| Current East TN Medical News |
TECHMED 2008 Call for Entries
Award Seeks to Recognize Outstanding Use of Technology in the Region
The deadline for entries in the TECHMED Award 2008 is fast approaching. Applications must be received by September 14th, but sign-up is simple, with a Web form available at www.techmedaward.com.
For those unfamiliar with the initiative, East Tennessee Medical News has proudly partnered with Saratoga Technologies, the major sponsor of the award, along with Mountain States Health Alliance and Mercy Health Partners, to offer an award which seeks to “recognize the outstanding use of technology in patient care.”
Lorenzo-Rivero Spearheads Colorectal for Women in Chattanooga Area
Although colorectal dysfunctions and diseases afflict both men and women, the field of colorectal surgery is oftentimes mistakenly thought of as the domain of males. Ushering in a new era for the Chattanooga area, Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, MD, is helping to ease women’s aversion to addressing colorectal problems, saving lives in the process.
JOHN SEWELL
Physician – Arm Thyself
As today’s healthcare financing structure careens steadily towards performance-based reimbursement, physicians are increasingly finding themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to demonstrating evidence-based clinical quality and compliance. That’s because much of the information that defines an individual doctor’s clinical quality is derived from external organizations using administrative data without the benefit of key clinical indicators.
BRUCE TAFFEL, MD
Tennessee Supreme Court Weighs in on Notice of Physicians as Hospital Contractors
When the Tennessee Supreme Court in May reversed two appeals court decisions regarding the notice given patients that physicians in hospitals may be independent contractors, it left hospitals with a big question: Just what is sufficient and meaningful notice that doctors and other providers may not be hospital employees?
SHARON H. FITZGERALD
THA Focuses on Quality to Combat HAIs
Through the Tennessee Center for Patient Safety, more than 100 Tennessee hospitals have formed a collaborative effort to reduce healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs).
In June, the Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) outlined the state’s plans in a letter to Congress in response to a request by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform that state associations report on the measures their hospitals are taking to combat HAIs.
CINDY SANDERS
The Power of Support
Local Support Group Provides Healing Environment and Summer Fun
Many patients will argue that it is not the disease, the accident, or the medical condition that causes the most disruption in their once stable lives. After diagnosis, coping with a modified lifestyle, feeling different or inadequate, or learning to depend on others are some of the most difficult issues to come to terms with. Fortunately, the Tri-Cities area has many local support groups that meet frequently to provide information and encouragement to patients and family members. One recently formed group, the Amputee Support Group organized by Mark Mallasch, has supplied much needed solace to local patients with limb loss.
JULIE DWYER
U.S. Supreme Court Decision Limits False Claims Act
Over the past few decades, the federal False Claims Act has emerged as one of the federal government’s most potent weapons against Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse. Recently, the United States Supreme Court announced its decision in Allison Engine Co. v. United States, in which the Court clarified portions of the federal False Claims Act. Many people in the healthcare community were naturally interested to see how and in what ways the decision might affect Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse lawsuits brought under the False Claims Act.
IAN HENNESSEY AND DIANA GUSTIN
New Diagnostic Capabilities Available for Genetic Disorders
The Human Genome Project has provided many tools for the investigation of the genetic basis for classical genetic disorders, as well as more common conditions with a genetic component. The development of new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities has brought the realization that identification of genetic disorders is now an integral part of medical practice. In order for our patients to benefit from this increased knowledge, they must have a confirmed diagnosis. Advances in cytogenetic and molecular testing have greatly improved the ability to diagnose with certainty many previously unrecognized conditions.
ILSE J. ANDERSON, MD, AND KARLA J. MATTESON, PHD
Buying Technology as a Service
In my July column I talked in-depth about the business’s transformation from purchasing computer hardware and managing information systems (internally or outsourced) to buying it as a service. We called this IT as a Service, but the industry seems to be adopting the name “Technology as a Service” (TaaS).
PAUL SPONCIA
Physician Outcry Blocks 10.6 Percent Medicare Payment Reduction; Congress Overrides Presidential Veto
Calling passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 “a long and winding road,” AMA President Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, applauded the U.S. Congress’ move on July 15 to override President Bush’s veto of the legislation. It is now law, averting a 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut.
SHARON FITZGERALD
Pushing to Do More
Children’s Hospital ER Always Works to be Better, Faster
In 1999, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital in Knoxville was looking to expand its emergency services department and began to work with the area’s pediatricians to utilize its facilities as their emergency provider of choice.
Some might say that Children’s has done almost too good a job. With more than 71,000 visits in 2007, the emergency room at Children’s Hospital has become the go-to place for parents and pediatricians, even though in many cases there are facilities much closer.
JOE MORRIS
Saving Little Hearts
Bringing Comfort to Children with Congenital Heart Defects
All parents would agree that their worst fear realized is to see their child sick or in pain. So, in February 2002, Karin and Brad Coulter were relieved to find their newborn son Benjamin was healthy — or so they thought.
MEREDITH HULETTE
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Health Tip: Leaving Your Children Alone
Title: Health Tip: Leaving Your Children Alone
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
| | Health Tip: Using a Dietary Supplement
Title: Health Tip: Using a Dietary Supplement
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
| | Mistaken Beliefs About Cancer Abound
Title: Mistaken Beliefs About Cancer Abound
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
| | Health Highlights: Aug. 27, 2008
Title: Health Highlights: Aug. 27, 2008
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
| | New Test Identifies Heart Transplant Rejection
Title: New Test Identifies Heart Transplant Rejection
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
| | Study Links Spanking to Physical Abuse
Title: Study Links Spanking to Physical Abuse
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/28/2008 Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 2:00 am CDT
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A passion for teaching - Washington University Record
A passion for teachingWashington University Record, MO - 17 hours agoHe was promoted a few times at the factory before moving to Nashville, Tenn., to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration from Trevecca Nazarene ... |
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 7:18 am CDT
| | Bill Parcells is back in the game - Oxford Press
Bill Parcells is back in the gameOxford Press, OH - 16 hours agoDuring Parcells' first 15 years in coaching, he moved his family to eight cities — from Wichita to West Point, from Tallahassee to Nashville, from Texas to ... |
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:10 am CDT
| | Pizano arrives with her debut CD - Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
Pizano arrives with her debut CDWilkes Barre Times-Leader, PA - Aug 23, 2008Before she left Nashville, Pizano had her first CD with four songs. Back home, her family and friends really enjoyed the music. ... |
Posted Sunday, August 24, 2008 1:14 am CDT
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