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Health Professionals Brace for Upcoming Flu Season
The threat of an avian flu pandemic may have captured the attention of the American people, but the healthcare system still needs to brace for the annual arrival of seasonal influenza. Each year, influenza kills tens of thousands of people in the United States. And in an effort to help reduce that grim toll, a group of the country's top influenza specialists came together in Washington, D.C. recently to highlight their plans for the upcoming flu season.
BY TRACY STATON |
MTMC's Gordon Ferguson Looks to Future That May Include a New Murfreesboro Hospital
On July 25, the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency will probably vote on whether to issue a certificate of need for a new hospital proposed by HCA Inc. in Spring Hill. It's a contentious issue, pitting existing hospitals Maury Regional and Williamson Medical Center against the Nashville-based corporate giant. The scenario looks familiar to Gordon Ferguson, the new president and chief executive officer of Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro.
BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD |
About MTMC
Founded in 1927 as Rutherford Hospital, Middle Tennessee Medical Center today is a 286-bed, nonprofit facility with more than 200 physicians on staff representing about 30 medical specialties. In 1986, MTMC joined up with Nashville's Baptist and Saint Thomas hospitals, which are now three of the five members of Saint Thomas Health Services, a member of Ascension Health since January 2002.
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Looking Good is Half the Battle
Everyone has heard the phrase, "Necessity is the mother of invention."
For the cofounders of Medgowns, it turns out that "motherhood made invention a necessity."
Last winter, Nashville natives Liza Coleman and Ashley Levi launched a company to supply patients, hospitals and high-end medical practices with a better option to the standard-issue hospital gown.
BY CINDY SANDERS |
McKendree Village Expands Onsite Clinic
A two-day-a-week clinic founded six years ago to serve the senior residents of McKendree Village in Hermitage has expanded its services to 40 hours weekly and has added employees and their dependents to its mix of patients.
"We are always looking at ways to meet employee needs, give additional benefits for employees and at the same time as with any other business, looking for ways to try to help reduce healthcare costs," Rusty Parrish, McKendree's senior director of human resources, explains. McKendree residents, he adds, are thrilled with the extended hours.
BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD |
The Changing Face of Employer Benefits
It's a tricky job trying to entice good workers with strong benefits all the while keeping the company's bottom line in mind. The changing face of employer benefits was the topic discussed by three leading human resources experts at the Middle Tennessee Healthcare Executives Association (MTHEA) Employer Benefits Panel at the end of April. The HR panel was comprised of executives from Nissan, Bridgestone/Firestone, and Emdeon Corporation.
BY HOLLY SHARP |
Summit Medical Associates Lauded for Quality Diabetes Care
When it comes to quality healthcare for diabetic patients, Hermitage-based Summit Medical Associates is the only Nashville-area physician practice, and the first large physician group in the state, acclaimed for its performance by the Diabetes Physician Recognition Program, which is sponsored by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The practice earned the recognition earlier this year after participating in a vigorous evaluation process by an unbiased third-party reviewer and adhering to stringent treatment standards and guidelines.
BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD |
Guest Editorial: What is Tennessee's Destination for Long-Term Care Services?
Standing at the Crossroads
The demographics of Tennessee are changing. The state's 65-or-older population accounts for approximately 13 percent of our total population. By 2025, this number is projected to reach 20.3 percent.
The changes are fueled not only by the aging baby boomers, but also by technology. Technology not only extends life, but it also saves young lives increasing the number of disabled citizens under the age of 65.
By Vickie Harris |
Healthcare Spending
According to the National Coalition on Health Care, healthcare spending continues to rise at the fastest rate in our history.
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