April 4, 2014
Inside
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
A DAY OF CELEBRATION
DENTAL RESEARCH
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Dental researchers shine at conference.
Preventive exams promote health, prevent disease.
4 Town Hall events 5
Meet Dan
8 YES kick off T H E C ATA LY S T ONLINE http://www. musc.edu/ catalyst
Surrounded by a flood of balloons and a festive ‘80s-themed atmosphere, MUSC fourth-year College of Medicine students, friends and family gathered March 21 to celebrate the next steps in their medical careers with Match Day 2014. While gathered at the Charleston Music Hall, students were presented with a sealed letter from the National Resident Matching Program and simultaneously they opened their letters which revealed their medical residency results. Read more about the Match Day event on page 9. photo by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
PREVENTIVE EXAMS
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Vol. 32, No. 33
Barriers to lung cancer screenings based on fear, coverage Staff Report The majority of current and former smokers would welcome screenings for lung cancer if their insurance covered the spiral computed tomography scans, according to research from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and MUSC published in the current issue of the journal, Lung Cancer. More than 1,200 adult current and former smokers were surveyed about their attitudes toward lung cancer screening with the use of a spiral CT scans. Current smokers (78.5 percent) and former smokers (81.4 percent) said they would be willing to be tested, if advised to do so by their physician. Reasons why smokers are not willing to be screened included: a lack of insurance coverage (smokers, 33 percent; former smokers, 25 percent) and a fear of being diagnosed with lung cancer (smokers, 33 percent; former smokers, 12.5 percent). Among former smokers, the most commonly cited reason for not having the screening was a belief that they did not have lung cancer. “These data provide insight for public policy makers and clinicians about the perceived risks and benefits of lung cancer screening among eligible populations. The results are consistent with previous studies
which have shown high enthusiasm from patients to undergo cancer screening if the procedure is recommended by their doctors and covered by their insurance,” said study author K. Michael Cummings, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Hollings Cancer Center. Andrew Hyland, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, agreed, “This study provides valuable information regarding the barriers to lung cancer screening including a lack of insurance coverage and speaks to the need for insurance companies to pay for this life saving test.” The recent National Lung Cancer Screen Trial reported a 20 percent reduction in mortality rate when lung cancer was diagnosed using spiral CT, compared to annual chest X–rays. Currently, only 17 percent of patients treated for lung cancer survive beyond five years. A number of professional organizations have recommended lung cancer screening with spiral CT, including U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Association of Thoracic Surgery and American Cancer Society. These recommendations can influence health insurance coverage for the procedure.
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014
Medical Center
‘Making a difference every day’ Employees of the Month Award Gus Katsanevakis, ART Pharmacy “My husband suffers from migraine and cluster headaches and requires both IM and by mouth medications when he is in a headache cycle to control the pain and be able to function at his work. He usually uses a community pharmacy close to our home in Summerville, but has been having difficulty obtaining the regular supply of these drugs that have been prescribed for him. As a nurse in the Children’s Hospital, I made numerous calls to MUSC’s three outpatient pharmacies on his behalf trying to locate a supply of these medications and had the good fortune to connect with Gus in the ART outpatient pharmacy. Gus was helpful and professional throughout several phone calls over the day as we tried to locate the correct medications, get the prescription transferred to MUSC, etc. Gus obviously put customer service first, having a calm demeanor and displaying a knowledge base about the medications and ‘system’ and turning a
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Interim editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu
frustrating experience into a successful outcome. When I met Gus in person in the pharmacy to pick up the meds, I was not surprised to see a busy pharmacy in action while hearing Gus on the phone and seeing him interacting with others in the same calm, courteous manner, putting the patient’s needs first.” Nominated by Jill Evans Lindsey Reynolds, Neonatal ICU “Lindsey is absolutely, hands down, the most amazing nurse I’ve ever met. I’m so comfortable leaving my precious daughter with her each night that I actually get a full night’s sleep when she works! Lindsey doesn’t just throw a bunch of medical terms at me and walk away but instead makes sure I know exactly what’s going on when it comes to the care my daughter needs every step of the way. Making me feel like part of the team rather than just the parent of a patient and her part of our family rather than just another nurse. Each night she works, all of her babies get a soothing bath, a clean change of clothes and fresh linens on their beds, instilling a routine even before their long and sometimes short waiting homecomings. The buck doesn’t stop there though. Lindsey also provides her own personal bought outfits and swaddle blankets as well as Johnson The Catalyst is published once a week. Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
& Johnson’s Calming Night Time Wash for the whole nursery out of her pocket. We love Lindsey. She is the best at what she does. Nominated by Ashley Dugah Lori Tisdale, After Hours Care, North Charleston “Lori is an incredible nurse and I have learned so much from working with her. She always goes above and beyond, not only for her patients, but for fellow employees as well. This week there was a patient she cared for who really stood out to me. We had a young patient, here with her mother and grandmother, in our After Hours Clinic. During the triage process she learned that the child was a Sickle cell patient. Even though the patient was here for a complaint that was unrelated to her condition, while talking to the family Lori realized that the family was not very familiar with Sickle cell. Even though the clinic was super busy she took the time to find education on Sickle cell for the family. She highlighted key points that they needed to know when it came to caring for the patient. She then went over these with the family in detail and answered any questions that they had at the time. The family was very appreciative of her efforts, kindness, and compassion. Without this knowledge the patient could have had a very bad outcome had she become ill and the family had not known how to care for her or the true severity of her symptoms. I feel that sometimes the little things we do for our patients get overlooked when we get busy here at the After Hours Care, so I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize Lori for the amazing nurse that she is.” Nominated by Jamie Phalen
Mary Washington, ART HVC “On Jan. 30, we had our last patient being seen by Dr. Cuoco. She had been having nose bleeds and was getting Lovenox as preparation for a procedure. Dr. Cuoco saw her in Clinic today based on a late triage. At 5:30 p.m., Dr. Cuoco requested a lab draw. I went to the lab and asked the techs to stay for this patient. However, when I took the patient to the lab, it was closed. Mary Washington, LPN, was in the lobby going to clock out with her purse in hand. Her husband was here and waiting to pick her up. When I explained the situation, Mary came back to the Clinic and drew the PT/INR on this patient. It was a very difficult stick and required approximately 20 minutes plus. The patient was alone and planned to catch a bus to go home in the city. Mary, realizing this, offered for her and her husband to take the patient home. This is a wonderful example of our service pillar. She went over and above to meet the needs of this patient, plus made sure she got home safely. Thank you Mary for putting our patient first.” Nominated by Martha Holmes and Jennifer Carullo
Call for John R. Raymond Fellowship Applications The Women Scholars Initiative is annnouncing a call for applications for the John R. Raymond Mentoring Fellowship. Application deadline is April 15. For information visit http://tinyurl. com/ley2ohd.
THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014 3
Dental researchers shine at annual AADR meeting BY CINDY ABOLE Public Relations
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n MUSC postdoctoral fellow and a dental scientist training program student won top honors at the American Association for Dental Research annual meeting and exhibition held in Charlotte, March 19. Michael Valerio, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow with the Department of Craniofacial Biology–Oral Health, won first place (post-doc category) in the AADR’s Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Edward H. Hatton Awards competition. Since 2011, Valerio has worked in the lab of Associate Dean for Research Keith Kirkwood, DDS, Ph.D., DSTP, program director at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. Valerio was recognized for his research and explanation of the molecular underpinnings of inflammatory–driven bone loss. More specifically, he explored genetic manipulation and showed how specific cell types from blood and bone marrow can give rise to bone resorbing osteoclasts that may drive periodontal disease. Valerio’s research also won him first place in the 2014 Dental Research Day postdoc poster competition. “There were many great competitors whose research is top–notch,” said Valerio. “To be chosen from among them is a great honor. I also want to thank Dr.
