GREAT NEWSSEPTEMBER 2020

Your health counts.

Great River Health is experiencing a slight reduc-tion in COVID-19 inpatients after its highest virus census the week of Aug. 10 through 17. The same week, southeast Iowa experienced its greatest surge in cases with a 24.2% positive test rate a Fort Madison Community Hospital. The rate at Great River Medical Center was 13.3%.

The positivity rates for Aug. 24 through 31, were:• Fort Madison Community Hospital – 23.9%• Great River Medical Center – 9.9%

“Although the numbers are down slightly, we need to do what we can do to protect each other,” said Michael McCoy, MD, chief medical officer. “Wearing a face mask in public is the most effect means of preventing transmission.”

You also should:• Wash your hands often• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your

home• Practice social distancing• Stay home unless you are going to work or

school, or doing necessary shopping

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and want to be tested, please wait at least two days after exposure. If you are tested too early, the result may not be accurate.

To make an appointment at the Test Iowa Drive-Thru COVID-19 Test Site on the Southeastern Community College campus, take the assessment at TestIowa.com (Iowa residents only). After com-pleting the assessment, you will receive a QR code and instructions for making an appointment.

COVID-19 Update: Surge Hits Southeast Iowa

What you need to know about COVID-19 testingThe FDA has approved two types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19 — molecular and antigen. Molecular testThis is the test used at Great River Medical Center and by Test Iowa.

• Method: Nasal or nasopharyngeal (through the nose to the back of the throat) swab

• What is tested: Genetic material of the virus

• Result time: Minutes if analyzed onsite; a few days if sent to a laboratory

• Accuracy: Very accurate when properly performed by a health care professional

Antigen test• Method: Nasal swab• What is tested: Proteins in the virus• Result time: Minutes• Accuracy: Very accurate, but the test is

less sensitive than a molecular test. This means there is an increased chance of false negative results. Depending on the situation, a molecular test may be recommended to confirm a negative antigen test result.

What is an antibody test?An antibody test, also known as a serology test, is a blood test that can detect if a per-son has antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19. This test can help identify peo-ple who may have been infected. It is not used to diagnose current infection. At this time, researchers don’t know whether the presence of antibodies means you are im-mune to COVID-19 in the future; or if you are immune, how long it will last.

Get Ready for Flu SeasonThe COVID-19 pandemic has pushed other topics out of the spotlight. But influenza is expected to make its annual appearance this fall and winter.

What is the difference between Influenza and COVID-19?The flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different virus-es. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.

Can I have flu and COVID-19 at the same time?Yes, it is possible to have these two illnesses plus other respiratory illnesses at the same time.

Is COVID-19 more dangerous than flu?Flu and COVID-19 both can result in serious illness that could lead to hospitalization or death. Al-though there is still much to learn about COVID-19, at this time it seems as if COVID-19 is more deadly than seasonal influenza; however, it is too early to draw conclusions from data.

Will a flu vaccine protect me against COVID-19?No, but getting a flu vaccine this fall is more import-ant than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Great River Health and Henry County Health Center offer clinics for people who have respiratory symptoms that may indicate COVID-19. Because these services are provided in locations where other patients may be present, appointments are required. Most patients should call the clinic before entering. Instructions will be provided when making an appointment.

Health System, Hospital Offer Clinics for Potential COVID-19 Symptoms

Weekend servicesFort Madison8 a.m. to 2 p.m. SaturdayFort Madison Community HospitalMain Clinic5445 Avenue O319-376-2134 Keokuk9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayGreat River Health-Keokuk3285 Main St.319-524-6274 West Burlington9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayFamily Medicine-Great River Medical Center1201 W. Agency Rd.319-768-1009, option 3

Monday through Friday servicesBurlington8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Great River QuickCare624 S. Roosevelt Ave.319-768-1009, option 3 Fort Madison10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Fort Madison Community HospitalSuite 1205445 Avenue O319-376-2134 Keokuk7 a.m. to 7 p.m.Great River Health-Keokuk3285 Main St.319-524-6274 Mount Pleasant9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.Physicians & Clinics of HCHC Acute Care Services407 S. White St.319-385-6540

Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day)KeokukGreat River Health-Keokuk9 a.m. to 4 p.m.3285 Main St.319-524-6274

Great River Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.

