January 2016 Vol. 18 Issue 1
ECHO
THE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OF HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
Making the Transition to Epic: We are Live! n January 31, we converted to the Epic
O
electronic health record (EHR) and crossed the starting line in our pursuit to transform
the way we deliver care. Health care at HSS is taking substantial steps toward the future and the goal of
‘one patient, one record.’ This is an exciting time for
HSS Honors Local High School Student with “Heart of a Giant” popular program sponsored by Hospital for
A
all of us.
Special Surgery and the New York Giants honors a high school football player who
Transitioning to the Epic EHR is a vital part of the
displays extraordinary dedication and passion for the
future of health care delivery at HSS – allowing the secure sharing of information and enabling us to deliver high quality patient care in a more coordinated way. For our patients, transitioning to the Epic EHR will mean more than just the elimination of duplicate paperwork and testing. Epic will provide the capability for patients’ health records to follow them from appointment to appointment, medical clearance physician to surgeon to outpatient rehab, physician office to hospital. Thus, patient records will provide a seamless history of reported pain levels, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. With Epic EHR and just a few keystrokes, imaging and lab results, prescription details and all pertinent medical information are
“Patient” Lou Shapiro, CEO, watches patiently as Jeff Krubs, P.A., documents the interval H&P and reconciles orders in the Holding Area during the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal. Assisting Jeff are MaryAnn Murphy, R.N., super user/educator, and Anna Smyth, R.N., clinical informaticist. Preparing for her opportunity to assess the patient and document her findings is first assist, Debra DeFelice, P.A.
with patients. While getting comfortable with the new way of doing things may not happen overnight, it will happen over time. Thank you to all members of the HSS team for your effort, dedication and commitment to excellence in helping the organization reach this historic milestone. We have all made this possible.
Chukwuma Ukwu proudly shows off his Heart of a Giant trophy. He is pictured with Dr. Samuel Taylor, associate team physician for the New York Giants, and Giants running back Rashad Jennings.
available for the patients’ care team in a single
Our preparation for go-live has been extraordinary;
game and is a leader off the field, as well. The USA
record. This is a major win for HSS and our continued
better than most installs across the country. The
Football Heart of a Giant Award recognizes varsity
efforts to improve care delivery and interoperability.
successful implementation of Epic is the result
football players for their hard work, commitment,
of the excellent work and dedication of our IT and
determination and inspiring character.
Converting to an integrated EHR is a significant, yet positive change in how we do our work. The phrase, “One patient. One record. One HSS” truly describes the entire Epic journey for the HSS family. Epic will help facilitate better collaboration and communication among prescribers, nursing and other key caregivers, enhancing patient safety and allowing real-time
Operational teams over the past 18 months. No implementation of this size or complexity is perfect, and ours won’t be either. However, we have put processes in place to address the issues that will undoubtedly surface, and we have plenty of resources available to support staff and help them succeed.
documentation of tests, diagnoses and notes. The
In the 30 days leading up to go-live, so much was
ultimate goal is to have clinical teams, through the
accomplished of which we should all be proud.
access of integrated clinical data, spend more time
CONTINUED on page 2
HSS, the Official Hospital of the New York Giants and partner of USA Football, co-sponsored this contest for the second year in a row, and hundreds of nominations poured in from high school football coaches in the Tri-State area. It’s up to the coaches to choose one player from their team who best embodies what it means to have the “Heart of a Giant.” Chukwuma Ukwu, a senior at Roosevelt High School on Long Island, is the latest awardee. The two-way starter on the offensive and defensive line was not only recognized for his dedication to his team, but for his efforts to make his school a better place and to help his local community. “I’m so grateful to be able to say that I have the heart of a Giant,” said Chukwuma in accepting the award, which comes with a $5,000 equipment grant for his school’s football program.
CONTINUED on page 3
Inside
Megan Wiley, R.N., PACU, documenting for “patient” Jamie Nelson, senior vice president and CIO, while clinical informaticist, Anna Smyth, R.N., proudly observes with Lisa Goldstein, executive vice president and COO, during the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal on January 12.
3 4 6
Flu Prevention Strategies Important Changes in Patient Admitting Plans for New Outpatient Center
Making the Transition to Epic: We are Live! CONTINUED FROM COVER Below is a brief list of our major achievements as we made final preparations for making the transition
abstraction in preparation for appointments
to Epic.
after February 1
• More than 3,500 staff and clinicians completed
• Charge review and reconciliation training
Epic Training, which included 1,145 instructor-led
workshops were conducted to ensure that
classes, 4,152 hours of E-Learning, and 30,183
staff have access to reports and workqueues
hours of instructor-led training
to monitor charging activities at go-live
• Hospital staff and staff from wave one physician offices converted 14,590 appointments scheduled after February 1 from current systems into Epic • HIM, scanning, appointment and procedure scheduling, patient registration and OR case scheduling were “live” in Epic as of January 11 • Patient Access Services is now open and
• System downtime testing in both the inpatient and ambulatory settings was completed • MyHSS, our patient portal, went live on January 11 and more than 1,109 patients activated their accounts as of February 1 • Patient communication campaign launched, including signs, letters, emails and tabletops
operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in a
to raise awareness of our transition to the
centralized location near the Main Hospital lobby
Epic electronic health record and the new
• Hospital staff participated in an Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal where several leaders became
patient portal, MyHSS
Maria Sava, Service Excellence representative, is verifying information by checking the wristband of “patient” Stephanie Goldberg, R.N., MSN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services, while participating in the Inpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal.
