LMH celebrates its two-millionth patient encounter

On Friday, April 7, Logansport Memorial Hospital celebrated its two-millionth patient encounter. Kristen Carter Hall was registered in our electronic medical record as this special encounter, and it is a milestone worth celebrating! Kristen was at Logansport Memorial that day, registering for lab work and a CT scan.

Our electronic medical records system for hospital visits, known as Meditech, has been in place since February of 2001 here at the hospital. Patient encounters are recorded each time a patient has an experience with LMH. Encounters are not considered unique visits, because one patient could have hundreds of encounters over time with the hospital. But two-million encounters with various patients and families in our community is still equivalent to that many lives impacted and touched numerous times by the care our physicians and staff deliver every day.

“To know that we have been chosen two-million times by various patients and families in this community, and other communities that we serve, is very special to us,” comments Perry Gay, President and CEO of Logansport Memorial Hospital. “It illustrates the trust and confidence that our patients repeatedly place in us each time they choose to use LMH for their healthcare. In today’s healthcare world, each patient has a choice in where to receive the care they need, and it’s important and special to us each and every time we are a patient’s choice. We wanted to celebrate this milestone of service to Logansport, Cass County, and our surrounding counties.”

Kristen Carter Hall is pictured with her husband Gary Hall and the LMH Registration staff outside of the Main Registration area in the LMH Lobby. Kristen was registered as LMH's two-millionth patient encounter on Friday. To celebrate, LMH has given her a custom tumbler, flowers from the LMH Gift Shop, and a $50 gift card to Cafe Express, the hospital cafeteria. Thanks to Kristen for choosing LMH!

Pictured from left to right:  (front row) Ruth Martinez, Jackie Islas, Kim Walden, Kristen Carter Hall, Gary Hall, and Abby Birnell;  (back row) Robin Price, Sue Smith, Rachel Harris, Dee Minniear, and Kristi Homburg.

Thank you to Kristen and her family for the confidence you have continued to place in us. We are honored to be your healthcare provider, and consider it our privilege to provide high-quality care that exceeds expectations for all of our patients.

Logansport Memorial Hospital recognized for outstanding care coordination services from Caravan Health

On January 11 and 12, 2017, a group of Logansport Memorial Hospital employees attended the Caravan Health Accountable Care Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona. During this event, Logansport Memorial Hospital was awarded the Population Health Pioneer Award for the Highest Transitional Care Management (TCM) rate among all of the Caravan Health Accountable Care Organizations. Logansport Memorial Hospital President and CEO Perry Gay was in attendance to accept this award on behalf of the hospital, along with Jeanette Huntoon (Vice-President of Physician Practices) and Crystal Zinsmeister (Director of Care Coordination). 

The Transitional Care Management (TCM) rate is measured consistently in 45 other states across the country, where accountable care organizations have been established in partnership with Caravan Health at other local hospitals and health systems, including at Logansport Memorial. LMH established its own accountable organization in 2014, and has since been at the forefront of bringing innovative care coordination services to our rural population. Our patients have benefitted greatly from the best-practice processes that we continue to implement.

Transitional Care Management reflects the work that our Care Coordinators do to assist patients when they leave the hospital, nursing home, or rehabilitation facility and return to their individual homes. The LMH Care Coordination staff – comprised of registered nurses – works diligently to make sure that these patients who return home have the discharge and follow-up assistance that they need. This includes helping them understand any new medications or changes in medications, coordinating and/or scheduling any new services they may need, and scheduling an appointment with their primary care provider to ensure that follow-up care is provided and received. By offering and delivering these services to our patients, Logansport Memorial Hospital hopes to reduce the chance that patients will be readmitted to the facility and are able to stay in their homes safely, enjoying a healthy and full quality of life.

Logansport Memorial executive leadership and care coordination staff stand together with their prestigious award. Pictured from left to right: Jeanette Huntoon (VP of Physician Practices), Crystal Zinsmeister (Director of Care Coordination), Leanne Schaller, RN (Care Coordinator), Perry Gay (President and CEO), Rachel King, RN (Care Coordinator), Jinner Richason, RN (Care Coordinator), and Romona Butzin, RN (Care Coordinator).

For any questions about the care coordination services we can and do provide, please contact Director of Care Coordination Crystal Zinsmeister. You may reach her by phone at (574) 753-1317 or by email at czinsmeister@logansportmemorial.org. To learn more about our accountable care organization, please visit www.logansportmedicalhome.org.

Logansport Memorial Hospital seeking volunteers for Meals on Wheels program

Logansport Memorial Hospital is seeking volunteers for our Meals on Wheels program. Drivers are needed to help deliver meals within the Logansport city limits to seniors in their homes. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in our community and help improve the lives of seniors by delivering a nutritious lunch time meal, this may be a good fit for you.

