Report to the Community
2014
www.UniversityHealth.org INSIST ON THE BEST. INSIST ON UNIVERSITY.
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LETTER from the CEO For University, 2014 was a year of great progress. We managed the challenges of the Affordable Care Act and the financial stress it has brought and continues to bring to hospitals across the country. Our physicians and staff continued to set the standard for quality and safety for health systems across the region, and we increased our accessibility for patients through multiple new primary care, prompt care and specialty practices and locations. All these accomplishments are in perfect alignment with our newly refocused and streamlined mission, vision and values. Our current strategy -- put into play in 2012 -forged the path for where we are today and continues to yield great results. The strategy is simple, yet complex -- we must operate a great organization to care for those we serve; innovate to respond to changes in the healthcare industry and collaborate with others to improve the quality, accessibility and affordability of care. In 2008, our cost per equivalent inpatient admission was $11,092. Through hard work and re-engineering our processes, it has decreased steadily every year, and in 2014 it was $9,824. We streamlined care by reducing variability, and at the same time achieved local, state and national quality and safety recognition. I hope you will take time to read more detail about those quality distinctions later in this report. As a health consumer, it is imperative that you understand that not all hospitals are created equal. Our reimbursement challenges continue with Medicare cuts related to Obamacare, no Medic-
aid expansion in Georgia leaving 20 percent of Georgians with no health coverage and increasing bad debt due to the transition of costs from employers to patients. There are access to care challenges because of a shortage of primary care providers, and physicians, specialists in particular, also are realigning their practices to manage decreasing reimbursement. We continue to look for ways to help patients manage their chronic health conditions in part because hospital readmissions have a major negative economic impact. Other challenges include rising fixed costs related to the continually growing information technology needs and the increasing costs of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. We are navigating very difficult times for hospitals and health systems. We have just dipped our toe into revenue reductions related to the Affordable Care Act. This is our new normal. University will continue to give great care and expand our access points while driving waste and costs out of our system. Our board, executive team, physicians and staff have all shown tremendous vision, leadership and a commitment to serve. We are up to the challenge!
James R. Davis President and Chief Executive Officer University Health Care System
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GOVERNING BOARDS University Health Care System’s corporations are governed by volunteer boards of directors who graciously give their time to help ensure University continues to provide progressive, accessible and compassionate care. Board members for University Health Inc., University Health Services Inc., University Extended Care Inc. and University Health Resources Inc. Randolph R. Smith, M.D., Chairman Brian J. Marks, Secretary Dana T. Atkins Terry D. Elam James W. Bennett Jr. Daniel H. Boone, M.D. William P. Doupe’ Jeffrey L. Foreman Hugh L. Hamilton Levi W. Hill IV Sanford Lloyd Eugene F. McManus Natalie D. Schweers James R. Davis (ex officio)
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LEADERSHIP TEAM Executive Team
Medical Staff Officers
James R. Davis President/CEO, University Health Care System
Daniel Boone, M.D., President Thomas Parfenchuck, M.D., President-elect
David Belkoski Vice President Financial Services/Chief Financial Officer Marilyn Bowcutt Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer University Health Care System President, University Hospital
Barry Jenkins, M.D., Secretary/Treasurer James Sherman, M.D., Past President Donald Loebl Jr., M.D., Member-at-large Cecil Sharp, M.D., Member-at-large
Laurie Ott Vice President, Human Resources and Community Services/President, University Health Care Foundation
Medical Directors Edward Burr Senior Vice President Legal Affairs/Compliance Officer
Mac Bowman, M.D. Cardiovascular Services
Les Clonch Vice President Information Systems
Timothy Hunter, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery
William Farr Jr., M.D., Vice President Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer
Chris Carlson, M.D. Bariatric Surgery
Stephen Gooden, M.D. Vice President Care Transformation
Kevin Nash, M.D. Hospitalists
Kyle Howell Vice President Support and Ancillary Services Sandra McVicker President University Hospital McDuffie Lynda Watts Vice President Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer
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QUALITY & PATIENT SAFETY Ensuring our patients receive the highest level of care at the lowest cost is our goal. In 2014, University was recognized as a leader in keeping our patients safe and ensuring they have the highest quality of care. Here are just a few of those awards:
n We were ranked No. 5 in Georgia and “high-performing” in 10 specialties including cardiology, heart surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedics by US News & World Report.
n We received the Blue Cross Blue Shield Distinction+ Center designation for quality outcomes and high value.
n We earned the National Cardiovascular Data registry Gold Performance Achievement for Heart Attack Treatment.
n Westwood Extended Care Facility received the American Healthcare Quality Initiative recognition for reducing hospital readmissions.
n The Georgia Hospital Association named us to the Chairman’s Honor Roll – the highest level attainable – for quality patient care processes.
n University’s Kentwood Extended Care facility received the “Excellence in Action” award for Customer satisfaction for the sixth year.
n The Leapfrog Group reaffirmed University’s “A” Rating for patient safety.
