The Medical Leader

By MARY MEADOWS
Staff Writer

ELKHORN CITY — Elkhorn City Elementary student Kyle Smith has inspired many people during his 16-month battle with an aggressive form of leukemia.

And those people returned the favor by naming a county bridge that leads to his school in his honor.

Kyle’s family, classmates, teachers, Elkhorn City residents, and public officials unveiled signs to officially name the bridge the “Kyle Dean Smith Bridge” during an April 22 ceremony.

Many people in attendance wore “Fighting for Kyle” T-shirts and orange ribbons. The balloons on the bridge and a sign stating, “We love you, Kyle. You are awesome,” reflected the school’s colors.

“It will be special for the entire family,” his mother Shelly said, as she walked across the bridge prior to the unveiling. “Every time we come across this bridge, we will see his name. No matter what happens, a little piece of him will always be here.”

Kyle was honored by the gesture, and he thanked the community and area officials for naming the bridge in his honor. After the ceremony, he was surrounded by students, many of whom asked him to autograph their T-shirts.

The 11-year-old was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia 16 months ago and has since undergone numerous medical procedures, including a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy treatments, which ultimately failed to improve his condition.

During an April 9 interview with the Medical Leader, Shelly reported that the leukemia spread from Kyle’s bone marrow into his bloodstream. He was given three weeks to two months to live, she said.

Elkhorn City Council member Mike Taylor encouraged people to not give up on Kyle’s chances of getting better.

“The fight is just beginning,” he said. “We need to fight harder. We need to pray harder.”

Taylor initiated several fundraisers and bone marrow donation drives for Kyle and worked closely with the family during the ordeal. He also initiated the bridge dedication and received approval from the Pike County Fiscal Court.

“I love him with all of my heart,” he said, “and if everybody had the courage and the faith and the belief that this little boy has, boy, what a country we’d live in.”

People who spoke during the ceremony thanked Kyle for being brave and for inspiring them.

Elkhorn City Elementary Principal James Mercer called it a “special day for a special kid” who has represented the school well.

“Kyle, I am honored to be here with you today, Buddy,” he said. “This is such a special day. To name this bridge in your honor is just a very special day for all of us.”

His comments drew applause from the crowd, many of whom wiped away tears as they watched Kyle interact with his classmates. He and his sister have had homebound teachers since the onset of his illness.

Watching Kyle deal with the illness has pulled his school and his community together, officials said.

“Ever since Kyle has been sick, I have been seeing the signs that say ‘Pray for Kyle, our brave little boy,’” Elkhorn City Mayor Bill Powell said. “I’ve noticed how this has pulled the community closer together, with various groups working together to help him.”

Mercer said the school community has grown closer as well. He said he wanted to build a team when he started working at the school. By working together to support and assist Kyle, that school team has become a family, he said.

Kay Lawson, an employee of the county’s emergency management department who made the signs for Kyle last week, was emotional when she explained how meeting Kyle helped her.

“Thank you. You are such an inspiration to me,” she told him. “I thought if you had to go through all of this, I can handle the problems I’m facing.”

Taylor is selling “Pray for Kyle” bracelets to raise donations for the family. To purchase a bracelet or sell bracelets on Kyle’s behalf, contact Taylor at (606) 754-4876.

HealthStream honors hospital for outstanding service

By WHITNEY HOGG
For The Medical Leader

PIKEVILLE — Pikeville Medical Center has won the Excellence through Insight Award in two units, Inpatient Oncology and Inpatient Rehabilitation.

The honor is awarded by HealthStream Research, an organization that conducts telephone surveys with hospital patients after their discharge, asking them about their stay. Patients are asked questions such as: “Did your nurse listen to your needs?” “Would you recommend this hospital to a friend or family member?” and “Did the healthcare providers care about you as a person?”

“A patient’s opinion of Pikeville Medical Center begins when they receive or make a phone call about their doctor’s appointment,” said Kathy Khoshreza, director of Inpatient Oncology.

“It then continues with our valet parking, greeters, housekeepers, nurses, and our physicians. Awards such as this are a true reflection of how all PMC employees are dedicated to providing the best patient satisfaction possible.”

