July/August 2015 • Vol. 45, No. 7
Mecklenburg Medicine A Publication of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society | www.meckmed.org
Mecklenburg County Safety Net Providers
Mecklenburg County Medical Society • Mecklenburg Medical Alliance and Endowment Founders of: Bioethics Resource Group, Ltd., Hospitality House of Charlotte, Teen Health Connection, N.C. MedAssist, Physicians Reach Out
Together, we can knock out pediatric cancer Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® are bringing world-renowned pediatric care to our region Austin Wilson is more than a cancer survivor, he’s a superhero. And superheroes are always stronger when they join forces. That’s why Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital has joined the St. Jude Affiliate Program to deliver advanced treatments and innovative clinical trials to children in our community battling cancer and blood disorders. The new affiliation, known as the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, is one of only seven St. Jude affiliate clinics in the nation. We’re proud to bring this level of care closer to home, helping children like Austin focus on bigger things — like saving the world.
Learn more about our new affiliation and what it means for the future of pediatric care in our community. NovantHealth.org/Hemby/StJudeClinic
2 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine © Novant Health, Inc. 2015
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July/August 2015 Vol. 45 No. 7
Table of Contents 5 President’s Letter: Dog Ticks, Cat Ticks and Politics
OFFICERS
By Simon V. Ward III, MD
5 National Health & Wellness Observances for July/August 2015 6 MMAE 8 Feature: Free and Low-Cost Clinics in Mecklenburg County 10 Feature: U.S. National Whitewater Center River Jam BBQ Sponsored by Spaugh Dameron Tenny
12 MedLink 13 Member News 13 Upcoming Meetings & Events 13 Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings 14 At the Hospitals 16 Independent Physicians of the Carolinas 16 Advertising Acknowledgements
President Simon V. Ward III, MD President-Elect Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Secretary Elizabeth B. Moran, MD Treasurer Scott L. Furney, MD Immediate Past President James B. Hall, MD
BOARD MEMBERS John R. Allbert, MD Raymond E. Brown, PA W. Frank Ingram III, MD Stephen R. Keener, MD, MPH Scott S. Lindblom, MD John P. McBryde, MD Shivani P. Mehta, MD, MPH Robert L. Mittl, Jr., MD Pulak D. Patel, MD Cheryl L. Walker-McGill, MD, MBA
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS Mimi Compton, President Mecklenburg Medical Alliance & Endowment Sandi D. Buchanan, Executive Director Mecklenburg County Medical Society Michelle Conner, DDS, President Charlotte Medical Society Docia E. Hickey, MD NCMS President-Elect Darlyne Menscer, MD NCMS Delegate to the AMA Marcus G. Plescia, MD, Health Director Mecklenburg County Health Department Douglas R. Swanson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Mecklenburg EMS Agency
EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director Sandi D. Buchanan
1112 Harding Place, #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-376-3688 • FAX 704-376-3173 meckmed@meckmed.org Copyright 2015 Mecklenburg County Medical Society Mecklenburg Medicine is published 10 times per year by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of Mecklenburg Medicine or the Mecklenburg County Medical Society. Mecklenburg Medicine reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as to reject any material submitted. Mecklenburg Medicine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Non-members may subscribe to Mecklenburg Medicine at a cost of $30 per year, or $3.50 per issue, if extra copies are available. Classified Ads: Open to members, nonprofits and non-member individuals only; advance approval of the Managing Editor and advance payment required. Member rate is 0, non-members $20 for the first 30 words; $.75 each additional word. Display Ads: Open to professional entities or commercial businesses. For specifications and rate information, contact Mark Ethridge at mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in no way constitutes professional approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein. We welcome your comments and suggestions: Call 704-376-3688 or write Mecklenburg Medicine, c/o Mecklenburg County Medical Society, 1112 Harding Place, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204.
