SystemHappeningsAugust 7, 2012

a publication for the Berger family

LocalReformRead the Columbus Dispatch article about our

collaboration with local pharmacies

In this issueBentley Beagle’s Summer Travels, changes in geriatric care, we welcome a new board member and much more ...

UpcomingEVENTS

Right NowRoss County Fair - Chillicothe

Berger has joined the Ross County Fair Board in sponsoring this year’s community celebration.

Join us at the talent stage as we support “Ross County’s Got Talent.”

On your way into the fair, be sure to pick up a “Berger fan” to keep cool in the hot weather.

AugustNational Immunization Awareness Month

Saturday, 8/25Berger Night at TecumsehSugarloaf Amphitheatre8:00 pm

SeptemberNational Osteopathic Medicine Awareness Month

Thursday, 9/13Walk to End Alzheimer’sMary Crites Virginia Hannan ParkRegistration 5:30, Walk 6:00 pm

Saturday, 9/15 - Sunday, 9/16Grove City Arts in the AlleyDowntown Grove CityAll Day

Saturday, 9/29Tackling Cancer: Teays Valley at CirclevilleCircleville High SchoolKickoff, 8:00 pm

Berger welcomes Marty Hang to Board of GovernorsRetired nurse brings over 35 years of experience to board

Marty Hang was appointed on May 31 as the newest addition to Berger’s Board of Gov-ernors. Hang is a retired registered nurse with over 35 years experience in hospital administration in both large and small health systems, her most recent position serving as vice president of patient care services at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tawas City, Michigan. Her background includes a Master’s in Public Administration, with an emphasis in healthcare administration and certification from the Ameri-can Nurses Association in Nursing Administra-tion. Throughout her career, she has served on Board of Governor and medical staff commit-tees as well as quality improvement, finance and strategic planning. Hang moved to Circleville in 2007 with her husband to be closer to his family and their children. She has always expressed interest and

appreciation for Berger Hospital as their health-care facility during visits and now residency in Circleville. She was appointed to Berger’s Community Advocacy Council in 2010 and served on the drug abuse subcommittee for the group. Hang is enthusiastic about the position and looks for-ward to furthering excellence in care and sys-tem growth at Berger.

Berger recognizes Richard Huggins for his term of service on the Board of Governors from 2008 to 2012. Huggins was an active member of the employee resources/public relations and the building and equipment committees. Huggins’ enthusiastic pride in Berger Health System and its employees was continuously ex-pressed through his interest in the promotion of our care and commitment.

Berger recognized MRI Safety Week – July 23-29 – with a showcase in the front entrance of the hospital lobby focusing on best prac-tices for employees and patients when in and around a magnetic field. The digital presenta-

tion is a model for future showcases featuring other departments throughout the health system. If you are interested in showcasing your department during a recognition week, please contact Kyleen Valone at ext. 8391.

Berger recognizes MRI Safety Week

Jennifer Spiller (left) and Carla Boggs-Mitchell worked in collaboration with Marketing on this MRI Safety Week showcase.

Berger in the news: ‘Pharmacy coaching’ an attempt at hometown health reformCollaboration between health system, local pharmacies grabs regional attention

By Ben SutherlyColumbus Dispatch Healthcare Business

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio - The U.S. health-care system can’t just pop a pill to fix all that ails it. But in Pickaway County, population 55,698, Berger Health System is turning to the people who dispense pills as a way to improve community health at a lower cost. The hospital is paying two independent pharmacies to teach recently discharged patients about their medications, hoping to head off noncompli-ance that can lead to costly and unnecessary hospital readmissions. The hospital already has cut readmis-sion rates by hiring a pharmacist to reconcile patients’ medications, ensuring that they won’t have any adverse effects, before the patients are discharged. Between August 2011 and March 2012, the hospital halved its readmission rates for pa-tients with congestive heart failure, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared with the year-earlier period, said Aaron Kanas, the health system’s pharmacy director. More than 1,000 consultations have taken place so far. Now the health system wants to build on that success by joining with Schieber Family Pharmacy and Circleville Apothecary. Its goal: have pharmacists at those two independent pharmacies meet with 70 percent of dis-charged patients to learn more about their medications and how to take them. If that goal is reached, the hospital will pay the two pharmacies a total of $75,000 to $100,000 each year in higher dispensing fees, a hospital spokesman said. The pharmacies also can be reimbursed $50 or so for each half-hour consultation with certain customers enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit. The project, developed by Berger and Dublin-based Pharmacy Systems Inc., is designed to qualify for incentives built into the federal Affordable Care Act, the health-care overhaul whose constitutionality could

be decided by the Supreme Court on Thursday. “I firmly believe, no matter what the Supreme Court says, we are going to have to reform health care locally,” said Tim Colburn, Berger’s president and CEO. “And this is one small way to do that.” A similar “pharmacy coach-ing” pilot program in southwestern Ohio recently achieved a 15 percent reduction in health-care costs for Kroger and Cincinnati city workers with persistently high blood pres-sure. The costs of office visits and drugs increased, but more-costly

emergency room visits and hos-pital admissions declined 40 percent. Ernest Boyd, the executive direc-tor of the Ohio Pharmacists Association,