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n Healthgrades® quality reporting agency’s 2014 report ranked University Hospital among the 100 best hospitals in the United States for orthopedic surgery, joint replacement and spine surgery. University is the only hospital in the state of Georgia to achieve this level of excellence in all three areas. n University Hospital ranked 30th in the nation in patient safety for overall hospital care and 43rd in the nation in medical excellence for overall hospital care by CareChex®, a division of Comparion® Medical Analytics, one of the nation’s largest privately held health care information services companies. CareChex® ranked University fifth in the nation in medical excellence for general surgery, and also recognized University as number one in Georgia in overall medical care, cancer care, pneumonia care, pulmonary care, stroke care, major bowel procedures, gastrointestinal care, gallbladder removal and general surgery. CareChex® also includes University among the 100 best hospitals in the nation in patient safety in 16 clinical categories. n University was awarded 10 five-star ratings for quality excellence, the highest award attainable by Healthgrades® quality reporting agency. Healthgrades also named University as the Women’s Health Excellence Award winner. n University Hospital was designated an Aetna Institute of Quality® Orthopedic Care Facility for total joint replacement and spine surgery. Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of health care services available to its members to help them make informed decisions about their health care needs. In line with this goal, Aetna recognizes hospitals and facilities in its network that offer specialized clinical services for certain health conditions. Facilities are selected for consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care. n University received national accreditation for three Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Centers on the main campus and the Nuclear and Cardiac PET programs in Evans.
n The Breast Health Center received the Center of Excellence designation. n Breast Health Imaging received accreditation for stereotactic breast biopsy. n Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab received national recertification. n University received the CSRA’s Consumer’s Choice Award for Overall Quality and Image from the National Research Corporation for the 16th consecutive year.
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Increased Access In 2014, it became increasingly clear that the Affordable Care Act had forever changed the health care landscape. With our feet firmly grounded in providing the highest level of care, University set its sights on the horizon and planned for the future of health care delivery. To better serve our patients closer to home and answer the demand for primary and urgent care services, University opened University Medical Center – Grovetown with Primary Care, Prompt Care, Wound & Hyperbaric Services, a walk-in Lab and Radiology. In keeping with our mission to improve the health of those we serve, University continued to expand our Primary Care base in response to our growing community. Opening early 2015: n University Primary Care Furys Ferry, 3851 Evans to Lock Road in Martinez n University Primary Care Camelot, 4446 Washington Road in Evans n University Medical Associates, 465 North Belair Road in Evans n University Prompt Care Georgia Avenue in North Augusta We also continued to expand our specialty services to include: n University Neuroscience Augusta Back n University Gastroenterology n University Electrophysiology n University Neurology
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University Hospital McDuffie OpenS
CommuniquĂŠ
www.universityhealth.org
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University McDuffie Is Open! As 2014 drew Hospital to a close, the staff of University Hospital McDuffie planned to spend the holidays moving to their much anticipated new location and preparing for their January ribbon cutting and community open house. Hundreds from the community came out to get a first glimpse of our new $30 million, state-of-the-art hospital. University Hospital McDuffie is conveniently located near Interstate 20 and includes a multitude of services including: n 25 all-private inpatient beds, expandable to 100 n Comprehensive Emergency Department with trauma/cardiac rooms n A heliport for quick and efficient air transport n Three Operating Rooms n Laboratory and Imaging Department with CT scanner
Send CommuniquĂŠ submissions to rsylvester@uh.org or fax to 706/828-2469. Next issue: March-April 2015. Deadline for information: March 4.
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The Leader in INNOVATION Heart & Vascular Institute Celebrates Five Years of Saving Lives It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since University opened the doors to its state-of-the-art facility for heart and vascular care, and five years since University Health Care Foundation completed its capital campaign. The $8.5 million raised by the Foundation enhanced the H&VI and sets it apart from all others in the region. Because of this facility and the outstanding physicians who practice here, patients who years ago had to travel for the latest innovative procedures are able receive their care close to home. On Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, donors to the capital campaign joined physicians, staff and patients to celebrate and highlight a half decade of teamwork, dedication and successful procedures that have resulted in thousands of lives saved and improved.
