Winter 2019 Cutting a new path in treating sickle cell Helping patients stay out of the hospital Mobile app for moms on the move A Publication of Greenville Health System
Giving babies a head start with cranial remolding
Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health are now Prisma Health We’re excited to be united under one name and one logo. Together, we’re looking at health in a completely new way. Our 30,000 team members are dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of you and your family. Our promise is to: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference. We’ll continue to honor the sacred relationships our patients and families have with their physicians and advanced practice providers. Your doctor won’t change. Your hospital won’t change. To learn more about how we will serve you, visit PrismaHealth.org
CONTENTS
Pregnant women happy with app 2 GHS’ clinical app keeps tabs on the health of moms-to-be, reducing the need for in-person visits.
Heading off a problem 5
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Megan Davis knew that something wasn’t right about the shape of her infant son’s head. Fortunately, GHS’ team of experts knew just what to do to correct the cranial condition.
Adults with childhood blood disorder no longer outgrow care 9 For the first time in the Upstate, GHS offers a program for people with sickle cell disease to receive the specialized care they need— for the rest of their lives.
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Catching patients on the rebound 13 With transitional care, high-risk patients have the extra attention and support they need to prevent a return to the hospital.
Departments Message from the president 1 Spotlight 2 What’s right in health care 3
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Q & A 16 Clinical trials 17 Practice profile 19 Provider directory 20
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We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Call (864) 797-7541 or email nparker@ghs.org.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Purpose Driven When Greenville Health System (now Prisma Health–Upstate) and Palmetto Health (now Prisma Health–Midlands) joined to become Prisma Health, one of the first tasks was to develop a common purpose. We wanted our new purpose to reflect the legacy of both organizations and to resonate with not only our team members but also those we serve—and we wanted it expressed in words that were brief and easily remembered. By the end of our intentional process, we had gleaned feedback from more than 250 people: patients, physicians, frontline staff, executive team members, board members, and other stakeholders from across the spectrum and from both affiliates. Though it was difficult to crystallize our purpose into eight words, we believe we’ve captured it here: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference. Our team is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of you and your family by bringing our purpose to life. In this issue of Inside Health, you’ll see our purpose coming to life in each story. ToyAnita Jones and others with a complex blood disorder find ongoing medical care and encouragement through our groundbreaking Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program. Likewise, you’ll meet Mike Dollfus, an inpatient who, after discharge, entered the Transitional Care Program (TCP), an innovative strategy to help prevent at-risk patients from returning to the hospital. Through TCP,
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we give these patients the extra care and compassion they need. And we’ll introduce you to the Davis family, pictured on the cover, whose youngest son, Roman, underwent cranial remolding at the skillful hands of our experts at the Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics. Thanks to the difference they’ve made, Roman now will develop normally. One way we want to inspire health is to give you the information you need to make good decisions in choosing health care providers. This spring, we will begin posting the results of patient satisfaction surveys on our provider directory web page, so you can see what other patients are saying about their experience with our providers in primary care, cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics and surgery. Both positive and negative feedback are included. This is an exciting time for us as we settle into our new identity as Prisma Health. It will be a marathon, not a sprint, as we undertake the extensive process of changing signage, print pieces, uniforms, badges and everything else that carries our visual identity. As you can see, Inside Health has not yet been updated. Its new look is planned for the next issue. Through name and logo changes, one thing remains constant: our number one priority—taking care of patients and their families.
Spence M. Taylor, MD President
SPOTLIGHT
Pregnant women happy with app
Greenville Health System practices’ clinical app gives providers more data– and women more freedom. Greenville Health System (GHS) is the first health care system in the state to use Babyscripts™, a clinical mobile app that extends high-quality pregnancy care beyond just the in-person OB/GYN office visit by providing education and remote monitoring of blood pressure, a key indicator of a healthy pregnancy. The patient enters her weight, another key indicator. The ability to remotely monitor weight and blood pressure and send educational messages means that low-risk moms can potentially eliminate up to four or more routine appointments. The mobile app, which debuted at Greer OB/GYN in 2017, was highly successful and is slated to be adopted systemwide. It initially is rolling out to practices in Greenville County. Virtually all maternity patients in the system are receiving the app with educational content, while select practices are offering the enhanced blood pressure monitoring program that facilitates a reduced number of in-person visits.
Future app modules are in the works to help manage patients with high blood pressure.
Through the Babyscripts platform, the enhanced program for monitoring blood pressure tracks this vital weekly. Any measurement that falls outside the approved zone quickly prompts follow-up calls from Babyscripts or the physician’s office. “In addition to including educational information,” explained Donald Wiper, MD, vice president of Institutional Culture at GHS and an OB/GYN, “the Babyscripts app delivers weekly medical, nutrition and lifestyle action items that are evidence-based guidelines selected by the patient’s own physician for her unique circumstances. This information is targeted to the expectant mother’s current week of pregnancy.” “Our patients loved it,” said Jay Cowart, MD, with Greer OB/GYN. “In fact, they loved it so much that those who already have finished the pregnancy on Babyscripts are asking to make sure that they can use it again in future pregnancies. They liked that their blood pressure was checked weekly throughout the pregnancy. They also liked having fewer appointments, especially since our team members were so quick to respond to any abnormal readings.” Championing the project is Lauren Demosthenes, MD, medical director of High Value Care and Innovation in the OB/GYN department at GHS. “One size does not fit all when it comes to prenatal care,” remarked Dr. Demosthenes, “and we are proud to have added another choice for our maternity patients.” GHS, which delivers about 7,200 babies a year, offers obstetric care through its OB/GYN practices, certified midwifery care, group prenatal care and now Babyscripts. “GHS is one of those few leading organizations that doesn’t just say that digital is the future of care,” noted Juan Pablo Segura, Babyscripts’ president and co-founder, “it actually invests in transforming care through technology.” 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.
