med staff newsletter jan 2013 - sparrow health …...leadership award, the physician of the year,...

News & Information for Medical Staf f

In support of our mission to provide the best care to every Patient, every time, we must seek to follow best practices that ensure a safe environment for Patients and Caregivers alike.

In the spring we will undergo a thorough accreditation survey by The Joint Commission. We must be able to demonstrate that we know the standards and procedures, and that we follow them at all levels of the organization.

The Medical Staff Executive Committee reviewed TJC concerns that relate to Medical Staff, and approved changes to our bylaws and a plan of action to ensure we are in full compliance.

This means some big changes, most notably in the form of peer review through the use of Tracer Teams (a nurse and a Physician) who will randomly check in real time to see that we are on our game, just like an accreditation survey.

Tracer Teams will pick and follow a Patient, being available to assist the Medical Staff in the moment when a standard needs attention, such as a proper time out or complete documentation.

This collegial approach with members of the MSEC and Council of Medical Directors will help us put our patients first and foremost and deliver consistent and sustainable outcomes. This is key to our pursuit of The Sparrow Way.

January2013

A Message from John Armstrong, MD: Peer Review Preparations for TJC

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter

Seeking the Best of the Best for 2013The Women’s Board of Managers and Sparrow have kicked off the nomination window for the 2013 Physician Leadership Award, the Physician of the Year, and the Physician Hall of Fame.

Members of the Sparrow medical community are encouraged to submit nominations to Melissa Sherry in Volunteer Services by Friday,

Feb. 11.

The selection committee includes the Medical Chief of Staff, Medical Chief of Staff-Elect, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Chairman of the Health System Board, and the President and President-Elect of the Women’s Board of Managers.

Please include a brief summary or biography

about your candidate’s accomplishments with the nomination form.

Awards will be presented on April 27 at a special reception and dinner at the Country Club of Lansing.

To obtain nomination forms, or for more information, contact Sparrow Volunteer Services at 517.364.3606.

Welcome new physicians: Emergency Medicine Dana Houghton, MD Kaleb Lane, MD Family Medicine Michael Mangan, DO Ekram Smith, MD Internal Medicine Christopher Huhta, MD Ijeoma Nwelue, MD Internal Medicine/ Gastroenterology Kathryn Wisser, DO Internal Medicine/Medical Oncology/Hemotology Cheryl Kovalski, DO Internal Medicine/PMR Bret Burlingame, DO OB/GYN Wendy Chang, MD Radiology John Braunstein, MD (Teleradiology) Sam Chee, MD

Please contact me regarding any subject featured in this newsletter or other issues at [email protected] or 517.484.2760.

John Armstrong, MD Chief of Medical Staff

January 2013

1

iSparrow EMR Post Go-Live Visit and Survey

Epic was on-site the week of Jan.7-10, 2013 to conduct the one month post-live visit. During their time at Sparrow, members of the Epic and iSparrow EMR Teams visited a number of departments/units and closely observed Caregivers and Providers completing workflows to identify opportunities for build modifications, refresher training topics and optimization items. In preparation for the post-live visit, Caregivers and Providers were surveyed regarding their experiences with the EMR. From the survey and visit, the top 5 issues, training and report needs were identified as follows:

What’s Next? The iSparrow EMR team will be reviewing survey results and Epic’s Executive Post-Live Summaries in detail. Action plans will be prepared and implemented to address areas of need. Epic will be holding a four-month post-live visit during the week of March 18 and a survey will be distributed Feb. 22-March 10. All Providers are encouraged to complete the on-line survey – we need your feedback!

Order Set Personalization, Change Requests and New Order Set Request Sessions

In response to two top Provider requests identified from the post-live visit and survey, we are organizing monthly sessions for order set personalization and practice, as well as order set development and change requests.

The sessions will be held the first and third Fridays of the month. The sessions will run from 7:00 a.m.-Noon in Training Room 1A, Sparrow Main Front Lobby, across from the piano. The sessions will be organized as follows:

Third Friday of the month (starting Friday, Feb. 15) – Find and efficiently use your favorite order sets as well as orders that are not part of an existing order set.

o For the 1st half hour of each hour, the trainer will focus on personalization including setting order set defaults.

o During the 2nd half hour of each hour, the trainer will focus on personal preference list configuration.

First Friday of the month (starting Friday, March 1) – Requests for order set changes and new order sets

o Review order sets or request new order sets with the iSparrow Team and Physician Champions.

o One-hour appointments are encouraged. Contact Leah Cohen, Nurse Champion at [email protected].

NOTE: Department or specialty level approval is required before new/revised order sets can be placed into production.

mailto:[email protected]

January 2013

2

Sparrow is pleased to offer the iSparrow Ambulatory EMR and Practice Management System to community physician practices through a service called iSparrow Connect. The Epic system that iSparrow EMR is built on is one of the most highly regarding EMR systems available in the healthcare industry today. iSparrow Connect is offered to Sparrow credentialed, independent physician practices who will share a single patient chart with all other iSparrow users in offices and hospital settings. This gives Providers instant access to a much richer collection of patient information across the healthcare spectrum. Current law permits hospitals to subsidize the cost of certain components of EHR technology for practices not yet on certified EHRs. iSparrow Connect can be offered at a substantially discounted price using a subscription model that offsets most of the costs a practice would normally incur implementing an EHR system. We are currently implementing iSparrow Connect at independent physician offices. We plan to go-live with our first practice in the Spring. If you are interested in joining iSparrow Connect, please contact Michelle Cox at 517.332.9716.

Tips and Tricks

REMINDER – A variety of EMR Tips and Tricks for Providers are available on iSparrow Central, easily recognizable by the icon in remote.sparrow.org. The Tips and Tricks are sorted by application

and can easily be found using the search function on iSparrow Central.

Verbal Orders/Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) There are times when verbal orders are necessary but Sparrow’s quality goal is fewer than 10 percent of verbal/telephone orders. Our goal for direct Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) is >90%. We are encouraged that we are already at 80% but we need to take additional steps to make it easier for providers to enter their orders directly.

Provider Computer Order Entry since Go-Live

Mike Zaroukian, MD, PhD; VP & CMIO [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Sparrow Health System 1215 East Michigan Avenue PO Box 304 Lansing, MI 48909-7980 sparrow.org/mysparrowphysicians

Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute (TCI), an affiliate of Sparrow, has refreshed its brand identity and incorporated the colors

TCI goes green to refresh its brand identity

and feel of Sparrow into a new logo.

It has also kicked off a new website at www.tciheart.com.

This change in identity does not affect TCI Physicians or services, and is an affirmation of the commitment between Sparrow and TCI to partner together to improve the health of the people in our community.

A new Sparrow Medical Group family practice, led by Amanda Shoemaker, MD, openedits doors to Patients in Holt on Jan. 8.

The facility, located at 2040 N. Aurelius Road, will provide Holt residents and nearby communities with family and obstetric care. An additional physician will

Sparrow brings quality care closer to home with two new mid-Michigan locations

join the practice starting April 1.

On Jan. 16, a new facility, Sparrow East Lansing, opened at 2682 E. Grand River Ave.

The new facility will provide urgent care services (previously located in Okemos on Mt. Hope Road), as well as lab services.

The new buildings reflect design elements from the Sparrow Tower to extend Sparrow’s brand into our communities, making our quality care and convenient locations easily recognizable.

Lansing Internal Medicine Associates (LIMA) has officially joined Sparrow Medical Group. It’s now Sparrow Medical Group Lansing Internal Medicine.

We welcome LIMA physicians, including Alan Neiberg, MD; John C. Siano, MD; Bo Wu,

SMG adds Lansing Internal Medicine

MD; and Grace Kulhanek, MD, to the Sparrow family.

LIMA has a proud history of serving Patients at Sparrow and has been widely respected throughout our community for over 40 years.

By joining SMG, LIMA Patient care is improved through expanded access to services such as Mayo Clinic Care Network research and MySparrow in mid-2013.

This new partnership also helps to better meet the healthcare needs of our community.

Daryl Melvin, MD, a TCI cardiologist, was recognized at an Ovid-Elsie Board of Education meeting on Jan. 21 when the school board acknowledged those who played a role in saving the life of a student athlete last fall.