Leveraging Technology In 2014, University invested $45 million in approved capital. These updates included: n Radiology waiting room renovation n Electrophysiology Labs n Westwood Extended Care “Willows” rehab wing n Breast Health Imaging n EPIC, electronic medical record upgrade n Orthopaedic clinic relocation and renovation n Miscellaneous patient care equipment upgrades
Indigent AND Charity Care
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
In 2014, University Health Care System provided our community $34,692,975 in indigent and charity care. Here is the breakdown:
University reached more than 500,000 people in 2014 and invested nearly $250,000 on free screenings, community education classes, publications and more to educate the community on the importance of prevention and early detection of disease. This outreach included:
$20,353,582 for inpatient and outpatient
services for indigent patients. This includes Project Access, which University helped develop in 2002 with the Richmond County Medical Society to care for Richmond and Columbia county indigent patients. University continues to be Augusta’s largest hospital contributor of funds and services to this organization.
$1,591,998 to help support community clinics
such as the Lamar Medical Center, Belle Terrace Health and Wellness Center, Christ Community Health Services and St. Vincent de Paul; and indigent pharmacy services.
$12,555,683 for uncompensated physician
n Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention screenings n Community health fairs n Skin cancer screenings n Monthly physician-led community education classes n Monthly Healthy U Calendar n Online health library and website n Women’s Wellness Expo with The Augusta Chronicle n Health and Wellness Expo with WJBF TV n Support groups for diabetes, cancer, heart disease and childbirth preparedness
services for indigent and charity patients.
$191,713 for disease management programs
coordinated and staffed by University to help people with chronic diseases like congestive heart failure, asthma and congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) better manage their conditions so they live longer, healthier lives. Not included in the community benefit amount, but a significant contribution by University Hospital, is the loss sustained by “bad debt,” or the amount of care provided for which payment was expected but not received and “Medicare and Medicaid shortfalls,” or the difference between the cost of care provided to those patients and the payment received from the state and federal government for that care.
Training Tomorrow’s Caregivers As the region’s community not-for-profit hospital and quality leader, our physicians and staff know that a skilled and educated workforce is an important part of providing advanced health care. In 2014, University invested $617,336 in four University-based programs — Harry T. Harper Jr.,
M.D., School of Cardiac and Vascular Technology, Augusta Area Dietetic Internship, Stephen W. Brown School of Radiography and coordination of internships and residents — to train future physicians and allied health professionals.
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Foundation Update Unlike the philanthropic arms of many hospitals that focus their energy on building opulent structures, University Health Care Foundation concentrates on raising money that directly benefits the lives of patients and their families in a significant, meaningful way. They help people cover life’s necessities when there often isn’t another source. In 2014, University Health Care Foundation: n Disbursed $2,172,123 in funds to care for patients in our community n Provided 3,655 instances of direct patient assistance n Funded 916 free mammograms, during which two cancers were discovered n Provided 52 scholarships to ensure we maintain the highest quality employees and best trained clinical staff in the region n Provided 124 University employees with continuing education opportunities n Conducted heart screenings for more than 100 student athletes, of which five were abnormal n Held the 22nd Annual Patchin-Westin Celebration and Dennis Memorial Cup, raising a combined $114,870 for the special needs of patients n Renovated Jernigan Cancer Center patient rooms n Held the 14th Miracle Mile Walk with 10,000plus walkers raising $410,000 to support breast health services in our community n Featured the 29th Jernigan Golf Tournament with 280 golfers, raising $202,636 to benefit the Harry W. Jernigan Jr. Endowment for cancer patients
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a Tribute to W.G. Watson, M.D. “Curly Nation” celebrates the first awards in honor of our beloved Dr. Watson
W.G. “Curly” Watson, M.D.
Bill Barfield, M.D., Audrey Watson and Miche McDonough, M.D.
University Health Care Foundation presented both Dr. William E. Barfield Jr. and Dr. Michel M. McDonough with inaugural “Curly” Awards at a tribute event honoring the late W.G. “Curly” Watson, M.D., on Feb. 25, 2014 which would have been his 104th birthday. Known for their selfless commitment to patients, generosity toward nurses and staff, and devotion to their families, Drs. Barfield and McDonough were chosen as the recipients of the first “Curly” Awards because each shared a personal connection with Dr. Watson and have helped keep “Papa Doc’s” legacy of service and kind words alive at University’s Women’s Center. Often arriving at the hospital early to meet up with Dr. Watson for breakfast and picking up his mentor for Citadel Alumni events, Dr. Barfield cherished his relationship with Dr. Watson and after receiving the award said, “This is the greatest honor I’ve ever received… I couldn’t be more honored and humbled.”
