St. Clair Hospital HouseCall Vol VII Issue 1

VOLUME VOLUMEVII V ISSUE 1 2

HouseCall Saving Alison 26-YEAR-OLD PATIENT PRAISES THE LIFESAVING TREATMENT SHE RECEIVED FROM ST. CLAIR’S DEDICATED CARE TEAM

inside

Primary Care Physicians Play Leading Role In Region’s And U.S.’s Healthcare Systems Ask The Doctor I Awards And Recognition I Foundation Updates

LIFESAVING TREATMENT

SavingAlison 26-YEAR-OLD ALISON WEATHERLY WAS CONFRONTING THE MOST SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM OF HER YOUNG LIFE. THAT’S WHEN HER TEAM OF CAREGIVERS AT ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL WENT TO WORK.

M

ichele Weatherly was at work when she received

a career in forensics. Living in an apartment in Mt. Lebanon,

the phone call that every parent dreads. The

she had taken a semester off and was looking forward to

caller identified himself as a physician in the

returning to school to finish the final four classes that would

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at St. Clair Hospital, and told her

lead to her degree. Michele and Reg, who are attorneys in

that her 26-year-old daughter, Alison, had been admitted

downtown Pittsburgh, had taken Alison out for dinner just a

through the Emergency Room with pneumonia. She had been

few days earlier. Alison seemed fine then, except for a cold.

intubated and placed on a ventilator. Her condition, the doctor

“I kept getting sicker instead of getting better,” Alison recalls.

explained that day last fall, was “very serious” — and he

“I didn’t go to the doctor because I thought it was just a bad cold.

urged Michele and her husband, Reg, to come to the Hospital

But I developed a fever, and my breathing became difficult.

immediately.

I asked a friend to take me to St. Clair’s Emergency Room.

That was the beginning of a long ordeal for the Weatherly

By the time I got there, I was very sick, in extreme pain, unable to

family of Upper St. Clair. Alison, a University of Miami (Fla.)

breathe and feverish. I learned later that the doctors intubated

senior majoring in anthropology, was a bright, healthy, viva-

me right away and put me on oxygen and a ventilator; they

cious young woman who had dreams of graduate school and

sedated me, started antibiotics and admitted me to the ICU.” Continued on page 4

ABOUT THE COVER Michele Weatherly reaches out to her daughter, Alison Weatherly, during a recent visit to the ICU to thank the physicians and nurses there who cared for Alison during her hospitalization. Pictured with Michele and Alison are, left to right, Greg Thompson, R.N., Kristen Cardimen, R.N. and Gregory J. Fino, M.D.

2 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

Former ICU patient Alison Weatherly, left, and her mother, Michele Weatherly, share a laugh with St. Clair Hospital ICU registered nurses, Greg Thompson, rear, and Mike Sembrat, during Alison’s and Michele’s recent visit with some of the clinicians who cared for Alison during her battle to overcome severe sepsis.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 3

LIFESAVING TREATMENT Continued from page 3

Sepsis is triggered when some of the pathogenic organisms — usually

A very serious diagnosis As bad as things were for Alison at that point, they would quickly

bacterial, but sometimes viral or fungal — get into the bloodstream, which

become far, far worse. Alison had pneumococcal pneumonia, which had

carries the infection beyond the site of origin to various organs. The body

developed into severe sepsis, a raging, whole-body complication of infection

goes into shock, cells are not perfused with the oxygen they require, and

that leads to multiple organ failure, shock, abnormal coagulation (the body’s

they die. Organ damage, and eventually organ failure, is the result. The

blood clotting process), and sometimes, to a condition known as ARDS —

signs of early sepsis are subtle: changes in body temperature, above or

acute respiratory distress syndrome. ARDS results in respiratory failure,

below normal range; tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate); abnormally

with poor ventilation, perfusion and low oxygen levels throughout the

rapid breathing; and low blood pressure.

In patients with sepsis, their bodies respond to infection with a tremendous,

body. It is about as sick as a person can get.

Sepsis is a medical emergency, a life threatening condition that begins with a localized infection such as pneumonia, a

all-out counterattack that

Sepsis is a severe medical emergency,

wreaks physiologic havoc throughout their

urinary tract infection or a surgical wound infection. Sepsis can

a life threatening condition that can

happen to anyone, but those at highest risk are usually the elderly

Fino, M.D., a pulmo-

and people who are immunosuppressed due to chemotherapy or transplant medication. Those who are hospitalized are at risk,

systems. Gregory J.

happen to anyone.

too, as they often have incisions and breaks in the skin. Sepsis

nologist and Co-Director of Critical Care at St. Clair, who played a primary role in managing Alison’s care in

has one of the highest mortality rates of any medical condition; it carries a

the ICU, says the body’s immune system mounts a “systemic inflammatory

far greater risk than heart attack or stroke. It is a major cause of morbidity

response” that sets off a cascade of events which lead to organ failure and,

and mortality in hospitals throughout the world. Sepsis mortality is as high

all too often, death. “The medical term for this response to infection is SIRS —

as 80 percent for elderly or immunocompromised patients; in general, the

systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The body reacts so vigorously

mortality rate is 40 percent. Fully one-third of those who develop severe

to the invading microbes that it overshoots a bit,” Dr. Fino explains. “We can

sepsis with ARDS will die.

treat the infection with appropriate antibiotics, but there’s no way to stop

Posing for a group photo in the ICU at St. Clair Hospital are, left to right, Greg Thompson, R.N., Kristen Cardimen, R.N., Michele and Alison Weatherly, Gregory Fino, M.D., and Mike Sembrat, R.N. 4 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

the body’s attack mode. It will carry on for a week or so. Once we have the infection under control, we more or less wait for the body to heal itself, as we provide support to the patient and do everything we can to optimize the outcome.”

Severe sepsis is a diagnostic challenge, but identification of those at risk, recognition of the early signs, and the prompt initiation of diagnostic testing and treatment is critically important to good outcomes. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis greatly improve chances for survival. ( Please see sidebar on detecting sepsis in patients, page 8.)

A team is assembled The situation in the ICU was dynamic and dramatic.

Alison was extremely unstable, in critical condition, with regular fluctuations in her vital signs and oxygen saturation levels. In constant attendance

Alison spent nine days in this Rotaprone bed. Her right foot is visible at bottom center.

was St. Clair’s team of critical care experts — doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other clinicians — who worked to save Alison with a robust response that matched the ferocity of her illness. The team included Pulmonologist Dr. Fino, a 30-year veteran of the ICU, and his colleagues: Patrick Reilly, M.D.; Andrew Perez, M.D.; Laurie Kilkenny, M.D.; and Zachary Young, M.D., all pulmonologists and critical care specialists.

