TENN-O-SCOPE

Tennessee

The Volunteer State

Volume LXIII Nov 2016 No. 2

Official Publication of the

Tennessee State Society of

American Medical Technologists

2

Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists

2016 Officers

www.americanmedtech.org

PRESIDENT Kay Burnett, MT

35 Cypress Heights Lane

Buchanan, TN 38222

kkburnett@wk.net (H) 731-232-8675

(M) 615-830-6320 (W) 731-644-8549

SECRETARY Annie Washington, MT

1186 Mary Jane Cove

Memphis, TN 38116-8900

Annie.washington@stjude.org

(H) 901-345-2887 (M) 901-734-6649

SOUTHERN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Kaye Tschop, MT

4954 Hopedale Drive Nashville, TN 37211 k9kid@bellsouth.net (H) 615-833-3427 (M) 615-424-0550

VICE PRESIDENT Valerie Owens, RMA

521 Haynes Street

Nashville, TN 37207

valowens6@gmail.com

(H) 615-227-3473 (W) 615-327-3603

TREASURER Walter Parsons, MT 1011 McMahan Avenue Nashville, TN 37216 parsons9593@bellsouth.net (H) 615-262-4229 (M) 615-415-8001

EX-OFFICIO Martha Duncan, MT 6014 Clifton Drive Columbia, TN 38401 nittwitt6461@yahoo.com (H) 931-380-3423

JUDICIARY COUNCILLOR Kimberly Cheuvront, Ph.D. 100 Fair Oaks Drive Fairmont, WV 26554 cheuvrontk@wvumedicine.org (M) 304-694-1844

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Tennessee State Society of American Medical Technologists

2016 Board of Directors

www.americanmedtech.org

Diane Robbins, MT Board Member 2016-2018 827 Apple Drive Livingston, TN 38570 Diane.robbins@lpnt.net (H) 931-823-1879 (W) 931-403-2125

Kim Wheeler, MT Board Member 2014-2017 105 Sunset Drive Unicoi, TN 37692 kdwheeler@centrurylink.net (H) 423-735-7915

Kaye Tschop, MT Board Member 2015-2018 4954 Hopedale Drive Nashville, TN 37211 k9kid@bellsouth.net (H) 615-833-3427 (M) 615-424-0550

Bonnie Wiseman, MT Board Member 2015-2017 5333 Ragan Ridge Drive Memphis, TN 38141 (H) 901-605-2084 (W) 901-595-3654

Gaye Hudson, MT Board Member 2015-2018

PO Box 75 Linden, TN 37096 ngayehudson@1106@tds.net (H) 931-589-2024

Sherry Blevins, RMA Editor 197 Blackburn Drive Bristol, TN 37620 ilovemycatstoo@yahoo.com (M) 423-956-1934

Junior Basant, RMA Board Member 2016-2018

3354 Perimeter Hill Drive, Suite 105 Nashville, TN 37211 615-320-5917 drj203@gmail.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

President’s Message ……………………………………....5

District Councillor’s Message …………………………....6-7

Legislative Message ……………………………………...8

Editor’s Message ………………………………………...10-11

Delegate Reports ………………………………….12-16, 18-19

Awards…………………………………………………….17

Memphis Pictures…………………………………………24-26

Dates to Remember ………………………………………27

Committee Members……………………………………...28

MA Week………………..………………………………..29

New Members …………………………………………...30-33

Professionalism …………………………………………..34-35

Student Paper …………………………………………….36-37

The TENN-O-Scope is the official publication of the Tennessee

State Society of the American Medical Technologists and is

published two times per year. If you requested a paper copy of

the journal, it may be mailed first class mail from the Main Post

Office 525 Royal Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee 37230.

Publication is available on our website at www.american

medtech.org. Select about us, state societies, select Tennessee

State Society. Once on the Tennessee site, select newsletter and

select current issue. Articles appearing do not reflect the opinion

of the Tennessee State Society and/or the American Medical

Technologists. The editor reserves the right to edit all articles

when necessary. The publication was printed by Allegra Print &

Imaging, 601 Grassmere Park, Suite 19, Nashville, Tennessee

37211.

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PRESIDENT’S FALL MESSAGE 2016

Kay Burnett, BS, MT TNSSAMT President

E As your President, I have had a lot of learning

curves since taking on this position in October

2015. I have a great support team that keeps me

on the right track. I couldn’t do this job without

them.