• MyHSS has been integrated into the Hospital’s from no one person, it comes from everyone
“patients” in support of simulating real-life
main website navigation so that patients with
practice scenarios for staff
appointments after February 1 can complete
working together as a team. We made a successful
pre-visit questionnaires when appropriate
transition on January 31! Stay tuned, as we will
• Nine physician offices participated in an Outpatient Workflow Dress Rehearsal to practice and build
This project has brought us together in a way
confidence with future state workflows
that no other project has – our success comes
New Email Security Feature at HSS f you’ve noticed a change in the subject line
I
of incoming email, it’s due to a new security feature at HSS. In order to enhance security,
the email system now automatically flags those sent from outside HSS by inserting the following tag in the subject line: [EXTERNAL].
provide an update about our Epic go-live in next month’s issue.
Ensuring a Safe Environment at HSS ospital for Special Surgery is committed to
H
Hospital managers recently attended a seminar on
ensuring a safe and secure environment for
terrorism sponsored by the Greater New York Hospital
all patients, visitors and staff. “Our mission
Association, and a representative from the New York
is to create the safest environment possible with a
City Police Department will come to HSS to brief
combination of state-of-the-art technology, careful
staff on the latest counter-terrorism measures and
planning and strategically-deployed staff,” explains
response protocols on Monday, February 22, at 1 p.m.
Don Foiles, director of Security. “Events around the
in the Richard L. Menschel Conference Center.
country continue to remind us that we must remain
“Education and awareness are valuable tools,”
“Email remains the most common medium
vigilant to possible threats, and we continually
Don said. “All employees are urged to be familiar
through which hackers and scammers target
assess and adapt our security infrastructure to
with their surroundings for escape routes and
unwitting users,” says Bashir Agboola, senior
improve safety at HSS.”
areas where they can safely hide, in the event this
Hospital Security, Risk Management and other
ever becomes necessary.”
specialists collaborate with each other and with
It may sound like a cliché, but Don reminds the
experts outside of HSS to protect Hospital facilities.
HSS family, “If you see something, say something.”
“We recently completed a comprehensive review
Staff are urged to report any suspicious activity to
of our security infrastructure, which has led to
the Security Department at extension 1840.
director, Technical Services, Information Technology. “Quickly and correctly recognizing emails originating from outside HSS is one of the ways by which we can better protect ourselves from phishing emails, some of which are disguised or ‘spoofed’ to appear as if they are coming from an HSS user.”
improvements in access control, closed circuit
Bashir urges employees to continue to exercise
cameras and staffing in the Security Department,”
caution in opening all emails.
Don noted.
Making Rounds News & Insights from Lou Shapiro, President and CEO
Access “Making Rounds” www.hssmakingrounds.com, to read the below posts and more. I look forward to your comments. – Lou Shapiro • What a Difference a Day Makes! HSS is ‘Team Awesome’ • Playing the Part • An Epic Weekend of Preparation
2
• Department of Medicine began chart
The recent improvements include:
“Security will remain a top priority at HSS,” said Lou Shapiro, president and CEO. “Together we will continue to deliver the world’s finest patient care – in the safest possible environment.”
• Expanded card access. A total of 214 doors now require employee ID cards for entry. • An additional 45 state-of-the-art security cameras for a total of 273 cameras that are monitored 24/7. • Added security officers for the main lobby and the Dana Center. Education is a key element in efforts to enhance safety. Last year, 1,800 employees attended 54 classes offered at HSS on how to respond to an active shooter situation, called our Code Silver Policy.
• Approaching Epic
An additional 3,082 employees completed online
• Reflection and Anticipation
training through Halogen. Annually, all employees
• Guest Blogger: Tracy Hoo, Epic Super User
are required to take this training through Halogen.
Security cameras around HSS are monitored 24/7. Sergio Lopez and Joanne McKiver are pictured in the control center.
“Heart of a Giant” CONTINUED FROM COVER “Applications were accepted from over 500
Chukwuma has spearheaded a number of projects
schools in search of someone who uses their
at Roosevelt High, including a toy drive for children
love of football to overcome personal adversity
with cerebral palsy; a program that invites alumni to
and inspire their peers on and off the field,” said
speak to students about their careers and experi-
Samuel Taylor, M.D., associate team physician for
ences after high school; and a mentoring program in
the Giants, who represented HSS at the ceremony
which middle school students can learn from those
at Roosevelt High School in December. “Chukwuma’s
in high school.
passion to help others, tireless work ethic, and
To Chukwuma’s surprise and delight, Giants running
unrelenting dedication to his community are only
back Rashad Jennings was on hand to congratulate
matched by his humility. Hospital for Special Surgery
him at the ceremony. “This is something that is
has been a proud sponsor of the Heart of a Giant
important to me,” Jennings said. “He is a standout kid
Award since 2014 and congratulates Chukwuma for
who truly exemplifies what it means to have a Heart
his accomplishments.”
of a Giant.”