Dr. McDonough, who was delivered by Dr. Watson, joined Watson’s practice in 1995 and quickly learned from his mentor to be a patient advocate. “To even be considered for such an award is incredible,” he said. While practicing obstetrics and gynecology for 64 years at University Hospital, Dr. Watson never missed an opportunity to mentor medical students, surprise nurses and staff with special treats and provide the absolute best care possible to the lives he had in his hands. Dr. Watson delivered more than 15,000 babies during his 102 well-lived years, and is the longest practicing physician in United States history. “Papa Doc’s” leadership and legacy of “service and kind words” lives on at University’s Women’s Center, where patients and families continue to name us their “hospital of choice.”
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Volunteerism at its Finest For nearly 60 years, the men and women who serve on the Volunteer Board of University Health have contributed more than $6 million to University Hospital and its patients through the Board’s businesses. The time they give and the wisdom they impart is priceless. In 2014 the 394 active volunteers who make up Volunteer Services: n Completed 35,779 hours of service in 35 departments throughout the hospital n Donated $274,108 back to the hospital and patient care services, including: u $15,000 Jernigan Cancer Center Family Room renovation u $25,000 Miracle Mile Walk u $10,000 Breast Health Center for patient camisoles u $15,000 Patient Care fund u $6,500 Born to Read program for newborns u $7,500 Tree of Love for children’s programs VOLUNTEER SERVICES ALSO: n Operate 10 hospital-based businesses n Launched Magnolias Breath Health Boutique, which is now able to serve Medicare and commercial insurance patients n Funded two major initiatives at $100,000 each that will significantly impact overall direct patient care in a positive manner: u Donor Breast Milk Lab u “New Nine” ninth floor renovation
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University Hospital McDuffie 2014 Report to the Community OVERVIEW In 2014, University Hospital McDuffie was a licensed 25-bed medical center offering a wide spectrum of medical and health services to the people of McDuffie County and surrounding communities. The hospital, formerly McDuffie County Regional Medical Center, is a not-forprofit, non-tax supported, 501©3 organization established in January 1952. University Hospital McDuffie is a member of both the American Hospital Association and the Georgia Hospital Association and prior to moving to its new location, was fully accredited by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). University Hospital McDuffie offers Cardiac Care and 24-hour services in the Laboratory and Radiology departments. The Emergency Department provided immediate evaluation, stabilization and treatment for more than 14,500 patients in 2014. Surgical Services performed procedures in general, orthopaedic, podiatric and ophthalmologic surgery, including many laparoscopic procedures.
Foundation is governed by a board of trustees and is committed to: n Educating the communities we serve on our hospital and available health services n Raising funds for the hospital and related services n Overseeing the development and implementation of fund-raising n Supporting and endowing new hospital programs n Involving community and business leaders in Foundation activities In 2014 the Foundation raised $27,931 at our annual golf tournament to fund special equipment needs for the hospital. CHARITY CARE In 2014, University Hospital McDuffie provided $2,895,023 in patient charges for indigent and charity care. COMMUNITY OUTREACH In 2014, University Hospital McDuffie participated in six free community health fairs: Lincolnton County Health Fair, Glascock County Health Fair, Washington County Regional Medical Center Health Fair in Sandersville, Screven Health Fair in Swainsboro, and McDuffie County Health Fair and the senior citizens’ Health Fair in Thomson — a $4,661 investment, serving 888 people.
EDUCATION University Hospital McDuffie, in cooperation with several educational institutions, offers practical experience to students pursuing medical careers. University Hospital McDuffie also partners with Thomson High School for their apprenticeship program and health occupation classes.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY OUTREACH In 2014 University participated in three free business and industry events: Advance Auto Parts in Thomson, Jefferson Energy and McCorkle Nurseries in Dearing — a $10,596 investment, serving 252 people.
CHARITABLE GIVING University Hospital McDuffie’s greatest asset is the ongoing trust and support of the community. Gifts to the not-for-profit University Hospital McDuffie Foundation help preserve and improve the health of the communities we serve. The
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