The TNSSAMT Chapter held their annual business meeting in

Memphis, Tennessee at the 78th National Convention for AMT.

This meeting was held on July 20, 2016. The National

Convention also served as our Scientific Meeting as well. Audit

and Nominating Committees also met at the National

Convention. I thoroughly enjoyed the week in Memphis. Some

of us went exploring the famous “Beale Street” and had dinner

at the Rendezvous Restaurant. The ribs were awesome!

The Magnolia Education Treasure’s meeting will be held on

October 28-29, 2016 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Please see the

AMT website for program and hotel accommodations. The

Tennessee Chapter will be responsible for the door prizes. Each

member of the TNSSAMT Board is asked to provide 10 items

each. The Board of Directors will also hold their meeting here

on Thursday night, October 27, 2016.

The next Scientific meeting for TNSSAMT will be held in East

Tennessee in the fall of 2017.

Enjoy the fall and winter.

Kay Burnett BS, MT (AMT)

President TNSSAMT

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Fall 2016 Southern District Councillor’s Message

The historic Peabody Hotel was the site of AMT’s78th Educational Program and National Meeting. There were over 400 registered members, guests, and students in attendance to the meetings, welcome party and at the awards banquet. There were over 40 first time attendees at the meeting. The historic Peabody Hotel was the site of AMT’s 78th

Educational Program and National Meeting. The Peabody Hotel was beautiful, the weather was HOT and AMT members and guests witnessed an historic event during Monday evening's welcome night, an Elvis sighting! Yes, Elvis was in the building!! We have the photos to prove it! There was singing and dancing all evening long. A great time was had by all.

Award recipients from the Southern District received their 2015 awards at the awards banquet in Memphis as follows: Exceptional Merit—Georgia McCauley, MT North Carolina, Rikki Packer, RMA Alabama and Juann Ward, MT, RPT Barbados. Pillar Award - Lynn Dean, MT North Carolina, Karen Hurban, MT Florida, Diana Kendrick, AHI, RMA Georgia and Christopher Seay, MT Tennessee. Distinguished Achievement - Daniel Benson, RMA, RPT Alabama, Shirley Hughey, MT Georgia, Tabitha Jordan, RMA South Carolina and Kimberly Wheeler, MT Tennessee. Silver Service - Walter Parsons, MT Tennessee and Linda Hayes Jones-Sotak, MT Virginia. Cuviello Commitment to Excellence Award - Deborah Janeczko, RMA Florida. GEM Award - Julia Hardcastle, MT Kentucky and Joyce Lybrand, MT South Carolina. O. C. “Skip” Skinner Armed Services Award - Nettie L. Norphleet, RMA Alabama. Legacy Tribute - Clara Birdsong, MT North Carolina. State Society Publication Awards - Journal 1st Place – Alabama Alatech – Nettie Norphleet, Editor; 2nd Place – CASMET – CASMET For Laboratory Pro-fessionals – Khalil Lucky, Editor; 3rd Place – Tennessee –Tenn-o-Scope – Sherry Blevins , Editor. Most Improved Publication - South Carolina – The Palmetto Scope – Tabitha Jordan, Editor. Editor of the Year - Nettie Norphleet, Editor - Alabama – Alatech. 2015 Honor Roll State Societies - Alabama, CASMET, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Congratulations to each of you. I am proud of all of your accomplishments.

(continued)

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Fall 2016 Southern District Councillor’s Message

There were three members elected to the Board of Directors. Re-elected were Jeannette Hobson, RMA, RPT, from California and Christopher Seay, MT from Tennessee to another term, and Naomi Melvin, PhD, EdD, MPH, CLC, DLM ASCP, from Florida was elected for her first term. Your new AMT Officers are President: Jeffrey Lavender, MT, and Vice President: Jeannette Hobson, RMA, RPT, CMAS, AHI, and Secretary: Deborah Westervelt, RMA, COLT and Treasurer: Ken Hawker, MT.

The bylaw proposals printed in the June AMT Events magazine were passed by the House of Delegates. American Medical Technologists Institute for Excellence (AMTIE) held elections for their Board of Trustees at their Annual Business Meeting. Charles W. Baker, MT, from South Carolina was reelected, Oswald Skinner, MT, from Florida and Fred H. Morley, III, MT, from Arizona and were elected to their first position on the board AMT will release two new video's. These are “Welcome to American Medical Technologists” and “Student Certifications”. They will be posted to the AMT website soon.