News media turned out in force to cover the Heart of a Giant Award presented by HSS and the New York Giants. ABC 7, Fox 5, Fios 1, News 12 and Newsday were among those present.
Fighting the Flu: Best Practices at Work and at Home Are Nothing to Sneeze At n an advisory sent to New York City hospitals in
2 – Good ventilation.
5 – A separate room.
January, the New York City Health Department
Hospital: Laminar flow in operating rooms employs
Hospital: Patients who have a contagious infection
noted that hospital admissions due to influenza
special panels to direct air flow and provide the most
are given a private room.
sterile environment possible for the patient.
Outside of HSS: When a family member is sick, try
Outside of HSS: Open the windows and let in some
to give the individual a separate space or room when
I
were increasing. HSS Occupational Health reminds
everyone that there is still time to get a flu shot if you haven’t done so already.
fresh air to ensure adequate ventilation. A stagnant,
possible, and maintain a sanitary environment by
“We need to be proactive not only to keep ourselves
stuffy environment causes germs to recirculate
disposing of tissues in a separate plastic trash bag.
healthy, but to avoid transmitting illness if we’re
around the house.
An uncovered cough can spray droplets and germs
3– Controlling the spread of germs.
into the air, so ask the sick person to cover a cough
sick,” said Ann Bienstock, ANP-BC, a nurse practitioner in Occupational Health Services. Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza. Ann also
Hospital: The entire staff is trained in infection-
reminds staff that good practices, such as frequent
control measures, such as coughing into a tissue
hand-washing, go a long way to help us avoid getting
or their sleeve and not into their hand. Boxes of
sick and spreading illness.
tissues are located throughout the Hospital.
Infection control in the health care setting is essential. “We emphasize infection control as a best practice
with tissues. Try to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick and coughing. The CDC recommends having young children place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.
Staff are encouraged to stay home if they
6 – Diligence and good habits.
have a contagious illness.
Hospital: Signs, staff training and hand sanitizers
and strive to maintain it at every level of patient care –
Outside of HSS: Carry tissues and dispose of them
around the facility remind employees of the impor-
from encouraging flu shots for every employee who
properly and immediately after coughing or sneezing.
tance of proper hygiene.
comes in contact with patients, to frequent hand-
Then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. You can
Outside of HSS: Remember to maintain good
washing, and providing a clean and safe environment
also cough into your sleeve to avoid getting germs
practices and develop beneficial habits that will help
for our patients in the operating room and the entire
on your hand that can later be spread.
keep you and those around you healthy.
hospital,” said Eileen Finerty, R.N., M.S., CIC (certified
In general, when you’re outside or at work, or if
in infection-control), assistant vice president, Nursing,
you have come in contact with a sick person, avoid
and chief infection control officer at HSS.
touching your face. Germs on your hand can get you
In addition to the flu shot, which is fundamental
sick when they enter your body through your eyes,
to prevent influenza, HSS employs a combination
nose or mouth, or through a break in the skin. Don’t
If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, please do
of infection-control measures. Some are highly
go to work if you’re sick.
so today. Occupational Health Services is still
sophisticated and others are basic good practices.
4 – Cleaning and disinfecting.
Strategies used by the Hospital to keep germs
Hospital: HSS housekeeping staff is especially
tation must be brought to Occupational Health.
in check can be adapted for use at home and in
diligent about cleaning. The routine entails cleaning,
Please contact the office for specifics on what
everyday life to lower the chances of contracting
sweeping, disinfecting surfaces, and getting into
must be included in the documentation.
the flu, according to Eileen. These practices include:
cracks and crevices where bacteria can grow.
1 – Good hand hygiene.
Outside of HSS: Make it a habit to clean and
who have not received a flu shot to wear a surgical
Hospital: Hospital staff are instructed to wash their
disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially in
mask in areas where patients may be present
hands often. In addition, hand sanitizers located all
the kitchen and bathroom. Be especially wary about
during periods that the NYS Health Commissioner
around the Hospital have a sensor that dispenses
kitchen sponges, which can harbor large amounts of
determines that the influenza season is underway.
foam without the need to touch it.
bacteria. When in doubt, throw it out.
Outside of HSS: Wash your hands frequently or use
If someone in the household is sick, regularly
following days; no appointment is necessary:
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When washing your
disinfect frequently-touched surfaces in the home.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
hands, you can sing “Happy Birthday” twice to get an
Telephones, sinks, toilets, counters, doorknobs and
Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
idea of how long it should take. Work up a good
toys should be cleaned with warm water and dish
lather and use friction for about 30 seconds.
detergent or with a household disinfectant.
Flu Shot Still Available
offering the vaccine. If you decide to receive the flu shot outside of the Hospital, written documen-
New York State law requires all hospital personnel
Occupational Health offers the flu shot on the
The office is located at 517 East 71 Street.