Also involved in Alison’s care: nocturnist critical care physicians Yvonne R. Chan, M.D. and Maxim V. Bocharov, M.D. “Alison was deathly ill,” Dr. Fino recalls.

“She had a common, community-acquired form of pneumonia, with inflammation throughout

keep her oxygen levels adequate. She was receiving

better mixing of the oxygen and the blood. Using

100 percent oxygen — what we breathe normally

this bed allowed us to deliver intervals of prone

in room air is 21 percent. We were giving her

therapy over extended periods of time to help

maximum levels of extra pressure on expiration

improve Alison’s oxygenation.”

to push oxygen through the lung to the blood-

Alison spent nine days in the Rotaprone bed,

stream. But it reached a point where we could

Dr. Fino says. “It was rocky at first as we worked

not oxygenate her.

to find the exact right position for her. At times,

“With pneumonia and ARDS there is a severe mismatch in the lungs of oxygen and blood so

despite maximum support, her oxygen levels were as low as the 70s — normal is the 90s.

oxygen is not transferred into the blood stream

We did everything possible. We all brainstormed

effectively. The Rotaprone bed literally rotates the

constantly,” Dr. Fino recalls. “We never, ever

patient from side to side and prone allowing a

gave up.”

Continued on page 6

her lungs. We provided fluid resuscitation and tailored her antibiotic therapy specifically to the pneumococcus. She was put into a medicallyinduced coma to help us to better manage her ventilation and for her own comfort. Alison’s lungs collapsed, requiring the placement of chest tubes to re-expand them. We performed a tracheotomy. She had respiratory failure, liver failure, severe slowing of her heart rate and arrhythmias. We utilized prone therapy, which can improve ventilation.”

Prone therapy with a Rotaprone bed is an innovative intervention for severely ill patients in the ICU who cannot be adequately ventilated with the usual approaches. “Alison’s pneumonia was so extensive,” Dr. Fino explains, “that we could not provide oxygen via the ventilator to Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 5

LIFESAVING TREATMENT Continued from page 5

Extraordinary care

blood clot in her arm. They always knew what to do. They reassured us

It was an effort that called upon every resource of the ICU. That includes

and taught us. They understood how helpless we felt, to see her so sick

state-of-the-art technology, the most advanced equipment, and the most

in that big high-tech bed. They took a personal interest in Alison and we

effective, evidence-based clinical practices. Above all, though, it was the

became attached to them. I believe that they healed Alison and us, too.”

staff of the ICU who rose to this extreme challenge, and prevailed. It was

The Weatherlys were touched by the genuine nature of the staff’s

the power of a team, of committed and deeply caring professionals,

concern for their only child. According to Michele, “Everyone gave Alison

who held Alison’s life in their hands and gave her everything they had.

excellent care. We could see the caring in their eyes and their faces.

A top-notch, unified interdisciplinary medical team in action is an apt description of Alison’s caregivers in the ICU. Each member

Even a housekeeper, Jan, placed a rosary on Alison’s bed and stopped to let us know she cared. The whole Hospital was involved. St. Clair Hospital restored my faith in the healthcare system.”

complements the others, as

The effort to save Alison extended

they anticipate, sometimes wordlessly, each other’s

beyond the ICU. Every Hospital

needs and intentions.

service, including pharmacy,

They share focus, intuitive

respiratory therapy, physical therapy,

intelligence, passion and a

laboratory, and other departments

sense of purpose. Alison’s team

contributed to her care and recovery.

pushed themselves to their limits and

Her discharge was a day of cele-

beyond, united in their effort to save the young woman entrusted to their care.

None of this was lost on parents Michele and Reg, who kept a vigil at the Hospital, often sleeping at Alison’s bedside. “The ICU doctors and nurses were phenomenal,” Michele says. “They did everything humanly possible to give Alison the best chance of survival. We knew it was tough and that they were fighting hard for her. The doctors were

Alison Weatherly displays a necklace engraved with her room number in the ICU that also bears the reminder “Live Another Day.” She also never takes off the rainbow-colored bracelet that a RN’s daughter made for her.

bration and pride for the entire staff.

Their extraordinary work and caring brought Alison through five weeks of intensive care, followed by three weeks of rehabilitation. Today, Alison is back in her apartment in Mt. Lebanon, happy to sleep in her own bed — in any position she

always searching, consulting, and looking at every option. They were on top of things, never blinking, fine-tuning as her condition changed.

chooses — with her five-year-old rescue cat, Lexie. Her memories of the

They gave us confidence, even though we knew it was a dire situation.

ICU are fuzzy, but she is crystal clear in her admiration for the doctors

One thing would improve; another would go wrong. Every day brought

and nurses who saved her life.

a new complication.”

Alison’s parents believed the staff was caring for them as much as

“I can’t say enough about how important the ICU nurses were. They’re amazing; they got me through it all. I still can’t believe these people

for their daughter. “We got so much attention from the staff,” Michele

cared about me this much. I bonded with them and felt safe with them.

says. “The doctors talked to us constantly. And I can’t say enough about

In the ICU, it’s a smaller group and you have the same nurses, so they

the nurses. Their care was superb; it was the nurses who discovered a

got to know me and my parents. I have such respect for nurses. I had never been so sick and I had no idea about everything they do.

“Dr. Fino and the entire ICU team saved my life. When I first became coherent again, I kept hearing his name and I knew his voice, but I had no face to go with the name. I was so happy when I finally met him and I got to see his face. He’s a great doctor; he gave my parents his cell phone number so they could still call him. Dr. Fino told me I was the sickest patient he ever had. It was hard to hear that but it made me realize how fortunate I am.”

Alison has gone back to the ICU to visit the place she considers “my second home.” To Dr. Fino, her visit was a special moment. “Having Alison return and walk in there on her own, with no trach or oxygen, was wonderful. She looked great! She had colored her hair, and she had a great attitude. Her recovery has been faster than expected, and I attribute that to her youth.”

6 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

It was a big moment for Alison, too. “The

She has moments of anxiety and sadness,

value and meaning. I get excited about small

nurses were so happy to see me! One registered

remembering how traumatic the experience

everyday things like beautiful weather or cute

nurse, Kristen Cardimen, gave me a bracelet,

was for her parents. “My mother slept at the

things that my cat Lexie does.

rainbow-colored, and made of parachute cord.

Hospital because she was so afraid I was going

She had told her 10-year-old daughter, Isabella,

to die and she didn’t want me to die alone.

touch with life, with the world and the people

about me and Isabella wanted to make a

She and my Dad helped get me through it all.”

I love. I’m filled with gratitude and I always

bracelet for me. I call it my ‘survivor bracelet’

“I feel things very deeply now. I’m more in

The experience changed her, she says.

will be. I’m happy that I’m alive, but even

and I’ve never taken it off, not once. It means

“I grew up. Being so sick, so close to death,

happier because, now, I feel much more alive

so much.”

changed my life. Before, I took things like my

than ever.

