Electronic Health Records Update

ODESSA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE CENTER

Inside this

issue:

Spring 2012 Volume 4, Issue 1

Health Matters

Health Fact

Start your day

with breakfast.

Breakfast fills your "empty tank" to

get you going after

a long night

without food. Easy-to-prepare

breakfasts include

cold cereal with fruit and low-fat

milk, whole-wheat

toast with peanut butter, yogurt with

fruit, whole-grain

waffles or even

last night's pizza!

Lincoln County Public Hospital District No. 1 d.b.a. Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center (OMHC) operates three entities for

Odessa and the surrounding service community of approximately 2,500 citizens. It is the largest employer in the immediate

area. OMHC is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital . There are 24-hour Level V emergency room care and basic EMS

ambulance services. Odessa Rural Health Clinic provides family medical care M-F, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Quail Court, a 12-

unit assisted living facility, is also on the campus.

OMHC

Welcomes New

Occupational

Therapist

2

Provider’s Corner

3

Highlight Department

3

OMHC

Foundation

Highlight

4

OMHC 7

Health Article 5

Success Stories

6

In our last District Newsletter we announced that our OMHC Board of Commissioners had approved the purchase and implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR) for both the hospital and the Odessa Rural Health Clinic.

Over the last four months, our staff, led by an EHR Core Team, has been diligently involved in the process of switching OMHC from the paper world to electronic. The EHR Core Team has been involved in demonstrations, ordering hardware, installing devices, as well as training in Spokane and remotely here on site. Our clinical staff pulled together during the training process to make sure coverage for both the hospital and clinic was sufficient and ensured that shifts were filled, allowing our staff to go to Spokane to get the full benefit of the face-to-face training.

At the advise from INHS and to set ourselves up for success, we evaluated current computers to see that they were adequate for EHR use. We evaluated what our needs would be for additional desktop computers and laptops. We upgraded our Wi-Fi system, which involved additional wiring and access points. We ordered in equipment, such as laptops, desktop computers, printers, scanners and carts to house some of the laptops.

On February 28th both the Clinic and Admitting Department went live with Community Wide Scheduling, which is a Meditech scheduling program that works

with both Meditech and Centricity. On March 6th the hospital went live with multiple Meditech modules for Lab, Radiology, Emergency Department, Nursing and Provider entry. On April 3rd, the Physical Therapy Department went live with Community Wide Scheduling. The Rural Health Clinic went live with Centricity on April 10th. They too had been thoroughly preparing for this transition and had done some after-hour preloading prior to going live (which is taking current paper charts and entering the information into the electronic chart, as well as scanning documents).

During the weeks of go-live, we had multiple analysts from INHS on-site to assist our staff.

Although a lot has already happened, there is still more to come. Later this month, interfaces that will allow our laboratory equipment to communicate with the Meditech System will go-live. Our Social Services, Physical Therapy, Dietary and Activities Departments will go-live with the ability

Continued on page 2

OMHC Welcomes New Occupational Therapist

OMHC welcomes our new Occupational Therapist, Heather Wagner. Heather recently graduated from Eastern Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Master’s in Occupational Therapy.

Occupational Therapy is usually associated with or used synonymously with Physical Therapy. While there are similarities, there are many differences between the two professions. Both Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy work towards restoring function, but Occupational Therapy does so by not only addressing the dysfunction but addressing the activities and environment that are impacted by the dysfunction. For example, an Occupational Therapist working with an individual with a hip replacement would provide adaptive equipment, such as a dressing stick or sock aid, and

teach that individual how to use the equipment so the individual could remain as independent as possible with dressing.

The main premise of Occupational Therapy is to promote health, well-being, and quality of life by enabling individuals to perform meaningful and purposeful activities. Heather’s ultimate goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives through participation in daily activities. She can design individualized treatment plans that include rehabilitation focused on activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), adaptive equipment training, therapeutic exercise and activities, energy conservation and task simplification, home evaluations, splinting and orthoses.

Heather states, “I always knew that I wanted to end up in healthcare so I could help people.” It wasn’t until after she had volunteered with an Occupational Therapist in Spokane that she realized that this was the field for her. “I loved how individualized each treatment was. It was based on who that person was and what they wanted to achieve, and that was important to me.”

Being from small communities, Heather noted that it was important that she serve the local area. “Rural communities, unfortunately, don’t always have the services that Spokane provides, so it was really important that I came back to provide a service that is needed.” She also commented that it was important for her give back to the communities that gave so much to her growing up. When asked what her favorite part of her job is, she stated, “Individuals being able to participate in everyday life as independently as possible because that’s what is important. It is my goal to help them with that process.”

Heather is available on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Physical Therapy department of OMHC. To make an

appointment, call (509)982-2611. A doctor’s referral is necessary.

Page 2 Spring 2012 Volume 4, Issue 1

to document within the Meditech system in the coming months.

INHS had advised us to stagger the go-lives to allow the providers time to learn and adapt to both Meditech and Centricity, as they will have to function effectively on both electronic systems, to allow all our staff time to practice meeting meaningful use (reporting requirements) and work the kinks out of the systems. We will continue to utilize INHS’s assistance over the months ahead. July 1st, 2012, we are required to start meeting meaningful use so that we will qualify for reimbursement from both Medicaid and Medicare for the purchase of the hospital’s electronic health record system.

Our staff has done an excellent job to support one another through the change. We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication that everyone has displayed. We will continue to meet the needs of our patients and ensure that top notch care is provided.

Provider’s Corner A Special Thank You and Farewell

In December 2004, Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center received a resume from Mark King, PA-C, expressing interest in the open position we had. Between waiting to see what would happen with Mark’s job in Ruidoso, NM, and arranging a site visit, it took until late April 2005 for Mark and his wife, Kim, to spend a few days here seeing what Odessa and OMHC had to offer to a family. By June 20, 2005, Mark was ready to see patients in the clinic and start taking call at the hospital. Almost seven years later, Mark and his family have decided to accept a job offer back in Ruidoso where they had spent so many years. Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center hosted a farewell on Wednesday, March 28th, to thank him for his years of service to Odessa and his healthcare delivery. It has been a pleasure to have Mark as a part of the OMHC family through these years. Mark has spent significant time at both the clinic and hospital. We have enjoyed knowing Mark, along with Kim and their children, Alex and Emily, and appreciate what an active part of this community and school system they have been. He has been dedicated to quality healthcare here and has made a positive difference in the health of many patients through the years. We will miss Mark and wish him only the best in his future job as a Physician’s Assistant. Thank you, Mark and family, for making Odessa your home and making our lives better for it.

Highlight Department: Medical Records and Admitting

OMHC’s Medical Records and Admitting Departments have three employees. Terria Smith is the Medical Records Coordinator and oversees both departments. Tamara Winfrey is the primary Admitting receptionist, and April Steward assists in Medical Records and backs up Admitting. These departments, along with many others at OMHC, have been going through a major transition from paper charts to electronic health records. All three have spent a significant amount of time ensuring that this transition happens successfully at OMHC.

Terria has worked for OMHC for the past 8 years. She is responsible for revenue capture, coding, Medical Staff

credentialing and making sure all documentation for the medical record is complete. She also actively works in and oversees the Admitting Department. She was born and raised in Odessa, married Gary Smith, and they have 4 daughters and 9 grandchildren. She attended Spokane Community College to obtain her certificate as a Medical Records Technician and has worked in several facilities prior to coming back to Odessa, including a 100-bed hospital in Aberdeen, Washington.

Tamara has been at the front desk of the hospital for 12 years. Her various duties include admitting and reception. She grew up primarily in Spokane, graduating from Shadle Park High School and working at various glass shops for many years. She met her husband, Dale, in 1984 at Deutschesfest. They moved to the Odessa area in 1998. They have two children, Jason and Casey, and one granddaughter, Jordan.

April has worked at OMHC for 4 ½ years, and currently works part-time in the Medical Records department. It is her responsibility to organize patient charts, take patient requests from other doctors and lawyer offices, as well as code the outpatient accounts. She also works part-time in the Admitting department where she registers patients, whether they are here for immediate care, lab work, x-rays, or being admitted as an inpatient or swing bed patient. She is also part of the EMT crew. She lives in Odessa with her husband, Shaun, and son, Dakota.

