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Wilson County Hospital Now Certified in Advanced Trauma Services

roberjm7 — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:44:52 +0000

Wilson County Hospital Now Certified in Advanced Trauma Services roberjm7 Thu, 09/21/2023 - 08:44 RSS:

Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital (VWCH) has been certified by the state as a fully designated Level III Trauma Center—the first in Lebanon, Tennessee.

“Since acquiring Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital, it has been a goal to provide advanced trauma services. We believe this is an important addition for the patients we serve, and for the region,” said C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

To become a trauma center in Tennessee, health facilities are required to operate under provisional status for one year. VWCH achieved its provisional status in June 2022, then excelled in its final assessment in June 2023 and completed its certification.

Level III Trauma Centers can provide immediate care by emergency physicians and staff 24-hours a day, as well as trauma-trained surgeons and anesthesiologists on demand. As a trauma center, VWCH is also required to maintain higher quality standards in patient care, experience and satisfaction.

“We set out to enhance the level of trauma and emergency care available in our community, and this certification shows that we’ve delivered on that promise over the last year. We are here to continue to provide this enhanced level of care closer to home for our community,” said Scott McCarver, president of VWCH.

Read more about the certification in this article from the VUMC Reporter.

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Workforce Health: FAQs on the Updated COVID Vaccine

roberjm7 — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:56:32 +0000

Workforce Health: FAQs on the Updated COVID Vaccine roberjm7 Wed, 09/20/2023 - 12:56 RSS:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. As we transition into the fall and winter virus season, the new vaccine provides better protection against current strains of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone six (6) months and older who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months receive the updated vaccine.

"Vaccination continues to be the best protection against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19,” said Ana Nobis, MD, MPH, medical director, Occupational Health Clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). “The updated vaccines are formulated to protect against the COVID-19 variants that are circulating at this time.”

“Even over last week, there’s been an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID in our area," echoed VUMC infectious disease expert William Schaffner, MD. "These several strains that are out there circulating at the present time are children or grandchildren of the omicron strain.”

Who should definitely get the vaccine? What if I'm healthy?

Experts say anyone who is eligible should get boosted. The vaccine not only protects from sickness, but it also reduces the chances you'll pass along the virus to someone vulnerable. People who are at high risk of severe disease from COVID—those over 65, those with weakened immune systems or those medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, obesity, advanced diabetes or kidney disease—should get the updated vaccine right away. Pregnant women should also get the shot.

Will I need to have an annual COVID-19 shot like I do the flu?

Annual COVID boosters are a way of "reminding our immune system" how to fight off the evolving virus, Dr. Schaffner says. "COVID is going to be with us henceforth, the way influenza is. I think we're starting the schedule for an annual COVID reminder to our immune system the same way we do with influenza."

Studies have found that people who receive the COVID vaccine are less likely to develop long COVID and tend to have symptoms for fewer days if they do get a mild case of COVID.

How long will the protection last?

About two weeks after getting the vaccine, you'll get a boost in immunity that could reduce your chances of getting COVID. That protection will likely last for a few months, with protection against a severe case of COVID lasting about a year.

How much does the vaccine cost?

Most insurance plans will cover the cost of the vaccine. Paying out of pocket for a vaccine would cost around $120 a shot.

Where can I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine?

Patients may receive the updated vaccine by scheduling with their Vanderbilt Health primary care physician through My Health at Vanderbilt, at Vanderbilt Health Walk-In Clinics, and via retail pharmacies across the region. A vaccine locator is available at vaccines.gov.

How can I protect my workforce?

Boost your employees' health with help from Vanderbilt Total Health–Wellbeing. For decades our nursing team has provided on-site vaccination services to area employers. Click here to learn how to tap into these services, including assistance in administering the new COVID vaccine.

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Pediatric Obesity Webinar Free and Open to All

roberjm7 — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 02:01:14 +0000

Pediatric Obesity Webinar Free and Open to All roberjm7 Mon, 09/18/2023 - 21:01 RSS:

More than 14 million U.S. children and teens—about one in six—live with obesity. Left untreated, obesity can lead to serious short- and long-term health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Obesity can also bring on mental health concerns, as children and teens suffer from the harsh and unfair stigma associated with being overweight.

The Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network is hosting a free Well Moment webinar on Wed., Nov. 8, 12 p.m. CST, to focus on weight management and obesity treatment for children. Register at this link—and share with your colleagues and their families.

The speakers will discuss:

Dietary and physical activity patterns associated with healthy weight
Factors that influence rapid weight gain
An assessment to help parents evaluate their child’s weight change
How to help your child be a healthy weight without using the word “weight”
Barriers to weight management
Medical interventions and treatments

About the experts:

Keena Andrews, MS, RD, LDN, is the outpatient pediatric nutrition team leader at the Murfreesboro satellite clinic of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Brittney Roszell, RDN, LDN, is a pediatric dietitian at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Myrtis Walker, MS, RDN, CSOWM, LDN, is a weight management patient care dietitian in the Vanderbilt Outpatient Nutrition Clinic.

Attendees can answer questions after the presentation or feel free to submit them in advance here.

Learn more at wellmoment.org.

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VUMC Recognized As One of Tennessee's 'Healthiest Employers'

roberjm7 — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:23:04 +0000

VUMC Recognized As One of Tennessee's 'Healthiest Employers' roberjm7 Mon, 09/04/2023 - 09:23 RSS:

Healthiest Employers, a national award program that started in 2009, has named Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) one of the Healthiest Employers in Tennessee in the category for organizations with more than 10,000 employees.

The award recognizes organizations that take a more proactive, innovative approach to employee health benefits and show significant investment in their populations' health and wellbeing.

As a state finalist, VUMC is also in the running for the Healthiest Workplaces in America award; winners will be announced on Oct. 4. Find the full list of Tennessee's winners here.

“This recognition is truly an honor that reflects the amazing work done by so many at all levels to champion these efforts. We are thankful to all of those who engage in these programs and especially to senior leadership for their ongoing support for these initiatives," said Lori Rolando, MD, MPH, executive director of Vanderbilt Health and Wellness.

VUMC was nominated for the award with the assistance of Health Plus, VUMC's faculty/staff health promotion program.

Learn more about the recognition in this article from the VUMC Reporter.

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What You Need to Know About Vaccines This Fall

roberjm7 — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:34:08 +0000

What You Need to Know About Vaccines This Fall roberjm7 Tue, 08/22/2023 - 16:34 RSS:

Autumn is synonymous with back to school, football season, falling leaves—and vaccine season. Vanderbilt Health infectious disease experts William Schaffner, MD, professor of preventive medicine, health policy, and H. Keipp Talbot, MD, MPH, professor of medicine, share why adult vaccines make a difference and what you need to know before going into cold and flu season.

“What most misunderstood about adult vaccines is that if you can still catch the disease, why bother getting vaccinated? When we vaccinate children with a measles vaccine, for example, they never get measles, but that concept doesn't really apply to adults,” explains Dr. Talbot. “But when we vaccinate adults, our goal is to keep you healthy and out of the hospital and mitigate any side effects” of the flu or other infectious diseases,” she said. “It's also to protect our loved ones,” especially those who are immunocompromised.

Here are three vaccines to get this fall to protect you and your family members and loved ones.

1. Flu. Flu season in the United States generally begins in October. “The flu vaccine is developed each year based on the flu viruses that are circulating at the end of the last year’s flu season,” Dr. Schaffner. “That’s why everyone 6 months and older should have a flu vaccine each year before the start of flu season.” The flu vaccine is especially important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5 and people with weak immune systems.

For those younger than 65, the CDC does not recommend any one flu vaccine more than another. However, those 65 and older should get a higher-dose flu shot, such as a quadrivalent vaccine, for better protection.

2. COVID-19. Another wave of COVID-19 infections has started across the middle Tennessee region. To reduce the risk of becoming ill, get tested if you have symptoms and consider masking in high-risk situations. As for the next COVID-19 vaccine, a new updated version is anticipated within the next 6-8 weeks from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax. The vaccines will target XBB.1.5, the Omicron variant that currently accounts for about 12% of cases.

“Vaccines are like a seatbelt in the car,” Camille Kotton, MD, a physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, has said about the COVID vaccine. “Though it may not be 100% protection, you are much more likely to be saved in a bad accident. Even partial protection is better than none.”

3. RSV. This month the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a new shot against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, to protect infants less than 8 months old and infants 8 months to 19 months if they are at risk for severe illness. Also new this year are the first shots to protect older adults and those with health problems from RSV.

“Most people know is RSV is a virus that can cause severe disease in children,” Talbot says, but it can also cause respiratory illness and lead to hospitalization for older adults and those who have cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease or diabetes. “The virus circulates about a month before influenza and … it causes wheezing, croup and bronchiolitis.”

To learn more about important vaccines to get this year, check out these additional resources:

The CDC’s Schedules for Child, Adolescent and Adult Vaccines

The CDC’s Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool to find out which vaccines you need

What you need to know about the new RSV vaccine, and facts about RSV in infants and young children

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How Smart Benefits Increase Life Expectancy

roberjm7 — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 01:17:30 +0000

How Smart Benefits Increase Life Expectancy roberjm7 Fri, 08/18/2023 - 20:17 RSS:

The COVID-19 pandemic was a major contributor to U.S. life expectancy dropping by more than two years to 76.4—but that drop doesn't have to be permanent. A 2023 study by Deloitte found that by 2040, the average life expectancy could grow by 12 years if employers shift benefits toward prevention-based health care models. The study also found that Americans can live 95% of their years in good health by focusing on preventive care and population health initiatives.

This change would require a significant shift in employee health benefits that goes beyond encouraging annual wellness visits and regular cancer screenings. Below are some smart benefit strategies that increase life expectancy and improve employees’ quality of life:

Addressing root causes of negative health outcomes. Prevention-based health care models address diseases' root causes, targeting risk factors before they lead to debilitating conditions. These models focus on lifestyle interventions, such as promoting healthy diets, encouraging regular physical activity, and reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption. By addressing these factors, they tackle the underlying drivers of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers. Consequently, individuals are less likely to develop these conditions, leading to a healthier population and a higher life expectancy.