photo provided
Craniofacial Biology’s Dr. Michael Valerio won first place in the AADR’s Hatton Awards. Kirkwood for his mentorship and guidance during my time working as a postdoc in his lab.” The Hatton award was created for junior investigators (junior, senior and post–doctoral) who demonstrate experience and show potential for a career in oral health research. The competition is open to AADR members. Bethany Herbert, a fourth–year dual–degree DSTP
student at the JBE College of Dental Medicine, was among 20 national dental research students to be selected to receive an AADR Student Research Fellowship Award. Herbert, who is originally from Annapolis, MD., credits the directors of the DSTP, Kirkwood and Michael Kern, Ph.D., for coordinating many mentoring and research training opportunities for DMD/Ph.D. program students at MUSC. Herbert, who also works in Kirkwood’s lab, was recognized for her research on bone loss and its association with periodontal disease. Herbert’s proposal is supported Herbert by the American Academy of Periodontology. “It is through good mentorship, training, opportunities to attend dental research meetings and a motivation that’s allowed me to choose dental research as a career and win this fellowship,” said Herbert. “This is great recognition for MUSC at the national level, and it highlights the efforts of the Center for Oral Health Research and the Training in Craniofacial and Oral Health Research program,” said Kirkwood.
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MUSC Medical Center Communications Corner Town Hall Meeting Series The MUSC Medical Center Town Hall meetings will kick off Monday, April 21. Town Hall meetings are an important part of the medical center’s efforts to make sure that employees are well informed and involved. The meetings are not only an opportunity to hear directly from senior leaders, but also to ask questions and share ideas. The schedule below reflects the dates, times and locations for the general sessions to be
led by Dr. Pat Cawley (medical center chief executive officer) and Matt Wain (medical center chief operations officer). Service line and department specific meetings will be added to this schedule and led by their respective service line administrator. You can access the town hall schedule by visiting the medical center intranet or the MUSC Excellence website. Questions and comments can be directed to Ashley Bode at 792-0820 or bode@musc.edu.
Town Hall Schedule Date
Day
Time
Location
Presenter
April 21
Monday
11:00 A.M.
Storm Eye Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 21
Monday
2:30 P.M.
ART Auditorium
Matt Wain
April 22
Tuesday
7:45 A.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 22
Tuesday
1:00 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 23
Wednesday
7:45 A.M.
Webinar
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 23
Wednesday
4:30 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
April 24
Thursday
9:00 P.M.
2 West Ampitheater
Matt Wain
April 24
Thursday
10:00 P.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 24
Thursday
11:00 P.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 25
Friday
12:00 P.M.
Webinar
Matt Wain
April 26
Saturday
7:45 A.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 27
Sunday
7:45 A.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
April 28
Monday
7:45 A.M.
Storm Eye Auditorium
Matt Wain
April 28
Monday
11:00 A.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 29
Tuesday
10:00 A.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 29
Tuesday
4:00 P.M.
ART Auditorium
Matt Wain
April 29
Tuesday
10:00 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
April 29
Tuesday
11:00 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
April 30
Wednesday
9:00 A.M.
Webinar
Dr. Pat Cawley
April 30
Wednesday
11:00 A.M.
IOP Auditorium
Matt Wain
April 30
Wednesday
2:00 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Dr. Pat Cawley
May 1
Thursday
7:45 A.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
May 1
Thursday
10:00 A.M.
ART Auditorium
Matt Wain
May 1
Thursday
12:00 P.M.
Webinar
Matt Wain
May 1
Thursday
8:00 P.M.
Webinar
Dr. Pat Cawley
May 2
Friday
12:00 P.M.
Webinar
Dr. Pat Cawley
May 2
Friday
4:00 P.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
May 3
Saturday
7:45 A.M.
2 West Amphitheater
Matt Wain
May 4
Sunday
7:45 A.M.
ART Auditorium
Dr. Pat Cawley
May 4
Sunday
3:00 P.M.
Webinar
Dr. Pat Cawley
Your Attendance Required! Town Hall participation is now expected of all MUHA employees.
THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014 5
MEET DAN
Dan Handel, M.D. Department Hospital Administration How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC By helping take all the great tools we have and people behind them and coordinate them to help how we deliver care How long at MUSC One month Family and their names Wife, Dr. Nicole Chao; and two sons, Zach, 8, and Logan, 6 Cities you have lived Portland, Ore.; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Chicago, Indianapolis and Nashville What is your medical specialty Emergency medicine What inspired you to go into medicine The practical application of science in a way to help people. In emergency medicine, the results of what you do are immediate for people who sometimes are at their most vulnerable moments of their lives. Favorite words of advice The most important thing in anything you do is about the people.
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Affordable Care Act and MUSC Health Plan BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations
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reventive care is the cornerstone of the Affordable Care Act and an integral part of the MUSC Health Plan. As the country endeavors to move from a culture of sick care to one of prevention, the ACA, often referred to as Obamacare, provides guidelines for tests, services and medications that are designed to promote health and prevent disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, Americans have not received the preventive health care they needed to stay healthy or to avoid or delay the onset of disease, in many cases due to cost. Cost–sharing by way of deductibles, coinsurance and copayments has to date presented a financial challenge for some Americans and reduced the likelihood that they would avail themselves of preventive services, often waiting until they experience symptoms to seek medical help. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscore the fact that chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, which are responsible for seven out of 10 deaths among Americans each year and account for 75 percent of the nation’s health care spending, are often preventable with screenings and proper lifestyle changes. With these statistics in mind, the ACA was designed to ensure prevention is affordable and accessible for most Americans by requiring health plans to cover preventive health care services and eliminate cost sharing when services are rendered by a network provider. This is true even if the yearly deductible hasn’t been met. The MUSC Health Plan is ACA compliant, and subscribers are eligible for many services that once required a copay or coinsurance, but no longer do. Mammograms, flu shots, breast pumps, and for adults over the age of 50, even screening colonoscopies are a few of the benefits and screenings offered through the MUSC plan. In addition to the flu shot, 12
Photo provided
Internal Medicine’s Dr. Jeffrey Wong examines a patient during a preventive screening. additional immunizations are covered under the new ACA guidelines, as well as several preventative medications. When filled as prescriptions, these medications will require no copay thus resulting in no out–of–pocket costs for patients of certain ages or with certain medical conditions. The list includes the following drug categories: smoking cessation products, aspirin, FDA approved contraceptives, iron supplementation, folic acid, oral fluoride and vitamin D. Since the ACA took effect Jan. 1, appointments to see primary care doctors for these services have risen dramatically and so too has the confusion about what is and is not covered, as the insured and insurers work to understand the complexities of the new act. The confusion often boils down to the difference between preventive and diagnostic care. Both play an essential role in the health of a patient, but sometimes the difference between the two isn’t clear. Preventive care is intended to promote wellness and prevent illness. When a patient undergoes a preventive exam, a physician will discuss a number of subjects that could include taking an aspirin to reduce the risk of a heart attack, the need to expend more calories
through exercise, smoking cessation, depression, and the symptoms of high blood pressure. They will also schedule preventive screenings. But if a patient already has a diagnosis, things can get murky. For instance, if the patient has a history of elevated blood pressure and the exam results in a discussion about the patient’s condition or medications, that can generate an additional charge. The patient might think that lowering blood pressure constitutes trying to prevent a heart attack and it would be considered prevention, the insurance companies however consider it a diagnostic and not a preventive screening. Diagnostic care involves the diagnosing or treatment of an existing medical problem which may require additional monitoring or screening. While many mammograms and colonoscopies are considered preventive and therefore included under the ACA, some can also be considered diagnostic, and not preventive, for instance, if the mammogram is to follow up on a lump or the colonoscopy to evaluate bleeding. The same test or service can be preventive, diagnostic or routine chronic care (regular care based on a chronic health condition) and the cost for the service may change based on why it’s
being done and how it’s defined. The following chart describes the difference in each category: Blood Pressure q Preventive Exam — A patient with no history of high blood pressure is screened for HBP. q Diagnostic Exam — A person with risk factors for HBP visits the doctor because he or she is experiencing symptoms. q Routine Chronic Care — A person with a history of HBP has his/her blood pressure monitored to ensure the HBP medication is working. Mammogram q Preventive Exam — A 40–year–old woman receives a routine mammogram to screen for breast cancer. q Diagnostic Exam — A 40–year–old woman receives a mammogram to evaluate a lump. q Routine Chronic Care — A 40–year– old woman who had a lump removed from her breast two years ago for cancer goes in for a follow–up mammogram. When it comes time to schedule a preventive care visit, a patient can avoid confusion and perhaps an additional bill by familiarizing himself with fully covered services. “As a patient makes an appointment for a preventive exam, it is important that he or she understands what is covered under preventive care,” said Mark Lyles, chief strategic officer. “We need to educate the patient so that in the event he or she plans to discuss, for instance, a preexisting diagnosis, current medical complaint or prescription refills during this exam, it is understood that by doing so, can result in a separate charge.” If a service is considered diagnostic or routine chronic care, the patient’s typical copayment, coinsurance or deductibles apply. “For example,” Lyles added, “if a parent with the MUSC Health Plan brought their baby in for a well-baby visit, and the doctor determined the baby also had an ear infection, the appointment went from a strictly preventive exam to one that included a diagnostic visit.”
