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Crisis responseREAD ABOUT WHAT WE’RE DOING TO ADDRESS A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC LOCALLY
p. 8
Boots & BBQ a massive successFOUNDATION ADVOCATES HIT NEW FUNDRAISING RECORD
p. 6MyChart is hereACCESS YOUR RECORDS—AND CONTACT YOUR DOC—FROM OUR NEW SMARTPHONE SYSTEM
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W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 – 1 8
2 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
Take aim at the flu
Our primary care and walk-in clinics offer flu shots. For hours and directions, go to southeasternhealth.org.
Winter 2017–18, Issue 4
HEALTHWISE is published quarterly as a community service for the friends of SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH.
300 W. 27th St.Lumberton, NC 28358
910-671-5000southeasternhealth.org
SOUTHEASTERN HEALTHPresident and Chief Executive OfficerJoann Anderson, MSN, FACHE
Coordinator of Public RelationsAmanda L. Crabtree
2017 Southeastern Health Board of Trustees
Kenneth Rust, Chairman
Trustees• Kenny Biggs • Robin G. Cummings, MD• Faye C. Caton • Larry R. Chavis • Danny Cook • Katherine Davis • Dennis M. Hempstead • Randall Jones • Wayland B. Lennon • Alphonzo McRae Jr. • Duncan Mackie • Jan Spell • Michael T. “Bo” Stone • W.C. Washington
Ex officio Joann Anderson, MSN, FACHE,
ex officio, President and CEOTerry Lowry, MD, ex officio,
President, Medical StaffDennis Stuart, MD, ex officio, Chairman,
Network Operating CouncilDavid J. Ramsaur, ex officio, Chairman,
Southeastern Health Foundation Board
John C. Rozier Jr., MD, ex officio
Medical Staff OfficersTerry Lowry, MD, President Joseph E. Roberts, MD, Immediate Past President Troy Sterk, DO, Chairman, Department of Medicine Sam Britt, MD, Chairman, Department of Surgery
MemberAmerican Hospital Association; NCHA; Coastal Carolinas Health Alliance; Premier, Inc.; The Advisory Board Company
Accredited byDNV GL—Healthcare
Please address all letters to: Southeastern HealthP.O. Box 1408Lumberton, NC 28359
Information in HEALTHWISE comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care pro vider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
2017 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
WHO SHOULD GET A FLU SHOT? Chances are, the answer is you!
Nearly everyone 6 months and older needs to get this yearly vaccine.
That’s because the flu can make people very sick and cause serious complications.
People miss a significant amount of time from work or school because of the flu. Even
worse, every year people are hospitalized or die from the flu.
The vaccine is particularly recommended for people who are most vulnerable to
the flu and its complications, including:
• Children 6 months to 4 years old.
• People 50 and older.
• People with chronic lung, heart, kidney and other diseases.
• People with weak immune systems.
• Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season.
• Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
• People who live with or care for children younger than 5 years old and adults
50 and older.
There are rare exceptions to the flu-shot rule. For example,
people who have severe, life-threatening allergies to a flu
vaccine or any ingredients in a vaccine shouldn’t get it. Or
people who have a history of a disease called Guillain-Barré
syndrome should talk to their doctor before getting a flu shot.
When to roll up that sleeveIt’s best to get vaccinated before flu season hits hard, but it’s never too late to get a flu
shot. Try to get your shot as soon as possible.
Some children need to get two doses of the vaccine. (Talk to your child’s doctor if
you’re not sure whether that’s the case for your child.) Experts recommend that those
kids get their first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available.Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Colds and the flu share some symptoms, but they are two unique conditions.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
COLD FLU
COLD FLU
Aches/pains
Cough
Chest discomfort
Exhaustion
Fatigue
Fever
Headache
Sneezing
Sore throat
Stuffy/runny nose
Vomiting/diarrhea
or
SYMPTOMS
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 3
12 NEW SYSTEM BOOSTS YOUR CARE Electronic medical records help us offer you a smoother—and safer—health care experience.
8 THE OPIOID CRISIS AT HOME Learn about SeHealth’s efforts to address this nationwide epidemic.
456
714
THERE ARE SOME NEW PROVIDERS IN TOWN
Meet SeHealth’s newest additions to our medical staff.
SeHEALTH TO MANAGE CARDIOLOGY CLINIC Our cardiology clinic will have a new name—but the same caring heart.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY PHONE SCAMS Find out how to tell if a collection call is real—and what information we’ll never
ask for.
THIS IMAGING CENTER FEELS LIKE HOME Southeastern Radiology Associates sees patients as people, not numbers.
SPECIALIST EYE CARE Advanced optical care is now available at The Surgery Center in Lumberton.