The details for this volunteer opportunity are as follows: 

• Meals are delivered within Logansport city limits 
• Deliveries are only made Monday – Friday, with no deliveries on major holidays or in bad weather 
• The route takes about an hour to complete, and meals are ready to be picked up by 10 am 
• Mileage reimbursement is available 
• LMH staff will work with your availability 
• You receive a free meal for yourself from Café Express at Logansport Memorial Hospital, once the meals have been delivered

A few additional requirements to be a driver include the following:

• You must have a valid driver’s license 
• You must complete an application at Logansport Memorial Hospital 
• You must pass a background check 
• You must attend a volunteer orientation 

 If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Katya Swisher, Director of Nutritional Services at Logansport Memorial Hospital by calling (574) 753-1522 or emailing kswisher@logansportmemorial.org.

Logansport Memorial Hospital to use phone surveys to gather community health needs

Logansport Memorial Hospital is preparing to initiate the development of a Community Health Needs Assessment for Cass County. The purpose of this assessment is to identify major health problems, gaps in services and other factors which may contribute to a less than optimal health status for residents of our community.

One of the steps in the assessment process is to conduct random telephone surveys to residents of Cass County. Logansport Memorial Hospital has contracted with Professional Research Consultants (PRC) to conduct the phone calls. The phone survey will begin on June 1, 2016. Residents are encouraged to participate in the phone survey.

To learn more about the Community Health Needs Assessment, visit http://www.logansportmemorial.org/pages/Community-Health-Needs-Assessment.

Questions about Logansport Memorial Hospital’s community health needs assessment phone survey can be directed to Vicki Byrd, Vice President of Planning and Development at vbyrd@logansportmemorial.org or by calling 574.753.1414.

iVantage Names Logansport Memorial Hospital Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital

Logansport Memorial Hospital was recently named one of iVantage Health Analytics’ Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States.

“Logansport Memorial is proud of the efforts of our physicians and staff who have contributed to our achievement of this designation,” said Perry Gay, President and CEO.  “As a hospital, we are committed to our patients and community as a key partner in their overall health and wellness. We consistently look for innovative ways to pursue a patient-centered approach to healthcare that meets the needs of our patients and exceeds their expectations. It takes our entire team – engaged providers, forward-thinking executives, and exceptional staff at all levels to achieve results and outcomes that lead to designations like this. We will continue building upon the successes we have reached thus far, and hope to work toward many more.”

Logansport Memorial Hospital scored in the top 100 of rural and community hospitals on iVantage’s Hospital Strength INDEX®. The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive rating of rural and Critical Access Hospitals. The results recognize that the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a key role in providing a safety net to communities across America – measuring them across more than 70 different performance metrics, including quality, outcomes, patient perspective, affordability, population risk and efficiency.

The list of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals and more information about the study can be found at www.iVantageINDEX.com.

“Rural healthcare encompasses more than 60 million Americans and the facilities which comprise our Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the rural health safety net,” said Michael Topchik, senior vice president of iVantage Health Analytics. “Our data analysis shows that this group of top performers exhibits a focused concern for their community benefits and needs, regardless of scale, reimbursement and people’s ability to pay.”

About Logansport Memorial Hospital
Logansport Memorial Hospital is an 83-bed, HFAP accredited, regional medical center providing healthcare services to residents in Cass County and the surrounding areas of north central Indiana.

About iVantage Health Analytics
iVantage Health Analytics (iVantage) is a leading provider of healthcare analytic and decision support tools. Health system and hospital leadership teams across the country rely on the company’s software and services to deliver customized insights on clinical and financial performance, strategic planning, market assessment and contract optimization. Employing a full array of public, private and proprietary data, iVantage tools and solutions - from dashboards and pre-formatted reports, to industry and custom guided analytics - are designed to help its clients move from data to action. In addition, iVantage analytics and tools are the basis of continuing thought leadership and insight in the areas of healthcare policy and research. Learn more at www.iVantageHealth.com.  

Logansport Memorial Hospital's audiologist earns doctorate degree

Stacey Shilts, Au.D. CCC-A

Stacey Shilts has been practicing audiology for 18 years, spending the last 8 of those years with Dr. Short and as part of Logansport Memorial Hospital. Recently, she decided to further her education and pursue her doctorate degree in audiology. Having a doctorate degree is now becoming the new industry standard for audiologists. Stacey’s pursuit and completion of her doctorate degree keeps Logansport Memorial Hospital at the cutting edge of providing exceptional care for our audiology patients and our community.