See Plan on page 7
THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014 7
PLAN
Continued from Page Six
Because an ear infection diagnosis was made it changed the information that is sent to the insurance company, which also changes the way the claim is processed. That can result in a patient being responsible for a copay, coinsurance or satisfying a deductible for the treatment portion of the visit. The ACA guidelines are specific about what is offered as well as when and how often preventive tests and services should be rendered. If a patient has any questions, touching base with the insurance provider before an appointment is a good idea. Financial counselor for MUSC East Copper Specialty Care, Katrina Lander, stresses that there is a concrete process in place that is based strictly on procedure and diagnosis codes that are entered into the medical record and sent to the insurance companies. “We bill for what was performed, not what is covered,” Lander said. “If something changes mid–visit during a preventive exam or screening, the insurance company makes the determination of what will be covered.” Since the ACA went into effect, primary care doctors have struggled with how to manage their time during preventive visits when patients bring up myriad questions about chronic medical problems. If the discussion in a preventive exam turns to previously diagnosed conditions, the code for that signals the insurance company to pay for an “office visit,” which usually means a copay will be required from the patient. In some cases, patients hope to avoid a separate medical visit and see the preventive exam as a way to discuss various subjects with their doctor. But doctors are under pressure to document every individual reference in the patient’s electronic medical record or suffer possible Medicare reimbursement cuts in the future. They have a legal obligation to document and bill accordingly. The ambiguity can be awkward for both patient and care giver. Lyles said, “When planning a preventive care visit, a good rule of thumb to follow is if you have symptoms, it will almost always be considered diagnostic and you’ll most likely pay part of the bill.” “We don’t want this to blindside
“When planning a preventive care visit, a good rule of thumb to follow is if you have symptoms, it will almost always be considered diagnostic and you’ll most likely pay part of the bill.” Dr. Mark Lyles patients,” Lyles continued, “and we are developing a letter that the patient will receive to inform them of what is covered during their preventive exam. It will be confusing at first while all Americans, including providers and patients, learn how to navigate this new health care frontier.” Before an appointment, patients may be asked if they choose to have only the services performed that are included in the basic preventive exam or if they prefer for their provider to evaluate and manage their medical problems during the preventive exam. Those additional services would then be considered part of a separate office visit and billed accordingly. Already, many patients have chosen to combine their appointments for the sake of time. According to Lyles, patients have been pleased with the screenings, services and medications fully covered under the ACA–compliant MUSC Health Plan as well as how quickly they’ve been able to schedule and visit their doctors. Find the current list of governmentrecommended preventive services fully covered under the Affordable Care Act at https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-mypreventive-care-benefits/.
