News from The Commonwealth Medical College

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Offers Solutions For Sleepless in Coweta Community

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center Receives Program Accreditation

NEWNAN, Ga. (December 29, 2011) — A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that 29 percent of Americans get less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. With sleep insufficiency linked to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters and occupational errors, the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Sleep Center in Sharpsburg, Ga., serves a growing need in the Coweta community. The center recently received accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM).

“As the Coweta community grows with an increasingly busy work force, the need for sleep services has also grown significantly in recent years,” said Vicki Kaiser, Piedmont Newnan Hospital outpatient services director. “Since the Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center opened in 2001, we have seen a significant increase in the need for quality sleep medicine services closer to home. This recognition by the AASM is confirmation of the high-quality, comprehensive work we are doing to provide solutions for our sleep disorder patients.”

Offering comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, assessment and follow-up services for patients ages 5 and older, the Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center’s board-certified sleep specialist and a team of dedicated registered technologists work together to improve patients’ sleep disorders and sleep hygiene. The center offers a weekly Sleep Clinic, regular A.W.A.K.E support group meetings for patients and family members with sleep apnea, as well as patient evaluations.

To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts, and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

“The Piedmont Newnan Sleep Disorders Center is a significant resource to the local medical community and will provide academic and scientific value in addition to the highest quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders,” said Dr. Nancy Collop, AASM president. “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorders center.”

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine currently accredits more than 2,200 sleep medicine centers and laboratories across the country.

The Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center is directed by Vijay M Patel, M.D., ABSM; managed by Juanita Martin, RPSGT and is located at 20 Francis Way, Suite 150 in Sharpsburg, Ga.

For more information about the Piedmont Newnan Sleep Center, visit piedmontsleep.org or call 770-254-3289.>

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Names New Pharmacy Director

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

David N. Copelan, PharmD., has been named pharmacy director for Piedmont Newnan Hospital.

NEWNAN, GA. (December 21, 2011)—David N. Copelan, PharmD, has been named pharmacy director for Piedmont Newnan Hospital. Dr. Copelan comes to Piedmont from Southern Regional Medical Center, where he served as clinical manager and neonatal clinical specialist. In his new role at Piedmont, he is responsible for the management of the hospital’s medication management system and oversees a staff of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who tend to the pharmaceutical needs of the patient population.

David N. Copelan

“Dr. Copelan’s background in both clinical pharmacology and public health administration make him valuable asset to our pharmacy program at Piedmont Newnan Hospital,” said Piedmont Newnan Hospital president and CEO Michael Bass.

Dr. Copelan has over 21 years of hospital pharmacy experience including 11 years in management roles. He completed his doctor of pharmacy at Mercer University, in Atlanta, Ga. and pharmacy practice residency at the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his master of public administration at Columbus State University, in Columbus, Ga. He is a past president of the Georgia Society of Health-systems Pharmacists and is a fellow of the American Society of Health-systems Pharmacists.

An Atlanta native, Dr. Copelan was born at Piedmont Hospital. He and his wife Melinda have lived in Newnan for the past 11 years and have two children, ages five and ten.

For more information about Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Cardiovascular Imaging Center Nuclear Medicine Department Receives Accreditation by the ICANL

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, GA. (November 22, 2011)—The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Cardiovascular Imaging Center’s nuclear medicine department recently received accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL). The center was awarded accreditation in myocardial perfusion imaging and equilibrium radionuclide angiography.

Accreditation by the ICANL means that the Piedmont Cardiovascular Imaging Center has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts. The ICANL grants accreditation only to those facilities that are found to be providing quality patient care, in compliance with national standards through a comprehensive application process including detailed case study review.

“As part of our promise to provide excellent care to our community, the Piedmont Cardiovascular Imaging Center chose to pursue this accreditation to ensure that we are operating in a safe and high-quality environment,” said Tim Lacny, clinical manager of the Piedmont Cardiovascular Imaging Center. “Partnered with our commitment to the highest form of customer service, this accreditation demonstrates our ongoing pursuit of being the best comprehensive cardiovascular imaging center we can possibly be for our patients and this community.”