4 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
CLEVELAND CLINIC-TRAINED VASCULAR MEDICINE SPECIALIST JOINS SURGICAL CLINICChompunut Asava-Aree, MD, has
joined Southeastern Health, practicing at
Southeastern Cardiology and Cardiovascular
Clinic, which is located within Southeastern
Health Mall on the campus of Biggs Park Mall
in Lumberton.
Dr. Asava-Aree completed her medical
degree in 2005 and a fellowship in immu-
nology in 2007, both at Siriraj Hospital,
Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand. She
completed an internal medicine residency at
Cleveland Clinic in 2014 as well as a vascular
medicine fellowship in the Heart and Vascular
Institute there in 2015. She is board-certified
in internal medicine and is a registered physi-
cian in vascular study interpretation.
She will provide treatment for condi-
tions including peripheral vascular disease
(PVD), lymphedema, varicose veins, venous
insufficiency, spider veins (telangiectasia),
thrombophilia, thrombosis (such as deep
vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism),
anticoagulation management, claudication,
carotid disease, fibromuscular dysplasia, and
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and
hypercoagulable state.
She and her husband, Southeastern Spine
and Pain’s Saksith Smithason, MD, have one
child.
To schedule an appointment with
Dr. Asava-Aree, call Southeastern
Cardiology and Cardiovascular Clinic at
910-671-6619.
FAMILY PHYSICIAN JOINS GRAY’S CREEK CLINIC Jeff Grimm, MD, has joined
Southeastern Medical Clinic Gray’s
Creek and returned to the med-
ical staff of Southeastern Health
(SeHealth) after practicing in
Americus, Georgia, and Raleigh,
North Carolina.
Dr. Grimm worked with
Southeastern Regional Medical
Center’s hospitalist program from
2006 to 2015. He also worked in
SeHealth’s Southeastern Medical
Clinic Fairmont and the Dr. A. J.
Robinson Medical Clinic during the
years 2000 through 2004.
A native of Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, Dr. Grimm received
his doctorate in medicine from
the Medical University of South
Carolina as well as specialty
training in family medicine. He is
certified by the American Board
of Physician Specialties in family
practice. His special interests are
treating sports injuries and obesity.
He and his wife, Gina, live in
Whispering Pines and have four
children and one grandchild.
Southeastern Medical Clinic Gray’s
Creek is located at 1249 Chicken
Foot Road, Hope Mills, and is open
Monday through Friday,
from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call
910-423-1278 for an appointment.
welcomes new doctors
DR. KUMAR JOINS SURGICAL CENTER Rakesh Kumar, MD, a general
surgeon, has joined Southeastern
Surgical Center and the medical
staff of Southeastern Health.
Dr. Kumar earned his medi-
cal degree from Maulana Azad
Medical College in New Delhi,
India, in 2002. He also completed
a master’s degree in surgery at
Maulana Azad Medical College
in 2007. He completed a general
surgery residency at Maimonides
Medical Center in Brooklyn, New
York, in 2017, serving as chief
resident from 2016 to 2017. He is
currently board-eligible in general
surgery. His areas of interest in-
clude breast surgery, laparoscopic
surgery and endoscopy.
He currently resides in
Lumberton with his wife, Mandeep
Kaur, MD, who practices psychi-
atry at SeHealth’s Southeastern
Psychiatry Clinic in Lumberton.
They have one daughter.
Southeastern Surgical Center is
located within the Southeastern
Health Mall on the campus of
Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton
at 2934 North Elm St., Suite E.
For more information, log on
to sesurgicalcenter.org. To
schedule an appointment, call
910-739-0022.
SeHealth
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 5
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON JOINS SeHEALTHOrthopedic Surgeon Michael J.
Maggitti, MD, has joined Southeastern
Orthopedics and the medical staff of
Southeastern Health.
Dr. Maggitti earned his medical degree
from Temple University Medical School in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed an
orthopedic residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt
Hospital Center/Columbia University in
New York, New York. He is certified by the
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and
is a fellow of both the American Association
of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American
Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. His
areas of special interest include total joint
replacement and arthroscopic knee and
shoulder surgery, as well as trauma and adult
fracture care.
Prior to joining SeHealth, Dr. Maggitti was
in private practice in suburban Philadelphia
for 28 years. He served two terms as chief of
staff at Brandywine Hospital Trauma Center
and was elected vice president of the Chester
County Medical Society. More recently, he
was employed by Hospital Corporation of
America in north Florida before relocating to
Robeson County.
Dr. Maggitti and his wife, Nancy, are the
parents of three children.
Southeastern Orthopedics is located on
the second floor of Southeastern Health
Park at 4901 Dawn Drive, Suite 2300, in
Lumberton. For more information, log
on to seorthopedics.org. To schedule
an appointment, call 910-738-1065.