Affordable Care Act mandates no charge breast pumps for new mothers BY CHRISTINE M. GREEN Office of Strategic Planning With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and health care reform underway, there are several new benefits available to patients at no cost under most health insurance plans including the ACA–compliant MUSC Health Plan. One of these benefits provides for breast-feeding equipment to be made available at no cost for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as comprehensive lactation support and counseling from trained providers for the duration of breast–feeding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast–feeding is one of the most effective preventive measures mothers can take to protect their health and that of their children. Historically, one of the barriers to doing so has been the cost of purchasing or renting a breast pump. As a designated Baby–Friendly hospital, MUSC encourages mothers to begin breast-feeding before an infant is an hour old. This global initiative, launched by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, promotes
A Medela Breast pump specific steps related to mother and baby bonding as well as successful infant feeding. According to Sarah Taylor, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, for normal development an infant should be breast– fed exclusively for the first six months and then continue with supplementation from other food sources for at least a year. Any variation to this pattern raises health risk, she said “In our current society with many mothers working, breast pumps enable
See Pump on page 8
HEROES FOR EPILEPSY
2014 Giving Back Campaign call for applications MUHA’s Giving Back Program was established in 2011 as a way for grateful patients and families to direct gifts to the authority. Grant requests should not exceed $1,500 and can be used for manh initiatives and needs. For information visit http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ development/help/giving_back.htm.
photo by Cindy Abole, Public Relations
Clinical Neurophysiology Services manager Adam Kornegay, far left, joins South Carolina epilepsy advocates Karen St. Marie and Erick Gordon, second right, as they present MUSC Comprehensive Epilepsy Program director Dr. Jonathan Edwards with a signed Charleston Stingrays jersey on March 26. The event helped mark Epilepsy Awareness Day activities.
8 THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014
YES KICKS OFF 29 YEARS 2014 Yearly Employee Support (YES) Campaign co-chair Dr. Mary Mauldin recognizes employeedonors for their consecutive years of giving during the April 1 kickoff luncheon in the Drug Discovery lobby. Employees received certificates and thank you gifts. Also recognized were loyal employees Betts Ellis, Jim Fisher, Sherry Gillespie-Miller and Peggy Schachte for supporting the YES campaign for 29 consecutive years. Donors were welcomed by Interim MUSC President Dr. Mark Sothmann and co-campaign chairs Mauldin and Dr. Don Rockey. Organizers have set a campaign goal of $300,000 for 2014 to support about 1,300 funds through the MUSC Foundation. To donate, visit https://giving.musc.edu/yes/. photo by Cindy Abole, Public Relations
PUMP
Continued from Page Seven
more mothers to express milk and for longer. If infants receive mother’s milk for at least 6 months even compared to infants who receive mother’s milk for four months, infants have significantly lower risk of infections. Also, infants have lower odds of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), leukemia, diabetes, and leukemia with any breast–feeding.” Using a breast pump helps the mother as well. “Mothers also receive health benefits from breast– feeding with a decreased risk of ovarian and breast cancer and lower odds of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, health is optimized for mother and infant with breast–feeding for at least six months if not longer,” said Taylor. MUSC encourages breast-feeding and there is a great deal of support from physicians, nurses, and lactation consultants, said Vicki Marsi, Women’s Care service line administrator. "We're thrilled that coverage for breast pumps is included in the Affordable Care Act as it encourages mothers to breast–feed and provides them with access to the tools they'll need for optimal success, such as lactation support and a quality breast pump,” said Marsi. While the ACA calls for health plans to cover the cost of a breast pump, it does not provide a clear definition of the type of equipment women should receive. Instead, insurance providers have been left with decisions involving what type of breast pumps to recommend and how much of the cost they will reimburse. Until the federal government provides greater specificity regarding what types of breast pumps must be provided, coverage will vary among insurance carriers.