Stacey began her educational journey in 2014 through the University of Florida’s nationally-ranked distance-learning doctorate program. She graduated from the program on April 28, 2016 with her doctorate of Audiology. Her new credentials are listed as Au.D. CCC-A.

“For me, this was both a personal and a professional endeavor,” explains Stacey. “I knew that I wanted to be advanced and innovative within my industry, but I also enjoy learning and pursuing new educational experiences that can benefit my career. Earning my Au.D made me more knowledgeable, confident, and skillful in providing audiology services to our patients here at the hospital.”

“I can already see my additional training improving patient care significantly. One of the most important things I learned was how to better utilize best practices to more effectively meet patient needs. Based on my experience, we have opportunities here where we can make some changes, do some things differently, and hopefully see increased patient satisfaction. That is always my goal. I believe it is my responsibility to provide my patients with the best expertise and care that I possibly can, so I dedicate myself to experiences in continuing my education to do that.”

Logansport Memorial Hospital is very proud of Stacey’s accomplishment, and will continue to support her in her professional achievements in any way possible. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of care with providers who aim to exceed your expectations. Thank you to Stacey and to every provider in our network for upholding that commitment to our community.

Restricted Visitation in effect at Logansport Memorial Hospital

After a very quiet start to the influenza season, Logansport Memorial Hospital and the community have seen a significant spike in influenza cases over the past week. Because of this trend, visitors are now restricted at Logansport Memorial Hospital. In an effort to protect patients, visitors and employees, Logansport Memorial Hospital is implementing the following visitor restrictions effective March 9, 2016.

• There is a limit of two adult visitors per patient at a time.
• No children or siblings under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit at this time.
• Visitors are urged to perform hand washing frequently, including when entering and leaving the building. Foam dispensers are available throughout the buildings, and are effective against influenza virus. 
• Visitors who are ill with a fever or other cold or flu-like symptoms including cough, sneezing, running nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit patients. 
• For visitors to the Family Birth Center where newborns stay, the visitor restrictions are limited to two well adults only, who will be the only two visitors allowed to see the patient – new mom and baby – through their entire stay, from admission to discharge.

If you do decide to visit someone at the hospital during these restrictions, please consider the following:

• Assess your own health before visiting the hospital. Don’t visit unless you’re feeling well yourself. If you have a contagious illness – a fever, a cold, a cough, or other influenza symptoms – you should postpone your visit until you are well.
• Do not visit if you are at a higher risk to contract infections. It is recommended that anyone with chronic heart or lung disease, or a weakened immune system should not visit patients with contagious diseases.
• Always wash your hands upon entering and leaving the patient’s room. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, shutting off the faucet with a paper towel, or use the alcohol hand foam available in each patient’s room and rub your hands together until dry. Visitors should clean their hands before and also after they leave the room.

If you would like more information about what to do around the flu, please visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm 

We understand that these visitation restrictions can be an inconvenience for your family. Please know that we only restrict visitation during the height of flu season or during an outbreak, in an effort to protect hospitalized patients who are particularly vulnerable to illness. A virus like the flu or a severe cold can significantly complicate recovery and delay discharge from the hospital. These restrictions will be reviewed once the flu outbreak slows down.

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we respond to this year’s flu season.

Logansport Memorial Hospital's Volunteer Auxiliary installs memorial bench

Thanks to a generous donation from the family of Ruby Nead, a former member of the Volunteer Auxiliary, a memorial bench was purchased by the volunteers to honor Ruby for her many years of service to Logansport Memorial Hospital. The memorial bench has been installed outside the main entrance to the Hospital, along the circle drive, with a commemorative plaque attached. Ruby Nead’s granddaughter Mary Ann Netser (seated left on the bench), joined several of the Volunteer Auxiliary members to capture a photo of the bench after it was installed.

Featured in the photo from left to right:  On the bench – Mary Ann Netser and Sandy Jacks. Back row – Mick Jacks, Nita Brugh, Sharon Smith, John Rhodes, Ellen Bland, Dottie Quillen (LMH Concierge), Beverly Tabler, and Tammy Szarszewski (LMH Gift Shop Manager and Volunteer Coordinator).

We are grateful to Ruby Nead’s family for their contribution in her memory. This bench will be enjoyed by visitors and patients for years to come.

Logansport Memorial Hospital Closings and Delays - February 25, 2016

Logansport Memorial Hospital is closing or delaying the following offices and departments in the best interests of patient safety, due to recent weather conditions. We urge our patients and visitors to use caution and follow travel advisories for today, February 25, 2016.

Logansport Memorial Hospital Physician Offices, ExpressMed, Camden Clinic in Camden, Peru Medical Center, Healthy Companies and Outpatient Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy will open at 12 noon, on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Weather permitting.

