Houston Medical Times by Rick Delarosa

Serving Harris, Galveston, Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties

HOUSTON

September Issue 2014

Inside This Issue

COMMUNITY HOSPITALS FACE STRATEGIC CHALLENGES By Wyatt Jenkins Managing Financial Analyst BKD Partner

Baylor College of Medicine Accepts ALS ice Bucket Challenge See pg. 17

INDEX Legal Health..................pg.3 Mental Health...............pg.4 Healthy Heart................pg.5 The Framework..............pg.6 Marketing Essentials.......pg.7

Study predicts hepatitis C will become a rare disease in 22 years See pg. 18

Community hospitals long have been important pillars in towns across the country, providing trusted health care services and often ranking as one of the largest employers in their respective communities. In addition, they are engaged in numerous activities critical to quality of life in so many small communities—providing community rooms for civic meetings and activities, supporting health educational functions and charitable events and providing free or low-cost school physicals and emergency services at school athletic events and community functions. However, health care as we know it is quickly changing, and due to a broad convergence of factors, many community hospitals—and the communities they serve—are at risk.

are unable to negotiate at the level of their larger competitors for the highest payor rates, best capital costs and structures or lowest vendor prices. In addition, tightening market share and developing narrow networks are making health systems and hospitals more adversarial, straining even long-standing alliances and putting the survival of many community hospitals in doubt.

In this challenging environment, community hospitals and their boards are faced with myriad difficult, strategic Although the Patient Protection choices. The questions many should be & Affordable Care Act (ACA) may asking include: have accelerated some industry trends, reimbursement rates likely would have ∙∙ Are we prepared for a critical continued to decline and costs for transition from volume to advanced IT capabilities, clinician talent value-based care? attraction and compliance likely would ∙∙ Should we invest in new models have continued to increase regardless of care and new services out of of the ACA. Compounding these reserves? challenges, community hospitals often ∙∙ S ho u ld we el i m i n at e unprofitable services that are community-backed and desired? ∙∙ Should we acquire local physician practices?

services at the expense of inpatient services? ∙∙ Should we continue to provide inpatient care? ∙∙ Should we pursue an affiliation? ∙∙ Should we stay independent? Unfortunately, there are few easy answers to these difficult questions. However, the broader challenges facing community hospitals and their boards do not have easy, off-the-shelf solutions. With few easy solutions available, it’s imperative for many community hospital boards to undertake an assessment of the strategic position of their hospitals. The strategic readiness assessment is not the same as assembling a multiyear strategic plan or conducting an annual board retreat. This assessment should more heavily focus on near-term survival and success based on the environmental and organizational challenges facing community hospitals.

∙∙ Should we renovate or replace our outdated facility?

Based on the needs of the board and the hospital, a strategic assessment can take on numerous forms. Some boards may pursue an internal process, leaning heavily on a strong administrative team, while other boards may decide to supplement their administrative team

∙∙ Should we pursue outpatient

see Strategic Challenges page 20

∙∙ Should we redesign our physician compensation strategy?

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 1 HOUSTON TX

Houston Medical Times

Page 2 AD_9.5x12.375_HW-Save-the-Date-2.pdf 1 6/27/2014 3:17:53 PM

CMY

SATURDAY • NOV. 1, 2014 MONTGOMERY COUNTY HEART WALK Aon Hewitt Campus • The Woodlands BAY AREA HEART WALK Kemah Boardwalk

SATURDAY • NOV. 8, 2014 GREATER LAKE HOUSTON HEART WALK Lone Star College-Kingwood HOUSTON HEART & STROKE WALK NRG Park (Formerly Reliant Park) NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY HEART WALK Lone Star College-CyFair

For more information, please visit www.heartwalk.org or call 713-610-5000 September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times

Legal Health

NEW GUIDANCE ON H-1B ELIGIBILITY FOR NURSES By: Robert S. Groban, Jr. and Catherine F. Silie Epstein Becker Green

things, a specialized baccalaureate or higher degree (or its equivalent) as the minimum requirement for entry into the particular position. Traditionally, RN positions have not been considered With the onset of the Affordable H-1B eligible by the U.S. Citizenship Care Act, health care facilities have a and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) greater impetus to ensure that their because they do not normally require at nursing staff is sufficiently robust to least a bachelor’s degree in a specialized serve an increasing patient population. field or its equivalent. However, the immigration options for However, on July 21, 2014, the hiring foreign nurses are limited and USCIS released a policy memorandum often may not provide the necessary (“PM”), dated July 11, 2014, which immigration pathways for health care provided the first new guidance on organizations to hire foreign registered H-1B eligibility for nurses in 12 years nurses (“RNs”) to fill their staffing and provided some further clarification needs. Currently, the only available visa on what type of RN roles may meet the classification to hire most foreign RNs H-1B professional threshold. is the H-1B nonimmigrant classification, The PM acknowledged a shift in which is reserved for positions that the employers’ preference “for more highly government considers as “specialty” educated nurses” and recognized occupations, which are professional that more specialized RN roles now in nature. Here lies the immigration may qualify as specialty occupations. roadblock. Examples include addiction nurses, cardiovascular nurses, and emergency Current U.S. immigration law room nurses. The PM also reiterated defines a “specialty occupation as a the USCIS position that Advanced position that requires, among other Practice Registered Nurses (“APRN”),

Page 3

such as a Certified Nurse-Midwife, Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Certified Nurse Practitioner, continue to be H-1B eligible because they require the necessary advanced level of education and training. Finally, the PM indicated that, if a state requires at least a bachelor’s degree to obtain a nursing license, an RN position in that state would be considered a specialty occupation. Currently, however, no state has such classification to include other types of RN roles that traditionally may not have a requirement. been considered H-1B eligible in the In adjudicating H-1B petitions for past. In light of this updated guidance, RNs, the USCIS asks the sponsoring health care organizations interested in health care facility to demonstrate, using foreign nationals to fill their RN by a preponderance of the evidence, staffing needs should now consider the that the sponsored position satisfies H-1B nonimmigrant classification and, if the requirements for a “specialty” the sponsored position appears to meet occupation. When assessing whether the new guidance in the PM, be prepared an RN position meets this standard, the to provide the USCIS with the types USCIS takes into account several factors, of evidence that the PM indicates will including the nature of the employer’s qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation. business, industry practices, duties to be performed, certification requirements, American Nurses Credentialing Center (“ANCC”) Magnet Recognition status salary paid in relation to other nurses, and clinical experience requirements.