$100,000
Gift from Dabo’s All In Team Foundation to the Breast Care Center on Oconee Medical Campus. One of the largest contributions ever given to this GHS center, the donation will help provide life-saving mammograms to women in need and seed funds for a clinical navigator to guide patients through their cancer journey.
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GHS physicians honored on the 2017-18 Best Doctors in America List. Click button to see the list and read about the selection process.
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$5,000
Money given to Farm to Belly, an innovative partnership of Greenville Health System, Feed and Seed, and Head Start, when it won the 2018 Dick and Tunky Riley WhatWorksSC Award for Excellence. Farm to Belly aims to prevent childhood obesity, especially in low-income families. The initiative supplies these families with fresh fruits and vegetables and recipe kits to encourage food preparation at home, and implements music and movement in the classroom.
Patients who enter the Cancer Institute’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program annually. The program has received Aetna IOE (Institute of Excellence) designation for bone marrow transplant. Aetna Institutes are a network of high-performing hospitals and health care facilities that offer specialized care. Aetna IOEs help patients facing a transplant select a health care facility meeting specific quality criteria.
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Contributors to Four Stories of Hope, who wrote about their experience with cancer through a creative writing workshop offered by the Cancer Support Community of GHS’ Cancer Institute. Published by Emrys Press, this free book can be obtained at the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship, 900 W. Faris Road, by contacting Kerri Susko at 864-455-5809 or ksusko@ghs. org, or via the Emrys website, emrys.org.
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GHS hospitals that received the “Certified Zero Harm Award” by the S.C. Hospital Association. Awards are given twice annually to hospitals that report no preventable hospital-acquired infections of a specific nature during a certain period. The hospitals are Baptist Easley, Greenville Memorial, Greer Memorial, Hillcrest, Laurens County and Patewood.
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The social media sites that changed from the GHS brand to the Prisma Health brand on January 16.
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People who attended GHS’ annual Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Participants—many from underserved areas and at high risk for chronic diseases—underwent blood pressure checks, prostate exams, blood tests for diabetes and/or other health screenings.
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Our first priority: taking care of patients and their families.
about specific achievements Inside Health 4
Heading off a problem GHS’ interdisciplinary team offers expertise in a range of treatment protocols to correct an infant’s head shape. By Anne Smith
Roman Davis sports his cranial remolding helmet. Photo provided by Megan Davis.
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hen Charlie Brown is called the “roundheaded kid,” it doesn’t sound like a compliment. But a rounded head, especially in babies, is a good thing. What parents and providers don’t want to see are signs of plagiocephaly. This common disorder develops when an infant’s soft skull becomes flattened in one area, due to repeated pressure on one part of the head.
the difference: “Before 3 months of age, newborns’ heads are so malleable that plagiocephaly is more easily treated with conservative measures.”
Sometimes brought on by a baby’s preference for sleeping or sitting with the head turned consistently in the same direction, plagiocephaly is a treatable condition that requires early intervention. Treatment can include performing special exercises, varying sleep and play position, wearing custommade cranial remolding helmets and, in some cases, having surgery.
“The Back to Sleep program started 25 years ago to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and it has been a wonderful success,” she remarked. “SIDS deaths have been cut in half simply by placing babies on their backs to sleep. As a result, though, the incidence of positional plagiocephaly has increased markedly.”
On the rise The incidence of plagiocephaly has skyrocketed in recent decades, according to Hitchcock.
Hitchcock pointed out that simple solutions exist.
Parents and pediatricians: the first line of defense Plagiocephaly can become apparent when a baby is between 2 and 4 months old. As soon as a concern arises, parents should contact their pediatrician. Megan Davis, a Greenville mom of three, observed in late 2017 that her youngest son’s head had an atypical shape. “About a month after Roman was born, I noticed his head didn’t look like his brothers’, but I couldn’t put my finger on why,” Davis recalled.
“A physical therapist’s first intervention to all parents, whether they are concerned about baby’s head shape or not, is to advise as much tummy time as their baby will tolerate,” she said. “Not only will it strengthen infants’ back, neck and shoulder muscles, but it also takes pressure off the back of their heads. Incorporating snippets of tummy time throughout the day will allow the baby’s head to reshape beautifully.”
Benefits of physical therapy
Her next step—calling a physician—was the right one, according to Joe Maurer, MD. Dr. Maurer is a pediatrician with The Children’s Clinic, a practice of Greenville Health System.
When positioning alone does not allow an infant’s skull to properly reshape, families are referred to physical therapy. The same is true for babies with torticollis, a tightening of the neck muscle, which makes them look to one side and interferes with head shape development.
“I recommend parents ask me their questions right away, as opposed to worrying or going online,” Dr. Maurer said. “I’d rather be the source of answers than have them get information that may not be accurate or applicable.”
Mary Jones, Kidnetics’ physical therapy supervisor, stressed that cases don’t need to be severe to benefit from therapy.
A pediatrician can offer more than just reassurance to families, advised Andrew Burgess, MD, of GHS Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton. “We often send parents home with exercises to incorporate into their baby’s routine, as well as guidelines for tummy time and sleep positioning,” Dr. Burgess noted. “Outcomes suggest that early physical therapy is beneficial, and a referral to PT may be our next step in cases where it’s warranted.” Elizabeth Hitchcock, a physical therapist with Kidnetics®, the pediatric therapies arm of Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System, reiterated that early intervention makes all
“We would rather see parents and tell them that they don’t need us than find out later that we should have intervened months beforehand,” Jones emphasized. “Particularly if plagiocephaly is due to a muscle tightness in the neck or a baby’s habit of looking in one direction, allowing it to become a longer-term habit can make it harder to resolve. If we see an infant early, we can work through issues faster.” When caregivers are referred to Kidnetics, they can expect a therapist to observe their infant’s range of motion, take measurements of the head and make decisions based on those findings. Kidnetics sometimes sends patients to GHS’ Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics after taking initial measurements. Many families see positive changes simply
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from positioning their babies upright in baby carriers, adjusting their sleep positions, providing more tummy time and incorporating recommended exercises. Hitchcock, who spearheaded Kidnetics’ torticollis physical therapy program, pointed out that head shape and neck tightness have more than just aesthetic consequences: “Over time, babies can develop facial asymmetries, which may lead to feeding issues, using one side of the body more than the other, and even vision difficulties. It’s about a lot more than a round-shaped head; catching these cases early can prevent long-term issues.” She continued, “We demonstrate massage techniques, how to improve neck range of motion, how to perform exercises that will strengthen their babies. Caregivers walk away with tools that benefit their babies long after they leave Kidnetics.”