Pulmonary Rehab services are closed on Thursday, February 25, 2016.

If you have scheduled appointments on Thursday, February 25, please call (574) 753-7541 to confirm appointments due to the weather conditions.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make decisions with the health and safety of our patients, our community, and our staff as our first priority.

Logansport Memorial Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary announces 2016 Board Members

Pictured are the 2016 executive officers for the Volunteer Auxiliary, from left to right: Patty Carter - Secretary, Bonnie Bowyer - Vice-President, Ellen Brady - President, and John Rhodes - Treasurer.

The Logansport Memorial Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary is pleased to announce their Executive Officers for 2016. They are as follows:

• President – Ellen Brady
• Vice-President – Bonnie Bowyer
• Secretary – Patty Carter
• Treasurer – John Rhodes

These individuals have graciously agreed to serve in their respective leadership roles and are largely responsible for the governance of the Volunteer Auxiliary.

The Logansport Memorial Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary is a generous group of men and women who make a difference every day in the lives of patients, visitors, and staff at Logansport Memorial Hospital.

Volunteer duties include helping patients and visitors find locations in the hospital; transporting patients in wheelchairs; working with staff and patients in the Emergency Room; delivering flowers, e-cards, and mail; providing administrative support for hospital staff; and holding fundraisers to assist with purchasing hospital equipment and providing hospital project support.

Auxiliary volunteers receive one free meal per shift in the hospital’s Café Express and are recognized at a yearly Volunteer Awards Banquet. For more information about the Volunteer Auxiliary, or if you would like to become a volunteer, please call Volunteer Coordinator and Gift Shop Manager Tammy Szarszewski at (574) 753-1304.

Logansport Memorial Hospital's Mary Dykeman Guild announces 2016 Board Members

Pictured are the Mary Dykeman Guild members who will serve on the organization's board in 2016. From left to right, beginning in the Front Row:  Pat Rozzi, Judy Williamson, Jayne Sullivan, Mary Ellen Miller, Barb Hanlon, and Carol Kelley.  Back Row:  Barb Goyer, Alice Rothermel, Jo Reinking, Eileen Copeland, and Nancy Rhodes.

The Mary Dykeman Guild of Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce their Board Members for 2016. They are as follows:

• President – Judy Williamson
• Vice-President – Pat Rozzi
• Secretary – Eileen Copeland
• Treasurer – Nancy Rhodes
• Members at-Large – Barb Goyer, Barb Hanlon, Carol Kelley, Mary Ellen Miller, Jo Reinking, Alice Rothermel, and Jayne Sullivan

These individuals have graciously agreed to serve in their respective leadership roles and are largely responsible for the governance of the Mary Dykeman Guild.

The Mary Dykeman Guild operates the Logansport Memorial Hospital Gift Shop and also sponsors fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual Garden Party and Holly Bazaar. Funds generated by these activities are used to support equipment and project requests from hospital departments.

The Gift Shop, just inside the front entrance of the hospital, is open six days per week:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
• Sunday: Closed

Gift Shop volunteers wait on customers, help to merchandise the shop and assist the Gift Shop Manager. Many adults and retirees find fulfillment in volunteering for the Mary Dykeman Guild because it allows them to give back to their community. Additionally, Guild members receive a 20% discount on purchases made in the Gift Shop.

For more information about the Mary Dykeman Guild, or if you believe you would like to become part of this group, please contact Gift Shop Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Tammy Szarszewski at (574) 753-1304.

Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation receives grant to support breast health services

The Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation was once again recently awarded a grant from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust to provide free digital screening mammograms to low-income, uninsured or under-insured Cass County women. 

The Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust (IBCAT) has been selling breast cancer license plates since they were first authorized for circulation in 2002, according to the website for the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust. It is now among the most widely purchased of special plates on Indiana’s roads. $25 of the purchase price of each plate goes directly to IBCAT, which then uses that money generated to distribute as grant funding to Indiana hospitals and health centers for providing low-income, medically underserved women with access to free screening and diagnostic services (http://www.breastcancerplate.org/programsgrants/grant-programs/). 

The Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation also supports breast cancer awareness and the program for free mammograms by hosting the River Bluff Run each year in October. The funds generated from the run and walk event are added to supplement the IBCAT grant that the Foundation receives, allowing the Foundation to expand the number of screening mammograms provided.

Women interested in learning about whether or not they qualify for this program should call the Central Scheduling department at Logansport Memorial Hospital. Women may be referred from there to speak with one of our Financial Counselors, who can help determine whether or not you meet the specific guidelines to be a recipient of this program. Even if you don’t meet every guideline, Logansport Memorial Hospital and the Foundation may still be able to help give you access to the care you need. Please don’t hesitate to call and talk with us about the program.