4 ANCC certification recognizes organizations that promote and institute policies to promote advances and high standards in nursing. Information on how to secure ANCC certification status can be found at: Although the PM does not provide http://www.nursecredentialing.org/ an immediate solution for the hiring FunctionalCategory/FAQs/DEO-FAQ. of staff RNs, it does expand the H-1B html

medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 4

Mental Health

Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center Celebrates National Recovery Month with Motorcycle Ride and Barbeque abuse; but, there are a lot of positive stories out there as well,” said PaRC Director of Business Development Jane Barnes, a motorcyclist and one of the Ride for Recovery founders. “Houston has a huge community of people who have turned their lives around and we want to let the world A first of its kind in the Houston know there is hope!” area, the event, coordinated by the PaRC Alumni Association, offers an Motorcycle enthusiasts, families, opportunity for people to get together, friends, supporters, and community celebrate recovery, and let those members are invited to join the suffering from addiction know “there festivities taking place at the PaRC, is a solution.” Starting at 8 a.m., the located near Memorial City at 3033 motorcycle ride meanders through Gessner Rd. northwest Harris, Montgomery, and In 1989, the federal Substance Waller counties and culminates with Abuse and Mental Health Services a barbeque cookout, music, and Administration designated September testimonies from people who have as “National Addiction and Drug been set free from addiction. Abuse Recovery Month” to foster “We often hear the negative education, celebrate recovery, and stories about alcoholism and drug reduce the stigma attached to this The Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC) hosts its 9th Annual Ride for Recovery, a 100-mile motorcycle ride, to raise awareness of substance addiction and embrace recovery on Sunday, Sep. 21.

September 2014

Last year’s Ride for Recovery at the Memorial Hermann Prevention and Recovery Center (PaRC) attracted almost 100 motorcycle enthusiasts from through out Texas. Photo: PaRC Alumni Association

devastating disease.

and an alumni association.

Incorporating the newest medical approaches along with proven treatment models and methodologies, PaRC is Houston's premier drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Services include detox, residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, an adolescent treatment program, family services, aftercare, 12-step meetings,

For more information or to register, visit www.rideforrecovery. com or call the PaRC at (713) 329-7272. All proceeds from the event are donated to the Men’s Center and The New Hope Women’s Center, two community organizations supporting individuals suffering with alcoholism and addiction.

medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times

Paid Advertorial

Healthy Heart

of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and other problems. You can reduce the sodium you eat by comparing labels of similar products and choosing the one with less sodium, and using herbs, spices, citrus juices, and vinegars instead of salt to add flavor to foods.

READY TO HELP YOUR FAMILY GET HEALTHY? TAKE THE EMPOWERMENT CHALLENGE! By Shelly Millwee and Nancy Gutierrez, American Heart Association

themed weeks. To help keep you on track and accountable during the challenge, you can share your family’s progress on By now children are back in school the new Life is Why Facebook group. and lunches are being packed daily ∙ Week 1: Empower your Cart. See to send them off. In recognition of Childhood Obesity Awareness month, how much you can boost your American Heart Association wants to fruit and vegetable intake this remind parents that it’s important for week. You might be surprised children to make the healthy choice, the by how many will fit into your default choice. grocery cart. Try a scavenger hunt in the store. See how many Sadly, childhood obesity continues to fruits and veggies your kids can cloud the nation burdening one in every find in 15 minutes. three children or teens. The time for action is now before the problem arises. ∙ Week 2: Empower your Glass. As busy adults, we must recognize that a This week is about reducing healthy lifestyle begins with decisions we sugar-sweetened beverages. Did make. To jump start a healthy lifestyle you know sodas are one of the at home, the AHA is launching the leading contributors to obesity? EmpowerMEnt Challenge to empower Help your kids start a healthy families to take control of their health habit early by reaching for water by pursuing a different goal every week. first (and see if your grocery bill Each goal is fun, simple, won’t break the drops!). bank and can be done as a family. By the end of the month, you’ll all be better ∙ Week 3: Empower your Taste. equipped to live a heart-healthy life. This week is about sodium reduction. That’s important Taking the challenge is easy. because most people have Complimentary templates and activities more than double the amount are easily accessible on www.heart.org/ of sodium (or salt) their bodies healthierkids and are broken down into need – which increases chances

STANTON WELCH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Page 5

∙

Week 4: Empower your Movement. This week’s challenge is simple: Get moving! You don’t need to put on a perfect gym outfit and drive all the way across town. Just turn off the TV, grab the kids and get active.

Activities for each week include a grocery store scavenger hunt, ideas for a “Great Lunchbox Switch” challenge, tips on how to “Shelve the Shaker” and fun activities for the “Screens Down, Laces Up” challenge. During Childhood Obesit y Awareness month, set goals, enforce these healthy habits, and encourage your kids to live a healthier lifestyle. You children will come out healthier, stronger, and with the sense of accomplishment that no one will be able to take away from them. During the adolescent stage, they survive from positive reinforcement and encouraging feedback. Parents, you will always be your children’s number one fan and motivator. As a family, spread the awareness on child obesity, break those unhealthy habits and finish the

Empowerment Challenge strong and healthy! To help children develop health habits long after the challenge is over, consider leading by example: ∙

Be a good role model

∙

Keep things positive

∙

Get the whole family moving

∙

Limit TV, video game and computer time

∙

Encourage physical activities that they’ll really enjoy

∙

Make dinnertime a family time

∙

Make a game of reading food labels

∙

Stay involved with your kids and help encourage them to make healthy choices

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Tickets start at $

20!

Choreography by John Neumeier

Purchase online at

houstonballet.org

September 4 – 14, 2014

This production is made possible in part through a gift made by Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

or call 713.227.2787 IMAGE:

Official Airline of Houston Ballet

Artists of Hamburg Ballet in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, PHOTO: Holger Badekow.

HoustonMedicalTimes_midsummer_HorzAd.indd 1

medicaltimesnews.com

6/17/14 4:45 PM

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 6

The Framework

MD Anderson Opens Diagnostic Imaging Center in West Houston Facility Brings Full Complement of Services, Onsite Radiologists Closer to Patients By Julie Penne The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

(PET), general and Doppler ultrasound for diagnostics and biopsies, and digital X-ray.

When you need it.

Committed to bringing its cancer care services, clinical trials and standard of care closer to patients, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center opened a full-service diagnostic imaging center in West Houston on Sept. 2.

Located in the women’s imaging center are ultrasound, 3-D digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound-guided biopsies and other technologies that will allow MD Anderson radiologists and staff to return a same-day diagnosis MD Anderson Diagnostic Imaging to women with concerning lumps or in West Houston occupies the first floor to their primary care physicians who of a midrise building located at 15021 referred them. Digital mammography Katy Freeway, near the intersection of for screening and diagnostics also is I-10 and Highway 6, and offers a full available.

MD Anderson radiologists will be on site to review and interpret all of the The facility, which houses a separate images, and also women’s imaging center, is available consult with physicians who to patients who have a confirmed referred their patients for tests. The diagnosis of cancer or whose primary radiologists all are MD Anderson faculty care physician suspects cancer. Women subspecialized and fellowship-trained who would like to have their screening in oncologic radiology. Because of new mammograms performed and read at digital technologies, the MD Anderson the new location may call directly to radiologists in West Houston can make an appointment. securely share images with colleagues array of cancer imaging and lab services.

MD Anderson Diagnostic Imaging Center in West Houston has the most advanced technologies available, some of which have software applications and hardware features not yet available elsewhere in Houston.

at the Texas Medical Center campus for additional opinions on especially rare or unusual cancers or tumors.