A new lease on life

I appreciate simple things like being able to

family and my good health for granted. Now Months after her admission to the ICU,

“St. Clair Hospital is great. I owe my life

to this Hospital.” n

talk, walk and sit up! Everything has new

Alison has some ongoing physical issues, especially nerve pain in her leg, the result of being in one position for so long. She sometimes struggles with her memories and with the gravity of her experience, and she is still trying to understand what happened to her.

“When I woke up I had the trach, so I could not speak or ask questions. A lot of information was thrown at me at once and I couldn’t take it in at all. Even now, I am still trying

GREGORY J. FINO, M.D. Dr. Fino earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, where he was named Chief Resident. He later completed a fellowship in pulmonary medicine at UPMC-Presbyterian.

He is board-certified in pulmonary medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and specializes in pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine. Dr. Fino serves as Co-Director of Critical Care at St. Clair Hospital.

He practices with Clinical & Occupational Pulmonary Associates, LLC.

to understand.”

“

I CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT THE ICU NURSES WERE. THEY’RE AMAZING; THEY GOT ME THROUGH IT ALL. I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE THESE PEOPLE CARED ABOUT ME THIS MUCH. I BONDED WITH THEM AND FELT SAFE WITH THEM. I HAVE SUCH RESPECT FOR NURSES.

”

ALISON WEATHERLY, PATIENT

Alison Weatherly at home with Lexie.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 7

LIFESAVING LAB TECHNOLOGY

Chanda Lee, MT (ASCP) examines a sepsis slide in the microbiology section of the lab.

DETECTING SEPSIS AND EFFECTIVELY TREATING IT REQUIRES SOPHISTICATED, HIGH-TECH SKILLS IN THE LAB

“ T

he importance of a high-tech, efficient hospital laboratory to outstanding care cannot

70 TO 80 PERCENT OF

be overstated. How important is the hospital lab? According to St. Clair Hospital

ALL MEDICAL DECISIONS

Chair of Pathology Martha Clarke, M.D., as many as 70 percent to 80 percent of

MADE IN A HOSPITAL

all medical decisions made in a hospital are based upon a laboratory test result. Thus, the

ARE BASED UPON

data that the labs present to physicians must be absolutely accurate, timely and reliable,

A LABORATORY TEST RESULT.

”

MARTHA CLARKE, M.D., CHAIR OF PATHOLOGY, ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL

8 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

every single time.

At St. Clair, physicians rely on the lab, a state-of-the-art facility that operates non-stop, 24/7/365, to help physicians diagnose a condition, ascertain the extent of the condition, help guide the treatment, and monitor and assess the efficacy of that treatment. The lab, staffed by a team of highly credentialed, experienced professionals, offers a full range of testing in chemistry, hematology, blood banking, microbiology, serology and virology, using samples of blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, wound exudate and other body fluids.

Judy Luteran, MT (ASEP) SM, is the microbiology supervisor in the lab, with 26 years of experience at St. Clair. Her section within the lab plays a major role in the treatment of patients with infections — including sepsis. “It’s the lab that informs the doctors of what type of organism is causing the infection — bacteria, virus, or fungus. The entire lab is involved in a sepsis case because sepsis affects the entire body and can lead to organ damage and failure,” she explains. “In the case of sepsis, we culture the blood, obtaining two sets of samples from two different sites. Cultures take time, so we have an automated system called a BACTEC FX, which detects microbial growth within 24 hours. The blood is tested every 15 minutes and an audible alarm is sounded when pathogens show up. We then perform a gram stain, and can give the doctor an update on suspected pathogens. We release the final

Julie Hall, Medical Technologist, CLS (Microbiologist), tests for sepsis in the microbiology section of the lab.

report once testing is fully completed.”

The microbiology section also performs

composed of shallow wells which contain anti-

page 2), clinicians rely on the lab in making

tests to tell the physicians which antimicrobial

biotics. The rate or lack of growth on the

decisions about the clinical management of

agent, or antibiotic, will be effective against the

VITEK cards predicts what antibiotics the

the patient’s condition. Meticulous attention to

pathogen. “We take some of the specimen

pathogen will be susceptible to. The doctors

quality control, the most advanced technology,

and put it on solid media plates,” Judy says.

put the patient on a broad-spectrum antibiotic

and an experienced staff make St. Clair’s lab an

“If bacteria grow, they are then inoculated into

initially, then modify the treatment and change

outstanding facility that contributes enormously

VITEK cards. These look like credit cards

to a more defined one. This is important

to the Hospital’s quality and growth. Says

because it will be more effective against the

Dr. Clarke: “The quality of the lab, and the level

specific type of infection, less likely to have side

of testing we provide significantly contribute

effects, and less likely to lead to resistance.”

to our physicians’ ability to treat complex

As in the case of sepsis patient Alison

medical/surgical problems and conditions

Weatherly (please see main story, Saving Alison,

at St. Clair.” n

MARTHA CLARKE, M.D. Dr. Clarke earned her medical degree at Georgetown University Medical School. She completed a residency in pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of the Harvard system of teaching hospitals. Dr. Clarke is board-certified by the American Board of Pathology. She serves as Chair of Pathology at St. Clair Hospital, and she practices with Clarke & Co. Pathology, Inc.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 9

SEPSIS QUALITY STANDARDS

St. Clair’s Sepsis Protocol is Proving to be a Lifesaver

T

he heroic care that saved 26-year-old Alison Weatherly’s life was

was to design a system that would enable us to recognize the earliest

the result of St. Clair Hospital’s carefully crafted system of clinical

signs that suggest sepsis, to identify any patient with known or suspected

practices, processes and quality standards. “Our goal, with every

sepsis. We wanted to identify the best way to do that.”

patient, is to provide the highest quality care,” says Nicolette E. Chiesa, M.D., Associate Chief Medical Officer and current President of the Medical Staff

Severe sepsis is one of the 10 leading causes of death for adults in the United States. It is a life-threatening, complex condition that

at St. Clair. “Already nationally ranked for quality, our goal is to be in the

requires an intensive and multifaceted clinical response, but when it is

top 10 percent in all performance measures.”

caught early, it can be treated — and it can be survived. Early recognition

Dr. Chiesa plays a key role in the Hospital’s quality initiatives as Chair

and immediate intervention are the keys. “Sepsis mortality is a national

of the Medical Staff Quality Committee. She serves on the task force that

quality issue, and sepsis management is a national priority,” says

was charged with developing the sepsis protocol and played a pivotal role

Kaitlin Shotsberger, R.N., M.S.N., Clinical Integration Specialist for

in the outcome of Alison’s case. “It was important to address sepsis

St. Clair. “Our goal in developing the sepsis protocol was to literally

because it is such a grave condition,” says Dr. Chiesa. “Knowing that

save more lives.”

early recognition and rapid treatment are the key to survival, our goal

“

SEPSIS MORTALITY RATES (LOWER % IS BETTER)

WE HAVE EXCELLENT SURVIVAL RATES

FOR SEPSIS … WE ARE BETTER THAN 90 PERCENT OF ALL U.S. HOSPITALS.