Early detection and timely intervention. Regular health screenings, genetic testing and risk assessments enable providers to identify health issues early. By detecting conditions before they progress, interventions can be initiated promptly, leading to more effective treatments and better outcomes—all while lowering costs. For instance, identifying precancerous lesions through screenings can lead to their removal before they turn malignant, reducing cancer-related mortality rates and increasing life expectancy.

Focus on preventable diseases. Preventable diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and some respiratory illnesses, can lead to many premature deaths. Prevention-based models prioritize efforts to fight these diseases by educating individuals about the risks associated with poor diet, sedentary behavior and nicotine use. Employers can offer programs and education that empower staff to make healthier choices that may lead to increased life expectancy.

Enhancing overall wellness. When employer-sponsored health plans focus on achieving and maintaining overall wellness, everyone benefits. By promoting healthy behaviors, stress management and mental health support, employers can support employees’ quality of life and long-term health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), maintaining overall wellness can dramatically lengthen life expectancy, reducing the risk of total death, death from cancer and death from heart disease.

Promoting healthy aging. By implementing measures that prevent or delay age-related diseases and disabilities, individuals can maintain their independence and quality of life as they grow older. This results in a longer period of active and productive living, contributing to an increased life expectancy.

While the shift to preventive health care will take significant effort, employers can start now by focusing on health plans that offer telehealth, improved access to care and wellness programs. Vanderbilt Health Employer Solutions works directly with employers to offer tailored health and wellness support, including Vanderbilt Total Health, Concierge Medicine, Executive Health Physicals, MyHealth Bundles and more. Learn more here.

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Bundles Abound: What’s the Difference?

roberjm7 — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:00:19 +0000

Bundles Abound: What’s the Difference? roberjm7 Thu, 08/17/2023 - 13:00 RSS:

Healthcare IT Today recently interviewed C.J. Stimson, MD, JD, Chief Medical Officer, Employee Health Plan at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), and Brittany Cunningham, DNP, MSN, RN, CSSBB, Vice President for VUMC's Episodes of Care Office, about bundled payment arrangements, an innovation being embraced by various segments of health care.

Watch this video to hear them describe the difference between bundled payment programs created by provider organizations such as VUMC and bundled payment programs created by insurance companies. Dr. Stimson described how VUMC’s culture is heavily focused on patients and providers, leading the health system to create MyHealth Bundles to match that culture.

Dr. Cunningham also spoke on HFMA’s podcast, "Voices in Healthcare Finance," about MyHealth Bundles, a successful bundled payment program that helps employees proactively and conveniently manage their health. Listen to the 20-minute episode at this link.

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Ease the Back-to-School Transition With Wisdom From Well Moment Webinars

roberjm7 — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:49:58 +0000

Ease the Back-to-School Transition With Wisdom From Well Moment Webinars roberjm7 Tue, 08/15/2023 - 16:49 RSS:

School is back in full swing across Tennessee. This time of year comes with mixed emotions—especially for youth who struggle with feelings of anxiety, stress and depression.

Well Moment, a webinar series hosted by the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, offers expert insight and resources to support parents, caregivers, students and teachers during this time of transition. Here are three webinars to watch (and don't forget to click through to read important takeaways from the presentations):

• "Cyberbullying and Internet Safety" focuses on a key driver of mental health concerns for children: social media and online activity.

• "Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents" gives insight on how to identify warning signs of depression, when to seek help for your child and how to come up with a mental health safety plan.

• "How to Combat Pediatric and Adolescent Substance Use" helps you understand how to speak to your child about substance use, identify abuse and find available treatment options.

To view other sessions and sign up for the next Well Moment, go to WellMoment.com.

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Back Surgery Patient Relieved That MySpineHealth Provided a 'Safety Net'

roberjm7 — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:58:00 +0000

Back Surgery Patient Relieved That MySpineHealth Provided a 'Safety Net' roberjm7 Fri, 08/11/2023 - 15:58 RSS:

As a nurse practitioner and director of perioperative services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Julie Hamm has an active job, performing daily rounds of scores of hospital beds a day. But her job became even more challenging when she developed back pain, which progressed into spinal stenosis.

Hamm tried physical therapy, a pain clinic and pain killers for almost a year, but the pain didn’t go away. “My back was so tight, and my toes went numb,” she said. “Even though I didn’t want to have surgery, I needed to.”

She heard about Vanderbilt’s MySpineHealth Bundle, which coordinates all the services needed for spine surgery while ensuring appropriate care and a faster return to life and work. The experience is streamlined with the help of a personal patient navigator.

Hamm went to the website to check her eligibility and start the enrollment process, and her navigator quickly got back to her. “I liked that I had my own person to talk to,” Hamm said. “She called several times and made sure I had everything I needed ahead of time.”

That wasn’t the only thing Julie liked about the bundle—she didn’t have to pay any out-of-pocket costs. “That was a very attractive benefit,” she said.

In September 2022, Hamm had an L5 S1 hemilaminectomy discectomy, involving the removal of a bone and disc. “It went amazing, and everyone was amazing,” she said. “I was able to walk around less than three hours after surgery, and I was home before noon. And the recovery has been great.”