“The first step in identifying the right cancer treatment and achieving the best possible outcome is making the most accurate and precise diagnosis,” General imaging services available at said Marshall Hicks, M.D., professor the center include Magnetic Resonance and head of the Division of Diagnostic Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography Imaging at MD Anderson. “Quality (CT), Positron Emission Tomography see The Framework page 21

September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

Medical professional liability insurance specialists providing a single-source solution ProAssurance.com

Houston Medical Times

Page 7

Marketing Essentials

Social Media Patient Rants: Defense Lessons from Big Biz By Stewart Gandolf, MBA CEO Healthcare Success Strategies

had been retweeted thousands of times and picked up by popular tech news websites. After just a few days, several thousand Twitter users saw Syed’s rant and stories on it ran everywhere from the BBC to Fox News.” [See Business Insider.]

Maybe it was just a coincidence, but And (just by coincidence), KLM two insightful marketing object lessons Royal Dutch Airlines published a notice popped up this week. reminding previous passengers of their The subject matter in common “24/7 Social Media Servicing.” Their was customer service via social media, broadcast email read in part: but in these two stories the outcomes “A very Happy New Year or were different. Both illustrations—one ‘Gelukkig Nieuwjaar’ as the Dutch say! good and one not—are pages from big business, and they hold excellent “Did you know that for any service take-away lessons for hospital and related question you can reach us 24/7 healthcare marketing. in 10 languages on Facebook, Twitter The first mini-drama is a British and soon on Google+ as well? If you ask your question via Facebook or Twitter,

Airways blunder last Fall, recounted in our goal is to respond within one hour. a Wall Street Journal blog post by Ryan On the klm.us customer support page, you can now see a live response time Holmes. He wrote: to know exactly when to expect your “Several pieces of luggage were lost answer.” on a Chicago-Paris flight, hardly an Useful take-aways from the unusual occurrence. But when reaching corporate world… out for help via formal customer service channels got no results, disgruntled Most healthcare and hospital businessman Hasan Syed turned to marketing doesn’t operate on the grand Twitter. scale of global airlines, but it’s not a “Syed paid an estimated $1,000 to stretch to transfer some valuable service send a promoted tweet. His message concepts from big biz. After all, there was brutally direct: “Don’t fly @ is a constant ebb and flow of patients, BritishAirways. Their customer service often at all hours of the day and night. is horrendous.” As a promoted tweet, his warning was blasted out not only to his followers but to thousands of other users on the network—an audience that can be strategically targeted by geography, keywords, interests and even gender. “Incredibly, it took British Airways more than 10 hours to notice and address the complaint. By that time, it

And, regardless of the scale, (a) customer service (patient experience and satisfaction) is no less important, and (b) US consumers use social media as a potentially wide-reaching “word-of-mouth” channel for questions, complaints…and even angry rants. As the Journal article observes: see Marketing Essentials page 21 medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 8

More than 200 UTMB medical students to take part in symbolic white coat ceremony Event marks entry into medical profession

On August 24th 230 new medical school students at the University of Texas Medical Branch took part in a symbolic ceremony marking a significant step toward becoming a physician.

the School of Medicine. “The ceremony reinforces our students’ connection with the history of medicine, and reflects their commitment to becoming outstanding physicians.”

The entering class of 2018 at the UTMB School of Medicine, the state’s first medical school, will have their names called, step onto the stage at Moody Gardens Convention Center and be helped into a brand-new, physician’s white coat.

“Sometimes you can see a person’s face change as they put on the coat; a realization that they are on their way toward becoming a doctor,” Jacobs said.

The white coat ceremony, while relatively new, has become a staple at medical schools across America. “It’s a milestone in a person’s life,” said Dr. Danny O. Jacobs, executive vice president and provost and dean of

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Matt Dacso, a UTMB alum of the class of 2016. Dacso, an assistant professor, is director of UTMB’s Center for Global Health Education. His topic is “Being humanitas: The key to success, satisfaction and sanity.” The white coat ceremony as known

today got started in 1993 at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and

Surgeons. The first white coat ceremony at UTMB was in 1996.

CHI St. Luke’s Health and Cigna Reach Agreement on a New, Multi-Year Contract Contract Extends Collaboration, Provides Access to Quality Care for Cigna Customers in Houston

CHI St. Luke’s Health (CHI St. Luke’s) and Cigna today announced a new, multi-year agreement that enables Cigna's Houston-area customers to continue to receive covered care at CHI St. Luke’s Health hospitals and facilities on an in-network basis. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. CHI St. Luke’s Health and Cigna emphasized their continued strong collaboration and positive working relationship that they believe will help improve overall quality and reduce healthcare costs. Both organizations say they

are pleased that an agreement was reached quickly and in the spirit of partnership. “We are entering a new era where balanced partnerships between healthcare providers and payers are more important than ever to move the system forward,” said Deborah Lee-Eddie, interim COO of CHI St. Luke’s Health. “Fundamentally, these partnerships are part of our overall effort to fulfill our promise of improving community health through high-quality, cost-effective care. We constantly strive to be good stewards of healthcare resources, and strong partnerships with companies, like Cigna, are an important part of this

effort. This new contract assures Cigna patients in the Houston area that they will have continued access to quality care at CHI St. Luke’s Health.” “Cigna strives to be a partner of choice for healthcare professionals in Houston, and our long-standing relationship and history of collaboration with CHI St. Luke’s Health enables us to work together to provide better service and more value to our shared customers,” said Mike Koehler, president for Cigna in South Texas. “Together we are changing the healthcare system to focus on building a healthy community

and improving health outcomes, customer experience and affordability.” To confirm in-network benefits, CHI St. Luke’s Health and Cigna recommend that area Cigna customers contact Cigna by calling the number on the back of their insurance cards. Cigna's customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for assistance. Individuals covered under a Cigna health plan should continue their care and schedule appointments as they would normally with their physicians and at their CHI St. Luke’s Health hospital of choice.

Memorial Hermann, MD Anderson join forces to provide enhanced breast imaging services through out the Greater Houston Region Memorial Hermann Health System and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced a new partnership to provide a new level of specialized breast screening at a network of community breast care centers in the greater Houston area. Starting in late November, MD Anderson will become the exclusive provider of professional breast radiology services for five of Memorial Hermann’s 10 breast care centers, located in Memorial City, The Woodlands, Northeast, Southwest and Sugar Land. Over time, the network will expand to Memorial Hermann’s locations in Katy, Pearland, Pasadena, Upper Kirby and Northwest. In addition, expansion September 2014

planning is underway for centers in Cypress, South Katy and Spring. Under the agreement, the breast screening network will offer screening and diagnostic services, utilizing existing Memorial Hermann facilities and technical resources, including equipment and staff. MD Anderson‘s fellowship trained, subspecialized breast radiologists will interpret the screening or diagnostic images, perform biopsies if needed and consult with patients and physicians. The University of Texas Board of Regents approved the agreement Aug. 21 at its regular meeting. “Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson share a commitment to provide high quality cancer care to communities

across our region,” said Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann Health System. “Our partnership will combine the convenience and advanced technologies of Memorial Hermann’s breast imaging centers with interpretation and consultation from the world renowned cancer expertise of MD Anderson, enabling our institutions to provide patients with unparalleled access to specialized breast imaging services close to home.” The Memorial Hermann and MD Anderson partnership is designed to expand access to high quality screening, specialty breast care and research into a community setting, while giving patients the flexibility and convenience of staying close to home through the expansive Memorial Hermann

medicaltimesnews.com

network. “We’re excited to join with Memorial Hermann, one of the nation’s leading health care organizations, to deliver high quality, collaborative breast care to women across the Houston area,” said MD Anderson President Ronald A. DePinho, M.D. “Prevention, early detection, risk reduction, education and outreach are key components of our mission. This collaboration allows us to take our screening expertise to more women, who can take comfort in knowing their imaging will be provided by radiologists who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients with cancer.” To make an appointment at a Memorial Hermann Breast Care Center, visit memorialhermann.org/ScheduleNow or call 877.70.MAMMO.

