Summer 2013
Message from the President Our main focus at Franciscan is to give people the services they need to live home and live well. We provide medical equipment, respiratory therapy, home health aides, Frank L. Smith, Jr. companions, a medical alert system and much more to ensure just that. So, when I hear of a scam that is targeting the population we serve, it concerns me. For several months, a medical alert scam has been hitting seniors – locally and nationally. It’s been all over the news – MSN, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, and local stations have run numerous stories. In fact, Franciscan was interviewed for a story on NewsChannel 9 (WSYR-TV) in May. Not only have our customers received a call from the scammers, but so have Franciscan employees’ own grandmothers and parents as recently as last week. The company poses as a medical alert company called “Senior Medical Alert” or “Senior Medical Advisors.” Callers are made to believe it’s a legitimate company such as Franciscan Lifeline. As AARP describes it, “the calls can grab your attention as a grim recorded voice warns of increasing rates of death and injury from falls or other home-alone (continued on page 3)
Special Programs of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center Network
Vent Patient Beats Odds and Goes to College People assume Erin Vallelly can’t do certain things. She was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy as a toddler, and has used a wheelchair and a ventilator since. But Erin is proving those people wrong. “I can do the same things they can; I just have to try harder,” she says. It’s how she was raised by her mother Mary and father Kevin. “We raised her with the idea that there’s something that everybody can’t do,” Mary explains. “Her disability is just something that you can see.” While many people in her situation would be homeschooled, Erin attended school in Dryden daily and just graduated in June. “I think Erin is an amazing person,” says Timothy Curtis, Respiratory Care Manager at Franciscan Health Support. “I’ve worked with her for 2 ½ years now and she’s an amazing inspiration.” “She’s incredible,” adds Erin’s mom. “I think it’s amazing that she doesn’t really care what everyone thinks. She figured out what’s important for her which is remarkable for someone her age.” Erin’s ventilator is provided by Franciscan Health Support. As a child, Erin’s ventilator weighed 60 lbs. “We had to redo our house so her bedroom was downstairs,” Mary says. “It was difficult to go out…
HIGH TECH 2 PULMONARY 3 SCANNERS FORUM
Erin Vallelly will enjoy the summer in Dryden before heading to Wells College in the fall.
not because we cared what people thought, but because it’s just a lot of stuff to carry. It’s difficult to carry a toddler and a lot of equipment.” Now, Erin has a portable ventilator from Franciscan that is the size of a laptop computer. It allows patients to be mobile and improves their quality of life. Because of its portability, Erin is able to go away to college in the fall. She is attending Wells College in Aurora. “I liked that there were only 500 kids,” she says. “I didn’t want to be a number. That’s not for me. Everyone is super friendly, welcoming and really nice.” Erin acts like it’s no big deal to go away to college – but experts say it certainly is. “For her to graduate high school and go to college is phenomenal. In the 23 years I’ve been a respiratory therapist, (continued on page 2)
4 HEALING WOUNDS
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Franciscan Health Support Holds Spring Pulmonary Forum
Franciscan Expands Into North Country
Franciscan has developed a partnership with Carthage Area Hospital. We will manage their new two-bed sleep lab, which just opened. We have also formed a durable medical equipment company called Mountain Lakes Health Support. Mountain Lakes will provide CPAP, oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs and other medical equipment to the North Country. North Country residents can contact the new sleep lab at 493-2512, and Mountain Lakes Health Support at 519-6712.
On May 23, 2013, Franciscan Health Support held its Spring Pulmonary Forum at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, where nearly 75 Registered Respiratory Therapists from around the region gathered to continue respiratory care education. Frank L. Smith, Jr., MS, RRT presented “Accountable Care and Respiratory Therapy Part III” and Dr. Thomas Aiello discussed current trends in COPD treatment. Neil Widrick, BS, RRT discussed PAP Naps, which allow patients to become more comfortable with their CPAP products. Additionally, Kathleen Beney, MS, RRT spoke about opportunities and obstacles involved with clinical research and James Myers, RRT discussed the outcomes of prolonged artificial ventilation. Participants in the forum earned credits required by the American Association for Respiratory Care.
Rewarding our Readers Be sure to read each issue carefully, as the names of three readers are now included in the text of each issue. If you find your name, call 315.458.3600 ext. 123 and you’ll win a $25 gift card!
Need Extra Help at Home? Embracing Age provides the support services needed to remain living independently for as long as possible. Community members are benefiting from help around the house including companions, light housekeeping, meal preparation, home health aides and transportation. Whether you or a loved one needs a ride to the doctor’s office, or help keeping the house running, Embracing Age is there for you. Rest assured that our staff members and services can be trusted to help in your time of need. Embracing Age is located in DeWitt, NY, and can be reached toll-free at 1-855-MY-HELP-2 (1-800-694-3572) or at www.EmbracingAge.org.