The 79th AMT Educational Program and National Meeting July 9-13, 2017 will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel at the Plaza Kansas City, Missouri. We will be meeting at the same hotel as the previous Kansas City meeting. The Fairmont is now the Intercontinental Hotel. Room rates will be $ 129.00 plus tax per night single or double. Amenities include a heated pool with sun deck and fitness center. Rooms are beautiful and include a marble bath, coffee maker and iron and ironing board. Plan your vacation around the AMT national convention. Mark your calendars and join us in Kansas City!

The 2018 80th AMT Educational Program and National Meeting will be held in the Eastern District.

Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARW) is October 17-21, 2016. Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) is celebrating the theme “Medical Assistants: Healthcare with a Human Touch.” Download the 2016 logo and promo kit from the AMT website and help get the word out in your state.

If you need anything please do not hesitate to email me at k9kid@bellsouth.net or phone me at (h) 615-833-3427 or

(c) 615-424-0550.

Respectfully submitted,

Kaye A. Tschop, MT (AMT )

Southern District Councillor

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LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Filing Complaints Against Health Care Professionals

WHEN TO FILE A COMPLAINT.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The majority of laboratory professionals in Tennessee are competent and caring Individuals.

However, if you notice a problem with a practitioner, you have the right to report him/her. You may file a complaint through Health Related Boards, Office of Investigations if you believe that a practitioner’s performance or behavior is not acceptable.

Board Responsibility

The Department of Health has the authority for various licensing boards whose responsibilities are to protect the public interest. This is accomplished through enforcement of the particular Practice Act of each board, which examines, licenses, and oversees the practice of the licensees. The licensing boards oversee individual practitioners and in some instances regulate educational programs.

The medical laboratory board evaluates the credentials and qualifications of each laboratory practitioner. After practitioners become licensed, the Board will review any complaint received that may put the professional behavior and/or performance of the practitioner in question. Such complaints may suggest a violation of the Practice Act.

While the board cannot assist with civil or criminal matters and does not represent individuals, the Tennessee Practice Acts allow the licensing boards to act on behalf of the people of Tennessee at large. When a board determines that disciplinary action against a practitioner is necessary, the action focuses on (continued)

9

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

prevention of further problems with the practice in the state of

Tennessee in the future, but cannot impute criminal penalties.

Filing a Complaint

Hopefully you will never have to file a complaint against a health care practitioner and if you are not sure about filing a complaint, you may consult the website for frequently asked questions. How-ever, should it become necessary, the process is very simple. You may contact the Complaint Divisions of the Department of Health at 1-800-852-2187 to request a complaint form. (PH-3466)

The form must be completed in its entirety. All materials received in connection with the complaint will become property of the De-partment of Health and cannot be returned. Please return the complaint to:

Office of Investigations 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Suite 201

Nashville, TN 37243

Excerpted from https://www.tn.gov/health/article/medlab-complaints 10/17/19

by Annie Washington, MS, MT (AMT) SH(ASCP)cm

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE

It is so hard to believe that 2016 is

almost gone. I have to say that it

was many a firsts for me. Memphis

Tennessee held AMT’s 78th annual

convention. This was my first

convention that I have attended and I had a blast!

I traveled to the convention via airplane. My first ever

plane ride. I had no idea what to expect, but once the

plane was in the sky, my face was glued to the window.

The sky was beautiful enriched in the color of blue

mixed with white that created the clouds. No words

can truly describe what I was witnessing.

The next thing I experienced was my first cab ride. I

felt like a famous person traveling through Memphis.

The driver made me feel so special as he explained the

history and the happenings of Memphis.

Then I arrived at the Peabody Hotel just in time to see

the famous “Peabody Ducks”. I had the perfect seat

and I can truly say it was awesome to watch. It brought

back some memories for me when I used to own a

duck named “George”. I taught him how to pick up

sticks and fetch a ball.

Then it was time to start the meetings. I made new

friends and learned a lot during the week. I attended

(continued)

11

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

the Editor’s Workshop where I got to meet other

Editor’s from other states. It was the first time that I

have ever won an award and I was so honored to

receive third place for the Tenn-O-Scope.