Receiving this accreditation ICANL accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of nuclear medicine. When patients scheduled for a nuclear medicine procedure, patients are encouraged to inquire as to the accreditation status of the facility where their examination will be performed and can learn more by visiting www.icanl.org/icanl/main/patients.htm.

ICANL accreditation is widely respected within the medical community, as illustrated by the support of the national medical societies related to nuclear medicine, which include physicians, nuclear medicine technologists, and medical physicists. In addition, several insurance companies require their providers of nuclear medicine services to be accredited. However, patients should remain vigilant in making sure that their nuclear medicine procedures are performed within accredited laboratories, because for many facilities it remains a voluntary process.

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in the United States. On average, one American dies every 38 seconds of cardiovascular disease – disorders of the heart and blood vessels. The American Heart Association estimates that the direct and indirect cost for cardiovascular disease and stroke in the U.S. for 2010 is $503.2 billion.

Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of nuclear cardiology procedures performed within hospitals, outpatient centers and physicians’ offices. While these tests are very helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on nuclear cardiology testing. The skill of the nuclear medicine technologist performing the examination, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures are each critical to quality patient testing.

For more information about Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital Implement Tobacco Free Campuses

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Hospitals announce new policy to take effect in 2012.

NEWNAN, GA. (November 14, 2011)—November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Piedmont Newnan Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital are teaming up to announce the adoption of a new tobacco free campus policy. Beginning January 1, 2012, Piedmont Newnan Hospital will join hospitals across the state and around the country in prohibiting all tobacco use on hospital property. Piedmont Fayette Hospital will become completely tobacco free May 21, 2012. Lung Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to provide information and education about a disease that kills more Americans than any other cancer.

“Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, and second hand smoke, in particular, places our patients at risk,” said Jeffrey R. Folk, M.D., vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for Piedmont Newnan Hospital. “As a healthcare leader, it is our responsibility to provide excellence in patient care, maintain a safe, healing environment and promote healthy lifestyles. We believe maintaining a tobacco free campus is the right thing to do for everyone involved in that process.”

The new policy prohibits the use of any tobacco products inside or outside any Piedmont Newnan Hospital or Piedmont Fayette Hospital location. The policy applies to all employees, physicians, patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors while they are on property. This includes all buildings, entrances, walkways, grounds, parking lots and in vehicles parked anywhere on Piedmont property. In addition, the odor of tobacco smoke and other smokeless tobacco products must not be detectable on any physician, employee or volunteer at any time.

“While we hope our new policy will encourage both patients and visitors to stop using tobacco products, it not our intent to dictate what they choose to do with respect to using tobacco products when not on our property,” said Fred Willms, M.D., vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “Our tobacco-free campus policy simply means individuals may not use tobacco products on Piedmont Newnan Hospital or Piedmont Fayette Hospital property. We also understand that tobacco cessation can be a difficult challenge for many, and so both hospitals have teamed up to provide tobacco cessation information and classes in support of those who want to quit.”

According to Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death among men and women in Georgia. This year alone, 6,150 Georgians will be diagnosed and 4,660 will die from the disease, accounting for 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the state. More than 1.4 million adults in metro Atlanta smoke cigarettes and the Georgia Department of Public Health attributes one out of every six deaths, or more than 10,300 adult Georgians, to tobacco-related diseases. In addition, approximately $1.8 billion in healthcare costs among adults aged 18 years and older are attributed to tobacco use.

Tobacco cessation classes are currently offered at both hospital locations. For more information, visit piedmontnewnan.org, piedmontfayette.org or register by calling call Link2Health at 1-866-900-4321. Additional tobacco cessation information is available by calling the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line (1-877-270-7867) or by visiting the Live Healthy Georgia website at livehealthygeorgia.com.

Piedmont Heartburn Treatment Center Marks One Year of Service

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, GA (October 31, 2011)—Twenty-four-year-old Stuart Sitterson of New York City had always enjoyed a healthy, active lifestyle. But for the past eight years, he had struggled with persistent heartburn symptoms, which he dismissed as bad acid reflux. Upon a recent visit back home to Newnan, his stepfather, Jack Powell, M.D., suggested he talk with family friend and surgeon, Cliff Cranford, M.D., who sees patients at The Piedmont Heartburn Treatment Center, a service of Piedmont Newnan Hospital and Legato Medical Systems.