“We’re thrilled that coverage for breast pumps is included in the Affordable Care Act as it it encourages mothers to breast-feed and provide them with access to tools they’ll need for optimal
success.” Vicki Marsi DELIVERING A BABY AT MUSC When an expectant employee or spouse covered by the MUSC Health Plan delivers at MUSC, Blue Cross Blue Shield has agreed to cover $150 toward the cost of a breast pump. However, they will only pay $80 for those who deliver elsewhere. Although the ACA enables adult children to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until age 26, maternity benefits are not extended to dependents who become pregnant. Aeroflow Inc., the durable medical equipment provider designated under the MUSC Health Plan, offers the Medela Pump In Style Advanced Starter set for $150 and this pump will be fully covered under the plan. Employees will not have to pay the cost of the pump in advance or submit for reimbursement to BlueCross BlueShield. The only out–of–pocket cost for the pump will be the $25 shipping cost which is paid to Aeroflow Inc. Employees also will be responsible for paying the costs of additional supplies needed to pump and safely store breast milk for their babies. Items such as storage bags, coolers and bottles are not
included with the pump. If an employee chooses to select an upgraded breast pump, she will pay the difference between the maximum allowable amount (either $150 or $80) and the more expensive model, in addition to the shipping fee, directly to Aeroflow Inc. To order a breast pump, visit the Aeroflow Inc. website (www.breastpumps.aeroflowinc.com) and select the “Qualify Through Insurance” tab at the top of the webpage. Complete the form and submit via the Internet. The employee will receive a confirmation e-mail outlining the next steps and an Aeroflow Inc. representative will contact her within three business days. Prior to being contacted by an Aeroflow Inc. representative, employees should review model styles on the Aeroflow Inc. website.
Nominations being accepted for 2014 clinician awards The vice president for academic affairs and provost invites nominations for the 2013 MUSC Foundation Outstanding Clinician Awards. The Outstanding Clinician Award honors full-time faculty of any duration of service who have made outstanding contributions to patient care at MUSC. Nomination packets should consist of the nominee’s curriculum vitae with a descriptive section of clinical activity; three letters of support, (one from a peer); and a statement from the nominator (not to exceed 1,000 words) outlining the candidate's qualifications for the award. Deadline for nominations is April 25. They may be submitted to Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., 179 Ashley Ave., Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.
THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014 9 Fourth-year medical student Meena Mirdamedi, far right, reads her match results with friends and family. Mirademi matched in OB-GYN at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.
MUSC Match Day celebrates ‘80s style MUSC’s 2014 Match Day was a festive event as students joined with family, friends, faculty and staff to learn of their residency positions. Everyone was inspired by the ceremony’s theme, “Back to the ‘80s”, and came dressed up in their garb and fun outfits. A total of 160 students successfully matched to medical residency programs across 28 states while 30 students matched to residencies at MUSC and the Tri-county area. Two students matched to research fellowships in orthopaedics and ear, nose and throat specialties. Congratulations College of Medicine Class of 2014!
photos by Anne Thompson, Digital Imaging
Above: Students who matched with the Internal Medicine specialty group coordinated with a Star Wars costume theme. Bottom left, College of Medicine deans, Myra Haney-Singleton, from left, Drs. Deborah Deas, Deborah Hazen-Martin, Chris Pelic, Donna Kern and John Freedy, join in on the ‘80s theme.
Student Jamaeka Reid, second left, celebrates with her husband and son and with co-student Austin Rampey, right, and his family. Center photo: Peter Smith announces his match results in emergency medicine at Palmetto Health in Columbia.
MUSC Foundation accepting 2014 Outstanding Clinician Awards nominations The vice president for academic affairs and provost invites nominations for the MUSC Foundation 2014 Outstanding Clinician Awards. The Outstanding Clinician Award honors fulltime faculty of any duration of service who have made outstanding contributions to patient care at MUSC. Currently, active clinicians who commit a significant proportion of their time caring for patients in ambulatory or inpatient settings are eligible for this award. Awardees will have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, integrity and devotion to patient care. They will have gained recognition as dedicated,
compassionate and highly effective clinicians. Their clinical excellence and commitment to service identify them as role models for residents, students and their faculty colleagues. An additional consideration will be their ability to collaborate in an effective interprofessional manner. Eligibility: 1. Appointment to the full-time faculty of MUSC. There is no age or length of service requirement. 2. There shall be no more than three awards given in a single year. The monetary reward of $3,000 will be used
at the discretion of the awardees. The nomination packet should consist of the full curriculum vitae of the nominee with an expanded description of the section of clinical activity; three letters of support, with at least one from a peer; and a statement from the nominator (not to exceed 1,000 words) outlining the candidate's qualifications. The deadline for nominations is Friday April 25. Nominations may be submitted to Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., Interim President and Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, 179 Ashley Ave., Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.
