Grand Rounds March


New Bluff City Medical Society IPA Offers Opportunity for Growth and Connectivity


The Bluff City Medical Society has grown to over 250 physician members. In an effort to be proactive and evolve with changes in patient care mandated by both the public and private sectors in healthcare, and to bring these physicians into a more formal working relationship, on February 20 the Bluff City Medical Society announced their plan to move forward as an Independent Physician Association (IPA). J. William Appling and Associates has developed the business plan over the past three months.



“This IPA will give Bluff City the opportunity to be proactive in initiatives such as clinical integration and building on an electronic interchange to address the rapid change in electronic medical records and e-prescribing which is being mandated both on a state and national level,” explained Bill Appling, principal of J. William Appling and Associates.

Bluff City will also be instrumental in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation project in Memphis to address major chronic conditions in the community.



Areas which insure the Bluff City Medical Society as a proactive entity in this community:

  • The development of a business plan

  • Ability to come to the contracting table (i.e. TennCare MCOs and Medicare Advantage Programs)

  • Assistance in grant application for EMR

  • Participation in Healthy Memphis Common Table with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

  • Group Purchasing Organization for office supplies and med/surgical supplies


J. William Appling and Associates is assisting these and all physicians in the Memphis medical community in receiving grant monies which are available to physicians for electronic medical records through the state of Tennessee and federal sources.

Editor’s note: Stay tuned for the April issue which will cover these new initiatives with the Bluff Medical Society and it’s projected impact on the underserved patient population, as well as efforts to streamline EMR through the entire Memphis medical community.





AMA Foundation Honors Memphis, Tennessee Physician For Increasing Access To Health Care In The U.S.


CHICAGO — G. Scott Morris, MD, MDiv, of Memphis, Tenn., is a recipient of the 2008 Pride in the Profession Awards. Presented by the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation, the award is given to domestic physicians who aid underserved populations in the U.S. The AMA Foundation presents the award in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative.



The award will be presented on Monday, March 31st, at the 2008 Excellence in Medicine Awards Ceremony preceding the AMA National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.



G. Scott Morris, MD, MDiv, is the founder and executive director of the faith-based nonprofit Church Health Center.





Methodist Names Administrator


MEMPHIS — Trip Peeples has been promoted to administrator for Methodist Alliance Health Services’ Home Medical Equipment (HME) and Infusion divisions.



Peeples has been with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare for seven years, most recently serving as corporate director of finance and reimbursement and interim chief financial officer for Methodist Extended Care Hospital. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Mississippi State University.



Methodist Alliance Health Services is the home care division of Methodist Healthcare. HME provides patients with medical equipment in their homes, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and patient lifts. Alliance’s HME has a location in Memphis and Jackson, Tenn. and serves all of west Tennessee. Methodist Alliance Infusion provides home IV therapy and nutritional support in patients’ homes and at Methodist’s ambulatory infusion centers.





Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Uses Next Generation Ultrasound Technology to Fight Heart Disease


Jackson — The Tennessee Heart Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital announced that is cardiac catheterization laboratory is now using intravascular ultrasound through the new iLab™ Ultrasound Imaging System from Boston Scientific to provide improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).



CAD is the number one killer in America and affects more than 13 million Americans. It is the result of atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Atherosclerosis occurs when arteries become clogged or narrowed by fatty deposits (plaque) that restrict blood flow to the heart. Without adequate blood, the heart is deprived of oxygen and the vital nutrients it needs to work properly.



The most common way for physicians to view arteries involves a two-dimensional x-ray called an angiogram. Different from angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) uses high frequency sound waves that reflect off tissue in the arterial walls and provides the physician with a cross-sectional view from inside the artery. IVUS shows the physician where the healthy artery wall ends and the plaque begins. Combining IVUS with angiography provides a more complete picture of the diseased artery and helps the cardiologist to determine the best treatment option.





Peter A. Netland is President-Elect of Statewide Organization


Dr. Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD, will take office as the 53rd president of the Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology (TNAO) on January 1, 2010. Dr. Netland has served on the Board of Directors of the TNAO for the past six years providing insight, wisdom and guidance.

Dr. Netland is the Siegal Professor of Ophthalmology, director of Glaucoma, and vice chair for Academic Affairs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis) Department of Ophthalmology. He also serves as the program director for the Memphis Eye Society Meeting (MES), which is co-sponsored by the TNAO, and is the immediate past president of the Memphis Eye Society.





Sleep Labs of Memphis in Cordova Re-Accredited


WESTCHESTER, Ill. — Sleep Labs of Memphis in Cordova was recently re-accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).



To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.





Dr. Jerome Thompson Selected for JDRF Lay Review Committee


MEMPHIS — Dr. Jerome Thompson, MBA has been selected to participate on the Lay Review Committee of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, (JDRF).