Cranial remolding If physical therapy and repositioning do not improve a child’s head shape or when a pediatrician and PT team determine additional reshaping efforts are needed, the next step may be a referral to the Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics for cranial remolding. “These specialists create molding helmets to help round out a baby’s head shape,” remarked Katie Lichty, NP, with GHS’ Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery. Patients usually respond very well to custom-made helmets.”
These helmets function alongside a baby’s natural growth to reshape the skull in a customized orthotic lined with foam. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure that the patient is responding to treatment as expected. But not every baby referred to the center needs a helmet. “We see about 300 children a year for a plagiocephaly evaluation and may recommend treatment on only half of them,” said Todd O’Hare, a certified prosthetist/orthotist and manager of the center. “The process is gentle, not painful,” he added. “Patients have weekly follow-ups, often for 10-18 weeks, and then that chapter of a baby’s life is closed. It’s a new and scary thing for parents, but their babies are in experienced hands here. Our level of specialized technology for evaluation and treatment sets us apart. We’ve focused on treating infants with plagiocephaly for over 15 years.”
When neurosurgery is needed Occasionally, babies with plagiocephaly or similar concerns are referred to Christopher Troup, MD, at Pediatric Neurosurgery (part of GHS Children’s Hospital) to rule out craniosynostosis, a condition in which a baby’s skull bones fuse together and create an atypical head shape. “An infant’s skull is actively molding, so it is not one solid thing,” explained Dr. Burgess. “It has different suture lines that separate it until it’s fully fused. If a suture closes prematurely, it limits the skull’s ability to grow as the brain does, and that’s a cause for concern.” Babies presenting with craniosynostosis get an instant referral to Dr. Troup and his team.
“We are fortunate to have a world-class pediatric neurosurgeon here in Greenville,” Dr. Maurer observed. “Professionally, he is unmatched; personally, he is entirely committed to the care of his patients and families.”
Top: Jeanne-Marie Beaupre, CPO, a prosthetist/orthotist with the Center for Prosthetics & Orthotics, shaves down the foam inside a cranial remolding helmet; bottom: Beaupre examines a young patient during a follow-up appointment. 7 Inside Health
Dr. Burgess agreed: “Many cities our size don’t have access to a surgeon at his level without hours of travel. He and his team of nurse practitioners are a tremendous resource to Children’s Hospital and our patients.”
Above: Roman Davis immediately after his surgery for sagittal craniosynostosis at age 3 months; right: Family photo of Roman Davis and his parents and older brothers. Photos provided by Megan Davis.
Lichty said that Pediatric Neurosurgery performs several suture surgeries a month for patients with craniosynostosis, usually seeing 20-25 plagiocephaly cases a week. “A lot of times these babies are referred for abnormally shaped heads,” she said. “When we assess and possibly scan them, we can determine their exact diagnosis and how to treat it.” For Roman Davis, a referral to Pediatric Neurosurgery and a CT scan confirmed that the 3-month-old had sagittal craniosynostosis, which required surgery. His mom realized the timing was perfect.
Continuity of care O’Hare appreciates that within GHS, his patients’ families have access to many specialists under one umbrella, saying, “We communicate, collaborate and bring every necessary piece to the puzzle. It’s the ideal set-up for patients with plagiocephaly, craniosynostosis and other diagnoses.” Jones pointed out the convenience of storing all patients’ health information on a central electronic medical record: “We have our notes on a common electronic program, share every session’s details with our patient’s pediatrician and collaborate with the orthotics team, too. We can see each round of measurements as they’re updated, so the whole team stays informed.”
“The brain has nowhere to go when a baby’s skull sutures are fused,” Davis pointed out. “We are thankful to have corrected this issue when we did.”
For every member of the GHS team, the vision is long-term, according to Hitchcock.
Lichty agreed, noting that the window of time for action ideally is less than 5 months old, but there are other surgical interventions available if the child is older.
“We want to take away the mystery and emphasize that head shape concerns are transient,” she remarked. “This time next year, the family should not be worrying about these issues.”
Sending a baby into surgery isn’t something Davis anticipated, but said, “Dr. Troup put us at ease. Skull surgery seems overwhelming, but he made us feel like it would be like a simple trip to the dentist. The process could not have gone better.”
Davis’ concerns for Roman’s head shape have dissipated. “Today, he’s busy crawling around with a perfectly round little head,” she said. “It’s not a condition that will affect him at all long term. He will run, jump, play and do everything his brothers do.”
She added, “Within 48 hours of surgery, Roman looked like a completely different baby, like he was meant to look all along.” Inside Health 8
The Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program follows a patient over a lifetime—the first of its kind in the Upstate. 9 Inside Health
Adults with childhood blood disorder no longer outgrow care GHS’ new program meets need with care tailored to adults with sickle cell disease. By Anne Smith
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oyAnita Jones was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) at age 6, more than 25 years ago. As she transitioned from a child to a teenager and then an adult, she was forced to wrestle not only with her complex medical condition, but also with a transition from familiar doctors who knew her story to a new set of doctors who were starting fresh. “I felt different and misunderstood enough as a child who couldn’t run or play the same way her friends did,” Jones said. “Leaving the doctors who knew me as soon as I became a young adult made it even harder. Not to have to transition would have meant everything to me.”