I attended the welcome night and it was amazing. We

had a delicious meal with dessert and afterwards

watched an amazing show that featured “Elvis”. I was

so excited when I got a kiss from Elvis and he gave me

a blue teddy bear stuffed toy.

As the meetings closed and my bags were packed in

the car, I started thinking about the next convention

that will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. What will I

get to see and do in Missouri. All I can say is “I can’t

wait!”.

Mark your calendars and see you there.

Sherry Blevins, RMA, AHI (AMT)

Editor of Tenn-O-Scope

12

DELEGATE REPORT

The 2016 AMT National Meeting was

held in Tennessee’s largest (by

population) city, Memphis, was well

attended with over 400 participants.

Memphis is known for its music,

bar-b-que, and the grand historic

Peabody Hotel which was the sight for

the meeting. I enjoyed the accommodations, the food, music on

Beale Street, and meeting once again with members of my

AMT family.

One interesting educational session I attended was “Evidence

Based Hematological Solutions Beyond the Routine CBC”

presented by Robert Oleksy, BSN, RN from the Sysmex

Corporation. Mr. Oleksy explained how several different

parameters available on some of the sysmex analyzers are

helpful in diagnosing disease and managing chronic disease

states.

The IG (Immature Granulocyte) parameter detects

metamyelocytes, myelocytes, and promyelocytes. A reading of

3% or more is a very good indication of infection even with a

normal white count and may be indicative of potential sepsis. It

is more specific than some other tests such as ESR, CRP, and

IL-6.

(continued)

13

DELEGATE REPORT

and accurate diagnosis of iron deficiency in children and infants

is possible by determining the RET-HE and early intervention

is then possible. Also, with the use of IRF and RET-HE, the

response to erythropoietin (EPO) can be determined faster. This

is especially helpful in managing chronic disease states.

With the absolute and percent reticulocyte count, the IRF

(immature retic fraction) and the RET-HE (Retic Hemoglobin)

parameters the rate of erythropoiesis (red cell generation) can

be determined in days rather than weeks as is common with

traditional parameters. In addition, iron, transferrin and ferritin

levels may be affected by inflammation and/or infection, which

does not affect the aforementioned parameters. Early patients

with chronic diseases such as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

requiring hemodialysis.

The IPF (immature platelet fraction) as an indicator of

thrombopoiesis (platelet generation) can determine if

thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is caused by platelet

suppression or platelet destruction. Serial use of IPF can

determine bone marrow recovery after Chemotherapy. IPF is

comparable to flow cytometry in this respect.

Thank you for allowing

me to participate.

Gaye Hudson, MT

14

DELEGATE REPORT

Near the corner of Union Avenue and

second street and one block from Beale

Street is the majestic Peabody Hotel.

After attending and participating in the

78th AMT Educational and National

Meeting.

Sunday was full of intense and hands on workshops as

well as the National Board and Councilors meeting.

Monday started with a delightful key note address

“Laughter is the Best Medicine” by Brad Nieder, MD.

He poked fun at not only himself, but at the medical

community as a whole. The session on Nutrient

Deficiencies was full of viable information and very

well presented. The Drugs of Abuse session was

presented by a representative from St. Jude and held

everyone’s attention. The session on diabetes was well

attended, very interesting, and insightful.

The Peabody Rooftop was the setting for the Welcome

Party and to try to tell you about the “live” Elvis

sighting would start a lot of women screaming.

(continued)

15

DELEGATE REPORT

During one of the leadership sessions I attended had one of the

quotes that I liked was “Team Work makes the Dream Work”.

I am still trying to figure out which color I am from the

most/least like me test.

The AMT Council presented a session on “How to Make our

State Society the Best” with not only suggestions, but

challenges. Everyone was given an extensive list of National

AMT Committees who can serve, when they meet, and the need

for volunteers willing to serve. If you are interested, e-mail the

AMT office, your Councilor, or state officer.

The Town Hall meeting is the opportunity for any member to

ask any question(s) of the National Board of Directors on any

subject and get an answer. The AMTIE election was held with

paper ballots before the Business Meeting.

TNSSAMT held their Annual Business Meeting while in

Memphis with the usual reports from Committees and financial

reports. Two board positions were open and Diane Robbins, MT

and Junior Basant, RMA were elected for three year terms.

If you missed the fabulous trip to Memphis, Gulfport,

Mississippi will be the next meeting site. Don’t forget next year,

we will be meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.