3
Music to Our Ears he Service Excellence Family Atrium Team
T
is offering a special treat for classical music
lovers. Every Thursday evening, from 6:45
Important Changes in Patient Admitting new name, a new centralized location and
unit reception desks on the first, fourth and ninth
new hours. The new year brought important
floors to welcome patients and complete their
changes to Central Admitting. On January 11,
check-in.
A
to 7:45 p.m., the Fourth Floor Family Atrium turns
the department was renamed Patient Access Services,
The new location does not affect patients who are
into a mini concert hall. Talented pianist Jason Ni,
and it is now open and operational 24 hours a day,
only coming in for blood tests; they do not need to
an HSS volunteer, offers an hour of soothing classical
seven days a week in one central location in the
register at Patient Access Services. And those
and easy-listening music. Jason’s repertoire includes
Main Hospital.
arriving for MRI, radiology or lab studies will still be
the works of Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and other
“The changes in admitting are a result of our
checked in within their respective areas.
famous composers.
goal to improve patient flow and provide the best
New signage will be added in numerous locations in
customer service in the most efficient way,” explained
the Belaire, Caspary and Main Hospital buildings.
Gwendolyn Rhoss, director of Patient Access Services.
“We ask all HSS staff to be aware of the new location
“It is our priority to make sure we do what’s best for
for patient admissions,” Gwendolyn said. “Everyone
our patients during their entire hospital stay, from
should be available to answer questions and help
the time they walk in the door to register.”
patients find their way to the first floor of the Main
All patient admissions are now in one central location
Hospital for admission and registration.”
near the Main Hospital lobby behind the former admit-
To reach Patient Access Services with general
ting office. The new space is in the previous location of
questions, please call extension 4500.
Case Management. Patients coming in for pre-surgical screening, ambulatory surgery or inpatient surgery will need to stop at this new location to register. Service Excellence liaisons will continue to staff the surgical
Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch Writes Limb Lengthening Surgery Textbook
Services transition, please contact Gwendolyn Rhoss at extension 1316.
High Honors for Dr. Adele Boskey pioneer, leader and
A
suggests that measuring bone quality, rather than
trailblazer in bone
bone density, promises greater accuracy and could
disease research.
predict which characteristics of bone put patients at
These are some of the ad-
risk for a fracture. Her work includes more than 350
jectives her colleagues use
peer-reviewed publications and three patents.
rthopedic Surgeon S. Robert Rozbruch,
O
to describe Adele Boskey,
Dr. Boskey’s extraordinary career has been marked
M.D., chief of the Limb Lengthening and
Ph.D., senior scientist and
by numerous awards and recognition from her peers.
Complex Reconstruction Service at HSS,
Starr Chair in Mineralized
Last year, she received the Distinguished Investigator
has written a three-volume, 2,500-page textbook,
Tissue Research at HSS.
Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society
“Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgery
She has received numerous awards throughout her
(ORS)/Orthopaedic Research and Education
Case Atlas.” He is pictured with his co-editor, Reggie
distinguished career. Her latest accolade comes from
Foundation (OREF).
Hamdy, from McGill University in Montreal. Austin
the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Fragomen, M.D., served as section editor of the
(ASBMR). The organization has honored her with the
Foot and Ankle volume. In the preface, Dr. Rozbruch
Lawrence G. Raisz Award, which recognizes an indi-
expressed his gratitude to his mentors, Drs. Russell
vidual for outstanding achievements in preclinical
Warren and Thomas Sculco, for their support and
translational research in the bone and mineral field.
guidance in his career path.
“I was thrilled and honored to receive the Raisz
In 2014, she received the Pioneers in Innovation Award from the ORS. In 2011, the organization honored her with the Women’s Leadership Forum Award. In 2010, she received the Orthopaedic Research Society/American Orthopaedic Association Alfred R. Shands, Jr. Award, which honors
award, named after the scientist who asked me (and
a scientist who has made significant contributions
others) probing questions at each ASBMR meeting
to the understanding of musculoskeletal disease.
since the organization started, thus inspiring many of my studies,” Dr. Boskey said.
Dr. Boskey has been a mentor and a trailblazer throughout her career. She was the first female
Dr. Boskey, who is also program director of the
president of the Orthopaedic Research Society and
Musculoskeletal Integrity Program at HSS, has
participates in a number of committees dedicated to
spent the last 45 years studying how bone structure,
mentoring young women in science.
composition and mineral formation influence bone strength and fracture risk.
4
For specific questions about the Patient Access
She has served the NIH as a member of a Gold Ribbon Panel, has participated in the National
Having received National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Institute of Dental Research Council, and has served
funding to support her research over more than four
on the Council of Reviewers and multiple NIH study
decades, Dr. Boskey’s studies have contributed to the
sections over the past 40 years.
understanding of a number of musculoskeletal dis-
“The ultimate goal of my studies is to improve bone
eases, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, osteo-
quality by providing insights needed for new therapies
genesis imperfecta, and growth plate abnormalities.
and tissue-engineered products,” Dr. Boskey explained.