Hamm says the surgery has been life-changing. Because her chronic pain is gone, she can go camping, hiking and traveling with her 10-year-old again. And it’s made a huge difference at her job, too. “It’s allowed me to make rounds, interact with staff and sit at my computer without pain. I’m back to 100%.”

When she looks back on the experience, one of the things Julie appreciated most was simply knowing what to expect. “The navigator was a great point of contact,” she said. “Back surgery can make you nervous, and I didn’t know a lot about it. But I felt like I had a safety net.”

Julie Hamm says her surgery through MySpineHealth has been life-changing. Because the chronic pain is gone, "it’s allowed me to make rounds, interact with staff and sit at my computer without pain," she said. "I’m back to 100%.”

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When It Came to VUMC Employee's Knee Replacement, ‘Free Was Key’

roberjm7 — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 22:00:24 +0000

When It Came to VUMC Employee's Knee Replacement, ‘Free Was Key’ roberjm7 Wed, 08/09/2023 - 17:00 RSS:

When Scott McLauren needed a knee replacement, there were many reasons he selected the MyOrthoHealth Bundle from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)—world-class care, concierge service and more. But one advantage was particularly persuasive.

“Free was key,” he said.

MyOrthoHealth “bundles” all the services needed successfully address shoulder, hip and knee pain, while ensuring appropriate care and a faster return to life and work. The bundle efficiently provides everything patients need for a successful outcome—and McLauren did not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs.

“I was familiar with the program and the great outcomes, so I wanted to take advantage of that benefit,” said McLauren, an occupational therapist at VUMC. “This was a win/win.”

McLauren’s knee had gotten so bad that it was limiting his participation in activities he loved to do, such as hiking with his son and cycling. “I had trouble descending stairs and I wasn’t able to sit in confined spaces, like at sports events, concerts and church,” he said. “I needed a lot of leg room to keep my leg extended.”

Over the course of the surgery and recovery, McLauren was supported by his personal patient navigator, who explained the details, scheduled appointments and answered his questions.

“Communication and follow up were great,” he said. “The navigator took care of things behind the scenes. She reassured me that if I ever received a bill, she’d take care of it.”

McLauren called the entire experience “seamless.”

“From the navigator’s first call setting up surgery and appointments, to the day of surgery, to follow up from navigator, they all mirrored each other and were consistently good,” he said. “Honestly, I didn’t worry about a thing. Talk about full concierge service, that’s what it was.”

Today, Scott is back to hiking with his son. “I haven’t had a single problem; even up and down hilly terrain, there’s no pain,” he said. “And my cycling times almost mimic times from 10 years ago, and I’m 54. It has a ton to do with getting my range of motion back.”

To those considering the MyOrthoHealth Bundle, McLauren says, “Don’t wait. If you do nothing, you’re not going to get any better. And I promise, it’s the easiest thing you can do.”

Scott McLauren’s knee had gotten so bad that it was limiting his participation in activities he loved to do, such as hiking and cycling. Today, after the knee replacement with the MyOrthoBundle, he's back to hiking with his son, and his cycling times are close to times from 10 years ago.

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After MyOrthoHealth Patient's Hip Replacement, She’s Ready to Dance

roberjm7 — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 21:35:24 +0000

After MyOrthoHealth Patient's Hip Replacement, She’s Ready to Dance roberjm7 Mon, 08/07/2023 - 16:35 RSS:

Lynn Garrett’s son is about to get married, and she is looking forward to the mother/son dance at the reception. But in early 2022, she was afraid that her hips would not allow it.

“It was constant pain daily,” said Garrett, who is an assistant director of research and administration at Vanderbilt’s Institute for Medicine and Public Health. “I did not have the quality of life to which I was accustomed. It prevented me from exercising and enjoying outside activities. I did not feel like my normal self.”

Garrett had always been active, playing basketball at Motlow State and the University of Memphis. When the pain first appeared, she thought it was from the strain basketball put on her knees. “I was always told I would feel that later in life,” she said. “I noticed it going up and down stairs.”

Over a period of five years, the pain had gotten progressively worse. After chiropractor visits and alignments, she finally went to the doctor and found out that the problem was arthritis and bone spurs in her hips.

From emails she received at work, she had heard about MyOrthoHealth, which “bundles” all the services needed to successfully address shoulder, hip and knee pain. “I started making phone calls and learned about the features and how they guided you through the entire process.”

The bundles experience is streamlined with the help of a personal patient navigator, who answers questions, schedules appointments and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

“The navigator was very helpful and very patient,” she said. “I like to do research and had lots of questions. She guided me, and I appreciated that.”

Garrett also found out that she would not have to pay any out-of-pocket charges. “You can’t beat that, considering what costs are now for care,” she said. “Why not take advantage of it?”

She had her first surgery in April 2022, and the second later that year in December. Her recovery included physical therapy, conveniently offered online.

“Now I can do everything,” said Garrett, who has recommended the program to five people, two of whom have already scheduled surgery. “I can truly enjoy my grandchildren and go to all their sports activities without fearing walking up and down bleachers. I can walk at the zoo or on trails and not feel I must stop and sit down. I feel like my life is back.”

And, she adds, “I’ll be able to do the mother/son dance at my only son’s wedding.”

After her hip replacement, Lynn Garrett can walk on trails without pain and go to her grandchildren's sports activities without fearing walking up and down bleachers. "I feel like my life is back.”

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MyOrthoHealth Patient Tells Surgeon: 'You Give People Their Lives Back'

roberjm7 — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:17:09 +0000

MyOrthoHealth Patient Tells Surgeon: 'You Give People Their Lives Back' roberjm7 Fri, 08/04/2023 - 16:17 RSS:

Joe Foster had been a baseball catcher and spent 25 years as a paramedic. So he wasn’t too surprised when he started having trouble with his knees. What he wasn’t prepared for was how bad the pain got.

“I couldn’t walk,” said Foster, who is now an IT project manager and scrum master at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). “Every step I took was like a hammer hitting my knee. It had gotten to where I could only make it out to my car. I could drive but couldn’t do my own shopping. My daughter bought me a wagon for groceries.”

In the past, Foster had three injections in his knee. But one day, the knee “made a nasty crunch sound, and that was it,” he said. It was time for a knee replacement. Fortunately, he heard that he may qualify for Vanderbilt’s MyOrthoHealth Bundle. The bundle coordinates all the services needed to successfully address shoulder, hip and knee pain, while ensuring appropriate care and a faster return to life and work.

“After the patient navigator explained it all, I said to myself, ‘I need to do this,’” said Foster. “With knee surgery, there can be a lot of unknowns, but she explained the program and how things were going to go. That made the whole process better. I felt fully informed.”

And then there was the fact that Foster wouldn’t have any out-of-pocket costs. “I was like, ‘Nothing is free.’ But it was as part of my VUMC benefits, and that was a big part of my decision.”

The navigator made all appointments for Foster and arranged for the equipment he would need after surgery. “She organized everything,” he said. “It was really cool.”

Foster had his knee replacement in August 2022. “It was same-day surgery, and my recovery was fine,” he said. “Now the pain is gone. I can go anywhere I need to go.” He’s able to play with his grandchildren, and he can once again perform as a keyboardist with his band.

Foster says his bundles experience was well worth it. “My surgeon, Dr. Steve Engstrom, and the nurse were second to none,” he said. After his recovery, Foster told Dr. Engstrom that he was responsible for more than surgery: “He is giving people their lives back.”

Joe Foster can once again play with his grandchildren and perform as a keyboardist with his band.

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MyWeightLoss Patient Vouches for Her Experience: ‘You Have Nothing to Lose Except the Weight’

roberjm7 — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 21:03:29 +0000

MyWeightLoss Patient Vouches for Her Experience: ‘You Have Nothing to Lose Except the Weight’ roberjm7 Wed, 08/02/2023 - 16:03 RSS:

About 11 years ago, Annette Lantz had gastric bypass surgery. She lost a lot of weight and was able to keep it off—until a change in medication and the pandemic hit in 2020. Then she veered off her routine.

“I kept gaining,” she said. “I could not get the weight off. It was an emotional drain on me. I felt like a failure.”

Frustrated, she reached out to her physician, who referred her to the Vanderbilt Weight Loss Center. There, she learned about MyWeightLossHealth and that she qualified for the Medical Weight Loss Bundle, which helps patients lose meaningful weight through a combination of lifestyle therapies and medication.

Lantz, an associate research strategy program specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, began a regimen that included exercise, medication, a psychologist consultation, sessions with a nutritionist and classes with the Vanderbilt Dayani Center. During one of those classes, a medication she was taking was identified as a medication that can cause weight gain. Once that medication was changed and other drugs were adjusted, Lantz started to see real results.

A patient navigator guided her through the process. “She immediately got in contact with me, explained what would happen, and told me that everything I did as part of the bundle would be covered, with no out-of-pocket costs, which was wonderful,” Lantz said. “If I had questions, she was really prompt about getting back to me.”

Lantz says she also received great support from the Vanderbilt Weight Loss Center, especially Dr. Erica Dillon Garner. “I would refer it to anybody,” she said. “MyHealth Bundles is an awesome program. With all that access, it was wonderful to know that the worrying was off my shoulders.”

In all, Lantz lost 40 pounds. “I feel better about myself. I don’t want to hide away, and I’m less self-conscious,” she said. “It’s great when people notice and say, ‘You look good; how much have you lost?’ I can see the results, and I’m so grateful.”

To anyone considering the MyWeightLossHealth Bundle, Lantz has some simple advice: Do it. “It has been one of the best benefits I have gotten from Vanderbilt,” she said. “I can’t say enough good things. I’ve told my coworkers about it.

“You have nothing to lose except the weight.”

Annette Lantz lost 40 pounds with Vanderbilt Health's Medical Weight Loss Bundle.

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Vanderbilt University Coaches Share Healthy Recipes in 'Cooking With Coach' Series

roberjm7 — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:38:00 +0000

Vanderbilt University Coaches Share Healthy Recipes in 'Cooking With Coach' Series roberjm7 Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:38 RSS:

Over the past few months, Vanderbilt Health has rolled out a “Cooking With Coach” series in partnership with Vanderbilt Athletics. The entertaining videos, hosted by Vanderbilt Health’s Mallory Yoder, invite Vanderbilt University coaches into the kitchen to chat and spread the word of the healthy recipes on MySouthernHealth.com.