Sickle cell red cells in blood stream
Jones was overjoyed when she learned of plans at Greenville Health System to develop a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program that followed a patient over a lifetime—the first of its kind in the Upstate. “The worst feeling for patients with a chronic illness is the thought of leaving a health care provider who knows them well,” said Alan Anderson, MD, a pediatric hematologist/ oncologist with GHS Children’s Hospital. “Our vision was to serve upstate patients with sickle cell disease and ensure they’d never need to go elsewhere. We wanted to create a lifespan clinic, and that’s just what we’ve done.” The comprehensive program launched in summer 2018. According to the National Institutes of Health, SCD is an inherited blood disorder that alters the shape and longevity of red blood cells, leading to symptoms ranging from swelling of the hands and feet, fatigue, pain and infection to stroke, organ damage and red blood cell shortage, which often leads to Inside Health 10
transfusions. The illness disproportionately affects the African American community, Dr. Anderson noted, and also can affect those of Hispanic descent. Over the last 20 years, Dr. Anderson recounted that pediatric SCD patients have seen a “drastic improvement in survival,” thanks to advances in monitoring hemoglobin, fighting infection and maintaining everyday health. “We now see that over 96 percent of children with SCD live at least to age 18.” For patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, however, the statistics are less encouraging. “Admission rates to the ER and hospital rise, mortality rates increase and overall compliance with health maintenance, including visits to subspecialists, go down markedly,” Dr. Anderson stated. Patients often lack a true medical home, he added, because few care options focus on sickle cell; the effects are costly both physically and economically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that costs for hospital stays related to SCD were roughly $488 million in 2004 alone. “In patients with SCD, changes in temperature, decline in oxygen levels and other causes of stress to the body can lead to a change in the shape of the red blood cells and ultimately block blood flow to critical areas,” Dr. Anderson noted. “The biggest outward manifestation is pain, and sickle cell patients often need narcotic pain meds to treat it. We see many who use the ER to receive the help they need in medical crises.” That isn’t the ideal model of care, he pointed out, but few hospital systems have offered other solutions. “We needed to fill that gap.”
Change fueled by community support Fresh off two years in Botswana in southwestern Africa serving and studying patients with blood disorders and cancers, Dr. Anderson returned to Greenville in 2017 with a renewed determination to deliver care to an underserved population. He served as medical director of GHS Pediatric Hematology/Oncology before moving abroad and had quite a challenge awaiting him upon his return: Open the system’s first lifespan sickle cell disease program. Dr. Anderson made a case for the program, demonstrating the need for seamless SCD care and its worth for area patients. After assembling a community advisory board of political and religious leaders, along with concerned members of the health care sector and African American community, Dr. Anderson 11 Inside Health
led discussions about the lack of robust care for sickle cell patients transitioning into adulthood. “They saw the value of having a dedicated team of providers follow patients throughout the continuum of their chronic illness,” Dr. Anderson remarked. “It’s a travesty in the American health care system to have life expectancies going down for a chronic illness. It shouldn’t be happening, and we intend to change things.”
A huge relief: the value of seamless care At 21, Jones became pregnant. The difficulty of managing her disease was compounded by the challenge of having to walk through her history over and over with doctors who didn’t focus on sickle cell. “At my old practice, they knew and trusted me,” she recalled. “I didn’t have to go to the ER as often. They helped me manage my pain or get transfusions when I needed them. I lost all that when I left.” This experience drives Jones to support young sickle cell patients and their families, walking them through the highs and lows that can come with a chronic disease. She attends clinic support groups and mentors patients who experience the symptoms, both medical and social, she did at that time. “My family support system was strong,” she acknowledged, “but I still could have used a peer or the advice of someone who had been in my shoes.” “With sickle cell, you have symptoms inherent to your condition, and as a young adult, you also have things inherent to that age range, like a feeling of invincibility, lack of compliance, confusion about how to access health care for yourself and other social pressures,” Dr. Anderson explained. “You have few medical homes that focus on all those facets. Outside of medicine there is a stigma associated with sickle cell and its symptoms. It’s a great deal to manage at any age.” Jones agreed, remembering hospital visits when she was questioned or viewed “as someone just showing up to ask for pain meds. If you don’t know my diagnosis or my background, you see me as someone I’m not.” Conversely, she said, “Dr. Anderson’s staff just gets it. I can walk right in and explain my level of pain, how many bags of fluids I think I need, what medicines have worked for me before. They take me and my symptoms seriously, and they take me at my word. It’s a huge relief.”
ToyAnita Jones, center, with two of the medical team (Alan Anderson, MD, and Katie Muschick, BSN, RN, PCNS) who have given her a medical home that specializes in sickle cell disease.
Filling a void and information gap
Here for a lifetime
In addition to providing sickle cell patients a lifelong medical home and a place where they feel understood, Dr. Anderson aims to educate them. “We want our patients to understand newer modification agents available, preventive health recommendations and the value of knowing where to get IV fluids or pain meds when they travel. We discuss things that will keep them out of the ED or hospitals where there is less likely to be knowledge about SCD and how to manage it.”
In the months and years ahead, the clinic intends to add a new provider, expand care options, and continue to partner with community leaders for advocacy and awareness.
“At 32,” Jones admitted, “I’ve learned the importance of slowing down, taking fluids and meds, and decreasing my symptom crises before they come. When I was younger, I didn’t see it that way. But I believe what the clinic is doing now can help the next generation avoid that mindset.” Dr. Anderson’s team hopes to close the information gap for the community at large as well. “The social stigma of a disease driven by pain is real,” Dr. Anderson said. “We train our patients to know what works for them. But when they request the medicine they need, they are labeled as drug-seeking, coming in and immediately requesting something from providers. The only way to combat that stigma is to educate those outside of the sickle cell community about what they face.”
“Dr. Anderson’s team does more than care for us physically. This kind of spiritual and mental support is something I’ve always wanted,” Jones emphasized. “You see these kinds of coordinated efforts for cancer and other diseases, but the sickle cell community has never experienced that. Lifelong care is going to benefit everyone—those behind me and those older than me. It’s so much more than a doctor’s office for us.” Jones is heartened by the knowledge that, whatever comes in the years ahead, she will have a medical home. Dr. Anderson concluded, “I tell my patients that as long as you’re here and you need us, we’ll be with you.”