Come and join the rest of us!

Martha Duncan, MT

16

DELEGATE REPORT

I attended a session on Blood Bank “Hide

and Seek” Antibody Identification

techniques which was presented by Lori T.

Sweat, MT (ASCP) SBB. This was a very

informative session. Everyone dreads getting a positive

antibody screen because you don’t know if it will be

straight forward or not. I like working in blood bank

because of this factor, but there are times when you get

the panels and you aren’t sure if it is one antibody or

multiples.

Ms. Sweat talked about the basics of antibody

identification with “what is clinically significant

antibody”? This antibody can shorten the life of

transfused red blood cells. There are several techniques

used for antibody identification. Most hospitals are

using the gel methodology and two or three cell

antibody screens. When the antibody screen is positive,

a panel is performed to identify the antibody. Once the

panel is performed, crossing out is done to eliminate

possible antibodies. This is done by using the cells that

are negative and going row to row crossing out what is

positive on the panel and leaving what could be the

possible antibody. This technique was new to me when

I started working at my present employer, but with

practice and help from the blood bank supervisor, this

became like second nature. I plan on using what I

learned from Ms. Sweat.

17

NATIONAL AWARDS

WINNERS

Pillar Award—Chris Seay

Honor Roll State—Kay Burnett

Distinguished Achievement-Kim Wheeler

Third place Journal—Sherry Blevins

Silver Service—Walter Parsons

18

DELEGATE REPORT

Walter M. Parsons, MT

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Linda Pifer, Ph.D., SM (ASCP)

GS (ABB), Professor of Clinical Laboratory Science

UT Health Science Center

Memphis, TN

Fasten your seat belts and away we go around the

world to investigate the emerging infectious diseases of

the twenty-first century. A unique presentation from

someone who had total command of infectious

diseases: the what, where, why, who, and how. The

presentation had me so mesmerized for the whole hour

and I felt it ended way too soon. A pictorial gallery of

the different types of viruses located in different

countries around the world.

The Ebola Virus zone is located in the African

countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The

Chikungunya Virus arrived in South and Central

America in 2013-2014. The Heartland Virus, a new

virus found in Missouri and Tennessee, vectored by the

Lone Star Tick. The Bourbon Virus was first identified

(continued)

19

DELEGATE REPORT

in Kansas and vectored by the tick bite.

The Trypanosoma Cruzi Virus is now common in

Tennessee and the Mid-South. Dr. Pifer stated

mosquitoes caused more deaths and diseases than any

other animal on the planet. In July, 2016 at the AMT

National Convention and Education Meeting in

Memphis, there had only been travel related Zika

Virus cases in the United States and Dr. Pifer stated it

was only matter of time that Zika infections from

local mosquitoes would be transmitted. Two weeks

after the convention, South Florida (Miami) had their

first four cases of mosquito transmitted Zika Virus

cases. Today, there have been several more. Zika

Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an

infected Aedes Species Mosquito—Ae; Aegypti and

Ae; Albopictus. These are some mosquitoes that

spread dengue and the Chikungunya Virus.

Thank you for allowing me to represent Tennessee as

a delegate to the 2016 National Convention in

Memphis.

20

21

PHOTOS BY KAYE TSCHOP, KAY BURNETT, GAYE HUDSON, AND SHERRY BLEVINS

22

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**DENTAL ASSISTANT WEEK…MARCH 5-11, 2017

**MEDICAL LABORATORY WEEK..APRIL 23-29, 2017

**AMT 79TH NATIONAL MEETING…..JULY 9-13, 2017

At The Intercontinental Hotel at the Plaza, Kansas

City, Missouri

**TSSAMT SPRING MEETING...TO BE ANNOUNCED

ADVERTISING RATES

1 PAGE 1/2 PAGE 1/4 PAGE BUSINESS CARD

1 Issue $75.00 $60.00 $40.00 $20.00

2 Issues $150.00 $120.00 $80.00 $40.00

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2016 TNSSAMT COMMITTEES

Historical Martha Duncan, MT Publication Sherry Blevins, RMA* Kaye Tschop, MT Legislative Annie Washington, MT