Houston Medical Times

Page 9

RELENTLESS

WE ARE UNRELENTING IN OUR DEFENSE OF GOOD MEDICINE

We stand with doctors. When shady litigants challenge the good name of one of our members, we are fierce and uncompromising. Our powerful attorneys have well-earned reputations for unyielding defense and aggressive counter-action. Our relentless defense of the practice of good medicine is just one of the reasons we are the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, with 75,000 members.

Join your colleagues—become a member of The Doctors Company.

CALL OUR AUSTIN OFFICE AT 800.686.2734 OR VISIT WWW.THEDOCTORS.COM

DEFENSE A4690_HoustonMT_RD_Def_081514_v2.indd 1

medicaltimesnews.com

8/15/14 12:02 PM

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 10

1315 St Joseph Pky

SUBLEASE

Office Space available

Suite 800 | Houston, TX 77002

Features

Great Floorplan!

 8,510 RSF Available $  15.00/RSF Full Service

 4.69:1000 RSF, RSVD @ $55/Space/Month

Amenities

Investigational therapy focuses on slowing progression in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Houston Methodist’s Nantz National Alzheimer Center only Texas site to offer this study Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease currently have no treatment options to slow brain cell deterioration. Researchers at Houston Methodist’s Nantz National Alzheimer Center are studying an investigational drug that proposes to do just that. T-817MA focuses on preventing brain cell loss and slowing disease progression, whereas current treatment options including Donepezil (Aricept®), Rivastigmine (Exelon®), and Memantine (Namenda™) merely treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. The researchers want to know whether the investigational therapy using T-817MA can prevent brain cell loss,

 18 Floors

 Sublease Term Through January 31, 2017

Treatment Study

Suite 800 8,510 R.S.F.

 First floor retail includes Subway and Walgreens  Coffee Shop and Luby’s Deli on-site

of the NNAC. “As someone who sees the devastating impact this disease has on patients and their families, our goal is to find out if this drug is a viable option for our patients.” Of the more than five million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, almost two-thirds are women. American women are twice as likely to die of Alzheimer’s disease as they are from breast cancer. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone develops Alzheimer’s every 67 seconds. In 2013, 15.5 million caregivers provided an estimated 17.7 billion hours of unpaid care valued at more than $220 billion. People already diagnosed with

 All-around views of Downtown For more information please contact

John Luck jluck@jacksoncooksey.com Ross James rjames@jacksoncooksey.com 713.499.4100 | 3040 Post Oak Blvd, Ste 1150 | Houston, TX 77056 No warranty or representation, expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein and same is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of prices, rental or other conditions.

TEXAS EYE INSTITUTE 7710 BEECHNUT STREET, HOUSTON, TX 77027

BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS: • Location connected to Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital campus • Medical suites available • Easy access to Highway 59 • On-site maintenance • Covered/Reserved parking • 24 hour card-key access FOR LEASING INFORMATION: Kurt Kistler Kkistler@moodyrambinint.com (713) 773-5500

AVAILABLE SUITES Suite 200 201 215 220 230

SF Available 1,705 2,200 1,688 3,500 1,324

September 2014

slowing disease progression in a more fundamental way. Houston Methodist is the only study location in Texas to offer this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Approximately two-thirds of study participants will receive active study drug, but neither the patient nor the study personnel will know whether patients received the active study drug or placebo until the patients' participation in the study is complete. This is a Phase II clinical trial, an early study assessing the efficacy of a drug that has been tested on relatively few research subjects. “Previous studies in mice have shown this investigational drug may work by protecting brain cells, which would result in improved memory and cognition,” said Joseph C. Masdeu, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator of this study at Houston Methodist and director medicaltimesnews.com

mild to moderate Alzheimer’s may be eligible for this study if they are women or men aged 55-85; they have taken donepezil (Aricept) treatment for at least six months; live in the community, not in a nursing home or assisted-living facility; and have a study partner who has regular contact with the patient (at least 10 hours per week) and can attend study visits. This study is sponsored by Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd., and is being conducted by the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), the largest Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic research consortium in the United States and supported by the National Institute on Aging. Approximately 50 clinical sites nationwide will offer the study to 450 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Houston Methodist expects to enroll approximately 20 patients. For study questions, call 281.222.9983.

Houston Medical Times ABTCO-007 HoustonMedicalTimes Ad Revision 11.25x14 MECH.pdf

8/8/14

Page 11

9:10 AM

We pledge to help build your business. Equipment Loans as low as

3.95

up to

Months

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dedicated to boosting your bottom line. So now until December 31st, 2014, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering tremendous financing rates for the medical equipment you need to keep things moving onward and upward.

AllegianceBank T

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, TOGETHER.

www.AllegianceBankTexas.com/Med

281.517.8700

281.517.8780

281.517.8710

281.517.8720

281.517.8770

281.517.8790

281.517.8740

281.517.8760

281.517.8715

281.517.8730

281.517.8750

* 3.95% fixed rate for new equipment for up to 60 months. Used equipment eligible for 4.95% fixed rate for up to 48 months. Some restrictions may apply based upon the make and model of equipment purchased. Subject to credit approval. Rates and financing are limited to equipment model years 2007 or newer and are subject to change without notice.

medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 12

Age Well Live Well

Inspired SENIOR LIVING BY

Look Better, Feel Better, Keep Healthy With Texercise

LUXURY

By Jeff Carmack, Managing Editor, Texas Department of Aging and Disability

Aging and illness are sometimes thought of as two sides of the same coin; we get old, we get sick, and that’s just the way it goes. Discover the affordable, all-inclusive luxury of a life well-lived. Come tour our Grande Clubhouse and experience our carefree, fun lifestyle. Call today and have your rent locked-in for three years – guaranteed! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Grande Clubhouse with Resort-Style Amenities Chef-Prepared Gourmet Meals Recreational and Social Activities Professional Team Available 24/7 Maintenance-Free, All-Inclusive Living

Call for FREE lunch and a tour today! Conservatory at Alden Bridge 6203 Alden Bridge Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77382 • 832-482-4344 Conservatory at Champion Forest 8215 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379 • 281-378-6069 www.ConservatorySeniorLiving.com

While there is no denying that illness often accompanies aging, its onset and its severity are to a great extent determined by our habits -- in particular our diets and the amount of exercise we get. Today, there is no doubt that a healthy diet and the right amount of exercise can stave off (and in some cases prevent) many illnesses, keep us active longer, and make us look and feel better at the same time. Texercise

Part of a Fitness Program You don’t have a run a marathon or lift weights to get the benefits of regular exercise. If you’re not already active, walking is a great way to get on the road to being active. Work toward a goal of 6,000-10,000 steps a day. It may sound daunting but it's easier than you think. By adding simple activities — taking the stairs when you can and parking your car far from the entrance of your work building or a shopping mall — you can increase the number of steps you take each day. You Can Find Time for Exercise, If You Look Exercise seems to be the last thing many of us make time for, but you can make time to exercise in several ways. Exercise during your lunch hour, take walks during your

Managed and operated by

Look Better, Feel Better, Keep Healthy With Texercise The right diet and regular exercise can help you look and feel better and stay healthier. Texercise can help. www.texercise.com

Texercise is a statewide fitness program to educate and involve Texans their families and their communities in physical activities and proper nutrition. Rusty Cribbs, 77, is a retired schoolteacher in Austin and a Texercise instructor. She spends about 10 hours a week exercising. Her regimen includes walking at her local mall, hiking, and table tennis. Her apartment complex has a pool and a fitness center, so she also does water aerobics, walks on the treadmill and the Stairmaster, and also rides a stationary bike. “And I also enjoy dancing,” she said.

breaks or incorporate activities such as vacuuming, gardening, walking your dog or washing your car by hand in to your daily routine. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Texercise is perfect for the beginner. “It’s is a well-organized program and it’s easy to follow,” she said. “I encourage my students to keep the handbook with them at all times, because there’s always something you can do. We’re surrounded by opportunities to exercise, so we have no excuse not to exercise.” Healthy Eating Made Easy

Proper nutrition includes plenty Cribbs is a firm believer in the merits of exercise and diet. Texercise of vegetables, fruits, whole grain “has added so much to my overall products, protein-rich foods, low-fat health,” she said. or nonfat dairy products, and foods with plenty of calcium, vitamin D Getting Started Is the Hardest see Age Well Live Well page 22 September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times

Page 13

Only NEW Homes from Beazer give you More:

Personalization

Mortgage Choices

Energy Efficiency

From the $150s to $500s $1,000 Decorator Allowance for Hometown Heroes! beazer.com 281-850-8628

Get more out of your home

*Offer good on contracts written and signed by buyer(s) from 1/1/14-12/31/14. $1,000 savings comes in the form of a decorator allowance to use towards design center options. Pricing, features and availability subject to change without notice. Not available with any other offer. Additional restrictions may apply. See New Home Counselor for complete details. ÂŠ 2014 Beazer Homes. 514 117297

medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 14

Local Nonprofit, World Missions Possible, Invites Houstonians to Help “BOOT OUT EBOLA” in Sierra Leone Nonprofit to Provide Supplies and Support to Wellbodi Clinic in West Africa

Houston-based nonprofit World Missions Possible is no stranger to West Africa – leading eight volunteer teams of Houston-based doctors and nurses to bring medical care to over 4,200 patients in remote and rural West African villages. But now one of its partners, Wellbodi Alliance in Sierra Leone, is fighting a rare, but fatal, enemy: The Ebola virus. “We are in phone contact with the doctors and nurses there and worry every day for their health and welfare. These healthcare providers are the real heroes. They

teams to Kono, Sierra Leone, and provided training in pediatric resuscit at ion and life suppor t (abridged Advanced Trauma and Cardiac Life Support), Ultrasound, CPR, sterilization, infection control, and eye care in regional healthcare provider training and EMS capacity building in 2011 and 2012. The 2012 WMP team assisted with the rampant Cholera epidemic – the worst in 15 years that claimed hundreds of lives and affected The local Houstonian health care providers (as pictured above) in Sierra Leone and their specialties: 12,000 people – as well as endemic WMP Medical Director Dr. Thomas Flowers (ACLS & ATLS instructor); WMP President Roxane t yphoid, malaria, and parasitic Richter, EMT (vision screening & triage); Dr. Jason Gukhool (ultrasound training); Joanne Fisher, RN (sterilization & infection control), and Brad Starkey, Flight Paramedic-C (trauma & pediatric). In 2013, World Missions Possible donated a mobile x-ray unit, ultrasound, 2 defibrillators, and a 20-foot container worth over $100,000 in supplies and medications to Wellbody Alliance.

located at 4400 Palm Royale Blvd., in Sugar Land, Texas. Tickets are $200 per player or $700 a foursome, including 18-hole play, cart rental, lunch, and cash bar cart service. At the end of the tournament, Dr. Dan Kelly, an infectious disease sp e cia list a nd c o -founder of Wellbody Alliance, will present a live update ‘From the Frontlines’ of the fight against Ebola. All proceeds from the event will benefit Wellbody Alliance (www.wellbodyalliance.org - “Wellbodi” means “good health” in local Krio language) and tickets, donations, and hole sponsorships at Pictured are: (L to R) back row: Wellbody Alliance Co-founder, Houston native Dr. Dan Kelly, $500, $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 three clinic staff, WMP Medical Director Dr. Thomas Flowers, and (front row, centered) Wellbody are available by (mailed) check or Co-Founder Dr. Bailor Barrie, and WMP President Roxane Richter, EMT, with entire Wellbody online at www.worldmissionsposAlliance Amputee Clinic staff in Sierra Leone. are risking their own lives to care for the medical needs of others,” said World Missions Possible President Roxane Richter, EMT, “Houstonians can help us to get this clinic protective gear, supplies, and supportive medications they need to stop the spread of this terrible disease.”

diseases. In 2013 World Missions Possible sent a 20-foot container with over $100,000 worth of medical supplies including an ultrasound, defibrillators, 220 spinal anesthesia surgical sets, and the region’s only operational x-ray unit.

To aid Wellbody Alliance in the current Ebola epidemic, a “Boot HCA Clear L ake Regional Out Ebola” charity scramble golf Medical Center Emergency Physician tournament will be held from 1 Dr. Thomas Flowers, and Elite Care p.m. - 6p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, Emergency Physician Dr. Jason 2014, at Sweetwater Country Club, Gukhool, led two WMP medical September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

sible.org ABOUT WORLD MISSIONS POSSIBLE World Missions Possible is a “Best in America” & Proud Member of 2012 & 2013 U.S. Combined Federal Campaign “Charities Under 5% Overhead.” Since 2001, WMP has provided medical and aid outreach in hard-to-reach, overlooked, and underserved rural areas in 16 developing nations (including Ghana, India, Nicaragua, Mexico, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, USA, Viet Nam, and Zambia). To date, WMP has provided approximately 590 surgeries, 5,560 medical exams and care, 6,000 eye exams, and distributed over 7,750 free pairs of eyeglasses – all free of charge to the patients. The organization has been recognized as “Best in America” by Independent Charities of America. Operating as an audited 501(c)3 organization, World Missions Possible averages 3%-5% administrative costs, as it has no hired staff and has always relied 100% on volunteer support and donors. WMP is a proud member of Combined Federal Campaign “Charities Under 5% Overhead” (2012 & 2013). More information is available at: http:// www.worldmissionspossible.org

