The Pulse A newsletter for MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland Volunteers

Elaine Fabinski, President

In March, a few Medical Center volunteers attended the Michigan Hospital Association (MHA) Advocacy Day in Lansing. I must say it was a most informative day! The keynote speaker was Colleen Sweeney, who spoke on the importance of empathy in our work. She spoke of patient fears and how they can affect experiences while in a medical care facility. When nurses and volunteers appropriately address patient fears it changes everything. The

patient may receive assurances, have questions answered and gradually feel less fearful. As volunteers we can simply acknowledge those fears and worries through our kindness, helpfulness, cheerfulness and smiles. We can alleviate some trepidations. Coleen Sweeney quoted, "We will take care of every patient and visitor as though they are a beloved family member." Every facial expression, everything we say, every tone of voice we use - is being watched and noted. Volunteers have an important role indeed! In April some of our volunteers also attended a leadership workshop sponsored by the East Central District (ECD) in Saginaw. The information from this workshop centered around recruitment of volunteers and the encouragement of leadership within an organization. The Annual Volunteer Meeting/Luncheon was held on April 28 and was lovely. The order of business at the meeting included the selection of new officers for the Volunteer Operating Board and the approval of the 2015-2016 budget. The Meister Singers from Midland High School gave a wonderful musical performance that everyone present enjoyed. Hearing such talented young musicians under the directorship of Jennifer Breneman was a treat indeed! In June Volunteer Operating Board members, new and outgoing, were invited to tour the new education building on the Midland campus, now formally named the Gerstacker Building. This state-of-the-art medical training facility includes use of computerized body parts that respond during procedures and surgeries simulating bleeding, breathing and pain. It’s truly amazing! The MidMichigan Family Practice is also located inside the new Gerstacker Building. The upper level of the building will house MidMichigan Health Corporate Services later this year. It was very interesting touring this building and viewing how the Volunteer Services contributed towards its success. This is my final contribution to The PULSE as president of the MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland Volunteer Services. It has been a busy year for me and one I have truly enjoyed. The very best part has been getting to know so many more of you! There can be no doubt you are all doing what you do because you really love being at the hospital doing it! Your willingness to step forward when a little extra time or effort is needed is always evident. So many of you are doing more than just your assigned role. You are volunteer in many of the other vital volunteering roles in our community as well. You are a kind, giving and generous people. It has been a huge honor working with all of you.

From Your Board

Summer 2015 John McPeak, Editor

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Board members cont.

One last request: Please, please consider a board position. Step forward to volunteer for it or accept the position when approached. You will receive lots of support from fellow board members, volunteers and the hospital. It is a team effort. We want this organization to continue to be volunteers led by volunteers. Thank you all for your generosity of time and kindness. Such friends you have become!

Bob LoFiego, President-Elect

A successful year of fundraising and donations occurred in 2014-2015. Five sales were held, which included 2 uniform sales, 2 book sales and a logowear sale. Proceeds from these sales have supported the functions of the volunteer group and fulfilled requests such as, new children’s books for the Riecker Surgical Center, magazines for our patients, hot cocoa for the surgical lounge and fabric and notions for the Infusion Center. The list goes on. If your service has a need please let us know.

John McPeak, Vice President of Communications

Legislative Corner: MSA Releases Final Short-stay Payment Policy The Medical Services Administration (MSA) recently released a final policy to implement a new short-stay payment rate for certain Medicaid claims that qualify as short hospitalization stays. This rate would apply for outpatient and inpatient hospital stays, effective for outpatient dates of service or inpatient discharges on and after July 1, 2015, for services provided under both Medicaid fee-for-service and by noncontracted health maintenance organizations (HMOs). This policy does not supersede existing contracts between hospitals and Medicaid HMOs. The policy will apply to both emergent and elective claims. The short-stay rate is $1,314, which would be the same regardless of inpatient or outpatient status, and includes both operating and capital costs. The policy does not modify current inpatient or outpatient billing requirements for hospitals. In addition, claims that meet inpatient criteria should continue to be included for Medicare disproportionate share hospital payment calculations. The short-stay rate policy is intended to reduce administrative efforts by both hospitals and Medicaid HMOs related to the inpatient versus outpa-tient status of patients hospitalized for a short stay. Hospital claims will qualify for short-stay reimbursement if the following criteria are met:

The primary diagnosis code billed on the inpatient or outpatient claim is one of the specified diagnoses

The outpatient claim includes an observation revenue code 762

The inpatient or outpatient claim does not include a surgical revenue code (36x)

The claim does not include a cardiac catheterization revenue code 481

The inpatient claim has a date of discharge equal to or one day greater than the date of admission The claim includes discharges status codes 01, 06, 09, 21, 30, 50 or 51

The short-stay policy excludes claims with the following conditions:

Deliveries and births

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Thank you for your support!

Board Reports Cont.

Medicaid is the secondary payer

Hospital discharges with discharge status codes other than 01, 06, 09, 21, 30, 50 or 51

Patients who leave the hospital against medical advice

Deceased patients Primary diagnoses that are not specified in the MSA's listing, which will be updated annually

The MSA will provide additional information on the qualifying diagnosis codes based on ICD-10 in the near future. The MHA expresses appreciation to the MSA for its efforts to develop the policy, which is the result of an 18-month input process that included representatives from hospitals and Medicaid HMOs. Members with questions should contact Marilyn Litka-Klein at the MHA. Legislature Approves Community Health Budget for FY 2016 Last week, the Michigan House and Senate approved the conference report that includes appropria-tions for the fiscal year (FY) 2016 health and human services (HHS) budget (formerly the community health budget). Senate Bill 133, a general omnibus bill that includes the HHS budget, passed the House 70 to 39 and the Senate 22 to 16. The budget now goes to the governor for final approval. As reported in last week’s Monday Report, the budget reflects a compromise reached after months of negotiations among the MHA, the Snyder administration and legislators. In summary, the budget does the following:

Fully maintains general funds for graduate medical education, the small and rural hospital access

pool and the obstetrical stabilization fund

Continues existing hospital rate adjustment payments and includes an appropriation for new

Healthy Michigan Plan Medicaid Access to Care Initiative (MACI) payments totaling up to $784 million for FYs 2014, 2015 and 2016, pending approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Allows the MHA additional time to work on developing a long-term methodology for state retention of Healthy Michigan Plan dollars beginning in 2017

As part of the budget compromise, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported out House Bill 4447, a companion measure to this year’s budget that outlines a one-year plan to provide the state with an additional $93 million in hospital taxes. During the committee’s deliberations, amendments related to a new ambulance providers’ Quality Assurance Assessment Program were attached to the bill. The bill must go back to the House for concurrence, but the MHA expects little controversy over final approval of the measure. The MHA will keep members apprised as the bill moves through the legislative process. At the start of the state’s budget cycle in February, hospitals faced significant funding cuts in the executive budget proposal for FY 2016. Thanks to the support and joint advocacy efforts of MHA members during this year’s budget negotiations, the final result signifies a better outcome for Michigan hospitals. Members with questions may contact Laura Appel with questions related to advocacy efforts and Peter Schonfeld for policy-related questions at the MHA.

Report Presents Update on Health Insurance Exchanges, Value-based Payment

In 2013, through its Task Force on Future Health Insurance Markets, the MHA engaged Kaufman Hall & Associates (KHA) to review the implementation of public and private health insurance exchanges to consider strategies and scenarios for future payment models, provider network design, data resources and health plan relationships. At the end of the 2014 program year, a report summarizing the work and key recommendations was published. Since that report, the MHA, with KHA consulting support, has continued to investigate the health in-surance marketplace and new payment models in Michigan and nationally. Through this scope of work, input and feedback were gathered from Michigan hospitals, physicians, payers, MHA hospital task force members, business leaders and other key stakeholders. The MHA and KHA have published an updated

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The MHA Board of Trustees will have a planning retreat in August to set priorities for future MHA activities.

