.org/careers
To request an appointment, visit geisinger.org or call CareLink at 800-275-6401.
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Fall • 2017
Top-ranked nursing school accepts applications year-round For the second time, the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH) School of Nursing’s Registered Nurse program has been ranked as the top nursing school in Pennsylvania. The ranking, from a national organization that evaluates nursing schools across the country, is based on several factors, including how effectively a program helps students toward becoming licensed and how well it supports them beyond that point. Maryann Brown, director of the school, said that the program’s high admission standards and the dedication of its students, faculty and staff has resulted in regularly achieving high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) exam. The NCLEX exam is the certification test each student must take to become a registered nurse. “Very few schools have a NCLEX pass rate of 100 percent. We maintained that rate for five consecutive years,” said Ms. Brown. The school’s two-year program allows students B:8.75” T:8.5”
to become RNs before completing general studies to achieve a bachelor’s degree if they choose to do so. The school also gives licensed practical nurses a path to becoming a registered nurse.
nurse program is that the school keeps its student-tofaculty ratio low. “Faculty is there to mentor the student throughout the program,” she said. “They are advisors to and advocates for the students.”
Ms. Brown said the admission process is very selective and that one of the reasons for the success of the registered
Because there is a continuing demand for nurses with a quality education, most graduates are able to find a job as soon as they complete the program. Many of those students stay in Pennsylvania and begin caring for patients at Geisinger.
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“The healthcare industry is always in need of welleducated nurses,” said Kirk Thomas, vice president of operations at GLH. “The School of Nursing here in Lewistown is an excellent source of quality nursing staff, which allows us to provide our patients with the best care possible.” Enrollment in the program is open year-round, and applications are currently being accepted for the fall 2018 term. Anyone interested in the GLH School of Nursing can call 717-242-7930 or visit geisinger.edu/education/ nursing/geisinger-lewistownhospital-school-of-nursing.
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4425 Receive Geisinger news and5-3-17 updates via Geisinger’s e-Newsletter. Sign up at geisinger.org/signup.