Stuart Sitterson
In August 2011, Dr. Cranford ordered an endoscopy and tests. He was concerned with the results and called Sitterson immediately. The diagnosis was Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the cells of the lower esophagus become damaged, usually from repeated exposure to stomach acid. Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer and is most often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a chronic regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus. It is rare for someone Sitterson’s age, and Dr. Cranford recommended surgery to correct the problem.

“Getting the diagnosis was very scary,” said Sitterson. “I asked Dr. Cranford what he would do if it was his son. He said he would take the recommendation of surgery.”

Twenty to forty percent of Americans suffer from GERD. Treatment is often incomplete with patients left to suffer. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but there are many others. The Piedmont Heartburn Treatment Center addresses all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment.

Since its inception in November 2010, the center has assisted nearly 500 patients through a variety of services, including free consultations with its dedicated nurse coordinator, lifestyle change and medication management counseling and diagnostic testing. Diagnostic testing services available at the center have resulted in over 40 cases of severe GERD, including detailed information about each patient’s unique diagnosis. The center also participates in numerous health fairs and educational seminars to promote awareness of GERD and options that can provide relief to patients.

“Patients are provided a comprehensive review of options available for the treatment of GERD,” said Karen Strickland, RN, nurse coordinator for the Piedmont Heartburn Treatment Center. “Although Stuart’s case resulted in a surgical repair for GERD, all patients will not have to undergo surgery. Other options include simple lifestyle changes like diet modifications or medication. Some patients may only want testing or counseling. Every patient’s experience is personalized to best suit their needs.”
Less than a month after surgery, Sitterson is back home resting in New York where he hopes to return to work soon.

“My quality of life has greatly improved already,” said Sitterson. “For anyone out there that thinks they may have symptoms of GERD, I would strongly suggest they see their doctor. It’s not something they have to live with.”
For more information on the Piedmont Heartburn Treatment Center, call 1-877-501-GERD (4373) or visit piedmontnewnan.org

The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Wellness Center Presents Fourth Annual Autumn Chase

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga.— (October 25, 2011) The Wellness Center of Piedmont Newnan Hospital will host its fourth annual Autumn Chase on Saturday, October 29, at Carl Miller Park in Newnan, Ga. A fifteen kilometer and five kilometer race both begin at 8:00 a.m. and a one-mile fun run starts at 9:30 a.m. Participants can also enjoy activities for the entire family, including face painting, food, Kids Castle and more. The Autumn Chase supports the Wellness Center’s senior citizen and community programming, as well as facility enhancements.

Registration is $25 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under. Participants may register online at piedmontnewnan.org. Participants can also register at the Wellness Center. Race day registration is available without a T-shirt guarantee.

Open to individuals 14 years and older, the Wellness Center of Piedmont Newnan Hospital focuses on disease prevention, rehabilitation of injuries and maintenance of optimal health, and also educates members on fitness and wellness. It features advanced cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Located at 26 West Court Square in Newnan, Ga. the Wellness Center offers a variety of group exercise programs, personal training, a Senior Wellness Program, rehabilitation assistance, massage therapy and many other health programs.

For more information on the Autumn Chase or on the Wellness Center, call 770-254-3550, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Earns Additional ACR Accreditations, Expands Services

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Most comprehensive radiological services in Coweta County.

NEWNAN, Ga (September 29, 2011)—Piedmont Newnan Hospital and its Piedmont Outpatient Center have been awarded two additional certifications by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Piedmont Newnan’s nuclear medicine services and the Piedmont Outpatient Center’s obstetric, gynecological and general ultrasound services have recently been awarded accreditation as the result of a recent review by the ACR. In addition, computed tomography (CT) services at the former PAPP Clinic location at Cavender Street remain incorporated as part of Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s extended imaging services.

“For the community, ACR accreditation signifies that we provide the very best in patient care and clinical quality to our patients,” said Dwayne Hansberry, director of Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s imaging services. “The addition of CT services at the former PAPP Clinic location provides additional convenience for physicians referring patients for imaging services.”

Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s ACR accredited nuclear medicine services give physicians the ability to view images of disease-processes within the body, based on cellular function and physiology, rather than relying on physical changes in tissue anatomy. In some cases, nuclear medicine studies can identify medical problems at an earlier stage than other diagnostic tests.

Piedmont Outpatient Center’s ACR-accredited ultrasound services provide diagnostic capabilities using high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of soft tissue and internal organs of the body.
Offering the most comprehensive accredited imaging services in Coweta County, Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s radiological services is accredited in nuclear medicine, CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, and its Piedmont Outpatient Center is accredited in mammography, breast ultrasound/ultrasound-guided biopsy, CT, and obstetric, gynecological and general ultrasound.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

The Piedmont Outpatient Center is located at the Summit Healthplex on Highway 34 East. For more information on the Piedmont Outpatient Center, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Offers October Mammogram Specials

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

$75 screening mammograms throughout month of October

NEWNAN, Ga. (September 12, 2011)—The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Outpatient Center is offering screening mammograms for $75 throughout the month of October. Located at 1755 Highway 34 East, Suite 1200, in Newnan, Ga., appointments with no waiting are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, October 9, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

October is breast cancer awareness month. In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. Eighty percent of women who are diagnosed do not have any reported risk factors, other than being female and aging. Common risk factors may include family history, race and ethnicity.

The keys to surviving breast cancer are regular screenings (breast self-exams and screening mammograms) and early diagnosis. Screening mammograms are covered by most health insurance plans and are recommended for women over age 40.

Ranked in the 99th percentile based on recent Press-Ganey surveys, the Piedmont Outpatient Center provides a comfortable, spa-like atmosphere for patients. Excellent care provided by staff members is coupled with amenities such as a private dressing suite, robes, refreshments and comfortable seating areas. The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Outpatient Center was recently awarded a three-year term of accreditation in breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy, as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is also ACR accredited in mammography.

No physician referral is required, however it is required that women being screened have a current physician to receive screening results. Patients should bring picture ID with them to the screening.
To schedule a mammogram, call 770-254-3668 and mention this special offer upon scheduling. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted prior to the exam. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with insurance coverage.

For more information on the Piedmont Outpatient Center, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Rehabilitation Center Moves To New Location

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga (August 22, 2011)—To address the growing need for physical rehabilitation services in Coweta County, Piedmont Newnan Hospital has moved the Piedmont Rehabilitation Center to a larger location. The new facility is located at 20 Francis Way in Sharpsburg, Ga. and is now taking patient referrals.

“We’ve seen more than a 300 percent increase in patients within the past three years,” said Cynthia Finney, DPT, director of Piedmont Newnan Hospital Rehabilitation Services. “This new location addresses our capacity issues with nearly 3,500 square feet of space and additional therapists to help keep up with demand. We look forward to serving our community in our new location, which will enable us to continue to provide patient-centered, high quality care, in a new, state-of-the-art environment.”

The new facility on Francis Way is approximately three times the size of the space formerly shared with the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Wellness Center located in downtown Newnan, Ga. The Piedmont Rehabilitation Center features some of the latest equipment for musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic and balance related conditions, as well as women’s health issues. The new location allows for the future expansion of outpatient occupational therapy and speech therapy services.

A gym and conditioning room is available as well as seven private treatment rooms and a dedicated vestibular rehabilitation treatment room. Other amenities for visitors include convenient parking and a comfortable reception area.

The Piedmont Rehabilitation Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 770-254-3405 or visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Newnan Makes Sleep A Priority

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

Piedmont Newnan Hospital teams up with the American Sleep Association to provide sleep apnea support groups.

NEWNAN, Ga. (June 23, 2011)—A recent study by the Center for Disease Control reveals that 29 percent of Americans get less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep each night. To raise awareness of the need for better sleep, Piedmont Newnan Hospital is teaming up with the American Sleep Association to establish a local Alert, Well, and Keeping Energetic (A.W.A.K.E.) support group.