Dr. Thompson will be one of 27 members of The Lay Review Committee (LRC) whose responsibilities include reviewing and debating grant requests from researchers. The LRC is responsible for recommending grants for funding to the JDRF’s Board of Directors.



Dr. Thompson is chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s UT Medical group. He developed the Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat Division for the University of Tennessee at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.





Nurse Camp is Coming!


Jackson — If you are a high school junior or senior wanting to learn more about becoming a nurse, hop on over to Nurse Camp. This is a unique and exciting five-day experience for students who are very interesting in healthcare careers and want a first-hand look at being a nurse. Camp provides job shadowing and hands-on learning experiences to help students make an informed decision about pursuing a career in nursing. 2008 Nurse Camps are scheduled for June 9-13 or July 21-25.



Nurse Camp tuition is $175 and grant funding is available for eligible participants. Ask your high school guidance counselor or call Jan Williams at 731-265-1116 or e-mail her at jan.williams@wth.org for details. You can also go to www.wth.org/nursecamp for information.





Baptist Memphis ranked in top five percent in nation


MEMPHIS — HealthGrades announced today that Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis is the only hospital in western Tennessee to be ranked among the top five percent of all hospitals in the nation, according to an independent study released today by the organization.

Baptist Memphis has received HealthGrades’ 2008 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM based on its clinical quality performance. According to the study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving this award are, on average, 27 percent more likely to survive and 5 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication. This year, only 269 of the nation’s 4,971 nonfederal hospitals received this distinction.



HealthGrades estimates that if all patients were treated at Distinguished Hospitals, 171,424 lives could have been saved and 9,671 postoperative complications could have been avoided during the three years studied.



The HealthGrades study reveals that Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence are improving their patient outcomes at a greater rate in more procedures and diagnoses than all other hospitals, lowering risk-adjusted mortality rates from 2004 through 2006 by an average of 15 percent.



In October, HealthGrades rated Baptist Memphis best in Tennessee and within the top 5 percent in the nation for cardiac surgery, stroke care and gastrointestinal surgery and procedures. The organization also gave the hospital five-star ratings in 15 areas.





Regional Hospital Of Jackson Announces New CEO


JACKSON — Regional Hospital of Jackson today announced that Steve Grubbs has been appointed chief executive officer. Grubbs replaces Tim Puthoff who has taken a regional position at the hospital’s parent company.



Grubbs brings more than 19 years of healthcare and management experience to Regional Hospital of Jackson. Most recently, he served as CEO of Berwick Hospital Center.



Prior to his position with Berwick, Grubbs worked as the CFO at Lakeway Regional Medical Center in Morristown, TN and Cleveland Community Hospital in Cleveland, TN. His career has also included the positions of ACEO at Cleveland Community and project administrator for the hospitals’ parent company prior to his move to Berwick.



Grubbs graduated with a BS in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.





Dr. Timothy Sweo Joins Sports, Orthopedics and Spine


Dr. Timothy Sweo, an orthopedic surgeon, has joined Sports, Orthopedics and Spine after completing a one-year fellowship in shoulder arthroscopy and sports medicine at the clinic. He spent nearly 12 years in practice in Jasper, Tennessee, at Sequatchie Orthopaedics before moving to Jackson.





2007 Medical Office Personnel Salary and Benefits Survey Available


Watkins Uiberall, PLLC is proud to announce the results of their sixth annual Medical Office Personnel Salary and Benefits Survey. Each year this survey compares local salaries and benefits for medical office personnel.



The annual survey is received and utilized by many physicians and administrators in the Memphis area, many of whom use it as part of their budgeting process. This year’s report lists local wages and benefit information for all practices that participated for the year ending in 2007. Each segment is broken down into the low, average, and high salaries for all possible employee types. The survey is highly sought after and seen as a critical benchmarking tool for the area’s healthcare industry.



The results of the last three years’ salary surveys are now posted online at http://www.wucpa s.com/industries.asp. You can pick from 2007, 2006, or 2005 by clicking on that year in the blue box to the right. Participants in the survey will receive a hard copy of the results at no charge. Additional copies may be obtained through Watkins Uiberall at a cost of $125.00. For a copy of this year’s salary and benefits survey, contact Mary Ann Lucas of Watkins Uiberall at 761-2720 or mlucas@wucpas.com.



Watkins Uiberall is one of the largest local Certified Public Accounting and Financial Advisory Firms in Memphis. The firm’s Healthcare Consulting Group, led by Ben Watkins, assists hospitals and physician groups with accounting, regulatory issues, strategic planning, revenue enhancement and cost controls.





Lion’s Clubs Donate $10,000 To Disaster Recovery Services


JACKSON — The local Lion’s Clubs have been among the first to respond to the estimated need for $350,000 to $500,000 to help families effected by the recent tornados. Coordinated by the Downtown Lion’s Club, the clubs donated $10,000 to Disaster Recovery Services in order to provide food, medical supplies, clothing, shoes, and bedding materials for those who have suffered severe tornado damage. These funds are for Jackson residents and are distributed in $100 segments, based on need.