PMC’s Inpatient Oncology physicians Dr. Tamara Musgrave, Dr. John Simmons, Dr. Vijaya Puram, Dr. Raghuram Modur, and Dr. Bharat Jenigiri, along with their nurses and staff, strive to educate their patients about their treatment plan and provide comfort during their stay at PMC.

“The Inpatient Oncology physicians and staff develop personal relationships with our patients during their time of need,” said Khosherza.

“We try to provide the most compassion and care possible for our patients.”

The Inpatient Rehabilitation unit’s goal is to return patients to the community and assist them in resuming their normal day-today activities as much as possible. Inpatients can use tools such as a car simulator as well as kitchen and laundry facilities to reach this goal and get back to normal.

Inpatient Rehab physicians Dr. Allen Huang, Dr. Michelle Mina, and Dr. Naveed Ahmed, along with other staff, work with patients and their families and/or caregivers to design and execute a carefully monitored treatment plan that meets each patient’s needs.

“PMC is so thankful to provide this service to our community. We in Inpatient Rehab realize that our patients have a choice. They do not have to come to our unit. They can pick any rehab facility they prefer or not go at all,” said Margie Blackburn, director of Inpatient Rehabilitation. “This award is a true reflection of the quality care provided at PMC.”

Representatives from both Inpatient Oncology and Inpatient Rehab will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the HealthStream Summit on May 19-20 at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.

RAISING AWARENESS: Officials reported that more than 600 people participated in the East Kentucky Autism Awareness Walk on April 24 in downtown Pikeville. Pictured below is Katina Justice whose son Blake is autistic. She helped organize the walk. - Medical Leader | MARY MEADOWS

PIKEVILLE — Pikeville city streets bled purple on April 24 during the East Kentucky Autism Awareness Walk.

Cindy Wetzel, who helped organize the event for the Pike County Fiscal Court, reported that 623 people attended the event, which commemorated April as National Autism Awareness Month.

The awareness walk was organized last year by Pike County resident Katina Justice, whose son is autistic. She worked with county officials, city officials, business representatives, and community residents to plan this year’s event.

Participants circled several blocks from and to the city park, received information at various booths, and enjoyed free lunch and T-shirts.

“It’s good to do things like this to spread awareness about autism. It feels like I am making a difference,” said Brittany Stump, 18, a Morehead State University art major who made posters for the walk.

She participated in honor of her 5-year-old brother, a Johns Creek Elementary student who has autism.

Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford presented a proclamation recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month in Pike County, explaining that the developmental disorder affects one out of every 130 children.

He emphasized the need for treatment in young children. The disorder usually appears in the child’s first three years of life.

Wetzel’s daughter, Hannah, an 8-year-old with autism, helped other local children carry the banner during the walk. Early treatment she received helped her overcome many obstacles caused by the disorder.

Hannah was diagnosed with autism when she was 2 years old and had intensive speech and occupational therapy before she started school. Her family sought help because Hannah didn’t achieve major milestones of development as a toddler.

Today, Hannah attends regular classes at Johns Creek Elementary.

“We’re trying to get the word out there and raise awareness so people know where to go and the resources available to them in this area,” Wetzel said. “If parents wait until their child starts school to get help, they’ve missed an opportunity. They’ve missed time they could have spent getting treatment.”

Representative Leslie Combs shared the story of an autistic family member who grew up alongside her son and taught her much about the disorder.

“I’m trying desperately to understand this,” she said, prior to asking why children are increasingly being diagnosed with autism. “Let’s continue to work on autism because I think there’s an answer.”

Senator Ray Jones, who sponsored legislation for the past two years to help families fund the treatment and diagnosis of autism, talked about House Bill 159, which was signed into law on April 14.

The law increases the amount insurance companies are required to pay for the treatment and diagnosis of autism from $500 monthly to $1,000 monthly, Jones said. Treatment of autism can cost up to $60,000 annually.

He said the law was a “step in the right direction” and promised to continue to work to raise the cap on the coverage so that more children can receive help.

The law may be found online at [www. lrc.ky.gov].

The event cost $4,500, Wetzel said.