Logansport Memorial Hospital and the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation are grateful to the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust for helping us serve women who need these important and potentially life-saving screening mammograms. We will continue pursuing and utilizing every opportunity to help you get connected with services we offer.



The Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation fulfills its mission of “Gifting for Health” by raising awareness and providing support for initiatives that enhance community health and patient care at Logansport Memorial Hospital. For more information about the Foundation and how it may be able to work with you, please contact Vicki Byrd, Vice-President of Planning and Development at (574) 753-1414.

The mission of the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, Inc. is to increase awareness and improve access to breast cancer screening and diagnosis throughout Indiana. For more information about the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust and the programs it funds, please visit www.breastcancerplate.org 
or call 1 (866) 724-2228.

Scholarships now available at Logansport Memorial Hospital

Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to offer local high school students the opportunity to receive scholarships for higher education through two of its fundraising extensions – the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Volunteer Auxiliary.

Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation scholarship applications are now available in the guidance office of any Cass County high school. Completed applications must be received by the Foundation no later than Friday, April 1, 2016. The scholarship is only available for graduating seniors with career goals in the field of healthcare.

Scholarship applications for the Volunteer Auxiliary are now available in the guidance office at Cass County high schools as well. Completed applications must be received by the Volunteer Auxiliary no later than Monday, April 4, 2016 to be considered by the committee. The scholarship offered by the Volunteer Auxiliary is for any high school senior of an employee at Logansport Memorial Hospital. The recipient could also be a student who works or volunteers at the hospital.

For both scholarships, applications received must be filled out completely by the candidate. The signature of a guidance counselor or faculty advisor is required. Each completed application must include a recent high school transcript and a copy of the applicant’s letter of acceptance to the university or college of his or her choice. Applications received without a transcript or letter of acceptance will automatically be disqualified. Any incomplete applications will also be disqualified.

For the Foundation scholarship, candidates are also required to submit three letters of reference from individuals, other than parents or relatives, who have known the student for at least four years. At least one reference letter must be from a source outside of school or school-related activities.

For the Volunteer Auxiliary scholarship, candidates must provide contact information for three character references who are individuals other than parents or relatives that have known the applicant for at least five years.

On behalf of Logansport Memorial Hospital, the Foundation and the Volunteer Auxiliary consider it a great honor to present community education scholarships to outstanding Cass County students. It is our hope that upon completion of their education, these students will return to our rural community and enjoy successful careers.

For additional questions about the Foundation scholarship, please call Tammy Smith at (574) 753-1573.  For additional questions about the Volunteer Auxiliary scholarship, please call Tammy Szarszewski at (574) 753-1304.

Logansport Memorial Hospital partners with outcomes-based Healthcare Firm Studer Group

(Logansport, Indiana) – Logansport Memorial Hospital is excited to announce a new partnership with Studer Group®, an outcomes-based healthcare performance improvement firm based in Pensacola, Florida. Logansport Memorial Hospital and Studer Group, a Huron Healthcare solution, share the same commitment to providing the best possible care for patients, their families and the community, as well as the best possible working environment for employees.

Studer Group® has worked with healthcare organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and beyond, teaching them how to achieve, sustain, and accelerate exceptional clinical, operational, and financial outcomes. Working together, they help bring structure and focus to organizations through the creation of aligned, accountable cultures and help set them up to be able to execute quickly. It’s this commitment to helping organizations accelerate their ability to execute that led to Studer Group receiving the 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

“My vision for this partnership is to see how what our employees and leaders do together with guidance from Studer Group can improve the patient and employee experience at our hospital,” says Perry Gay, President and CEO. “We need to achieve measured improvement in how our patients and community perceive us, as well as to increase our employee and patient satisfaction. With help from Studer Group, we will standardize everything we are already doing well, and build more accountability into each process. By doing that, we will position LMH farther ahead of our competitors and make it a better place for our patients and our employees.”

Studer Group CEO and President, BG Porter, looks forward to this working relationship. “Studer Group works with organizations to help them get better in areas that they are already focused on, such as quality, service, finance, growth, and people,” said Porter.  “Through our work together, I believe we can make Logansport Memorial Hospital a better place for employees to work, for physicians to practice medicine and for patients to receive care.”



About Logansport Memorial Hospital
Logansport Memorial Hospital is an 83-bed, HFAP-accredited, regional medical center providing healthcare services to residents in Cass County and the surrounding areas of north central Indiana.

About Studer Group®
Studer Group’s mission is to change the face of healthcare by creating better places for employees to work, for physicians to practice medicine and for patients to receive care. We have a scaled approach that is proven to be effective from large healthcare systems, academic medical centers, emergency departments, stand-alone community healthcare organizations to rural hospitals. Working together, we help to get the foundation right—using aligned goals, behaviors and processes as building blocks—so organizations can build a sustainable culture that promotes accountability, fosters innovation, and consistently delivers a great patient experience and the best quality outcomes over time. To learn more about Studer Group, visit studergroup.com.

New hospitals and healthcare providers join successful, cutting-edge federal initiative that cuts costs and puts patients at the center of their care

Medicare accountable care organization initiatives to improve how the health system cares for patients

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced 121 new participants – representing 49 states and the District of Columbia – in an innovative initiative – Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) – designed to improve the care patients receive in the health care system and lower costs.
   
[Logansport, Indiana]– Logansport Memorial Hospital was selected as one of nearly 150 renewing Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), providing Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality, coordinated care across the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today. That brings the total to 434 Shared Savings Program ACOs serving over 7.7 million beneficiaries.    

Logansport Memorial Hospital was also selected to participate in the ACO Investment Model (AIM) which was designed to encourage ACO formation in low penetration and rural locations. This model provides ACOs access to the capital to invest in the infrastructure necessary to successfully implement population care management. All AIM ACOs also participate in the Shared Savings Program. Participating in both programs provides ACOs with additional resources to achieve lower costs and higher quality of care for beneficiaries.

Doctors, hospitals and health care providers establish ACOs in order to work together to provide higher-quality coordinated care to their patients, while helping to slow health care cost growth. Logansport Memorial Hospital will be one of 434 ACOs participating in the Shared Savings Program as of January 1, 2016. Beneficiaries seeing health care providers in ACOs always have the freedom to choose doctors inside or outside of the ACO. ACOs receive a portion of the Medicare savings generated from lowering the growth in health care costs as long as they also meet standards for high quality care.

“People across America are going to be better cared for when they go to their health care providers, because these hospitals and providers have made a commitment to innovation, a commitment to change how they do business and care for patients,” HHS Secretary Sylvia Matthews Burwell said. “Medicare, and the health care system as a whole, is moving toward paying providers based on the quality, rather than just the quantity of care they give patients. The three new ACO initiatives that are being launched today mark an important step forward in this effort.”

Since ACOs first began participating in the program in early 2012, thousands of health care providers have signed on to participate in the program, working together to provide better care to Medicare’s seniors and people with disabilities. The new and renewing ACOs will bring approximately 15,000 additional physicians into the ACO program starting January 1, 2016.

ACOs are delivering better care, and they continue to show promising results on cost savings. In 2014, they had a combined total net program savings of $411 million for 333 Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) ACOs and 20 Pioneer ACOs. Based on 2014 quality and financial performance results for Shared Savings Program ACOs who started the program in 2012, 2013, and 2014, ACOs that reported in both 2013 and 2014 improved on 27 of the 33 quality measures, including patients’ ratings of clinicians’ communication, beneficiaries’ rating of their doctors, screening for tobacco use and cessation, screening for high blood pressure, and Electronic Health Record use. Shared Savings Program ACOs also outperformed group practices reporting quality on 18 out of 22 measures.

Ultimately, today’s announcement is about delivering better care, spending dollars more wisely, and having healthier people and communities. ACOs drive progress in the way care is provided by improving the coordination and integration of health care, and improving the health of patients with a priority placed on prevention and wellness.

More information about the Shared Savings Program is available at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/sharedsavingsprogram/index.html?redirect=/sharedsavingsprogram/ 

For a list of the new and renewing ACOs announced today, visit the Shared Savings Program News and Updates webpage: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/sharedsavingsprogram/News-and-Updates.html 

First Baby of 2016 born at Logansport Memorial Hospital

Two-year-old Avery Barnes wore her pink "best big sister in the whole world" T-shirt proudly Saturday afternoon as she cuddled close to her new brother, Kamryn — Logansport's first baby of 2016.

Mom Shea, Big Sister Avery, and Dad Brad are proud to present Kamryn, LMH's First Baby of 2016.

Kamryn Bradley Barnes was born at 7:23 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, in Logansport Memorial Hospital, weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and spanning 22 inches long. Proud parents Brad and Shea Barnes, of Logansport, said they didn't expect a New Year's Day baby. Shea's due date was Jan. 7, so having Kamryn a week early came as a surprise — a good surprise, Brad added.

"We kind of joked about maybe having a baby on the 31st for the tax deduction or the 1st for all the free stuff, so it just kind of worked out," Shea said.

Avery, however, wanted Kamryn as a Christmas present. "She kept saying, “Baby in mommy’s tummy come out Christmas?" Brad recalled, adding it still happened on a holiday but just a week later.

