ProMedica Health System: INSIDE

News Briefs

I-75/I-475 Interchange Roadwork Continues

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently began construction on a major highway roadwork project that will improve and modernize interstate travel around the Toledo metropolitan area. Over the next three years, ODOT will upgrade the I-75/I-475 interchange and widen sections of I-475. The project will also greatly enhance and simplify access to The Toledo Hospital (TTH) and Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) through the construction of a new, four-way interchange at ProMedica Parkway.

While a number of ramp closures, lane restrictions and detours will be necessary, ODOT has carefully planned the roadwork to minimize disruptions and ensure that traffic patterns are maintained as efficiently as possible. For up-to-date information about how the roadwork around TTH/TCH campus may affect travel for patients, visitors, physicians, and employees, please visit www.promedica.org.

Additionally, as you travel through the Toledo area in upcoming months, please remember to drive in accordance with construction zone laws to ensure the safety of construction workers, fellow motorists, pedestrians, and yourself. Click to view a Construction Zone Update map with up-to-date information about the construction.

Walk for the Health of It!

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), inactive people lose muscle fiber at a rate of 3 – 5% every decade after age 30. That’s up to a 15% loss of muscle fiber by age 60! A great way to preserve muscle mass is to walk and keep active. Here are some options to help you get or stay moving:

Visit the AHA Start! web site to develop a walking plan, track your progress and locate walking paths close to your home and work. Click here to get started: http://www.startwalkingnow.org.

Then watch for details about the ProMedica Employee Wellness Program’s exciting, new exercise challenge, From the Big House to the Shoe, which begins Sun., Sept. 19!

Also, consider walking or running to support one of the following great causes. Click on the event for more information or to register:

   • Sat., Sept. 11: 11^th Annual Walk for Diabetes, Fostoria

   • Sat., Sept. 18: 6^th Annual Walk/Run to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer, Toledo

   • Sat., Sept. 25: Sarah Burnard Heator Memorial 5K Run, Toledo

   • Sun., Sept. 26: Komen Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure^®, Toledo (Join the ProMedica Health
     System team!)

   • Sat., Oct. 2: http://promedica.olhblogspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Fountain.pdf3^rd
     Annual Fountain to Fountain 5K Race, Defiance

We’re Going Grazing … Are You?

Join Bixby Medical Center on Sat., Oct. 16, for Graze to Raise, a 5K walk and taste-testing event that benefits Hickman Cancer Center on the campus of Bixby Medical Center. More than 20 restaurants and food vendors will present delectable specialties along the 5K course that winds its way through the neighborhoods surrounding Bixby.

Registration and the finale will be held under a tent behind Hickman Cancer Center, 777 Kimole Lane, Adrian, Mich., 49221. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., with a balloon release at 10:10 a.m. to signal the start of the walk. The finale will take place at 12:30 p.m.

Registration is $30 for adults and $10 for students (9 – 17 years). Children 8 and under are free. Participants can also raise pledges from family and friends.

Brochures and registration forms can be found online at www.promedica.org/waystogive/bixbymedicalcenter. Forms are also available at the front entrance of Bixby and Herrick Medical Centers, and Hickman Cancer Center. All funds raised will stay local and directly benefit charity care for patients at Hickman Cancer Center.

For more information, contact the foundation office at Bixby at 517-265-0428.

Remember! Cedar Point Halloweekends Discounts Available

ProMedica employees, volunteers, and their families and friends can enjoy admission to Cedar Point at the best possible discount price during ProMedica Halloweekends Fun Days. Good-Any-Day discount tickets are also available during Halloweekends.

ProMedica Fun Days Admission Prices—Fri. – Sun., Sept. 17 – 19, and Fri. – Sun., Sept. 24 – 26

Juniors/Seniors $16.99 Each (Age 3 and Older; Under 48” Tall or Age 62 and Older)

Adults $25 Each—$20.99 Savings!

Good-Any-Day Admission Prices—Any Day the Park Is Open, Now – Sun., Oct. 31

Juniors/Seniors $16.99 Each (Age 3 and Older; Under 48” Tall or Age 62 and Older)

Adults $36 Each—$9.99 Savings!

Log in to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) and click the “Employee Discounts” link on the “HR & Payroll Services” department page to purchase Fun Days and Good-Any-Day tickets online or download a printable Fun Days coupon.

Celebrate Diversity!

Wed., Sept. 15 – Fri., Oct. 15, marks Hispanic Heritage Month. These dates are set aside to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the different cultures within the Hispanic community. Sept. 15 was selected because it marks Independence Day in Central America, and Sept. 16 is Independence Day in Mexico. Although the word Hispanic is widely used, many members of the Hispanic population use the term “Latino” to identify their ethnic background.

Religious and Cultural Holidays—Please be aware of these dates when scheduling meetings, appointments or surgeries and talk with patients about their medication schedule.

The end of Ramadan, called Eid al-Fitr, is when the new moon is sighted on or near Wed., Sept. 8, and ends on Thurs., Sept 9. Ramadan is the holiest holiday of the Islamic year and fasting from food, drink and smoking occurs from dawn to sundown.

Sundown on Wed., Sept. 8, marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New

Year. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with prayers and religious services, and ends with Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Fri., Sept. 17, and continues until sundown on Sat., Sept. 18. It is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. According to Jewish laws, no work is performed and fasting from food and drink occurs on this date.

CRM: Customer Relationship Management or Customers Really Matter

Reflections from Lynn Sinclair, Director of Customer Satisfaction Services, ProMedica

Customer relationship management is a term you find in business textbooks and trade journals … But, what does it mean to us in health care? CRM, as it’s commonly referred to, embraces the value of cultivating and nurturing existing customer relationships by consistently providing these customers with a high level of service in order to gain their long-term customer loyalty.

This means we should keep in mind that the faces of the patients we see each day, the customers whose voices we hear on the other end of the phone, and the visitors we pass in our hallways and elevators are the reason we’re employed. In turn, we need to show them that customers really matter to us and we appreciate their loyalty by doing the right things right for them, consistently, with purpose, day in and day out.

When we do, we not only elicit favorable responses from existing customers, we also model behaviors that might encourage new customers to give us a chance to show them how much we care.

2009 Community Benefit Report

   • ProMedica believes in providing essential healthcare services to all individuals in our 27-county
     service area, regardless of their ability to pay. In fact, we go beyond industry standards in
     meeting this goal.

   • ProMedica provides care free-of-charge to all families without insurance who are at or below
     200% of the federal poverty level. In 2009, this amounted to more than $18.5 million in costs to
     provide care. A family of four would qualify under this policy with an annual income up to
     $44,100.

   • In addition to free care for those families under 200% of the federal poverty level, ProMedica
     provides significant discounts to families with incomes up to 500% of the federal level. A family
     of four would be eligible for discounts with an annual income up to $110,250.

   • Discounts and payment arrangements are provided for patients on a case-by-case basis after
     review and discussion with one of our financial advocates. In many situations, other funding
     sources are secured and accommodations made.

   • Communication of our policies is a key priority. Our policies are posted and available in writing
     in all ProMedica facilities. Financial advocates also are available to help patients by explaining
     our free care and discount programs, as well as assisting individuals with the paperwork
     necessary to qualify for government funding. Patient bills provide clear explanations,
     qualifications and reminders of these programs.

News Briefs

St. Luke’s Hospital/ProMedica Definitive Agreement Update

Late in May, ProMedica signed a definitive agreement with St. Luke’s with the intent of the hospital becoming a member of the health system later this summer. St. Luke’s and ProMedica continue toward finalizing the details of the transaction that will culminate in St. Luke’s officially joining ProMedica. This new relationship with St. Luke’s is about three key values: collaboration, community and caring. Both ProMedica and St. Luke’s are dedicated to the same overarching Mission: to improve the health of those we serve. We look forward to St. Luke’s becoming a member of ProMedica as we believe that together, both organizations—and our communities—will be better.

Please ask your supervisor if you have questions, and continue to watch for future updates in Inside and on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org).

TCH Cullen Center Transitions

The Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) Cullen Center for Children and Families has provided free services for nine years to children with emotional trauma due to painful medical procedures, experiencing a serious accident, loss of a parent or close family member, or ongoing abuse or neglect. The Center provides evidence-based therapy for families undergoing traumatic stress and also participates in national trauma therapy replication activities.

The Cullen Center was conceived by a collaborative of Lucas County agencies that recognized a community need for trauma services and an opportunity to participate in the newly formed National Child Traumatic Services Network. TCH applied for federal funds on behalf of the long-standing Lucas County Child Abuse Task Force and received an unprecedented eight years of continuous funding in the amount of $4,357,000 in grants from two federal agencies.

As these grants come to an end, Monique Marrow, PhD, project director, has been working with TCH to transition the program to be eligible for reimbursements and contracts, enabling its sustainability. The Cullen Center has received Joint Commission accreditation, and certified and deemed status from the Ohio Department of Mental Health, which will enable it to negotiate contracts with the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and others.

Dr. Marrow currently consults with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center with its federal grant to replicate evidence-based trauma therapy with juvenile justice populations and will continue to participate in National Network activities.

ProMedica Sponsors Men’s Health Initiative

During August, ProMedica is sponsoring Men Against Prostate Cancer screenings throughout our service area. Phlebotomists and physicians will offer their services at the following screenings: Aug. 21, The Andersons, Maumee; Aug. 22, The Andersons, Toledo; Aug. 23, The Andersons, Northwood; Aug. 24, Chief Supermarket, Defiance; and Aug. 25, Lowe’s, Adrian. These events promote and support early detection and prevention, calling attention to the symptoms of prostate cancer. Approximately 16% of men are diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives.

The Best Moments Are Upon Us

Reflections from Lynn Sinclair, Director of Customer Satisfaction Services, ProMedica

The dog days of summer are upon us, and the beach beckons with the lull before the storm of responsibilities that we have taken respite from returns this fall. As it looms large in the not-so-distant future, we cling to our summer solstice for dear life. It is natural to have moments so special to us that they motivate us to work hard in order to secure those precious specks of time when the clock seems suspended in midair like fluffy clouds on a glorious day.

But, how does service to others compare to the serenity of a single moment where life is good? Those specks of time are fleeting, and we must make the most of them. As we dash about at work, do we recognize that there are special moments here, too—moments in which we have opportunities to convey the message that we care? Are we open to giving or receiving the smallest gesture that could ultimately put a smile on someone’s face—or, maybe even our own? Think about it.

TTH Celebrates Rededication of John B. Gibbs, MD Health Science Library

The Toledo Hospital (TTH) celebrated the life and legacy of John Gibbs, MD, with a rededication of the newly renovated John B. Gibbs, MD Health Science Library on June 25. Located off the hospital’s main lobby, the research and study facility is open to physicians, nurses, allied health staff, medical students, and residents, as well as patients and visitors. Dr. Gibbs’ commitment to his community and his belief that medical education and access to medical literature should be available to everyone is reflected in the remodeled library, which includes a separate space for consumer health information. In this area, patients, families and visitors will have access to a full spectrum of medical reference books, databases and magazines. Additionally, a new bank of computers offers Internet access and other electronic tools to help both staff and visitors access medical research worldwide.

For more information about the resources and services offered by the John B. Gibbs, MD Health Science Library, visit the “Medical Library” department page accessible via TTH’s home page on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org).

PPG Welcomes Physicians, Mid-level Providers

Already this summer, ProMedica Physician Group (PPG) has welcomed 23 providers in various specialties throughout our regions. Click to view the Members of PPG listing for a current list of all members of PPG.

Mid-Level Providers

Delta Dental Subscribers: Save Trees, Win a Kindle

Delta Dental invites subscribers, including employees with dental coverage through ProMedica, to join the company’s efforts to help protect the environment and enter for a chance to win an Amazon Kindle^TM. By electing to receive electronic Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements, you can help Delta Dental save more than two tons of paper each year. You can also be entered to win a Kindle being given away in October.

Going paperless is a safe, easy and convenient way to receive your EOB statements. Follow these three easy steps to sign up:

    1. Visit www.deltadentaloh.com.

    2. Click on the “Go Paperless” link.

    3. Log in to the Consumer Toolkit^® and select the paperless delivery option.

Once enrolled in the program, you will receive an e-mail whenever a new statement is available for review. The statements will be archived at Delta Dental’s Consumer Toolkit web site indefinitely. Even if service with Delta Dental is discontinued, these electronic files will always be available to you through the Consumer Toolkit.

Goerlich Center Celebrates End of Construction with Ribbon-cutting Festivities

Since 1994, dedicated medical professionals licensed in dementia care at The Goerlich Center have cared for our parents, our friends and community members in need of a compassionate, safe and secure residence to call home. On a warm, sunny day in May, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of expansion and renovation efforts—Goerlich Center can now host 12 new residents. The need for such expansion and renovation was obvious, since the current 48 private room residence was at maximum capacity, with approximately 75 people waiting for a room.

“The need for Goerlich Center’s services continues to grow as numbers of patients with dementia increases. People are living longer, and more often have health conditions that increase the risk,” says Gladeen Roberts, PhD, RN, FACHE, former president, ProMedica Continuing Care Services (PCCS), and current president, Nursing Center of Excellence, ProMedica. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, Ohio has about 230,000 residents age 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia—a 15% increase from 10 years ago. By 2025, it’s estimated that 250,000 Ohioans will have some form of dementia.

Through the efforts of the PCCS Board of Trustees, led by Jim Findlay, founder of Impact Products Inc. in Sylvania Township and fundraising committee co-chair, more than $1.4 million was raised to add the 12 new rooms, as well as upgrade the entire building with new features to benefit our residents. In addition to the new private resident rooms, the expansion and renovation includes:

   • Two additional multi-purpose rooms
   • Two beautiful and secure enclosed courtyards
   • Soft, neutral colors and textures that create a sense of calm and comfort
   • Convenient new canopy entrance
   • New front driveway allowing for a safe entrance into the residence
   • Beautiful stone fence offering residents a secure environment outside
   • New windows throughout the building and a new roof
   • Gazebo and memory garden

“More than 130 generous donors contributed to the expansion and renovation project, including The Flower Hospital Guild and Flower Hospital Auxiliary that donated $125,000 each, and a $100,000 donation from Smiley Goerlich Putnam of South Carolina in memory of Paul Putnam,” says Mr. Findlay.

The recently finished expansion will also provide relief to those caring for their loved one with dementia at home while they work or take care of other responsibilities. The Center’s day care program will now be able to serve more seniors living with family or others until a room is available for them full time. “A special benefit of the day care program is that by the time a room becomes available, the resident is acclimated to the facility and immediately feels comfortable in his or her new home,” Gladeen explains.

News Briefs

ProMedica’s Senior Leadership Realigned

Our industry has experienced sweeping change this year with the passage of national health reform and, as such, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that ProMedica Health System is best poised to meet the certain challenges and opportunities defined by this legislation.

Additionally, changes in our own system, such as the planned retirement of key senior leadership—specifically John Horns, president, ProMedica Health Network; and Charlie McDowell, chief human resources officer—and the anticipated addition of St. Luke’s Hospital as a member of ProMedica, call for a realignment of several leadership positions within our organization.

One portion of this realignment is moving many of our PCCS functions under the Physician Corporation since physicians will increasingly become more involved in governance, management and operations. As such, at the end of this year the PCCS Board will be dissolved; however, the PCCS Foundation Board will continue its current role.

All Management Town Hall members have received a list of the realigned senior leadership team from Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, and should discuss with you any changes that may directly impact your department. If you have any questions, please talk directly with your supervisor or department director. You may also click here for the list of changes in our senior leadership team.

ProMedica Contributes to Tornado Relief Efforts

In the aftermath of the deadly storms that impacted northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan last month, employees were looking for ways to assist with the clean-up efforts and to support families and friends devastated by the tornadoes. To that end, ProMedica made a contribution to local agencies coordinating relief to assist in the efforts.

Many individual employees also contributed personally either with time, supplies or monetary support. And, several departments whose employees were directly affected organized support for their specific needs.

Thank you to all of our employees for your kind interest and support of great needs during such difficult times.

Make Your Summer Meaningful

Reflections from Lynn Sinclair, director of Customer Satisfaction Services, ProMedica

July is a glorious month here in the Midwest. We look forward all year to this season when school is out, vacations are planned, and days of golden sun give way to lazy summer evenings. The peonies and the irises of June have turned into fields of sunflowers and rows of corn.

In our rush-a-day world, we often neglect the most fundamental aspects that feed the soul, fuel our passion and sustain our commitment. Sometimes it is necessary that we seek the respite that time spent away from work affords us in order to come back revitalized and eager to take care of our patients and other customers.

We are in service to others, yet we also must nurture ourselves and each other. So, as you rise each morning to another beautiful summer day, take a moment to contemplate ways to make these precious moments meaningful for yourself and others.

TCH Partners with Lima Memorial

The expertise of Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) is now closer to home for families in West Central Ohio, thanks to a new partnership with Lima Memorial Health System. On June 1, Lima Memorial opened a new Level II Neonatal Nursery in its Family Birth Center. TCH neonatal specialists will provide services and support to the Center. According to Lima Memorial Neonatologist M. Judith Allen, DO, Lima Memorial’s new Level II Neonatal Nursery will provide care for babies born at 32-weeks gestation or greater, as well as those who need close watching or extra help after birth.

“We are proud to be able to extend the expertise of Toledo Children’s Hospital to the Lima community,” says Kevin Webb, president of TCH. “The expert medical team at the Level II Neonatal Nursery at Lima Memorial is supported by Toledo Children’s through collaboration between the two hospitals, information sharing, medical consultation, and treatment.”

In addition, for babies who need the most critical level of care, the partnership with TCH and the Level II Neonatal Nursery will ensure a seamless approach to giving patients the highest level of care possible.

ProMedica Supports Event To Provide Free Dental Care for Veterans

On June 4, ProMedica supported an event hosted by Hires Dental on West Sylvania Avenue in Toledo to provide a free day of dental care for war veterans. Veterans parked in the ProMedica Health Center—Woodley parking lot and were shuttled to the dentist office by ProMedica Courier Service drivers. Event participants could also receive free health screenings performed by ProMedica Total Wellness staff.

ProMedica Team Supports AHA Heart Walk

Despite the cool temperatures, more than 300 ProMedica employees, along with their families and friends, came out to raise money for a great cause—the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Heart Walk on May 22.  ProMedica was this year’s local cause sponsor with Gladeen Roberts, PhD, RN, FACHE, president, Nursing Center of Excellence, ProMedica, as chairperson. Walkers received health information and snacked on healthy Subway^® subs, fresh fruit and bottled water provided by various sponsors. Dogs of all sizes were welcome and could be seen throughout the day sporting bright green ProMedica bandanas. Event organizers estimate that more than $250,000 was raised—nearly $10,000 of which came from our own ProMedica team.

Thank you to all who supported this great cause and worked to make the event a huge success! Last year, more than $780,000 was received by local researchers in the form of grants made possible by funds raised from Heart Walks across Ohio.

Walk for Diabetes Raises Funds for Diabetes Education in North Region

On a cool, soggy Saturday morning in May, honorary chairperson and area resident John Upton kicked off the 6^th Annual 5K Walk for Diabetes in Tecumseh. The walk raises funds to provide diabetes education to those in need and promotes learning to live well with the disease.

This year’s event also included a kids’ run, in which 25 children participated, earning a T-shirt and having lots of fun. The morning combined a healthy walk through Indian Crossing Trails and downtown Tecumseh, and ended with a nutritious snack and an opportunity for participants to learn more about their own diabetes risk.

Thanks to our participants, volunteers, staff, and sponsors, the event was a wonderful success. In addition to Diabetes Education at Herrick Medical Center, sponsors included Kohls^®; Meijer^®; The Fitness Connection; Total Rehab; Sports Care^®; AccuChek^®; Five Wellness, LLC; and Novo Nordisk™.

TTH Breast Care Center Supports Breast Care Awareness Event at Comerica Park

On May 10, more than 30 employees, family members and friends from The Toledo Hospital (TTH) Breast Care Center traveled to Comerica Park, Detroit, to celebrate Breast Care Awareness Day and watch the Detroit Tigers defeat the New York Yankees.

The first 10,000 fans through the gates received a pink ribbon pin featuring the Detroit Tigers logo. And, corporate group names, including TTH Breast Care Center, received recognition on the scoreboard at the bottom of the 5^th inning.

An evening of fun supporting a good cause is a home run for everyone involved!

St. Luke’s and ProMedica Sign Definitive Agreement

St. Luke’s Hospital and ProMedica Health System have signed a definitive agreement with the intended result of St. Luke’s becoming a member of ProMedica later this summer.

“We are pleased that St. Luke’s will be joining our health system,” says Randy Oostra, president and chief executive officer, ProMedica. “Both organizations have a strong, patient-centered approach to health care and Mission-driven cultures. By sharing resources and clinical expertise, as well as broadening the depth and breadth of our services, residents of northwest Ohio will have exceptional access to a full complement of health, wellness and prevention programs, which will be delivered in a more efficient manner.”

“I’m proud to say that for more than 100 years, St. Luke’s has evolved to best meet the needs of our community,” says Dan Wakeman, president and chief executive officer, St. Luke’s. “From our early days as a clinic, expanding as a hospital, then moving to Maumee as a community hospital, St. Luke’s has evolved and grown. This agreement with ProMedica is another step in our journey of service and compassionate care. Since 1906, we’ve been dedicated to putting patients first and providing top quality health care. Joining ProMedica is a way to ensure that the Mission continues. Together, the two organizations are better positioned to respond to the demands of health care reform.”

St. Luke’s and ProMedica will be finalizing the details of the transaction over the next few months. Completion will culminate in St. Luke’s officially joining ProMedica.

Click to view the full announcement on www.promedica.org. Please talk with your supervisor if you have questions about this news. Watch for future updates about St. Luke’s and ProMedica in Inside and on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org).

UT and ProMedica Sign Major Academic Partnership

At a time when communities nationwide are expecting health care organizations to find better, more efficient ways to collaborate, The University of Toledo (UT) and ProMedica Health System are taking the lead by entering into an academic relationship that will significantly strengthen ties between the two organizations.

As a result of this agreement, UT will manage and oversee academic endeavors across the ProMedica system under the guidance of a new joint Academic Health Center Board comprised of equal representation from ProMedica and UT.

“In signing this agreement, we engage with a strong academic partner that addresses an essential need for ProMedica in achieving our vision to increase our role as an academic medical center, and to expand our capabilities in clinical education excellence, research and grants,” says Randy Oostra, president and chief executive officer, ProMedica.

“This partnership will further strengthen the education that UT medical students and physicians-in-training will receive,” states Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, UT provost and executive vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “By expanding the clinical experiences of UT students under the guidance of ProMedica physicians, we are creating the next generation of leaders within the medical community.”

Included as part of this academic partnership is collaboration with respect to ProMedica research and residency programs (including the Family Medicine Residency Programs at The Toledo Hospital and Flower Hospital, Jobst Vascular Surgery Residency and The Toledo Hospital Primary Care Sports Medicine Residency), as well as fellowship, clerkship, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and continuing education. Additionally, UT will provide administrative assistance in helping facilitate more clinical research conducted at ProMedica.

This academic partnership is built on a foundation of collaboration and cooperation, according to Larry C. Peterson, chairman, ProMedica Board of Trustees. He notes, “As a not-for-profit, mission-based health care organization, ProMedica’s overarching goal is to improve health. Combined with the University’s mission to advance knowledge and enhance learning, the communities of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan will benefit for generations to come as these shared and blended goals will continue to create a community that is the best place to live, learn and grow.”