Diane Robbins, MT

By-Laws/SOP Martha Duncan, MT* Kaye Tschop, MT Walter Parsons, MT Scientific Annie Washington, MT* National Lab Week Kay Burnett, MT National RMA Week Valerie Owens, RMA Photography Diane Robins, MT* Kay Burnett, MT Membership Kay Burnett, MT* Jerry Hudgins, MT Walter Parsons, MT Audit Kim Wheeler, MT* Bonnie Wiseman, MT Diane Robbins, MT Martin Amick, MT Judy Coburn, MT Nominating Martha Duncan, MT* Jerry Hudgins, MT Kaye Tschop, MT Gaye Hudson, MT. Annie Washington, MT *Indicates Chairperson

25

MEDICAL ASSISTANT WEEK

Medical Assistant’s Creed

“I believe in the principles and purposes of the profession of medical assisting. I endeavor to be more effective. I aspire to render greater service. I protect the confidence entrusted to me. I am dedicated to the care and well-being of all people. I

am loyal to my employer. I am true to the ethics of my profession. I am strengthened by compassion, courage, and

faith.”

We love doing

computer work

Learning the

Integumentary

system in Anatomy

<

Learning the bones

with Betty the

skeleton

Taking a patient’s

history

Learning

Injections

26

WELCOME TO THE TNSSAMT FAMILY

ALEXIS PILKINGTON, RMA ALEXIS ALEXANDER, RMA

ALEXYS MALEK, RMA ALLISON WILLIAMS, RMA

ALLISON WILLIAMS, RMA AMANDA SMITH, MLT

AMANDA SMITH, RMA AMBER JOHNSON, MLT

AMY BINKLEY, RMA AMY WALIZER, RMA

AMY DODSON, RMA ANASTASIA WYNN, RMA

ANASTASIA WYNN, RMA ANDREA VILLALOBOS-LEMUZ

ANGELA, FRIAS, RMA ANITRA DANIELS, RPT

ANNETTE WOODS, RMA APRIL ROCKWOOD, RMA

APRIL FARR, RMA ASHLEY CARTER, RPT

AUDRA JOHNSON, RMA AUDREY McCLOUD, RMA

BELINDA ADAMS, RMA BENITHA FRYSON, RMA

BLAIR MALONE, RMA BONITA UNDERWOOD, MT

BRIAN CAMPBELL, RMA BRITTANEY HOLDEN, RMA

BRITTANEY McCALEB, RMA BRITTANY DUGGER, RMA

BRITTANY MOYERS, RMA BROOKLYN WYATT, RMA

CANDICE TUCKER, RMA CANDIE FURCHES, RMA

CARA ODEN, RMA CARLIE SPODAT, RMA

CASEY LANE, RMA CATHERINE MATTIX, RMA

CATRINA COX, RMA CHARITY GALIGHER, RMA

CHRSTIANA BAKER, RMA CRYSTAL HINKEL, RMA

CRYSTAL PETERS, RMA CRYSTAL HAMPTON, RMA

CYNTHIA GREER, RMA DANA WILLIAMS, RMA

DANA WILLIAMS, RMA DANIELLE CAMPBELL, RMA

DANIELLE CAMPBELL, RMA DARBY DUNFORD, RMA

DENISE ROTTMAN, RMA DENISE SAUCEMAN, RMA

DONNA JACOBS, RMA DONNA JONES, RMA

EDITH SEWARD, RMA ELIZABETH CUEVAS, RMA

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WELCOME TO TH.E TNSSAMT FAMILY

