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System Updates
System Updates

Despite ‘industry challenges,’ national ratings agencies maintain Ballad Health ‘A’ ratings with ‘Stable’ outlook

Efforts to stabilize workforce due to national labor shortages, provide improved quality and performance and maintain access highlighted in reports JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Ballad Health announced today that, despite cited industry challenges for hospitals and health systems, the nation’s major ratings agencies have affirmed “A” ratings with “Stable” outlook for Ballad Health. These independent credit rating agencies cited Ballad Health’s experienced management team, favorable balance sheet, delivery on promised efficiencies, and access and quality gains as drivers of their ratings. Both note this performance despite industry-wide headwinds from national healthcare labor shortages, increased supply and drug costs, and increasing denials and payment delays experienced with many national insurers, as well as the negative impact of Hurricane Helene on Ballad Health’s operations. “In our opinion, Ballad has an experienced management team that has responded well to the industry challenges and taken a proactive approach to the merger that includes developing a strong strategic vision, setting explicit…

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Ballad Health, Niswonger family invest millions to bring advanced cancer treatment to Greeneville Community Hospital

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Greeneville Community Hospital’s cancer program will soon see significant advancements in radiation therapy, thanks to a generous $1 million gift from Scott Niswonger and a major capital investment by Ballad Health. In honor of Dr. John Boys, who serves as the hospital’s radiation oncologist, the Niswonger family’s donation will enhance the hospital’s oncology services and provide state-of-the-art equipment for local cancer patients. In recognition of this remarkable contribution, Ballad Health will name the radiation cancer center at Greeneville Community Hospital the Niswonger Family Radiation Treatment Center. This investment, which includes supporting the addition of a TrueBeam linear accelerator and Ethos adaptive radiotherapy system to enhance radiation treatments, will help ensure high-quality cancer care in Greeneville. “This is a monumental step forward for Greeneville Community Hospital,” said the hospital’s CEO, Eric Carroll. “Thanks to the Niswonger family, we can continue offering leading-edge cancer treatments close to home. Their generosity ensures that patients in…

Foundation
System Updates
System Updates

Register now! Recovery Symposium, rescheduled from last September, now set for March 4

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The Recovery Symposium is back, and you’re invited to join us! Initially postponed last September due to Hurricane Helene, it has been officially rescheduled for Tuesday, March 4, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. The event, which will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Monarch Auditorium, offers a unique opportunity for professionals working in the recovery space to learn, connect and be inspired. Registration is open. Click here to register. Note: There is no fee to attend this conference; however, registration is required. For those who registered for the Sept. 30, 2024, event, YOU MUST RE-REGISTER FOR THIS ONE. The symposium will feature Beth Macy, New York Times best-selling author of “Dopesick” and “Raising Lazarus,” as the keynote speaker. Macy will offer invaluable insights into the opioid crisis and the ongoing fight to support those affected by substance use disorders. As a special bonus, the first 150 attendees to arrive…

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Smyth County Community Hospital HealthTrust hosting 12th annual gala Feb. 15 to support scholarships

MARION, Va. — The Smyth County Community Hospital HealthTrust is excited to announce its 12th annual HealthTrust Gala, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Holston Hills Community Golf Course, located at 1000 Country Club Road in Marion, Virginia. This year’s theme, “Black and White,” promises an elegant evening of dinner, dancing, music and a silent auction — all to support a meaningful cause. Funds raised during the gala will directly support the Changing Lives Through Healthcare Scholarships, which are awarded to Smyth County residents pursuing careers in clinical healthcare. The Smyth County Community Foundation will generously match all funds raised during the event, doubling the impact for aspiring healthcare professionals in the region. “The HealthTrust Gala is more than an evening of fun and celebration — it’s an opportunity to invest in our community’s future,” said Gary Peacock, chairman of the Smyth County Community Hospital board of directors. “By supporting the…

Foundation
System Updates
System Updates

Excellence Awards: Get to know our judges!