“I tell my patients that as long as you’re here and you need us, we’ll be with you.” – Alan Anderson, MD
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Catching patients on the rebound A new program at GHS is helping high-risk patients avoid readmissions after a hospital stay. By Robin Halcomb
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hile working as an inpatient case manager for Greenville Health System, Tami Woodrum, RN, often saw the need for a way to help ease the transition of patients from hospital stays back to their homes and primary care providers. GHS wasn’t alone. Hospitals across the nation face the daily challenge of ensuring patients return home successfully from an inpatient stay. The National Institutes of Health reports roughly 20 percent of recently discharged, older patients are readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The Care Coordination Institute (CCI), a GHS affiliate that centers on anticipating medical needs through data analysis, recognized a problem in need of a solution while reviewing health care data tracked from a provider network in which GHS participates.
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Leaders of CCI began meeting with GHS representatives in late 2015 to discuss their findings and consider how they might address the issue. Together, they set the goal of creating a program focused on reducing readmissions for patients who are at high risk for being readmitted or needing emergency department services. GHS’ Transitional Care Program (TCP), the first of its kind in the state, launched in December 2017. TCP, which has served more than 180 participants to date, closely follows patients during the critical month after a hospital discharge, when they are most at risk for readmissions. Misuse of medications and hospital-related complications often play a role in early readmissions. “The idea of transitional care programs is becoming more popular nationwide,” noted Thad Tuten, MD, GHS hospitalist
and TCP co-director. “But GHS saw a potential benefit and was willing to make the investment needed to innovate early on.”
Bridging gaps So-called “bridging” strategies similar to the TCP model appear to be the most successful approach to good outcomes for many health systems. Bridging involves a series of interventions aimed at lessening the challenges patients face in taking the information they receive while in the hospital and putting that into effective use at home. For 72-year-old, twice-retired Greenville resident Charles “Mike” Dollfus, TCP was a revelation. “What a surprise it was for me,” said Dollfus, who entered the program on Sept. 14. “They don’t just cut you loose after a hospital stay; they give you all the time you need.” Dollfus had been admitted to Greenville Memorial Hospital in early September after being diagnosed with communityacquired bacterial pneumonia and running a temperature of 104. When offered TCP before discharge, he was at first leery, but decided to participate after learning he could drop out of the program at any time. TCP is a voluntary program created to fill the gap between a patient’s discharge and first follow-up visit with the primary care provider. Providers are notified when a patient elects to enter the program. Upon completion of the program, the patient’s doctor receives detailed reports about progress.
“It’s amazing to see people during their initial appointment with the program,” commented Woodrum, who now works as ambulatory care manager for TCP. “A lot of hospital information causes them to be confused about what they are to be doing. But understanding that information is the key to good outcomes for patients.”
It takes a team Putting patients in touch with a team of specialists devoted to improving outcomes is the heart of the program. Specialists include hospitalist physicians, a dedicated pharmacist, dietitian, social worker, care manager and financial counselor. The team approach is one key to the program’s success because it addresses every aspect of the patient’s health needs and provides services (such as IV fluids, IV steroids and nebulizers) not usually found in the primary care setting. The program also builds in more time for visits than is allotted in a typical follow-up appointment. “Patients in the program love that we have time to spend with them,” observed Dr. Tuten. “That’s true not only during the
Thad Tuten, MD, reviews the plan of care with patient Mike Dollfus.
“By meeting with patients like Mr. Dollfus in the critical time period immediately after discharge,” said Stanley Coleman, MD, with Travelers Rest Family Medicine, “TCP helps enhance our care.” Providers affiliated with GHS have ongoing access to the patient’s medical information through the GHS electronic health record. For providers outside GHS, medical information is regularly shared via fax. Hospitalized patients first receive information about the program from nursing staff. Those who wish to participate are contacted after discharge by Woodrum, who walks them through the program and sets up their first appointment. Woodrum stays in touch with patients and their families throughout the process and works with patients and physicians to see that appointments are set up and kept and to identify any additional needs to be addressed.
“They don’t just cut you loose after a hospital stay; they give you all the time you need.” – Charles “Mike” Dollfus Inside Health 14
office visits, but also during the contacts between their weekly appointments.” Adverse drug events (ADE) are a major cause of readmissions, and account for the hospitalization of nearly 100,000 patients per year. TCP addresses this concern through the dedicated pharmacist team member, who reviews the patient’s drug plan and spends the time needed to ensure the patient understands which medications are prescribed, along with how and when to safely take those. “Some patients pointed out they didn’t understand their medication instructions,” reported Josh Almaroad, CPA, TCP manager. “Because the dedicated pharmacist spends the time needed, patients walk away confident in knowing what they should and shouldn’t take.” Patients are evaluated for the program using a scoring system called LACE. LACE looks at the length of stay in the hospital, how much care the patient likely will need (acuity of admission), whether the patient has multiple health issues (comorbidities) and the number of emergency department visits by the patient within the previous six months. During the program, patients are seen once each week for four weeks. The first appointment is scheduled within two to five days of discharge. Patients ask questions, and receive counseling and education regarding their diagnosis and medications. They also receive information and assistance regarding diet and nutrition, connecting with any needed community resources, and financial counseling to help with affording their medications.