Brad and Shea said they decided to wait on learning the gender of the baby until it was born, adding they were OK with having either a boy or a girl. However, Shea said her motherly intuition has been correct for both of her children. "I called [Avery] a girl the whole time and she came out a girl," she said. "And this one, if I would talk it was always he, and so I’m like it’s gotta be, I keep saying he."
Shea started going into labor at 1:30 a.m., lasting almost 18 hours into the first day of the new year. After a long couple of days for the Barnes family, Kamryn rested quietly in his bassinet Saturday afternoon, Jan. 2, at the hospital.

Kamyrn wasn't the only gift the Barnes got for New Year's Day.

"Holy cow," "wow," Brad and Shea exclaimed as they saw a red Radio Flyer wagon full of gifts, as well as other boxes and bags full of items. Dozens of businesses, organizations and local agencies donated goods to the family, including diapers, toys and books.

The family also received gift certificates, blankets and cleaning supplies from a total of 23 area groups. The number of organizations for the hospital's first baby project has grown over the years. "You always hear about it," Shea said, "but you never think it’s going to be you for the new year’s baby."

Shea said Avery has quickly grasped what it means to be a big sister, as she "pets" Kamryn on the head and makes sure he's wrapped tightly. Even though Avery might have to wait to hold her little brother, Shea added, she's well on her way. "She kept saying, 'That my boy, that my boy.'"

2016 New Year's baby donations

• Arnold’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts: necklace
• Boardwalk Cafe: gift certificate
• China Lane: gift certificate
• Cole Hardwood: diapers, changing pad, baby laundry items
• D&R Fruit and Meat Market: gift certificate
• Flora, Allen, Arion, Inc.: diapers and wipes
• Holly’s Boutiques: new year’s baby onesie
• Jim Kitchell Insurance Agency: activity mat, teething toy, rattle ball
• Lavy Windows: convertible baby carrier
• Logansport Fire Department: new smoke alarms
• Logansport Memorial Hospital Gift Shop: cuddle bug blanket
• Logansport Memorial Hospital OB Department: pack-n-play
• Dr. Saghal, Dr. Ahoni, Dr. Akintunde and Dr. Pawlowski, Logansport Memorial Hospital Pediatrics: Radio Flyer wagon, books
• Dr. Gingery, Dr. Hall, Dr. McClintock and Dr. Murray: Logansport Memorial Hospital Women's Health Center: car seat, car seat cover, car seat mat, baby hand wipes
• Martin’s Supermarket: gift certificate
• Mary Max Cinemas: two free movie tickets
• Minglins Jewelers: piggy bank
• Mr. Happy Burger: gift certificate
• Pharos-Tribune: commemorative plaque of birth article/announcement
• Spa Nails: gift certificate
• Styles on Broadway: baby’s first haircut
• The Rave on Broadway: body lotion
• WIC of Cass County: basket of baby items, books, receiving blankets, bib, onesie

This article was originally authored by reporter Ben Middelkamp and was reprinted on this blog with permission from the Pharos-Tribune.

Logansport Memorial Hospital receives national recognition for Performance Leadership in Quality, Outcomes, and Financial Strength

Logansport Memorial Hospital today announced it has been recognized by iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in Quality, Outcomes, and Financial Strength, reflecting top quartile performance among all acute care hospitals in the nation.

“We take great pride in the holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare that we have innovatively pursued for our community,” comments David Ameen, President and CEO of Logansport Memorial Hospital. “That approach is team-based – we have engaged providers, forward-thinking executives, and exceptional staff at all levels across the hospital who have collectively contributed to our delivery of high-quality care. Our scores on quality measures have ranked among the best compared to much larger hospitals and organizations throughout the state and the country. We are thrilled to receive this award in recognition of our efforts to remain a financially successful, independent community hospital that provides high-quality care yielding positive patient outcomes.” 



The rankings have been designated by the Hospital Strength INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of hospital performance. In partnership with NOSORH, iVantage Health Analytics has developed a data-driven program designed to identify excellence across a broad spectrum of indicators relevant to hospital performance and patient care. The Hospital Strength INDEX™ captures performance metrics for more than 4,000 acute care hospitals, including over 1,300 rural and critical access hospitals. Leveraging data from public data sources, INDEX aggregates data from 66 individual metrics into three major categories and 9 pillars to derive a single strength overall rating for each facility.

“These top quartile performers should take great pride in this recognition. It showcases their commitment to continuous performance analysis and improvement. On this occasion of National Rural Health Day, it’s an honor to celebrate their achievement as they continue to serve their communities despite the many market, regulatory and financial pressures they face,” said Michael Topchik, Senior Vice-President of iVantage Health Analytics.