The Ballad Health quality team is thrilled to celebrate the highly anticipated return of the Excellence Awards after a five-year hiatus. The prestigious, invitation-only awards banquet will be held later this month, recognizing the incredible work and dedication of our teams who submitted improvement projects. After careful evaluation, our esteemed panel of judges has completed its review of the submitted projects. These judges, leaders in their fields, bring a wealth of expertise and insight to the selection process. Read on to learn more about the exceptional individuals who helped make this year’s awards possible. Abraham Segres VP of Quality and Patient Safety and Executive Director for the Center of Healthcare Excellence Abraham Segres was born in South Carolina and lives in Richmond, Virginia. He works in healthcare and loves travelling with his wife. His top book recommendation is The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey. He has a family cat named Elby….

System Updates
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Reminder: Epic upgrade scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12; here’s what you need to know

Ballad Health will do an upgrade to our Epic electronic health record (EHR) on Wednesday, Feb. 12, starting at 1:30 a.m. Epic users will experience a scheduled Epic downtime of up to two hours as the new August 2024 version of Epic is applied. Leading up to the event, Epic users will experience limitations with various Epic features beginning Friday, Feb. 7, at 5 p.m. Click here for more information on the system freeze. About the downtime Epic will not be completely offline during the downtime window, but will be placed in a “read only” status, so information can’t be entered into Epic during this downtime period. Ballad Health IT will notify users when the downtime period has ended through an IT “All Clear” notification. NOTE: A system build freeze for non-emergent Epic changes will go into effect starting Wednesday, Feb. 5, at noon, lasting until Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. (See a special note…

IT & Epic
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Important info on tuition reimbursement, scholarships for Ballad Health team members

Ballad Health supports the continuing professional education and career development of our team members by offering tuition reimbursement and scholarships for specific organizational need programs. AS A REMINDER: New tuition reimbursement applications for the upcoming fiscal year (programs that start after July 1, 2025) are being accepted through Feb. 28, 2025. Those previously approved for tuition do not have to reapply. Tuition reimbursement Existing team members who wish to pursue a higher level of professional education may receive up to $2,500 a calendar year in tuition reimbursement with attainment of eligible grades. Active RNs with an associate degree may receive tuition reimbursement for the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This year, tuition reimbursement will be limited to: Nursing (RN, LPN, phlebotomist and CNA) Certified medical assistant Surgical tech Cardiovascular tech Diagnostic imaging (all modalities) Medical lab technologist Respiratory therapist For a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or IT Masters Business Administration (MBA) …

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Cardiovascular Summit coming up Feb. 22 at Bristol Regional Medical Center

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The 19th annual Ballad Health Cardiovascular Summit has a new location but will continue to provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in diagnosing, treating and managing cardiovascular disease. Bristol Regional Center’s Monarch Auditorium and Conference Center, located at 1 Medical Park, Bristol, will be the new home of the event, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22,, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register or learn more about the event, please visit https://etsu.cloud-cme.com/default.aspx. Hosted by Ballad Health in collaboration with East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Continuing Education for Professionals, this summit will showcase a roster of renowned local and national experts in cardiovascular care. The conference will be a hybrid, offering the option for in-person and virtual learning. Registration cost is $60 for providers and $50 for Ballad Health team members and residents. It is tailored for healthcare professionals, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical residents,…

System Updates
Foundation
Foundation

Updates coming to how team members can give to Ballad Health Foundation

Along with the HR & Payroll Service Center refresh that goes into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the way you sign up and change your Ballad Health Foundation giving is also getting a refresh. You will now be able to make payroll deduction gifts to the Ballad Health Foundation directly through Employee Space (HR & Payroll Service Center). Simply click the link to Foundation Team Member Giving to: Learn about the Ballad Health Foundation and its mission. Sign up to give, edit/cancel/reallocate your current payroll deduction gift. Explore where donation money goes and how it impacts our community. Access FAQs about the Foundation and team member giving. Review your past giving history. This new functionality makes it simple to support initiatives that matter to you – all through the convenience of a payroll deduction. Ballad Health Foundation will be hosting a team member giving “push” during the month of April. However, you can now sign…

Foundation
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Exciting updates coming to the HR & Payroll Service Center

We’re excited to announce that on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the HR & Payroll Service Center is getting a refresh! Our goal is to improve the user experience and modernize our human resources platforms, ensuring they meet your needs and are easy to use. While the functionality you rely on will largely stay the same, this update will provide the platform with a fresh new look – a “new coat of paint,” if you will – making it even easier to navigate and use. Resources and support To ensure you have all the tools you need, we’ve created a comprehensive resource page with tip sheets covering all the functions of the HR & Payroll Service Center. Click here to access these tip sheets and familiarize yourself with the updated system. We hope these enhancements make your experience even better as you manage your personal and professional information, review your benefits and leave balances, and access payroll…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Mask mandate, visitation precautions have been lifted, effective Wednesday, Jan. 22

The masking requirements and enhanced visitation restrictions that have been in place at Ballad Health since Jan. 2 have been lifted, effective Wednesday, Jan. 22. Facilities can now return to normal masking and visitation protocols. These precautions had required Ballad Health team members and allied healthcare providers to wear a mask in patient care areas and during any patient interactions, and had limited visitation to patients, as per our Enhanced Visitation Restriction policy. Upon re-evaluating regional flu data and our staffing situation, we’ve determined it is safe to lift these temporary safety measures. This applies to all hospitals and outpatient care sites, including all Ballad Health Medical Associates offices and long-term care facilities. NOTE: For team members with flu shot exemptions, masking is still required during high flu spread, as per Ballad Health policy. While the situation has improved across the region, we continue to see flu, norovirus and COVID cases, practicing normal infection prevention…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Ballad Health celebrates opening of new Center for Early Learning in Kingsport

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Ballad Health started the new year off strong with the opening of its ninth Center for Early Learning – the most recent of six new centers to open since the childcare expansion plan was announced in 2022, and the first new center to open in Kingsport. The Ballad Health Center for Early Learning in Kingsport offers much-needed childcare for Kingsport-area families almost every weekday of the year. The new center serves approximately 80 children and is part of the health system’s broader initiative to invest up to $37 million to establish new childcare capacity across the region. The expanded access to quality childcare will reduce significant barriers for working families while also ensuring more children enter kindergarten ready to learn. “It’s hard to believe that since this initiative began, we’ve more than tripled our childcare capacity for our team members and families in the community,” said Anthony Keck, chief population health officer…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health announces new Center for Urological Services to serve Southwest Virginia

New Quillen Center, made possible by generous $1 million gift, will focus on improving access for a specialty that faces severe national urologist shortages as increasing numbers retire ABINGDON, Va. – According to the American Urological Association, 60% of counties in the United States lack a practicing urologist, a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract and reproductive system. Additionally, the existing urology workforce is aging with about 30% of the workforce being age 65 or older, and half being over the age of 55. The shortage of urologists is worse in rural and non-urban communities. Only 7% of younger urologists under the age of 45 are practicing outside of metropolitan areas, meaning that absent a focused effort, access will continue to deteriorate in these communities. This new center is made possible through a gift of $1 million from Mike and Debbie Quillen for the purpose of establishing the center,…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Balladeers celebrated the holidays in a big way in December!

The Balladeer Children’s Program celebrated the holiday season in December with the annual Jingle and Mingle event! The Balladeer program, a free benefit for Ballad Health employees, is intended to strengthen family bonds and relationships among our Ballad Health family. Activities include visits to area attractions, picnics in local parks, holiday celebrations and activities, sports activities, discount tickets for attractions or events, treats, take-home projects and much more. Jingle and Mingle The event was held at MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center in Kingsport. The venue was adorned with floor-to-ceiling backdrops, beautiful Christmas trees, poinsettias on every table, and red and green lights. We appreciate The Ballad Health Foundation for allowing us to use the decorations after The Night of Hope and Miracles! More than 650 people attended this event, making it one of our biggest events of the year! The event included a buffet-style meal, crafts, face painting and a gift for each child…

HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Introducing B Excellent: A Journey to Excellence

This message was emailed to all team members from HR, on behalf of the B Excellent Steering Committee, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Dear Colleague: We are thrilled to introduce B Excellent, an exciting opportunity for all of us to learn together how we can be the best we can be for our patients and for all those who rely upon our skills. B Excellent is powered by Practicing Excellence, a proven partner in helping healthcare professionals improve connectivity with patients, improve collaboration with colleagues, and become more effective leaders. B Excellent is a comprehensive, skill-building exercise that has successfully impacted team member well-being, patient experience and culture wherever it has been utilized. Why are we doing this? At Ballad Health, we aspire to foster a sense of pride in our work, our mission, and our communities while creating a culture that supports all of us achieving our best potential. Through B Excellent, we embrace this vision by…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Construction begins on Indian Path Community Hospital’s main entrance and lobby