Putting the compassion in ‘compassionate care’ For Dollfus, the bond that develops between the patient and the team is what makes the program special. “You get close to these people and they get close to you,” he shared. “I can’t tell you how impressed I was with the program and how much they helped me.” “To see the improvements in them at the end of the program,” remarked Woodrum, “tells me we are doing the things that need to be done.” Family members and other caregivers also play an important role in good outcomes. Woodrum considers it highly important that the patient has someone involved who understands what is going on. For patients without family, program specialists go the extra mile to ensure all needs are met. 15 Inside Health
“To see the improvements in them at the end of the program tells me we are doing the things that need to be done.” – Tami Woodrum, RN
When patients finish the program, they are assigned an ambulatory care manager who continues follow up. The manager works to reinforce program information and make sure any barriers to care are moving toward resolution. Dollfus was discharged from TCP on Oct. 2, but the team continues to stay in touch and monitor his progress. ”Even though I am finished with the program, if I need them, I call Tami Woodrum and she takes care of it,” he said. GHS leadership and TCP staff are encouraged by the results they are seeing in the early days of the program and anticipate confirmation of the program’s effectiveness when they begin reviewing data later this year. For Dollfus, there is no question about the program’s effectiveness. Because TCP addresses all medical issues for patients, he was treated for more than just the infection for which he was hospitalized. “The care I received was not just for the pneumonia,” he summarized. “Now I’m walking farther, my balance is better, and I’m not falling like before. They give you self-confidence that you just can’t put a price tag on.”
Update: In February, Mr. Dollfus returned to the hospital for reasons unrelated to his earlier visit. After a brief stay, he returned home—and enrolled again in TCP.
Q & A
Becoming Prisma Health What is the history of Prisma Health? In November 2017, Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health united as one health organization and one team, operating as the Upstate and Midlands affiliates of a nonprofit, locally governed, private health company. Last September, we announced that the company’s name is Prisma Health, and that early this year we would begin rebranding under that one entity.
What is the plan for the new brand launch? We are taking a phased approach to the rollout. We (Greenville Health System and Palmetto Health) started by retiring our legacy brands and are using the Prisma Health name and logo. Print material, all branded items and signage will gradually transition to the new brand. The goal is to be completed by the end of 2019, with the exception of signage, which will be completed in 2020.
What is the new organization’s new purpose? Our purpose is to Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference. Each Prisma Health team member is responsible for bringing to life our purpose through every action and every interaction at work.
How was the new brand selected? Leaders from both affiliates worked together through a comprehensive and
collaborative process facilitated by an internationally recognized branding agency. This process included holding focus groups with internal and external audiences, testing brand concepts and conducting legal reviews.
their families to understand who we are and what we do when they need our services. The sacred relationships between patients and their physicians/ advanced practice providers will not change.
Why change names and brands of the affiliates?
How will the brand change affect education and research initiatives?
Since we announced the creation of SC Health Company (interim name) in November 2017, we’ve realized the sooner we can integrate under one brand, the faster we can realize our goals and accomplish what neither affiliate can do alone. And, after speaking with team members, physicians, patients and community members, it became clear that now is the time to begin building equity in one brand and one purpose.
Our commitment to transforming health care through education and research will not change. From educational and clinical research initiatives to collaborating with our academic partners, the organization remains strongly committed to academics. We will continue to focus on educating the next generation of medical providers and investing in clinical research to improve the lives of those we serve.
Will the brand change affect patient care? We’re confident that together we will continue to make great strides to improve the patient experience, clinical quality and access to care, while addressing rising health care costs. By unifying under one brand, we want to make it easier for our patients and
Sally Foister
Director of Marketing & Communications for Prisma Health–Upstate
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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 Matt, (864) 455-5119 or molinger2@ghs.org.
Survivors of breast cancer as advisers The Breast Cancer Patient Engagement Studio is looking for women who have experienced breast cancer or their family members to help review projects designed to provide better care for patients. Patient opinions are needed! Participation involves meeting as an adviser (not a research participant) with a group of similar patients, researchers and clinicians to review projects as they are proposed. If interested, a patient application is available at hsc.ghs.org/ pes/application. You also may call (864) 455-8894 or email the Studio at PEStudio@ghs.org. If selected, you will receive compensation for taking part on the patient advisory board.
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Patients beginning cancer treatment This study looks at how body composition changes over the course of cancer treatment. Body composition will be evaluated using the SOZO device, which can identify a participant’s fluid status, fat mass, fat-free mass, metabolic report, skeletal muscle mass and hydration index. The study will last the duration of the participant’s cancer treatment. Participants will receive $100. Contact Armand, (864) 455-6251 or adesollar@ghs.org.
Survivors of lung cancer having anxiety The purpose of the Reducing Lung Cancer Survivors’ Anxiety (RELAX) research study is to compare the effects of device-guided breathing on anxiety and shortness of breath in survivors of lung cancer. This study is open to survivors of early-stage lung cancer who have completed treatment and are experiencing anxiety. The study will involve using a breathing device daily for 12 weeks and filling out questionnaires. Contact Claudette, (864) 522-4263 or cphinney@ghs.org.
Survivors of cancer with sedentary behavior The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of listening to audiobooks in increasing physical activity among survivors of cancer. Walking Inspires Seniors (WISE) Audiobook Study will track the number of steps taken by participants over the course of 12 weeks using a Fitbit. Participants will be randomized into either the audiobook group or the control group. This study is open to patients who were referred to the Moving On program, part of the Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship, and were unable to attend. You may be eligible to participate if you are 65 years old or older, able to walk unassisted, able to hear audiobooks and have access to a library. Contact Ginny, (864) 455-5943 or vsimmons@ghs.org.
CLINICAL TRIALS
Survivors of breast or gynecologic cancer Long-term effects for some survivors can include unwanted changes in sexual health. The purpose of this study is to determine if a medication called bupropion, already approved for several uses, can help women who have decreased sexual desire after completing cancer treatment. The study is open to post-menopausal women who have completed treatment for breast or GYN cancer at least six months ago. Study participants still can be on Herceptin or some types of hormonal therapies. The study lasts 10 weeks and will compare bupropion with a placebo. The medication is free. Call Claudette, (864) 522-4263.
Women having a cesarean The purpose of this study is to determine if a drug called tranexamic acid (TXA) will prevent severe bleeding (hemorrhage) after a cesarean delivery. Some bleeding occurs when a woman has a cesarean delivery. Occasionally (in fewer than five of every 100 births), severe bleeding can place the mother’s health at risk. When too much bleeding occurs, women are given medicines and blood transfusions or possibly may need another surgery.