The group’s first quarterly meeting is open to friends, family members and patients with sleep apnea and will be led by board-certified physician, Vijay Patel, M.D.
“Understanding Sleep Apnea and its Treatment Options” will be held Tuesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. at the Sleep Center located at 20 Francis Way, Suite 150 in Sharpsburg, Ga.
The A.W.A.K.E. network has been creating awareness about sleep apnea since 1990. Groups are located throughout the country in almost all 50 states that provide a learning environment about keeping yourself in a healthy state while suffering from sleep apnea. Meetings are coordinated and guest speakers are invited to these groups and topics may include advice on complying with CPAP therapy, legal issues affecting those with sleep apnea, weight loss and new research findings.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is something that some people have never heard of, but many people suffer from. It is estimated that 85 percent of Americans that have OSA are undiagnosed, and continuing to suffer from this disorder without proper medical attention can have severe medical repercussions.

OSA has been shown to be a primary factor in hypertension and is implicated in the development of cardiac arrhythmias. Other medical problems such as coronary artery disease, strokes, as well as other heart failure and cardiac issues can arise.

Being educated and proactive about this disorder is the primary goal of the A.W.A.K.E. networks. With the availability of these support groups, patients have a better understanding of their disorder and the steps they need to take to better themselves.

For more information about the American Sleep Association A.W.A.K.E. networks, visit sleepapnea.org. Also, for registration and more information about Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s A.W.A.K.E. group call Jennifer Morrow at 770-254-3289.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Names New Officer

Wed, 25 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga (May 25, 2011)—Jeffrey R. Folk, M.D., has been named vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer for Piedmont Newnan Hospital. Dr. Folk will serve as the primary liaison between the hospital and its medical staff and will focus on facilitating communication and education, ensuring collaboration, and overseeing the overall quality of care provided by hospital medical staff.

Jeffery Folk
“Dr. Folk’s experience with both patient care and hospital administration make him an ideal advocate for our many quality and patient care improvement initiatives,” said Piedmont Newnan Hospital president and CEO Michael Bass. “As a liaison between our hospital medical staff and administration, Dr. Folk will encourage further growth and development of our medical staff as we continue to raise the bar for the standards of patient care in our community.”

Dr. Folk comes to Piedmont Newnan Hospital most recently from ABQ HealthPartners and Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, N.M., where he served as chief of cardiology for both organizations. Prior to working at ABQ HealthPartners and Lovelace Medical Center, Dr. Folk served in a number of roles at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., including director of advanced cardiac imaging, medical director, director of cardiology and chief of medical specialties.

He received his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Albright College, in Reading, Pa., his medical degree from Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pa., and completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. Dr. Folk also holds a master of science in healthcare administration from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Dr. Folk is board certified in cardiology, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and internal medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology and member of the American College of Physician Executives and the American Medical Association. He has led and participated in several cardiology-related research projects.

Dr. Folk is married to Mary Ann, a former dietitian and active hospital-related philanthropist, with whom he has three children. He is an avid golfer and enjoys attending sporting events. He and Mary Ann enjoy walking, bicycling and traveling. They now reside in Newnan.

For more information on Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Outpatient Center Earns Second ACR Accreditation

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga. (May 24, 2011)—The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Outpatient Center has been awarded its second ACR accreditation, a three-year term of accreditation in breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy, as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). It is also ACR accredited in mammography. Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and better treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast.

“The Piedmont Outpatient Center is focused on providing the very best in patient care and clinical quality to our patients,” said Rhonda Winkles, Piedmont Outpatient Center coordinator. “This new accreditation in the area of breast ultrasound and ultrasound-guided biopsy, in addition to our accreditation in mammography, further exhibits our commitment to taking excellent care of those who entrust us with their care.”

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.

The Piedmont Outpatient Center is located at the Summit Healthplex on Highway 34 East. For more information on the Piedmont Outpatient Center, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Auxiliary Hosts 24th Tour of Homes

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga. (May 17, 2010) – The Piedmont Newnan Hospital Auxiliary has announced the return of its Candlelight Tour of Homes the evening of Friday, December 2, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Homes in the historic Cole Town/East Downtown Newnan area will be featured on this year’s tour. Refreshments will be served and parking will be available at the Historic Train Depot adjacent to Cole Town. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Auxiliary’s pledge to the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Outpatient Center and annual scholarships.