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The final phase of Indian Path Community Hospital’s $8 million renovation project has officially started with construction underway on the hospital’s main entrance and lobby. This project will complete the comprehensive updates to the hospital, which have already transformed the Barbara Humphreys Family Birth Center into a state-of-the-art facility. During this phase, the hospital’s main entrance will be closed, and all visitors and patients will be rerouted to enter the hospital through the emergency department entrance. To assist with navigation, temporary barriers will mark construction areas, and clear wayfinding signage will be placed both outside and inside the building. “This renovation is an important milestone for Indian Path Community Hospital, and we are thrilled to see the final phase of this ambitious project take shape,” said Dwight Owens, administrator and chief operating officer of Indian Path Community Hospital. “The new lobby, which will be named in honor of Eastman Credit Union, will…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Get to know more of our new clinicians across the system

Dr. Sean Forrest joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute in Kingsport KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Sean Forrest, MD, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. At Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute, Dr. Forrest offers a broad range of services and treatments, including valve repair/replacement, atrial fibrillation, bronchoscopy, coronary artery bypass and lung resection. “Patients deserve the highest level of respect, and it’s a privilege to guide them,” Dr. Forrest said. “By taking the time to listen and understand their priorities, we can make informed decisions about their care together.” Dr. Forrest earned his medical degree from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He also completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga and a fellowship in thoracic surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is certified by the American…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Leadership update: Waye, Halstenson, Chadwell selected to new positions

Dixie Waye named chief nursing officer for Behavioral Health Services Dixie Waye, RN, has been named chief nursing officer (CNO) for Ballad Health Behavioral Health Services. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving this vulnerable population. Waye is passionate about reducing stigma by educating healthcare professionals, organizations, and the community regarding mental healthcare and services. She has been serving as the interim CNO of Behavioral Health Services since October. Prior to stepping into the interim position, Waye was director of quality, accreditation and education for Behavioral Health Services. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the development of quality monitors and dashboards tailored for behavioral health, as well as preparing units and outpatient locations for accreditation in both Virginia and Tennessee. Waye began her healthcare career in 1996 as a charge nurse at Woodridge Hospital. Through the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including director…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Bug of the Month for January: Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Did you know there are more than 1,400 known species of human pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa? Each month, our Ballad Health infection prevention team is highlighting one of those pathogens that you might encounter in your work. See what you know, or can learn, about these “bugs” through our “Bug of the Month” series! This month, we’re spotlighting mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria that can cause chest colds and “walking pneumonia,” among other infections. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist. Click here to see the flier below in PDF format.

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Organizational Development again offering ‘Choose Your Adventure’ series of classes starting in January

During the first half of 2025, Ballad Health will offer a series of career development and training classes called “Choose Your Adventure.” These classes can help people get along better, improve engagement, manage change, build trust and generally create a happier workplace. The classes are appropriate for all Ballad Health team members, from frontline to leadership, and they are being offered “a la carte” – in other words, all sessions are optional. You can take any or all of these classes, which are offered as a mix of in-person and webinar sessions. Among the topics offered are: Conflict Resolution Time Management Civility in the Workplace Creating a Culture … (with different classes covering engagement, trust, change management, results) Personality Discovery Team Dynamics Communicating for Success One topic will be covered each month from January through June. Other key facts about the “Choose Your Adventure” series: Topics will be offered in both a live, in-person classroom…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Final reminder on verifying, updating W2 info

This message is from Ballad Health’s payroll department. It’s W2 time! You can help us ensure you get an accurate, timely W2 by logging onto the HR & Payroll Service Center located on the Ballad Health intranet main page and taking a few minutes to do the following: Verify your Social Security Number. Making sure we have the correct Social Security Number ensures your wages are reported accurately. Verify your address. Making sure we have an accurate address ensures you get important information in a timely fashion. Review your tax withholding. You may update your tax withholding via the HR & Payroll Service Center at any time. Authorize eW2s. Authorizing your eW2 is a simple way to ensure you get your W2 as quickly as possible. There are just a few more days to update your W2 information. Thank you for taking the time to verify or update your info!