Rich Fibiger, Treasurer

May Ending Checking Acct. Balance $26,793.31

Service Coordinator Reports As spring sprung slowly and quickly flowed into summer many of

our services let us know that all was well but nothing was new. We

appreciate all of your thoughtful reports throughout the year and all

you do to keep the services running smoothly.

We share with you a few highlights and toot our own horns from a

few of the services:

The Gift Shop completed their pledge to the medical center of $122,047.66

Popcorn Service completed their pledge to the medical center totaling over $10,000.00

The Surgical and Invasive Imaging Reception Service is planning a fun summer get together and

picnic this summer.

The Cosmic Canine Cure has approved the addition of Therapy Dogs International certification and

will adding new teams

The Fitness Center will also celebrate friendships and support by having a picnic at the home of

Service Chair Paula Nilles.

If you have any exciting news to share please let Diana Brookens know and it will be placed in the

Fall 2015 PULSE issue.

Board Reports Cont.

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Judy Fierenze: Retiring after 37 years of teaching and jumping into

volunteering at the Medical Center brought Judy to the Riecker

Reception Desk. Like many others, Judy was recruited by another

volunteer, Mary Grabmeyer. Judy enjoys the variety of her day, talking

to patients and visitors who come to the surgery center and sharing a

smile with them.

Joanne Clark: Joanne cannot think of much else she would rather be

doing that working with the friends she has come to love and support.

In 2003, Joanne joined The Gift Shop and has been ordering, pricing

and stocking candy ever since. Joanne responds. “I just love it,” when

asked about her volunteering. It gives her a break from being at home.

But, if found at home you can wander her garden and check out her

floral favorites; coneflowers, peonies and foxglove.

Terry Gushow: In 2007, Terry found herself looking for more things

to keep herself busy and, she found it. Terry joined the Riecker Patient

Service soon after its opening. As a service, this is a behind-the-scenes

position. Volunteers here help in the back of the surgery center as they

clean rooms as patients move from pre-op to their surgery suite and

then into recovery. Terry also keeps herself busy by volunteering with

Michigan Blood at Dow Diamond and serving for the Toni and Trish

house. Her favorite activity is spending time with her 4-year old boy

and girl “grand twins,”

Teresa Petrimoulx: Teresa is a very “behind-the-scenes” person in

The Gift Shop Service. Ever wonder who helps to put together those

amazing displays? Well, here she is! Teresa began working as part of

the display team 5 years ago. She is a retired school teacher and found

time on her hands to volunteer. Teresa is also an artist working with

copper, fibers and wool. She creates jewelry and wall hangings. Her

work has been shown in the MidMichigan Healing Arts Gallery and she

can be found at art shows this summer in Bay City, Frankfort and Port

Austin. Page 5

Dave Ziettlow: What do you do when you retire from Dow chemical as

a Research Engineer? Well, you come and volunteer at the Medical

Center. Dave joined a few years back and began by accepting a volun-

teer position at the Medical Offices-Midland Reception Desk. When he

still did not have enough to do Dave recruited his father, Warren, and

the two are a team of popcorn poppers twice a month. Dave says he

enjoys being an ambassador of goodwill and making peoples experi-

ence more pleasant.

Celia Myers: In 1988 Celia joined what was once called the Library

Guild. At this time these women had quite a bit of work ahead of them,

they would seek magazine donations, bring them into the Medical Cen-

ter, file them by subject and take the magazine cart from room to room.

Over the years Celia has seen many changes, though she still pushes the

magazine cart room to room, less people are interested in having read-

ing material and most have a tablet or computer they are using in place

of paper.

Gwen Brown: Always loving to share a joke, Gwen joined the volun-

teers in 2009 and thought that visiting patients, sharing a joke and the

offer of a magazine would be a good fit. Teaming up with Celia the

two have done just that. Faithfully, checking out the pile of new maga-

zines, getting them organized and taking the cart out to share a smile,

friendly greeting, and maybe a joke or two.