St. Clair Hospital is among the nation’s leaders in reducing sepsis-related mortalities.

”

NICOLETTE E. CHIESA, M.D.

The task force, which continues to meet regularly, consists of key clinical leaders, including co-chairs Jason M. Biggs, M.D., Chair of Emergency Medicine at St. Clair, and Gregory Fino, M.D., Co-Director

12.11%

of Critical Care at St. Clair, as well as a multidisciplinary team of fellow professionals. In developing its sepsis protocol, the task force researched and implemented the best evidence-based practices from the highest performing hospitals and medical centers across the nation. The

9.01%

resulting sepsis protocol is a set of standardized orders and interventions.

It also includes an early alert system that takes advantage of St. Clair’s

7.07%

award-winning electronic medical records system. At set intervals throughout the day, the system searches for abnormal values in any of four parameters that are associated with sepsis: temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and white blood cell count. If two or more abnormal values are found on a patient’s record, the system automatically triggers an alert, which is sent to the charge nurse on that patient unit. The

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL

TOP 10% IN THE NATION

Calendar Year 2014

10 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

PENNSYLVANIA AVERAGE Source: Crimson

charge nurse arranges for blood work to be drawn, and consults a nurse intensivist (a specially trained critical care nurse) who comes to the unit to assess the patient. If appropriate, the Hospital’s Rapid Response

A group of clinicians meets regularly to continually refine and enhance St. Clair Hospital’s sepsis protocol.

Team (consisting of a hospitalist physician,

St. Clair’s mortality rate for sepsis is 7.07%,

the effort, working together toward the goal of early recognition of sepsis.”

nurse intensivist, ICU nurse and respiratory

well below that of most hospitals (please see

therapist) is called to begin immediate treatment.

chart, page 10), and the sepsis protocol can be

The patient will most likely be transferred to

credited with having a significant impact on that,

all the data, statistics and charts that serve to

the Intensive Care Unit.

says Dr. Chiesa. “We have excellent survival

quantify hospital performance and quality of care

rates for sepsis. We’re in the top decile — the

have a much deeper meaning,” says Dr. Chiesa.

“Having the alert system automatically flag the

“Of course, it can never be forgotten that

electronic medical record of any patient with the

top 10 percent — nationally, meaning we are

“They represent the lives of real people — people

clinical changes was key,” says Dr. Biggs. “If the

better than over 90 percent of all U.S. hospitals.

like Alison Weatherly, fighting for her life in the ICU,

goal is to identify sepsis, even mild cases, this

It’s a Hospital-wide achievement that includes

and her parents, keeping their heart-wrenching

system alerts us so that early treatment and

everyone. We achieved this because all the

vigil. For them, St. Clair’s quality will always be

closer monitoring can take place.”

departments and disciplines are engaged in

defined in personal, human terms.” n

Early recognition of sepsis sometimes begins even before the patient arrives at the ER, adds Dr. Biggs. Emergency Medical Services

NICOLETTE E. CHIESA, M.D.

organizations in the area are aware of St. Clair’s

Dr. Chiesa earned her medical degree at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. She completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMCPresbyterian Hospital. Dr. Chiesa is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She serves as Associate Chief Medical Officer and is the current President of the Medical Staff at St. Clair Hospital.

Dr. Chiesa practices in Kirwan Heights with Preferred Primary Care Physicians, Inc.

increased focus on sepsis, and play a key role in recognizing the early, subtler signs of emergent conditions and initiating life-saving care, such as fluid resuscitation.

The Hospital’s protocol was tested with a pilot program in the Emergency Room. When Alison

To contact Dr. Chiesa, please call 412.257.2050.

came to St. Clair’s ER last September, the sepsis protocol proved to be a lifesaver. “This was an atypical case,” says Dr. Chiesa. “You don’t expect to see severe sepsis in one so young and healthy. The protocol worked: she was admitted, received early treatment and survived.”

SEPSIS AND MORTALITY Mortality rate is a major indicator of a hospital’s quality of care. Mortality rate is simply

JASON M. BIGGS, M.D. Dr. Biggs earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He completed a residency in emergency medicine at UPMC. Dr. Biggs is board-certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He serves as Chair of Emergency Medicine at St. Clair Hospital.

the number of deaths in a particular population, such as patients with sepsis.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 11

YOUR PRIMARY CARE MATTERS

EALTH YOUR IS OUR PRIMARY CARE

12 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

Primary Care Physicians Play Leading Role in Region’s and U.S.’s Healthcare Systems

Q

uality healthcare begins in the office of a primary care physician (PCP). Primary care physicians, either those trained in internal medicine or family medicine, are usually a patient’s first contact with the healthcare system, and they provide the overwhelming majority of care to all segments of the U.S. population. PCPs are critically important to patients, hospitals and the healthcare industry. To their patients, they are trusted, expert advisors who help them to get healthy, stay healthy and cope with serious illness and chronic conditions; to hospitals like St. Clair, they serve as frontline diagnosticians and the air traffic controllers of the healthcare team; and to the entire healthcare system, they are the backbone, emerging in the current national healthcare environment as essential to solving complex problems of access and quality.

So valuable are PCPs, says one national expert, that it is primary care that has the capacity to transform the U.S. healthcare system, leading it to optimal performance as a patient-centered system of the highest quality. “Our healthcare system is built upon and relies upon a network of PCPs,” Shawn Martin, Vice President for Practice Advancement and Advocacy of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells HouseCall. “In fact, 55 percent of all physician visits are to a PCP. They are important to our national healthcare goals of improved prevention, higher quality care for individuals and populations, reduced spending and increased satisfaction.

Investing in PCPs is the key to meeting both individual and national healthcare goals.”

The value of primary care to the healthcare system has been underscored by two major 2014 reports that are a clarion call for investing in primary care. The Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative, overseen by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, showed that primary care practices significantly reduce spending in the three highest cost areas: hospitalizations, emergency department visits and specialist visits. The Patient-Centered Medical

Home’s Impact on Cost and Quality study, from the Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative, showed similar cost reductions and also demonstrated that those savings are sustainable over a long period of time.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, there are 210,000 PCPs in practice in the United States. Primary care physician is the umbrella term for doctors who practice family medicine (patients of all ages) or internal medicine (patients 18 and older). To their patients, PCPs represent a “home base,” where they provide preventive care, in the form of screenings, annual exams and immunizations, and help patients identify, avoid and mitigate health risks. They diagnose, treat, counsel, teach, refer to specialists and coordinate care among those specialists.