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Dr. Jesse Sulzer selected to serve as CMO of Johnston Memorial, Russell County and Smyth County Community hospitals

ABINGDON, Va.  – Ballad Health has selected Dr. Jesse Sulzer, a seasoned physician leader with expertise in operational, clinical and strategic healthcare leadership, to serve as the chief medical officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital, Russell County Hospital and Smyth County Community Hospital, effective December 2024. In his new role, Dr. Sulzer oversees the clinical operations of those three hospitals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and enhancing patient outcomes. He is responsible for implementing and maintaining clinical quality standards, supporting medical staff and collaborating with teams across departments to drive operational efficiency and strategic growth. Dr. Sulzer also leads efforts to advance physician engagement and development, foster multidisciplinary collaboration and support the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional care to the community. “I am extremely excited and honored to join this team as chief medical officer,” said Dr. Sulzer. “The three hospitals have a strong history of serving Southwest Virginia with excellence, and I am committed…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health hospitals launch ‘No One Leaves Hungry,’ a food box distribution program for patients facing food insecurity

As part of Ballad Health’s mission to address health disparities, the “No One Leaves Hungry” initiative ensures that all Ballad Health hospitals now facilitate food box distribution for patients with food insecurities. This program aligns with The Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals and offers healthy food boxes containing nutritious, shelf-stable items to support patients experiencing food insecurity. Program overview The No One Leaves Hungry Initiative is available to any patient who has disclosed food insecurity. Inpatients are screened for health-related social needs using a CMS-verified tool administered by case managers or nursing staff. Our aim is to ensure that no patient leaves our facility without access to food. Team members can distribute food boxes based on the patient’s household size and needs. Leadership and oversight Each hospital has a health equity lead who works closely with Population Health to ensure efficient processes, such as proper storage, reordering and documentation of food box distribution. Storage…

System Updates
Leadership profile
Leadership profile

Paula Masters: The long and winding road

To showcase our leaders across Ballad Health, we’re doing a series of profiles to help team members across our organization, and people throughout the community, get to know them a little better. We hope you’ll take the time to read about these hardworking and talented people to learn what they do with Ballad Health, what they enjoy doing outside of work and what inspires them in life! The way Paula Masters figures, she didn’t choose her career. It chose her. Paula never planned her precise route, but every turn she made nudged her in the same direction – toward public health. Now, as Ballad Health’s first chief health disparities officer, Paula works to reduce health inequities – differences in health outcomes tied to social, economic or environmental disadvantages – throughout the system’s service area. A product of Hancock County, one of the poorest counties in Tennessee and the country, Paula has dedicated her life to…

Leadership profile
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health provides update on negotiations with Cigna Healthcare

New agreement with Cigna expands access in Appalachian Highlands JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Ballad Health announced today it has reached an agreement with Cigna Healthcare for new agreements that ensure in-network access for consumers covered by Cigna to all Ballad Health hospitals, facilities and physicians. These new agreements apply to Cigna Commercial plans (employer and individual coverage), Cigna Connect (Marketplace Exchange) and Evernorth (behavioral health).  Ballad Health previously announced that the Cigna Medicare Advantage product has also been extended, ensuring access for seniors who have chosen Cigna products. Any care currently being provided, and any newly scheduled care or procedure, will be provided as “in-network” without any disruptions.  As an additional outcome of the current negotiation, all hospitals and physicians previously associated with Wellmont Health System will now be considered “in-network” for the Cigna Connect (Marketplace Exchange) product effective March 1, 2025, which expands access to more medical providers available to the community. Currently, they are…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Update on progress in the expansion of Niswonger Children’s Hospital

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The vertical expansion of Niswonger Children’s Hospital is in full swing and the addition of two new floors is taking shape. Once completed, the new floors will house the newest neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in both Tennessee and Virginia. The space is designed with family-friendly features, including all private rooms and additional areas to support comprehensive treatment. The new NICU will feature: 22 private rooms on each floor 4 double rooms 1 procedure room on each floor Milk lab for breastfeeding moms Up to 48 additional beds Construction teams recently began the exterior enveloping process to seal the new hospital walls an – exciting construction milestone! The new roof is nearly complete, and the existing roof demolition will take place in late January. The $30 million Hope Rising Campaign to fund the expansion project was first announced in March 2022, with an overall goal to expand and enhance facilities and…

System Updates
HR & Benefits
HR & Benefits

Balladeers were busy in November as we entered the holiday season!