Coaches used an AED

donated by the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Foundation (now known as SCRI) to save the student’s life when he collapsed on the football field during practice.

Dr. Melvin is an Ovid-

Elsie alum and was the physician who delivered the AED and trained the school in its use several years ago.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/January 2013

Daryl Melvin, MD


National Doctors’ Day, celebrated on March 30, is a day to recognize the contributions of Physicians to individuals, families, and our communities.

Please join us for a reception from 4-6:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, in the 3rd floor Atrium of the Sparrow Professional Building. It’s one way for Sparrow to honor our Physicians.

Your hard work and tireless dedication to Patients and our community can be seen

directly through our selection as the only hospital in Michigan and one of the first five in the nation to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, and by earning the Michigan Quality Council’s Leadership Award for Excellence last fall.

The launch of the iSparrow Electronic Medical Record system was another major step towards better care for our Patients and it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly without your belief and support in the

effort.

Thanks for everything you do to make the lives of the people we serve better.

February2013

A Message from John Armstrong, MD: Inspired by our Doctors. Partnering for patient care.


Sparrow is first in Michigan certified as Comprehensive Stroke Center

The Sparrow Stroke Center, in collaboration with MSU, has been named the first facility in Michigan and one of only about 20 nation-wide to achieve

certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.

Syed Hussain, MD, Medical Director of Stroke Services at Sparrow and a MSU HealthTeam neurologist, noted, “We are honored to have met The Joint Commission’s very rigorous standards and

to put Sparrow on the map as a truly world-class Stroke Center.”

This certification is only possible because of the collaborative work between stroke specialists at Sparrow, MSU’s Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, MSU HealthTeam and Lansing Neurosurgery.

Welcome new physicians: Emergency Medicine John Maino, MD Family Medicine/NMM/ Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Jonathan Bruner, DO Internal Medicine Sahahzaman Abbasi, MD Internal Medicine/ Hematology/Oncology Ronald Kawauchi, MD Psychiatry Farha Abbasi, MD Surgery/Dentistry Amit Batra, DDS Surgery/General Surgery Stanislav Nosik, MD Robert Osmer, MD



Please watch for an email from Dr. Armstrong regarding Physician preparations for the upcoming survey by The Joint Commission. There will be more information regarding the Tracer Surveys, and other steps we will be taking to ensure a successful review.

February 2013

1

iSparrow EMR Post‐Live Visit and Survey

Epic will be on-site March 19-21, 2013, to conduct the four month post-live visit. During their time at Sparrow, members of the Epic and iSparrow EMR Teams will visit a number of departments/units and closely observe Caregivers and Providers completing workflows to identify opportunities for build modifications, refresher training topics and optimization items. In preparation for the post-live visit, Caregivers and Providers are requested to complete a survey. This survey will be open from Friday, Feb. 22 through Monday, March 12. We encourage all Providers to complete this quick survey – it only takes 5-10 minutes! Click on the appropriate link below or log on to iSparrow Central and begin the survey. We need your feedback.

ASAP Inpatient Providers OpTime Radiology

iSparrow EMR is Live, Now What? Optimization is a process in which we look for ways to make the iSparrow EMR as effective and functional as possible. Examples of types of optimization projects include:

Additional Functionality o New Order Sets, Best Practice Advisories

Expanding Functionality to New Users

o EpicCare EMR (Clinicals) to Outpatient Areas

New Modules o Anesthesia, Beacon

CME Credits for iSparrow EMR Physician Training

Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits were provided for iSparrow EMR Physician training classes. If you are in need of documentation related to the CME, please submit a request for a transcript to the Sparrow CME office via email at [email protected]. Due to the volume of EMR participants, it may take approximately two weeks to receive your transcript.

EMR Booster Training Opportunity

Order Set Personalization, Change Requests and New Order Set Request Sessions Sessions will be held the first and third Fridays of the month. The sessions will run hourly from 7:00 a.m.-Noon in Training Room 3M, Sparrow Main, 3rd Floor, Nursing Education Computer Room, next to the skywalk. First Friday of the month – March 1

o Requests for order set changes and new order sets.

o Review order sets or request new order sets with the iSparrow Team and Physician Champions.

One-hour appointments are encouraged. Contact Kimberlee Kirschner, Intern, at [email protected] or Leah Cohen, Nurse Champion at [email protected].

February 2013

2

Order Set Personalization, Change Requests and New Order Set Request Sessions (Continued)

Third Friday of the month – March 15

Find and efficiently use your favorite order sets as well as orders that are not part of an existing order set.

o For the 1st half hour of each hour, the trainer will focus on personalization, including setting order set defaults.

o During the 2nd half hour of each hour, the trainer will focus on personal preference list configuration.

NOTE: Department or specialty level approval is required before new/revised order sets can be placed into production.

Co‐Signing Verbal Orders Reminder The Medical Staff General Policy and Procedures document stipulates that all verbal orders shall be co-signed by the ordering provider within 48 hours after the verbal orders are entered into the EMR.

To view the latest version of the Medical Staff General Policy and Procedures document, click on this link: Sparrow Intranet.

Provider Computer Order Entry Feb. 1‐17, 2013

ED Physicians: Signing Notes from ED Scribes ED Scribes and Physicians share notes back and forth throughout the patient visit to the ED. One of the challenges of this process is the assumption of the note by the Physician at the end of encounter (or shift). When this does not occur, a Provider Note stays on the patient chart without a Physician signature. The iSparrow EMR – ASAP Team is working with the ED Physicians to assume the ED Scribe Notes prior to the ED Physician leaving for the day, or signing them at the end of the encounter, if additional information is not needed.

Tips and Tricks REMINDER – A variety of EMR Tips and Tricks for Providers are available on iSparrow Central, easily recognizable by the icon in remote.sparrow.org. The Tips and Tricks are sorted by application and can easily be found using the search function on iSparrow Central.

Mike Zaroukian, MD, PhD; VP & CMIO [email protected]


Through the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, a team of physicians, nurses, and professors from the

Japanese medical team tours Sparrow

Kyushu University Hospital in Japan toured Sparrow. The delegation observed Sparrow’s ICU,

Operating Rooms, Laboratory, Pharmacy and ED earlier this month. In particular they were here to learn from our challenges in launching the MHA Keystone collaboratives, our rounding process, practices for infection prevention, bedside practices, and more.

A recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlighted the successful work of several key Sparrow Caregivers in the MPRO program to decrease hospital readmissions.

Sparrow Physicians James Haering, MD, Rao Bandi, MD, and Jim DeMuth, MD, have been instrumental in implementing Michigan’s Medicare Quality Improvement

Reduced readmissions highlighted in JAMA Organization (MPRO) project at Sparrow. Sue Powell of Sparrow Home Health Care, Kim Ford of Patient Support Services, and Ikjot Kaur, MD, of the Hospitalists currently lead Sparrow’s transition of care.

MPRO, in which Sparrow plays a large role, is funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve care transitions – when a Patient moves from one care setting to

another. MPRO has created a network of clinicians, facilities, families and social service agencies to coordinate and improve quality of care in and outside of a clinical setting.

Lansing is one of only 14 communities nationwide to participate and has reduced hospitalizations by 7.2 percent and rehosptializations by 8.3 percent, saving Medicare nearly $3 million so far.

Sparrow ID cards now work to make purchases via payroll deductions at dining locations, gift shops and SPA on the Sparrow Main Campus, St. Lawrence Campus, and Sparrow Clinton Hospital.

Caregiver ID badges now able to buy your lunch Charges will appear on your paycheck within two pay periods of purchase.

Full-time Caregivers will be able to charge up to $200 per pay period and part-time Caregivers up

to $100. Per diem Caregivers will not be able to participate in this program.

For more information, visit the SPA section of the Sparrow Intranet.

TCI cardiologists Drs. Gaurav Dhar, MD, Nam Cho, DO, and Thomas Brown, DO, along with Norbert Baumgartner, MD, in CT surgery and Forrest Cote, DO, in Anesthesia performed Sparrow’s first Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures this month, making Sparrow the only mid-Michigan hospital performing this procedure.

During this procedure, a prosthetic aortic heart valve attached to a wire frame is guided by a catheter to the heart. Once in position the wire frame expands, allowing the new aortic valve to open and begin to pump blood.