The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 911 call, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. The ini-tiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most recent evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Great River Medical Center Receives Gold Achievement Award from AHA

Great River Medical Center earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of per-formance for quick and appropriate treatment through emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients coming into the hospital directly or by transfer from another facility.

“We commend Great River Medical Center for this award in recognition for following evidence-based guidelines for timely heart attack treatment,” said Tim Henry, MD, chair, Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “We applaud the significant institutional commitment to their critical role in the system of care for quickly and appropriately treating heart attack patients.”

LetterOn behalf of the pediatric cancer patients and survivors served by Camp One Step, please accept our sincere gratitude for your generous gift of $271.75 [May 15 casual day]. Your support will impact the lives of those we serve in meaningful ways.

At Camp One Step, we stand together as one community, fueling each other with support, strength, friendship, reasons to fight, and helping children reclaim a sense of normalcy in their lives that cancer took away. Thank you for being part of our camp family and supporting this healing process for our children and families so they can look ahead with greater hope, understanding and strength.

— Jeff Infusino, president

Program Helps Manage Chronic Illnesses Medicare patients with two or more chronic health conditions can benefit from Great River Medical Center’s Chronic Care Management Program.

“Chronic care management is a partnership between patients and our health care team” said Vanessa Watson, manager, Population Health. “Together, we develop a personalized care plan that includes managing conditions, coordinating resources and removing barriers to help patients obtain their health care goals.”

Barriers to care include medication costs, lack of support services including transportation, and not understanding health information or how the health care system works.

Chronic care management is available to people with these and other conditions: • Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia• Arthritis• Asthma• Atrial fibrillation• Cancer• Cardiovascular disease• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)• Depression• Diabetes• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Patients can enroll in the Chronic Care Manage-ment Program during a visit with their primary care providers. After enrollment, care coordinators work with patients by telephone.

There is a charge for chronic care management services. Participants with secondary insurance or Medicaid often have no out-of-pocket expenses.

For more information, please call 319-768-1560.

Great River Friends Donates $18,550 to HospitalGreat River Friends recently donated $18,550 to Great River Medical Center. The money will fund items to be used at the hospital and Great River Klein Center, a long-term and skilled nursing facili-ty on the hospital’s West Burlington campus.

All projects will enhance patient and elder experi-ences. They include:• COVID-19 mask-making supplies • Plant watering system• Repotting plants in waiting areas• Supplies for making comfort pillows for patients• Gardening supplies for patients in the Inpatient

Rehabilitation Program• Swaddling sleep sacks for newborns• Long-handled sponges for rehabilitation

patients• Donor breast milk for newborns who need it• Entertainment for elders at the Klein Center• Pediatric immobilizer for X-rays

“The immobilizer secures small children in the correct position for chest X-rays,” said Greg Fields, director, Diagnostic Imaging. “It helps radiologic technologists get good X-rays without motion from the child. It also reduces radiation exposure to parents or other technologists who otherwise would have to hold children during the procedure. We are grateful to Great River Friends for this gift.”

Great River Friends is a community of donors and volunteers that supports Great River Medical Cen-ter with the gifts of time, talent and treasure. For more information, please call Volunteer Services at 319-768-3340.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

PeopleWound & Hyperbaric Medi-cal Director Rachel Oliverio, DO, MPH, began working full time at the clinic Tuesday, Sept. 1. She is a certified wound specialist physician.

Roy Patterson, Medical-Surgical Unit, will retire Monday, Sept. 21. He has worked at the hospital for 30 years.

Becky Peitz, Medical Staff-ing Office, will retire Friday, Sept. 11, with 28 years of service to the health system.

Jim Pullen has joined the hospital as interim Nurse Manager.

Samantha Tarrence was named interim House Supervisor Manager.