Page 3

OMHC Clinic Staff Not Pictured is Phyllis Sebesta

OMHC Welcomes New Physician's Assistant

Page 4 Spring 2012 Volume 4, Issue 1

Odessa Healthcare Foundation Highlights

Submitted by the Odessa Healthcare Foundation

Time Marches On. The Odessa Healthcare Foundation (OHF) was formed in 1988, according to its By Laws, to “identify the areas for improving the health care needs of Lincoln County Public Hospital District No. 1 and assist in obtaining and providing funds for same.” It received 501(c) 3 status in 1989. With five (and soon six) board members, plus the assistance of many more community residents, it began the task of fulfilling that purpose. Early on a community decision-making group was formed to work with Hospital District Commissioners to review and improve community healthcare. One early project was involvement with the District in promoting an Assisted Living facility. Other projects carried out in the early 90’s included furnishing a Hospice Room, remodeling the Postpartum Room, purchasing electric beds and matching funds toward a Trauma Team Training class. All these were done through donations and fundraising projects. The first fundraiser was a Hole-in-One Golf Tournament. In 1992 the successful series of Wine Tasting Auction events had a humble beginning with net proceeds of a bit less than $1,100. Over the years several community leaders have served as President of the Board: Todd King, Jim Walter, Noreen Groh, Kelly Bruya, John Strohmaier, and Kim King.

We Say Goodbye. In January 2012, members of the OHF Board were stunned to learn that Kim King was submitting her resignation not only as president, but as a member of the board as well, due to her husband’s taking a position in New Mexico and the family’s upcoming move away from the community. Kim brought much enthusiasm and energy, many new ideas and innovations, and sparked a myriad of new projects. Board members will miss her very much, but her ideas and innovations will continue for many years. At the March 20th board meeting, the OHF Board honored Kim and said our goodbyes.

We Say Hello. In January 2012 the board amended the By-Laws to increase the number of board members to eleven, followed by appointments of three new members: Carol Bell, Lise Ott, and Matt Kagele. The board feels privileged that these community leaders have chosen to commit their time, energy and skills to the purposes and activities of the OHF.

OMHC is happy to announce they have hired Brandon P. Lee, PA-C, who is replacing Mark King, PA-C.

Brandon completed his Physician’s Assistant training through the MEDEX program at the University of Washington in 2010. For the past two years he has worked in a Family Practice Clinic and an Urgent Care in Deer Park, while he and his family lived in Valley, WA. Brandon’s goal has always been to practice in a small, rural Eastern Washington community where he and his wife could raise their children.

Brandon is a lifelong resident of Eastern Washington and has spent many outdoor hours in the scabland areas around Odessa and Creston. Deciding factors in applying for the PA-C position here included hearing good things about the community of Odessa, the schools and the hospital. Brandon, his wife, Heidi, and their two daughters, Paige and Laney, will be moving to Odessa in April, and he will start seeing patients during the month. We are excited to have the Lee family move to Odessa and Brandon to be Odessa’s Physician Assistant. Welcome to Brandon, Heidi, Paige and Laney.

Page 5

Spring Health Article

Hand washing Hand washing is easy to do, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings—from your home and workplace to child care facilities and hospitals. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. Learn more about when and how to wash your hands. When should you wash your hands? � Before, during, and after preparing food � Before eating food � Before and after treating a cut or wound � After using the toilet � After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet � After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing � After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste � After touching garbage

What is the right way to wash your hands? � Wet your hands with clean running warm water and apply soap. � Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands,

between your fingers, and under your nails. � Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song

from beginning to end twice. � Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty. How should you use hand sanitizer? � Apply the product to the palm of one hand. � Rub your hands together. � Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

We Change. Nancy Floether was elected to the position of president of the board, and Carol Schott will take on the responsibility of Wine Tasting Auction chairman. Roles will continue to evolve and change as in all healthy organizations.

Above All, We Continue. OHF has recently funded the purchase of new chairs for the clinic lobby and special mannequins for CPR training of OMHC employees, emergency personnel and community members. An Advanced Babysitting Class is planned for later this spring. Of course, the Wine Tasting Auction is coming up May 4th. This year we have committed $25,000 proceeds towards the Hospital District’s implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHR). EHR will provide accurate, up-to-the minute information that will be accessible not only by the team of caring professionals in Odessa, but also by specialists in other hospitals receiving patients. Those wishing to donate items, services or cash to this important fundraiser are encouraged to call 509-982-2157 to pledge their support.

Page 6 Spring 2012 Volume 4, Issue 1

I recently had knee surgery and was in need of Physical Therapy for several weeks.

I would like to praise the Physical Therapy Department at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center. The three gals in there took their time with me and didn’t rush me through my procedures. Instead they spent a lot of time with me and really helped me out. They were always friendly and courteous. Thank you to Beth, Diane and Kelly for their great service. I would recommend the OMHC Physical Therapy Department for anybody and would choose this over traveling out of town for the same service.