Meetings & Special Events Trisha G. Herndon Finance & Database Specialist Stephanie D. Smith
MECKLENBURG MEDICINE STAFF Editor Stephen J. Ezzo, MD Managing Editor Sandi D. Buchanan Copy Editors Lee McCracken Stephanie Smith Advertising Mark Ethridge mecklenburgmedicine@gmail.com Editorial Board N. Neil Howell, MD Scott S. Lindblom, MD Jessica Schorr Saxe, MD Simon V. Ward III, MD Graphic Design — Wade Baker
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 3
Join the MCMS Obesity Initiative The Board of Directors of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society decided at their January meeting to create a measurable goal for making a difference in the community and thus started the MCMS Obesity Initiative. The goal would be to raise the profile of fitness and health as a way to combat the rising rate of obesity in our community. MCMS Executive Director Sandi Buchanan has been researching the possibility of an annual MCMS run/walk as part of the obesity initiative. Other ideas for promoting the walk/run are to work with the faith community, provide educational events and provide handouts for patients. It would be a huge undertaking for the Society. The Board decided to create an ad hoc Obesity Initiative Committee to gather information and decide on the next steps.
If you are interested in being on this committee, contact Sandi Buchanan at sbuchanan@meckmed.org.
4 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
President’s Letter
Dog Ticks, Cat Ticks and Politics By Simon V. Ward III, MD
T
here was no such thing as a bad field trip. They all were good. Whether it was a trip to the local firehouse or the water treatment plant, field trips were a fun learning experience. It also was good to take a break from the multiplication and division flash cards. The best trip was in fourth grade when we went to the state capital. We saw the big room where the general assembly met, the house where the governor lived, and historical museums of the state. I am embarrassed to admit that in spite of the great educational opportunity our teachers arranged for us, the only two things I remember from that day are the black widow spider we found in a storm drain on the steps of the capitol and the foot-long cigars we bought at the souvenir shop. The cigars did not smoke well, which was a good thing since we were more than 10 years underage. Flash forward a “few” years. Members of the Mecklenburg County Medical Society went to Raleigh on the last Wednesday in May. With two very capable people from the North Carolina Medical Society as our guides, we spent most Dr. Robert Mittl, Rep. Becky Carney and Dr. Simon Ward of the day visiting with legislators and watching government in action. We had the opportunity to meet with three senators and two house members. We met with the representatives in their offices, and they seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say. It is obvious we are not spending too much state money on office space for our leaders. My first apartment had a kitchen so small I literally had to leave the room to open the oven door (no exaggeration). Our representatives’ offices are not much larger. With a small delegation, we were able to fit. We discussed issues of the day, as well as long-term concerns about the delivery of health care in North Carolina. The message on Medicaid was clear: The program is running deep in the red. Whether it is ACOs, PLEs or XYZs, physicians need to find a way to make it work well and cheaper. If we do not, then, as one legislator put it, “We will find a way for you.” The legislative session was interesting. It was organized. The work was important — affecting the lives of 9,535,483 people. Bills were announced, described and debated. When the question was called, everyone hit the green or red button at their desk. It was very apparent throughout the day that the physicians of North Carolina have a wonderful resource in the two people who represent us to the legislature. Walking the halls, they know everyone, and EVERYONE knows them. These are two
energetic and intelligent people who have our interests and the interests of our patients at heart. One legislator said, “We can talk about quality medical care all day, but here it’s about politics, about the votes.” He is right. In their world it is all about the votes. Those votes affect our ability to care for our patients. If you find yourself inclined, call the folks at the North Carolina Medical Society. Better yet, call one of your legislators and talk about a concern. Better than that, put on your white coat and walk the halls of our legislative building. Remind our leaders that many of the 6,649,188 registered voters in this state have real diseases that deserve the best treatment possible. You will be glad that you did.
P.S. What is the only state capital in the United States where the legislators cannot return to work even in a four-wheel drive vehicle in July? See answer on page 6.