Houston Medical Times

Adolescents most at risk with e-cigarettes, yet teen usage soars By Jennifer Fuentes Texas A&M Health Science Center

Teenagers are among the fastest growing groups of electronic cigarette consumers in the U.S., with usage among middle and high school students more than doubling from 2011 to 2012, according to data from theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Making this information even more troubling are recent studies showing that teens may also be the most vulnerable to the devices’ physical and psychological side effects.

the process of developing during adolescence,” Rankin says. “Nicotine increases the risk of developing psychiatric disorders and lasting cognitive impairment and is associated is director of Texas A&M University with disturbances in working memory Baylor College of Dentistry’s Tobacco and attention. Reliance on nicotine Treatment Services. to manage negative emotions and

Even though e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, the battery-powered devices do deliver nicotine in aerosol form. “Nicotine’s addictive properties For teens, mental health as well as are a risk for any age group, but key emotional and cognitive systems with adolescents, the stakes are are at stake. even higher,” says Dr. K. Vendrell Rankin, a professor and associate “Major cognitive functions and chair in public health sciences who attention performance are still in

Page 15

they begin using nicotine, the more likely they are to become addicted and the stronger the addiction may become. According to the American Lung Association, of adults who smoke, 68 percent began smoking at age 18 or younger. Nicotine use very quickly escalates into addiction, even when dealing with tobacco-free, odorless “vaping” associated with e-cigarettes. That’s because nicotine in any form triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and dopamine, which dramatically impacts a number of body systems. Dopamine floods the brain, and nicotine cravings increase.

“Everybody has a certain amount of nicotine receptors in the brain,” Rankin says. “When you start smoking, vaping or supplying nicotine to them, they multiply. If you stop smoking or vaping, the receptors situations impairs the development don’t go away.” of coping skills.” In other words, the younger In addition to affecting the users are when they try or start using emotional and cognitive development nicotine, the more receptors they will of teens, nicotine is highly addictive. In fact, the younger a person is when see Teens at Risk page 22 ©2014 Tiff’s Treats

cookiedelivery.com

TREAT

YOU

Warm cookies, made from scratch, baked to order, delivered right to your door.

Greenway Plaza (832) 232-5200 | Texas Medical Center (832) 232-9300 | Midtown (713) 343-1400 | Westchase (713) 360-5100

medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 16

EWMES N T HO D EN N RTM AY APA BRLUXUR

DISCOVER THE NEWEST ADDITION TO HOUSTON'S FINEST LANDMARK TODAY!

GABLES.COM/RIVEROAKS

866-573-1071

Close Call: Caring Nurse Makes Life-Saving Connection with Huffman Woman With a river tubing vacation in New Braunfels, the 4th of July holiday, and her 17th wedding anniversary, stay-at-home mom Betty Currier was having a great summer with family and friends, but she was putting her health on the backburner.

glucose levels that result from defects in insulin secretion, or its action, or both. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into the cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood.

Not eating right and skipping blood sugar level checks quickly caught up to the 43-year-old diabetic from Huffman, Texas. The morning of July 8, Currier was not feeling well when she answered the phone.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 23.6 million people in the United States or 7.8 percent of the population have diabetes, a serious, lifelong condition. Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.

“It was Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital calling to schedule a procedure,” said Currier. “But, I felt so nauseated and sick I couldn’t concentrate on what she was saying or what I was saying.”

Moments later, when Teresa called back to check on Currier, an emergency medical services crew was loading her into an ambulance to rush her to Memorial Just seconds into the phone Hermann Northeast.

GABLES RIVER OAKS | 2724 KIPLING STREET | HOUSTON, TX 77098

“Theresa is my angel,” said Betty Currier (left) with Theresa Huckabay, L.V.N. “I don’t want to think what would have happened if she hadn’t taken the time to listen to me and care about me. I trust the staff at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital - they’re like family.”

call, Memorial Hermann Northeast The American Diabetes Association Mammography and Ultrasound Nurse says a normal reading after fasting ranges Navigator Theresa Huckabay, L.V.N. from 70 to 130 mg/dl. In Memorial knew something was not right. Hermann Northeast’s Emergency Center, Currier’s glucose was found to be 1,015 “She sounded very confused mg/dL, a dire emergency situation. and scared,” said Huckabay. “I knew DKA, a life-threatening problem, immediately something wasn’t right, so I told her to hang up and call 911. I occurs when the body cannot use called 911, too, because I knew she was glucose as a fuel source because there is no insulin or not enough insulin. Possible at home by herself.” complications include fluid buildup in the Huckabay’s instincts were right. brain (cerebral edema), heart attack and Currier was suffering diabetic ketoacidosis death of bowel tissue due to low blood (DKA). pressure, and kidney failure. Most of the food people eat is broken Currier spent two days in the down into glucose (sugar in the blood), Intensive Care Unit at Memorial the main source of fuel for the body. Hermann Northeast where Theresa was Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which a frequent visitor. the body is unable to properly use and store glucose. It is characterized by high September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times

Baylor College of Medicine accepts ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Dr. Paul Klotman, President, CEO, and Executive Dean of Baylor College of Medicine was challenged by Mark Wallace, CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital to take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS. He responded with a full Baylor team effort. Dr. Yadollah Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine, took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge today, along with more than 200 other members of the Baylor community including students, faculty and staff.

funds for those who live with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Second-year medical student Timothy Dunn and graduate school student Adrianne Stone helped spread the word and organize the

event among students.

Page 17

Philanthropy and Alumni Relations were also on hand to help accept donations to not only the ALS Association but also the ALS program at Baylor.

Dr. Yadollah Harati, professor of neurology, and director of the ALS Clinic at Baylor, the only ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence in Houston, brought A L S i s a pr og r e ssi ve along his clinic team to take part in honor of the many people they treat neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal and support daily. cord slowly limiting the ability of the Members of the Office of brain to initiate and control muscle movement through out the body. In later stages the body becomes completely immobile while cognition remains unaffected. It eventually leads to death. The illness is also known as “Lou Gehrig's disease," after the famed New York Yankee’s player who was diagnosed in 1939.

There is no cure for ALS but there are treatments that slow the disease. There are current research projects at Baylor looking to determine which genes are responsible for the disease and eventually find a cause and cure.

He accepted the challenge by Mark Wallace, CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital, but took it one step further by inviting other Baylor folks to take part. It was a team effort to show support, raise awareness and

Season Sponsor

sePtember 16 – 28 Pg13

call today for best seats! tickets start at only $25!

tuts.com 713.558.tuts medicaltimesnews.com

September 2014

Houston Medical Times

Page 18

Study predicts hepatitis C will become a rare disease in 22 years Computer simulation forecasts favorable trends in eradicating hepatitis C

BY KATRINA BURTON The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Effective new drugs and screening would make hepatitis C a rare disease by 2036, according to a computer simulation conducted by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The results of the simulation are reported in the August 5 edition of the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. “Hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading cause of liver cancer and accounts for more than 15,000 deaths in the U.S. each year,” said Jagpreet Chhatwal, Ph.D., assistant professor of Health

supply for hepatitis C began in 1992. A majority of people were infected through blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992. Baby boomers account for 75 percent of the estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million people infected in the United States. Half of people with the virus are not aware they are infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend a one-time HCV screening for this population group. In this study, Chhatwal and his collaborators used a mathematical model with information from several sources including more than 30 clinical trials to predict the impact of new therapies

Dear Doctors and Staff, Let us take the guesswork out of fracture referrals. No more waiting for appointments! We at the Orthopedic Care Center wish to offer your patients and staff easy scheduling of patients.