said he thinks Berger’s project is unprec-edented in Ohio in terms of the access it gives pharmacists to patient records. That informa-tion informs the talks pharmacists have with patients. “The conversations that we have are as important as what’s in the bag,” said Boyd, citing research that about half of all filled prescriptions are not taken correctly. Larry Schieber, who owns Schieber Family Pharmacy with his wife, Kim, said pharma-cists there have consulted with a few dozen patients so far. “We’ve found several instances where there were potentially serious complications that were going to happen,” he said. He called the arrangement “break-even,” just enough to cover his pharmacy’s costs. Linda Febes, 66, of Circleville, was hospitalized overnight in May at Berger for a urinary-tract infection. Afterward, she had a dizzy spell and fell at home. She thinks a bad

reaction between medications might have been to blame. Talking with a Schieber Family pharmacist who reviewed her medications was helpful, she said. “I take so many pills. It was just get-ting confusing.” Berger is eligible for a federal program that allows health-care providers to save up to 50 percent on pharmaceuticals. As part of its new partnership with the two retail pharma-cies, Berger restocks some of the drugs the two pharmacies prescribe. Those pharmacies then pay the hospital the higher price they typically are charged for those drugs. The hospital devotes some of that extra money to an enhanced dispensing fee — $10 to $20 instead of the usual $2 to $5. In return, pharmacists explain medication to patients. The pharmacies also benefit from the hos-pital referring patients to them. The consulta-tions are voluntary. Berger invested $175,000 upfront to hire a pharmacist who reconciles prescriptions and for related information-technology upgrades.

“I firmly believe, no matter what the Supreme Court says, we are going to have to reform health care locally.” -Tim Colburn

Team of Sellers, Perry and Evans begin at Pickaway Manor Model of nursing home practice part of Berger’s continuing commitment to community care

As the recently appointed medical director of Pickaway Manor, Dr. Kevin Sellers has been overseeing the health care of residents in the facility with an innovative approach. Joined by Annette Perry, CNP, and Clarisse Evans, CNP, the team co-ordinates a rounding schedule that ensures a provider is on-site at Picka-way Manor seeing patients Monday through Friday, about 20 hours per week. The team rounds on skilled pa-tients with critical needs at a minimum of once per week, and assess all pa-tients in the facility at least once per month. They work closely with the staff at the facility to coordinate seamless care for the patients around the clock. This model is proven efficient for all in-volved as it allows for more real-time

assessment of the patient by the provider rather than only hearing details of the condi-tion over the phone. The nursing home round-ing model of care is new to our community. The purpose behind the approach is to im-prove continuity of care from when the patient enters the nursing home whether dis-charged from the hospital or another method and follow the patient’s medical care throughout their stay. This helps prevent readmissions and provides the best quality of care. This model for nursing home practice is part of Berger’s and our community’s continuing commitment to care.

Annette Perry, CNP (left) and Clarisse Evans, CNP, join Dr. Kevin Sellers at Pickaway Manor Care Center in Circleville.

Have you ever wanted to… Be the star of a parade? Dance like only beagles can dance? Use your oversized dog ears to play peek-a-boo?

Here’s your chance! The Marketing Department continues to hold auditions for our very own Bentley Beagle. Bentley appears at everything from parades to health fairs from openings to hosted events. The commitment is as little as one event to seasonal participation. Bentley wears a variety of outfits - from a cool summer baseball uniform to a cozy, comfy Santa Claus suit in the winter.

Don’t be shy, call Kyleen at x8391 and throw your name in the ring to be Bentley Beagle. Staff members who volunteer to star as Bentley Beagle throughout the year will be entered into a gift card drawing.

BE ME

Calling All Bentley Beagles

- Free Clinic of Pickaway County - Every Tuesday - 5:30 p.m. Contact Susan Strawser at x8444 for more information- Grove City Arts in the Alley Event - Sat.-Sun., Sept 15-16 - Parade Sat. AM Contact Kyleen Valone at x8391 for more information

Upcoming Involvement Opportunities (not just dogs)

Model of nursing home practice part of Berger’s continuing commitment to community care

Calling All Bentley Beagles

Berger in the news: Berger wins state and national awardsOrganization’s safety records, financial accountability and environmental awareness recognized

By Kristi MurphyCircleville Herald

CIRCLEVILLE - Berger Health System was recently recognized for its accomplishments in safety, financial accountability and environ-mental awareness by three organizations. “[The awards] recognize the culture of caring and healing that we have created at Berger Health System,” said Tim Colburn, president and CEO. “These three components of our mission help to reinforce and support the superior quality of care we provide to each and every one of our patients.” Berger was one of nine Ohio health systems to receive the state’s top safety award from the Ohio Hospital Association. Berger, which has made the list for three consecutive years, was recognized as the safest hospital in the 500-750 employee category for the first time. Suzanne Welker, chief human resources officer, said safety is “a clear focus of every-thing we do.” She said the human resources department has a dedicated staff member, Brian Kinzer, who oversees the safety program and works closely with departments throughout the hospital “In every safety incident that we have or have potential for,” she said, “those people meet individually with the manager and human resources in a learning environment to discuss how we can put in the most safe practices.” Some areas of interest include radiation safety, lifting, and trips, sprains and falls, she said. “Our managers do an excellent job of assessing the environment in their depart-ments for both the safety of their patients and employees,” she said. Berger also was honored for the second consecutive year by Ohio Auditor Dave Yost for completing a clean audit. Tom Scherer, vice president of finance, said a steady workforce and better fiscal