Silent United Way Campaign Can Make Big ImpactDue to the ongoing pandemic, Great River Medi-cal Center’s annual United Way campaign will be a silent campaign – no kickoff event or raffle. Thank you for your continued support of our local United Way, which provides food, shelter and support for 50,000 people in our area. Now more than ever, people are relying on service agencies supported by United Way to help make life manageable. Because Great River Health is the area’s largest employer, our community and the 12 local agencies supported by the United Way are counting on us. Every dollar you give stays in southeast Iowa to help our friends, families, coworkers, patients and neighbors in need. If you already are contributing to United Way through payroll deduction and don’t wish to make a change, you don’t have to do anything. If you would like to increase your donation or begin giving, please go to Human Resources or contact KC Fleming by email or calling ext. 3265. To learn more about the great work your dollars do for our local United Way and its partnering agencies, click the United Way logo below.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Most questions from President and CEO Matt Wenzel’s virtual Town Hall in late July focused on health system finances. Great River Health began Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) fac-ing a $26 million operating loss. Through Project Synergy, we reduced expenses and pursued reve-nue enhancements. We had budgeted to do $10 million better in 2020 than we did in 2019, and we were on our way to $5 million when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite making headway in reducing our operat-ing loss, the combination of lost patient revenue and other factors led to ending FY 2020 with a $34.7 million operating loss. Is the health system receiving money from the government to help offset the cost of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic?The CARES Act provided methods by which health care and other organizations could obtain money to sustain operations during the early months of the pandemic. The health system received about $42 million ($35.5 million for Great River Medical Center and $6.2 million for Fort Madison Commu-nity Hospital) in accelerated payments borrowed against future Medicare claims. Unfortunately, it had to be paid back. We repaid the money about three weeks ago. How great is our anticipated loss off of our baseline?Baseline is a reference point that is used to analyze current performance relative to historical records and measure progress over time. During April and May, we were 55% off of baseline revenues. Now we are 10% off of baseline. We have budgeted to be back to baseline by Jan. 1.

What is our normal amount of loss per year? Losing money should not be normal for any busi-ness, including a not-for profit hospital. But Great River Health has been losing money for the last 12 years. We have been using money from invest-ments to cover the losses. That is why we initiated Project Synergy in 2019. When will BRG | Prism complete its assess-ment?The consultants’ assessment and recommenda-tions were completed July 16, 2019. Since then, we have been working to implement recommen-dations that are appropriate for our organization.

Drawing winnersThese people won $25 gift cards in a drawing among employees who submitted a code shown during Matt Wenzel’s virtual Town Hall:

Fort Madison Community HospitalJill Houston, Case ManagementMelissa Jeffries, Patient AccessAnn Tebbs, Health Information Management

Great River Medical CenterSara Borders, Rehabilitation ServicesTyler Bundy, Information SystemsKevin Oberman, Plant OperationsStephie Libben, Health FitnessTrulie Mayes, AdministrationJack Scott, Superior AmbulanceMatt Shivers, Pharmacy

Virtual Town Hall Questions AnsweredBy Jeremy Alexander, Chief Financial Officer

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

BrieflyMandatory modules are backMandatory modules are different this year because of the conversion to Workday. Employees began receiving notifications Sept. 1 about modules that are ready for completion. The new module rollout will continue through Thursday, Oct. 1. The due date for all modules in all departments is March 15.

Two events canceledBecause of COVID-19, two annual events have been canceled – the Excellence in Practice Awards and the Service Recognition Dinner, which had been postponed from March. Employees who reached service milestones in 2019 will receive their awards at the mailing addresses on file in Human Resources. Awards will be mailed no later than Friday, Oct. 16. Update informationIn preparation for benefits open enrollment, please review your address, and dependent and benefi-ciary information. Information about benefits will be in the October and November issues of Great News.

FMCH begins Cerner projectGreat River Medical Center and Fort Madison Com-munity Hospital are working together to bring the Cerner electronic health record to Fort Madison. Having one medical record for Great River Health will enable information to be shared quickly and efficiently, benefiting patients and providers.