They view each patient as a partner, with whom they develop a collaborative and ongoing relationship. PCPs help keep patients healthy, bring them through the crisis of illness, and support their healthy aging. Along with medical expertise and efficient care, PCPs also provide humanity: personal warmth; wisdom that comes with practical experience; and empathy.

Shawn Martin, the VP at the American Academy of Family Physicians, says primary care is in the midst of a renaissance, and it is largely being driven by the doctor-patient relationship. “This one is different from the revivals in the past that were driven by economic incentives. There is greater connectivity today between the doctor and the patient; patients are far more connected to their doctors and view the relationship in more positive terms.”

Given PCPs’ integral and invaluable role in the healthcare system, HouseCall recently sat down to talk with a number of St. Clair Hospital’s primary care physicians to glean their respective insights on what being a PCP means to each of them, and to their patients.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 13

YOUR PRIMARY CARE MATTERS Continued from page 13

“ TRUST HAS TO BE EARNED.” G. ALAN YEASTED, M.D.

P

You earn the patient’s trust through your

office feeling better, or with a problem solved, it

called “family physicians” or

competence. Competence is crucial — PCPs

gives me great satisfaction. The hours may be long,

“personal doctors” — terms that

must have a large knowledge base, being

but when you enjoy what you do it isn’t tiring.

rimary care physicians were once

reflect the relationships that are the

knowledgeable about every organ system and

Few jobs can give you the kind of rewards that

essence of this medical specialty.

up-to-date on everything new. You have to keep

this one does.”

As St. Clair’s Chief Medical Officer and a PCP

To the physicians who practice primary care,

learning, staying abreast of all the advances in

the doctor-patient relationship is paramount:

drugs, technology and medical science. You

himself, Dr. Yeasted is well aware of the importance

it enables partnership with patients, creates

also have to be confident; that inspires trust.”

of PCPs to St. Clair Hospital. “We advise a large

mutual respect and even facilitates diagnosis.

Dr. Yeasted, who maintains an office in the

number of people in the greater Pittsburgh area,

Most of all, say a number of PCPs on the medical

St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center–Village

including which specialists to see. St. Clair is

staff of St. Clair Hospital, that relationship is the

Square in Bethel Park to see his patients,

able to provide advanced specialty care and

source of the deep and fulfilling sense of personal

believes that excellent communication skills

diagnostics, and the PCPs recommend patients

satisfaction that made them want to become

are among the most important qualities of a

to St. Clair for that care. A PCP influences

physicians in the first place.

good PCP. “Listening well, and having a good

where and from whom a patient will receive

understanding of human nature, is essential.

care for other problems.” Good relationships

You need to be a bit of a psychologist.”

between PCPs and medical specialists foster

It’s a matter of trust, says G. ALAN YEASTED, M.D., a primary care physician who is also Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Although the demands on PCPs are strenuous,

at St. Clair. Trust is the essence of the physician-

Dr. Yeasted loves his work and considers it a

patient relationship, he believes, and that trust

vocation. “I’m invigorated by going to work and

has to be earned. “It’s a unique relationship.

seeing patients. When a patient walks out of my

better coordination of care, and that translates into higher quality, adds Dr. Yeasted.

“A PCP is a colleague, a friend, a co-worker, an advisor and a partner,” says Dr. Yeasted. “A PCP helps you stay healthy, directs the care when you are sick, and helps you recover to keep you healthy. A PCP is involved in every stage, from the office to the hospital to long-term care and recovery. The best way to maintain good health and have a good outcome when you are sick is to maintain a good relationship with your primary care physician.”

G. ALAN YEASTED, M.D, FACP Dr. Yeasted earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

He completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Yeasted is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He serves as Chief Medical Officer of St. Clair Hospital, and also maintains a private practice in Bethel Park.

To contact Dr. Yeasted, please call 412.572.6066.

14 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

“I'M AN ADVOCATE FOR PATIENTS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES.” NINA M. FATIGATI, M.D.

N

INA M. FATIGATI, M.D. had

he still is. He has a wealth of experience and

mutual respect among PCPs and specialists

no hesitation about becoming a

knowledge, and I love having him as my mentor.”

that she has found at St. Clair. “St. Clair is a

primary care physician. Growing

Dr. Fatigati, whose relationship with St. Clair

phenomenal hospital, patient-centered and

up in the South Hills, she was a

includes having worked as a junior volunteer at

high quality. I love working with people who

daily witness to the rewards and

the Hospital while in high school, says patients

share my values. Everyone works together

challenges of the field: her father, MARIO

seem to have an immediate level of comfort

for the benefit of the patient.”

FATIGATI, M.D., is a well-regarded PCP in the

with their PCPs. “You become a familiar figure

region with a large group practice, Fatigati-

to them and they trust you. You know their

NINA MARIE FATIGATI, M.D.

Nalin Associates, which is a division of St. Clair

problems, and you’re an advocate for them

Medical Services. Nina Fatigati joined the practice

during difficult times and transitions. That’s

in 2014, and when not rounding on hospitalized

reassuring to the patient, particularly when

patients at St. Clair, is seeing patients every day

the American healthcare system can feel a

at her office in the St. Clair Hospital Outpatient

little overwhelming.”

Dr. Fatigati earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine at UPMC. Dr. Fatigati is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She practices in Peters Township with Fatigati-Nalin Associates, a division of St. Clair Medical Services.

Center–Peters, in neighboring Washington County. “My dad was a great role model and

Dr. Fatigati, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, appreciates the

To contact Dr. Fatigati, please call 724.731.0090.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 15

YOUR PRIMARY CARE MATTERS Continued from page 15

“ I FEEL LIKE THE CONDUCTOR OF A SYMPHONY.”

N

NALINA PRABHU, M.D., FACP Like her colleagues, Dr. Prabhu most

ALINA PRABHU, M.D., FACP

a calling. “I always wanted to be a doctor, and

chose primary care because

this work is so satisfying. Primary care may

she likes taking care of the

appear unexciting, but it’s never boring to me.

has patients who have been with her for 30

whole patient. “Primary care is

You have to have the personality for it.” PCPs,

years. “I think patients feel safe with their

values the relationships with patients, and

Dr. Prabhu believes, recognize that patients

PCP. They like to say, ‘This is my doctor,’

come to us with a broad range of problems; we

are seeking a human connection. “You are

especially when they are hospitalized and

treat conditions in every organ system, including

there for them, in difficult times; you learn to

seeing unfamiliar doctors. I love it when I am

many complex and co-morbid conditions.

consider their perspective. You ask the right

making rounds at St. Clair and I walk into my

When we refer a patient to a specialist, we

questions and listen well — a diagnosis can

patient’s room and see their face light up.

remain involved and help the patient understand

often be made by attentive listening. You have

It’s humbling and gratifying.”

the specialist’s recommendations; we coordinate

to do what’s right for the patient.”

more comprehensive. Patients

and collaborate with the specialist. As a PCP,

There are frustrations and challenges,

I sometimes feel like the conductor of a

she acknowledges. “A PCP has to be willing

symphony: I bring all the parts together into

to put in long hours and be on call a lot. You

a cohesive whole.”

must be conscientious about all the tests,

Dr. Prabhu, who shares an office and

reports and paperwork, which can be time

practice with her physician husband,

consuming. Primary care is demanding

ANIL PRABHU, M.D., views her work as

and tough.”