Donations were provided by Teco Coal, H2O Construction, ICG Coal, Ratliff Moving and Delivery, William J. “Bill” Baird III and Kay Baird, Glenn Martin Hammond Law Office, Gary C. Johnson, Shane Hall, AAA Real Estate, Childers Oil, Summit Engineering, Hager and Associates, Oliver B. Williamson Financial Services, Community Trust Bank, C & C Carpet, and Kentucky Armory National Guard.

In-kind donations of food and other items were provided by Southeast Telephone, Pepsi, Food City, Walmart, Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center, Medical Leader, JW Call Funeral Home, and Thacker Memorial.

Hospital earns outstanding achievement award

By CASEY PRICE
For The Medical Leader

PIKEVILLE — Pikeville Medical Center has received the Commission on Cancer’s Outstanding Achievement Award for its cancer services.

The hospital is the only facility in Kentucky to earn the commission’s highest award.

Established in 2004, the award is designed to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.

Only 82 of the more than 1,400 accredited cancer facilities in the United States earned such recognition.

The award is given to facilities who receive commendation in at least six standards, which were reviewed by a physician surveyor during an on-site visit in November of last year.

The standards represent five areas of cancer program activity, including community outreach and quality improvement. PMC has earned the award since its inception.

“This was a joint effort with many departments throughout the hospital,” said Dr. Tamara Musgrave, Oncology and Infectious Disease Specialist.

“The Cancer Committee and its chair Dr. Mary Lyn Lu, The Cancer Case Conference, Cancer Registrar Leisa Hopkins, radiology, pathology, inpatient oncology staff, Leonard Lawson Cancer Center staff and doctors, and the residency program all played major roles in getting this award.”

To be eligible, the hospital must first be accredited with commendation by the Commission on Cancer, a task completed by only 37 percent of hospitals in Kentucky.

“This award recognizes a significant commitment by the personnel of PMC to provide higher quality cancer care,” said Walter E. May, chief executive officer of PMC.

“Pikeville Medical Center has exceeded the national standards set forth by the Commission on Cancer Accreditation program, and that is why we are the only hospital in the state to receive this award.”

By TEDDY PAYNTER
Staff Writer

AMONG THE ELITE: Pikeville Medical Center employees are all smiles after learning the hospital finished as the top-ranked healthcare provider during the 2010 Best Places to Work in Kentucky awards banquet, held April 21 at the Lexington Convention Center.

LEXINGTON — For many years Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) has provided an environment where people love to come to work, in addition to providing patients with quality regional healthcare in a Christian environment.

Once again, PMC has been honored as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. On April 21, the annual Best Places to Work awards banquet was held at the Lexington Convention Center. Pikeville Medical Center placed third overall in the large company division. Significantly, no other hospital ranked in the top five.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the medical center’s more than 1,700 employees. PMC has improved its rankings every year it has participated in the Best Places to Work competition. The hospital ranked one spot up from last year and will continue to strive to become number one overall.

“Our employees demonstrate the very best in healthcare services,” said Walter E. May, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pikeville Medical Center. “This award further validates our commitment to our patients to provide quality regional healthcare in a Christian environment.”

The prestigious honor adds to an already impressive list of accolades for PMC. The hospital has been named National Hospital of the Year by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers and was recognized as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare Magazine.

Melissa Coleman, Interim Vice President of Human Resources at Pikeville Medical Center and the chair of the hospital’s Employer of Choice Team, said, “Our employees are the reason PMC continues to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. It is through their dedication and teamwork we continue to excel and proudly accept this prestigious distinction.”

The Best Places to Work in Kentucky, which began in 2004, is a celebration of elite employers. PMC was among 64 large and small/medium companies recognized during the awards ceremony for their outstanding achievements.

“The passion of our people and the compassion of our mission have guided us into unprecedented levels of medicine over the years,” said Juanita Deskins, Interim Chief Operating Officer. “Awards such as this show that our employees share our commitment to excellent care.”

The goal of Best Places to Work is to raise the bar among the state’s employers and create excellence and employee satisfaction in the workplace that will attract talented people.

The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce are co-founders of the program.

The program is open to all publicly or privately held organizations that have at least 25 employees working in the state.

Through Best Places to Work, PMC and other employers are able to measure employees’ workplace satisfaction each year.