Cerner is expected to go live at FMCH next July. Great River Medical Center began using Cerner in 2014. FMCH has used the Meditech system for many years, and it completed intergration with its provider clinics about three years ago.

To enable one integrated health record, the Cerner model will be used with minimal customization.

Revenue Cycle lists department contactsRevenue Cycle is an integrated health system team that ensures a consistent experience for patients and providers at both hospitals. The structure is flexible to accommodate future strategic initiatives and growth. Jane Van Fleet is the Revenue Cycle health system executive who oversees Health Information Management, Patient Access, Patient Financial Services and Revenue Integrity.

Health Information Management• Director – Lori Jaeger, oversight of coding,

release of information, documentation and forms• Coding manager – Darcy Griffin• Coding supervisor – Michelle Schuelka

Patient Access• Director – Hannah O’Brien, oversight of registra-

tion, scheduling and prior authorizations• Registration manager – Krista Bash• Registration supervisor (Fort Madison) –

Brandi Lichtenberger • Registration supervisor (West Burlington) –

Cheryl Wyatt-Brown• Communitywide Scheduling supervisor –

Jessica Woodside

Patient Financial Services• Director – Kerrie Hall, oversight of insurance

billing and patient billing• Billing and Insurance followup manager –

Terra Waggener• Billing and Insurance followup supervisor–

Andrea Chapman• Patient Billing manager – Shannon Leffler

Revenue Integrity• Revenue Integrity manager – Jill Bowman,

oversight for chargemaster, denial manage-ment, contract management variances, and payer enrollment

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Logo RemindersGet 20% off logo wear orders in September.• You cannot wear clothing with an old hospital

or health system logo at work after Wednesday, Sept. 30. Order new logo wear. You don’t need a discount code.

• Use only stationery with the new Great River Medical Center and Great River Health after Sept. 30. Order letterhead and envelopes through Workday.

• To ensure our logo is used correctly and our brand is maintained, the logo should not be copied and placed in documents.

• Brochures with the old logo are being replaced.• Order business cards online. Complete instruc-

tions are on the intranet under Public Relations/Publications.

Blood drive6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Blood drive Oct. 1Oak Room

Flu Shot Clinic7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18Aspen RoomFree for employees, providers and volunteers$25 for students, interns and employees’ spouses

Things to know:• This is a preservative-free, quadrivalent vaccine.• If you don’t get a flu shot, you must sign a decli-

nation form by Thursday, Dec. 31.• If you get a flu shot anywhere besides Employee

Health, you must present documentation to Employee Health.

Other ways to get a flu shot • Employee Health office – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

weekdays Monday, Sept. 21 to Thursday, Dec. 31• House supervisor – For employees who can’t get

a shot during times listed above

• You may donate if your last donation was Aug. 6 or earlier.• Bring a photo ID.• Please eat before donating.

Unlike other blood drives, this one isn’t open to the public. Please use this link to register or call Gina Anderson at ext. 3303.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

LettersThanks for the memoriesIn my last two weeks at Great River Health, I am reflecting on my time here. I have been blessed with two jobs that I have loved, and learned so much in doing and working with people who have become family to me.

Twenty-eight years ago, I accepted a job offer as Manager of Healthwest Clinic. After 10 years, Healthwest Clinic closed and I accepted an offer as the Medical Staff Coordinator. I had no idea the challenges that awaited me in this position, but with the help of Marilyn Shamp [former ex-ecutive secretary], Tony Hayes [former executive vice president], coworkers in my department and other departments, and some amazing physician leaders, I faced those challenges. I was promoted to Medical Staff Services Manager and have thor-oughly enjoyed 18 years in this job.

Thanks to the opportunities afforded me at Great River Health, I go out at the top of my profession. I am the current President of the Iowa Association of Medical Staff Services, a goal of mine 18 years ago when I started this job. I obtained and maintained certification as a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist and Certified Professional Medical Staff Services Management. I have been awarded an Excellence in Practice award and have been nom-inated for a People’s Choice Award [employee of the year]. All of which I am humbled and proud of at the same time.

