Spring/Summer 2016 Helping Seniors Remain at Home Breaking the CHF Cycle: Reducing Readmissions Transforming the Patient Experience A Publication of Greenville Health System
A Healthy Start for International Adoptees
A Change of Epic Proportion in Your Health Care! Manage Your Own Care with a Few Clicks Epic, GHS’ new electronic medical record and billing system, offers an innovative tool called MyChart. With MyChart, you can see key parts of your medical record, communicate with your care team and participate in your care—all online or through your mobile device. In the time it takes to order a movie, you can … • • • • •
Access your and your family members’ health information View test results and immunizations Ask for prescription refills Schedule and cancel office appointments Pay bills online
Ask for MyChart at your GHS doctor’s office or request an account online at mychart.ghs.org (your secure online portal to your GHS medical record). Sign up for MyChart and start enjoying benefits now!
ghs.org
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CONTENTS
GHS Senior Care: Setting a Good PACE 2 With help from an innovative program, elders are living longer at home.
Parents ‘Adopt’ Well to Clinic 6
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When parents adopt children from other countries, the first call they’ll want to make is to GHS’ International Adoption Clinic.
New Success with Congestive Heart Failure 10 A tiny device shows giant potential in keeping patients with CHF out of the hospital.
Where the Patient Is Number One 14
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GHS is the region’s leading provider of health care. Now we’re making sure that our patient experience is reaching the same high standards.
Departments Message from the President and CEO 1 Spotlight 2 What’s Right in Health Care 3 Clinical Trials 16
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Q & A 17 Practice Profile 18 Provider Directory 19
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We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Call (864) 797-7541 or email nparker@ghs.org.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Work in Progress In August, I’ll celebrate my 10th anniversary with Greenville Health System (GHS). When we relocated here, my youngest child was still in diapers; now he’s active in school, church and community activities. Then, my hair was more dark than gray; today, not so much. Back then, I welcomed mild winters but wasn’t keen on the dog days of August: Some things don’t change. The changes and events that have occurred at GHS in the last decade are nothing short of amazing. We have established the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, which has graduated the first class of medical students trained to work in the new healthcare environment; celebrated our centennial and GHS’ role as the Upstate’s leading healthcare provider; updated our name and logo to more accurately reflect our work in keeping people healthy; grown the number of providers employed at GHS from around 250 to more than 1,700; begun our journey to be a multi-regional health system with the addition of Baptist Easley Hospital and Laurens County and Oconee medical campuses; been recognized for promoting diversity; led the way in transitioning from a volumedriven to a value-based healthcare environment through initiatives such as the MyHealth First Network; implemented Epic, a computer system that enhances both the delivery of health care and the patient experience; and expanded the care we provide throughout the region with our Accountable Communities programs. And that’s just what we have room to highlight in this space! I’m excited to have been part of GHS’ growth and 1 Inside Health
advancement in the last decade and am eager to continue our progress in years ahead as we seek to transform health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve. The stories in this issue of Inside Health demonstrate some of the ways we are advancing health care. First, you’ll meet three children from Russia and Thailand, pictured on the cover, whose transition to their new life in South Carolina was eased by the special services of the International Adoption Clinic, part of GHS Children’s Hospital. We’ll also introduce you to a retired chef who no longer faces repeated hospitalizations because of uncontrolled congestive heart failure, thanks to a groundbreaking device. And we’re pleased to report on our pioneering approach to primary care that promises to transform the patient experience. Of special note also is the Q&A, which answers questions about our new governance structure approved by the GHS Board of Trustees. Just as my family and I are happy to call Greenville home, the GHS family is happy to offer you a medical home. Winter, spring, summer or fall, we’re here to partner with you to keep you in the best health possible.
Michael C. Riordan President and CEO
SPOTLIGHT
GHS Senior Care: Setting a Good PACE A new program helps individuals live in their communities as independently as possible for as long as possible. Greenville Health System (GHS) now offers Senior Care, a Medicare and Medicaid program providing community-based care and services to people age 55 or older who would otherwise need nursing home-level care. It is the first such program in the Upstate. GHS Senior Care, based on the PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) model, is centered on the belief that the best outcomes for seniors with chronic care conditions happen when they are served in their community—and that taking preventive measures can help avoid some problems. “Our goal,” said Kim Martin, director of GHS Senior Care, “is to provide the support seniors need to remain in their own homes, rather than live in a nursing home or long-term care facility. We want to help them sustain the best quality of life possible and receive excellent medical care at an affordable price.” “We offer comprehensive services,” added Brad Torrence, manager of PACE Operations. “And we serve as ‘traffic control’ in coordinating care—an important factor as participants typically have several health conditions. This approach minimizes the possibility that something will fall through the cracks.” The comprehensive services include primary care (including doctor and nursing services); hospital care as needed; medical specialty services; prescription drugs; nursing home care as needed; emergency services; home care; physical, occupational and recreational therapy; adult day care and meals; dental care; nutrition counseling; social services; laboratory/X-ray services and transportation. The PACE model also supports family members and other caregivers with a resource library, training, support groups and respite care. “It’s as important to help the caregivers as the participant,” observed Martin. “This model of care has been shown to reduce the number of days an individual spends in skilled nursing care or the hospital,” said Torrence. “We believe that’s because of the services a PACE program offers and the level of communication and oversight we encourage.” To enroll in GHS Senior Care, an individual must be 55 years of age or older, have certification by the state that nursing home-level care is needed, the ability to live safely in the community with the help of PACE services, and live in Greenville County or specified ZIP codes in Anderson and Pickens counties. To learn more about GHS Senior Care, including eligible locations and payment structure, please call (864) 522-1950 or visit ghs.org/seniorcare.
GHS Senior Care is located in a customdesigned building, just a few minutes from Greenville Memorial Medical Campus. It is a safe and inviting place, with many windows to bring in light and views of nature. Inside Health 2
W H AT ’ S R I G H T I N H E A LT H C A R E
Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on at GHS as we live our mission to heal compassionately, teach innovatively and improve constantly.
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For the second time, GHS’ Patewood Memorial Hospital (PMH) received two-year certification from the Joint Commission for the program management of hip/knee/ shoulder joint replacement surgery. The Joint Commission awarded PMH certificates of distinction based on compliance with national standards, clinical guidelines and outcomes of care.
GHS employees who can benefit from opportunities for physical activity during work hours. For its efforts in promoting physical activity, GHS recently received the Gold Medal Award from the S.C. Hospital Association’s Working Well initiative and Prevention Partners.
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Wounds treated at Baptist Easley Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center last year. The center was recognized for excellent outcomes with a Center of Distinction Award from Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. (GHS is part owner of Baptist Easley Hospital.)
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Babies born last year at Oconee Memorial Hospital, which recently joined Greenville Memorial Hospital in earning the designation of Baby-Friendly Hospital. Baby-Friendly hospitals promote breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in (keeping moms and babies together).
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Babies born last year at Laurens County Memorial Hospital. If they experience complications at birth—such as pre-term delivery—they now can be assessed by GHS neonatologists via Delivery Buddy, a telehealth program. Delivery Buddy is the first telehealth program for neonatal patients in the Southeast.
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$1 Million The gift from longtime GHS neonatal physician Jerry Ferlauto, MD, and wife Natalina for the Ferlauto Center for Complex Pediatric Care, which will help families cope with the complex needs of chronically ill children.
12 U.S. healthcare supply chain management departments—of which GHS is one—nationally recognized by the ECRI Institute for demonstrating excellence in overall spend management and for adopting best practices in its processes. Organizations receiving the award were chosen out of nearly 3,000 hospitals and health systems for a high level of dedication to improving healthcare quality and reducing costs. GHS is the only health system in the Carolinas to receive the award.
The number of American adults who consume sugary drinks at least once per day as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn five steps you can take today to reduce sugar intake from GHS registered dietitian Jessica Menig, RDN, CSP. ghs.org/reduce
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Rooms that will be available in the remodeled intensive care unit at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The first phase recently was completed; the full renovation will conclude in 2017. In addition to more space, the renovation will bring updated technology.
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Our first priority: taking care of patients and their families.
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Pam Jackson is thankful for the good health of her family additions (l-r) Siri (10), Narada (9) and Claire (8).
Parents ‘Adopt’ Well to Clinic The International Adoption Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS) helps parents address the medical needs of their newly adopted children. By Lark Reynolds
Sue Jue, MD, gives Narada a clean bill of health.
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hen Jonathan and Pam Jackson adopted a baby girl from Russia in 2009, Pam thought it wouldn’t be much different from having a child of her own. They already had four biological children (now ages 23, 21, 20, and 15), so she was well-versed in parenting. But when she took her new daughter to the pediatrician’s office for the first time, she began to rethink that idea. “Adopting a child from another country is completely different from having your own child because there are so many things you don’t know,” Jackson remarked. “You show up at the pediatrician with this child who has this long, involved history, and the doctor’s trying to figure all of this out in a short time.” A special program at GHS Children’s Hospital offers a solution for piecing together the complex puzzle of an internationally
adopted child’s medical needs. The International Adoption Clinic, part of Children’s Hospital’s Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, offers pre-adoption consultation along with post-adoption assessment. Sue Jue, MD, along with division colleague Robin LaCroix, MD, and medical director Joshua Brownlee, MD, typically have their first contact with adopting parents before the child has even arrived in the U.S. “One of the things that parents are concerned about when they adopt a child is, is the child healthy?” Dr. Jue said. “In the pre-adoption consultation visit, we usually review the medical record that they receive from the child’s home country and can let parents know if there are any red flags or issues that might need to be addressed fairly quickly.” Inside Health 6
Dr. Jue said they also can offer parents advice on immunizations they might need to get before traveling to pick up their child. This pre-adoption consultation often helps address parent concerns and reassure them—or sometimes helps parents with the decision on whether to pursue the adoption.
“Apparently, the vaccine for tuberculosis used in Russia leaves a mark on the skin,” Jackson said. “So when Dr. LaCroix did her physical assessment of Claire, she saw that and said the reason her TB test returned positive was probably because she had received that immunization.”
First Stop on Arrival When the parents return to the U.S. with their child, a clinic physician wants to see the child within the first two weeks. At this visit, the physician will review the child’s immunization record as provided by the home country. Records and documents for some countries are more thorough and reliable than those from other countries, Dr. Jue noted.
After a chest X-ray confirmed that Claire did not have tuberculosis, Jackson’s fears were calmed.
“If the children are infants, many times we’ll start over with immunizations,” Dr. Jue said. “If they’re older, I’ll do blood work or antibody titers to see if they have a protective antibody based on the vaccines their records indicate they were given. Then I develop a catch-up immunization schedule for the children going forward.” At this same visit, Dr. Jue screens the child for acquired congenital conditions such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and tuberculosis, along with other conditions such as lead poisoning and parasitic infections such as giardia. Sometimes, medical records may indicate that the child already has been tested for some of these conditions, but Dr. Jue always repeats them.
“She kind of talked me off the cliff, because I was really stressed about it,” Jackson recalled. After Jackson’s initial, almost accidental, visit to the clinic, she made sure it was her first stop the next time she adopted— this time from Thailand in 2013—and again when she adopted a second girl from Thailand in 2015. Both girls appeared to be underweight on U.S. growth charts. But at the adoption clinic, they did some digging into the numbers. Jackson said, “They put in the time to get the Thailand growth charts, and then they brought them to me and showed me, and said, ‘This is actually OK, you don’t need to worry that they’re so small. They’re actually normal for that country.’ ”
“As a parent, I would want to be sure,” Dr. Jue emphasized. Knowledge from Experience Dr. Jue can relate—she adopted a daughter from China nearly a decade ago, and she did all of those things for her own daughter.
All of the clinic’s doctors possess the extensive knowledge base to address parent concerns and dig into the appropriate research to find answers. When Jackson visited after bringing her daughter, Claire, home from Russia, it was because she already had been to her pediatrician’s office, where Claire tested positive for tuberculosis. Like any parent, Jackson panicked. But Dr. LaCroix offered some insight.
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Dr. Jue said they also can help the parent connect to other services or specialties if needed—for instance, if the child shows developmental delays or has a birth defect such as cleft palate. Once the post-adoption visit is complete, Dr. Jue said they often will see the family one more time to go over blood work and test results. Then, armed with a customized vaccination schedule, the family returns to their chosen pediatrician.
Jackson was thrilled to have discovered such a valuable resource in the International Adoption Clinic.
“If you’re going to adopt internationally, that is the first place you should go,” she stated. “They really put a lot of time into that clinic. I believe it’s their passion. I know that they’re spending far more time than they can bill for, because they care so much about these kids.” Tracey Butcher, MD, a pediatrician with GHS’ Carolina Pediatrics of Greenville, said the clinic also is a valuable resource for physicians.
“The needs of internationally adopted children are so much greater than those of a typical pediatric patient,” Dr. Butcher pointed out. “Each case is complex and unique, and depends on a number of factors, from the home country to the age and any present medical conditions. That amount of complexity and the time involved to gather that information is overwhelming for a general pediatrician.” The clinic sees internationally adopted children of any age— although Dr. Jue said most tend to be toddlers—from any country. Currently, the majority of the children come from China, Thailand, Russia, Ethiopia and Ghana. To schedule an appointment for an international adoption evaluation, call (864) 454-5130.
(l-r) The Jackson Nine (plus one)—Keagan, friend Halee Bryant, Claire, Narada, Siri, parents Pam and Jonathan, Jake—get Goofy on a Disney trip. (Siblings Hannah and James are not pictured.) Inside Health 8
Click the photo for more of Charles Simandl’s story.
“Before the CardioMEMS, I was pretty lethargic. The device has helped me so much to get back to some sense of normalcy. Having Dr. Vaz see where I am on a daily basis and adjust my medications based on that has made a major improvement in my life.”— Charles Simandl 9 Inside Health
New Success with Congestive Heart Failure An innovative technology is helping patients with congestive heart failure avoid hospital readmission. By Robin Halcomb
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ccording to the American Hospital Association, congestive heart failure (CHF) leads all causes of hospitalizations among U.S. adults more than 65 years old. Unfortunately, 50 percent or more of those patients will be readmitted within six months of discharge, and multiple readmissions are not uncommon. Greenville Health System (GHS) is tackling the problem with a new device that alerts doctors of symptoms that could lead to readmissions. The CardioMEMS HF System uses a tiny implanted sensor to monitor the chronic level of filling pressures in the pulmonary artery. For patients with CHF, filling pressures are the most accurate determinant of developing problems that may cause a hospital readmission. Cardiologist Dev Vaz, MD, medical director of GHS’ Congestive Heart Failure Program, is using the system to monitor a group of patients with CHF and is encouraged by the results. “CardioMEMS allows us to catch things in the early stages, approximately a week or two before a patient would otherwise end up in the hospital,” Dr. Vaz explained. “If a patient is becoming congested, we will very quickly adjust to that as needed to bring pressures down before they escalate and result in a hospitalization.” The sensor is about the size of a paper clip with a thin, curved wire at each end. It is permanently placed in the pulmonary artery through a catheter, which releases the sensor in the far end of the artery. The sensor’s small, remarkably complex power source is outside of the body, which means there are no concerns about changing a battery or developing an infection of the device. Patients use a portable electric unit and a special pillow containing an antenna to take daily sensor readings, which are transmitted to a secure website—a simple process that takes only a few minutes. Each day, Dr. Vaz reviews the data for red flags and communicates directly with the patient to make appropriate adjustments.
Dev Vaz, MD, exhibits the tiny sensor that does a big job.
Patients with CHF traditionally are monitored through intermittent physical exams, where doctors look at changes in weight and blood tests for signs of problems. While CardioMEMS will not replace those exams, the system does provide a more robust way to look for signals that a patient may be headed for trouble. Inside Health 10
Getting Back to Life Charles Simandl is one of the first seven GHS patients to receive the CardioMEMS. A retired chef, Simandl was diagnosed with CHF three years ago and was being treated with medications. Last summer, he suffered a heart attack related to an earlier heart stent and has been followed up by Dr. Vaz. Simandl’s CHF continued to cause problems, including four hospitalizations over a four-month period. During that time, Dr. Vaz discussed the CardioMEMS option with Simandl, and the device was implanted September 17, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital, GHS’ flagship facility. Since the implant, Dr. Vaz has been able to avoid readmission for Simandl by adjusting his medications based on arterial pressure readings from the device.
Dr. Vaz recommends that everyone maintain a healthy diet and body weight and participate in active aerobic exercise as appropriate. Trial and Success GHS uses patient selection and treatment standards from a trial first published in 2011 in the British medical journal The Lancet. In that trial, 550 Class III patients were selected randomly into treatment or control groups. Both groups received the wireless implantable monitoring system, but only implants in the treatment group were activated. The trial concluded there was a 37 percent reduction in hospitalizations in the treatment versus the control group. The benefit seemed to increase over time, with a 45 percent reduction in hospitalizations after six months of randomization. Dr. Vaz sees CardioMEMS as a good reflection of GHS’ commitment to stay on the leading edge of technology and provide patient-centered care. “We were the first health system in the Upstate to implant a CardioMEMS device,” he commented. “That fits well with the values, mission and goals of GHS.”
Simandl’s “new normal” includes enjoying old hobbies.
“Before the CardioMEMS, I was pretty lethargic,” said Simandl. “The device has helped me so much to get back to some sense of normalcy. Having Dr. Vaz see where I am on a daily basis and adjust my medications based on that has made a major improvement in my life.” Simandl is participating for the third time in HeartLife®, GHS’ comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program that is considered one of the best in the country. He also walks daily, describing his walking routine based on the aisles in a grocery store. “I can do a full grocery store now!” he remarked. Congestive Heart Failure Congestive heart failure is a condition where a person’s heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The most commonly used classification system for CHF is the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. Class III heart failure is characterized by patients who may be comfortable at rest, but anything less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation or dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing). A critical factor affecting outcomes of this serious and progressive disease is patient compliance with diet, medications and follow-up. To avoid developing heart failure, 11 Inside Health
The Congestive Heart Failure Program at GHS includes a well-organized, multidisciplinary team with doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and others with special training in working with patients with cardiac conditions. “The results of the program speak for themselves,” Dr. Vaz observed. “Greenville Memorial Hospital historically has had 30-day readmission rates between 14% and 19%, which is far below the national average of 24% to 27% and ranks among the top 10 hospitals in the country for low readmission rates.” Coming Soon to a Smartphone Near You With the success of the CardioMEMS system, Dr. Vaz is excited about related developments. “Developers are working on apps for mobile devices for patients and providers,” he said. “Apps and other iterations will further increase patient engagement and reduce response times. Furthermore, there is a proliferation of new devices for remote hemodynamic monitoring. This is a game changer for CHF.” To learn more about the CardioMEMS device or GHS’ Congestive Heart Failure Program, call (864) 455-2431 or visit ghs.org/heart. (Medical device images provided courtesy of St. Jude Medical, Inc.)
“We were the first health system in the Upstate to implant a CardioMEMS device. That fits well with the values, mission and goals of GHS.”—Dev Vaz, MD
Each day, Dr. Vaz reviews patients’ transmitted data and adjusts medication accordingly. Inside Health 12
Where the Patient Is Number One GHS’ vision is to transform health care for the benefit of the patients and communities we serve. One way we’re doing that is by transforming the patient experience in our primary care offices. By Lark Reynolds
Greeter Britney Adams stands by to assist patients, as needed, as they check in.
With the help of GHS, Simon Kizito plans to stay healthy for wife Kimberly and daughters Tess (9) and Sasha (2).
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ometimes a patient walking into a doctor’s office can feel like the least significant person in the room. But the physicians and staff at Greenville Health System (GHS) Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton (GPIM), strive for the opposite effect, and they’ve made significant changes to their practice to achieve it. “A lot of times when you enter a traditional office, you go to a glass window, and behind it are nurses scurrying in and out and somebody making copies—just a lot of activity,” said Pam Evans, a patient at GPIM. “But here, there was none of that. It was a very crisp and clean first impression. I felt comfortable.” For one thing, there’s no glass window at this practice. In fact, there’s not even a front office. The elimination of the office area has had significant impact for patients. First, and most easily noticeable, when patients walk in, they see a single concierge desk and a smiling staff member standing at it. No distractions in the background, no other voices interrupting the greeter as she welcomes them. If help is needed, she guides them through checking in on an iPad at one of two kiosks in the waiting area. “It was very apparent that the greeter was solely focused on welcoming me and making sure that check-in went smoothly and quickly,” said Evans. Changes for the Better Not only has technology made it possible for patients to check themselves in, but it also has significantly reduced the physical space needed to store patient records, enabling the repurposing of space previously used for that function. In the renovation of the practice’s space, physicians’ offices also disappeared. “We wanted the new space to support our team approach,” said Joanne Skaggs, MD, a GPIM physician. “Now we have a ‘landing room’ where the providers have work spaces, and we huddle there to discuss cases.”
Another benefit at GPIM has been the addition of more patient rooms. Office hours also have expanded to 7 a.m.7 p.m., and the team plans to add more providers along with four recently hired nurse practitioners. Three doctors will join the practice in coming months. This growth and expansion of hours has improved access both for new patients who need a medical home and for current patients, particularly when they need same-day care. Dr. Skaggs shared the story of one patient who called the office at 3:30 p.m. about a medical ailment that had nagged her all day. Although the patient expected to be instructed to go to the emergency room, instead she was told to come in. “She arrived at the office at 4 p.m. and was seen right away,” Dr. Skaggs relayed. “She was so thankful that her issue was taken care of—and that she avoided the emergency room and instead saw people who knew her.” Clearly, then, patients are noticing the difference at GPIM, not only in terms of the physical changes to the setup and décor in the waiting area, but also in the enhanced quality of the service they are receiving. And that’s the goal.
“If we don’t create an experience for you that just overwhelms you—not just a good experience but an extraordinary experience— then I believe we haven’t done our jobs,” said George Lesmes, chief administrative officer for GHS physician practices. Back to Basics Peter Tilkemeier, MD, chair of GHS’ Department of Medicine, and his team shared their vision for transforming the delivery of care with GHS leadership, who embraced the proposal. Now, pilot practices are employing the new model, although Dr. Tilkemeier said it would take some time to implement it smoothly and efficiently. The behind-the-scenes work is well underway, though, and that is where the clinical staffs at these practices have shone, he said. The key to making the patient feel valued, welcomed and well cared for has been an emphasis on customer service training. All staff members, including the doctors, at each practice participate in the new training, which Lesmes developed. Inside Health 14
“All the concepts are geared toward engaging people,” Lesmes said. “It’s not sophisticated stuff, but for our people to create an experience that’s extraordinary, they’ve got to embrace it, and every person has to be on board.”
“The messaging component of MyChart, particularly with Dr. Skaggs, has been amazing,” said Evans, the patient. “I feel like there’s a direct communication line that can be used when needed.”
Dr. Skaggs said the doctors at her practice learned a lot from the training.
Currently, pilot practices GPIM and GHS Internal Medicine– Maxwell Pointe have integrated the new model of enhancing the patient experience, with plans to roll it out to all GHS primary care practices over the next few years.
“It helped us remember why we’re doing what we’re doing and showed us how we can do it better,” she said. “It reminded us that each person is a person, not just a condition or an illness. Sometimes, we can lose sight of that because of stress or fatigue.”
“The biggest benefits for our patients,” noted Dr. Tilkemeier, “are engagement, leaving the office informed and understanding of the plan, and feeling safe and truly cared for.”
She said the training also focused on team building and encouragement, which has had an immense positive impact on the atmosphere at GPIM.
“Our ultimate goal is to create the environment and experience that the patient wants,” Lesmes added. “Every visit, every site, every time.”
Although Epic technology is not unique to GPIM, it is also a big player in creating this new experience for the patient. From streamlining check-in and information gathering to opening up patients’ access to their own medical records on MyChart and offering a channel for communicating directly with their doctor, Epic is helping usher in this enhanced patient experience.
If you are a GHS patient, we encourage you to register for MyChart. Visit mychart.ghs.org or ask about it at your next visit. If you are not a patient and would like to access transformed primary care at GHS, call 1-844-GHS-DOCS (447-3627) or see the directory on page 19.
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CLINICAL TRIALS
Participants Needed
Hundreds of clinical trials are conducted throughout Greenville Health System on a variety of drug therapies, surgical devices and other treatments in all areas of medicine. Cancer Survivors for Registry GHS Cancer Institute’s Cancer Survivor Registry is a database of demographics, contact information, and tumor and treatment information. Survivors can receive helpful information about moving forward. Contact Katie, (864) 455-5889 or kdaniels@ghs.org.
Breast Cancer Survivors with Neuropathy The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy in breast cancer survivors. Symptoms include pain, tingling, and/or numbness in fingertips or toes. Participants will undergo 18 acupuncture treatments over 12 weeks and complete questionnaires. Contact Armand, (864) 455-6251 or adesollar@ghs.org.
Women with Ovarian Cancer The purpose of this research study is to test an investigational agent called Vigil™ to determine when cancer may recur after receiving Vigil or a placebo and to compare your ability to carry out everyday activities. Vigil is a way of delivering a cancer protein in which the immune system recognizes the protein as foreign and rejects or destroys any cells that have it. Participants must be willing to receive a monthly injection for four-12 months. Call Anna, (864) 522-2063.
Women with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Related to Fibroids This study evaluates the ability of a new investigational device, the Sonata System, to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding related to fibroids. The Sonata System is considered investigational in the U.S. This study device allows a physician to view fibroids with ultrasound and to treat them by heating with radiofrequency energy. The device is placed into the uterus through the vagina and cervix: No incisions are needed. Participants must be premenopausal, ages 25-50, have had heavy menstrual bleeding related to fibroids for at least three months, have no desire to become pregnant and have had no disruptive chronic pelvic pain for the last six months. Call Cheryl, (864) 455-5951.
Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an investigational cell therapy in women with stress urinary incontinence (accidental leakage with exercise, laughing, sneezing). For information, go to ResearchMySUI.com or call toll free 1-855-344-1074.
Relatives of People with Type 1 Diabetes This study is searching for ways to prevent and quickly medically intervene in those newly diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers are seeking to test family
members of people with type 1 diabetes to determine if they show signs of developing the disease. Parents, brothers, sisters and children of those who have type 1 diabetes (ages 1-45), and cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandchildren (ages 1-20) can be tested for their risk of developing type 1 diabetes free of charge. Benefits of participation include finding out your family members’ risk level for developing diabetes, possibly receiving an early diagnosis of diabetes that would allow for early treatment and contributing to the fight against type 1 diabetes. Adult patients or their relatives may call Shirley at (864) 455-3261. Relatives of pediatric patients may call Lisa at (864) 454-5168.
Children and Adolescents with Narcolepsy The purpose of the trial is to learn more about the medication Xyrem as a safe and effective treatment alternative for treating children and adolescents who have narcolepsy with cataplexy. Eligible participants are diagnosed with this condition and are between ages 7-16. Participants must agree to keep all study appointments and be available for phone calls from study staff for the 52-week study period. Contact Amy, (864) 454-5591 or ahayes@ghs.org. To learn more, visit ghs.org/research.
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Q & A
The Future of Health Care in the Upstate
The Board of Trustees of Greenville Health System (GHS) has approved a new governance structure for the system. By taking these steps to position GHS for the future, the board is ensuring GHS is able to fulfill its mission and vision and continue providing care to all regardless of their ability to pay. What is the new governance structure? The governance structure approved by the Board of Trustees creates a multiregional health system in which GHS and other healthcare entities could participate. In this structure, the multiregional health system will be governed by a new private, not-for-profit entity that will provide strategic oversight for the multi-regional health system with services and operations rendered through affiliated entities. A set of guiding principles—such as remaining true to our history as an academic health center, understanding the need for flexibility in making key strategic decisions and embracing diversity—was established so the new structure will be capable of meeting community needs now and in the future.
Can you give an example of how it will work? GHS has leased its facilities to a Greenville-based Upstate affiliate organization that will be responsible for day-to-day operation and management of GHS. The Upstate affiliate organization is the same operationally as GHS is today; the system will continue to deliver patient care and 17 Inside Health
meet the healthcare needs of this community. The affiliate organization, along with other regional affiliates, will receive strategic direction from the private, not-for-profit entity that governs the multi-regional health system. Care in the Upstate will continue to be delivered under the GHS name and, over time, the role of the GHS Board of Trustees will transition to one of oversight of the lease agreement, assessing community need and ensuring the healthcare needs of the Upstate are met.
What are the benefits of the new governance structure? The board believes there are many benefits. One of the chief benefits is ensuring the flexibility to deliver care to more people across more communities while keeping healthcare decisions local. This flexibility is needed because our current structure restricts with whom we can partner. The ability to manage the health of populations is the future of health care, and this proposed structure allows GHS to do so in partnership with others. These partnerships also bring value in terms of quality and cost savings to our community.
How does a new governance structure affect GHS’ governmental status? The intention is not to change GHS’ governmental status. The structure described in the first question allows GHS to remain in compliance with Act 432 of the Joint Acts and Resolutions of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, which states that GHS is “authorized and empowered to do all things necessary or convenient for the establishment and maintenance of adequate hospital facilities for Greenville County.” Decision rights on this matter rest solely with the Board of Trustees and permit the board to contract with or lease operations to private organizations.
H. Howell Clyborne Jr. is vice president, Community and Governmental Affairs, of Greenville Health System.
PRACTICE PROFILE
(l-r) Douglas Whitehead, MD; Sara Velky, PA-C; and Mark Zeigler, MD, practice patient-centered care. (l-r) Drs. Shelley, Faust, Hausladen and Shoaf are four of the providers who care for the kids of Greer.
Pediatric Associates–Greer “Every child is an artist.” The famous Picasso quote adorns a waiting room wall at Pediatric Associates–Greer, a reminder that each child is a unique blend of personality, creativity, talents, interests, likes and dislikes.
That accessibility includes office hours six days a week, sameday sick appointments and after-hours help when parents may call the practice and speak with a triage nurse for guidance if a child becomes sick or injured.
“We look for the child inside the patient and get to know him or her so that we can provide the best care,” said Susan Shelley, MD, a pediatrician with the practice.
“Even as our practice grows with Greer, we’re fostering a friendly small-group feel,” Dr. Shelley concluded. “Families feel comfortable here.”
At Pediatric Associates–Greer, “best care” is high-quality, compassionate and prompt, with a focus on developing healthy habits.
Providers Jeffrey N. Faust, MD, FAAP Edward H. Hausladen, MD, FAAP Susan C. Shelley, MD, FAAP Rebecca W. Shoaf, MD, FAAP Lynn M. Smith, MD, FAAP Kristi Donlan, CPNP
“We believe that by promoting healthy emotional and physical development,” Dr. Shelley explained, “and by emphasizing the value of good nutrition, education and exercise, we can help children build a strong foundation for their future.” In its pleasant location, the practice offers well-child care, physicals, immunizations, treatment for chronic and acute conditions, and diagnostic testing. Pediatric Associates–Greer providers also place a priority on developing strong partnerships with parents. “We make every effort to be an easily accessible, reliable medical resource for parents and to encourage them in their challenging role,” Dr. Shelley noted.
Pediatric Associates–Greer 318 Memorial Drive • Greer, SC 29650 (864) 879-3883 • ghschildrens.org/pag • Hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (extended hours weekdays as needed for sick children) Saturday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
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GHS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES Having a personal physician with whom you can establish a lifelong relationship is as important as getting your screenings. If you need assistance finding one, here is a list of GHS primary care practices or call GHS Physician Finder at 1-844-GHS-DOCS (447-3627). To find out more about these practices, go to ghs.org/mydoctor. For a complete list of primary and specialty physicians, go to ghs.org. CLEMSON Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 208 Frontage Rd., Ste. 1, 29631 654-6034
Christie Pediatric Group* 9 Mills Ave., 29605 242-4840 3911 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1340
Piedmont OB/GYN 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 330, 29605 455-1270 3917 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1360
Cross Creek Internal Medicine* 50 Cross Park Ct., 29605 797-7035
Riverside Family Medicine–Eastside* 215 Halton Rd., 29607 454-2700
Carolina Women’s Center 102 Medical Park Ct., 29325 938-0087
Cypress Internal Medicine–Patewood* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B460, 29615 454-2226
Riverside Family Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3909 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1320
GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens 22725 Hwy. 76 E., Ste. A, 29325 833-4545
GHS Internal Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3907 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1300
DUNCAN Palmetto Medical Associates* 500 Squires Pte., 29334 968-5123
GHS Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wade Hampton* 1809 Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 120, 29609 522-5000
GREER The Children’s Clinic* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 150, 29650 797-9300
Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 500 Squires Pte., 29334 582-8135
Greenville Family Medicine* 2-A Cleveland Ct., 29607 271-7761
Family Medicine–Mountain View* 406 Memorial Dr. Ext., 29651 877-9066
EASLEY Pediatric Associates–Easley* 800 N. A St., 29640 855-0001
Greenville Midwifery Care & Birth Center 35 Medical Ridge Dr., 29605 797-7350
Greer Family Medicine* 1107 W. Poinsett St., 29650 879-8886
Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 2 Memorial Medical Dr., 29605 295-4210 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. F, 29607 286-7500
Greer OB/GYN 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 100, 29650 797-9200
CLINTON Advanced Family Medicine* 210 S. Broad St., 29325 833-0973
GRAY COURT Laurens Family Medicine* 9100 Hwy. 14, 29645 876-4888 GREENVILLE Carolina Pediatrics of Greenville* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. A120, 29615 454-2670 Center for Family Medicine* 877 W. Faris Rd., Ste. A, 29605 455-7800 The Children’s Clinic* 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-1450 415 Duncan Chapel Rd., 29617 522-2600 Children’s Hospital After-hours Care (Urgent Care) 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-3681
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Greenville Pediatric Health Center*† 1350 Cleveland St., 29607 263-3012 Gynecology Specialists 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 510, 29605 101 Halton Village Circle, 29607 455-1600 (for both) Internal Medicine Associates of Greenville 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. A, 29607 242-4683 MD360® (Urgent Care) 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. B, 29607 286-7550
Cypress Internal Medicine–Greer* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 200, 29650 797-9550
MD360® (Urgent Care) 1305 S. Suber Rd., 29650 989-4609 Pediatric Associates–Greer* 318 Memorial Dr., 29650 879-3883 LAURENS Laurens Family Medicine* 106 Parkview Dr., 29360 984-0571 PIEDMONT/POWDERSVILLE Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wren* 1115 Wren School Rd., 29673 859-0740 (in collaboration with Baptist Easley)
MD360® (Urgent Care) 11402 Anderson Rd., Ste. A, 29611 631-2799 (in collaboration with Baptist Easley) Pediatric Associates–Powdersville* 207 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-1110 Premier Women’s Care 209 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-4209 SENECA Between the Lakes Primary Care 106 Ram Cat Alley, 29678 888-4445 Blue Ridge Women’s Center 103 Carter Park Dr., 29678 482-2360 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 985-1799
Christie Pediatric Group* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. A, 29680 454-5062 Cypress Internal Medicine–Simpsonville* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. D, 29680 454-6540 Family & Internal Medicine–Simpsonville 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 300, 29681 522-1170 Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 120, 29681 454-6500 Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Simpsonville* 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 320, 29681 454-6440 Hillcrest Family Practice* 717 S.E. Main St., 29681 522-5400
Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 111 Omni Dr., 29672 888-4222
Keystone Family Medicine* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. B, 29680 454-5000
Mountain Lakes Community Care (Urgent Care) 100 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 885-7425
MD360® (Urgent Care) 300 Scuffletown Rd., 29681 329-0029
Mountain Lakes Family Medicine 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 482-3148
SPARTANBURG Children’s Hospital Spartanburg Night Clinic*† 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 804-6998
Dr. Timothy Sanders Family Medicine 100 Omni Dr., Ste. A, 29672 885-7520 Seneca Medical Associates 11082 N. Radio Station Rd., 29672 882-2314 Upstate Family Medicine 12016 N. Radio Station Rd., 29678 882-6141 SIMPSONVILLE The Children’s Clinic* 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 100, 29681 454-6520
Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 249 N. Grove Medical Park Drive, Ste. 100 582-8135 Skylyn Medical Associates 1776 Skylyn Dr., 29307 577-9970 Spartanburg Pediatric Health Center*† 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 707-2135 TRAVELERS REST Travelers Rest Family Medicine* 9 McElhaney Rd., 29690 834-3192
*The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Recognition Programs assess whether clinicians and practices support the delivery of high-quality care and are built on evidence-based, nationally recognized clinical standards of care. †Most insurances accepted, including S.C. Medicaid program and Medicaid Managed Care. The practices listed here are part of GHS Partners in Health, Inc.
Inside Health is published by Greenville Health System as a community service. This information is for educational purposes solely—it should not take the place of medical advice or diagnoses made by healthcare professionals. Greenville Health System is known for its comprehensive services and world-class physicians, in addition to being an academic health center and conducting leading-edge research. However, our compassion and strength come from our people—15,000 dedicated professionals, your neighbors, who work together to care for you and your family. Editor-in-chief Jerry R. Youkey, MD Executive VP, Medical and Academic Affairs, Greenville Health System Founding Dean, USC School of Medicine Greenville USC Associate Provost for Health Sciences Greenville Art Direction GHS Creative Services Contributing Photographer George Reynolds For more information, contact Nancy Parker, Editor, Marketing Communications Greenville Health System 701 Grove Road Greenville, SC 29605-5601 (864) 797-7541 nparker@ghs.org
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GHS Vision Transform health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve. GHS Mission Heal compassionately. Teach Innovatively. Improve constantly. GHS Values Together we serve with integrity, respect, trust and openness.
Baptist Easley: New Look, Same Excellence in Health Care The goal of Baptist Easley (BE) always has been to bring the best health care close to home. Six years ago, as part of that journey, Baptist Easley entered a partnership with Greenville Health System (GHS), with GHS becoming part owner (along with Palmetto Health). This partnership advances health care for BE’s growing community in a cost-effective manner by increasing access, enhancing quality and facilitating the coordination of patient care. The result has been consistent care that meets GHS’ high standards. Baptist Easley, an important part of the GHS family, recently unveiled a new logo that reflects its relationship with GHS and its ongoing commitment to enhance the health and lives of the people it serves. “We will continue to care for our local community with the same commitment and passion as always,” said Baptist Easley CEO Michael Batchelor. “In conjunction with GHS, we proudly continue to provide access to the best possible health care here in our own local community.”