The Balladeer Children’s Program have been enjoying a busy holiday season, with a November full of fun activities. Christmas season is upon us and the Balladeers are ready! The Balladeer program, a free benefit for Ballad Health employees, is intended to strengthen family bonds and relationships among our Ballad Health family. Activities include visits to area attractions, picnics in local parks, holiday celebrations and activities, sports activities, discount tickets for attractions or events, treats, take-home projects and much more. Here’s a roundup of the activities the Balladeer Children’s Program enjoyed during November. Be sure to check out the video link to their Christmas caroling! November events Balladeer painting event – About 30 of our older Balladeers participated. Their artwork will be on display at the Johnson City Medical Center and Niswonger Children’s Hospital. The Balladeer Children’s Program was able to work with local artist Spenser Brenner, Reece Museum exhibition coordinator, in creating artwork that encompasses…

HR & Benefits
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health transitioning to Andor for virtual visits, providing a better video visit experience for patients and clinicians

Ballad Health is switching to a new virtual visit video platform, Andor, on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The Andor solution provides a significant improvement to the user experience both for the clinician and the patient. As we expand our telemedicine services across the system, this will support our expansion and sustain our service for the long term. Improvements to our video visits include: Improved connectivity and fewer connectivity issues Compatibility with any browser Integration with Epic, so clinicians can set up and complete a video visit on a single screen Accessibility from any Ballad Health device (not the thin clients) Online consents for patients, streamlining the consent process * If using VDI on a Ballad Health device, please open a ticket with IT to have the computer set up for telemedicine. If you experience any audio or video issues, please contact the IT Service Desk Helpline since you may be in VDI. This transition will especially…

System Updates
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health adds Ion robotic surgery units to BRMC and HVMC, expanding robotic surgery capabilities for lung cancer detection

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Ballad Health continues to lead in advanced surgical care with the addition of Ion robotic-assisted surgery systems at Bristol Regional Medical Center and Holston Valley Medical Center. The Ion system represents a groundbreaking platform for minimally invasive lung biopsies, empowering physicians to detect lung cancer sooner through a more precise approach. This innovative technology uses an ultra-thin, highly maneuverable robotic catheter to navigate previously unreachable parts of the lung and retrieve tissue samples for analysis. Leveraging CT scan data, the Ion system generates a 3D image of the patient’s lungs, mapping out intricate branches and nodules for more targeted biopsies. “Introducing the Ion robotic surgery platform at Bristol Regional Medical Center marks another step forward in our mission to bring the highest level of healthcare innovation to our community,” said John Jeter, CEO of Bristol Regional and Johnston Memorial. “With lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer death, early detection…

System Updates
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Opportunity for physicians, APPs: Develop next-level Epic skills by becoming a Smart User

There’s a great new way to improve your Epic efficiency – become a Smart User! Previously referred to as Power Users, Smart Users are certified clinicians with next-level Epic skills. Any physicians and APPs with access to the Ballad Health Epic system are welcome and encouraged to become Smart Users. The SmartUser Program consists of eight core courses that will lead you deeper into maximizing your use of Epic and unlocking all its functionality. Doing so can save you time and effort in your daily workflow and open up new options in handling patient care and collaborating with your peers. Once you complete the course, you will receive a Smart User badge and four citizenship points for BHMA. The hour-long classes are completely free, virtual and can be completed as convenient to your schedule. Some of the benefits include: Increased efficiency – Smart Users report saving an average of almost an hour a week per…

IT & Epic
Policies
Policies

As cold weather arrives, here’s a reminder about Ballad Health’s class cancelation policy

Clinical Education, Organizational Development (OD) and Epic have an INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR CLASSES (OD-100-007-BH). The policy was created out of concern for team members attempting to travel to classes when road conditions are potentially unsafe. Team members will be notified of the decision to cancel educational classes via the Ballad Teams team member app on their phones, and at Balladhealthnews.org. In the event of bad weather, team members should check these two resources to receive the most up-to-date communication concerning schedule changes. An announcement about class cancelation will be posted to Ballad Health News as soon as possible after the decision is made, and an accompanying notification will be sent out through the Ballad Teams app, linking to the announcement. Important note on Ballad Teams app You must have the Ballad Teams mobile app downloaded to your phone, and have your notifications turned on, to receive the notification. If you do not have Ballad Teams on…