I decided not to have a retirement reception so I wanted to write this note to say thank you to all who I have worked with through the years. Thank you especially to all our amazing physicians/pro-viders. You all hold a special place in my heart. I will miss you and keep you all in my prayers as I move on to the next challenging career as stay-at-home Grammy. I think it will be my best job yet.

— Becky Peitz

Grateful for PTO donationI am grateful to those who donated PTO to me. It means a lot to me and my family. With everything that’s going on with our son, not having to worry about paying bills while not being able to work has taken such a load of our minds. It’s so nice to work for a company with such wonderful people! Thank you.

— Matt Abel, Information Systems

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

New EmployeesKasey AbelPharmacist, Pharmacy

Raquel AndrusCertified Nurse Assistant, Klein Center

Morgan AsherBehavioral Health Aide, Behavioral Health Unit

Elizabeth BeersRegistered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit

Elizabeth BellChaplain, Spiritual Care

Jesse BellRegistered Nurse, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Ambria BirkyChildcare Assistant, Kid Zone

Elisa BurkhardtRadiologic Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging

Ariel ConnollyPhlebotomist, Laboratory

Andrew CrooksCritical Care Paramedic, Superior Ambulance

Katie FeehanOphthalmic Assistant, Eye Specialists

Carolyn HebererBilling and Scheduling Clerk, OR Scheduling and Billing

Teresa IoergerLife Enhancement Specialist, Klein Center

Katie LauxRegistered Nurse, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Leslie LyonRegistered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Trulie MayesExecutive Assistant to the President, Administration

Alexandria MillerCertified Nurse Assistant, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Aimee MillerAdministrative Assistant, Care Continuum

Chelsie OberbroecklingFitness Specialist, Universal Fitness

Nina PliakosRegistered Nurse, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Jim PullenInterim Manager, Acute Care Center

Keith PutnamRegistered Nurse, Emergency Department

Chloe RavenscroftPhlebotomist, Laboratory

Benedict RosarioDelivery Person, Heritage Partners Pharmacy

Zander SchweissCertified Nurse Assistant, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Nicole SmithCertified Nurse Assistant, Progressive Cardiac Unit

Katelyn SpenceCertified Medical Assistant, Physicians & Clinics

Katherine SullivanExecutive Assistant, Administration

Austin TorrancePatient Services Associate, Emergency Department

Kiley VanOrderLaboratory Assistant, Laboratory

Jaqueline WagnerCertified Nurse Assistant, Klein Center

Brian WarrenNuclear Medicine Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging

Tessa WarthMedical Scribe, Eye Specialists

Alysa WheelerPhlebotomist, Laboratory

Christina YaleyTele-sitter Monitor Technician, Nursing

September Casual DaysEmployees purchase $2 stickers for the opportu-nity to wear jeans to work on designated Fridays. The September casual days and organizations they benefit are:

Sept. 11 Walk to End Alzheimer’sSept. 25 Hetta Gilbert Children’s Medical

Organization

Start date: June 2006 What a typical day looks like for me:I help patients get the correct equipment and show them how to use it. I ensure the equipment qualifies for insurance and then provide the re-quired information for reimbursement. What I wanted to be when I grew up:A fashion designer Hometown / Where I live now:I was born in Phoenix, but I grew up and still live in Burlington. Family:• Husband, Lee• Son, James• Daughter, Anna Things I enjoy:Spending time with my family and friends, watch-ing the Hawkeyes and attending Hawkeye games, camping, and planting flowers and watching them grow. If I could choose anyone, my mentor would be:My mom. She is the perfect example of what a mom should be.

Employee Profile

Shelly PleasantDurable Medical Equipment Specialist

Heritage Medical Equipment & Supplies

My motto or personal mantra:Treat others as you would like to be treated. Who I root for:Iowa Hawkeyes and Burlington Grayhounds

My biggest achievement:My kids are great kids!