Three patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis and determined too risky for conventional surgery have already benefitted from this procedure, and several more are in line.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/February 2013

Gaurav Dhar, MD

News & Information for Medical Staff

We have good reason to celebrate our success in making the lives of our Patients safer. Across the Health System, inpatient and outpatient, thousands of Doctors, Nurses, and other Caregivers are making a real difference in reducing risk and improving outcomes. Yet we always must be striving to forever improve. The “Speak Up” initiative (see below) is an important part of this. Safe policies and procedures around central lines, ventilators, and surgical interventions, to name only a few, are making big differences in outcomes and quality. These alone, however, are not sufficient to cope with our increasingly complicated environment. In the end, it is also necessary to

continue moving forward on a Culture of Safety. Having said that, we might ask each other what are the key ingredients of a Culture of Safety; what does that really mean? Certainly we can say that a safe culture requires teamwork and that the team must have a common purpose. Team members must have a sense of value, respect, and trust such that, for example, “Speaking Up” is encouraged. Each of us as Physicians play a critical role in promoting the relationships, respect, communication, and values required in this regard. We are Physicians and therefore, inescapably, mentors, role models, and leaders in helping to create the safest environment

possible for our Patients. Whether it is a complete and correct “Time Out,” a safety check encouraging others to “Speak Up,” closely following a safety protocol, or encouraging a good hand-over, we are especially positioned to help with Safety Culture and teamwork. We can always help each other to be better. Your commitment has made and will continue to make a difference. Thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do every day for each of our Patients and their families. Check out the Patient Safety Video on the front page of the Sparrow Intranet, and a video from the National Patient Safety Foundation (www.NPSF.org).

March 2013

A Message from John Armstrong, MD: What does a culture of safety really mean?


Speak Up to protect Patient, Caregiver safety

Sparrow has launched a

new initiative to improve

Patient and Caregiver safety

throughout the health system.

The “Speak Up” campaign

encourages Caregivers to say

something if they see an

unsafe practice. One of the

main components to this plan

is our new “Speak Up” video.

All Caregivers are required

to watch the video, which is

available on the front page of

the Intranet. The video helps

to remind Caregivers that

everyone is an equal member

on the Sparrow Patient Safety

team. If you see an unsafe

practice, speak up. You have

the right to stop it.

If that doesn’t work,

Caregivers should report it to

their leader and fill out a

Patient Safety Incident Report

and forward to Risk

Management.

Welcome new physicians: Emergency Medicine

Jennifer Joseph Lewandowski, DO

Family Medicine

Mustafa Hamed, MD

Madeline Lewis, DO

Niral Patel, MD

Internal Medicine

Afrina Aziz, MD

Tareq Bagal, MD

Mohammed Saeed, MD

Internal Medicine/Hospitalists

Sanjay Mughal, MD

Pediatrics

Ming Chen, MD

Ram Menon, MD

Inas Thomas, MD

Delia Vazquez, MD

Radiology (Teleradiology)

Navid Ardakani, MD

Please contact me

regarding any subject

featured in this newsletter

or other issues at

John.Armstrong@sparrow.

org or 517.484.2760.


Sparrow Board Chair Greg Brogan (left) and President and CEO Dennis Swan in the

“Speak Up” video.

http://www.npsf.org/

Sparrow Health System 1215 East Michigan Avenue PO Box 304 Lansing, MI 48909-7980

sparrow.org/mysparrowphysicians

When calling the HelpDesk – 4HELP, 517.364.4357 with an EMR-related question or issue, Physicians are reminded to press 9 to bypass the usual phone tree system. Your call will be answered directly and immediately by a member of the IT Team; you will not be placed on hold or prompted to leave a message.

Prompt EMR physician support through HelpDesk If your questions cannot be resolved immediately, an EMR Analyst will be paged and will call the Physician back as soon as possible to resolve the issue. When the page is placed to an EMR Analyst, a HelpDesk ticket will also be generated for tracking purposes. Every morning, IT Leadership will be sent a

“Ticket List” of all new Physician HelpDesk tickets created in the last 24 hours. A member of the EMR Team will contact the Physicians on this “Ticket List” to ensure they were notified and to either confirm that the issue was resolved or to give an update if the issue could not be resolved immediately.

Carol Gates, 72, of Eaton Rapids, struggled with everyday things since a diagnosis of aortic stenosis, or a narrowing of the aortic valve, in early 2012. But just one week after undergoing a new procedure at Sparrow, she had a fresh new outlook. Sparrow is the only mid-Michigan hospital performing the transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. The minimally invasive procedure, where a

TAVR procedure gives new hope to Patient

catheter delivers a replacement prosthetic valve to the heart through an artery, is a new chance at life for Patients who are not able to tolerate heart bypass or open heart surgery. “By replacing the valve through a catheter, we can substantially reduce the

stress to the body and recovery time, which would have been too much for these patients to handle after a traditional valve replacement procedure,” said Gaurav Dhar, M.D., a Sparrow Thoracic and Cardiovascular Institute interventional cardiologist on the team that treated Gates. While it is still early in use of TAVR, preliminary studies have shown that it not only can extend survival, but significantly improve the quality of life for this patient population.

Sparrow has launched SparrowTV.org, a new vibrant, one-stop video site to promote Sparrow service lines, Caregivers, community events, and more. The site will be divided into six categories – Sparrow News Video (our

SparrowTV.org, a new one-stop video resource

monthly Sparrow video program featuring stories from throughout the Health System), Caregivers, Innovating Care, Patient Stories, Healthy Living, and Our Community. “Sparrow is committed to finding new ways to improve the quality of our

health services and this video site will help us show the public the innovative techniques we’re using here,” said John Berg, Sparrow Executive Director of Strategic Market Development. To learn more, visit www.SparrowTV.org.

Muhammed Hamdan, M.D., has received a three-year appointment as Cancer Center Liaison Physician for the cancer program at Sparrow.

Dr. Hamdan is among a national network of more than 1,500 volunteer physicians who are responsible for providing leadership and direction to establish, maintain and support their facilities’ cancer programs. The physicians are an integral part of cancer programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Dr. Hamdan has a special interest in diagnosis and treatment of Patients with malignant diseases.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/March 2013

Muhammed Hamdan, M.D.


Sparrow must undergo a thorough onsite accreditation survey by The Joint Commission (TJC) every three years. We’ve been preparing for months, and we must be sure to continue to keep Patient safety our top priority. As a respected Physician, you are seen, inescapably, as a role model and key leader by our Nurses and Caregivers, Staff, and volunteers. Your example will always have a profound impact on our collective ability to provide the best care to every Patient, every time. Sparrow’s commitment to ensure safety and quality

care for each Patient and continued TJC accreditation is imperative. “Tracer Teams,” consisting of members of the MSEC, Council of Medical Directors, Medical Staff Centralized Peer Review and Quality Committee, and the Nursing Department have been conducting “mock surveys” over the last few months. Their observations have helped us identify opportunities for continued improvement. We must work together to make improvements in order to ensure the safety of our Patients. TJC requirements and best

practices are proven elements of a Culture of Safety and Team Medicine.We are proud of all of the people at Sparrow who tirelessly work to improve safety, quality and the Patient experience. We look forward to working side-by-side with every Physician to maintain our commitment to the Sparrow Way of providing quality compassionate care to everyone, every time. We also invite you to direct specific questions by calling 517.364.5000 or emailing [email protected].

April2013

A Message from John Armstrong, MD: Ensuring we’re ready for The Joint Commission


Meunier is ‘Physician of the Year,’ others honored

Joseph K. Meunier, D.O., is Sparrow’s 2013 Physician of the Year, while Karen Kent-Van Gorder, M.D., was given the Sparrow Physician Leadership award.

Dr. Meunier holds the distinction of being the first gynecologist in mid-Michigan to perform surgeries with the daVinci surgical robot. As a leader in the organization, he helped develop the gynecology robotics program at Sparrow in 2006. Dr. Kent-Van Gorder has exhibited leadership skills from her earliest career and helped develop a Peer Review and Credentialing System. Mark Ensberg, M.D., William Gifford, M.D.,

James Herman, M.D., Carol Rapson, M.D., and Mitlon Shaw, M.D., were inducted into the Sparrow Physician Hall of Fame. All were honored at the annual Physician Recognition Dinner on April 27.