Services Research at MD Anderson, called “direct-acting antivirals” and the and corresponding author on the study. use of screening for chronic HCV cases.

Our office has extended office hours on Fridays to accommodate patients with fractures.

“If we can improve access to treatment and incorporate more aggressive screening guidelines, we can reduce the number of chronic HCV cases, prevent more cases of liver cancer and reduce liver-related deaths,” Chhatwal said.

Researchers developed a computer model to analyze and predict disease trends from 2001 to 2050. The model was validated with historical data including a recently published national survey on HCV prevalence. Researchers predicted with new screening guidelines HCV – a virus transmitted through and therapies, HCV will only affect one the blood – is spread by sharing of in 1,500 people in the U.S. by 2036. needles, the use of contaminated The model predicts one-time HCV medical equipment, and by tattoo and screening of baby boomers would help piercing equipment that has not been identify 487,000 cases over the next fully sterilized. Those at the highest 10 years. risk for exposure are baby boomers – “Though impactful, the new people born between 1945 and 1965. Widespread screening of the U.S. blood

On behalf of the Orthopedic Care Center

Lubor Jarolimek M.D.

ORTHOPEDIC CARE CENTER 2121 OAKDALE HOUSTON, TX 77004

Call us today! OCC_FractureFridaysFA3_Outlined.indd 1

September 2014

see Hepatitis C page 22

5/29/2013 7:20:41 PM

medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times

medicaltimesnews.com

Page 19

September 2014

Page 20

Houston Medical Times

Stragetic Challenges Continued from page 1

with external advisors. Depending on the makeup of the board, the entire board may or may not be involved in the entire process. Some of the discussions in a strategic assessment may be difficult to fully explore in a large group or public setting. Often, a task force of the hospital’s most informed and engaged board members, medical staff and administrative team members may successfully collaborate on a strategic assessment process, keeping the full board and other stakeholders informed of the project’s progress. Although the mechanics may differ, the best course of action is to establish stakeholder involvement that drives strong support for the final outcomes. Regardless of the format chosen, a strategic assessment should at least include financial, operational and environmental components. These three areas lay a strong foundation for decision making and build a structure that will support other areas that may necessitate additional evaluation during the assessment process. A financial analysis is typically the foundation of a strategic assessment. This financial analysis should include realistic projections of the hospital’s profitability and capital capacity. The projections should include the known impact of rate cuts, site of service challenges, Medicaid expansion and other quantifiable events. Other less quantifiable events should be closely considered in the financial analysis as well; these events could include the hospital’s exclusion from a developing narrow network, the loss of Critical Access Hospital status or the movement of a large portion of the hospital’s patients from commercial insurance products to exchange insurance products. Projections should be candid about the financial future of the hospital; unrealistic scenarios with suspect assumptions may lead the board to delay necessary strategic decisions. From an operational prospective, the strategic assessment should consider a broad range of factors, including quality scores, recruiting high-quality providers, service line profitability and desirability and information technology requirements. While it may not have directly impacted all community hospitals, the move to value-based purchasing and population health management will require hospitals to leverage efficient operations to September 2014

medicaltimesnews.com

deliver higher-quality, lower-cost health care. Thus, it is critical for a strategic assessment to look at operations from a global perspective with a focus on delivering high-quality, low-cost health care, now and in the future. Building on the foundation provided by the financial and operational components, the environmental portion of the strategic assessment considers a wide range of environmental factors that could affect the hospital. These might include the hospital’s competitive position, community demographics, community health status, market share and degree of differentiation from competitors, along with health care reform-driven changes at the state, regional and national level. In addition, a critical component of the strategic assessment’s environmental portion should be an assessment of competitors in the hospital’s primary and secondary service area and their respective affiliation strategies. Including an analysis of the competitors in the hospital’s market and an assessment of their affiliation strategy should not be viewed as a predestination of the outcome of the strategic assessment process. Rather, the competitive environment in the hospital’s service area should be a critical component of the environmental analysis, potentially highlighting opportunities or threats that may need to be addressed. The shift to a new model of care will require a broad range of collaborations and affiliations, but that does not mean the loss of financial or governmental independence is a foregone conclusion of a strategic assessment that considers competitors and affiliations. After the strategic assessment is complete, the findings should be followed by action. While the process of the strategic assessment may be beneficial, the assessment brings little value to the hospital if its observations and recommendations are not pursued. The board and administrative team should challenge the entire organization to rapidly accept and implement the changes needed for survival in the current environment. There is no doubt that addressing the challenges facing the hospital can be painful, but carefully considered strategic decisions supporting long-term health care in the community are far more preferable to closing the hospital’s doors for good.

Houston Medical Times

The Framework Continued from page 6

imaging and expert reading are critical to properly diagnosing and staging cancer and monitoring how a patient is progressing with treatment.

highest quality care. The circumstances surrounding imaging, whether diagnosing a cancer or determining if there is a recurrence, can be stressful,” said Huang. “Because we are MD Anderson, we understand these fears and are committed to minimizing them through prompt image interpretation and consultation with community physicians and open communication with each patient.”

“To bring this facility to patients, residents and physicians in West Houston and surrounding areas is a key part of our mission,” he continued. “We want our patients to be comfortable not only with the knowledge that they are getting the highest quality images read by MD Anderson radiologists, Imaging for women’s cancers is but we also want them to feel at home located in an adjacent area with its own with our inviting, private and relaxed entrance and waiting and changing areas. environment away from the bustling In addition to breast imaging services, Texas Medical Center.” the center provides pelvic ultrasound Center Medical Director Monica and MRI, and sonohysterography. Huang, M.D., who grew up in Alief, Also available at the center are completed two years of specialized radiology training both in breast and lab and cytopathology services that full-body imaging beyond her five years provide information to detect and stage of radiology residency training. She and cancers. The cytology lab processes a a team of MD Anderson radiologists, variety of samples and offers immediate imaging nurses, technologists and assessments, including results from fine administrative employees will staff the needle biopsies performed on site. new center that covers 35,000 square MD Anderson Diagnostic Imaging feet. in West Houston is available to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive “Like our colleagues in the Texas their treatment or where they may prefer Medical Center, we intend to give to have treatment, if cancer is detected. patients who come to the MD Anderson Diagnostic Center in West Houston the

Page 21

Investment Management For Individuals & Institutions

WRWCO, LLC

A Registered Investment Advisor We are investment managers. We build & manage investments that operate like endowments. We emphasize investments that pay regular, predictable, & increasing income in addition to generating capital appreciation & gains. We invest in Stocks, Bonds, & other publicly traded securities. We are a “fee-only” firm & do not charge commissions. Our principal investment managers are a Father-Son team with combined 50 plus years investment experience.

