And once again, PA Services has been asked by AAPA to host the 2nd Annual Clinical Leaders in Administration Conference in October. This conference will grow this year to 80 attendees: 40 attendees from the first year and an additional 40 new attendees. This conference focus’ on PAs who have found themselves in the admin-istrative position. Attendees will come from all over the U.S. mostly large hospital systems. We are proud to host this event and look forward to showing off our beautiful campus, our best practices and our incredible speaker resources.

As you can see, this is an aggressive list of events. The reason we can offer this list of events is due to the great staff I have in PA Services. Tammela Jeffries and Marie Hoppert are the foundation upon which I build PA Ser-vices excellence. I am eternally grateful for their support, skills and for making me look good! They are true gems.

So, hang onto your hats, and please remain seated until the ride comes to a complete stop. I promise you a fact-filled, electrifying and advantageous 2011!

Thanks for reading,

Josanne

Carpe Diem

Volume 4, Issue 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In 2011 PA Services has a very aggressive list of events for you. We begin the year with a PA Man-datory meeting. This meeting will be an opportu-nity for you to raise your questions, receive critical information first hand and network with your col-leagues.

We will be offering five Knowledge Sharing meet-ings, beginning in April and occurring every other month after. The purpose of these meetings is to offer speakers to present on issues prevalent to lo-cal, regional and national patient care practice. In-dustry is often present at these meetings and serves as a resource for what their products and company can do for you.

We have scheduled five “Round Table Discussions” for 2011, beginning in March with a presentation by the hospitalist group on 12 lead EKGs. These discussions will be interactive, small groups with a lot of Q&A. These round table discussions are sup-ported by Pfizer.

For 2011 we will be offering two CME programs on main campus. The first will be in June and offer 10 hrs of CME (5 hrs Pharmacology, and 5 hrs of clini-cal based). The second CME program will be in Sep-tember and will offer 8hr of Pharmacology CME. As always, priority will be given to CCHS PAs before accepting any outside attendees.

In order to enhance the management skills of our Midlevel managers, Jan Fuchs and I have teamed up to have three Midlevel Management meet-ings. These meetings are an opportunity for the managers to share their stories, issues and best practices.

January 2011

DIRECTOR’S CORNER

PA SERVICES NEWS

PA Highlight: Beth Lofgren PA-C 2

MyPractice Changes 4

Virtual Samples Program 5

2011 Events Calendar 7—9

New Hires 11

Job Postings 12

VTE Risk Assessment 6

Make Extra Money! 10

CMS Electronic Health Record 3

Inside this issue:

P A G E 2 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

In this issue the spotlight is on Beth Lofgren, PA-C/Mid-level Coordinator in Cardiology. Her career in medicine began almost as an afterthought. In the early 70’s, a

friend of a family member mentioned to her a new program offered at Lake Erie College for Physician Assistants that was affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic. Until then, she had never con-sidered a career in medicine and thought “why not”? After researching the program, she changed majors and graduated with a degree to practice.

Beth has been a practicing PA for close to 33 years, the entire time with the Cleveland Clinic, in Cardiology. She originally was interested in Internal Medicine. When asked how she got into Cardiology she said, “There was an opening in the department and I took it”, and the rest is history.

In the past 2 years, there have been many changes to Beth’s career path. She took on the leadership role of Mid-

level Coordinator, overseeing caregivers in Clinical Services for the Imaging and Clinical Sections. She continues to work clinically as a PA in the outpatient and inpatient areas of Cardiology while at-tending to her leadership duties.

Her professional affiliations include OAPA, AAPA, AHA, and Clinical Associ-ate in the American College of Cardiol-ogy.

In the little spare time that she has, Beth values time with her husband Eric, and two sons Ian and Sean. Her inter-ests are reading mysteries, gardening, hiking, and cooking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

 

 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BETH LOFGREN PA-C

On Monday, January 3rd, 2011, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 

launched the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Registration and Attesta‐

tion System Internet portal.  Though the portal is intended as a place through which 

“eligible” providers may register to attest to meeting Stage 1 of the “meaningful use” 

criteria CMS unveiled late last year, Cleveland Clinic staff physicians are asked to NOT 

register on the site. 

Given that Cleveland Clinic’s integrated electronic medical record system, MyPractice, 

is an organizationally provided physician practice tool, the manner in which Cleveland 

Clinic, as an organization, must register for staff physician‐related "meaningful use" 

incentives is presently under review.  Ultimately, our aim is to apply for physician‐

related incentive reimbursements on behalf of our physician staff though, given the 

manner in which CMS designed the program, this may not be possible. 