NATIONAL HEALTH & WELLNESS OBSERVANCES JULY 2015 Eye Injury Prevention Month Hemochromatosis Screening and Awareness Month Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month July 28: World Hepatitis Day
AUGUST 2015 Cataract Awareness Month Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month MedicAlert Awareness Month National Breastfeeding Month National Immunization Awareness Month Psoriasis Awareness Month Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month August 1-6: World Breastfeeding Week
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 5
MMAE
MMAE, like ma of members the devotion and passion gh ou thr e om erc ov be can the ways MMAE al. Let me share some of united by a common go anization in a ges of an all-volunteer org plans to meet the challen . ge an ology and constant ch world of evolving techn te at our newly updated websi e rus • I invite you to pe www.mmaeonline.com. we are planning our new program year, m. After an • As we look forward to roo ass Cl mmunity Health another informative Co ery-other-year ev (an 14 20 liday House extremely successful Ho to and are in the early planning rd endeavor), we look forwa 16. Additionally, the MMAE 20 use Ho ay lid Ho x of learning, stages of dar will include a fun mi en cal ms gra pro 16 /20 2015 . helping and socializing for our ploring ancillary income ex t ou ab ed tyKind, to which • We are excit au w online business, Be Endowment through a ne e. tré d “grass roots” en MMAE has been offere nk you to our 15-2016, I offer a big tha 20 for t As your presiden d for your service the MMAE mission, an members for embracing accomplished so much! over the years. We have
Mimi Compton
sident 2015-2016 MMAE Pre
2015-16 MMAE BOARD President: Mimi Compton President-Elect: Karen Chandler Co- Treasurers: Mitzi Yount/Leslie Aronovitz Recording Secretary: Jennie Carruth Corresponding Secretary: Lois Benjamin Membership VP: Paula Reutlinger Grants and Disbursements VP: Gina Clegg Health Promotions VP: Pam Bullard Financial Development VP: Alice Nichols Co-Programs VP: Becky Williford/Donna Mauerhan Planning and Development VP: Linda Kramer Parliamentarian: Genie Hayes Past President: Sherry Ward Answer from Page 5: Juneau, Alaska. It is on a peninusla with no highways connecting. The legislators have to take a ferry to get there.
, Dear Fnyrvoielunnteerds enges that organizations, faces chall
Harrisburg Medical Park I Just off I-485 on Rocky River Road
• Up to 7,000 SF available for lease in rapidly growing area • Adjacent to CHS’s freestanding Emergency Department • Building signage available • Additional land provides development opportunity for larger practices • Fully furnished Timeshare suite available for lease up to three days per week
For leasing inquiries or to schedule a tour, please contact: 2701 Coltsgate Road | Suite 300 | Charlotte, NC 28211
www.brackettflagship.com
6 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Reed Griffith reed@brackettflagship.com
704.971.8908
MMAE
2015 Healthcare Management Symposium Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015
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Save the Date!
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Harris Conference Center 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
Presented by: Mecklenburg County Medical Society Charlotte Area Medical Group Managers Association
David G. Welton, MD Society Fall Luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015
Open to all medical group managers and staff in Charlotte and surrounding areas
$125 per person
Speakers: Kenny Colbert, SPHR
Fighting for Women With Fashion Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2015
President, The Employers Association
Conor Brockett Associate General Counsel, Dept. of Government Affairs North Carolina Medical Society
David P. Sousa Senior Vice President & General Counsel Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina
NCMS Annual Meeting Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24, 2015
Tara McAlister Staff Development Manager Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat
R. Dewey Cassell Communications Program Manager Computer Sciences Corp.
We’re here at 2am.
Yoshiko White Palmetto GBA
Sponsor/Vendor Opportunities Sponorship includes recognition on MCMS and MGMA websites and in program and after-event publications.
Tabletop Sponsors n $350 Break Sponsors n $500 (includes 3 minutes to address audience prior to break and acknowledgement signage at table)
Breakfast Sponsor
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We are the only hospice in the region with a dedicated After Hours team to care for your patients in the middle of the night. And we’ve been here for over 37 years. We’re available 24/7. Call us. We can help.
$750
(includes 5 minutes to address audience prior to start of meeting and acknowledgement signage at table)
Lunch Sponsor
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$1,00
(includes 10 minutes to address audience during lunch and acknowledgement signage at table) Contact Trisha at therndon@meckmed.org for attendance or vendor registration forms.