From desserts to appetizers to healthy vegetable- and carbohydrate-pairings, the episodes feature the coaches sharing yummy recipes to try out on your friends and family:

Clark Lea, VU Football Coach: Corn, Black Bean and Tomato Salsa

Greg Allen, VU Women’s Golf Coach: Oven-Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Head Coach John Williamson and Associate Head Coach Josie Barnes, 2023 National Champion VU Bowling team: Veggie-lover’s pizza

Beth Hewitt, VU Women’s Lacrosse Coach: Bowtie pasta with broccoli and garlic

And catch Althea “AT” Thomas, VU Director, Cross Country, Track & Field, in the video below as she shares a delicious dessert with not too many calories: Pineapple-Raspberry Parfaits.

To kick off the Cooking with Coach series, Vanderbilt University Football Coach Clark Lea joined Vanderbilt Health’s Mallory Yoder to whip up Corn, Black Bean and Tomato Salsa.

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For MyOrthoHealth Patient, Knee Replacement Was the ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened’

roberjm7 — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:36:22 +0000

For MyOrthoHealth Patient, Knee Replacement Was the ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened’ roberjm7 Mon, 07/31/2023 - 15:36 RSS:

As a financial clearance specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Trish DeSheles is responsible for making sure insurance is billed properly for patients. “I want things to be right from the beginning,” she said. “If you have an illness, you shouldn’t have to worry if insurance is billed correctly.”

That’s why she was thrilled to hear her employer offered the MyOrthoHealth Bundle when she knew she needed a knee replacement. The bundle program coordinates all of the services needed to successfully address shoulder, hip and knee pain, while ensuring appropriate care and a faster return to life and work. The experience is streamlined with the help of personal patient navigator, and health care costs are transparent and predictable.

“I knew what to expect,” she said. “There was just one insurance bill to cover my deductible, and there were no other expenses for me.”

She found her patient navigator particularly helpful. “She was wonderful,” DeSheles said. “As soon as I qualified for the bundle, she sent me everything I needed and even followed up afterward. She helped with any questions and was quick to reply. Even toward end of my recovery, she followed up to make sure I was doing okay.”

DeSheles, who was active in sports when she was younger, had torn her meniscus and had arthritis. She lost some weight and tried gel injections, which helped somewhat and postponed the need for surgery—until she tore her ACL.

“I turned 50 and everything went downhill,” she said. “I couldn’t sleep because of knee pain. Even walking up steps was very hard.”

She had her left knee replaced in 2019, but there were problems with the surgery. The outcome for her right knee replacement was quite different with the MyOrthoHealth procedure, which was performed by Dr. Steven Engstrom.

“I feel much better,” she said. “I’m very active—hiking, bike riding, playing with grandchildren, gardening, walking up steps—with no more pain. And the biggest attraction was that it was much cheaper for my right knee replacement than my left. I saved thousands of dollars.”

She’s already recommended the MyOrthoHealth Bundle to others. “I tell people to come see Dr. Engstrom,” she said. “Don’t wait—this is your life. If you’re in pain, it’s not worth it.”

For DeSheles, it was more than a knee replacement. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Trish DeSheles is already recommending the MyOrthoHealth Bundle to others. “Don’t wait—this is your life," she said. "If you’re in pain, it’s not worth it.”

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Vanderbilt Total Health: Care When and Where You Need It

roberjm7 — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 13:04:10 +0000

Vanderbilt Total Health: Care When and Where You Need It roberjm7 Wed, 07/26/2023 - 08:04 RSS:

Vanderbilt Health Total Health (VTH), which began a pilot this summer with Metro Nashville Public Schools, offers a faster, more convenient way for employees to get care when and where they need it throughout the Vanderbilt Health System.

The high-touch, nurse-navigated model supports the physical, mental, and spiritual health of MNPS teachers and their dependents. A dedicated nurse navigator and licensed clinical social worker pair with Vanderbilt Health On Call nurse practitioners, Palliative Care team and Home Health team to deliver care.

The program’s holistic approach includes both a mental and spiritual health component to meet members where they are. Same-day telehealth appointments, clinic visits, support groups and an educational series are available through VTH.

To learn more about this innovative new solution for employers, read these Q&As with VTH nurse navigator Yolonda Powell, RN, and VTH social worker Tyler Banks, LCSW.

Nurse navigator Yolonda Powell, RN, and social worker Tyler Banks, LCSW, are part of the Vanderbilt Total Health team.

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Meet the Vanderbilt Total Health Team: Tyler Banks, LCSW

roberjm7 — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:50:49 +0000

Meet the Vanderbilt Total Health Team: Tyler Banks, LCSW roberjm7 Tue, 07/25/2023 - 08:50 RSS:

Vanderbilt Health Total Health (VTH) began a pilot this summer with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS). The new solution offers a faster, more convenient way for employees to get care when and where they need it throughout the Vanderbilt Health System.

VTH social worker Tyler Banks, LCSW, helps MNPS patients find effective solutions to life’s challenges. A licensed clinical social worker, she can provide short-term counseling or connect patient to longer-term behavioral health care, share community resources to help patients and their families meet basic needs, and support patient with education on topics such as work/life balance, parenting, and coping with anxiety and depression.