Thank you for your cooperation; and, once again, as a Cleveland Clinic staff physician, 

please do NOT register on the CMS incentive program Internet portal.  You will receive 

a future communication regarding this issue (including any action you may be asked 

to take) shortly. 

An important message to Cleveland Clinic physicians regarding CMS’s recently announced Electronic Health Record (EHR) In-

centive Program Internet portal

P A G E 3 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

P A G E 4 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

NEWS FLASH!!

MyPractice Users Note this week's changes:

Please be sure you're aware of the MyPractice changes happening this week by reading the following announcements:

(copy links to your intranet address line to view information)

Blood Order Change for Pediatrics: http://intranet.ccf.org/ipextra/pdf/2011/mppedsbloodorder.pdf Intra-Op Verify Wound Class Changes: http://intranet.ccf.org/ipextra/pdf/2011/mpintraopwound.pdf MyChart Time-Based Results Release: http://intranet.ccf.org/ipextra/pdf/2011/mpresultsrelease.pdf No Known Allergies Documentation: http://intranet.ccf.org/ipextra/pdf/2011/mpnoallergies.pdf

Nephrology Inpatient Consultation Order Entry: http://intranet.ccf.org/ipextra/pdf/2011/mpnephrology.pdf

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!

10 Drugs Added to Virtual Samples Program

Spiriva, Lipitor, Caduet, Aromasin, Lyrica, Toviaz, Azor, Benicar, Benicar HCT and Tribenzor have been added to our Virtual Samples program, which allows Cleveland Clinic physicians to prescribe a trial dose of a medication for a patient. Electronic vouchers are available that can be offered to patients through our Virtual Samples program.  To print a voucher, visit http://pharmacy.ccf.org/virtualsamples. Click on the medication you want to prescribe, print out the voucher and give it to the patient with a written or electronic prescription. You may also access Virtual Samples via Epic. Click on Tools at the top of the page, Clinical Resources then Prescription Medication Resources then Virtual Samples. “Virtual Samples” also is a OneClick from doc com.  Created through a collaboration between Cleveland Clinic Pharmacies and certain pharmaceutical companies, the Virtual Samples program allows us to provide trial medication vouchers, or “virtual samples,” to our patients. Each virtual sample is good for a single use of the drug and must be accom‐panied by a legal prescription order. The voucher can be used at most retail pharmacies, including Cleveland Clinic Pharmacies. If you would like someone from Pharmacy to contact your office or pre‐sent at an upcoming staff meeting, or if you have questions, email RxHelp@ccf.org. 

               

THE RIPPLE EFFECT 

 

Everything we say, touch and do, has an effect on everyone around us. 

 

Drop a pebble in the water, and the ripples will spread out for what seems like an eternity.  Yet, the ripples may have other effects.   It may frighten a duck, causing it to fly away, or bounce off a rock, scaring a school of fish.  The simple act of casting a pebble into the pond causes changes to all around. 

 

For 2011, PA Services will be referring to this theme.  We will be con‐scious of the effects our actions, programs, and projects will have on those around us. 

 

We would like you to do the same.  For 2011, keep the “ripple effect” on the frontline of your thoughts.  What you do today, may affect many tomorrow. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!!

VTE Risk Assessment

Copy link below to intranet address line to view presentation: mms://10.65.89.40/media2/VTE_Risk7324_101101110302896ce358hi.asf

(If you receive an error message,  

you will need to upgrade to Windows Media Player Version 11) 

***New VTE Order Set Coming in November***

Although VTE is most often considered to be associated with recent surgery or trauma, 50‐70 percent of symptomatic thromboembolic events and 70‐80 percent of fatal PEs oc‐cur in nonsurgical patients.  To prevent VTE and safely manage patients on therapeutic anticoagulation, Cleveland Clinic has reviewed current best practice for risk assessment, prophylaxis and treatment of VTE and developed the Cleveland Clinic Anticoagulation Management Plan (CCAMP)  http://intranet.ccf.org/rightthing/pdfs/CCAMP%20Final.pdf. All adult patients and select pediatric patients will be VTE risk assessed and prophylaxis will be prescribed as appropriate upon admission and at transfer between levels of care. When therapeutic anticoagulation is required, CCAMP provides guidance for dosing and monitoring and encourages use of our expert colleagues when needed.   Beginning Nov. 2, 2010, all Cleveland Clinic hospitals will use a standard VTE order set; Epic for CPOE hospitals and paper version in COE hospitals.  An online training is available beginning Oct. 25. 