704.375.0100
hpccr.org
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 7
FREE AND LOW-COST CLINICS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY Volunteer Clinics
Address
Phone
Services and Information
Bethesda Health Center
133 Stetson Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-596-5606 Fax: 704-596-7570
• Primary medical care • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (call for appointment) • Must meet financial screening criteria; $10 fee • Medical appointments: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff available
Charlotte Community Health Clinic
8401 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28262
704-316-6561
• Primary medical care, acute episodic and chronic disease • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (call for appointment) • Must meet financial screening criteria; $10 fee • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff available • www.charlottecommunityhealthclinic.org
Free Clinic of Our Towns
P.O. Box 1842 212 Gamble St., Davidson, NC 28036
704-896-0471
• Primary medical care and urgent medical care • No appointments, first-come first-served • Open Thursdays, registration 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Serves Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville only (ZIP codes 28078, 28031, 28036, 28115 and 28117). Must show proof of residence. • www.adajenkins.org
Lake Norman Community Health Clinic
14230 Hunters Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
704-316-6611 Fax: 704-316-6612
• Primary medical care, acute episodic, chronic disease and some specialty care • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY • Spanish-speaking interpreters available • Must meet financial screening criteria • ZIP codes 28115, 28117, 28031, 28036, 28078, 28216, 28269 • www.lnchc.org
Matthews Free Medical Clinic
196 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
704-841-8882
• General family medicine • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (established patients call for appointment) • Serving people living in Mecklenburg and Union counties • Patients must not have health insurance • Must meet financial screening criteria (200% FPL or below) and attend new patient screening (call for screening schedule) • www.matthewsfmc.org
Shelter Health Services, Inc.
534 Spratt St., Charlotte, NC 28206
704-334-0000
• Limited primary care for residents staying at the Salvation Army Center of Hope Women’s Shelter only • Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. • www.shelterhealthservices.com
Full Service Clinics
Address
Phone
Services and Information
n Biddle Point
CMC Biddle Point Family Medicine 1801 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, NC 28208
704-446-9987
n Elizabeth Family Practice
CMC Elizabeth Family Practice 2001 Vail Ave., Charlotte, NC 28207
704-304-7000
n Myers Park
CMC Myers Park 1350 S. Kings Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207 n OB/GYN n Pediatrics n Surgery n Internal Med/ID n Orthopedics
704-446-1600
• Family practice, internal medicine, infectious disease, OB/GYN, orthopedics, pediatrics, surgery (not at all locations, refer to practice listing in the “address” column) • Call for available appointments; phone lines open at 8 a.m. • Clients screened by household income • Co-pays vary from $0 to $30 for eligible patients • Self-pay patients pay $50 up front and are billed balance • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff available • Pharmacy • www.carolinashealthcare.org
CMC NorthPark Family Medicine & OB/GYN 251 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213
704-446-9991
3333 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208
704-393-7720
Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) Clinics
n NorthPark
C. W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc.
704-446-1544 704-446-1422 704-446-1255 704-446-1242 704-446-1340
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 668093, Charlotte, NC 28266
8 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
• Federally-qualified health center • Family practice and pediatrics • Women’s health services and mammography screenings • Homeless health care • HIV clinic • Pharmacy • Open to new patients (call for appointment) • Clients screened by household income • Co-pays start at $20 for eligible uninsured patients • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff • Providing HealthCare.gov enrollment assistance • www.cwwilliams.org
Other Health Partners
Address
Phone
Services and Information
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions
Local Community Operations Center: 1100 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28203
24-hour Call Center
1-800-939-5911
• Manage, coordinate and monitor mental health, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services • Manage a network of community providers who offer a variety of quality behavioral health services • Services available for those primarily with Medicaid in addition to citizens without health insurance or with limited financial resources • 24/7 customer service call center • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff • Cardinal Innovations has online materials available to assist you. Access brochures, review enrollee handbook and other publications, find a provider and more. • www.cardinalinnovations.org
601 E. 5th St., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-375-0172
• Low-cost clinic ($50 per visit) • Primary care for non-emergency needs and chronic disease management • Pre-employment and school physicals for adults and children • Onsite lab work • Call for appointment, some walk-ins accepted • Does NOT require Mecklenburg County residency (must provide proof of citizenship or legal resident alien status) • Payment required at time of service, no insurance accepted • Physicians Reach Out • Provides a medical home for eligible uninsured residents of Mecklenburg County • Financial screening required; call for appointment • Nurse-Family Partnership • Intensive home visiting program for first-time, low-income moms; must enroll by end of the 28th week of pregnancy • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff • www.CareRingNC.org
Dental Hygiene Clinic at CPCC