Click to view the full announcement on www.promedica.org. Please talk with your supervisor if you have questions about this news. Watch for future updates about the academic partnership between UT and ProMedica in Inside and on myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org).

GrassRoots Green at DRMC

Health care reform. You may have heard about some of the changes coming—such as extending coverage for young adults under their parents’ insurance or the expansion of Medicaid coverage. But, have you given any thought to how this will affect ProMedica and its hospitals? That’s why the GrassRoots Green design team at Defiance Regional Medical Center (DRMC) hosted a lunch ’n learn program to discuss the new health care reform law on May 24.

Steve Wermuth, a Columbus-based public policy expert, gave DRMC employees an update on health care reform legislation, including what to expect over the next several years. He also discussed some of the impact that the recent reform will have on ProMedica, and the opportunities and challenges it presents.

GrassRoots Green is a program that encourages employees, physicians, volunteers, and board members to get involved at the “grassroots” level. At ProMedica hospitals, GrassRoots Green committees examine issues facing the hospital and community, then work to share information and enhance others’ understanding of the political process.

Other events organized by the GrassRoots Green design team at DRMC include a voter registration drive, a lunch ‘n learn on the federal legislative process, and an opportunity for DRMC employees to mingle with local politicians.

News Briefs

Recommit to Those We Serve

Reflections from Lynn Sinclair, Director of Customer Satisfaction Services, ProMedica

As we look ahead to Memorial Day let us recommit ourselves to those we serve.
We are grateful to our troops, dispersed around the globe in defense of our freedom. But, let us take a moment to reflect on a different type of freedom—one that our patients look to us to help them exercise. What about freedom from the constant pain that goes with back injuries or that stress fracture that results from overuse? What about freedom to take part in clinical trials that look for newer and better forms of treatment for chronic illnesses like cancer or diabetes?

We see patients from every walk of life, from our youngest, most vulnerable neonates to seasoned military vets who proudly served our country for many years. It is our mission to serve those patients who need us, when they need us the most.

AHA Start! Walking at Work Day a Big Success

Despite a drizzly day and downpours at some locations, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Start! Walking at Work Day in partnership with ProMedica on April 7 was considered a big success and great fun by all who attended. System-wide, more than 450 employees braved the damp and blustery day with umbrellas in hand, to lace up their sneakers and join the challenge to get moving and get healthier. The short program at each location began with a speaker who talked about the importance of making lifestyle changes and the benefits of better cardiovascular health, and ended with a brief walk on one of the National Start! Walking paths at or near our facilities. To find National Start! Walking paths in our area, go to http://www.startwalkingnow.org/.

ProMedica Goes Green for Earth Day

April 22 marked the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, an international day of awareness and appreciation for the environment. Earth Day was founded by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wisconsin) as an environmental “teach-in” in 1970. The Toledo Hospital (TTH) and Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) Green Team celebrated Earth Day by providing energy-saving ideas for work and home in the Ottawa Cove Café. The Green Team also reminded employees and visitors that they can bring cans, bottles and newspapers to the Recycling Center, located at the entrance to the cafeteria.

In ProMedica North Region, Total Rehab in Onsted is collecting old phone books for a project led by the Onsted Chamber of Commerce for a second year. Last fall, old phone books were recycled to benefit the Onsted Community Fund. This money helps community efforts to support the fire department, library and children’s sports. Please consider sending your old phone books from work and home to Michelle Cherne, PT, Total Rehab in Onsted.

Green Chair Visits TTH andTCH for Donate Life Month

The Toledo Hospital (TTH) and Toledo Children’s Hospital (TCH) concluded Donate Life Month by hosting Life Connection of Ohio’s Green Chair Display in TTH lobby April 29 – 30. The display, which traveled to various locations throughout April, was designed by a family touched by organ donation. It encourages people to consider being organ donors “so no more chairs go empty” because of not having enough organs available for the more than 106,000 people on the National Transplant Waiting List. For more information or to register to become an organ donor, visit www.donatelifeohio.org. For more information about organ donation in Michigan, visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

TMACOG 2010 Bike Week

ProMedica proudly participated in Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) 2010 Bike Week, May 17 – 21. Riding your bike is a great way to get healthy exercise and can be a practical way to commute to work or school throughout the year. Visit http://www.tmacog.org/bikeweek.htm for more about Bike Week and other bicycle-related information.

Donate Music and Movies from Spring Cleaning to The Goerlich Center

Spring is a great time to clean out closets, cabinets and drawers to get rid of unwanted items to de-clutter your home. If your family has grown tired of your home media library, including television series, family films, comedy and dramatic movies, documentaries, and music of any kind, The Goerlich Center would love to add those CDs and DVDs to its media library to entertain residents. Your gift of movies and music will provide fresh alternatives for our residents. To donate, please call 419-824-1250.

Available Now! Cedar Point Summer Discounts

ProMedica employees, volunteers and their families and friends receive admission to Cedar Point at the best-possible discount price ($16.99 Juniors/Seniors; $25 Adults) on Fri. – Mon., July 2 – 5, and Fri. – Mon., July 9 – 12! Or, keep the fun going all season long by purchasing Good-Any-Day discounted tickets ($16.99 Juniors/Seniors; $36 Adults) good any day the park is open, Sat., May 15 – Sun., Oct. 31.

Log in to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) and click “Employee Discounts” on the “HR & Payroll Services” department page to purchase Fun Days and Good-Any-Day tickets online, or download a printable Fun Days coupon. Or, see human resources for a copy of the coupon.

Health Care Reform Update

On March 21, a historical vote was taken in the U.S. Congress:  The U.S. House voted on HR3590 (passed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 24, 2009) by a tally of 219 in favor to 212 opposed. The U.S. House then passed the Reconciliation Budget Bill (HR4872) by a tally of 220 in favor to 211 opposed, which made additional changes to the Senate bill (HR3590). Some major points to consider, as well as the impact on ProMedica, include the following:

   • The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates HR3590, along with the additional
     amendments in the HR4872, will cost $940 billion between 2010 – 2019. The CBO also
     estimates the health care reform initiative will produce a net reduction in federal deficits by $143
     billion over the same 10-year period. The changes in insurance coverage provisions will cause
     $788 billion in additional deficits. And, the changes in direct spending cuts and other revenue
     provisions reduce the deficit by $931 billion, which results in the overall deficit reduction of $143
     billion.

   • Some of the potential impacts of the new legislation on ProMedica:

         ° Expands Medicaid to 133% of Federal Poverty Guidelines—more patients insured, but poor
           reimbursement rate.

         ° Increases Medicare payments to primary care physicians working in rural areas—increased
           reimbursement to physicians in ProMedica’s rural areas.

         ° Imposes a tax of 2.9% on the sale of any taxable medical device—increased taxes on
           ProMedica.

         ° Implements bundled payments—Based on ProMedica’s efficiencies, this could result in
           increased revenues.

         ° Reduces Medicare Market basket updates for hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and home
           health—reduced reimbursement to ProMedica.

         ° Reduces Disproportionate Share for Hospitals (DSH) payments—Ohio’s Hospital Care
           Assurance Program (HCAP) would be reduced by up to 75% after 2016.

         ° Allows providers to develop Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and share in cost
           savings—ProMedica could benefit from developing ACOs with physicians and other
           providers.

         ° Establishes a hospital value-based purchasing program to pay hospitals based on
           performance measures set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
           (CMS)—could increase revenues to ProMedica based on our quality.

         ° Expands wellness and prevention programs—could increase Medicaid reimbursement.

         ° Increases graduate medical education funding, nursing education grants, school-based
           clinics funding, and telehealth funding—ProMedica could increase revenues by participating
           in these initiatives.

         ° Creates health insurance exchanges—Paramount would need to meet requirements to
           participate.

Many of the provisions do not take effect until 2013 or 2014. As we move forward, ProMedica will continue to assess each provision and make determinations as to how best we can incorporate them into our Mission and delivery model, as well as whether we should change our delivery model to accommodate (if allowable). Always and foremost, we will stay focused on our Mission.

ProMedica Debuts Community Health and Wellness Magazine

Thanks to an innovative magazine introduced last month, residents of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan now have a new source of health and wellness information created especially for them by ProMedica.

The debut issue of Your Health. Our Mission. was distributed to more than 450,000 households and ProMedica hospitals and physician offices in our 27-county service area the week of March 21. The free publication, which will be produced and mailed quarterly, includes engaging and informative articles on health, wellness and lifestyle topics of interest in a vibrant and dynamic format.

“Your Health. Our Mission. is an extension of ProMedica’s commitment to the community,” says Barbara Petee, chief government relations and communications officer for ProMedica, who serves as the magazine’s editor-in-chief.

“Through this new publication, we have an invaluable opportunity to initiate a new kind of conversation about the issues that matter most to our region. Your Health. Our Mission. will tell the stories of our friends, neighbors and patients, which form the foundation of ProMedica’s Mission.”

Featuring expert information, advice and perspectives, Your Health. Our Mission. is dedicated to exploring the many facets of the lives of the residents of our region. From in-depth articles on matters of local and national importance such as health care reform, to real-life accounts of individuals and families coping with health conditions such as autism, the publication is written and designed by the staff of ProMedica’s communications department.

To view the March 2010 issue of Your Health. Our Mission., please visit http://www.promedica.org/yourhealth. Share your feedback and ideas for future stories by sending an e-mail to yourhealthourmission@promedica.org.

Save Money on Your Next Prescription!

Since saving money on medications can be a challenge, Paramount offers special promotions to help members with common health issues—such as cholesterol, stomach acid, depression, and high blood pressure. These will help you to stay healthy for less!