understanding has led Berger to receive this award. “A lot of it has to do with producing financial statements every month,” he said. “You really have to be consistent, and we simply can’t wait until the end of the year to do it.” He said every month each entity’s finan-cial statements go through three levels of review from his department to the CEO to the Board of Governors. Only three organiza-tions were awarded with the Auditor of State Awards for industry best practices in financial accountability and standards of practice. The award is presented to local government entities upon completion of an annual financial audit. The Gateway Economic Development Corporation of Greater Cleveland of Cuyahoga County and the Village of East Palestine in

Columbiana County were the other two orga-nizations recognized. Berger has also won a nation award for environmental excellence from Sterilmed Inc., a Minnesota-based health care cost contain-ment company and reprocessor of single-use medical devices. Amy Peters, RN, surgery nurse manager, said Berger diverts anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds of medical waste from landfills

each year. “The staff is driven to keeping the community clean, keeping our landfills clean and recycling,” she said. Sterilmed honors top facili-ties and systems throughout the country, and Berger has been recognized as a Best Practice facility for its superior

accomplishments in reducing environmental impact and improving overall health care sus-tainability through recycling medical devices.

“The awards recognize the culture of caring and healing that we have created at Berger Health System.” -Tim Colburn

Northern Pickaway County Update: Grove City & Ashville Celebrations

(LEFT) As a sponsor of the Grove City Farmers’ Market, banners like these hang through the area’s commercial district on Stringtown Rd.

As part of our comprehensive marketing strategy for Northern Pickaway County, Berger part-nered with the Grove City Chamber of Commerce in sponsoring the Historic Town Center’s Farmers’ Market. Berger Medical Center staff offers blood pressure checks, healthy, fresh food storage tips, and of course information about our exceptional providers and ancillary services. Look for our lime green market umbrella at the intersection of Broadway and Park Streets. The Farmers Market is pet friendly, so bring your pets and let them sample some tasty treats made just for them. Join us from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, June 30 through September 8, rain or shine.

GROVE CITY: Farmers’ Market and Family Fun Day

Northern Pickaway County Update: Grove City & Ashville Celebrations Berger joined the Ashville community for their Fourth of July celebration by participating in their festival’s three pa-rades on Friday, Saturday and Monday. Bentley Beagle rode through the parade in style in a bright red Chevy on Berger’s float accompanied by the Teays Val-ley High School cheerleaders, Berger representatives who passed out Berger fans to the “Berger fans” in the crowd and Tackling Cancer representatives with giveaways focused on this year’s event. Dr. Kristy Blum and her family were also featured on Berger’s float happily greeting her patients in the community.

ASHVILLE: Fourth of July Celebration

To All Who Supported Our Race - The second annual 50s FYM, the 50K and 50 Mile trail race at Hargus Lake, in Circleville resulted in another success thanks to beautiful weather, fantastic volunteers and amazing runners. All the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit A.W. Marion State Park, to build bridges and perform other trail main-tenance - ensuring that our community remains a great place to live and play. After the overwhelming interest from last year’s race, 50 spots were added this year, which sold out yet again! Families and friends came out to support their runners, tents and chairs were set-up at the start/finish line, and there was a wonderful feeling of camaraderie and community.I have received dozens of emails from runners praising our race support, newly modified and very chal-lenging race course and the organization of our event. Many of our participants told me that the aid station volunteers were so amazing they felt as if they had their own crew supporting them. Many of our volunteers were Berger employees again this year - thanks so much for coming out to support the race!WBNS 10 TV’s Jeff Hogan ran our 50-miler this year and gave us a very nice shout-out on the morning news. So many people and groups made this race possible and deserve a big round of thanks. If not for the incredible support and enthusiasm of Tim Colburn and Berger, this race would not be the amazing event it has proven to be for the runners and the support it provides for our community. Thanks to this unbelievable support we were able to host a profitable, local event with huge success. Runners and volunteers all had a great time and we generated over $2,500 for A.W. Marion State Park. In addition to the funds raised, several local contractors have agreed to donate their time and expertise to build the bridges, and have helped to procure some of the supplies as well. We will be recruiting volunteers in the coming months!

The one thing that really stood out to me this year was the dedication of everyone involved. Three of our volunteers spent the entire (14-hour) day with us. One young lady finished her first 50k in her socks because her toes hurt too badly to wear her shoes anymore. Several 4-H clubs took it upon themselves to make up encouraging signs for the runners. I feel so fortunate to have received such an outpouring of commitment and support from our community.Thanks to everyone who helped,Rob Carroll, Race Director

A note from Rob Carroll, FacilitiesOrganizer of 50s FYM, a 50-mile ultra run at Hargus Lake in Circleville