16 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

NALINA PRABHU, M.D., FACP Dr. Prabhu earned her medical degree at Kasturba Medical College, India. She completed an internship and residency at St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh.

Dr. Prabhu is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and practices in Mt. Lebanon with Prabhu Primary Care, P.C. To contact Dr. Prabhu, please call 412.531.7330.

“ I AM THERE TO SERVE MY PATIENTS.” ROCCO J. ADAMS, M.D.

R

OCCO J. ADAMS, M.D. has a solo

defined by the patient. “Patients want good

Dr. Adams says his daily experiences with

practice based in Brentwood,

communication, empathy and compassion.

patients reinforce his decision to be a primary care

where he has multiple generations

Listening well is how you can best provide those

physician. “I was interested in every discipline as a

of families among his patients.

things. I try to give down-to-earth explanations,

medical student,” he recalls. “I’m happy that I

about why they are having this test and what the

chose to be a PCP, and I would do it all again. I

results mean. I always ask my patients about

encourage medical students to strongly consider

PCP: the relationships with patients. I guide my

their personal lives; I’m genuinely interested

becoming one. There is a great need for PCPs.”

patients through difficult life situations; it can

and I am convinced that it helps in diagnosing

be emotionally challenging, but you have to be

what is ailing them.”

“Sometimes I feel like part of the

family,” he says. “It’s the best part of being a

there when they need you. A good PCP is reliable

When his patients are hospitalized at St. Clair,

and available: I never turn off my cell phone and

Dr. Adams sees them on a daily basis. “My

I return calls as quickly as possible. I feel that

patients are used to me coming to see them in

I am there to serve my patients. With a solo

the Hospital and they expect it. I know the

practice, I’m always on call, but you get used

hospitalists (physicians who provide round-

to that. It’s simply my life. I chose this.”

Dr. Adams believes that quality healthcare is

the-clock care within the Hospital) at St. Clair.

They’re excellent.”

ROCCO J. ADAMS, M.D. Dr. Adams earned his medical degree at Autonomous University of Guadalajara, Mexico.

He completed an internship and residency at St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh.

Dr. Adams is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He practices in Whitehall with Rocco J. Adams, M.D., LLC. To contact Dr. Adams, please call 412.884.8233.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 17

YOUR PRIMARY CARE MATTERS Continued from page 17

“ PATIENTS COME TO ME FOR REASSURANCE.” ASHITH MALLY, M.D.

A

SHITH MALLY, M.D. is a primary

need to be able to tell me about it and for that

make healthcare choices, says Dr. Mally. “These

care physician who finds his work

to happen, they have to feel they can trust me.

things relieve some of the stress when you are

to be immensely satisfying, and

Without that trust, their anxiety will not go away

ill and going to see the doctor. Attention to

explains it in the simplest terms:

and the blood pressure may remain elevated.”

these details makes the patient feel cared for.

You may have a world class healthcare system,

“I’m a doctor. I care for my patients.

Dr. Mally and his associates DRS. WALTER

I know them well.” He agrees with his colleagues

ROBISON and STEPHANIE COLODNY recently

but if it is difficult to navigate, the patient may

that strong, ongoing relationships with patients

welcomed a new physician, SUPRITHA A.

get stressed, and that stress can delay recovery

are at the heart of primary care. “My patients

SHETTY, M.D., to their practice, Preferred

want me to know them in a personal way,” he

Primary Care Physicians, at their office at

says. But he sees an additional, clinical dimension

St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center–Peters.

to having relationships with patients.

She joined in January, and Dr. Mally says he

“I can make a better diagnosis when I know

will encourage her to spend time getting to

my patient. Personal aspects of illness come

know patients in order to be better able to guide

into play and often, when a person comes to

them through the maze of medical services.

me, they really need to talk to me, about their

“That’s how you build relationships. It helps to

fears or losses. Perhaps their blood pressure is

know their history and their personal situation.”

elevated because there is crisis happening

Although relationships are key, even external

within the family. The patient comes to me for

factors like easy access and a comfortable,

reassurance, not just for a prescription. They

welcoming environment, matter when patients

18 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

and healing.” n

ASHITH MALLY, M.D. Dr. Mally earned his medical degree and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Kasturba Medical College, India. He completed an internship at St. Barnabas Hospital, New York, and a residency at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Mally is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He practices in Peters Township with Preferred Primary Care Physicians, Inc. To contact Dr. Mally, please call 724.941.8877.

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS AND PRACTICES Rocco J. Adams, M.D., LLC 3000 Brownsville Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412.884.8233 Rocco J. Adams, M.D. Adiba S. Ahmed, M.D. 2101 Greentree Rd., Ste. A-103 Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.279.2020 Adiba S. Ahmed, M.D. Banksville Medical, P.C. 2508 Banksville Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.341.6650 Charles F. Diederich, M.D. Roy M. Beerel, M.D. 1370 Washington Pike, Ste. 206 Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.257.3395 Roy M. Beerel, M.D. Bhavank Doshi, M.D., LLC 1000 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 312 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.381.1949 Bhavank V. Doshi, M.D. Fort Pitt Senior Health Care Associates 393 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 307 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.232.8494 John M. Prendergast, M.D. Internal Medicine/ Richard Gobao, M.D., LLC 393 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 307 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.279.5372 Richard A. Gobao, M.D. Shabbir Lakdawala, M.D. 2912 Glenmore Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.563.1132 Shabbir Lakdawala, M.D. Medi-Help 1691 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.835.6900 Bora Janicijevic, M.D. Nenad Janicijevic, M.D. Nikolai Zdrale, M.D. James M. Moretti, M.D. 2589 Washington Rd., Ste. 423 Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412.835.5304 James M. Moretti, M.D.