EMMA CARTER, RMA ERICA REMSBURG, RMA

ERICA ROBINSON, RMA ERICA ELDER, MLT

FRANCESCA MULEA, RMA GUADALUPE, BEDOLLA, RMA

HEATHER BARLOW, RMA HEATHER GILLETTE, RMA

HOPE GLOVER, RMA IVETTE ACHINGER, RMA

JACQUELINE STERRETT, RMA JAMI ALBRIGHT, RMA

JAMIE MARSHALL, RMA JANET HOPKINS, RMA

JASON PEPPER, MT JAYDE SLIGER, RMA

JENNIFER JOHNSON, MLT JENNIFER WITTENBERG, MT

JENNY NUNNERY, RMA JONINA SWARTZ, RMA

JUDY CARDEN, RMA J ULIE JOHNSON, RMA

JULIE HOLTZCLAW, RMA JULIETTE DUQUESNOY, MLT

KAMI LAMBET, RMA KARI BOYCE, RMA

KATELYNN STINNET, RMA KATHRYN DAVIS, RMA

KAYLA JEFFERY, RMA KAYLA POINDEXTER, MT

KAYLA EPPERSON, RMA KAYTLIN SMITH, RMA

KEISHA JACKSON, RMA KELLY FOULKS, RMA

KENDRA HALL, RMA KEVIN McHUGH, AHI

KEYERA JORDAN, RMA KIMBERLY SMITH, RMA

KRISTI HAWS, RMA KRISTI NORMAN, RMA

KRISTIN HOUSER, RMA KRISTIN PEDEN, MLT

KRISTY SNYDER, RMA KRYSTAL JENNINGS, RMA

KYLA GOLIDAY, RMA LaSHUNDRA CHOICE, RMA

LEAH HUGHEY, RMA LEAHA NELSON, RMA

LINDSEY TOMLINSON, MLT LORA CARPER, RMA

LORI PHILLIPS, RMA LUIS DIAZ, RMA

MABE LIMBAGO, RMA MACIE BROWN, RMA

MARINA PITMON, MLT MARY BROOKS, RMA

28

WELCOME TO THE TNSSAMT FAMILY

MARY KELLAR, RMA MARY GOOLSBY, RMA

MEGAN BLEVINS, RMA MELBA PARKER, RMA

MICHELLE FAUST, AHI MICHELLE PETRILLO, RMA

MISTIE LLOYD, RMA MISTY DEVORE, RMA

NANCY YATES, RMA NEKESHA TATE, RMA

NICHOLE CHAMBERS, RMA NICOLE JENKINS, RMA

NIKISHA FLEENOR, RMA PAMELA MARLIN, RMA

PAMELA SHELTON, RMA PAMELA CRUZE, RMA

PATISHA MIMMS, RMA PAUL CHARPIE, RDA

RACHAEL RUSSELL, RMA RACHEAL BUSZ, RMA

RACHEL LYNCH, RMA RACHEL GROSKOPF, RMA

RACHEL THOMPSON, RMA REBECCA BLACKWELDER, RMA

REINESHA MAPLES, RMA RHONDA WILLIAMS, RMA

ROBIN BATEY, RMA SANDRA JENKINS, RMA

SARAH RHOADES, RMA SARAH MEREDITH, RMA

SARAH GAMBLE, RMA SARAH MARTIN, RMA

SAVANNAH VELEZ, RMA SHAUNA BOGGS, RMA

SHELBY DUNLAP, RMA SHEREE GRISHAM, RMA

SHERRELL BOND, RMA SHIRLEY WADE, RMA

SHYAMALI BASUROY, MT SHYAMALI BASUROY, MT

STACEY SYLVIA, RMA STACY COLLINS, RMA

STEPHEN BELL, RMA SUMMOR SCALES, RMA

SUSAN FAULKNER, RMA TABATHA TUCKER, MLT

TABITHA WALKER, RMA TAJA WHITESIDE, RMA

TAMMY LeMASTER, RMA TANYA WILLIAMS, RMA

TASHA WHITE, RMA TAYLOR ESTES, RMA

TAYLOR VICKERS, RMA TERESA BINZEN, RMA

TESLA BRUNER, RMA TESSA HAMILTON, RMA

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WELCOME TO THE TNSSAMT FAMILY

THERESA MILLER, RMA TIMOTHY YOUNG, RMA

TINA BREWER, MLT TINA KESSLER, RMA

TONYA OWENS, RMA TRACY DOUGLAS, RMA

TRACY CEDILLO, RMA TYLER HOOKS, RMA

TYLIEKA POWELL, RMA VALERIE WATSON, RMA

VICKI SIMMONS, RMA WARREN THOMPSON, RMA

WARREN THOMPSON, RMA YENNY GARCIA, RDA

ZUNDRA RINGER, RMA

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PROFESSIONALISM SEEN BY AN OFFICE MANAGER

By

Joline Lewis

Being an office manager in a local internal office, I have seen

many things when it comes to professionalism and worth ethics.

Professionalism in my eyes is not taught, but learned by

watching others such as our parents, friends, teachers, and other

influential people.

Professionalism is very important when it comes to a medical

office. Patients rely on the office staff to hold high standards in

their care and have the patience when it becomes a hectic day.

Patients sees and hears all and they have no problem in telling

someone about it.