Welcome new physicians: Anesthesia Hamad Houwari, M.D. Emergency Medicine Diana Nordlund, D.O. Family Medicine Lynn Nevin, M.D. Internal Medicine Sidney Coupet, D.O. Tolam Nguyen, D.O. Radiology Jeffrey Caverly, M.D.

Please contact me regarding any subject featured in this newsletter or other issues at [email protected] or 517.364.5000


Joseph K. Meunier, D.O. Karen Kent‐Van Gorder, M.D.


As a newly elected member of the HIMSS Board of Directors, Michael Zaroukian, M.D., Sparrow Vice President and Chief Medical Information Officer, was

Dr. Zaroukian talks healthcare with President Clinton

able to meet former President Bill Clinton and briefly talk about the future of healthcare at the HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition.

President Clinton keynoted the event which is one of the largest professional conferences in healthcare and the largest in healthcare technology. In his speech, President Clinton shared his views on the challenges facing the United States today, why we need a strong private sector and a smart government working together to restore prosperity and progress, and the important role that health information technology plays in improving healthcare quality and value.

Verbal orders in provider EMR In-Baskets need to be E-Signed (co-signed) within 48 hours to be consistent with Sparrow Medical Staff Policy and Joint Commission and HFAP standards. Physicians are sometimes receiving verbal orders to sign that they may not have actually verbally ordered, sometimes because they were protocol orders, and sometimes due to

EMR: Verbal order needing e-signature

assignment error. While we try to address the root causes, we still need to make sure that Verbal Orders in Provider In-Baskets are signed within 48 hours or reassigned,

either back to the Caregiver who assigned it to you or to the correct Provider if known. Additional background and details regarding managing Verbal Order In-Basket messages will be posted to iSparrow Central. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Please contact Michael Zaroukian, M.D., (Pager 517-228-9078) if you have questions.

Notice a new icon in the “Sparrow Applications” folder on your computer desktop? Policy and Procedure Manager (PPM), a new Internet‐based portal to access official Sparrow policies, written procedures, forms, protocols and work

Sparrow Policies and Procedures go digitalinstructions, went live on April 1. To login, use your Caregiver Number for your Username, and your 4-digit Sparrow PIN as your Password. A PPM User Guide can be found within PPM in the “Policy and Procedure Manager” folder.

For technical login questions, call the HelpDesk at 517.364.4357. For questions on using the PPM program itself, contact Linda Butler, Audit and Compliance Services, at 517.364.2552, or Bill Papanikolas at 517.364.2134.

National EMS Week is May 19-25 and honors the dedication of those who provide day-to-day lifesaving services on medicine’s front lines. John Dery, D.O., is Sparrow’s EMS Director and is leading efforts to follow consistent protocols at Sparrow among the 44 agencies that bring emergency cases here. Look for activities at Sparrow surrounding National EMS Week.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/April 2013

John Dery, D.O.

Michael Zaroukian, M.D., (right) poses with former President Bill Clinton at

the annual HIMSS Conference and Exhibition.


Thanks to all of you for your response to our recent accreditation survey by The Joint Commission. The surveyors were impressed with the level of Physician engagement at Sparrow.

Across Sparrow, we are working to make a real difference in reducing risk and improving outcomes for our Patients.

The “Speak Up” initiative is an important part of this, as is our focus on a Culture of Safety in our increasingly complicated environment.

A safe culture requires teamwork and that the team has a common

purpose. Team members must have a sense of value, respect, and trust.

Medical staff efforts in the areas of Patient Safety and Culture of Care were recognized and commended during The Joint Commission visit. Whether it was a complete and correct “time-out”, a safety check, or a good communication process, we demonstrated our leadership and commitment to putting the needs of our Patients first and foremost.

Nonetheless, we can always

and must continue to improve. Your personal leadership in our Culture of Safety is crucial to making care better for our Patients and their families.

Your role as a Physician leader makes all the difference and is the indispensable key to delivering on our purpose.

Your commitment will continue to make a real difference. Thank you for all you do every day for each of our Patients and their families.

Be sure to check out the “Speak Up” Video on the front page of the Sparrow Intranet.

May2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Thank you for your response during the TJC survey


Attention! We’re building better care

At Sparrow, our commitment to providing the best Patient care means providing facilities

that meet the needs of our community.

Over the next few years a series of new construction and renovation projects will allow us to deliver the best care when and where our Patients need it.

In June, the Emergency Department entrance will be temporarily relocated to inside the Sparrow Main lobby as we begin

replacing our current operating rooms with some of the most advanced ORs in Michigan.

Be on the lookout for special signage and communications keeping Patients and Caregivers up to date on our projects as we work to build a health future for our community.

Welcome new physicians: Emergency Medicine Ronald Bishop, DO Elizabeth Cook, DO Brent Felton, DO Pediatrics Pratima Boinepalli, MD Family Medicine Molly Craven, DO Reddog Sina, DO Martha Taylor, MD Internal Medicine Romal Bhan, MD Mary Chao, DO Emmanuel Pires, MD Pediatrics/Endocrinology Michael Wood, MD



See page 2 for Top 5 Areas for Improvement from The Joint Commission Survey.


Sparrow joined long‐time partner – the American Cancer Society – to encourage Caregivers to take part in a national study, CPS‐3.

Caregivers enroll in American Cancer Society Study CPS‐3 study participants complete a brief written survey, provide a waist circumference measurement and a small blood sample upon enrollment. Then, for the next 20‐30 years, participants will receive follow‐up surveys to complete at home.

The study aims to help researchers better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Questions? Contact Meggan Miller at x42780 (517.364.2780) or [email protected].

The Joint Commission (TJC) recently visited Sparrow, and we had the opportunity to learn from their expertise. The surveyors were impressed with the level of Physician engagement and complimented us for our low frequency (<10%) of verbal orders and our high use (>86%) of Provider order entry. TJC recommended the following: • Include the date and time for all documentation that remains on paper. • All syringes containing medications must be labels

Joint Commission Survey: Top 5 Areas for Improvementwith the medication name, strength, volume and date before filling the syringes. • Consistently confirm Patient identity with at least two identifiers, such as name, birthdate, MRN on wristband, before providing care. • Unapproved abbreviations used in Patient care are unsafe and not permitted. Sparrow uses the Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations, (6th Ed., 2009) as its official medical records abbreviations reference guide. See Sparrow Intranet, using the

search phrase approved abbreviations. • Include dosing parameters when ordering a medication using a dose that could vary based on test results or other clinical information. . For example, an insulin (Novolog) order for 2-12 units is incomplete unless a sliding scale is included in the administration instructions. Thank you for your continued dedication to providing excellent care to our Patients. Questions? Contact Michael Zaroukian, M.D., at Michael.Zaroukian @sparrow.org.

Sparrow’s nationally recognized Stroke Center is tapping into iPads and remote monitors to help diagnose and provide crucial, potentially life-saving treatment to stroke Patients at regional Emergency Departments in mid-Michigan.

The launch of mid-

Sparrow launches Telestroke network for regionMichigan’s first Telestroke network allows Sparrow Caregivers to teleconference with Physicians and Patients at surrounding hospitals such as Sparrow Ionia, Sparrow Clinton, and Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital.

Physicians and their Patients at regional

Emergency Departments will now have the opportunity for direct, immediate video consultation with stroke neurology experts at the Sparrow Stroke Center.

The Sparrow Stroke Center is Michigan’s first and only Joint Commission-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Michael Brennan, M.D., Director of the Mayo Clinic’s Program in Professionalism and Ethics, spoke to Sparrow Leaders last month. The talk focused on justifying the trust Patients and the community place in us and relating with Patients, families and each other. Mayo Clinic’s Code of Professionalism embeds those principles in the fabric of the organization, and the Sparrow Promise is aligned with this code.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/May 2013

Michael Brennan, M.D.

MSU Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo stopped by Sparrow to

enroll in the CPS‐3 Cancer Study, with James Herman, M.D.


As you are aware, last year Sparrow became Michigan’s first member of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network. This collaboration is designed to provide Sparrow Physicians and their Patients access to Mayo Clinic experts and best practices.