- Judy Burghard

OMHC Welcomes New Commissioner

OMHC Welcomes New Commissioner Carol Kniola

I was born and raised in Odessa, a town I'm proud to call home, and have lived here all but ten years of my life. I raised my three children here and spent most of my twenty years of my nursing career working at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center. I now work for the Town of Odessa. I am honored to be a member of the Board and once again a part of the Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center family.

- Carol Kniola, OMHC Commissioner

District Happenings

Motocross 2012

Motocross came to Odessa once again this year on the weekend of March 31st and April 1st.

The Stumpjumpers Motorcycle Club sponsored their 42nd Annual World Famous Desert 100

just west of Odessa. The club also sponsored the Annual Frost Bite/White Knuckle Grand Prix, which was

held the weekend of March 24th and 25th just south of Odessa. Each year, OMHC and local EMS provide

medical assistance for both events, gearing up for these weekends with significant advance planning. Our

in-house staffing is also increased to accommodate added utilization of services over both events.

Odessa Healthcare Foundation Annual Wine Tasting and Auction

Friday, May 4th (Doors open at 6:30 pm)

Odessa Community Center

Tickets can be purchased from OHF Board Members or call the hospital

SPRING LAB FAIR

WEDNESDAY MAY 16TH AND THURSDAY MAY 17TH FROM 7 TO 11 AM

Pre Registration begins at 6:30 am (Drawing WILL NOT START until 7:00 am)

LOCATION: Atrium & Guild Room (Hospital Basement) Parking in front of Physical Therapy is

reserved for Physical Therapy Patients

Success Stories

Services Provided

� Acute—Cardiac Telemetry

� Emergency Room—Level V Trauma: RN’s—ACLS Certified, Modern Roof-top Heliport, District operated ambulance and EMS services

� Pharmacy—as part of our acute care

� Laboratory

� Mental Health Consults

� Radiology/EKG

� Massage Therapy/Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy/ Athletic Training

� Speech Therapy

� Dietitian Consults

� Outpatient Procedures—Endoscopy

� Social Services

� Teleradiology/Telehealth

� Women’s and Men’s Health/Physicals

� Well-Baby Checks/Pediatrics

� Foot Care

� Certified Urine Drug Testing

� Telemedicine

� Mammography

� Specialty Clinics: Orthopedic, Surgery, Urology

� DOT Physicals

12-Unit/12-Bed Assisted Living Facility: Quail Court

Statistics (January—February 2012) Hospital:

� Total Patient Days — 5

� ER Visits — 18

� Ambulance Runs — 4

� PT Visits — 154

� Lab Tests — 438

� X-Ray Tests — 35

� Occupancy Rate — 81%

Quail Court:

� Occupancy Rate — 100%

Clinic:

� Total Visits — 323

District:

� Full Time Equivalence — 66.4

� Auxiliary Lunch Fundraisers are the second Wednesday of each month in the atrium.

� OMHC Critical Access Hospital Family Potlucks are the third Monday of each month in the activity room.

� OMHC Board of Commissioner Meetings are the fourth Thursday of every month.

Remember Lab Fair is always held in both the spring and fall. Watch for flyers and advertisements for dates

and times. Don’t miss out on this cost efficient event!

Holiday

Board Meeting

April 2012 May 2012 June 2012

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July 2012 August 2012 September 2012

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S

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Page 7

Don’t forget we can meet all your therapy and rehab needs. Also available are

private swing beds (previously known as Nursing Home beds). Remind your

provider to contact OMHC! Our trained, professional staff is able to care for you

and your loved ones providing professional and prompt services.

If you are on DSHS or Healthy Options, please be aware of new Emergency Room

Use rules, which is the state's new policy for Medicaid ER visits deemed “not

medically necessary.” These new rules became effective April 1st 2012. Call the

Odessa Rural Health Clinic at (509) 982-2614 or the Hospital at (509) 982-2611 for

more information.

Calendar Events 2012

Look inside for more information on Physician’s Assistant and

Occupational Therapist joining OMHC’s Team!

502 E Amende Drive

PO Box 368

Odessa, WA 99159-0368

Phone: (509) 982-2611

Fax: (509) 982-2616

Email: www.omhc.org

“...bringing

caring, quality

healthcare to our

community.”

Call us at (509) 982-2611

Visit us at 502 E Amende Drive, Odessa, WA 99159

Administrator Editor Gary DelForge Alyssa Oestreich

ODESSA

MEMORIAL

HEALTHCARE

CENTER

We are on the web!

www.omhc.org

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.

POSTAGE

PAID

ODESSA, WA

PERMIT NO. 19

Health Matters

Odessa Memorial

Healthcare Center

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