SOUTHEASTERN Health (SeHealth) has proudly partnered with Duke Health
since 2006 to serve patients throughout the region with a dedicated cardiology
practice, along with Southeastern Health Heart and Vascular, which is located on the
campus of Southeastern Regional Medical Center.
“We sincerely value these patients and appreciate that they have entrusted both
SeHealth and Duke with their heart and vascular needs during times of health crisis as
well as health stability,” says SeHealth President/CEO Joann Anderson.
Beginning November 2017, SeHealth will manage the day-to-
day operations of Duke Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery
of Lumberton. The management transition from Duke Health to
SeHealth will include a name change to Southeastern Cardiology and
Cardiovascular Clinic. The following Duke physicians will remain on
our team: Charles Anene, MD; Matthew Cummings, MD; Terry Lowry,
MD; Sydney Short, MD; and Christopher Walters, MD.
Expanding your care“This is a very positive and beneficial change for our community,”
Dr. Cummings, Interventional Cardiologist, says. “Until now, our
ability to expand outpatient cardiovascular services has been limited
by regulations which oversee partnerships such as the one between
Duke Health and Southeastern Health. The sole purpose of the new
agreement between Duke and Southeastern Health is to allow much
needed growth of outpatient cardiovascular services offered locally,
while maintaining a strong relationship with the physicians and sup-
port staff at Duke. The physicians, midlevel providers and research
staff in Lumberton will remain Duke employees and continue to col-
laborate with our colleagues at Duke University Medical Center. Most
importantly, our patients will continue to have direct and unlimited
access to expert cardiovascular consultation and care from Duke
University if and when that’s needed.”
“In addition to cardiology and cardiothoracic services, we plan to
expand our vascular surgery and vascular medicine practice while
adding electrophysiology,” says SeHealth Vice President of Post-Acute Care Services
and Chief Continuum of Care Officer Lori Dove.
Duke Health will continue to manage and staff Southeastern Health Heart and
Vascular.
New name, expanded servicesSeHEALTH TO MANAGE CARDIOLOGY CLINIC; DUKE PROVIDERS TO REMAIN
Lori Dove
Matthew Cummings, MD
Joann Anderson
The newly renamed Southeastern Cardiology and Cardiovascular Clinic is located within the Southeastern Health Mall on the campus of Biggs Park Mall at 2936 N. Elm St., Suite 103, in Lumberton. For more information or to request guidance for a referral, call 910-671-6619.
Need a referral?
6 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
How to identify legitimate collection callsBy Jan Colosimo
Director, Revenue Cycle,
Southeastern Health
Recently, in North Carolina, there were
reports of a bogus billing service repre-
senting a hospital.
However, hospitals often use the help
of legitimate vendors to help with col-
lecting account balances. Southeastern
Health currently uses several legitimate
vendors.
So how do you tell the difference? To protect your identity, a legitimate
company will ask you to verify your
name. That means they are trying to
speak only to the person on that ac-
count. You would not want a company
discussing your private business with just
anyone!
You can always ask to speak to a su-
pervisor or ask for a callback number to
verify the caller is legitimate. During busi-
ness hours, you can also call Customer
Service here at Southeastern Health, or
stop in at our 2600 Elm St. office, if you
have questions or to verify the calls.
NEVER give out your Social Security
number over the phone. Our vendors,
working to help Southeastern Health, will
not ask for personal information that in-
cludes your Social Security number, your
income or your assets. Always feel free to
ask for the name of the company and the
name of the person who has called.
When in doubt, please call our
Customer Service folks—they are here
to help if you have any questions about
your account. You can reach us at
910-671-5047.
THE Southeastern Health Foundation Advocates'
7th annual Boots & BBQ fundraiser held Friday,
Oct. 20 at the Southeastern Agricultural Center was a
great time, with special attention paid towards its goal
and beneficiaries. The Foundation Advocates' fund-
raising efforts surpassed any previous Boots & BBQ
goal, with a gross total of approximately $39,000. The
Advocates are a group of young professionals who
understand the importance of Southeastern Health to
our community.
Funds raised will go directly towards the purchase
of a robotic exoskeleton for stroke and spinal cord
injury rehabilitation at the Southeastern Rehabilitation
Center at WoodHaven. Lori Dove, SeHealth VP of
Post Acute Care, expressed her excitement that
Southeastern Health’s exoskeleton will be one of only
two in North Carolina and how wonderful it will be to
help meet this rehab need in our state.