That is one thing that I will look at when an applicant comes to

the office to leave a resume. I like to interview them right on the

spot for I feel this is the best way to get to know a person. They

have no time to prepare and I like to know how they respond

“on the spot”. I have seen applicants wear clothing from sweat

pants and tanks tops and flip-flops to a nice blouse with flats. I

have seen applicants smoke right up to the front door and put

their cigarette out in my flowers. The best part is when I am in

the back and I can see the waiting area from different angles. I

love to watch an applicant and see what they do while they are

waiting. I have seen some that will start a conversation with a

patient, which I feel is good for this shows that they can make a

good first impression. (continued)

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It only takes three seconds to make a good impression. I laugh

when I see an applicant looking on their phone while taking a

selfie and their doing different lip poses.

Somethings that I will mention to the new staff on their first day

is to always be prepared. Expect the unexpected. The office will

never be the same everyday as people thinks it is. People can

walk-in with flu-like symptoms to a person who has a finger

missing. Always keep the mind open and be able to change

things in a split second. A person must be able to think on their

feet.

I rely on my staff as much as they rely on me. Be respectful of

each other. Once a person loses that respect, it is very hard to

regain it back. I could ask an employee to do something and find

out it was not done, but yet lied to me when they replied they

did the task. How could I ask them again to do something?

I want my employees to treat each other as they themselves

would want to be treated. It is just like the “Golden Rule”. Be

respectful of each other. One thing that I do not believe in an

office is having negative thoughts. I know it is hard not to be

negative at times. A person arriving to work could have a car

that cut them off or ran them off the road. Once you arrive at my

office, all needs to be left at the door. I will not tolerate drama

for there is always a time and place for it. Not in a medical

office. I may be a tough office manager, but I have the best

employees and patients.

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STUDENT ARTICLE

My name is Lisa Kirk and I attended school in

Johnson City, Tennessee. I have two children, one

boy and one girl who are my world. I went back to

school so I could provide a better life for them. I

wanted to write my research paper on “Meaningful

Use and Electronic Health Records”. Hope you

enjoy.

“Meaningful Use” means that medical providers

have to show they are using EHR technology in avenues that can

be measured greatly in quantity and quality. The Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2011, established a

Stage III Incentive Program to provide monetary incentives for

the eligible physicians, hospitals, and trauma care hospitals to

get help with the high cost of transferring charts to electronic

health records. These incentives are paid when doctors, hospitals

adopt, implement, upgrade, and demonstrate meaningful use.

Qualifying for the program, one has to meet a five part criteria.

These areas are to improve quality, safety, efficiency of care,

engaging the patients and their families in care, promote public

and population health, to improve care coordination, and to

promote the privacy and security of patients information.

Physicians with 30% Medicaid patient volume and/or a

pediatrician and 30% patient volume for needy patients in rural

areas are also part of the criteria.

There are three stages to the EHR Incentive Program. In 2011,

Stage I of the program is set for physicians and hospitals to

begin setting up the process of transferring charts to electronic

health record system. Stage I establishes requirements for the

electronic capture of clinical date to improve quality and safety

of the healthcare system. In 2012, expanding off of Stage I,

Stage II, continues the application of exchanging healthcare data

(continued)

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Among providers and patients for improved care coordination.

Stage II ruling increased objective measures to increase

efficiency, effectiveness, and flexibility with a focus on

encouraging advanced clinical processes for continuous quality

and exchange of information in a structural format.

Stage III includes a single set of objectives and measures suited to

eligible physicians, hospitals, and critical care hospitals. In

addition to reduce the program’s complexity, Stage III supports

efforts to align EHR Incentive Program with other CMS

programs.

I feel the patients and the physicians will build a better friendship

and a constant level of preventative measure to keep the insurance

costs lower and health at a higher level. It is very important to

have these working together to save out-of-pocket costs, clinical

resources, and hospital stays. The incentive program lays out a

step by step plan for doctors and hospitals to come together for a

patient well-being. These efforts of safety and quality are worth

the steps to maintain a valuable set of core objectives that in all

actuality should be implemented into everyday lives.

There is a more efficient way of keeping up with the files that

anyone can access at anytime. They are more accurate and

detailed oriented. The CMS has made every effort for the

professionals in health care to adopt, implement, and put together

a program that is great for everyone, cost effective, and time

saving.

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