Tickets sales are expected to begin at Piedmont Newnan Hospital and a variety of Coweta County retailers beginning in the Fall. For general information on this upcoming event, call the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Auxiliary office at (678) 854-2487.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Celebrates Health Care Professionals

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, National Hospital Week is May 8-14.

NEWNAN, Ga. (May 9, 2011) – Piedmont Newnan Hospital is calling on the community to help recognize healthcare professionals during National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. Individuals are asked to take a few minutes to thank their favorite nurse or health care worker via the hospital’s Facebook page.

“It takes much more than just hard work and good medicine to deliver the quality of care that our patients expect,” said Piedmont Newnan Hospital CEO Michael Bass. “The bottom line is, patients remember the compassion and the care that they receive from our physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers. This is a small, but meaningful way for us as a community to show our appreciation.”

Anyone wishing to recognize a nurse or hospital employee is invited to visit the hospital Facebook page at facebook.com/PiedmontNewnanHospital, become a fan, and share your appreciation with a special nurse or healthcare worker who has touched your life. Written messages may also be mailed to Piedmont Newnan Hospital to the attention of “Thank You Week” at 60 Hospital Rd, Newnan, Georgia 30263. All messages will be forwarded to the specific individuals or departments indicated.

At Piedmont Newnan Hospital, over 230 physicians and 800 employees in a variety of supporting disciplines serve Coweta County and surrounding communities day and night, all year long.

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. For more information, visit the American Nurses Association online at nursingworld.org.

National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest health care event, is a celebration of the history, technology and dedicated professionals that make hospital facilities beacons of confidence and care. For more information, visit nationalhospitalweek.com.

For more information about Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Generates $197 Million for Local Economy

Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

NEWNAN, Ga. (May 2, 2011)—In 2009, Piedmont Newnan Hospital generated more than $197million in revenue for the local economy according to a recent report by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), an increase over the prior year. The report also included the cost of uncompensated care at $7.8 million (not including unpaid costs of Medicaid and Medicare) during the same time period and the hospital sustained more than 866 full-time jobs throughout the area.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital
Piedmont Newnan Hospital had direct expenditures of nearly $80 million in 2009. When combined with an economic multiplier developed by the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, the total economic impact of those expenditures was more than $197.4 million. This output multiplier considers the “ripple” effect of direct hospital expenditures on other sectors of the economy, such as medical supplies, durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Economic multipliers are used to model the resulting impact of a change in one industry on the “circular flow” of spending within an economy as a whole.

“This GHA report shows that Piedmont Newnan Hospital has a significant positive impact on our local economy,” said Michael Bass, CEO of Piedmont Newnan Hospital. “We will continue to work hard to ensure the community has access to quality and affordable healthcare services.”
Piedmont Newnan Hospital is a member of Piedmont Healthcare, a not-for-profit organization that also includes Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The same report showed that together, the four Piedmont hospitals generated $2.1 billion in revenue for the state economy with total direct expenditures of over $850.8 million. In addition, they provided over $28 million in total uncompensated care (not including unpaid costs of Medicaid and Medicare) and sustained 6,270 jobs throughout the state in 2009.

While Piedmont Healthcare member hospitals remain a major component of the state’s economic engine, the system’s leadership, like the rest of the Georgia hospital community, is concerned about a wide array of economic challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to meet the community’s healthcare needs - including a fast-growing uninsured and underinsured population and new state legislation. Presently, more than a third of all hospitals in Georgia are operating with negative margins.

“We are concerned with the current operating environment for hospitals,” said R. Timothy Stack, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “Piedmont Healthcare has been providing a vital service to the communities we serve for over a century, and the demand for care is growing. Healthcare is an excellent business opportunity for Georgia. However, plans for the future of the healthcare industry in this state are jeopardized with an increasing number of uninsured patients and a new tax burden on hospitals.”

According to Stack, state lawmakers must work to protect the state’s healthcare system with the same fervor employed for other initiatives like education and public utilities.

“The state healthcare system provides jobs and business opportunities even during difficult economic times,” said Stack. “Our hospitals are an integral part of our communities and are the foundation for quality of life. With the continued support of the community and our elected lawmakers, we have the ability to do what is necessary to protect our local healthcare systems and preserve access to healthcare for Georgia.”

For more information on Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.