We are pleased to announce, in response to many requests from our Medical Staff, that all Sparrow Physicians now have access to AskMayoExpert while on the Sparrow Network. AskMayoExpert is an online point-of-care tool for Physicians designed by

Mayo Clinic Physicians to be a concise resource for disease management, clinical care guidelines, treatment recommendations and reference materials for a variety of medical conditions. AskMayoExpert is reviewed and updated regularly and represents the latest thinking at Mayo. The tool also connects Physicians with Patient education materials as well as frequently-asked-questions.

To access AskMayoExpert from the Sparrow Network, visit https://askmayoexpert .mayoclinic.org.

In addition, Mayo and Sparrow have also recently launched the Mayo Clinic Health Library, a comprehensive resource for

health information available for the public online at sparrow.org/healthlibrary. The Health Library offers direct access to resources such as an A-Z disease reference, first aid tips, recipes and much more. We invite you and your practice partners to take advantage of these tools for your practice.

We continue to work to fully implement the entire range of benefits of our Mayo Clinic Care Network membership. In addition, Mayo Clinic continues to improve and expand the benefits for Medical Staff and Patients.

June2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Sparrow’s Mayo Clinic Care Network membership


New uniform colors introduced Responding to Caregiver feedback we’re adding two new colors, royal blue and pewter, and removing khaki from our Caregiver uniform color palate.

Unit-based Caregivers such as Patient Care Technicians, Dialysis technicians, and medical assistants will move to royal blue, and our EMTs and Paramedics in the ED, as well as in-patient lab,

will now sport pewter.

The transition to the new colors is underway. We are updating our Patient room posters, admission packets, tray liners and elevator posters to reflect the new colors our Patients will see around the health system.

Sparrow’s system-wide standard uniform policy plays an important role in

improving Patient satisfaction by making it easier for them to identify the roles different Caregivers play in their care.

All affected Caregivers will be fully transitioned to their new colors by Sept. 1. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Verscheure at 517.364.5840 or teresa.verscheure @sparrow.org.

Welcome new physicians: Pediatrics/Gastroenterology Anas Bitar, M.D. Radiology (Online) Vinod Nigam, M.D. Radiology Beverly Rapp, D.O. Emergency Medicine Daniel Bridger, D.O. Ryan Jones, M.D. Daryl Lawrence- Freidl, D.O. Andre Porchia, M.D. Shang Sung, M.D. Mark Shank, D.O. Internal Medicine/PMR Nathan C. Condie, D.O.


John Armstrong, M.D. Chief of Medical Staff


As Caregivers, we are so dedicated to ensuring our Patients receive quality, compassionate care that we can often neglect taking care of ourselves.

Sparrow is here to help with the new Be Well at Sparrow program.

This easy-to-use, comprehensive and confidential online health management system allows users to track their weight

Introducing new health portal, Be Well at Sparrow! and food intake, log physical activity, get health reports and much more.

Get started and win prizes like iPads, iPods, Kindles, gas cards, and gift certificates!

The new Be Well at Sparrow can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet or computer, anywhere, anytime. Log on to sparrowbewell.com and get on the path to wellness.

To help improve communication of order details between Providers (Physicians, PAs & NPs) and Caregivers (Nurses, Therapists & PCTs), the iSparrow EMR team has standardized how all comments and administration instructions are displayed when attached to medication orders. Medication Order Comments Display

This is the display as seen by the Pharmacist upon Verification when a Prescriber places a note in the Medication Comments Section. Medication Administration Instructions Display

The Administration Instructions Section of the Medication Order is a place where Prescribers may give special instructions to other Caregivers including Nurses, Pharmacists and Respiratory Therapists. The Tip and Trick: Order Comments & Questions is posted on iSparrow Central for review.

iSparrow: Medication comments & administration instructions

Karen Kent-VanGorder, M.D., will serve as Sparrow’s Executive Medical Director of Physician Performance. This newly created position expands her previous role of Medical Director of Credentialing to also include the oversight of the Medical Staff clinical quality processes, quality improvement and data analysis that is essential to Physician performance improvement. This expanded role will provide medical staff members with an additional peer resource to assist them in the evaluation of the growing amount of clinical data.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/June 2013

Karen Kent-VanGorder, M.D.

Sparrow Caregivers can now use a new neonatal transport incubator to transport our smallest, most fragile Patients to Sparrow from other facilities thanks to the support of partners in the community.

The transport incubator, purchased with funds from KIA of Lansing, Auto-Owners Insurance and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Out-State Michigan, is a specially equipped incubator that is used in ambulances to help safely transport critically ill newborns from community hospitals

Sparrow unveils new neonatal transport incubator

to Sparrow and occasionally from Sparrow to other specialty facilities.

News & In format ion for Medica l Staff

Are Patient perceptions of their care accurate predictors of quality? How do Patients and families perceive our care as a Medical Staff? Does perception of care really matter and should it get our attention?

The Medical Staff Executive Committee at Sparrow is looking at these issues intently. We want to offer our community the very best in care, and this includes the Patients’ perception of their care together with clinical quality measurements.

The IOM discussed patient-centered care and engagement as being central to better outcomes as far back as 2001, and more explicitly in a 2012 report “Better care at lower cost.”

In 2005, the National Quality Forum endorsed “HCAHPS” as a methodology for measuring Patient experience and quality. The Physician portion asks how often doctors (1) treated the Patient with courtesy and respect, (2) listened carefully, and (3)

explained things in a way the Patient could understand.

Higher Patient satisfaction on perception of care also correlates to lower readmissions, better outcomes, reduced errors, fewer complications and improved caregiver experience. It no longer is a “soft” add on. It is a tangible measure of Patient-centered care.

Thank you for giving this your full attention and for putting the Patient at the center of what we do.

July2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Patient perception of care – Does it reflect quality?


Sparrow earns Blue Distinction Center+℠ designation for Cardiac Care Sparrow recently earned designation as a Blue Distinction Center+℠ for Cardiac Care by BlueCross BlueShield of Michigan.

The + distinction indicates that Sparrow not only meets the quality‐focused, Patient safety and outcome criteria required to be a Blue Distinction Center℠ for Cardiac

Care, but also undertakes cost of care measures to do it efficiently.

“I’m proud that we’ve earned this notable distinction, joining only about 500 other facilities in the country, proving that we can provide state‐of‐the‐science technology and the best Patient care, right here in mid‐Michigan.” said

Dr. Joel Cohn, M.D., FACC, Director of the Sparrow Heart and Vascular Center.

Evaluation includes medical team expertise, an established cardiac care program with a full range of services, the number of procedures performed and a track record of success, along with a quality management program.

Welcome new physicians: Anesthesia Sonya Elgammal, D.O. Family Medicine Yuriy Bukavyn, M.D. Jennifer Greenblatt, D.O. Gregory Holzman, M.D. Joel Lopez, M.D. Forensic Pathology Joseph DelTondo, D.O. Elizabeth Douglas, M.D. Brandy Shattuck, M.D. Internal Medicine Victor Fayad, M.D. Hrishikesh Kulkarni, M.D. Jeffrey Martindale, D.O. Internal Medicine/Pulmonary Gerald Pruitt, D.O. OB/GYN Brooke Harms, D.O. Pediatrics Bhagya M. Venkatesh, M.D. Pediatrics/Endocrinology Audrey Austin, M.D.




Amanda Shoemaker, M.D. Sparrow Medical Group - Holt

Holt Physician named People’s ChoiceAmanda Shoemaker, M.D. was named 2013 People’s Choice for favorite doctor by the Holt community.

Dr. Shoemaker worked at Sparrow Medical Group in Mason but moved to the new Holt SMG practice when it opened in January.

Shoemaker said several

people walked into the office before it opened. “That was a good sign because it showed there was a need here.”

As a graduate of Michigan State University and a Holt resident, she is committed to bringing Sparrow’s care and services to the local community.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services announced that International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) must be replaced by ICD-10 on Oct. 1, 2014. All HIPAA covered entities must comply to ensure that payments are not interrupted.

ICD-9 has been in use for more than 30 years and is not able to accommodate new procedures and diseases.

Transition to ICD-10 has begun at Sparrow ICD-10 allows for greater specificity when documenting diagnosis and procedures and has an enhanced ability to demonstrate improved outcomes and quality.

ICD-10 will be used by all Providers in all settings to assign problem list entries or visit diagnoses. It will also capture inpatient procedures for acute care hospital claims.