Over 300 guests were able to see the robotic
exoskeleton in action Friday night. Kevin Oldt of
Pennsylvania and the team from Ekso Bionics capti-
vated the audience as Oldt, a paraplegic with injuries
from a snowmobile accident, walked across the stage
demonstrating the exoskeleton. Oldt shared his story
about how access to this equipment had changed his
life and commented on how awesome it was to see a
community coming together to raise money to bring
this equipment to the Southeastern Rehabilitation
Center at WoodHaven.
This year’s event featured a live auction which
included a variety of outings and experiences as well
as a Polaris ATV from Yamaha of Lumberton, which
helped raise close to $10,000.
“The Advocates are thrilled with the turnout of
guests and sponsorship support,” stated Chairwoman
Christy Bryant. “We are thankful for the support of
RGS Builders, Brisson Drugs, the Robeson County
Board of Commissioners, our 27 Gold Sponsors and
25 Silver Sponsors as well as the 17 product, service
and live auction donors who helped make the night
a success.”
The Advocates have already begun the planning
process for their 2018 Boots & BBQ, and look forward
to finding other needs the Foundation can help
Southeastern Health fulfill. For more information
about the SeHealth Foundation, log on to
southeasternhealth.org/foundation.
Southeastern Health Foundation Advocates kick up over $39,000 at Boots & BBQ
Jan Colosimo
by Heather Walters, Annual Giving Specialist, Southeastern Health Foundation
Save the Date: The Southeastern Health Foundation Annual Gala will be held Friday, Feb. 23, at the Southeastern Agricultural Center from 7 to 11 p.m. Call 910-671-5583 for ticket information about this formal, black-tie Foundation fundraising event.
Kevin Oldt of Pennsylvania, a paraplegic with injuries from a snowmobile accident, and the team from Ekso Bionics captivated the audience as Oldt walked across the stage demonstrating the exoskeleton.
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 7
WHEN Minnie Lucille “Lucy”
Cline was diagnosed with breast
cancer in 1999, she was already
comfortable with the caregivers
who conducted her imaging
tests at Southeastern Radiology
Associates, then known as
Lumberton Radiology Associates,
or LRA.
Cline, 76, a lifelong resident of
Lumberton, had routinely received
imaging testing at the center, includ-
ing annual screening mammograms
starting at around age 40, as well as
x-rays for her knee, back and chest
over the years.
Where patients aren’t just numbers“It feels good to know that people
care, and it makes you feel com-
fortable,” says Cline. “I am glad that
there is someone that I recognize
and remember their face, even
though I may not know their
name.”
Cline says she feels the warmth
when she walks in the door.
“Everyone there has been so
nice. They look at me and say
‘you’re back!’ and have even
offered to give me my own chair,”
adds Cline.
Just last month, Cline’s physician
at Gibson Cancer Center sent her
back to Southeastern Radiology
Associates to have a sonogram on
a spot they detected during her
annual checkup. She once again
found comfort in being familiar
with those who were performing
her test. She was relieved to receive
word on Aug. 14 from General
Surgeon Samuel Britt, MD, of
Southeastern Surgical Center, that
she did not have cancer again and
that everything was clear.
Commitment to qualityTammy von Taborsky joined
Southeastern Radiology Associates
in 1990 as a staff technologist.
Since that time, she has worked
with the center’s former mobile
mammography program and, while
advancing in her career, became
one of North Carolina’s first certi-
fied mammographers.
“Even after my 32-plus years of
mammography, I love my patients
and will strive to do my absolute
best to continue to save lives,” von
Taborsky says.
Her commitment to quality has
helped the center achieve and
maintain status as the only Breast
Center of Excellence in the region.
In addition to mammograms, von
Taborsky also performs stereotactic
breast biopsies, wire localizations,
Lifelong careIMAGING CENTER PROVIDES COMFORTABLE, QUALITY CARE
Jim Parker, MDRadiologistSoutheastern Radiology Associates
Lucy Cline, left, recently visited with Tammy von Taborsky of Southeastern Radiology Associates.
Imaging can offer early detection—or peace of mind. Call Southeastern
Radiology Associates at 910-738-8222.
The providers affiliated
with Southeastern
Radiology Associates
feel passionate about
their patients and the
community in which
they serve—and where
most have lived for
many years.
“I’ve personally
read over 43,000
mammograms and
4,000 breast ultra-
sounds since coming
to Lumberton over
20 years ago, helping
to find 467 breast
cancers,” Southeastern
Radiology Associates
Radiologist Jim Parker,
MD, says. “But patients
are more than just
numbers, and I am
only one part of a
team. I am proud of
the work we do, and
humbled by the trust
that the women of
Robeson County have
placed in our facility
and our people for
so long.”
ductograms, bone density studies
and general radiography.