Vent Patient Beat Odd… continued from page 1 I’ve never heard of that,” Curtis says. “It’s pretty remarkable. It’s exciting for us. We are so proud of her,” says Mary. At Wells, Erin plans to study business and psychology with the goal of becoming a professional fundraiser. She will need 24/7 support there, though. Her parents have been trying to find private nursing care in the Aurora area but it’s been difficult. So far, they haven’t had luck. Robert Casale “It’s nerve wracking. If necessary, I will go to college and be with her. But what kid wants mom to go to college with her?” Mary says. Either way, the Vallellys will make it work. Because seeing their daughter live her dream is worth it. “All the work I’ve put in has paid off. I’m excited for the next chapter of my story,” says Erin.
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Drivers to Use New Equipment Franciscan’s delivery process is now hightech! Beginning this month, our Franciscan Health Support warehouse crew is using Brightree Mobile Delivery scanners to improve efficiencies. The devices are similar to those used by the top parcel delivery companies. The new scanners eliminate paperwork, reduce the time between deliveries and increase delivery accuracy. Customers will be asked to sign the screen at the time of delivery to ensure you receive the products you requested.
Message from the President… continued from page 1 medical emergencies.” In many cases, the unsuspecting senior is told a family member purchased the alert system for them. The goal is to obtain a credit card number or bank account information. We do not tolerate anyone who uses scare tactics to induce consumers to respond to their offer. Our Lifeline team has been working to trace the source of the calls. We ensure our customers that this scam is in no way connected to Franciscan or Franciscan’s Lifeline Medical Alert product. The Attorney General is urging anyone who receives such a call not to provide the caller with any billing or other personal information. Also, you’re advised to ask the caller to provide a physical address. They likely will not be able to provide one. Hang up on such callers and don’t pay for anything you didn’t order. If you have any concerns, feel free to call our Franciscan Lifeline team at 492-8175. God Bless,
Frank L. Smith, Jr. President and CEO, Franciscan Companies
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation? St. Joseph’s Hospital offers several preventive services at its Janus Park location in Liverpool including pulmonary rehabilitation. However, many people are not familiar with pulmonary rehab. Who Qualifies If you have asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary Fibrosis or any other lung condition, you may qualify for pulmonary rehabilitation services. Process What can you expect from participating in pulmonary rehabilitation? You can expect to begin exercise under the supervision of our skilled staff. Each participant’s exercise program is individualized, starting slowly and gradually increasing at your own pace. You will attend classes that teach you breathing techniques to help reduce shortness of breath. You will learn skills to use when traveling and
when to call your doctor for help. You will learn about medications that can help and how they work. Goal The goal is for you to leave our program feeling stronger and more confident. We want you to breathe better and live a healthier life. Payment Most insurance companies cover the majority of the fee. Our staff will design a program to fit your needs. Contact Us Talk with your doctor about a referral to SJH pulmonary rehabilitation, or call us at 458-7171 and we can help get the process started. Our site is easy to access and parking is free. If you or a loved one has trouble breathing, why not check us out!
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Patients suffering from wounds caused by diabetes, circulatory problems, injuries and radiation are living more comfortably, thanks to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. Located at Northeast Medical Center, the wound care center offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT. This treatment involves a patient breathing 100% oxygen inside a pressurized environment. High concentrations of oxygen are pumped into the blood stream, which assists in the wound healing process. “Not only have studies shown that HBOT accelerates wound healing, but it also reduces amputation rates and helps patients avoid hospitalization,” says Medical Director Dr. Joseph Byrne, M.D. The most common use of HBOT is to aid in the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers in which restricted blood vessels prevent the proper amount of oxygen from getting to the ulcers. This condition often leads to amputations. During HBOT, patients lay on a stretcher inside a Plexiglas chamber. The chamber is pressurized to the equivalent of a 33-foot deep-sea dive and drives twenty times more oxygen into the blood compared to that of regular air. This increase in concentrated oxygen allows wounds to heal easier and fight certain types of infections. A full round of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy consists of two hour treatments, five days a week for eight weeks, or a total of 40 sessions. During treatment, patients can watch a movie of their choice or enjoy the scenery through a bank of windows. “Because patients spend so much time in our office during their treatment, they really develop a good relationship with the doctors and nurses,” says Program Director Debra Bergman. “We want them to be as comfortable as possible and relax during their treatments with us.” Every staff member at the center is nationally certified to treat patients with HBOT. “They must have adequate knowledge, training and hands on experience because 100% oxygen is involved which needs to be taken seriously,” says Dr. Byrne. The St. Joseph’s Hospital Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been accredited with distinction by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine Society.
Dr. Joseph Byrne speaks with patient Richard Kinney as he prepares for his 13th oxygen treatment.
Welcome Home With Home health care has proven to be an effective alternative to hospitalization by transferring skilled services and products into the safe, comfortable environment of home.
Therapies provided: • Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Steroid Therapy
• IV Antibiotics
• Hydration Therapy
• Remicade
• Pain Management
• Immune Globulin Therapy
• Chelation Therapy
• Epogen, Neupogen, Leukine Therapies
• Growth Hormone Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Synagis
www.cnyinfusion.com • 315.424.7027
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Scam Targets Local Seniors Franciscan’s patients and customers have been receiving calls from a company involved in a scam, according to Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman. The AG issued a warning to New Yorkers after receiving information from multiple consumers about a scam targeting senior citizens with robo-calls advising that they have been “approved” for medical alert equipment at “no charge.” The message uses scare tactics to induce consumers to respond to the offer, warning of a “significant rise in the number of senior citizens suffering death and serious life-threatening injuries from a delay in response times for medical emergencies, fires, burglaries or even a simple fall.” The robo-call identifies the business as “Senior Medical Alert” or “Senior Medical Advisors” and attempts to obtain consumers’ billing information in order to charge those consumers $35 monthly for alleged “monitoring” services. Beverly Lawton, Executive Director of Franciscan Lifeline explained, “Ultimately, it’s all a scam. There isn’t even a product on the other end. It’s simply some group or individual attempting to get credit card or personal bank information out of seniors.” Consumers have also reported receiving subsequent, more aggressive and harassing calls from this organization in an attempt to obtain consumers’ billing information. The scammers appear to be operating from the Syracuse or Utica area, using telephone numbers with a 315 area code, including the following number: (315) 294-5936. The Attorney General is urging anyone who receives such a call not to provide the caller with any billing or other personal information. Edward Fletcher To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, never give out billing or other personal information over the phone, especially if you receive an unsolicited telephone call from a stranger. Additionally, never cash a check from an unknown source or wire money to someone you do not know.
Competitive Bidding Competitive bidding went into effect on July 1. The plan allowed companies to bid deep discounts for Medicare reimbursement. Franciscan did not win a bid in the process. However, subcontracting will allow us to continue to provide our Medicare customers and patients with the same service to which they are accustomed. Emma Norris As our patients know, Franciscan is not a drop-ship company; we bring most equipment right to your door, we set it up and explain it, and our respiratory therapists educate you in your home to ensure you can live home and live well. We will continue to provide this level of service. Our concern is that outof-state vendors may not be able to; 75% of the bid winners are not New York State companies. The competitive bidding process did not take into account the quality of products and services. Opponents say competitive bidding attacks quality home care. Franciscan is doing what it can to protect its patients, but our U.S. Senators and representatives need to hear from you. Call Senator Charles Schumer at (315) 423-5471, write him at 100 South Clinton Street, Room 841, Syracuse, NY 132617318 or visit www.schumer.senate.gov to email him. Let him know that seniors and people with disabilities deserve the right to top-quality medical equipment, local service and timely, personalized care.
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special programs Franciscan Companies 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency 7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.458.5600
Medication Dispensing Service 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Auburn Health Support Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.294.5464
Franciscan Health Support Services, LLC 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.458.3200
Mountain Lakes Health Support 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.519.6712
Carthage Area Hospital Sleep Center 1001 West Street Carthage, NY 13619 315.493.2512
Franciscan Lifeline 300 Gateway Park Drive North Syracuse, NY 13213 315.492.8175
Oneida Health Support 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3200
CNY Infusion Services 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 102 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.424.7027
Franciscan Management Services, Inc. 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 315.458.3600
Embracing Age 333 Butternut Dr., Suite 100 DeWitt, NY 13214 1.855.MY.HELP.2 1.855.(694.4572)
Kinney Drugs at Franciscan 101 Union Avenue Syracuse, NY 13203 315.474.8851
St. Elizabeth Health Support Services, Inc. 3899 Oneida Street New Hartford, NY 13413 315.734.4407
Franciscan Licensed Home Care Agency-Cortland 165 Main Street Cortland, NY 13045 315.458.5600
Lourdes Health Support, LLC 1155 Upper Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 607.724.0115
St. Francis Social Adult Day Care 1108 Court Street Syracuse, NY 13208 315.424.1003 St. Joseph’s Sleep Lab 945 Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13210 315.475.3379 and
7246 Janus Park Drive Liverpool, NY 13088 315.218.9804 and
4400 Medical Center Drive Fayetteville, NY 13066 315.329.7378 The Sleep Center at Oneida Healthcare 601 Seneca Street Oneida, NY 13421 315.363.4419
Beyond the Walls is published by Franciscan Companies
Comments, suggestions or inquiries should be directed to Kelly Quinn, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 315.458.3600 ext.123 or kelly.quinn@sjhsyr.org. Franciscan Companies w 333 Butternut Drive, Suite 100 w DeWitt, NY 13214 www.FranciscanCompanies.com
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