Professionals in the

outpatient setting (Medicare Part B claims) will continue to use Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Sparrow’s transition to ICD-10 has already begun. Our Medical Record Coders are in training and Physician work groups are meeting to discuss impacts and implementation plans. Watch for more information coming soon.

Sparrow Medical Group practices have earned designation as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by BlueCross BlueShield.

PCMH represents an approach to healthcare

Sparrow Medical Group earns PCMH status that focuses on an ongoing, personal relationship between a Patient and Physician addressing all aspects of care from acute to preventative, chronic and end of life, creating a single trusted “home”

for their care.

The Physician, Patient, and care team work collaboratively to create a comprehensive and integrated care plan, improving health and the Patient experience.

Longtime Director retires after 35 years Ronald Horowitz, M.D., who has led Sparrow Laboratories to become one of the largest hospital-based outreach labs in the country, has retired after serving more than 35 years at Sparrow. During Dr. Horowitz’s time as Medical Director, Sparrow Laboratories has achieved national recognition as a Molecular Center of Excellence. There are only 33 hospital-based laboratories with this designation in the United States. Dr. Horowitz’s retirement was effective July 31, 2013.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/July 2013

Ronald Horowitz, M.D. Medical Director, Sparrow Laboratories


Excellence in communication is at the heart of quality care for our Patients and their families. Communication between Caregivers and Patients, and also between team members, affects Patient perception of care and more importantly, outcomes.

As you know the Medical Staff Executive Committee (MSEC) and the CPRQ have been working to improve communication and the Patient perception of care.

The MSEC recently adopted the “Medical

Staff Communications Promise” to guide our system-wide efforts on improving medical staff communications at all levels.

The initial task is to consider how best to handle critical consults and hand-offs. Enhancements to our on-call database and upgrades to our communication tools also warrant consideration.

The MSEC is exploring various communication training techniques and initiatives, including those strategies and principles employed by the Mayo

Clinic, the American Academy of Health Care Communication, the Studer Group, and the American College of Graduate Medical Education.

A group of high impact Physicians will pilot the training program and participate as we refine the process to create a culture of communication excellence at Sparrow.

Ultimately, we have taken the lead to master the Patient-centered communication skills that our community and Patients deserve.

August2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Communication key to quality outcomes


TAVR procedure continues to provide life- changing results for aortic stenosis PatientsRay Hansen, 90, of Williamston, was one of the first to undergo the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure at Sparrow and he recently shared his experience to help spread the word about how it changed his life.

Before the surgery Hansen was weak, had great difficulty

breathing, and could only take a few steps.

His son, Ray Hansen, M.D., of Mid-Michigan Physicians, says that the day after surgery his family found him walking around his hospital room with a big smile.

During the minimally invasive procedure, available only for

“inoperable” or “high-risk” Patients, a catheter delivers a replacement prosthetic valve to the heart. Once there, a balloon is inflated which expands the valve and secures it in place.

Learn more about the TAVR procedure and watch his story in the September Sparrow News Video Edition at SparrowTV.org.

Welcome new physicians: Emergency Medicine Pamela Coffey, M.D. Bradley Garrett, D.O. Abbie Harts, M.D. Michael Racine, M.D. Internal Medicine Mohamed Akkad, M.D. Venu Chennamaneni, M.D. Maan Ekkah, M.D. Papia Kar, M.D. Shaza Khan, M.D. Neurology Yanny Phillips, D.O., Ph.D Malathi Rao, D.O. Radiology Collins Chijioke, M.D. Luke Kopulos, M.D. Suresh Mukherji, M.D. Justin Wagner, D.O. Surgery - General Troy Ferguson, D.O. Kosisochi Obinwanne, M.D.




Dr. Herman to headline Health Awareness Conference on Prostate Cancer

Sparrow TCI Echo labs have earned a three-year accreditation in Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

This designation reflects exemplary performance through a thorough review of operational and technical components and in-depth case study

Sparrow TCI Echo Labs earn accreditation review.

IAC accreditation is only given to those facilities that are found to provide quality Patient care in compliance with national standards.

This accreditation was received by TCI Echo Labs in Lansing, Mt. Pleasant, Owosso and Eaton Rapids.

IAC accreditation is a

“seal of approval” that Patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of operations.

Early detection of life- threatening heart disorders and other diseases through Echocardiography testing can help to address the No.1 cause of death in the U.S.

PHP is committed to providing Physicians with quality, efficient service and that starts with a brand new website at phpmichigan.com.

Physician tools featured in new PHP website A section dedicated to Physicians contains information on partnering with PHP, policies and procedures, important claims and reimbursement forms, care management, a

provider manual and offers answers to your frequently asked questions.

phpmichigan.com is a new way to access award-winning service.

Sparrow has named Edwin Marinas, M.D., as the Interim Medical Director of Sparrow Laboratories. Dr. Marinas is also the Medical Director of Sparrow Clinton Hospital Laboratory, Vice-Chairman of Sparrow’s Department of Pathology, and Medical Director of Michigan State University’s Clinical Center Laboratory. Dr. Marinas previously served as Associate Medical Director of Sparrow Regional Laboratories and will serve as Interim Medical Director of Sparrow Laboratories following the retirement of longtime Medical Director Ronald Horowitz, M.D.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/August 2013

Edwin Marinas, M.D.

James Herman, M.D. Medical Director, Sparrow Cancer Center

James Herman, M.D., Sparrow Cancer Center Medical Director, is presenting “That Men Can Live with Prostate Cancer” at the first annual Lonnie D. Johnson Health Awareness Conference.

Sponsored by Sparrow and other community organizations, the conference will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at

St. Stephen’s Community Church, 1007 Kimberly Drive, Lansing.

Also speaking is Andrea King Collier, author and emotional/social specialist.

The program starts at 9:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. Registration is free. Call 517.488.8081 to reserve your spot.

News & I nf orma t io n f or Medica l S taf f

We are constantly striving to be national leaders in the way we provide care for our Patients. This flu season is no different. As Physicians and Caregivers, it is our responsibility to do whatever necessary to protect the well-being of our Patients. That’s why we are strongly encouraging all medical staff to get a flu shot this year. Not only will the vaccine protect you against the influenza virus, but it will also help to ensure we’re not spreading the flu to Patients. When we don’t get

vaccinated we put our Patients and our fellow Caregivers at risk. Sparrow is offering free flu clinics to Caregivers this year during the first two weeks in October. Please make an effort to get vaccinated at one of these clinics. As Physicians, it’s important for us to lead by example. Caregivers throughout the health

system often look to us for guidance and direction. Based on standards set forth by The Joint Commission, we hope to have 70 percent of Caregivers vaccinated this year. Last year, 63 percent of Sparrow Caregivers received the vaccine. These shots are not mandatory, but they are encouraged. I ask that you help us to protect our Patients and get your flu shot this year. For a complete schedule of the free Caregiver flu clinics, log on to the Sparrow Intranet and visit the Occupational Health page.

September 2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Medical Staff should help protect Patients, get flu shot


Dr. Ip to address experts in Asia Pacific region

Sparrow Electrophysiologist, John Ip, M.D., FACC, has been invited to present research on a major study at a prestigious international conference in

Hong Kong, Oct. 3-6. Dr. Ip will present to more than 3,000 conference attendees from around the world at the 6th Annual APHRS & CardioRhythm 2013 conference. Dr. Ip is Medical Director at the Sparrow Clinical Research Institute (SCRI). “It is an honor as a Physician, and on behalf of SCRI, to be invited to present our own original research to such an esteemed gathering of

experts,” Dr. Ip said. “This opportunity positions SCRI to be on the leading edge of new cardiovascular research and technologies which ultimately helps us to better serve our Patients right here in mid-Michigan.” SCRI is a non-profit medical research foundation that performs clinical research in cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiovascular surgery, among others.

Welcome new physicians:

Family Medicine

Craig M. Brown, D.O.

Internal Medicine

Katie McCausland, D.O. (PMR)

Sergio Ponze, M.D. (Nephrology)

Vaibhav Sahni, M.D. (Nephrology)

Pediatrics

Jason T. Christensen, M.D. (Cardiology)

Jessica Gengler, D.O.

Psychiatry

Venkata Jasty, M.D.

Radiation/Oncology

Nathan Jones, D.O.

Surgery

Ruby Chahal, D.P.M.

(Orthopedics/Podiatry)

Andrew Compton, M.D. (ENT)

Christopher Wilcox, D.O. (Orthopedics)

Please contact me



or other issues at


org or 517.484.2760.




SMG practices honored for vaccination rates

Sparrow is collaborating with Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) to open a new medical clinic in Lansing to serve the area’s homeless. The clinic will be on-site at VOAMI, 430 North Larch St. in Lansing, and each year will serve an estimated 3,400 underserved Patients, many of whom are physically disabled and/or suffer from mental illness. “We’re very proud to be a part of this project and to take the lead in

Sparrow to open new medical clinic at VOA

fundamentally transforming care in Michigan,” said Joe Ruth, Sparrow Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Lynn Nevin, M.D., will staff the clinic along with other medical and office

personnel. The clinic is scheduled to open in early 2014. Head over to www.facebook.com/SparrowHealthSystem to check out more photos from the groundbreaking ceremony.

Sparrow is once again co-sponsoring Pap-O-Rama, offering free cervical cancer screenings to uninsured women. In conjunction with the Saturday, Oct. 19 event, a limited number of free mammograms will be available for uninsured

Free pap smears, mammograms for uninsured women at our Sparrow Ramblewood Imaging Center, 1575 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing. Women must be ages 40-64 and have not had a mammogram in at least 12 months. Appointments are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pap-O-Rama will be held

at Alliance Ob/Gyn, 1560 Turf Lane, East Lansing. The event is for uninsured women who have not had a pap smear in at least three years. Direct Patients to call 517.364.3685 to make an appointment for both a mammogram or Pap-O-Rama.

Kosisochi Obinwanne, M.D., has joined Sparrow’s Bariatric Surgery team. Dr. Obinwanne recently completed his minimally invasive surgery/bariatric surgery fellowship at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in Wisconsin and his surgery residency at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in South Carolina. Dr. Obinwanne will join Mindy Lane, D.O., in the SMG bariatric surgery practice and provide bariatric and general surgery services. Please join us in welcoming

Dr. Obinwanne to Sparrow

Medical Group!

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/September 2013

Kosisochi Obinwanne, M.D.

Michigan Peer Review Organization (MPRO), Michigan's Healthcare Quality Improvement Organization, awarded Sparrow Medical Group practices the 2012 Governor’s Interim Award of Excellence. Michigan practices that

participate in the Preventive Care Learning and Action Network are eligible to receive the Governor’s Award of Excellence by completing additional requirements and demonstrating quality care improvement. SMG Dewitt, Eastside,

Lansing, Mason, North, Okemos, West and Senior Health received the interim award after increasing pneumonia vaccination rates to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s 90th percentile benchmark and then maintaining the improvements. Only 16 practices statewide earned this honor, and the interim award is a stepping stone to achieving the Governor's Award of Excellence in 2014.

<< An artist’s rendering of the new clinic set to open next year.

News & I nf orma t io n f or Medica l S taf f

The time has come to select our new Chief of Staff – Elect. John Kepros, M.D., has accepted the nomination for Chief of Staff – Elect. The Medical Staff Executive Committee and its Nominating Sub-Committee have worked diligently over the last several months on the selection of nominations. The Committee has discussed possible interest with a significant number (>25) of current and potential Medical Staff Leaders. Several highly qualified individuals have chosen

at this time to defer their candidacy due to personal and professional commitments, as well as the strength of the current candidate. Dr. Kepros is currently Director of Trauma Services, which is now second in volume in Michigan with more than 3,000 patients per year. He received the Inaugural Sparrow Physician Leadership award and is the current Chair of Surgery. He has served the Medical Staff actively on multiple committees and holds a Master’s Degree in both

Business Administration and Surgery in addition to his traditional medical training. There is an opportunity and established mechanism for other individuals who might wish to place their name in nomination. I would be happy to discuss the process and requirements anytime with any interested persons. The next Quarterly Staff meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at 6 p.m. at the Kellogg Center. We look forward to seeing you there.

October 2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: John Kepros, M.D., nominated for Chief of Staff-Elect


Register for Nov. 8 Critical Care Conference Sparrow will be the scene of a major Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Conference that runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Sparrow Auditorium. The conference, organized by Sparrow’s Critical Care Transport Team, will offer lectures by some of our most prominent Physicians and hands-on demonstrations to provide treatment options for Patients with traumatic injuries. It’s

especially aimed at Nurses and Paramedics. Some of this year’s session topics include Toxicology, Neurology, Geriatrics, Cardiology, and more. There will also be surgical labs led by MSU Trauma Surgery, ventilation labs led by Sparrow Respiratory Therapy, and geriatric labs. There is limited seating for some labs. The event is free for Sparrow Caregivers and

$10 for non-Sparrow Caregivers. Go to http://goo.gl/QgAc5 for online registration information.


Family Medicine

Amy Mitchell, M.D.

Internal Medicine

Chad Gerrish, D.O.

Naveen Kakumanu, M.D. (Endocrinology)

Dean McFarlane-Parrott, M.D.

Thomas McKeon, M.D.

Manjunath Raju, M.D.

Psychiatry

Anu Challa, M.D.

Surgery/Orthopedics

Nikola Dobrasevic, M.D.

George Goipoian, D.P.M. (Podiatry)

Please contact me



or other issues at


org or 517.484.2760.


John Dery, M.D., leads Sparrow’s

Critical Care Transport Team.

http://goo.gl/QgAc5



Breast cancer forum brings survivors, supporters

As part of our efforts to streamline processes and become more cost-effective, the Physician Relations program sunset in October. Historically, Sparrow’s Physician Relations program has worked to transmit and receive information between Physicians and the Health System. Physicians and Medical Staff Leaders are playing a

Sparrow Physician Relations program sunsets

more direct role throughout our system, participating in work groups and helping us to improve services to meet the unique needs of our Medical Staff. The roles and responsibilities previously held by Physician Relations are being absorbed into other areas of the organization and management of more complex issues will be

handled through our Physician advisory groups. Many functions will be taken on by the Medical Staff Office and Medical Staff Leadership. Service line and Department Directors will assume responsibility for Physician issue resolution as it pertains to their span of control. Please contact the Medical Staff office at 517.364.2582 if you have any questions.

A study performed by a group of Sparrow and Michigan State University Physicians is getting national attention. David Betten, M.D., a medical toxicologist in the Department of Emergency Medicine, was interviewed

Sparrow, MSU study gets national attention for a NPR story about the

study, which evaluated the risks of burning different types fuel with backpacking stoves inside three- and four- season tents. Dr. Betten, along with Sparrow and Michigan State University Physicians David

J. Castle, D.O., Lee L. Bales, M.D., and Mary J. Hughes, D.O., conducted the study, which warned campers to avoid burning camping stoves inside tents to avoid the buildup of poisonous carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas.

Gordan Srkalovic, M.D., PhD, FACP, Director, Clinical Trials Office at the Sparrow Cancer Center, has been elected to serve as President of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This growing organization is comprised of physicians, academicians, researchers, financial specialists and artists with connections to Dr. Srkalovic’s native country.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/October 2013

Gordan Srkalovic, M.D.

Nearly 100 people – including breast cancer survivors, supporters and women who wanted more information – attended a recent public forum featuring experts from

Sparrow and the Mayo Clinic. Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic and Sparrow Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic Physicians Karen Ching,

M.D., Vesna Kaluza, M.D., and Timothy McKenna, D.O., presented and answered audience questions during the event. The Physicians said there is not a “one-size fits all” approach to screening for and treating breast cancer, and women should work with their doctor to determine what’s best for them based off their family history and personal risk factors.

Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic (right) and Sparrow Physicians listen to a question from the audience during the breast cancer forum.


HCAHPS, or Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, scores have been distributed to Physicians.

Studies have shown that Patient perception of care is directly related to Patient outcomes and quality. This is part of what we need to do to ensure quality outcomes.

The Physician Domain in HCAHPS (there are many others) encompasses primarily the following questions asked of Patients after discharge: 1. During this hospital stay,

how often did doctors treat you with courtesy and respect?

2. During this hospital stay,

how often did doctors listen carefully to you?

