Genesis Updates

Providing the Highest Quality Care

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“Running a hospital and practicing medicine is one of the most extraordinarily complex undertakings in the world,” said Genesis Chief Medical Officer Scott Wegner, M.D. “Human beings are complicated, and human beings with illnesses are even more complicated. Maintaining a safe and high-quality environment is a never-ending job.”

Learning from the best

Over the last several years, the top health systems in the world moved to adopt a more standardized approach to treating patients. The idea is to reduce inconsistencies in care and ensure every patient receives the best care every time. The philosophy came from the aviation industry, which pioneered this process-focused approach to ensure safety. Through exhaustive research, airlines determined the best ways to do everything that impacted safety and made it standardized to do each one of those things the same way every time. They also recognized the importance of empowering every employee to identify and call out safety issues. The result was safer flights.

Incorporating this method into medicine means that teams of healthcare employees, from doctors to nurses to technicians and beyond, work together to identify and implement best practices to treat serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, cancer and more. The goal is to remove any risk of deviation from the best treatment plan and utilize the experience and knowledge of all team members to benefit the patient.

“With our standardized approach, we have been able to teach and perform the best method of treating illnesses to the point that the best approach is our only approach.” – Scott Wegner M.D.

“At Genesis, our employees latched onto the idea of creating a culture of quality,” said Genesis Chief Nursing Officer Shon Bender, R.N.

“They all realize the next patient in the door could be their neighbor or a loved one, and they want to make sure every patient receives the best care.”

So, Genesis HealthCare System adopted this standardized approach to medicine and continues to practice and perfect it daily. One example is at the start of every shift, healthcare teams huddle together to discuss the patients in the hospital to ensure all employees are current on each patient’s conditions and care plans. This enables every doctor, nurse and everyone else to continue providing the proper care to get the patient well quickly.

National recognition

This standardized approach to quality improvement generated exceptional clinical outcomes for patients and resulted in Genesis being named a 100 Top Hospital by Fortune Magazine and Merative Health. Merative is an independent organization that evaluates how hospitals perform in many areas of quality and safety, such as the number of hospital-acquired infections, length of hospital stay and care-related complications. For details on the award, refer to the A community win for all article on page 8 of this publication.

“As with anything in life, there are often many ways to accomplish your goal,” said Dr. Wegner. “With our standardized approach, we have been able to teach and perform the best method of treating illnesses to the point that the best approach is our only approach.”

“I am so proud of our teams,” said Shon. “Over the last 25 years, they have transformed Genesis into a place that delivers the same level of care as the best hospitals in the nation. In fact, with the recognition of the 100 Top Hospital award, we have been designated as one of the best. It makes me happy to think we provide that level of care to our community.”

Genesis Updates

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25th Anniversary

Fri, 10/28/2022 - 16:44

Chief Nursing Officer Shon Bender, R.N., and Chief Medical Officer Scott Wegner, M.D., describe how Genesis reached one of the highest levels of quality in the nation.

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A community win for all

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You can feel confident in choosing your healthcare close to home, right here in Southeastern Ohio. Your community hospital is one of the top 100 in the nation.

According to Fortune Magazine and Merative, a data, analytics and technology partner for the health industry, Genesis HealthCare System is top among its peers for excellence in clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and overall financial health.

Merative, formerly IBM Watson Health, established the list to help identify best practices that may help other healthcare organizations achieve consistent, balanced and sustainable high performance.

Merative has identified the top hospitals from a rigorous evaluation of 2,650 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals in the U.S.

Winning the top award despite COVID-19 challenges

For more than two years, we have been working as a community to battle COVID-19. We were in good company with every other health system in the nation. Challenges included the virus, supply and business disruptions and workforce shortages. Those challenges make this year’s 100 Top Hospitals list, based on 2020 data, unlike any other in the study’s 28-year history.