2011 EVENTS CALENDAR 

  

MIDLEVEL MANAGER MEETING Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 12:00pm ‐ 1:30pm 

Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room  

CODING REIMBURSEMENT & DOCUMENTATION PRESENTATION Thursday, February 3, 2011, 1:00pm ‐ 4:00pm Gail Pfeiffer, Director of Coding Compliance Healthspace Building, Basement, Room 124 

 MANDATORY PA MEETING 

Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 7:00am ‐ 8:30am Jennings Building, Bunts Auditorium 

Broadcasts to the following locations:  

Beachwood ASC, Lorain ASC, Strongsville ASC,  Chestnut Commons FHC, Wooster FHC, Westlake FHC, Hillcrest Hospital 

 CODING REIMBURSEMENT & DOCUMENTATION PRESENTATION 

Thursday, March 3, 2011, 1:00pm ‐ 4:00pm Gail Pfeiffer, Director of Coding Compliance Healthspace Building, Basement, Room 124 

 PA FOCUS GROUP ROUNDTABLE 

Topic:  Review of 12 Lead EKG,  Speaker: Anbazhagan Prabhakaran Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 7:00am ‐ 8:30am

Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: Pfizer

 OAPA 2011 PHARMACOLOGY CONFERENCE 

Friday, & Sat., April 1‐2, 2011 Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

http://associationdatabase.com/aws/OAPA/pt/sp/conferences

 UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION ORIENTATION 

Monday, April 4, 2011, 9:00am ‐ 3:00pm EPIC Training/Overview of Anatomy Lab

Foundation House  

CODING REIMBURSEMENT & DOCUMENTATION PRESENTATION Thursday, April 7, 2011, 1:00pm ‐ 4:00pm Gail Pfeiffer, Director of Coding Compliance Healthspace Building, Basement, Room 124 

 

P A G E 7 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

P A G E 8 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

2011 EVENTS CALENDAR (continued) 

  

KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING (topic to be announced) Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 6:30am ‐ 9:00am

Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: GSK   

CODING REIMBURSEMENT & DOCUMENTATION PRESENTATION Thursday, May 5, 2011, 1:00pm ‐ 4:00pm

Gail Pfeiffer, Director of Coding Compliance Healthspace Building, Basement, Room 124 

 PA FOCUS GROUP ROUNDTABLE (topic to be announced) 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 4:30pm ‐ 5:30pm Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: Pfizer

 

IMPACT 2011─AAPA’s 39th Annual PA Conference! Las Vegas Convention Center (CME Courses, AAPA Events) 

Hilton Las Vegas (Product Theaters, Adjunct Symposia, House of Delegates, and CO Events) May 30 ‐ June 4, 2011

http://www.aapa.org/upcoming‐events/annual‐conference/details  

MIDLEVEL MANAGER MEETING Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 12:00pm ‐ 1:30pm 

Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room 

KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING Topic:  Review of 12 Lead EKG,  Speaker: Anbazhagan Prabhakaran 

Wednesday, June 8, 2011, 6:30am ‐ 9:00am Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room 

CME PROGRAM Thursday ‐ Friday, June 23‐24, 2011 

Bunts Auditorium, 12 hours CME (8 hrs Pharmacology, 4 hrs Problematic)  

PA FOCUS GROUP ROUNDTABLE (topic to be announced) Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 7:30am ‐ 8:30am 

Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: Pfizer  

2011 EVENTS CALENDAR (continued) 

   

KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING (topic to be announced) Topic:  Trends in Knee Cactalize Restoration, Supported by:  Genzyme 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 6:30am ‐ 9:00am Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room 

PA FOCUS GROUP ROUNDTABLE (topic to be announced) 

Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 4:30pm ‐ 5:30pm Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: Pfizer

 CME PROGRAM Friday, September 23, 2011 

Lerner Building, Room NA5‐08/Amphitheater, 8 hours Pharmacology 

 MIDLEVEL MANAGER MEETING

Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 12:00pm ‐ 1:30pm Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room 

 PA WEEK EVENTS! 

ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY Awards presented for:  

Distinguished PA’s, Outstanding PA’s , Outstanding Physician/PA Team & Outstanding Department Foundation House 

October 6—12, 2011

  KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING (topic to be announced) 

Wednesday, October 12, 2011, 6:30am ‐ 9:00am Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room

AAPA CLINICAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Thursday—Friday, October 27‐28, 2011 

Intercontinental Hotel 

 PA FOCUS GROUP ROUNDTABLE (topic to be announced) 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 7:30am ‐ 8:30am Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room, Supported by: Pfizer 

 

KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING (topic to be announced) Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 6:30am ‐ 9:00am Building E, 3rd floor, E3‐53 MIS Conference Room

P A G E 1 0 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

Midlevel Providers Employee Referral Program

EMPLOYEES & APPLICANTS  

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM?  

All Cleveland Clinic Health System exempt and non‐exempt employees, EXCEPT Staffing and Recruitment and other recruitment based positions.  Must remain employed at Cleveland Clinic during the cash award pay‐out period.   

THE APPLICANT YOU REFER:  MUST include your name as the referring employee on their Application for Employment (NO exceptions will be given consideration).  Cannot be currently employed in any capacity within Cleveland Clinic Health System. MAY be a former employee who left Cleveland Clinic Health System (Florida, Main Campus, RMP or System Hospital) more than 6 months ago.  MUST be hired into a full‐time or part‐time Midlevel Provider positin defined as: Physician Assistant at Cleveland Clinic..   

WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE CASH AWARD I WILL RECEIVE?  $1,500 cash award (after taxes) for the referral of a full‐time Midlevel Provider and $800 for a part‐time Midlevel Provider referral.  The cash award will be paid out as follows:  FOR FULL‐TIME: $500 after the completion of the 90‐day probationary period; $500 after six month's employment at Cleveland Clinic, and the remaining $500 after the completion of one‐year employment at Cleveland Clinic.  FOR PART‐TIME: $400 after the completion of the 90‐day probationary period and $400 after the completion of one‐year employment at Cleveland Clinic. 

$$$ Send a PA our Way and Make Extra Money $$$

P A G E 1 1 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

Please join us in welcoming the following PA’s to Cleveland Clinic: 

Bernadette Bogner PA‐C 

Wooster Family Medicine 

NEW  HIRES  

Allison Clement PA‐C 

Solid Tumor Oncology 

Beth McKee PA‐C 

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit 

Dalbir Singh PA‐C 

Marymount Pain Management 

Jennifer Tresler PA‐C 

Urology 

Caleigh Maple PA‐C 

Gastroenterology 

MISSION

To work with physicians to provide quality and accessible health care to

our patients.

To continue our professional and personal development as Physician As-

sistants.

To increase awareness of the Physician Assistant profession at Cleveland

Clinic.

PURPOSE

By disseminating information, increasing communication, and promoting

educational activities for continual medical and professional opportuni-

ties, the Physician Assistants of Cleveland Clinic are committed to provid-

ing affordable and accessible quality health care to all patients.

Josanne Pagel, MPAS, PA-C, RMT PA Services Director, Cleveland Clinic 9500 Euclid Avenue, EB116h Cleveland, OH 44195 Phone: 216-445-0626 Fax: 216-636-1848 E-mail: pagelj@ccf.org Tammela Jeffries, PA Coordinator Cleveland Clinic 9500 Euclid Avenue, EB116d Cleveland, OH 44195 Phone: 216-444-3968 Fax: 216-636-1848 Email: jeffrit1@ccf.org

For info contact Selena Rodebaugh, PA Recruiter, 216-448-0373; rodebas@ccf.org or http://intranet.ccf.org/jobs/

MAIN CAMPUS:

Breast Center (1)

Colorectal Surgery (1)

Plastic Surgery (1)

Neurosurgery (1)

Urology (1)

FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS:

Beachwood Express Clinic (2)

Independence Express Clinic (1)

Job postings

Our VISION is to offer the most professional and educational opportunities to Physician Assistants. throughout the world!

http://intranet.ccf.org/physicianassistants/

P A G E 1 2 P A S E R V I C E S N E W S

Fairview Hospital

Surgery (3)

Surgical Suite Moll Center (1)

Hillcrest:

Managerial PA (1)

Cardiac Surgery (1)

Cardiothoracic Surgery (1)

Pre-Admission Testing (1)

Huron Road

Outpatient Clinic (2)

Euclid

Surgery (2)

Lakewood

General Surgery (1)

South Pointe

Surgery (1)

WORDS FOR THE DAY:

“When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”

William Arthur Ward 

REGIONAL HOSPITALS: