Woman Drives Cross Country to Deliver at Southeastern Med

Written by: Kelli Koch
Marketing/Communications Specialist
Southeastern Med
kjkoch@seormc.org

Akneca with her husband, Brian, and two daughters, Kennah, Brynlie.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Jan. 25, 2011 – One of the first things women do when they find out they’re pregnant is find the right physician. For Akneca Brumfield, 30, of Plumas Lake, CA, finding the right physician wasn’t the problem – it was the 2,400 miles between them. Determined to get the best care, Akneca drove cross country while nine months pregnant to have Paul Wright, M.D., with OB/GYN Specialists of Southeastern Ohio, Inc., deliver her baby at Southeastern Med.

“When I made the decision everyone thought I was crazy, including my husband,” Akneca said. “But they were also very understanding and supportive of my decision to receive the best care. Dr. Wright delivered my first child in 2004, and I wanted him to deliver my second.”

In November 2008, Akneca and her husband, Brian, moved from Cambridge to Plumas Lake, CA, where Brian is stationed in the Air Force. Before moving, Akneca worked as a registered nurse in the Childbirth Center at Southeastern Med. “When you work in the area of labor and delivery, you know what you want and don’t want during childbirth,” she said. “The number one thing I wanted was quality care, and in California, I saw a different physician every time I went for a check up. I had no relationship with any of them, and I didn’t feel comfortable not knowing which physician would deliver me. I knew I would get the highest quality care from Dr. Wright and Southeastern Med. He was extremely understanding of the situation and worked with me to make sure he would be the one to deliver the baby.”

In August 2010, Akneca had her first appointment with Dr. Wright to schedule the inducement. “As a physician, of course I had many concerns about her driving cross country so close to her due date, but she was extremely determined,” said Dr. Wright. “She knew she could have the vaginal birth she wanted and receive quality care from the people she knows and trusts. It was nerve wracking when I knew she was on the road, but she has a lot of knowledge from working in the field. She knew when she would need to pull over and get to a hospital. In the end, it all worked out great. It was fun to see her back, and also a pleasure to deliver her.”

Prior to leaving, a physician in California examined her to make sure she was not dilated, and on Nov. 29, Akneca, along with her friend, Amanda Watson, who flew to California from Cambridge specifically for the cross-country journey, drove 2,400 miles for Dr. Wright to deliver Akneca’s child at Southeastern Med. “We made it to Ohio on time without any complications,” Akneca said. “My husband and daughter flew home to Cambridge on Dec. 3 for the birth of Brynlie on Dec. 6. She was a healthy 6 pound, 15 ounce baby. We couldn’t be happier.”

Although Akneca has travelled the farthest distance, she isn’t the only patient who has travelled to see Dr. Wright. He has had expectant mothers from Pittsburgh and Columbus make the trip back to Cambridge. “It’s wonderful to have patients come back to see me after they move to bigger cities,” Dr. Wright said.

If you’re currently searching for the right physician to deliver your child, call the office of Drs. Kevin Alten, Joseph Binkiewicz and Paul Wright, OB/GYN Specialists of Southeastern Ohio, Inc., at 740-439-9911.

The Scoop on Shoveling Snow: Southeastern Med Offers Tips to Help Avoid Injury

Written by: Kelli Koch
Martketing/Communications Specialist
Southeastern Med
kjkoch@seormc.org

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Jan 10, 2011 – Every winter it happens – people hurting themselves shoveling snow from their sidewalks and driveways with injuries ranging from minor aches and pulled muscles to fatal heart attacks.

Shoveling snow is physically stressful. The bending, lifting and twisting motions can take a serious toll on the body, and back injuries are among the most common injuries. According to the Weather Channel’s Web site, shoveling snow is equivalent to lifting weights. The average shovel of snow weighs 16 pounds and the average driveway requires 100 shovels to clear it. That’s 1,600 pounds of snow to clear one driveway.

Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. The risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, is increased if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions. According to the American Heart Association, the cold air also makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds extra strain on the body, especially the heart. When exposed to the cold, the body’s natural reflex is to tighten arteries and blood vessels. That, in combination with the physical demands of snow shoveling that cause the heart to pump blood faster, is a recipe for a heart attack.

Those most at risk for a heart attack include:

• Anyone who has already had a heart attack
• Individuals with a history of heart disease
• Those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
• Smokers

Older or out of shape people also have a greater chance of a heart attack while shoveling snow. Even people who exercise regularly can find shoveling to be strenuous if they try to tackle the job quickly without taking breaks.

Snow shoveling is hard work, but it can be good exercise when performed correctly and with safety in mind. By understanding your physical condition and taking appropriate precautionary measures, you can help reduce the risk of injury. The American Heart Association and the American Physical Therapy Association offer the following tips for safe snow clearing:

• Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling. These stimulants may increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict, which places extra stress on the heart.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Dress in layers and be sure to wear a hat, gloves and footwear.
• Do some basic warm-up exercises before shoveling, such as walking for a few minutes or marching in place. Stretch the muscles in the arms and legs. Warm muscles will work more efficiently and are less likely to become injured.
• Shovel fresh snow rather than partially melted and packed snow. Lift small amounts at a time using your legs, not your back. Scoop snow in a forward motion and step in the direction as you throw the snow.
• Avoid twisting. Bend the knees and keep the back as straight as possible to lift with the legs.
• Avoid tossing snow over the shoulder or to the side. If possible, try pushing the snow forward rather than lifting.
• Stop frequently to rest. Five minutes rest for every 15 minutes of shoveling is recommended.
• If you experience any pain in the chest or arm, shortness of breath or profuse sweating, stop shoveling immediately and seek immediate medical attention.

If conditions are icy, spread salt or sand over the area to avoid slipping and falling.

Southeastern Med Changes Point of Service Collection

Contact: Kelli Koch
Marketing/Communications Specialist
Southeastern Med
kjkoch@seormc.org

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2011 – In September 2009, Southeastern Med began collecting a standard financial deposit of $35 before a patient’s time of service. In an effort to better educate patients of their healthcare costs and their financial responsibility, the medical center will begin using a new computer system to estimate patients’ up front, out-of-pocket expenses. Through the new system, patients’ initial financial deposit will be more than $35 and each patient’s deposit amount will vary depending on his or her insurance plan.

What does this mean for Southeastern Med patients? For scheduled services, the medical center will contact the patient in advance to verify insurance coverage and explain their out of pocket expenses. Prior to service, patients will be responsible for the amount not covered by their insurance company, including co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles, and any other charge not covered by the insurance company.

“Southeastern Med strives to help our patients better understand their healthcare costs and financial responsibilities,” said Ray Chorey, CEO and President of Southeastern Med. “Point of service collection allows the medical center to verify insurance coverage, discuss costs and make payment arrangements in advance with each patient. This is a step the medical center must take to remain financially viable to serve our community.”

Southeastern Med will initially begin this process for Radiology procedures. Soon after, the medical center will expand it for Wound Care and Endoscopy services, as well as Surgery. If a patient is unable to meet their financial responsibility as determined by their insurance plan, financial counselors are available to assist with many alternative payment arrangements.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this new process, please contact Sandy Lebeau, Resource Counselor, 740-439-8621; or Bryan Martin, director of Patient Financial Services, 740- 435-2121.

Southeastern Med Awarded Re-Accreditation from The Joint Commission

Written by: Kelli Koch
Marketing/Communications Specialist
Southeastern Med
kjkoch@seormc.org

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio, Jan. 6, 2011 - Southeastern Med has again earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission. In receiving this distinction, Southeastern Med has demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for healthcare quality and safety.

“The Joint Commission survey results were our best ever,” said Ray Chorey, President and CEO of Southeastern Med. “We seek accreditation for our organization because we aspire to be the best, and the commitment from our staff, physicians and Board to provide high quality care in a safe environment is evident from the survey results. Obtaining Joint Commission accreditation is symbolic of our ongoing quest for excellence. Everyone at Southeastern Med plays a valuable role in working to meet the quality and safety standards established by the Joint Commission. Accreditation gives us a feeling of pride and ownership. The community should take comfort in knowing that affordable, quality healthcare provided by dedicated workers exists here locally.”

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is dedicated to continuously improving the safety and quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation. To maintain and earn accreditation, hospitals must undergo an extensive on-site review by a select team of Joint Commission professionals, including administrators, physicians, and nurses at least once every three years. The Joint Commission’s unannounced, on-site survey to evaluate Southeastern Med’s performance in areas that affect patient care occurred Oct. 13-15.

“The results of our JC survey speak volumes to the dedication and efforts of our staff to provide excellent patient care,” said Angie Long, vice president of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Southeastern Med. “They were an integral part of the survey process and were able to demonstrate the level of care we provide.”

The Joint Commission provides a comprehensive guide to help individuals learn more about the safety and quality of other accredited healthcare organizations and programs throughout the United States. Quality Check®, which can be accessed at www.qualitycheck.org, provides each accredited organization’s Quality Report, which includes detailed information about an organization’s performance and how it compares to similar organizations.