A North Carolina native, Banks earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University and a master’s in social work from University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She initially came to Nashville in 2008 to work as an intensive, in-home family therapist. She worked with Youth Villages, a nonprofit which provides behavioral health and supportive care to young people in foster care, in-home and residential treatment, and adoption services. In 2014, Banks started with the Vanderbilt Health System as a child/adolescent social worker and then became a manager at the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. She moved to the Vanderbilt Total Health team in March 2023.

Banks answered a few questions for Employer Insights:

Why is mental health sometimes a neglected part of whole person care?

That’s a complicated answer. Everyone’s experience is different. Some people have never had any experience with the mental health care system or grew up in families where mental health wasn’t discussed at all. Others may know someone who lived with a mental health diagnosis, but their families were secretive or avoided talking about it.

Historically there has been a lot of stigma around mental health. Because symptoms of depression, for example, aren’t visible, people are sometimes dismissed when they talk about feeling sad and hopeless—or told to “Just get over it,” or “Pull yourself together.” But I'm excited that this attitude seems to be shifting, especially since the pandemic, and pursuing mental health care is being normalized and even encouraged. We are seeing a lot more attention being paid to mental health and employers like MNPS recognizing how important it is.

Why is it vital to put more emphasis on mental health?

With my experience in the inpatient psychiatric setting, I gained perspective on what happens when you don't pay attention to the indicators that you aren’t doing well, or that your loved ones aren’t doing well. We know that the more you ignore a problem, the more prominent of an issue it becomes. It’s going to demand attention at some point.

You emphasize how the body, mind and spirit are very much connected. How do you help patients understand the importance of caring for their whole person?

We use the analogy all the time that, like on an airplane, you must put on your own oxygen mask first. You must care for yourself to be able to care for others. It's very important in any caring profession, like teaching. We see that a lot in health care, too. When folks aren't taking care of themselves, it makes it very difficult for them to do their jobs, manage stress and attain a better work/life balance. It results in poor productivity, illness and burnout.

I talk in some of my educational presentations about the importance of both passive and active self-care. Passive self-care involves those temporary, short-term things we can do to fill our cup to restore our energy and promote our well-being. Active self-care is more intentional, with deep and ongoing work to strengthen the mind and body connection, maybe by changing patterns that aren’t working for you. It’s important to prioritize both types of self-care.

Teachers and other MNPS employees are so busy, and it can be exhausting to figure out how and where to get help. How will Vanderbilt Total Health provide this support?

We realize it can be hard to find what you need in an enormous system like Vanderbilt. That’s why VTH makes it easier for MNPS employees to take care of themselves, no matter their needs.

We know that MNPS employees could use support to connect to services in the MNPS clinics and access health care outside of school hours, so we’re going to help with that. We know that these teachers live all over the city, and even the state, so we’re going to help them access telehealth services. We know that they need resources for behavioral health needs, so we’re going to connect them to behavioral health nurse practitioners in the MNPS clinics as well as resources outside of the system as well.

Ultimately, we want to help MNPS keep its teachers healthy and happy, which then impacts our community because our kids are learning from these great teachers. It feels really good to be part of that.

What do you like to do in your free time and help yourself stay centered?

My husband is a Nashville native, and we have two young daughters, and a dog and a cat. We like to be outside, and we like to hike and garden. I love to cook. Though I am a “true extrovert at heart” and enjoy teamwork and interaction with patients in my work, I also really value alone time and try to make that happen, too—sometimes by bingeing a favorite TV show!

VTH social worker Tyler Banks, LCSW

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Meet the Vanderbilt Total Health Team: Yolonda Powell, RN

roberjm7 — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:30:31 +0000

Meet the Vanderbilt Total Health Team: Yolonda Powell, RN roberjm7 Tue, 07/25/2023 - 08:30 RSS:

VTH nurse navigator Yolonda Powell, RN, is available to MNPS employees to answer non-urgent medical questions, assess needs and guide them to the physical, mental and spiritual/emotional care that’s best. She can also help make an appointment with the MNPS clinics, a provider via telehealth, home care services, Vanderbilt Health specialists and more.

Powell is originally from Brownsville, Tennessee, about 45 minutes outside of Memphis. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's in nursing and master's in nurse executive leadership. She served as a nurse in Memphis for five years, working in areas such as maternity, neurology and epilepsy. Powell moved to Nashville in 2021 and worked at the Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Center before becoming nurse navigator for VTH in March 2023.

Powell answered a few questions for Employer Insights:

What has been one of your most rewarding jobs as a nurse?

Working in the Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Clinic was one of the more challenging but rewarding positions I’ve had so far. Some of the patients could walk, but some used a wheelchair or were a bit more homebound, and I wanted to help them any way possible. It’s gratifying to be there for people in whatever capacity they need me.

What made you want to take this new position with VTH?

The fact that the job involved care coordination—working with a team to help people find the right care—was interesting to me. And I was enthusiastic to be a part of something that helps a lot of people. This position gives me a good opportunity to be a part of a team that's really making a change.

How does Vanderbilt Total Health address a person’s health holistically?