Nancy Hall: Feels right at home as a new Gift Shop volunteer. Nancy

has spent many years in retail service. She used to manage Abbey

Road, a clothing and accessory store on The Circle in Midland. She

spent a few years as a personal shopper for Hudson’s and likes to keep

busy. We welcome Nancy to the volunteer organization and look

forward to the expertise she has to share with us.

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Ted Mudd: How many bags of popcorn do you think Ted has made

and delivered since he joined in 2001? With a little math I am sure we

would be astounded. Ted has been a Popcorn Service volunteer, has

held the position of Chair for many years and has helped to guide the

service through many changes. Ted is highly regarded by many

employees as he delivers popcorn off-site to our Saginaw Road

facilities. Once when I made a delivery for him everyone was worried

that something had happened to Ted! Thank you, Ted, for supporting

ALL our staff.

Ruby Gould: Recruited by a friend, Ruby has been volunteering with

the Popcorn Service since 2009. Since she was recruited she also

recruited her husband, Dewey, who volunteers with her. Ruby is a

former treasurer of the Volunteer Operating Board and also used this

skill at her church. When she and Dewey are not here popping they

have a large garden they tend to with strawberries, blackberries,

tomatoes, cucumbers and squash. Ruby’s favorite part of volunteering

is seeing the smiles on peoples faces when they smell the popcorn.

Kelly Wilson: In 2005, following a double lung transplant, Kelly

decided she wanted to give back to those who helped her. Kelly joined

what was then called the Pulmonary Rehab Service. A decade later

Kelly is still sharing her bright smile, words of encouragement and

hope for others who seek rehab in what we now call Cardio/Pulmonary

Rehab located in the Campus Ridge Fitness Center. Her cheerful

disposition, enthusiasm and genuine understanding of what our patients

are going through is what makes Kelly a wonderful volunteer.

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Joan Winegartner: Taught piano for 23 years. She now gives her

fingers a workout at the Surgical and Invasive Imaging Reception Desk.

After a 4 year hiatus Joan returned to keep busy and help others.

Previously, Joan had worked 23 years in The Gift Shop. Over the years

Joan has seen many changes, but one thing she notes that has not

changed is MidMichigan’s commitment to help patients and visitors.

Sharon Capriccioso: Retired teachers share their passion for helping

others in the classroom and then we are lucky enough to welcome them

to Volunteer Services so they can continue to make a difference.

Sharon retired after 25 years as a 3rd grade teacher. She decided to look

for a new passion and had always admired the medical profession and

their compassion. Sharon brings a smile to many faces as she delivers e

-cards to patients rooms and helps many find their way through the

Medical Center in her position as a Guest and Patient Escort.

Bobby Sinclair: A face so many of us have seen for years! Bobby

informs us this is her 5th Gift Shop she has been a volunteer for in the

Medical Center. Beginning in 1956, Bobby worked in The Gift Shop

and at that time our big sales were candy and cigarettes! Bobby’s first

uniform was made by hand and was a lovely “salmon” color. The Gift

Shop Guild was at the time referred to as the “Pink Ladies.” Over the

years Bobby has been an advocate for the volunteers and all they can

do, the results of her hard work is seen in where we are now.

Kathrynne Warrick: Kathrynne is a new face at the Surgical and

Invasive Imaging Reception Desk. Currently, she is a college student at

SVSU studying biochemistry and working towards a medical degree.

Kathrynne enjoys learning more about the Medical Center and the

challenges people face and she keeps busy.

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Linda Williams: Just a few year back in 1992 Linda Williams joined

what was then referred to as The Gift Shop Guild. Flash forward 23

years and she is still there, having worked through changes in the

Guild, it’s location and the technology additions. Along the way she has

also help support the Volunteer Operating Board by holding the office

of president-elect. Presently, she mixes her time between volunteering

and being the co-buyer for The Gift Shop.