Bone mineralization is considered one of the most
For the millions of people with bone diseases such as
important areas in bone disease research today, and
osteoarthritis, new and improved treatments would
Dr. Boskey is a leader in the field. Her current work
provide welcome relief.
Lupus Holiday Party he Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® program
Kids Foundation, Project Sunshine, The Craft Studio,
hosted its annual Holiday Party and Talent
Make-A-Wish, Alliance for Lupus Research, Subway,
Show for teens with lupus and their families
Spiegel and Nintendo of America, Inc.
T
in December. More than 135 teens, young adults and
Other highlights included gifts to the Charla families,
their family members attended the event.
with teen presents generously sponsored by Make-A-
Guests participated in arts and crafts for all ages
Wish and toys donated by the HSS Employee Activity
sponsored by Project Sunshine, decorating orna-
Committee’s Toy Drive. Attendees also took photos
ments, making potpourri and engaging in other fun
with Santa.
and creative activities. After partaking in delicious
“It was a special night for the Charla de Lupus
Latin American cuisine, the teens, young adults and
teens and their loved ones, filled with smiles and
parents showcased their special talents on stage.
holiday cheer,” said Melissa Flores, MPH, LMSW,
They sang, danced and recited poetry in which they
program coordinator, Social Work Programs.
shared their heartfelt accounts of coping with lupus.
“The Charla team would like to thank all HSS
The Bending Threads Cabaret Company performed
staff, volunteers and sponsors who contributed
beautiful holiday music selections, adding to the
their time, energy and musical talents to help make
festive atmosphere. Raffles prizes were awarded
the event a success.”
throughout the evening, donated by the enCourage
Face decorating and a visit by Santa added to the festivities.
Lillian Mendez; Jillian Rose, LCSW; Dariana Pichardo, MPA; Melissa Flores, MPH, LMSW; and Priscilla Toral, LCSW (l - r) helped make the Lupus Holiday Party a success.
The teenagers, holding their gifts, are pictured with Make-A-Wish volunteers.
Door Decor Adds to Holiday Cheer reativity was on display at HSS when
Door/Area Decorating contest, sponsored by the
employees marked the holiday season with
Employee Activities Committee in December.
The winning teams and runners-up enjoyed
Decorated doors, windows and other areas were
pizza parties.
judged on content, presentation, creativity and
Here are the winners and runners-up:
C
festive door decorations and other holiday
displays. Offices throughout HSS and in the outpa-
originality, and it was difficult to choose a winner.
tient centers took part in the ninth annual Holiday
Winner, Best Door: Rheumatology Department/ Dr. Thomas Lehman, 7th Floor
Runner-Up: Anesthesia Research, Belaire, 12th Floor
Winner, Best Area: Nursing, HSS Outpatient Center, Uniondale, L.I.
Runner-Up: Health Information Management Department, 2nd Floor
5
Back in the Game SS’ online patient forum – Back in the
H
HSS Plans New Outpatient Center for Westchester
Game – now has more than 1,200 patient
stories! The postings share how HSS helped
patients get “back in the game.” Every month we will include one of the stories that highlight the extraordinary care members of the HSS family provide. Read how HSS helped Teresa Sudia of Beachwood, New Jersey get back in the game. I had been struggling with a lot of pain for years due to scoliosis. I had put off having the surgery needed to correct the problem out of complete fear of the outcome.
ospital for Special Surgery continues
H
“HSS is dedicated to providing access to high
to grow. In January, HSS signed a lease
quality specialty care, and our increased presence
to establish an outpatient center in
in regional communities is evident,” said Lou
Westchester County. The new office, which will be
Shapiro, president and CEO. “This new location
located in White Plains, will comprise approximately
gives us a unique opportunity to create a facility
50,000 square feet, making it the largest of the HSS
ideal for Westchester County residents who
outpatient centers.
want the unmatched excellence of HSS closer
The center will include many of the state-of-the-art
to home.”
specialties and technologies that have earned
Construction at the new site is set to begin in
HSS the No. 1 ranking in the United States for
September 2016, with an anticipated opening in
Orthopedics for the past six years by USNews &
the fourth quarter of 2017. Other HSS outpatient
World Report Best Hospitals Report. The outpatient
locations include Fresh Meadows, Queens;
center will make access to world-class care
Uniondale, Long Island; Paramus, NJ; Stamford, CT;
more convenient for residents in the greater
several sites in Manhattan; and HSS Spine and
New York region.
Sport in Jupiter, FL.
After the pain had become intolerable, I began to seek the right hospital and doctor. I was told by a few surgeons that I was out of
HSS to Sponsor Popular Sports Events in Greenwich SS is expanding its presence in Connecticut
with its sponsorship of the Hospital for
John Englehart, chief marketing officer at HSS.