The goal of VTH is to tend to an individual’s needs, whether physical, mental or spiritual and emotional, at a much earlier stage than they are usually treated. This approach can change a lot of negative health outcomes. We can help patients find a primary care provider or therapist, set up appointments and learn more about preventive health. For urgent needs, they only have to call one number to start the process: (615) 421–1711. For non-urgent needs, they can easily book an appointment with me online.

How does VTH decrease the stress patients feel about choosing where to go to get help?

A lot of people go to the ER even if they don't have to because they don’t know where else to go. The ER is not only more expensive, but it also isn’t the best, most efficient or fastest place to go for many types of care. We hope this program makes the process of finding the right care at the right place much easier and less stressful for MNPS patients.

What do you wish people knew about VTH?

First, VTH offers patient-centered care, so your care is not going to look like everyone else’s. We provide individualized care targeted to what you really need, whether that’s behavioral health services, appointments with specialists, spiritual care or even palliative care.

It’s also important to know that VTH includes health visits in the home through the Vanderbilt Health OnCall team. If you’re too ill to make it to an appointment, we can come to you.

Above all, our program makes finding health care easier.

Why are you excited that VTH is being piloted with Metro Nashville Public Schools?

Our teachers deserve it. Any added benefit that can help them, I'm all for it. I had a teacher in my master’s program, Theresa Richardson, who was the most positive, enthusiastic teacher I ever had. I want to give back to those kinds of special people.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to walk Romeo, my pit bull mix, and I like to cook and go to sporting events like the Titans and Predators games.

VTH nurse navigator Yolonda Powell, RN

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Rebuilding Our Social Connections: Ways to Cure the Loneliness Epidemic

roberjm7 — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:30:37 +0000

Rebuilding Our Social Connections: Ways to Cure the Loneliness Epidemic roberjm7 Thu, 07/20/2023 - 11:30 RSS:

By Heather Kamper, LCSW
Clinical Counselor, Vanderbilt Work/Life Connections-EAP

Loneliness permeates the lives of most of us at one time or another. Though technological advances such as telehealth and online meeting platforms have added efficiency and immediacy to our lives in many ways, the experience of loneliness has grown. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently released an 85-page advisory declaring loneliness a new public health epidemic in the United States.

The science of loneliness tells us that the consequences to individual and social wellbeing are profound—and the health impacts can be huge as well. The report warns that loneliness is as destructive to our health as smoking and has significant effects on mental health, increasing the risks of heart disease, stroke and dementia. Dr. Murthy says the antidote to the crisis is to rebuild the nation's social fabric.

“Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight—one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” Dr. Murthy said. “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely and more connected.”

Given the physical and mental risks of loneliness and isolation, how can we improve our social connections?

Nurture relationships in your personal and professional life. Pursue opportunities to connect with people—and not just on screens. Go to lunch with a colleague, plan a walk with a neighbor and call friends on a regular basis. Bring dinner or send a gift card to a friend who has had a baby or is recovering from surgery.
Take advantage of events and activities in your community. Whether that's engaging in shared religious practices, networking with interest groups or becoming involved in public policy, consider how your community could use your talents and energy.
Find ways to serve in your community. Nonprofit organizations are always searching for volunteers, and you can contribute to areas you enjoy, such as community cleanup, mental health, food insecurity, adult literacy, animal rights, immigrant and refugee support, and more. Consider investing in public institutions that bring people together, such as parks, libraries and playgrounds.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, recently released an 85-page advisory declaring loneliness a new public health epidemic in the United States.

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Navigating Bundles Patients to a Better Health Care Experience

roberjm7 — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:37:45 +0000

Navigating Bundles Patients to a Better Health Care Experience roberjm7 Fri, 07/14/2023 - 09:37 RSS:

Even patients with insurance can find the health care system intimidating. They may not know where to start on the care journey, how to schedule appointments, or where to get labs drawn or prescriptions filled. All this can make them feel confused, ignorant, embarrassed, even helpless.

One of the key goals of MyHealth Bundles is to improve the patient experience. The program takes a comprehensive approach to care and “bundles” all services needed for a successful outcome. The point person is the patient navigator, who serves as a guide and source of support and encouragement, helping to manage the intake process, book appointments, navigate the health system, find answers to questions and more.

The work of our navigators, as well as the high quality of our care, shows up in our Net Promoter scores, which measure customer experience and the likelihood they will refer others to our program. Scores for MyHealth Bundles average 86 (the maximum is 100), more than doubling average scores for the business-to-consumer health care industry, which is 38. That tells us we’re redefining the patient experience.

“We give patients the support they need to say, ‘I can do this. I have help. I’m not going to fail,’” said Bri Yip, Patient Navigator Manager, Episodes of Care, VUMC.

Also contributing to the high levels of patient satisfaction: Low to no employee costs for their procedures. MyMaternity Health, for example, saved patients a total $1.2 million in just a year, an average of $2,200 per person.

“My employer made the decision to invest in this package, and honestly, it changed my life,” said Sarah Carpenter, a MyWeightLossHealth Bundle patient. “I’m a different person. I can’t say enough positive things about my experience.”

Hear more from Carpenter in the video below, and for more details about the impact of MyHealth Bundles, visit bundlesimpact.org.

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