“Tammy’s passion is not just
to find breast cancer, but to save
lives by finding it early enough to
save our grandmothers, moth-
ers, sisters, daughters and aunts,”
says Mike Moldovan, Manager of
Southeastern Radiology Associates.
Southeastern Radiology
Associates originally opened as
LRA in 1974. The center became
an affiliate of Southeastern Health
in 2013. The main center and
Wellness Imaging Center are ac-
credited by the American College
of Radiology for mammography
services. They also serve as the
only center in the region recog-
nized by the American College
of Radiology as a Breast Imaging
Center of Excellence.
ADDRESSING AN EPIDEMIC:
SeHealth’s response to the opioid crisis
AS THE NATION tries to curb a heart-
breaking and often-deadly opioid epidemic,
Southeastern Health (SeHealth) is doing its part
to tackle the problem too.
In recent years, the country has seen a rise in
opioid overdose deaths. That’s happened along
with issues such as addiction, misuse and abuse.
The opioid epidemic has hit home too, here in
Robeson County.
“From the medical board and the hospital ad-
ministration on down, it is understood that this
is one of the major issues facing health care,”
says Joe Roberts, MD, Southeastern Health Vice
President of Clinical Effectiveness and Medical
Affairs. “And they take it seriously.”
SeHealth is working with medical staff and
many community partners to address the crisis.
Here’s a quick look at some of those efforts.
A crisis by the numbersStatistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services give a startling snapshot of the opioid epidemic in one recent year (2015):
12.5 million
people misused prescrip-
tion opioids.
15,281 people are believed to have died from
prescription opioid overdose.
2 million people
had a prescription opioid use
disorder.
Reducing opioid use To help promote safe and responsible opioid
use, SeHealth has a prescribing policy au-
thored by Pain Management Specialist Kailash
Chandwani, MD. That policy is based, in part,
on recent Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Among other
things, the guidelines discourage opioid use for
chronic conditions like back pain.
“For the most part, it is just not recommended
that people take opioids for non-cancer pain,”
says Robin Peace, MD. She’s a family physi-
cian at Southeastern Medical Clinic in North
Lumberton.
In many cases, an alternative for pain control
may be a good option. And given the risks of ad-
diction, Dr. Peace says it’s important to explore
those other options with your provider. These
HAVE YOU
SEEN OPIOIDS
IN THE NEWS
LATELY?
HERE’S WHAT
WE’RE DOING
FOR THE
COMMUNITY
8 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
may include physical therapy and non-narcotic
pain medicine.
“If you can take something for your pain
other than opioids, then you need to do that,”
Dr. Peace says.
Need a surgical procedure? You’ll want to
discuss pain management options with your
medical team, Dr. Roberts says. No two patients
are alike, but it’s good to have an idea of what
your pain may be like and your options for
treating it.
SeHealth’s policy also emphasizes use of the
state Controlled Substances Reporting System
(CSRS). The database allows doctors to check
for red flags for misuse or abuse. For example,
a person might be trying to see more than one
provider to get multiple prescriptions.
Many doctors are also using routine urine
screenings to ensure that patients aren’t combin-
ing opioids with street drugs (which could cause
a deadly overdose) and checking for signs of
addiction.
“All of that goes along with prescribing these
medications responsibly,” Dr. Roberts says. “And
that’s one of the things that SeHealth’s policy is
promoting.”
A community coalition: Raising awareness SeHealth is also part of the Substance Misuse
Awareness and Recovery Task Force, a coalition
of area organizations that formed several years
ago. Some examples of partners include medical
providers, pharmacists, dentists, law enforce-
ment, EMT, behavioral/mental health providers,
the faith, education, public health, and recovery
communities, and the community at large. In
recent years, it has refocused to tackle opioids,
says Lekisha Hammonds, SeHealth Director of
Community Health Services.
“We could not do this without the help of our
local community partners,” Hammonds says.
Hammonds says the task force has had a
hand in several efforts, including:
• Signage that explains SeHealth’s guidelines
for managing chronic pain. Signs are promi-
nently displayed throughout the emergency
room and clinics.
• Roundtable discussions. At one meeting,
medical providers, pharmacists and dentists
discussed ways to work together.
• A plan to increase the number of law
enforcement agencies that carry lifesaving
naloxone kits. Naloxone is a medicine that can
reverse an opioid overdose.
Safe disposalSeHealth and its task force partners have also
established several community drop boxes.
Anyone who has narcotics in their medicine
cabinet that they no longer need can take the
pills to a drop box for safe disposal.
“You don’t want to just put these medicines in
a trash can,” Dr. Peace says.