Cholesterol control is free to members using generic simvastatin, or available at half copayment ($12.50/month) for Lipitor^® and Crestor^® users who participate in the pill-splitting promotion. These benefits are available at retail or through mail order.

In addition, Prevacid^® is now being offered as both generic and over-the-counter (OTC). The OTC drug Prevacid24HR^® provides an option for patients to take less medicine while receiving the same stomach acid relief. Paramount members can receive both OTC products Prilosec OTC^® and Prevacid24HR^® free on the first fill, and 42 tablets for a 30-day supply (once or twice daily) with a prescription. Ask your doctor if this option could be right for you and start saving today on your prescriptions.

For more information about Paramount Health Promotions, go to www.paramounthealthcare.com. Also, check out the $0, $4 and $10 programs at your local Giant Eagle, Kroger, Target, and Walmart stores for savings on a wide variety of generic medications.

Regional Partners Build New Cancer Center

As part of ProMedica’s commitment to enhance cancer care, ProMedica joined Mercy Memorial Hospital of Monroe and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center of Detroit on March 15 to break ground for the new Monroe Cancer Center in Monroe, Michigan. The three organizations are equal partners in a joint venture to deliver individualized cancer therapy, the latest protocols for medical oncology and advanced technology for radiation oncology.

“For years, ProMedica has been a leader in providing comprehensive cancer care to patients across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan,” says Randy Oostra, DM, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, ProMedica. “We are extremely pleased about this collaboration, which will significantly enhance the quality of medical care and treatment options that will be available in Monroe. Residents of this area will now have access to the most innovative and technologically advanced care, without having to travel to another community.”

The new state-of-the-art cancer center will be the first integrated cancer center in the area offering medical and radiation oncology services under one roof. The facility will include physician offices, and offer laboratory and other oncology-related services. The radiation oncology area will be administered by the Karmanos Cancer Center, and medical oncology services will provided by Toledo Clinic, in partnership with ProMedica and Mercy Memorial Hospital.

The new 10,000-square-foot center is expected to open in the first quarter of 2011.

Don’t Let Another Chair Go Empty

There’s a Green Chair that’s embarked on a life-saving mission during April, National Donate Life Month. It’s traveling throughout Ohio to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation.

Life Connection of Ohio, the organ procurement organization in northwest and west central Ohio, recently launched its Green Chair Campaign. Why the Green Chair? When it’s empty, the chair represents the sad situation of not having enough organs available for the more than 106,000 people on the National Transplant Waiting List. But, when someone’s in the chair, it showcases the hope of new life that comes out of a tragedy when someone donates their organs and saves lives. The people sharing their stories in the Green Chair are alive today because of these generous gifts.

Signing up for organ and tissue donation is as simple as answering “yes” to the question posed at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when you renew your ID, or by logging on to www.donatelifeohio.org and recording that decision. Amazingly, one person has the power to save up to eight lives with organ donation and can enhance up to 50 lives through tissue donation!

For more information about organ and tissue donation, contact Life Connection of Ohio at 419-893-4891 or visit www.donatelifeohio.org. And if you see the Green Chair out in the community, feel free to pull up a seat to join the conversation about organ and tissue donation! For more information about organ donation in Michigan, or if you would like to register to become a donor there, please visit www.giftoflifemichigan.org.

Having Technical Issues?

Now you can submit service tickets for non-critical information technology (IT) issues online via the “Service Desk – Self Service” tool. Instead of dialing the Service Desk, follow these simple steps the next time you experience technical issues for the same, quick service:

    1. Log on to myProMedica (http://my.promedica.org) and
        go to the “Information Technology” department page.

    2. Click “Service Desk – Self Service” in the left-side
        menu.

    3. Click “New Issue” and fill in the required fields.

    4. Click “Submit.”

Your ticket will be immediately routed to Service Desk personnel to ensure a quick follow-up from an IT analyst. This tool has been added to myProMedica as a convenience for you, so your technical issues can be resolved as fast and equitable as possible. Note: Critical issues and password resets must still be handled over the phone.

U.S. Census: Be Counted in 2010

The U.S. Census Bureau will define who we are as a nation, affect political representation and direct the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. Therefore, it is critical that everyone in our community be counted in the 2010 Census.

The census is a count of everyone residing in the U.S.—all residents must be counted, including people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens.

Our U.S. Constitution requires a national census every 10 years to show population counts and determine representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census questionnaires were delivered or mailed to households via U.S. Mail in March.

Data collected will guide local decision-makers on where to build new roads, housing, schools and more. Additionally, the data influences where the government allocates more than $400 billion annually. It generates jobs both locally and nationally, and it impacts our voice in Congress.

Please be sure to complete and return your questionnaire if you have not done so already. With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census is one of the shortest in history and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Remember, by law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s responses to the census questionnaire with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

For more information, please view the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Monday Report and log on to http://2010census.gov.