Bill Williams, President (713) 681-9305 (877) 681-9305 (Toll Free)

www.wrwcollc.com (website) wrwco@wrwcollc.com (email)

Marketing Essentials Continued from page 7

“Rather than having to obediently wait on help lines or for email support, consumers can now shout on social channels and be heard by a mass audience, instantly.” With a tip of the hat to British Airways, KLM and Ryan Holmes, consider these useful tips:

to be everyone’s job, [and] customer service in the social media era needs to be radically decentralized…it’s essential that all employees become the eyes and ears of an organization on social media.”

Tomorrow is too late. The immediacy of social media has trained the consumer to expect a quick response. Eight out of 10 Twitter users look for a same-day answer, according to a report form Oracle.

Nevertheless, social media has become a large—and potentially loud— megaphone for consumers in general, and patients in particular, to shout about their questions and concerns. As such, it’s more important than ever to monitor social media vigilantly and to respond quickly. www.healthcaresuccess.com

The downside is well understood, and it’s primarily lost revenue. For physicians, medical facilities and Recognize the complaint channel providers it also threatens (sometimes of choice. A majority of US consumers damages) professional reputation. On use social media for service questions the other hand, surveys tell us that and complaints, according to a recent online comments and reviews of doctors Nielson study. by patients are largely positive.

Cast a wide and inclusive net. “Customer service in the age of social media,” Ryan Holmes advises, “needs

houstonmuseumdistrict.org Asia Society Texas Center • Buffalo Soldiers National Museum • Children’s Museum of Houston Contemporary Arts Museum Houston • Czech Center Museum Houston • The Health Museum Holocaust Museum Houston • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft • Houston Center for Photography Houston Museum of African American Culture • Houston Museum of Natural Science • Houston Zoo The John C. Freeman Weather Museum • The Jung Center of Houston • Lawndale Art Center The Menil Collection • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston • Rice University Art Gallery • Rothko Chapel @HoustonMuseum

medicaltimesnews.com

HoustonMuseumDistrict

September 2014

Page 22

Houston Medical Times

Age Well Live Well

HOUSTON

Continued from page 12

and vitamin B-12. Eating right boosts Eating Habits energy and lowers the risk for many For ideas on healthy eating chronic diseases. habits, nutritional plans, a food Cribs said, “As part of my classes, guidance system and a healthy eating we always take time to have a healthy index, visit the U.S. Department of snack. And the Texercise book has Agriculture’s www.choosemyplate. lots of good information about proper gov. The changes you make are nutrition. It also helps you eat smarter important and can improve your when you’re eating out, and during health and your everyday life. Pretty the holidays.” soon, it will be a habit to eat well. The Texercise website and handbook Time to Trade In Your Old

www.texercise.com also include nutrition information.

Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group Inc.

“It’s a new way of life, and eating correctly and exercising regularly can help us have a long healthy life to look forward to,” Cribbs said.

Editor Sharon Pennington

To download a free copy of the Texercise handbook, go here www. texercise.com .

Distribution Director Angelo Rose

Continued from page 15

E-cigarette companies currently advertise their products to a broad audience that includes 24 million youths, and proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations would not limit e-cigarette marketing. Bold marketing tactics, celebrity endorsements, endless flavor choices and a plethora of online videos

instructing users on how to mix their own e-cigarette liquid, or “e-juice,” have only added fuel to the fire. There currently are no federal laws in place to restrict minors from purchasing e-cigarettes.

2015.

In the meantime, many Texas cities have set their own regulations and ordinances banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Any e-cigarette regulation in Texas will have to occur There is a glimmer of hope on city by city, Rankin says, since the the horizon. In April, the FDA state doesn’t have comprehensive released the details of a proposal smoke-free laws. to extend its tobacco authority to e-cigarettes, including minimum “I don’t think e-cigarettes are age and identification restrictions going to drop off,” Rankin says. “It’s intended to prevent sales to minors. the newest — or most popular — kid A final ruling is slated for summer on the block right now.”

Hepatitis C

Continued from page 18 screening guideline does not identity the large number of HCV patients who would progress to advanced disease stages without treatment and could die,” Chhatwal said. “Making hepatitis C a rare disease would be a tremendous, life-saving accomplishment,” said lead author Mina Kabiri, a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. “However, to do this, we will need improved access to care and increased treatment capacity, primarily in the form of primary care physicians who can manage the care of infected people identified through increased screening.”

a one-time universal screening could identify 933,700 HCV cases. Chhatwal and his colleagues also predict the universal screening and timely treatment can make HCV a rare disease in the next 12 years. Such screening can further prevent: • 161,500 liver related deaths, • 13,900 liver transplants and • 96,300 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma – the most common type of liver cancer.

Chhatwal, whose current research focuses on evaluations of cancer prevention strategies using quantitative methods, says the availability of highly In this study, researchers predicted effective therapies and screening updates

September 2014

Creative Director Lorenzo Morales Account Executives Christina Pastrana

Teens at Risk

have and the more they may struggle with nicotine cravings through out their lives. It’s concerning news for the 1.78 million teens who tried e-cigarettes in 2012, according to the CDC.

Director of Media Sales Richard W DeLaRosa

provide a great opportunity to tackle the hepatitis C epidemic. “But we need to ensure that we provide timely and affordable access to treatment to achieve the potential benefits.” “The new treatment that costs $1,000 a day has been a subject of debate and can become a barrier to timely access to all patients,” Chhatwal said. “Although recent screening recommendations are helpful in decreasing the chronic HCV infection rates, more aggressive screening recommendations and ongoing therapeutic advances are essential to reducing the burden, preventing liver-related deaths and eventually eradicating HCV,” Chhatwal said.

medicaltimesnews.com

Accounting Liz Thachar Office: 713-885-3808 Fax: 281-316-9403 For Advertising advertising@medicaltimesnews. com Editor editor@medicaltimesnews.com

Houston Medical Times is Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group, Inc. All content in this publication is copyrighted by Texas Healthcare Media Group, and should not be reproduced in part or at whole without written consent from the Editor. Houston Medical Times reserves the right to edit all submissions and assumes no responsibility for solicited or unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions sent to Houston Medical Times are considered property and are to distribute for publication and copyright purposes. Houston Medical Times is published every month P.O. Box 57430 Webster, TX 77598-7430

Houston Medical Times

Page 23

Grand Opening NOW PREVIEWING 25% Off�Opening Prices This Week During Our Pre-development Showing

• ONLY 13 HOME SITES AVAILABLE IN THIS EXCLUSIVE SECTION

• White sandy beach

• 2 to 3 acre private wooded estate home sites

• Waterfront Arboretum park

• Private boat ramps

• Home sites surrounded by miles of nature trails

• Fishing piers

INVEST IN A QUIET LIFESTYLE FOR YOUR FAMILY. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. medicaltimesnews.com

Call 281-324-4427. September 2014

Houston Medical Times

medicaltimesnews.com