A local spikeAcross North Carolina, opioid-re-
lated deaths rose 73 percent from
2005 to 2015. Statewide, opioid-re-
lated deaths climbed from 642
in 2005 to 1,110 in 2015. During
that same period, the number of
Robeson County deaths more than
doubled (from 5 to 11).Source: North Carolina Office of the Governor
Drop-box locations include:
• Robeson County Sheriff ’s Department.
• Lumberton Drug—Fayetteville Road,
Lumberton.
• Brisson Drug—St. Pauls.
• Maxton Police Department.
The task force is also working to raise
awareness of proper narcotic medicine stor-
age. At home, pain medicines should be stored
securely—ideally in a locking medicine box.
“We hear about young people who might
have ‘Skittles’ parties,” Hammonds says. “They
take the medicines [from home], go to a party,
dump them all in a bowl and start eating them.”
‘Making strides’In her 19 years of practicing in Lumberton,
Dr. Peace has seen opioid misuse increase. “Pain
pills are not safe in the wrong hands,” she says.
“When they are misused, they kill people.”
For her part, Dr. Peace says she tries to
spend as much time as possible talking to pain
patients and the community about opioids. She
and other SeHealth providers want to make
more people aware of the risks and aware that
treatment for substance abuse is available, and
they want to share options for alternative pain
treatment.
“We are trying to do everything we can as an
organization—and we are making strides,”
Dr. Peace says.
Learn moreCall SeHealth’s Community Health Services
department to get connected to resources.
For example, learn more about medicine drop
boxes, where to get locking medicine boxes
or about substance abuse treatment:
910-671-5595.
You can also call the Southeastern Psychiatry
Clinic for information on substance abuse treat-
ment: 910-272-3030.
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 9
Lekisha Hammonds, Southeastern Health Director of Community Health Services
Robin Peace, MD, Family Medicine Specialist, Southeastern Medical Clinic North Lumberton
Joseph “Joe” Roberts, MD, Southeastern Health Vice President of Clinical Effectiveness and Medical Affairs
10 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
BREASTFEEDING-
FRIENDLY awards
SeHealth receives
SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH was recently awarded Breastfeeding-Friendly
Business and Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace awards by the North Carolina
Breastfeeding Coalition (NCBC). The award was earned because of the organiza-
tion’s support of breastfeeding employees, patients and visitors. Over the past year,
SeHealth has established an Employee Lactation Lounge within Southeastern Regional
Medical Center (SRMC) for nursing employees to express milk. We’ve also implemented
a policy supporting the use of the designated private space for lactating mothers.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments our facility was able to obtain so far
and look forward to many more to come,” says SRMC Lactation Consultant Jenny
Philabaum.
Criteria for the business award require that the facility not advertise infant formula
directly to customers as well as providing a welcoming and respectful atmosphere
for breastfeeding mothers. For the workplace award, SeHealth had to show that they
did not advertise infant formula; allow breaks for expression or feedings; and provide
a private space for expressing milk or nursing that was not a bathroom, was lockable
and provided an electrical outlet and hand-washing station.
According to the NCBC, breastfeeding-friendly (BFF) employers benefit from
lower health care costs, lower turnover and absenteeism rates, and higher
productivity and morale.
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 11
Q: Do I really need to breastfeed my baby? My mom fed me formula.Many parents bottle-feed their ba-
bies. But breastmilk really is best for
your little one and you. Here’s why:
Breastmilk provides your baby with
all the nutrients he or she needs. So
it’s recommended that you breast-
feed your baby exclusively for at least
the first six months. After that, it’s fine
to introduce solid foods while you
continue to breastfeed at least until
your baby’s first birthday.
Along with supplying top-of-
the-line nutrition, breast milk helps
protect your baby from certain infec-
tions. And breastfeeding may benefit
your health too. Among other things,
it may reduce your risk for breast
cancer and it may help you lose
some pregnancy-related pounds.
“I am very proud of the accomplishments our facility was able to obtain so far and look forward to many more to come.”
—SRMC Lactation Consultant Jenny
Philabaum
THE ROLL-OUT KICKED OFF IN EARLY NOVEMBER
EVERYTHING is digital these days. It only makes sense that
your health record would be too. And a new electronic health
record (EHR) system rolled out this month at SeHealth.
An EHR is a digital version of your health history. It’s like a
paper chart, but it exists in electronic form and travels with you
from one provider to another.
Sharing made easierSeHealth first went paperless in 2000. But that system is
due to sunset in a few years. That is because it will no longer
be supported by its vendor and available to use, says Steven
Milston, Chief Information Officer at SeHealth. Rather than
simply replacing the current EHR, hospital leaders decided it was
time for an upgrade. The search for a new system began in 2014.
It resulted in a decision to purchase an EHR developed by the
software company Epic, which many of North Carolina’s major
health systems already use.