3. During this hospital stay, how often did doctors explain things in a way you could understand? My own scores came

back lower than I hoped, but I came to the following conclusions, which I hope may resonate with you: • I own my score and

commit to do what I can to improve it. I can always be better.

• We are mutually dependent upon each other. We are a team.

• It’s important. Doing this well will make a difference.

Please spend some time thinking about the topics of Patient perception of “courtesy and respect,” “listening carefully,” and “explaining in a way you could understand.”

Not all of us have HCAHP scores, but all of us must embrace this work. There are many specific tools that will be part of the Sparrow Medical Staff Communication Promise and educational initiatives.

I feel very fortunate to work in an institution with such a highly skilled medical staff. Thanks for all that you do.

November2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: HCAHPS scores impact Patient outcomes


Cancer Center earns national oncology certification The Sparrow Cancer

Center, through the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI), has earned a three-year certification for its commitment to delivering the highest quality of cancer care.

QOPI Certification is a national designation given through the American Society of Clinical Oncology, (ASCO), the world’s

leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer.

“Sparrow was one of the first oncology practices in the nation to earn the inaugural certification in 2010, and I am proud that we continue to meet the rigorous standards necessary to renew our certification for another three years,” said Gordon Srkalovic, M.D., PhD,

FACP, Clinical Trials Director of the Sparrow Cancer Center.

To receive QOPI Certification, a practice must undergo a thorough on-site review, including how policies are translated into practice, evaluation of working knowledge of safety standards, and proof of ongoing engagement with staff on safety and quality.


Radiology Amorita Guno, M.D. Internal Medicine Amir Abadir, M.D. Sonya Gupta, D.O. Internal Medicine/Nephrology Neetu Sharma, M.D. Emergency Medicine Polly Lilliboe, M.D. Family Medicine Kristy Beckholt, D.O.




New leaders for Sparrow pediatric practices

Sparrow Physicians Michael H. Zaroukian, M.D., PhD, FACP, FHIMSS, and Ved Gossain, M.D., FRCP© FACP, FACP, have been elected Masters of the American College of Physicians.

This select honor is bestowed on internal medicine specialists to recognize the excellence and significance of their contributions to the field of medicine.

Sparrow Physicians elected Masters of the ACP

Dr. Zaroukian is Sparrow’s Vice President & Chief Medical Information Officer, and Dr. Gossain is Chief of Endocrinology at MSU.

Mastership is conferred only on a select number of worthy candidates who are deemed distinguished through the practice of internal medicine.

In a past newsletter, we informed you that CMS has set an Oct. 1, 2014, deadline for conversion from ICD-9 to ICD-10. Here are some answers to Provider questions about the transition to ICD-10.

What ICD-10 challenges can Physicians anticipate? Physicians will need to take time to train on several key clinical

iSparrow News: Getting ready for ICD-10documentation and coding concepts for ICD-10. They will also likely experience initial loss of clinical productivity as they learn to document and code effectively and efficiently in ICD-10. Our ICD-10 Physician Workgroup is examining and attempting to minimize negative impacts.

What will Physicians need to do differently in the EMR for ICD-10?

Clinical documentation will need to change to help coders translate “clinical speak” to ICD-10 codes. This will help ensure accurate and timely reimbursement, support quality care and reporting, and promote safety.

In a future newsletter, we will provide an inpatient example of the differences in documentation required in ICD-10.

Sparrow Neurosciences Medical Director David Kaufman, D.O., was featured in a recent New York Times story about neurologists serving on the sidelines of college football games. Only Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have a neurologist on the field for all home and away games. Dr. Kaufman, who is also Professor and Chair of Neurology at MSU, assesses football players for possible concussions.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/November 2013

David Kaufman, D.O.

Timur Raghib, M.D., now oversees all three Sparrow Medical Group pediatric practices: pediatric hospitalist, pediatric intensivists, and pediatric subspecialties. Dr. Raghib has been Medical Director of the

SMG Pediatric Hospitalist program since July 2011.

In addition, Natalie Buslepp has assumed the role of Director of Operations for the same three SMG pediatric practices. This will be in

addition to her current role of Director of Operations for the Adult Hospitalist Practice.

Please welcome Dr. Raghib and Natalie to their new roles.


As my term as chief of staff draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for the privilege of serving. We worked together on a truly remarkable medical team.

To name just a few of medical staff’s accomplishments, we have successfully launched iSparrow EMR, joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network and earned the MQC Quality Leadership Award. We also developed and ratified the Sparrow Promise, the Sparrow Communication Promise and launched its training program.

We have also made great strides in advancing quality, culture, communication and teamwork.

All of this moves us toward a Patient-first environment where everyone

on the healthcare team has the same purpose, mission and priorities. We focused on our shared common values: valuing the Patient and family, valuing each other, valuing excellence in the science and art of medicine.

I am proud of what

the medical staff has accomplished, and grateful for the opportunity to serve as chief of staff.

I’d also like to welcome James Olson, M.D., and John Kepros, M.D., to their new roles as chief of staff and chief of staff-elect. We all look forward to working with them during their upcoming terms!

December2013

A Message from John Armstrong, M.D.: Thank you for a great term as Chief of Staff


James Olson, M.D., begins two-year term Jan. 1 Please welcome James

Olson, M.D., new Chief of the Medical Staff.

Dr. Olson has been a member of the Sparrow medical staff since 1986. He is a Physician champion for the iSparrow EMR and will serve as director of the Sparrow/Michigan State

University Family Medicine residency program.

He is past vice-chair of the Family Medicine Department and past director of Sparrow Mason Urgent Care.

Questions? Contact Dr. Olson at 517.802.2660 or [email protected].

James Olson, M.D.

Welcome new physicians: Pediatrics Josephine Z. Kasa-Vubu, M.D. Boyce K. English, M.D. (Infectious Disease) Family Medicine Ramiro Daza, M.D. Radiation Oncology Jacquelyn Watson, M.D. Internal Medicine Qinging Wang, M.D. (Geriatrics) Giancarlo M. Diaz-Zamora, M.D. (Rheumatology) Ghulam Khaleeq, M.D. (Pulmonary-Critical Care and Sleep Medicine) Obstetrics and Gynecology Kevin London, M.D.




Annual Report features Patients and Physicians

John Kepros, M.D.

During Dr. Olson’s

term as chief of staff,

Dr. Kepros named new chief of staff-elect John Kepros, M.D., will serve as chief of staff-elect.

Dr. Kepros is currently Director of Trauma Services, which is now second in volume in Michigan with more than 3,000 patients per year. He received the Inaugural Sparrow Physician Leadership award and is the current Chair of Surgery. He has served

For the third consecutive year, the Sparrow Stroke Center has been awarded the Gold Plus designation from the American Heart and American Stroke Associations.

The designation puts Sparrow in America’s elite

Stroke Center receives Gold Plus designation for stroke treatment. The award recognizes commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted guidelines.

The Sparrow Stroke

Center was named Michigan’s first Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission earlier this year.

For more information on stroke care at Sparrow, visit sparrow.org/stroke.

Firefighters in the Lansing area are protecting themselves from cyanide gas thanks to the research of Sparrow Emergency Department Physician John Dery, D.O., FACEP, FACOEP, in partnership with Delta Township Fire Dept. This research is being used to help firefighters determine the best time to remove their safety gear following a fire. Dr. Dery’s research is also leading to the use of CyanoKit, a medication used for cyanide poisoning, for smoke inhalation victims.

Sparrow Medical Staff Newsletter/December 2013

John Dery, D.O., FACEP, FACOEP

The 2013 Sparrow Annual Report, featuring videos of Patients and Caregivers, is now available at sparrowannualreport.org.

This year’s Annual Report highlights some of our Patients whose lives have been touched by the care they’ve received and the Caregivers who provided it to them. At Sparrow, our Patient-centered approach is fundamentally transforming the way health care is provided in our community.

The Report provides key

highlights of the numerous achievements of our Caregivers.

Visit sparrowannualreport.org to view.

the Medical Staff actively on multiple committees and holds a Master’s Degree in both Business Administration and Surgery in addition to his traditional medical training.

Questions? Contact [email protected] or call the Trauma Services Office at 517.364.2616 ext. 2

med staff newsletter jan 2013 - sparrow health …...leadership award, the physician of the year,...

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