Special Surgery Greenwich Cup 2016, a
“We are eager to increase public awareness of
H
half-dozen events into an organized series,” said
series of athletic events launched in partnership
HSS in greater Fairfield County, where we have a
with Greenwich Parks and Recreation. The Greenwich
prominent presence through our state-of-the-art
Cup encompasses a series of road races, as well as
Outpatient Center in Stamford at Chelsea Piers,
I chose Dr. Kim after meeting him and hearing his
swimming, biking and triathlon competitions that
which opened in the beginning of 2015.”
expert opinion of what he believed I needed to have
will take place at various locations in Greenwich
done. His confident manner was very reassuring,
The Greenwich Cup is the world’s longest running
throughout the year.
multi-sport race series. This year’s events include
“We are excited to be able to align HSS with these
the HSS Greenwich Cup Half-Marathon, the HSS
their league. My spine had an 83 degree curve and the L4, L5 and S1 were contorted and fused. I virtually had no lumbar. Needless to say, this was not a simple surgery. I began my research of HSS and was very impressed.
along with his education and experience. Everyone affiliated with the hospital and Dr. Kim and
locally well-known athletic competitions under the
Greenwich Cup Triathlon, and the HSS Tour de
his team treated me as if I was very important. I am
purview of Greenwich Parks and Rec and unify these
Greenwich XXXII 20-Mile Bike event.
extremely happy with the whole experience, but especially the outcome. I am 6 months post scoliosis surgery and “back in the game” with no pain. Thank you HSS and Dr. Kim. I feel like a new woman.
Compliance Helpline Reminder
New Medical Staff Dee Dee Wu, M.D. Dr. Wu is an assistant attending rheumatologist
The Compliance Helpline is a service for employees who wish to anonymously or confidentially report suspected violations of the Hospital for Special Surgery’s Code of Conduct, officially stated policies or relevant public laws and regulations. This includes concerns about patient safety.
at Hospital for Special Surgery specializing in the
The Helpline does not replace other resources available to you, including supervisors, managers and Human Resources staff, but it is an alternative channel available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is operated on our behalf by National Helpline Services, Inc., an independent firm.
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and
The Compliance Helpline number is 888-651-6234.
years of clinical practice in northern New Jersey,
All information will be kept confidential unless the law requires it to be shared with law enforcement authorities. Hospital for Special Surgery policy forbids any retribution or retaliation against an employee who reports a compliance issue in good faith. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Corporate Compliance office directly, at x2398.
6
treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and gout. She received her medical degree from UMDNJcompleted her internship and residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. She completed her rheumatology fellowship at Hospital for Special Surgery in 2005. After 10 Dr. Wu returned to HSS and currently sees patients at the Hospital’s Outpatient Center in Paramus. Dr. Wu is board certified in Internal Medicine and in Rheumatology.
Employee of the Month Jose Guerra, November 2015 Congratulations to Jose, Employee of the Month for November! A specialist in the Physician Referral Service (PRS), he has worked at HSS for more than 20 years. Not a day goes by that Jose is not ready and willing to go the extra mile. Described as a genuinely kind person with a positive attitude, he truly cares about his role in the Physician Referral Service, his colleagues and HSS. Jose is extremely knowledgeable. Whenever a project is being worked on, he thinks of ways to expand and enhance the team’s ideas. Always looking for more responsibility without asking for anything in return, Jose is determined to make sure our data is correct at all times. He will not give up on a project until he considers it perfect in every way. He comes to meetings with new ideas and examples, and has designed ways to record employee attendance and operations goals. Jose trains office managers on the PRS system, and each time the service goes into a doctor’s office, the staff are happy to see him. His colleagues look to Jose for help when needed, and he always obliges with a smile. Jose’s co-workers have great respect for him. His kind and helpful nature, positive attitude and willingness to always go above and beyond make him a most deserving Employee of the Month.
Sean Donegan, December 2015 Congratulations to Sean, Employee of the Month for December! Sean is an intraoperative neuromonitoring technologist in the Department of Neurology. This type of monitoring is commonly performed to enhance the safety of surgical procedures that may affect certain nerves or the spinal cord. Sean, who started working at HSS in 2012, is described as intelligent, sincere and dedicated to hard work. Sean is frequently assigned to some of the most complicated spinal surgeries. He especially likes working with children and is part of the team working to correct pediatric spinal deformities. He is well-respected and highly regarded by his colleagues. On his own initiative, Sean has assumed a leadership role in the department, often serving as a mentor and advocate for newer technicians. He took it upon himself to compose a simple, but thorough training manual to make it easier for new employees. Sean plays an important role in the internal case review process for both quality assurance and the generation of draft reports. He has initiated several important process improvements, which have enhanced both quality and efficiency. Sean is always there when you need him. A consummate professional, his consistently calm, focused demeanor contributes to the success of the Intraoperative Monitoring Service and makes Sean a most deserving Employee of the Month.
Rehab Department Has Huge Presence at NYC Marathon
Joint Commission Reporting Hospital for Special Surgery is committed to providing safe, quality care to all of its patients. In the event you have a concern regarding the safety or quality of care provided by the Hospital or the Laboratory, you may report these concerns to the Joint Commission.
SS Rehabilitation wishes to congratulate
H
RCEP, CSCS, USAT. Rehab wishes to thank volun-
their NYC Marathon runners: Erin Corbo,
teers Dana Aaron, P.T., DPT; Lauren Alix, P.T., DPT,
P.T., DPT, OCS; Alexandra MacKenzie,
CSCS; Sabrina Cerciello, P.T., DPT; Justin Clark,
OTR/L, CHT; Leigh-Ann Plack, P.T., DPT; Dana
P.T., DPT; Tracey Colantonio, P.T., DPT; Erin Corbo,
Rose, P.T., DPT, OCS; and Cara Ann Senicola, P.T.,
P.T., DPT, OCS; Rob DiGiacomo, P.T., DPT, ATC;
DPT, OCS.
Kara Federowicz, ATC, cPT, USAW-L1SP; Kelsie
HSS Rehab presenters at the Marathon Pavilion
Ganshert, P.T., DPT; Jaclyn Graff, P.T., DPT; Anthony
In addition, the Joint Commission has stated that your name will be treated as confidential information, and will not be shared with any other party.
included Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS,
Harrelson; Julie Khan, P.T., DPT; Ann Kokinda;
You may file your report in the following ways:
USAT; Kara Federowicz, ATC, cPT, USAW-L1SP;
Jamie Lamb, P.T., DPT; Hector Lozada, P.T., DPT;
1. By e-mail:
complaint@jointcommission.org
Jason Machowsky, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSCS; Jamie
Jason Machowsky, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSCS;
2. By fax:
Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1; Leigh-Ann Plack,
Siobhan Mangan, P.T., DPT, PCS; Andrea Minsky,
Office of Quality Monitoring, 630-792-5636
P.T., DPT; and Cara Ann Senicola, P.T., DPT, OCS.
P.T., DPT; Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1;
3. By mail:
Office of Quality Monitoring The Joint Commission One Renaissance Boulevard Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Lauren Alix, P.T., DPT, CSCS hosted a live social media chat with the New York Road Runners from the Recovery Zone.
Leigh-Ann Plack, P.T., DPT; Disol Rodriguez; Andrew Saldivar, P.T., DPT; Cara Ann Senicola, P.T., DPT, OCS; Mike Silverman, P.T., MSPT, MBA; Scott Siverling, P.T., OCS; Emily Weiss, P.T., DPT, CKTP;
A total of 278 runners were seen at the HSS station
Curtis Wu, P.T., DPT, CSCS, CGFI-1; Brittany
on Marathon Monday, coordinated by Theresa
Loweree; Joseph Moussa; Cameron Yuen;
Chiaia, P.T., DPT and Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A.,
Daniel Gardner; Arianne Paroly, and Yera Patel.
Please be assured that no retaliatory disciplinary action will be taken if an employee makes such a report.
For fax and mail reports, submissions must be on a Quality Incident Report Form available on the Joint Commission website at www.jointcommission.org. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Offices at x1236.
7
Milestones Research, Academic and External Activities Honors • Suzanne Maher, Ph.D., has been elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) for the Class of 2016.
• Mickey Levinson, P.T., CSCS, presented at
SCS; and Jamie Osmak, CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1
the HSS webinar series on “Advances & Innovations
presented on “Youth Soccer Injury Prevention”
in the Treatment of Shoulder Pathologies.” Mickey
at HSS.
also presented on shoulder/elbow rehabilitation at the HSS Alumni Association 97th Meeting. • Glenn Garrison, CPO, was named to the inaugural edition of the O&P News 175, an elite group of
Rehabilitation
O&P professionals identified as leading innova-
• Lisa Drefus, P.T., DPT, Cert Schroth Scoliosis Therapist; Jocely Hafer, M.A., and David M. Scher, M.D., co-authored an article on “Simulated
• John Indalecio, OTR/L, CHT, gave a lecture on “RA: Strategies for Joint Protection and Energy Conservation” at a joint symposium between HSS and the Arthritis Foundation. • Curtis Wu, P.T., DPT, CSCS, USATF-1, became a
tors in the field of orthotics and prosthetics by the
Level 1 track and field coach certified by the U.S.
editors and publisher.
Track and Field Association.
• Aisling Toolan, P.T., DPT, SCS, served as the HSS
Ankle Equinus Affects Knee Kinematics During
Rehabilitation Ambassador at a soccer clinic with
Gait” published in the HSS Journal.
the Red Bulls Street Team at Paramus Park Mall.
• Jason Mayerhofer, P.T., MSPT, MTC, CSCS,
• Kenton H. Fibel, M.D.; Aisling Toolan, P.T., DPT,
“Current Thinking in Shoulder Instability,” part of
• Andrea Tychanski, P.T., DPT, ATC, CSCS, earned her certification in the Graston Technique®. • Theresa Chiaia, P.T., DPT; John Cavanaugh, P.T.,
• Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP, CSCS, USAT;
SFMA; Scott Siverling, P.T., OCS; and Robert
Med, ATC, SCS; Polly de Mille, R.N., M.A., RCEP,
Mike Silverman, P.T., MSPT, MBA; and Jason
Turner, P.T., OCS, M.S., O.M., LAc, PMA®, CPT,
CSCS, USAT; Mickey Levinson, P.T., CSCS; and
Machowsky, R.D., CSSD, RCEP, CSCS, were
co-directed the HSS program, “Treatment of the
Jamie Osmak CSCS, USATF, CGFI-1, contributed
each interviewed on segments for Good Morning
Lumbar Spine: A Non-Operative Approach.” HSS
to “Orthopaedic Rehabilitation of the Athlete:
America’s “Fit Myths” series.