JoAnn Rajewski: When JoAnn joined The Gift Shop Service in 2003 a

note on her interview sheet states “she will make a great addition to the

shop.” We cannot agree more as she and Linda work so seamlessly

together as the co-buyers for The Gift Shop while also being volunteers

there. JoAnn began while still working for Dow Corning by taking

Saturday or Sunday shifts. Her willingness to do what it takes makes

JoAnn a asset to our organization. When JoAnn is not in The Gift Shop

look for her on any of the surrounding sports fields cheering on her

grandchildren.

Rich Fibiger: Rich is presently found behind the desk at the Surgical

and Invasive Imaging Reception Desk. He loves the fast-paced

atmosphere in the Surgical Lounge and enjoys the interaction with the

patients and their families. He knows the importance of the

communication between the back of the unit where the surgeries take

place and the front where the families are awaiting news from their

physician. Rich joined as a volunteer in 2008 and also has held the

position of the Volunteer Operating Board Treasurer. Not wanting to be

bored, Rich also has helped out at MidMichigan Home Care inputing

immunization records.

Marty Arensberg: In 1997, Marty began her long adventure of

volunteer service. She began by working with the Food Service team

when volunteers used to deliver menus. She has gone on to hold

positions with the Guest and Patient Escort team at the Hospital

Entrance and now helps to hold down the Hospital Entrance Reception

Desk. Marty is always known for doing what is right and finding the

right answer. Volunteering at the Hospital Entrance Reception Desk

gives Marty a reason to get her day going, gives her a purpose and it

also keeps her from spending too much time talking with her cats!

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Jessie Oswald: The year was 1998 and Jessie was recuperating from a

stroke. Her physicians told her getting out and walking would help with

her recuperation. So, Jessie signed up and can still be found as a Guest

and Patient Escort at the Hospital Entrance Reception Desk. She enjoys

bringing a smile to patients’ faces. Also, being the chair of the

Ambassador Service is a perfect fit for Jessie. Her life has revolved

around 30 years of service with Girl Scouts, sitting on the

initial community board for the Ten16 Recovery Network in Midland

and spending 36 years as the wedding coordinator at her church.

Vaness Rickett: Vanessa enjoys giving back to the community.

Presently, you will find Vanessa offering a smile at the Medical Offices

-Midland Reception Desk. For 10 years Vanessa and her sheltie,

Peaches made regular visits to inpatients on Monday evenings in our

program called The Cosmic Canine Cure. Vanessa has also served as

coordinator for Cosmic Canine Cure, chair of Patient Service and most

recently as president-elect of the MidMichigan Volunteer Operating

Board.

Janet Loebrich: “Helping others,” are the words used by Janet when

asked what she enjoys as a volunteer. Janet puts this into action in The

Gift Shop. She hopes she can be there when people are in need and

help, even in a small way. Janet’s service to others is carried over into

her job where she enjoys taking care of others in an adult foster home.

JoEllen Hays: After receiving a nursing degree in 1981, JoEllen bagan

her career of service to others. In Midland, JoEllen held positions as a a

nurse in diabetes education and as manager of the Surgical and

Othopaedic Unit. She retired in 2004. Knowing she still had more to

give, JoEllen joined MidMichigan Volunteer Services in 2013. JoEllen

enjoys getting out and seeing people she used to work with, helping

others. She is currently seen assisting patients and visitors at the

Reception Desk in the Surgical and Invasive Imaging Lounge.

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From Diana Brookens

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If you have not yet realized it, I am a voracious reader. While preparing for author, John Nance’s visit to MidMichigan I picked up his book, “Why Hospitals Should Fly,” and poured through it over a weekend. WOW! What he had to say in his book was exciting! If you also wish to read his book a few copies are available from the Health Science Library at the Medical Center. As a volunteer you may utilize this library. As the Medical Center focus’s on a culture of patient safety and excellent patient experience, John Nance urges us to change our point of view. He asks us to assume things will go wrong so we can prepare ourselves. I have always called this being proactive instead of reactive. By looking at what can go wrong ahead of time and not assuming everything works like magic, we are able to face some of the problems that may occur and be ready for what must be done at a moment’s notice. John Nance shares that the most dangerous phrase in the medical industry is:

“This is the way we have always done this.” I know many of you have had conversations with me where I question what we are doing. Beginning in the Fall of 2012 I spent some time shadowing each and every service. I put on my tennis shoes and donned a smock and I really tried hard to understand each position, it’s purpose and the expectation of the position. I would dig-in asking, “Why do we do this?” “Explain it to me again.” “Help me understand.” During this time, I delivered meal trays, worked the reception areas, wheeled patients to many Medical Center locations, delivered magazines, made popcorn, played BINGO and made visits with the dogs from Cosmic Canine Cure. I learned so much during these times, but in the learning I also saw different, new and exciting ways to accomplish our goals. I asked you to work with me and make it better. As a team we have done just this. We have added pagers to the Surgical and Invasive Imaging Lounge. We have added student volunteers to help at the reception desk. We have added a larger variety of foods for the Infusion Center patients. We have accomplished so much together. As acknowledge change is constant, we realize we cannot just sit back and say, “This is the way we have always done it.” We need to look down the road, anticipate the bumps, the curves and maybe even the cows in the road! We prepare and ask now, “What happens if……..?” Change is not always easy and we know we cannot always prepare for a cow in the road. Problems may not always be recognizable at first and they may appear as different as a deer in your office! But it is powerful knowing we can share the memories and struggles of getting where we need to go together. In doing so, the best possible outcomes for the patients, visitors and staff of MidMichigan are possible. Peace to you and your families as we enjoy summer in Michigan.

You Can Nominate A Star

Nominations may also be e-mailed to Volunteer Services at diana.brookens@midmichigan.org.

Nominate a fellow volunteer who you believe has gone above and beyond their normal volunteer service to

the

Medical Center. Criteria for a Star Award include:

Significant behaviors that promote teamwork and group spirit. Promote a sense of pride and honor

among volunteers.

Significant actions that go beyond the reasonable expectations of volunteer service descriptions.

Significant behaviors that demonstrate ingenuity to help resolve patient/visitor/organizational

concerns.

Significant behaviors that go beyond common courtesy and thoughtfulness and demonstrate a notable

degree of sensitivity, compassion or empathy in unusual or difficult situations.

Significant additional voluntary contributions of time and/or effort to ensure the success of Medical Center-

sponsored events and activities.

Please find below a Star Award nomination form which may be used to submit some-

one who you believe deserves this special recognition. Star Award recipients will be announced at the An-

nual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Date__________________________

I would like to nominate _____________________________________________

For a Volunteer Star Award because (please be very specific):

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

My Name______________________________________

My Volunteer Service_____________________________

My Telephone Number____________________________

Volunteer Star Award Program

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MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland Volunteers

Schedule of Events 2015/2016

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July—August Summer Fun Wherever the sun is

shining

All day,

every

day!

Enjoy everything a summer in Michigan has

to offer! Send me a postcard!

July 30 Family Practice Open

House

Gerstacker Building 4-6 All are welcome for refreshments and self

guided tour

August Board Retreat To be Determined

September 8 Operating Board Meeting Board Room 9-11 All are welcome to attend

September 23 Fall ECD Meeting Saginaw 8-2 Please contact Bob LoFiego if you would

like to attend

September 23-

24

Uniform Sale Towsley Hallway 7-4 Help needed! contact Ginny Fox

September 29-

30

Silver Lady Jewelry Sale Gift Shop Lobby 7-4 Gift Shop

October 22 Fall Gift Shop Meeting H1221/H1224 1:00 Gift Shop

October 26-27 Book Sale Towsley Hallway 8-4 Ginny Fox

October 27 Annual Pardee Cancer

Lecture

Center for the Arts More information to come

November 4 Annual Gift Shop Holiday

Open House

Gift Shop Lobby 7-5 Gift Shop

December 1-2 $5.00 Jewelry Sale Gift Shop Lobby 7-5 Gift Shop

December 4 Love Light Trees Hospital Entrance 7:00

p.m.

Volunteer welcome and needed. Contact

Diana to volunteer