10 THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014
MUSC hosts group walk for National Walking Day BY AIMEE MURRAY Public Relations
W
hen National Walking Day rolled around April 2, a new champion and poster child, MUSC employee Rosie Smith, was featured. Smith, who participated for the first time last year, marks it as a life-changing moment. Last year the compensation analyst in human resources for the medical center volunteered to become a group leader. Little did she know that almost one year later, it would lead her to develop closer bonds with friends and drop 28 pounds. Suzan Whelan, wellness coordinator for MUSC’s Office of Health Promotion, said most people already know the steps they should take to engage in more physical activity but may need a nudge to get started. “This event [National Walking Day]
gives them a definitive day to begin what I hope will become an ongoing healthy habit. Taking time during the workday to care for yourself helps alleviate stress and renew energy.” That certainly is what Smith has found over the last year. She’s been able to maintain through the power of walking. “I was 49 at the time and had an 10– year–old son. I pursued my career first, and then I had my child and so I felt like I wanted to do something for me.” In January of 2013, Smith secured a personal trainer for her son, a football and basketball player, and was encouraged to exercise with a personal trainer of her own. “I started with the trainer and my goal, at the time, was just to feel better. I wanted to live to watch my son graduate from college, watch him get married, and I wanted to play with my
photos by Aimee Murray, Public Relations
MUSC employee Rosie V. Smith, from left, is joined by coworkers Shon Gladden and Amanda Williamson as they walk around Colonial Lake on their lunch hour. Smith has dropped 28 pounds from walking. grandkids. Physically, I didn’t feel good. I was tired all the time, kind of sluggish, and I knew I was making poor choices with food and being a bad example for my child. I just wanted to do better for me and for him.” Smith joined a gym. She said at first, she didn’t really have a goal as far as numbers on a scale. She just wanted to feel better. “When I saw the announcement for the MUSC ‘Medical Mile’ walk for National Walking Day, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to get out there. When I went, I saw they were looking for group leaders, and I said, ‘well Rosie,
one way for you to be accountable is to volunteer to be the leader. Then you have to do it.’” Smith signed up to be the leader of a group of walkers, and they’ve been walking together for more than a year. Now, Smith says she wants to get outside. “I’m in one of those offices, that so many of us have that doesn’t have a window. That sunshine and fresh air just gets the melatonin going, and it helps with my stress level. It’s absolutely refreshing. It’s changed my outlook on work, my stress level is reduced, and I’ve lost weight, so it’s a win–win,” she said.
Fellowships to enhance interprofessionalism Applications are being accepted for the Maralynne D. Mitcham Interprofessional Fellowship for faculty and professional staff. The purpose of the fellowship is to prepare faculty and staff to successfully assume new roles in interprofessional education, research, practice or administration. The program seeks to foster a new generation of people who demonstrate interprofessional competencies that span multiple disciplines and contests. The fellowship
period will be from July 1 to June 30, 2015. Two fellowships will be awarded per year, and each fellowship provides funding in the amount of $5,000. Applications should include a letter of intent, two letters of support and curriculum vitae, and must be received by May 9. For information on the fellowship, visit http://tinyurl.com/pyhzbwk or contact Heather Spaulding at spauldin@musc.edu.
THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014 11 MUSC International Bazaar set for April 17
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Everyone is invited to participate in the international flavors of food, musice and dance at the 2014 MUSC Annual International Bazaar. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 17 at the Horseshoe. Visit the cultural tables to shop for reasonably priced world market merchandise and learn about what MUSC students are doing around the globe. For information visit http://www.musc. edu/international or contact Rebeca Mueller, muellermr@musc.edu or 792-2156.
12 THE CATALYST, April 4, 2014