1 gm of TXA or saline solution (no drug) after delivery. All other care and treatment are routine for a cesarean delivery. If you are delivering at Greenville Memorial Hospital, you may be approached about participation. Call Allison or Anthony, (864) 982-4894.
Adults with type 2 diabetes or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) The purpose of these studies is to evaluate the effect of novel medications for the advanced form of NAFLD called NASH/fibrosis. You may have NASH/ fibrosis if you have hypertension, diabetes, elevated lipids or a previous diagnosis of fatty liver. For a limited time, we are offering a free FibroScan, a non-invasive, painless ultrasound exam that can estimate if you have any fibrosis, a precursor to cirrhosis of the liver. Studies last one to seven years. Study drugs, lab tests, X-rays, etc., are free. Participants receive a small stipend. Contact Donna, (864) 455-2846 or dwest3@ghs.org or Alicia, (864) 455-2043 or Ajones1df23@ghs.org.
TXA routinely is used to lessen the chance of bleeding after major operations (such as heart surgery) by making the blood clot sooner. It is not routinely used for cesarean sections. Women enrolled will be randomized (like flipping a coin) to receive either
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PRACTICE PROFILE
Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wade Hampton “At Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton (PIM), we believe that a patient’s care should never be ’cookie cutter,’ ” said Brannan Jones, MD. “Rather, it should be personalized so that each person receives the best care for his or her needs.” Dr. Jones and three of his colleagues are internal medicinepediatrics physicians, and two are internal medicine physicians. Physicians who are trained in the relatively new field of internal medicine-pediatrics combine the skills and expertise of pediatricians and internists, and they offer the full range of services provided by both. When family members go to an internal medicine-pediatrics practice like PIM, they can all be seen in one location by the same doctor, who can get to know them and their needs. Dr. Jones sees another benefit. “Practicing both disciplines allows us to be more prepared to take care of problems that may fall into either field,” he noted. “We enjoy taking care of young adults who still may have ‘pediatric’ health conditions, such as autism, or teenagers who are aging into ‘adult’ health conditions, such as high cholesterol. This is especially important for growing families whose children need continued care as they age.” At PIM, patients don’t feel rushed during their visit. “Our staff schedules appointments in a way that allows us time for discussion about care,” Dr. Jones explained. “As providers, we can focus on the patient and not worry about the clock on the wall.” The office, which was renovated a few years ago, is expanding into the space next door and will include pediatric exam rooms and a pediatric waiting room. The new kid-friendly space will be completed over the next few months. “I enjoy seeing patients and building new relationships with families. And the way the providers work together and the friendships within the practice are wonderful,” Dr. Jones concluded. “I love coming to work each day.”
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The providers of Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton give unhurried, personalized care to each individual.
Providers Andrew Burgess, MD, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Shannon Burgess, MD, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Rose Coady, MD, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics J. Brannan Jones Jr., MD, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Elizabeth McKinney, MD, Internal Medicine Margaret Sims, MD, Internal Medicine Erin Johnson, MS, APRN, FNP-C Bonnie Kennedy, FNP Angela Mendaros, APRN, FNP-BC Vitaliy Pipenko Jr., ANP Hours Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton 809 Wade Hampton Blvd., #120, Greenville, SC 29609 864-522-5000 • ghs.org/gpim
Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton is an NCQA-Recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home 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.
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
GRAY COURT
Blue Ridge Women’s Center 101 Chapman Hill Rd., Ste. 201, 29631 482-2360
Laurens Family Medicine* 9100 Hwy. 14, 29645 • 876-4888
Clemson Primary Care* 101 Chapman Hill Rd., Ste. 201, 29631 653-4071 Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 450 Old Greenville Hwy., 29631 653-8964 CLINTON Advanced Family Medicine* 210 S. Broad St., 29325 • 833-0973 Carolina Women’s Center 102 Medical Park Ct., 29325 • 938-0087 GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens 22725 Hwy. 76 E., Ste. A, 29325 833-4545
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 Children’s Hospital After-hours Care (Convenient Care) 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-3681
DUNCAN
Christie Pediatric Group* 9 Mills Ave., 29605 • 242-4840 3911 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 • 522-1340
Palmetto Medical Associates* 500 Squires Pte., Ste. B, 29334 • 968-5123
Cross Creek Internal Medicine* 50 Cross Park Ct., 29605 • 797-7035
Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 500 Squires Pte., Ste. A, 29334 • 582-8135
Cypress Internal Medicine–Patewood* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B460, 29615 454-2226
EASLEY Easley Family Medicine* 106 John St., 29640 • 859-2220 Easley Internal Medicine* 704 N. A St., 29640 • 859-4480 Fleetwood Convenient Care (Convenient Care) 200 Fleetwood Dr., Ste. 100, 29640 442-7618 MountainView OB/GYN 1351 Crestview Rd., 29642 112 John St., Ste. 103, 29642 855-2737 (for both) Pediatric Associates–Easley* 800 N. A St., 29640 • 855-0001
GHS Internal Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3907 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 • 522-1300 GHS Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wade Hampton* 1809 Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 120, 29609 522-5000 Greenville Family Medicine* 2-A Cleveland Ct., 29607 • 271-7761 Greenville Midwifery Care & Birth Center 35 Medical Ridge Dr., 29605 • 797-7350 Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 2 Memorial Medical Dr., 29605 • 295-4210 905 Verdae Blvd., Ste. 201, 29607 286-7500 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® (Convenient Care) 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. B, 29607 • 286-7550 Piedmont OB/GYN 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 330, 29605 455-1270 3917 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1360 Riverside Family Medicine–Eastside* 215 Halton Rd., 29607 • 454-2700 Riverside Family Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3909 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 • 522-1320 GREER Center for Family Medicine–Greer 109 Physicians Dr., Ste. A, 29650797-9150 The Children’s Clinic* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 150, 29650 797-9300 Cypress Internal Medicine–Greer* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 200, 29650 797-9550 Family Medicine–Mountain View* 426 Memorial Dr. Ext., 29651 877-9066 Greer Family Medicine* 1107 W. Poinsett St., 29650 • 879-8886 Greer OB/GYN 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 100, 29650 797-9200 MD360® (Convenient 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