National Rural Health Day is officially recognized on November 19, 2015. Logansport Memorial Hospital will continue its commitment to YOU – our patients and our community. As we fulfill our mission, making “your health our passion,” we will also work with you to achieve your best possible health outcomes and to live with a high quality of life.

About Logansport Memorial Hospital
Logansport Memorial Hospital is an 83-bed, HFAP accredited, regional medical center providing healthcare services to residents in Cass County and the surrounding areas of north central Indiana.

About NOSORH
The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) was established in 1995 to assist State Offices of Rural Health in their efforts to improve access to, and the quality of, health care for America’s 61 million rural citizens. NOSORH enhances the capacity of SORHs to do this by supporting the development of state and community rural health leaders; creating and facilitating state, regional and national partnerships that foster information sharing and spur rural health-related programs/activities; and enhancing access to quality healthcare services in rural communities.

About iVantage Health Analytics
iVantage is a leading business analytic and advisory services company a unique combination of technology, content, and expert advisory services accelerates decision making for the new healthcare. For more information please visit www.ivantagehealth.com.

For more details about iVantage Health Analytics or to schedule an interview, please call Amy Weickert, at 207-245-6769 or email aweickert@ivantagehealth.com. More information about the Hospital Strength INDEX™ can be found at www.iVantageHealth.com.

Logansport Memorial Hospital to offer community flu shots

Flu vaccination shots for all ages will be offered at a community-wide clinic, sponsored by Logansport Memorial Hospital and the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation. Information about the flu shot clinic is listed below:

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Time: 3 – 7 pm

Location: Crosswind United Methodist Church, Logansport

Cost:  $15 each, cash only

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season can begin as early as October. Getting a flu vaccine protects you against the four most highly anticipated strains of influenza for up to one year. The CDC encourages everyone over the age of 6 months to get vaccinated. Children age 8 and under should see a physician for flu shots, and youth ages 9-17 will need a doctor’s order to receive one at the clinic that day.

If you have questions about receiving a flu vaccine or about the free clinic, please call the Logansport Memorial Hospital Flu Hotline at (574) 753-1799. 

Special thanks to the Logansport Memorial Hospital Foundation for making this community flu shot clinic possible.

Logansport Memorial Hospital welcomes new family medicine physician to oversee ExpressMed

Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Rene S. Gutierrez, MD to the Logansport Memorial Physician Network. He is a family medicine physician who will be treating patients at ExpressMed Logansport.

Rene S. Gutierrez, MD

Dr. Gutierrez received his medical degree from the Autonomous School of Medical Sciences of Central America, in San Jose, Costa Rica. He completed his residency at the Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals in Saginaw, Michigan. Dr. Gutierrez is also board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. In his 17 years of professional practice, he has dedicated himself to compassionately caring for the physical and emotional needs of his patients in rural Indiana.

Dr. Gutierrez will serve as the Medical Director for ExpressMed, Logansport Memorial Hospital’s only walk-in, urgent care clinic. Having previously served as Medical Director of a medical facility in Monticello, he understands the value that urgent care clinics provide for patients. Urgent care clinics are designed to deliver care quickly and efficiently when you are ill and can’t wait for an appointment with your doctor, but don’t need to go to the emergency room. Minor emergencies and non-life threatening injuries can also be treated in an urgent care clinic. Dr. Gutierrez will lead the team of nurse practitioners at ExpressMed to see you quickly and get you back to feeling your best.

ExpressMed Logansport is a walk-in clinic, so no appointments are necessary. If you have questions about being seen, you may contact the clinic at (574) 722-9633 or visit our website at www.logansportmemorial.org to learn about the types of conditions that are most commonly seen and treated there.

Logansport Memorial Hospital welcomes new Nurse Practitioner

Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Jamie Ross, FNP-BC to the medical staff as part of the Logansport Memorial Physician Network. She will join the providers in LMPN Family Medicine, located in Suite 270 of Medical Office Building West at Logansport Memorial Hospital. She will see patients alongside Dr. Tonya Brown, Logansport Memorial Hospital’s newest family medicine physician.

Jamie Ross, FNP-BC

Jamie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Kokomo, in Kokomo, Indiana. She went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. She is a registered nurse with the Indiana Board of Nursing and is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

For the past two years, Jamie has worked with endocrinologist Dr. Ann Collie in Peru, Indiana. During that time, she specialized in diabetes and thyroid care. With that, she brings a variety of experience in caring for patients in Family Medicine, and uses a holistic approach to understand everything potentially affecting the health outcomes for her patients.

Family Medicine Suite 270 sees patients during the hours of 8 am – 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, please call the office directly at (574) 722-4921.