The new EHR has many advantages, says Milston. For one, it
provides what’s known as a “single solution.” SeHealth’s hospital
and clinics will use a single records system, making it easier and
simpler for everyone. And independent providers will be able to
access the software too.
What’s in it for you?There’s plenty of good news for SeHealth patients. For one
thing, you won’t have to fill out all new forms each time you
see a new doctor or go to the hospital. And your primary doctor
and specialists will have more complete information about your
health, such as:
• Your past illnesses.
• A list of medicines you’re taking and whether any of them
might interact with other medications you’re prescribed.
• Any allergies you have.
• Tests or procedures you’ve had in the past.
When each of your providers has a full picture of your medical
history, it helps them take better care of you.
“It really comes down to patient safety and delivering the right
care at the right time,” Milston says. “And when I say ‘patient,’ I’m
thinking of the community. Because somebody who’s never seen
a doctor could be a patient tomorrow.”
Here’s another benefit: The new EHR can be adapted to help
SeHealth providers manage chronic conditions that are prevalent
in Robeson and surrounding counties—like diabetes, for example.
“Over time, we will have an opportunity to modify the system
to help us better meet the needs of the patients and communi-
ties we serve,” Milston says.
A convenient way to manage your health“We have changed the way we communicate in just about
every facet of our lives,” said James “Brownie” McLeod, MD,
Lead Outpatient Physician, Harmony Conversion, Southeastern
Medical Clinic North Lumberton. “This is our opportunity to
change the way we communicate with our physicians, patients,
ancillary staff, and among each other. MyChart is a full-access
portal, meaning that it gives you information for test results,
lab results, etc. You can request or schedule an appointment. It
is true, two-way communication between the patient and the
provider; a modern interface available on any smartphone, com-
puter or tablet that gives you immediate access to your medical
information.”
Check out the new patient web portal on SeHealth’s website
at sehmychart.org, or download the MyChart app from the
app store on your smart device. MyChart includes extra smart-
phone features. For example, the secure system will allow you to:
• Contact your doctor to ask a question.
• Make appointments.
• View test results.
• Get a paperless summary of services after a doctor visit.
• Track your data from health and fitness tools, such as Fitbit.
• Review and pay bills online.
• Access all of your medical records from other clinics or
doctors in one place. Your health information goes with
you, whether you’re in Lumberton or visiting Florida, Milston says.
• View and manage your personal health record. You can even
upload medical documents, like your children’s immunization
records.
• See your inpatient and outpatient health information in one
place.
More to comeThe new system is rolling out in two phases. The hospital
and a group of affiliates are currently live with the new sys-
tem. Other SeHealth clinics will switch over in spring 2018. “Our
phase two rollout starts at about that same time and will include
Gibson Cancer Center, Southeastern Home Health and Hospice,
and Southeastern Cardiology,” Milston says.
A BETTER SYSTEM FOR YOUR HEALTH RECORDS12 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
Stay in the knowSoutheastern Health
(SeHealth) is implement-
ing a new computer
system throughout the
entire organization.
How will this help you
as the patient?
• Easier-to-understand
bills.
• Better access to
important health
information.
• Streamlined medical
information accessible
by health care profes-
sionals across the entire
Southeastern Health
organization.
A BETTER SYSTEM FOR YOUR HEALTH RECORDS
Check out the new patient portal at SeHealth’s website at sehmychart.org, or download the MyChart app from the app store on your smart device.
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 13
14 SOUTHEASTERN HEALTH
Eye surgeries are just one of the many
types of surgery performed at The Surgery Center.
Visit sehpsurgery.com or call 910-887-2361,
ext. 1808, to learn more.
New eye clinic comes to Lumberton
CAROLINA EYE ASSOCIATES, a medical and surgical eye care
practice, headquartered in Southern Pines, opened their new satellite clinic in
Lumberton in June 2017. The new clinic is located at 2905 N. Elm St. and is conve-
nient to The Surgery Center at Southeastern Health Park.
“We are excited to expand our ophthalmology services into the Lumberton
community,” says Jeffrey J. White, MD, President of Carolina Eye Associates. “This
location will allow Carolina Eye the opportunity to further serve the people of
Robeson County and the surrounding area.”
Carolina Eye Associates will provide services in Lumberton on a part-time basis.
A full spectrum of eye careEstablished in 1977, Carolina Eye offers a full range of high-quality medical and
surgical eye care services in 12 locations. Services include state-of-the-art diagno-
sis and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye
and corneal disease. Other services include procedures such as LASIK (laser vision
correction) to reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses. An aesthetic center
offers services to repair droopy eyelids and brows, cancerous lesions, and tumors
as well as laser facial rejuvenation and cosmetic Botox.