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GHS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES
LIBERTY Liberty Family Care* 300 W. Front St., 29657 • 843-5606
Dr. Timothy Sanders Family Medicine 100 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 • 885-7520
SPARTANBURG
PIEDMONT/POWDERSVILLE
Seneca Medical Associates 11082 N. Radio Station Rd., 29672 882-2314
Children’s Hospital Spartanburg Night Clinic* 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 804-6998
Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wren* 1115 Wren School Rd., 29673 • 859-0740
Upstate Family Medicine 12016 N. Radio Station Rd., 29678 882-6141
GHS Family & Internal Medicine– Boiling Springs 2400 Boiling Springs Rd., 29316 • 599-0731
MD360® (Convenient Care) 11402 Anderson Rd., Ste. A, 29611 631-2799
SIMPSONVILLE
MD360® (Convenient Care) 2400 Boiling Springs Rd., 29316 • 599-0731
Pediatric Associates–Powdersville* 207 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 • 220-1110 Powdersville Family & Internal Medicine* 15 Roe Rd., 29611 • 295-2308 Premier Women’s Care 209 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 • 220-4209 SENECA Blue Ridge Women’s Center 103 Carter Park Dr., 29678 • 482-2360 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 • 985-1799 Center for Family Medicine–Oconee 139 Lila Doyle Dr., 29672 • 482-3483 Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 109 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 888-4222 Mountain Lakes Community Care (Convenient Care) 100 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 • 885-7425 Mountain Lakes Family Medicine 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29672 • 482-3148
GHS Internal Medicine–Simpsonville 727 SE Main St., Ste. 300, 29681 522-1170 Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. D, 29681 454-5200 Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Simpsonville* 727 SE Main St., Ste. 320, 29681 454-6440
Skylyn Medical Associates 333 S. Pine St., 29302 • 577-9970 Spartanburg Pediatric Health Center*† 201 E. Broad St., Ste. 210, 29306 707-2135
Hillcrest Family Practice* 717 SE Main St., 29681, Bldg. A 719 SE Main St., Bldg. B, 29681 522-5400 (for both)
TAYLORS
Keystone Family Medicine* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. B, 29680 454-5000
TRAVELERS REST
MD360® (Convenient Care) 300 Scuffletown Rd., 29681 • 329-0029 Pediatric Associates–Simpsonville 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. A, 29680 454-5062 Simpsonville Family Medicine 1336 Hwy. 14, 29681 • 522-4700
*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 Partners In Health Inc. and affiliated with Greenville Health System.
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Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 249 N. Grove Medical Park Drive Ste. 100, 29303 • 582-8135
Palmetto Family Medicine 3551 A Rutherford Road, 29687 • 522-4750
The Children’s Clinic* 415 Duncan Chapel Rd., 29617 • 522-2600 Travelers Rest Family Medicine* 9 McElhaney Rd., 29690 • 834-3192 WALHALLA GHS Family Medicine–Walhalla 103 Whitetail Drive, 29691 • 638-3444
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—16,000 dedicated professionals, your neighbors, who work together to care for you and your family.
You’ve counted on our You’ve counted on our care forover over years. care for 65 65 years. From its beginning in 1952 to the present, Greer Memorial Hospital has served our community with excellence in health care and neighborly compassion. We began as Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital, named in honor of the hometown Navy surgeon killed in WWII. That facility, believed to be the first satellite hospital in the nation, was part of Greenville Hospital System.*
Editor-in-chief Jerry R. Youkey, MD Executive VP and Chief Academic Officer, Greenville Health System Founding Dean, USC School of Medicine Greenville USC Associate Provost for Health Sciences Greenville
In 2008, the hospital moved to a new campus and became known as Greer Memorial. In the decade since, this innovative facility has offered 24-hour emergency care; advanced technology; along with OB/maternity, cancer, orthopaedics and other specialty services. Greer Memorial blends the best of a community hospital with the advantages of the organization’s academic medical expertise. It has received Magnet Recognition Program® status, Baby-Friendly designation and many safety awards.
Art Direction GHS Creative Services
“You can’t measure a facility like Greer Memorial in dollars,” the mayor of Greer once said. “You measure it in quality of life.”
Contributing Photographers Alan Francis George Reynolds
We are honored to contribute to our community’s quality of life, and we cheer Greer on as it transforms downtown. We look forward to many more partnerships and to helping residents enjoy the best health possible.
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
*In 2013, Greenville Hospital System became Greenville Health System, which recently joined with Palmetto Health to become Prisma HealthSM. Learn more at PrismaHealth.org.
© 2019 Greenville Health System 19-0106 3/19
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Opening this spring! Prisma Health Medical Center–Verdae (905 Verdae Blvd.), the organization’s newest medical office building, celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Friday, March 8, noon-1 p.m. The following practices will be located in the new center: First Floor • Center for Perioperative Optimization (relocating from Cross Creek Medical Park and Patewood Medical Campus) Projected opening date: May 6 • MD360® (relocating from 1025 Verdae Blvd.) Projected opening date: April 25 • Nutrition Solutions (relocating from 2104 Woodruff Road) Opening date: March 25 • ATI Physical Therapy (relocating from 1025 Verdae Blvd.) Projected opening date: in April Second Floor • Gastroenterology Consultants of IMA (relocating from 1025 Verdae Blvd.) Projected opening date: April 1 • Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates (relocating from 1025 Verdae Blvd.) Opening date: March 18 • Weight Management Institute (formerly Bariatric Solutions) & Minimal Access Surgery (relocating from 2104 Woodruff Road) Opening date: March 25
Our newest medical office building is at 905 Verdae Blvd.
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.