“Recognition as one of the Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals demonstrates Genesis’ ongoing commitment to prioritizing patient-centered care.” -Scott Wegner, M.D. Chief Medical Officer, Genesis HealthCare System

Quality measures reflect high performance

According to the Merative study, when compared to similar hospitals, Genesis had better results on key clinical and operational performance indicators. These include survival rates, patient complications, healthcare-associated infections, 30-day mortality and 30-day hospital-wide readmission rates, length of stay, throughput in emergency departments, inpatient expenses and ratings from patients.

Community health measures

The Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list also incorporates a community health measure into its ranking process.

Hospitals were surveyed across three components:

Assessing hospital contributions to community health as a provider of critical services for community health and preventive care.
Identifying ways that hospitals contribute to community health as a community partner by teaming up with local organizations to implement critical programs.
Focusing on ways that hospitals promote community health through their practices as anchor institutions supporting local economic and social progress. The community health measure is weighted equally with other ranking measures.

Genesis also won the prestigious Everest Award

The Everest Award winners are a special group of the 100 Top Hospitals award winners that, in addition to achieving benchmark status for one year, have simultaneously set national benchmarks for the fastest long-term improvement on a national balanced scorecard. In 2022, Genesis was one of only 25 organizations to achieve this level of performance.

Frontline employees drive quality and safety

The High-Reliability Patient Safety Council and the Care Coordination Council empower frontline workers to implement best practices once they determine solutions to issues. Standardizing care has led to efficiencies and a higher quality of care.

Epic, Genesis’ electronic medical record system, has propelled the health system forward by enabling the power to track results and then develop evidenced-based practices based on the scenario.

What if all hospitals were of the highest quality?

Based on comparisons between the 100 Top Hospitals study winners and a peer group of similar hospitals that were not winners, it was reported that if all hospitals performed at the level of this year’s winners:

Over 104,000 additional lives could be saved in-hospital
Over 55,000 additional patients could be complication-free
Over $12.5 billion in inpatient costs could be saved
The typical patient could be released from the hospital almost a half-day sooner
Over 18,600 fewer discharged patients would be readmitted within 30 days

The national award and the Everest Award are based on a set of measures that reflect performance across the whole organization.

Using independent public data and proprietary analytics, the 100 Top Hospitals study recognizes hospitals that have clearly demonstrated top performance in care, efficiency and community value.

Learn more at genesishcs.org/top100.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Fri, 10/28/2022 - 08:00

Genesis is a Top 100 Hospital in the nation.

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Welcome new physicians

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Clifford B. Maximo, M.D., FACS

Genesis Urology Group

For Clifford B. Maximo, M.D., Urologist, who joined the Genesis Urology Group in February, practicing urology is a family and local tradition.

“I am a second-generation urologist,” he said. Zosimo Maximo M.D., now retired, was a well-respected urologist in Southeastern Ohio. “However, I chose urology because I was impressed with the specialty during my internship at the Cleveland Clinic,” said Dr. Maximo. “I saw cutting-edge, complex, kidney cancer surgery and endourologic stone treatment by nationally known urologists, which shaped my decision to pursue urology,” he said.

Dr. Maximo, who has practiced for more than 20 years in Southeastern Ohio, is pleased to continue treating local patients. “My mission is to serve Southeast Ohio, where I grew up and spent most of my life,” he said. “I take pride in the early detection of both prostate and bladder cancer along with treatment of stone disease and men’s health issues.”

Dr. Maximo believes one of the biggest challenges in urology is preventing urologic disease and cancer. “Scientists and clinicians are working hard to solve these problems,” he said. “Fortunately, urology is very advanced at the detection and treatment of urologic cancer and stone disease.”

Genesis utilizes all of the state-of-the-art urologic technology, including robotic-assisted surgery, MRI fusion biopsy, ESWL and high-powered holmium laser. “I love to treat my patients using the best tools available. However, good-old handshakes and face-to-face discussion are important.”

Dr. Maximo enjoys exercising, spending time with his family and watching his children play sports. His office is at the Genesis Urology Group office, Genesis Medical Arts Building 2, 751 Forest Ave., Suite 301, Zanesville. Dr. Maximo’s phone number is 740-455-4923 and he is accepting new patients. Physician referrals are not required.