A two-part process was used to determine the Best Places to Work in Kentucky. The first part — worth 25 percent of the total evaluation — consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. The second part utilized an employee survey to measure the employee experience and was worth 75 percent of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

Other local companies were also honored — PMC congratulates Appalachian Wireless for ranking third in the small/medium division and Hazard Community and Technical College for ranking 31st in the large division.

By TEDDY PAYNTER
Staff Writer

ANOTHER FIRST: Pikeville Medical Center Interim Chief Operating Officer Juanita Deskins (left) introduces Interim VP/Chief Information Officer Rusty Shanklin (center) during a press conference at the State Capitol in Frankfort to discuss the launching of the Kentucky Health Information Exchange program. Also pictured are Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (right) and Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Janie Miller (rear).

FRANKFORT - Pikeville Medical Center is the first hospital in Kentucky to go live with a new technology that will allow healthcare providers to access and exchange important medical information to facilitate quality patient care.

During an April 20 press conference at the State Capitol, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and federal officials announced the creation of Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE), a program in which PMC has been involved for nearly three months.

The governor recognized the hospital for helping launch a major milestone in healthcare information technology.

“Our state is on the cutting-edge of the health information exchange movement, and we are working hard every day to build a statewide network of healthcare providers,” Beshear said.

Funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through its Medicaid Transformation Grant program, KHIE allows the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) to begin exchanging medical information with hospitals and clinics as the first step in creating a statewide network.

Information available through the network will include patient data such as prescriptions, previous treatment, lab and diagnostic test results, immunizations, and other basic information.

Currently, only Medicaid information is available to be shared among healthcare facilities. PMC, the pilot healthcare facility, is among only six hospitals and one clinic currently participating in KHIE.

“We were the very first hospital to go live on the system,” said PMC Interim Vice President/Chief Information Officer Rusty Shanklin. “The project will create a method for our physicians to access information about a patient’s medical history to help us provide the best quality care.”

Shanklin said PMC began the technology process approximately three months ago.

“(PMC Programmer Analyst) Scott Spearman is a big reason we are here in Frankfort today,” Shanklin said. “He was the one who got the ball rolling on this project.”

“Pikeville Medical Center has been responsible for many ‘firsts’ in healthcare in our region, and being the first hospital to join the Kentucky Health Information Exchange is an important advancement of which we are extremely proud,” said PMC President/Chief Executive Officer Walter E. May.

Pikeville Medical Center and others were selected to participate in KHIE on the basis of technological readiness, volume of Medicaid patients, and referral patterns by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

“The Cabinet for Health and Family Services recognizes the significance of offering a secure, statewide electronic information infrastructure, and Pikeville Medical Center is pleased to take the lead in participating in an initiative that will allow us to deliver patient care more efficiently and improve patient outcomes,” May added.

Shanklin said the project was something that Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo had been working on for several years.

“I know this is something that he is very passionate about,” Shanklin said. “To see this project move ahead, I am sure he is very excited about this day.” CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said KHIE is an important step forward in building the exchange network.

“By working through Medicaid, which provides health coverage for more than 790,000 Kentuckians, we are able to begin to establish a system that will help us find ways to use the resulting data to improve quality and reduce costs,” she said. DMS Commissioner Elizabeth Johnson said the ability to exchange electronic health information will dramatically improve the quality of care for Medicaid patients across the state.

“By reducing the number of duplicative tests and treatments, it also means a reduction in costs,” she said. KHIE has been established thanks to a $4.9 million grant, awarded to Kentucky by the federal Department for Health and Human Services in 2007 to improve Medicaid efficiency, the economy, and quality of care using technology.

Gov. Beshear said other participating providers include Appalachian Regional Health Care, Central Baptist Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Trover Medical Clinic, University of Kentucky Hospital, and University of Louisville Hospital.

He said 10 or 12 other hospitals have been identified as potential participants to join the system. He also said it is the state’s intention to “hopefully” have all hospitals connected within the next nine months.

“I am so proud of our hospital stepping up and leading the way with improving the healthcare system and providing better healthcare for our patients through the use of technology,” said PMC Interim Chief Operating Officer Juanita Deskins.