Prabhu Primary Care, P.C. 1050 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.531.7330 Anil Prabhu, M.D. Nalina Prabhu, M.D. Preferred Primary Care Physicians, Inc. 102 Broadway Ave., Ste. 100 Carnegie, PA 15106 412.279.0320 William Bader, M.D. 1050 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.572.6122 Barry Austin, D.O. Kimberly Anne Hewitt, D.O. Raman S. Purighalla, M.D. 1145 Bower Hill Rd., Ste. 204 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.276.3050 Khattar Aizooky, M.D. Mai Yousef, M.D. 1168 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.257.2050 Nicolette E. Chiesa, M.D. Donald E. McFarland, D.O. 2375 Greentree Rd. Carnegie, PA 15106 412.276.1560 Frank A. Civitarese, D.O. Louis A. Civitarese, D.O., MMI David C. Garretson, D.O., FAAFP Michael J. Speca, D.O. 313 Barr St. McDonald PA, 15057 724.926.3320 Michael J. Speca, D.O 300 Fleet St., Ste. 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15220 412.920.0400 Richard J. Egan, Jr., M.D. Joshua B. Goldman, D.O. Ewa M. Hozakowska, M.D. 3400 South Park Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.835.6653 Uma Purighalla, M.D. 363 Vanadium Rd., Ste. 202 Pittsburgh, PA 15243 412.279.9900 John G. Yaros, M.D.

3928 Washington Rd., Ste. 220 McMurray, PA 15317 724.941.8877 Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally, M.D. Walter J. Robison, M.D. Supritha A. Shetty, M.D. 1039 Brookline Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412.561.3452 Stephanie Colodny, M.D. Ashith Mally, M.D. Walter J. Robison, M.D. Supritha A. Shetty, M.D. 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 220 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.831.1522 John L. Bobby, D.O. Kevin G. Kotar, D.O. Premier Personal Healthcare, Concierge Practice 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 440 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.833.2233 Joel D. Warshaw, M.D. Lawrence J. Purpura, M.D. 1206 Brookline Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15226 412.344.8900 Lawrence J. Purpura, M.D. South Allegheny Internal Medicine, P.C. 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 302 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.854.5491 John E. Popovich, M.D. St. Clair Medical Services DeGiovanni Montini Associates 717 Washington Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.341.7887 Lesley DeGiovanni, M.D. John Montini, M.D. Dobkin/Riccelli Associates 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., Ste. 306 Pittsburgh, PA 15234 412.563.5560 Larry A. Dobkin, M.D. Antonio M. Riccelli, M.D. Fatigati-Nalin Associates 3928 Washington Rd., Ste. 280 McMurray, PA 15317 724.731.0090 Nithin V. Bhandarkar, D.O. Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. Nina M. Fatigati, M.D.

5187 Library Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.835.4886 M. Sabina Daroski, M.D., FACP Joseph P. Endrich, M.D. James P. McDowell, D.O. 1025 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017 412.221.3377 Cynthia P. Butler, D.O. Nicholas P. DiTullio, M.D. Daniel B. Erlanger, D.O. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. James P. McDowell, D.O. 733 Washington Rd., Ste. 401 Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.343.1770 Cynthia P. Butler, D.O. M. Sabina Daroski, M.D., FACP Daniel B. Erlanger, D.O. Mario J. Fatigati, M.D. Robert E. McMichael, III, D.O. John E. Love, D.O. Family Practice 1626 Potomac Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 412.531.7020 John E. Love, D.O. Johnston Internal Medicine 2000 Oxford Dr., Ste. 302 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.471.3061 Robert T. Johnston, M.D. Mt. Lebanon Internal Medicine 300 Cedar Blvd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15228 412.561.1484 Karl E. Bushman, M.D., FACP Aimee K. Marmol, M.D. Carol Showalter Myron, M.D. David R. Sacco, M.D. Beth Ann Schneider, M.D. Sapna Vasudevan, M.D. Samuel Urick, D.O. 5482 Campbells Run Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 412.494.3339 Samuel Urick, D.O. G. Alan Yeasted, M.D., FACP 2000 Oxford Drive, Ste. 303 Bethel Park, PA 15102 412.572.6066 G. Alan Yeasted, M.D., FACP Anisa S. Yunus, M.D. 6000 Steubenville Pike, Ste. 103 Robinson, PA 15136 412.490.7440 Anisa S. Yunus, M.D.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 19

ASK THE DOCTOR

Ask the Doctor MATTHEW S. COOPER, D.O.

Q A

When I’m sick or hurt, how do I know whether to go to St. Clair Hospital’s Emergency Room or to St. Clair Urgent Care?

Other common ailments and conditions treated at

Indeed, there is a distinction between the two. So making the right decision on where to go will help save precious

St. Clair Urgent Care are:

time and ensure you receive care in the appropriate setting.

If you are having chest pain, or believe you are experiencing

• Allergies and asthma

• Fever

stroke symptoms, the appropriate destination is the

(breathing treatments and

• Skin rashes/infections

Emergency Room (ER). Time is of the essence, and

intramuscular steroids

• Stomach ailments

are available)

• Urinary tract infections

prompt treatment could be life saving. Call 911. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the ER. If you fall, hit your head, and lose consciousness at

• Colds, pneumonia and flu

some point, again, go directly to the ER. Patients on blood

(rapid strep testing

Also available:

available)

• Flu shots

thinning medicines like Coumadin (Warfarin) or Plavix

• Cuts requiring stitches

(Clopidogrel) are at particular risk from head injuries.

• Earaches

Other injuries and conditions that demand ER attention include deep lacerations with heavy bleeding, suspicion

• Nose bleeds • Eye infections

of a blood clot in your arm or leg, moderate to severe burns, and seizures. Moreover, severe abdominal pain or bleeding from the rectum requires a more detailed “work up” and medical imaging provided through the ER. St. Clair Urgent Care is designed to handle a wide range of other, less severe injuries and illnesses. Urgent Care is staffed by board-certified Family Medicine physicians, so we are trained to treat children four months and older, as well as teens and adults.

My colleagues and I treat minor to moderately severe bodily injuries from falls or accidents and can diagnose fractures, sprains and strains. All X-rays, whether involving a bone or the chest, are first interpreted by the physician on duty and then by a radiologist on staff at St. Clair Hospital.

MATTHEW S. COOPER, D.O. Dr. Cooper earned his medical degree at LECOM. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at UPMC-Shadyside. Dr. Cooper is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and practices at St. Clair Urgent Care.

20 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

(rapid UTI testing available)

• Coughs and sore throats

Matthew S. Cooper, D.O.

• Sports physicals

“

ST. CLAIR URGENT CARE IS DESIGNED TO HANDLE A WIDE RANGE OF INJURIES AND ILLNESSES. MATTHEW S. COOPER, D.O.

”

While we routinely send follow-up reports to your personal physician, an added benefit for those patients whose physician is affiliated with St. Clair Hospital is that St. Clair Urgent Care is designed to integrate with our primary care and specialty networks, thereby providing continuity of care. And with our advanced electronic medical records system, a summary of a patient’s visit to Urgent Care can easily be accessed electronically by the patient’s primary care physician.