EYE SURGERY NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SURGERY CENTER
THE EYES HAVE IT:
Glaucoma at a glanceWhat is it? Glaucoma is a
group of eye diseases that
can damage the optic nerve.
In the early stages, it rarely
causes symptoms. But left
untreated, it can slowly start
to steal sight—and eventually
cause blindness.
What are the numbers?
About 2.5 million people have
the most common kind of
glaucoma.
Who’s most at risk? It
can strike anyone. But some
people have a higher risk of
getting it, including:
• Everybody over age 60.
• African Americans over
age 40.
• People with a family his-
tory of glaucoma.
What’s the best way to detect it? Get a com-
prehensive dilated eye exam
by an eye care professional
every one to two years. Early
detection and treatment of
glaucoma can help save your
vision. Source: National Institutes of Health
Look this wayWhen you have diabetes, it’s generally recommended that you have a dilated eye exam at least once a year to help detect the signs of retinopathy.American Diabetes Association
SOUTHEASTERNHEALTH.ORG • Winter 2017–18 15
Oatmeal pecan waffles (or pancakes)Makes 4 servings. Ingredients
For waffles:
1 cup whole-wheat flour1⁄2 cup quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar1⁄4 cup unsalted pecans, chopped
2 large eggs, separated*
11⁄2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For fruit topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, stems removed
and cut in half (or substitute frozen strawberries,
thawed)
1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed (or substitute fro-
zen blackberries, thawed)
1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed (or substitute frozen
blueberries, thawed)
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Directions• Preheat waffle iron.
• Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar and
pecans in a large bowl.
• Combine egg yolks, milk and vegetable oil in a
separate bowl, and mix well.
• Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir
together. Do not overmix; mixture should be a bit
lumpy.
• Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold
egg whites into batter.*
• Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook
until the waffle iron light signals it's done or
steam stops coming out of the iron. (A waffle is
perfect when it is crisp and well-browned on the
outside with a moist, light, airy and fluffy inside.)
• Add fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered
sugar to each waffle, and serve.
*For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Mix whole
eggs with milk and oil, and make pancakes as usual.
Nutrition informationServing size: 3 small (2-inch) or 1 large (6-inch) waf-
fle. Amount per serving: 340 calories, 11g total fat
(2g saturated fat), 50g carbohydrates, 14g protein,
9g total fiber, 331mg sodium.Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Southeastern Health Walk-in Clinics NO APPOINTMENT? NO PROBLEM!
We have five convenient care
locations to give you the care
you need, when you need it:
• Southeastern Health Mall
Clinic (on the campus of Biggs
Park Mall).
• Southeastern Family
Medicine Residency Clinic (The
Oaks, Lumberton).
• Southeastern Urgent Care
Pembroke.
• The Clinic at Lumberton Drug
(Fayetteville Road location).
• The Clinic at Walmart
(Walmart Supercenter in
Lumberton).
Visit southeasternhealth.org
and click on Primary Care Clinics
for hours, addresses and phone
numbers.
Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDCoffey
Communications
Southeastern Regional Medical Center 300 W. 27th St. Lumberton, NC 28358
Main number 910-671-5000Phone registration 910-671-5096Billing and insurance 910-671-5047Financial assistance 910-735-8485Information desk 910-735-8110Human Resources 910-671-5562Gift shop 910-735-8164Home health 910-671-5600Medical equipment 910-738-3560
Check out our website southeasternhealth.org
C O N V E N I E N T C A R E
SOMETIMES it’s obvious when
a trip to the emergency department
is needed. Problems such as chest
pain or heavy bleeding are serious
situations that need help fast.
But many times the situ ation is
less clear. That accidental cut might
seem deep—but not life-threatening.
Your baby’s fever is high enough to
concern you, but your pediatrician’s
office is closed.
You’d like to consult a medical
professional, but is the emergency
department your only option?
In many cases, no. Another type
of care—urgent care, or convenient
care—is available to treat minor
illnesses or injuries.
Some centers also offer physical
exams, vision and hearing screen-
ings, lab tests, and x-rays.
STANDING BY TO HELPUrgent care or convenient care
centers are often open seven days
a week, and many have extended
hours. What’s more, you don’t need
an appointment to go to these care
centers. That makes it ideal for when
you can’t get a timely appointment
with your regular doctor.
Another benefit of choosing one
of these centers is quick service.
When you go to an emergency
department with a minor problem,
you will need to wait to be seen until
people with more serious problems
are cared for first. That can take
considerable time.
At an urgent care center, you are
likely to be seen within an hour,
reports the American Academy of
Urgent Care Medicine.
Help when
you need it
