Mercy Health expands partnership
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mercy Health, Ohio’s largest health system, has expanded its partnership with Premier, Inc., a health care improvement company, to further advance population health management, with an increased focus on care for chronically-ill patients.
Recently named one of 2015’s Most Wired health systems, Mercy Health is Ohio’s fourth largest employer, bringing together technology and experts in more than 100 specialties practicing at 23 hospitals. A Premier member for more than 20 years, Mercy Health has one of the most extensive strategic partnerships with Premier, using the company’s full suite of supply chain, business intelligence and performance improvement services. In the past four years alone, this strategic partnership generated a savings of more than $117 million, better outcomes and patient experiences through cost and quality efficiencies, as well as advances in population health, according to a news release.
In expanding its partnership to further improve population health management, Mercy Health has joined Premier’s integrated pharmacy and care management program, which harnesses otherwise unavailable clinical data to drive more quality health care for complex patient populations, including the chronically ill.
Experts see spike in headaches during fall
COLUMBUS — A new study suggests kids who complain that going back to school is a real headache may have a legitimate point, and some may need to see a doctor.
“We looked at the number of serious headache cases we treated in our emergency department over the last five years and saw a considerable spike during the fall, compared to the rest of the year,” said Dr. Ann Pakalnis, a neurologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and lead author of the study. “We think the stress of going back to school and adjusting to a new schedule and routine are driving those numbers up.”
Mirroring a national study that charted headache cases in children, the study at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that visits to the emergency department for serious headaches remained fairly consistent during the winter, spring and summer seasons, but jumped more than 31 percent in the fall.
PVFF to serve four states
LIMA — At the request of the American Psychological Association, the Partnership for Violence Free Families has accepted the new responsibility to serve as the ACT Great Lakes Regional Center serving the four states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio.
The ACT Raising Safe Kids Program parenting curriculum was developed by the American Psychological Association in 2001 and is written out of its Violence Prevention Department. PVFF has been certified to facilitate the ACT program for parents, caregivers and educators as well as train adults to facilitate the program since 2004. Donna Dickman, OCPS I, will serve as the center director with Michelle Breitigan, OCPS I, serving as the center coordinator.
Dental therapists recognized by commission
COLUMBUS — The Commission on Dental Accreditation voted to implement dental therapy education standards on Aug. 8. The vote means the accrediting body for dentists and hygienists fully recognizes dental therapy as a profession, according to a news release.
The implementation of standards will provide guidance to policymakers in states, including Ohio, considering dental therapy as a way to address substantial unmet oral health needs in their communities.
The news release states the addition of dental therapists to the dental team will increase access to basic dental care for the more than 1.5 million Ohioans who live in the state’s 84 Dental Health Professional Shortage areas.
Mercy Tiffin announces transfer
TIFFIN — Mercy Tiffin has announced that Mercy Family Care – McAuley will be transferred to Health Partners of Western Ohio, effective Sept. 2. According to a news release, the organizations will introduce innovative models for community health and clinical integration to achieve greater access and healthier outcomes.
“This is an important opportunity for us to come together to create a healthier community,” said Janis Sunderhaus, CEO of Health Partners of Western Ohio. “Our goal is the same as Mercy’s – all patients get the care they need in the best place – close to home.”
By John Bush
jbush@civitasmedia.com
Reach John Bush at 567-242-0456 or on Twitter @bush_lima.