Getting Back in the Game,”a clinical reference book.
faculty included Sarah B. Andrus, P.T., DPT; Eric Bogner, M.D.; Paul M. Cooke, M.D.; Erin Corbo, P.T., DPT, OCS, CKTP; Jaime Edelstein, P.T., DScPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS; Jonathan S. Kirschner, M.D., RMSK; Hector Lozada, P.T., DPT, MCMT, CKTP; Jocelyn Mastropolo, P.T., DPT, PMA®, CPT; Peter J. Moley, M.D.; Aija Paegle, P.T., CFMT, CPI; Matthew Pugliese, P.T., DPT, OCS, MTC, Cert MDT, SFMA; Anna Ribaudo, P.T., DPT, OCS, CKTP; Dana Rose, P.T., DPT, OCS; Varsha Seemangal, P.T., DPT, MST; Cara Senicola,
• Lauren Piljic, P.T., DPT, was quoted in an
• Pete Draovitch, P.T., M.S., ATC, SCS, CSCS and
article on “Hand and Foot Exercises for Psoriatic
Jaime Edelstein, P.T., DScPT, OCS, COMT, CSCS,
Arthritis” for Everyday Health.
co-chaired the HSS program, “Surgical and
• Matt Morgan, P.T., DPT; Sofia Domenech, office manager; Nicole J. Wojno, DPT, MSPT, ATC,
Non-Surgical Management of the Athlete’s Hip,” held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
CSCS; Jeanna LeClaire Hill, P.T., DPT, ATC; Jeff
HSS faculty included Jorge Giral, P.T., DPT, SCS,
M. Angotti, ATC, CSCS; L. Claudette Moore,
COMT, CSCS; Matthew T. Morgan, P.T., ATC,
LMT; and Nicole Verticchio, managed care liaison,
SCS, SFMA; and Bryan T. Kelly, M.D.
volunteered at the IMG Academy 5K Race. • Rett Talbot, P.T. SCS, ATC, CSCS; Jeanna
• Christine Lynders, P.T., OCS, was an invited speaker at the CT Orthopedic Manual Therapy
P.T., DPT, OCS, USATF-1, CYT; Erin Singleton,
LeClaire Hill, P.T., DPT, ATC; and Jeff M. Angotti,
Special Interest Group meeting. Her topic was
P.T., DPT, OCS; Vijay B. Vad, M.D.; James F. Wyss,
ATC, CSCS, participated in a fundraising event for
“Unwinding the Curve: A Biomechanical Approach
M.D., P.T.; and Seth A. Waldman, M.D.
the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to
to Treating Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Adult Popu-
help support Rett Talbot’s “Ride to Cure” race.
lation with Manual Therapy and Exercise.”
PlumBenefits for HSS Employees
Picture This
The PlumBenefits program offers exclusive discounts of up to 50% off tickets and up to 60% off hotels, with access to preferred seating and special offers for top shows, attractions, theme parks, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels and much more. Sign up at PlumBenefits.com
Welcome Andrea Aldana, Shirley Alvarado, Nirvani P. Brijmohan, Nathalie Burg, Miguel Cabral, Rachard M. Collins, Brandon F. Davidson, Tina M. Drakos, Priscilla A. Gallmon, Roberto Garcia, Marjorie Gaspard, Abbie Gellman, Blessy George, Geena Giaramita, Danielle S. Gorelick, Joel F. Guzman, Tanyita Iraldo, Aygul Islamova, Nicolle Jasbon, Getho Jeudine, Maximilian Kasparek, Thomas F. Keller, David Kipperman, Cory Kleinman, Irma Kolenovic, Robert Kucera,
The generosity of the HSS family was evident during the Hospital’s annual Toy Drive, organized by the Employee Activities Committee. All donated toys were distributed to HSS pediatric patients in December. In the photo, HSS employees Melissa Flores, Lillian Mendez, Jillian Rose and Christopher James, dressed as Santa, get ready to distribute some of the toys to patients attending the Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat)® Holiday Party.
Andrew Y. Lai, Carl Lauro, Josie M. Madrid, Reginald A. Mathieu, Chartay Mendez, Jonathan A. Meza, Herha Mirza, Shawn Morrissey, Halida Muratovic,
Executive Editor:
Rachel Sheehan
Travis Ng, Antoinette Nikac, Caroline Plewinski, Russell R. Preston, Cassandra
Editorial Committee:
Lisa Goldstein, Bruce Slawitsky
R. Pyne, Maheswari A. Raghunath, Shannon Rivero, Adalgisa Rodriguez,
Contributing Writer:
Robin Frank
Paulina P. Rukaj, Tasha Sanders, Odalis J. Tejada Marcelino, Sonia N. Tosado,
Next Issue:
February 2016
Efehi E. Williams, Seth Wireko-Attah.
8
echo@hss.edu