Lastly, we are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, and open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on major holidays. No appointment is necessary. St. Clair Urgent Care accepts most major health

insurances and can fill select prescriptions on-site. n

St. Clair Urgent Care is located on the ground level of St. Clair Hospital Outpatient Center– Village Square, 2000 Oxford Drive, Bethel Park. To contact St. Clair Urgent Care, please call 412.942.8800.

An interior view of St. Clair Urgent Care.

An exterior view of St. Clair Urgent Care, located just across Ft. Couch Road from South Hills Village.

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 21

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

St. Clair Hospital Ranks No. 1 in Pittsburgh Region in a Host of Clinical Categories

A

s recently reported in the Pittsburgh Business

care, as well as in nine other categories. CareChex

Times (PBT), a study distributed by the

offers a composite evaluation of all components of

Pittsburgh Business Group on Health (PBGH)

medical quality, including process of care, outcomes

to its members has named St. Clair Hospital among

of care, and patient experiences. “We tend not to make

the Pittsburgh region’s top hospitals for medical

healthcare decisions based on quality as much as we

excellence in a number of categories. The study,

should,” PBGH Executive Director Jessica Brooks told

performed by Comparion Medical Analytics’ CareChex

the PBT. “The goal is to help employees be truly

division, ranked St. Clair No. 1 for overall hospital

ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL RANKED

1

#

smart consumers.” n

IN THE PITTSBURGH REGION FOR:

OVERALL SURGICAL CARE OVERALL HOSPITAL CARE

VASCULAR SURGERY

MAJOR BOWEL PROCEDURES GALL BLADDER REMOVAL

22 I HouseCall I Volume VII Issue 1

ORTHOPEDIC CARE

GENERAL SURGERY

CANCER CARE

GASTROINTESTINAL CARE

PNEUMONIA CARE

MOST WELCOME

M

elvin D. Rex, former president of the Board of Directors of St. Clair Hospital, poses in front of a

new sign designating the First Floor information

desk the Melvin D. Rex Welcome Center to honor his years

of dedicated service to the Hospital. Mel first joined the board in 1993 and had served as chairman the last eight years, the longest anyone has ever served in that position in the Hospital's 60-year history.

The Upper St. Clair resident was awarded with a framed resolution and a wood gavel at a ceremony to mark the unveiling of the sign at his last meeting as a member of the board.

The new chairman is David R. Heilman. n

St. Clair Hospital Receives 2014 HIMSS Enterprise Davies Award

A

dding to its growing list of awards for health

and patient satisfaction scores increased to the 99th

information technology, St. Clair Hospital has

percentile from the 14th.

been named a 2014 HIMSS Enterprise Davies

The enhancement of its information technology also helped St. Clair provide pneumonia vaccinations,

Award recipient.

Since 1994, the HIMSS Nicholas E. Davies Award

since 2012, to nearly 100 percent of at-risk patients.

of Excellence has recognized outstanding achievement

“We’ve had a long-term concentrated focus to

of organizations that have utilized health information

better serve our patients through the use of systems

technology to substantially improve patient outcomes.

and technology that enable us to deliver safe, high-

St. Clair was

quality care,” St. Clair Hospital Vice President and

cited for realizing

Chief Information Officer Richard J. Schaeffer told HIT

a broad range of

Consultant, a digital media platform that covers the

significant benefits

healthcare technology industry. The Davies Award, he

through the use

added, “reinforces our strategy of investing in technology

of information

that can be embraced with an organizational mindset

technology, including improving patient flow for patient

that the system will be improved on a continuous basis.

registration in its Emergency Room, where waiting room

As the system becomes more innovative and predictive,

times decreased to 4 minutes from 49 minutes, time to see a physician decreased to 28 minutes from 76 minutes,

it empowers our caregivers to deliver better outcomes

to benefit our patients.” n

Volume VII Issue 1 I HouseCall I 23

St.Clair Hospital 1000 Bower Hill Road Pittsburgh, PA 15243 www.stclair.org

General & Patient Information: 412.942.4000 | Physician Referral Service: 412.942.6560 | Medical Imaging Scheduling: 412.942.8150 Outpatient Center–Village Square: 412.942.7100 | Urgent Care–Village Square: 412.942.8800 | Outpatient Center–Peters Township: 412.942.8400

MAKE SURE ST. CLAIR HOSPITAL IS IN YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE NETWORK.

Health insurance in our region is changing rapidly. Fortunately, St. Clair Hospital makes navigating these changes easier because St. Clair participates with every major insurer in almost every product. That means ST. CLAIR IS AN IN-NETWORK PROVIDER for these insurers and products. And, if you have a health insurance product (like a high-deductible health plan) that requires you to share in the cost of paying for services, you’ll be pleased to know that ST. CLAIR IS OFTEN THE LOWEST COST PROVIDER. For more information, please call Customer Service at 412.344.3408 to speak to a St. Clair representative. For a complete list of insurers currently contracted with St. Clair to provide IN-NETWORK services to their members, please visit WWW.STCLAIR.ORG.

Thank you for supporting St. Clair Hospital!

The St. Clair Courtesy Vans Provide a Vital Service to the Community

Every gift has a direct and tangible benefit to our patients. A donation to the St. Clair Hospital Foundation may help a senior citizen secure a ride to receive treatment for cancer, help a patient buy a prescription medication, or provide mammograms for the uninsured.

Some funds supported by the Foundation include: • Patient Assistance Fund: Helps eligible patients to pay for home care services, prescription drugs, and other medically necessary items.

• Courtesy Van Service: This is a free, need-based service available to area residents who require rides to and from the Hospital and its affiliate locations. Your gifts provide for new vehicles and fleet maintenance. The Courtesy Van Service recently added two vehicles, bringing its fleet of vans to eight.

(More details at right.)

• Family Birth Center Fund: Gifts directed here are used for facilities, programs and equipment, including new bottle warmers.

IN 2014 WE TRANSPORTED MORE THAN

10,000 PATIENTS

TRAVELING OVER

125,000 MILES

• St. Clair Hospital Fund: Gifts support critical patient programs and services.

If you are interested in making a gift to support patients at St. Clair Hospital, please use the envelope included in this issue of HouseCall. To make a gift securely online, please visit the Foundation on the web at www.stclair.org/giving. Or if you would prefer to make your gift via phone, please call 412.942.2465.

HouseCall

MAKING MORE THAN

14,000 TRIPS The fleet of eight vehicles runs Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., transporting eligible passengers between home and St. Clair’s medical facilities.

Call 412.942.6157 for more information. The Courtesy Van Service is just one of many projects that is supported by the St. Clair Hospital Foundation.

is a publication of St. Clair Hospital. Articles are for informational purposes and are not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your personal physician.

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