Lion’s Club Governor Alfred McNeely said, “Emergency grants are an integral part of our international program to serve communities. We are pleased to be able to reach out to our neighbors from Lion’s International.”



Local president, Josh Allen stated, “We are blessed to have Lion’s Club International helping us extend aid to residents of Jackson who suffered severe loss from the February 5 tornados. Working with the Disaster Recovery Services, West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, and United Way, we feel that these funds will get to those experiencing the greatest need.”



“We are so pleased to receive $10,000 from the Lion’s Club to help rebuild the homes of local people who do not have insurance. They are among the first to step up to help with the long-term effort in restoring lives of those who are suffering” stated Frank McMeen.

“This united effort of all nonprofits in the Jackson area under Disaster Recovery Services will help insure that funds go to those who are in need the most but have little or no funds to rebuild. We are grateful to the Lion’s Club for their support and involvement,” stated Edwin Hayes, Acting Director of United Way of West Tennessee.



These and all funds will be pooled to provide long-term recovery to those who have suffered extreme loss.





Physician joins Apex Cardiology


Dr. Alexander Alperovich, who is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, and interventional cardiology, has joined Dr. Henry Lui at Apex Cardiology. Dr. Alperovich spent nearly ten years with Cardiac Care Specialists, P.A. in Orlando, Florida before moving to Jackson.





NIH Appoints Dr. Lupo T. Carlota to National Council


Dr. Lupo T. Carlota, a Memphis based medical acupuncture specialist was appointed recently to the National Advisory Council on Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health (NIH.) As a Council member he advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services and top NIH officials on matters relating to the use of complementary and alternative therapy in the U.S. healthcare system.



Dr. Carlota is president and founder of the Medical Acupuncture Research Institute of America (MARIA,) an institution of higher learning that advances the scientific study and practice of acupuncture since the early 1970s.



He graduated Doctor of Medicine (Meritissimus) from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines in 1960 and completed psychiatry residency in the United States. He came to Memphis in 1980 and served as program director of Memphis Mental Health Institute.



Dr. Carlota practices acupuncturology at the Acupuncture Medical Center, in east Memphis.





West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation Taking Donations for Disaster Relief Fund


JACKSON — To assist people in Jackson or Madison County who have suffered damage due to natural disasters, the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation is collecting donations for the Disaster Relief Fund. According to Foundation President Frank McMeen, “People can donate to the Disaster Recovery Fund here. This is the same fund that we have used for the past three tornadoes.”



These funds will be distributed to those in need through the leadership of this fund. Currently chaired by Ron Pennel, this fund is overseen by community leaders. Needs are evaluated and funds are distributed to help meet the unique needs of our community due to the tornados.



In 2003, the fund collected more than $600,000 and more than $100,000 after the 1999 tornado. There were two concert fundraisers. In 1999 the Oak Ridge Boys came for a benefit concert. In 2003, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Darryl Worley helped raise more than $600,000.



“The Foundation is a unique part of our community. Community leaders who know the needs of our community will be putting these funds back into the lives of Jacksonians. While many have insurance to cover their homes and belongings, there are needs that leave many in dire need. This fund is to help those who have no other recourse for help,” said McMeen.



To donate, please send checks to Disaster Relief Fund at West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, 708 West Forest Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301.





Magnolia Regional Health Center Breaks Ground on New Cancer Center


Magnolia Regional Health Center recently began construction on its new cancer care facility. Expected to be completed by November 2008.



A 17,000 square-foot comprehensive care facility, The Cancer Center at Magnolia will offer state-of-the-art radiation therapy technology, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT); integrated medical oncology and chemotherapy services; clinical research offices; and supportive care services and resources for patients and families. Medical oncology services will be provided by the West Clinic and radiation oncology services will be provided by Radiation Oncology of North Mississippi.





West Clinic Named Best Oncology Practice in America by Hematology & Oncology News & Issues


MEMPHIS — The West Clinic, one of the nation’s premier centers for oncology, hematology, radiology, and other advanced medical care was named best clinical practice in America by Hematology & Oncology News & Issues (HONI) in its February 15th issue. The West Clinic’s recognition for practice excellence among large oncology practices was announced by HONI as it introduced the first recipients of the HOPE™ (Hematology & Oncology Practice Excellence) initiative. The three-year HOPE™ initiative has been created to encourage the development of practice standards of excellence in community-based cancer treatment centers. It is anticipated that this three-year initiative will help reshape community-based oncology practices of the future.



HOPE™ recognizes those practices that exhibit practice excellence through an identifiable and quantifiable set of metrics which can be applied as business practice guidelines. Recipients of the HOPE™ award are selected by a panel of HONI Editorial Advisory Board members, an elite panel of oncology experts recognized nationwide.









March 2008