Getachew Zeleke, M.D., FACC

Genesis Heart & Vascular Group

Getachew Zeleke, M.D., who joined the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group in February, learned in medical school that cardiovascular diseases are the number one health problem in the world. “That’s when I started to develop an interest,” Dr. Zeleke said.

Originally from Ethiopia, Dr. Zeleke’s devotion to treating cardiovascular disease came into focus when his father suffered a massive heart attack. “Back then, Ethiopia’s health facilities were not capable of doing heart catheterization and stenting,” he said. Dr. Zeleke and his family were desperate. “My father was treated with medications, and we prayed,” he said. Luckily, his father survived. “It was then that I decided to study cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Zeleke said. Diagnostic modalities common to the USA are scarce and, in some cases, nonexistent in Ethiopia. Dr. Zeleke said, “Ethiopian doctors rely on family health histories and perform thorough physical examinations for diagnosis and treatment.

“Practicing medicine in a resource-limited setting has taught me to get to know my patients and their problems. A higher percentage of Appalachians suffer from cardiovascular disease than the rest of the country. I’m grateful to help bring good heart health to the community.”

During his spare time, Dr. Zeleke works out, plays soccer, bikes and swims. “I like watching documentaries,” he said. “I also enjoy fishing, hiking and traveling.”

Dr. Zeleke’s office is located at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, 955 Bethesda Drive, First Floor, Zanesville. His office phone number is 740-454-0804. Dr. Zeleke is accepting new patients, and a physician referral is not required.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 04/11/2022 - 09:41

Meet our new urologist, Clifford B. Maximo, M.D., FACS; and cardiologist Getachew Zeleke, M.D., FACC.

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Muskingum County’s only 24/7 pharmacy

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A new Northside Pharmacy is coming soon to 721 Taylor St. in Zanesville. It will be Muskingum County’s only 24/7 pharmacy, giving you round-the-clock access to a pharmacist to fill or refill prescriptions and answer your medication questions.

The new pharmacy will have goods and over-the-county medication for purchase during typical store hours. Easy drive-through access and plenty of parking will make this new location a convenient customer experience.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Wed, 02/09/2022 - 15:38

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Welcome new physicians

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Abdul Dada, M.D.
Genesis Primary Care

Doctor of Medicine: Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla
Family Medicine Residency: AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois

“Medicine is changing from a physician to a patient-centered approach,” said Abdul Dada, M.D., who joined Genesis Primary Care as a family physician in September. “We now ask patients for input on their treatment,” he said. “This is a great way to practice because if patients are reluctant to do something the physician tells them, they may not do it. However, if patients are involved in the medical decision making, they will be more inclined to do what helps them.”

Dr. Dada chose family practice because it covers the entire scope of medicine. “This is the type of medicine I want to be a part of,” Dr. Dada said. “I want to be a physician who can treat any patient with any problem. Typically, primary care physicians can treat most patients’ problems.”

“A common misconception about what I do is that I just prescribe medications and tell people to go on about their day,” Dr. Dada said. “This is not how family medicine works. We are in a field where communication and working together is of utmost importance.” He said rarely does a patient arrive, tell him his or her symptoms and leave the office with a prescription.
“During visits, I talk to the patient about things they may be going through to get to know them better,” Dr. Dada said.

Dr. Dada enjoys playing basketball in his free time. “I try to play three or four times a week, and I’m in a league right now,” he said. “I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I could be doing anything and enjoy it as long as I am with the people I love.”

Dr. Dada is located at Genesis Primary Care, 1210 Ashland Ave., Zanesville and is accepting new patients. His office phone number is 740-454-0370.

Dany Abou Abdallah. M.D.
Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine

Doctor of Medicine: Saint-Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon
Board-certified: Pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine
Sleep Medicine Fellowship: The Medical College of Ohio, The Toledo Sleep Disorders Center in Toledo, Ohio
Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine Fellowship: SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York
Internal Medicine Residency: Cleveland Clinic Health System in Cleveland, Ohio

A good night’s sleep is critical, according to Dany Abou Abdallah, M.D., who joined Genesis Pulmonary & Critical Care Specialists in September. Most Americans are sleep deprived; however, Dr. Abou Abdallah said studies strongly support the potential dangers of sleep deprivation on cognition and work performance. Unfortunately, taking a nap will not solve sleep deprivation. “The best resolution for lack of sleep is to have a restful and regular sleep-wake schedule,” he said.

The field of critical care medicine and its disciplines fascinated Dr. Abou Abdallah during his training in internal medicine. He chose pulmonary medicine as his second specialty so he could treat critically ill patients whose condition affects their respiratory systems. “My background in pulmonary medicine enables me to treat patients who have acute lung diseases and manage those who have chronic respiratory diseases,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said.

“I chose to specialize in sleep medicine after I noticed sleep or lack of sleep can affect my patients’ chronic lung diseases or vice versa,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said. The field of sleep medicine is quite extensive and encompasses other sleep-related conditions such as insomnia and narcolepsy.

“My best time is spent around my wife and two young boys,” Dr. Abou Abdallah said. His hobbies include skiing, jogging, soccer and ping-pong. Dr. Abou Abdallah brings more than 20 years of experience to Genesis. He is located in the Genesis Pulmonary/Critical Care Specialists office, 945 Bethesda Drive, Suite 260, Zanesville. The office phone number is
740-586-6888. Dr. Abou Abdallah is accepting new patients. A referral is required.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Wed, 02/09/2022 - 13:31

Meet our new Primary Care and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine providers.

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The WATCHMAN™ Implant: What you need to know

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The WATCHMAN™ Implant: 10 Questions Answered

The WATCHMAN Implant can reduce your risk of stroke and eliminate your use of blood thinners if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib) not caused by a heart valve problem.

1. What is AFib?

It is a common type of heart arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat irregularly. It occurs when upper chambers of the heart (right and left atria) no longer contract in coordination.

2. What are the symptoms?

This can occur without symptoms or may make you feel tired, lightheaded, short of breath or a fluttering sensation in your chest.

3. Is AFib dangerous?

When your heart beats irregularly with AFib, it can lead to blood clots, especially in the left atrial appendage (LAA) of the heart. In this scenario, you are five times more likely to have a stroke than someone with a regular heartbeat. Although blood thinners can reduce your risk of stroke, medications create other dangers, including bleeding. Other factors that increase stroke risk include ages 75 and up, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and prior stroke.

4. How does WATCHMAN help?

The WATCHMAN Implant prevents blood clots in the LAA by closing it. The LAA is where 90% of stroke-causing blood clots come from in the heart.

5. Is WATCHMAN safe?

Over 300,000 people worldwide have received the WATCHMAN Implant. It is the only implant of its kind approved by the FDA. With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the implant procedure and the use of the device. Talk to your doctor, so you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the WATCHMAN Implant.

6. What are typical results?

You may be able to stop using blood thinners 45 days after your implant. After one year, 99% of patients discontinued using blood thinners.

7. What happens during the procedure?

During this one-time, minimally invasive procedure, a narrow tube is inserted into a blood vessel in your upper leg and goes to your LAA. The WATCHMAN is inserted through the tube until it reaches the LAA, where it unfolds like an umbrella. A thin layer of tissue will grow over the surface of the implant within about 45 days.

General anesthesia is used, so you are asleep during the procedure.

8. How long will I be in the hospital?

You will likely return home the day after the procedure.

9. What happens after the procedure?

Your medications will be reevaluated with a goal to discontinue blood thinners within six months.

10. Who performs the procedure?

Trained and experienced physicians, Kinan Kassar, M.D., interventional cardiologist, and Shaun Bhatty, M.D., electrophysiologist, who are both part of the Genesis Heart & Vascular Group.