1335 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
704-330-6704
• Teeth cleaning, fluoride and X-rays • Screening is free; walk-in, first-come first-served; screening schedule varies, call for current schedule • If accepted, $35 per visit for appointments • www.cpcc.edu/health_sciences/dental-clinic
HeartBright Cardiac Resource Center
2923 S. Tryon St., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-373-3002
• BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (call for appointment) • Free treatment of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure • Free exercise and nutrition classes • Low-cost, weekly farmer’s market, accepting EBT • Resource coordination services • www.heartbright.org
Mecklenburg County Health Department
2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
704-336-4700
• Services include: immunizations, Pap smears, TB testing and treatment, family planning, pregnancy tests, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing and other programs • Pediatric dental clinic (services only at Biddle Point location) provides routine dental treatment and preventive care for ages 17 and younger. Sliding scale fees available for those without dental insurance. • Spanish-speaking interpreters and bilingual staff • Most services offered at free or reduced rates based on eligibility • www.meckhealth.org
Corporate Office: 485 Milestone Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28081
Care Ring n Low-cost clinic n Physicians Reach Out n Nurse-Family Partnership
Information
249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
704-336-6500
Pediatric Dental Clinic CMC Biddle Point 1801 Rozzelles Ferry Road, Charlotte, NC 28208
980-314-9600
NC MedAssist
601 E. 5th St., Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-536-1790
• Medication assistance for patients with no insurance • Accepts referrals from Physicians Reach Out and some free clinics • Financial screening required • www.medassist.org
Novant Health Community Care Cruiser
Mobile unit with various locations in Mecklenburg County; see website for schedule
704-384-3031
• Immunizations for ages birth to 18 only • Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m; first-come, first-served — no appointments taken • Spanish-speaking interpreters available at each site • Cruiser operates 13 days per month, location varies, check website for schedule • Immunizations not available for children with NC Health Choice or private insurance • www.presbyterian.org/cruiser
Teen Health Connection
3541 Randolph Road, Suite 206, Charlotte, NC 28211
704-381-8336
• For ages 11-21 only • Primary healthcare services: sick visits, well child physical exams, immunizations, pregnancy tests, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing, medication monitoring • Mental health services: outpatient therapy, comprehensive clinical assessments, mental health triage services for medical patients, referrals • Center for Disordered Eating: medical and nutritional services for adolescents with disordered eating • Nutritional services • Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (call for appointment) • Accepts Medicaid, HealthChoice, most major insurance carriers, sliding scale and self-pay for all services • Spanish-speaking interpreters available • www.TeenHealthConnection.org
Appointments
Pediatric Dental Appointments
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 9
Thank you, Spaugh Dameron Tenny, for co-sponsoring our River Jam BBQ at the Whitewater Center in May!
MedLink
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edLink advocates for improved access to care in Mecklenburg County through education, communication and collaboration among service providers. They envision a community in which all residents have access to collaborative health care, where MedLink will be recognized as an advocate for improved access in Mecklenburg County and as the premier resource for issues related to access to care.
MedLink Partners
MedLink is an organization of safety-net service providers. Service providers are considered to be organizations whose missions and services support community health efforts. This includes direct patient care, patient support, education, advocacy and other support services. Individuals not affiliated with service provider organizations are welcomed and encouraged to participate as affiliate members. Multiple representatives from the same organization may attend MedLink meetings, but each organization must identify one voting member who is authorized to vote on behalf of the organization.
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MedLink Meetings
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Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at the Mecklenburg County Health Department (249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte 28211). You also can participate via teleconference. For more information, contact MedLink secretary, Natalia Botella, at nataliab@lssp.org. MedLink welcomes guests to join any meeting; email Natalia to let her know you will be joining the meeting. At monthly meetings, participants regularly share opportunities for collaboration and feature presentations on projects aimed at improving access to care. For more information, visit www.MedLinkofMecklenburg.org.
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12 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Member News
NEW MEMBERS
Julie G. Fisher, MD
Jennie J. Hauschka, MD
Mary Ann Knovich, MD
Upcoming Meetings & Events MCMS Events July-August
Julie G. Fisher, MD Hematology/Oncology Levine Cancer Institute 1021 Morehead Medical Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204 980-442-2000 Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, 2001 Jennie J. Hauschka, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Novant Health Mintview OB/GYN 1918 Randolph Road #300, Charlotte, NC 28204 704-377-5675 West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2006
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Thursday, Aug. 20 Healthcare Management Symposium. Harris Conference Center. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Meetings July-August Meetings are at the MCMS office unless otherwise noted.
JULY
Mary Ann Knovich, MD Hematology/Oncology Levine Cancer Institute 1021 Morehead Medical Drive #5300, Charlotte, NC 28204 980-442-2000 Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 1996
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Charlotte AHEC Course Offerings | 2015
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Charlotte AHEC is part of the N.C. Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program and Carolinas HealthCare System.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
8/13 & Webinar Role of Free-Lite and Hevy-Lite Assay in the Clinic Mecklenburg County AAFP 54th Annual Post Graduate Symposium 9/11-12 Integrative Pain Care for the 21st Century 9/25-27 1st Annual Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Symposium 10/2 Alzheimer’s Disease: The Challenges of Today, Promises of Tomorrow 10/2 Planetree International Conference on Patient-Centered Care 10/17 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement Course for Physicians 10/23 10th Annual Charlotte Neonatology Symposium 10/23 27th Annual Fall Foliage Cancer Conference 10/23-24 10/30 7th Annual Coping with Cancer: Identification and Management of Late Effects of Cancer Treatment 11/7 Transgender Conference 11/14 Carolinas Trauma Related Issues and Critical Knowledge Symposium (TRICKS of Fracture Management) Hematology Symposium 11/14 1st Annual Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Approach 11/14 DOT Medical Examiners Course Online Social Media: Risks & Benefits for Physicians Online
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For more information or to register for these courses, call 704-512-6523 or visit www.charlotteahec.org.
Monday, Aug. 10 Knights Baseball Game membership event. Sponsored by Tucker Boynton Financial Group. BB&T Ballpark (by RSVP only). 6 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting. Safe Alliance office. 6 p.m. Friday, July 3 Independence Day holiday – MCMS office closed. Tuesday, July 14 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting. Safe Alliance office. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16 CAMGMA meeting. Myers Park Baptist Church Cornwell Center. Noon. Friday, July 17 Child Health Committee meeting. 7:30 a.m.
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Wednesday, Aug. 5 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting. Safe Alliance office. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11 MedLink meeting. Mecklenburg County Health Department. 8:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17 Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 MMAE Finance Committee meeting. 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 MMAE Board meeting. 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 Fighting for Women With Fashion planning meeting. Safe Alliance office. 6 p.m.
Monday, July 20 Executive Committee meeting. 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 September magazine deadline. Monday, July 27 MCMS Board meeting. 5:15 p.m.
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 13
At the Hospitals
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center Adds Radiation Oncology Services Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center now provides radiation oncology services to patients in the surrounding community. Services will include state-of-the-art technology, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy and limited stereotactic radiotherapy for brain lesions. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-316-6630, MondayFriday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. n
Novant Health Now Offers LowDose CT Lung Screening Services Novant Health Imaging now offers low dose CT lung screening services for patients meeting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services eligibility requirements. Low-dose CT uses lower levels of X-ray beams to make detailed images of the body’s internal structures and helps reduce the exposure to unnecessary radiation. It is comparable to the same levels of radiation that patients experience during a mammogram. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) recommends low-dose CT lung screenings for patients who: • Are current or former smokers (having quit within the past 15 years) • Are 55-74 years old • Have a smoking history of at least 30 pack-years (1 pack/day for 30 years, 2 packs per day for 15 years, etc.) • Have no history of lung cancer NLST found that participants who received a low-dose CT scan had a 15-20 percent lower risk of dying from lung cancer than participants who received standard chest X-rays. This screening service is offered at seven Charlotte-area outpatient n
imaging locations and at Novant Health Presbyterian, Huntersville and Matthews Medical Center radiology departments. Low-dose CT lung screening is covered by Medicare and commercial payors for eligible patients. Eligible patients who are uninsured or not covered can be enrolled in the I-ELCAP clinical trial available with a $150 out-of-pocket expense. For more information or to refer a patient, call 704-384-SCAN (7226). Gabriel Delgado, MD, of Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute Publishes Article in Interventional Cardiology Gabriel Delgado, MD, FACC, an interventional cardiologist with the Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute, recently published an article in Interventional Cardiology about peripheral vascular intervention performed via the radial artery on the wrist. The article highlights the potential advantages Gabriel Delgado, MD, FACC of this approach versus the traditional access at the groin, including patient comfort and lower risk of bleeding and other complications. A framework to successfully overcome current challenges for using this approach also is outlined. In preparing the article, he worked with a team of physicians from PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute in Harrisburg, Penn. Dr. Delgado joined Novant Health in 2014 and has made significant contributions to the growth of the peripheral vascular interventional program at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, where he serves as the medical director for the peripheral vascular laboratory. In addition to heart conditions, he specializes in the comprehensive treatment of circulation issues, including arterial blockages and venous problems in the legs. This was a previously unmet need within Novant Health in n
14 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
the local area and the volume of his work has increased so quickly that expansion plans are being developed. Visit www.futuremedicine.com/ loi/ica to read Delgado’s article in Interventional Cardiology. Novant Health Facilities Receive Heart and Stroke Care Awards Novant Health facilities have been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) for their success in using Get With The Guidelines® to improve quality of care and outcomes for heart failure and stroke patients. The awards recognize a hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment for stroke and heart failure according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines built on the latest scientific evidence. To receive a Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must meet 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines® achievement indicators. Charlotte area awards include: n
Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Awards • Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center: Gold • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center: Gold, With Target Stroke Honor Roll • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center: Gold Plus, With Target Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Get With The Guidelines® Heart Failure Awards • Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center: Gold • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center: Gold Plus • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center: Gold Plus, With Target Heart Failure Honor Roll Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® Receiving Center- GOLD PLUS Level Recognition Award for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
At the Hospitals
Kevin Stepp, MD, Performs First-Of-Its-Kind Gynecologic Procedures in the U.S. Kevin Stepp, MD, director of advanced surgical specialties for women, chief of urogynecology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and fellowship director at Carolinas HealthCare System, is the first physician in the United States to successfully use a new technique and new surgical tools to complete several complex gynecologic procedures. Dr. Stepp was chosen to be the first physician to do these operations due to his experience with the early prototypes of the surgical tools in the lab setting at Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy. In addition, he has presented his research nationally and internationally at large international societies. “We are ushering in a new class of surgical access, moving from traditional laparoscopy to a percutaneous approach,” says Stepp. “These tools offer the strength and functionality of traditional minimally invasive tools, but require much smaller incisions, cause less trauma and result in minimal to no scarring for patients.” This system is superior to other “micro laparoscopic techniques” because it allows Stepp to directly penetrate the delicate soft tissue to access certain areas of the abdomen and to grasp, hold and manipulate tissue during laparoscopic surgery. The strength of the instruments provides a more robust and conventional operating experience than with current mini-laparoscopy instruments, which means more patients will be candidates for this approach. Another advantage is the cost savings, as it utilizes the reuse of components and the absence of ports. n
CMC-Mercy Hosts Cervical Spine Research Society Traveling Fellows Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy recently was selected as one of four host sites for Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) n
Traveling Fellows. The Fellows arrived at CMC-Mercy in May and spent three days in Charlotte before moving to their next site. This year, CSRS chose six spine surgeons, two from each CSRS organization (CSRS North America, CSRS European and CSRS Asia Pacific), to be part of the CSRS Traveling Fellowship. The Fellowship includes surgeons from New York, Illinois, France, United Kingdom, Japan and Korea. Over a period of two weeks, the Fellows traveled to four sites in North America, learning about spine care and research at each institution. In addition to CMC-Mercy, the CSRS Traveling Fellows visited The Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and the University of Toronto Spine Program in Canada. The purpose of the CSRS Traveling Fellowship is to expose young spine surgeons to other institutions with an expertise in the cervical spine to broaden their experience and foster their academic career. Carolinas HealthCare System Attends White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship Carolinas HealthCare System joined a select group of organizations, companies and associations at a recent White House Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship. The forum engaged top leaders from a range of industries — including healthcare, diagnostics and food — in conversation about ways to leverage their industry expertise to more aggressively combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria at the national level. Since 2009, Carolinas HealthCare System has worked actively toward reducing the overuse of antibiotics, one of the single most important factors leading to antibiotic resistance. Efforts are led by the System’s Antimicrobial Support Network (ASN), a stewardship program that helps healthcare providers make better decisions for the selection, dosage and duration of antimicrobial treatments for patients. Stewardship programs improve patient outcomes and reduce rates of hospitalacquired and other infections. They also decrease patient length of stay and rates of n
antimicrobial use. Carolinas HealthCare System hospitals participating in the ASN continue to see patient safety and cost improvements from more diligent use of antibiotics. To date, they have decreased their use of antibiotics by 20-30 percent, keeping patients on antibiotics fewer days and reducing the cost of antimicrobials by more than 12 percent. Carolinas HealthCare System Completes Facility Name Changes The last of the facility name changes that are part of the Carolinas HealthCare System master brand rollout have been completed, with CMC-NorthEast becoming Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast and CMC-University changing to Carolinas HealthCare System University. As with the prior name changes, a combination of temporary and permanent signage will be in place to support the legal name change date. Over the next few months, permanent signage will be installed across all sites. New signage for practices, urgent care facilities and medical office buildings is also underway, with completion scheduled for later this year. As a reminder, here are some signage and name highlights: • Buildings will feature the Carolinas HealthCare System logo. • There are several other approved logos, which integrate the Carolinas HealthCare System name, including Urgent Care, Levine Children’s Hospital, Levine Cancer Institute and Healthy@Home. • Practice or facility names will not appear on buildings, except in some special cases. • Monument and directional signage will be primarily teal. Practice names will be listed, space permitting. Facility names will always be shown. • Lobby and door signage will feature the Carolinas HealthCare System logo and the legal name of the practice or facility beneath it. All facilities now have changed their names except Carolinas Medical Center and anything based to CMC, such as CMCMercy. These are currently out of scope for name changes, but their signage will be updated to the new look and feel. n
Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 15
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) membership organization whose mission is to create public awareness of medical doctors not employed by a network or hospital system and to provide educational programs and resources to physician members and their administration. Visit us at IndependentPhysicians.org. There will be a workshop in SouthPark on July 24, 12:30-4 p.m. entitled “Preparing for ICD-10 and Documenting for Medical Necessity: What You Need to Know to Get Paid.” This is the CMS presentation material. The workshop is open to all practice managers, administrators, medical staff and providers. The cost is $50 for members of the Independent Physicians of the Carolinas and $75 for non-members. The fee includes lunch and presentation materials. Reservation is required by July 20. Email sherie@ip-carolinas.org for the registration link.
Independent Physicians of the Carolinas hosted a Practice Administrators Workshop Luncheon on HIPAA and Social Media in May. The greatest outcome was implementing a social media policy to be reviewed and signed by all employees in a medical practice.
three advanced practice providers, an infusion therapy center, a four-suite endoscopy center and its nationally-recognized research department. Randolph Road physicians and staff are excited to welcome patients to their new and improved office.
There will be no physicians’ meetings or administrators’ luncheons in the months of June, July and August. We will resume meetings in September.
WELCOME
New Members for 2015: Tarun Narang, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates Glen Portwood, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates
WELCOME BACK
Renewed Members for 2015: Ronnie Cyzner, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates Michael Gaspari, MD, Carolina Digestive Health Associates
Photo Courtesy of Franco Lauro, MD, Italy
Charlotte Skin & Laser is expanding its anti-aging treatments to include INFINI. INFINI can treat a wide range of conditions associated with aging. It is effective in tightening loose facial and neck skin and improving the appearance of wrinkly, saggy and photo-aged skin with lasting and natural-looking results. One of the best features of INFINI is that it can be used to treat all skin types, in any season, with quick and easy recovery. Elizabeth Rostan, MD
INFINI: Before & After
Physician members Steven Bauer, DO, and Carlos Jorge, MD, announce the relocation of their practice, Ballantyne Medical Associates, to 15640 Don Lochman Lane, across from the Ballantyne Resort main entrance. The phone number remains the same at 704-540-1640. For more information on the new location, visit www.BallantyneMedicalAssociates.com. Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology’s Randolph Road office expansion is complete after a month of planning and construction. The newly renovated space houses seven physicians,
16 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
Advertising Acknowledgements The following patrons made Mecklenburg Medicine possible.
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18 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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Mecklenburg Medicine • July/August 2015 | 19
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20 | July/August 2015 • Mecklenburg Medicine
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