Policies
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Make Epic better: Check out how our GRoSS initiative has made a difference so far, and how you can take advantage of it

What is GRoSS? Get Rid of the Stupid Stuff (GRoSS) is a Ballad Health initiative to improve the efficiency of our Epic electronic health system by identifying anything in Epic that is poorly designed, unnecessary or nonsensical. The best part is that you, our Epic users, get to choose the items that get evaluated by quickly and easily submitting issues as you find them. This helps us focus on the “stupid stuff” in Epic that you are dealing with the most. How to submit The link to submit an issue is posted in several convenient locations so you can easily submit items as you find them. It takes less than a minute to complete the form, and you can find it in the following locations: Epic Learning Home Dashboard: LHD Menu Epic Education Site: Main Menu Ballad Health intranet: Quick Links Ballad Health ServiceNow Portal: Quick Links Ballad Teams App: Resources Page While some of…

IT & Epic
Compliance
Compliance

A look at Ballad Health’s Compliance Program

For Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week (Nov. 3-9), we take a look at Ballad Health’s compliance program and what resources they provide to our team members. Corporate Compliance is the dedicated function responsible for administering the Compliance Program. The team consists of compliance professionals with a variety of expertise including an RN, certified coders, certified HIPAA privacy and security specialist, and other subject matter experts in healthcare rules and regulations. Their areas of focus include acute/post-acute services coding/billing, provider coding/billing, nondiscrimination, regulatory requirements and HIPAA privacy and security. What makes an effective compliance program? Standards and procedures Education and training Monitoring and auditing Reporting and investigating Response and prevention Enforcement and discipline Compliance oversight Ballad Health’s Compliance Plan includes all of these elements and is governed by the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board. To assist with our compliance efforts across the organization, facility compliance coordinators (FCCs) have been named at each facility. The…

Compliance
System Updates
System Updates

Ballad Health Pharmacy now offering home delivery of medications

Ballad Health Pharmacy is taking steps to be more accessible and convenient. We now offer mail delivery service so your medications can be delivered directly to your door. It’s easy to enroll: Call 423-926-6154 and ask to register for mail delivery service. Pharmacy staff will do the rest. Mail delivery service is available for all team members’ residential locations. Team members and covered dependents are eligible for multiple benefits and discounts at Ballad Health Pharmacy, including: If you are enrolled in Ballad Health’s diabetes program, you can receive certain medications such as insulin, Rybelsus, Jardiance and Ozempic for free. If you have a Ballad Health insurance plan, you can also receive free preventive medications. The list includes medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma, COPD and much more – including inhalers such as Symbicort, Advair, Breo and Combivent; and brand-name drugs such as Effient, Xarelto and Premarin/Prempro. Click here to see the whole list on the HR…

System Updates
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Don’t Fall for It: QR codes and safe scanning

QR codes have become a common, convenient way to access links quickly or manage cash transfers, but they also offer cybercriminals another method of delivering attacks. QR codes could be a trap Because you don’t know where a QR code will take you before you scan it, it’s easy for criminals to create QR codes that take you to unsafe links or download dangerous apps. Cybercriminals may: Pose as someone else online, posting malicious QR codes on social media Leave enticing signs, stickers or posters with malicious QR codes in public areas Replace or cover up legitimate QR codes with malicious ones How to scan safely Check for tampering before scanning a QR code. If it looks like someone put a sticker over another sticker, or if something seems out of place, don’t scan it. If you’re in a place of business, like a restaurant, check with an employee to ensure a code hasn’t been…

IT & Epic
System Updates
System Updates

Check out our Mission Moment Dashboard and share inspiring stories

Did you know there’s a place you can share inspiring team member moments you’ve witnessed? If you’ve seen someone embody Ballad Health’s values recently, please share the story on the Mission Moment Dashboard! This is a place to collect and discover moments of team members living out Ballad Health’s mission: to honor those we serve by delivering the best possible care. You can submit a Mission Moment yourself at this link, or you can submit through your manager. You’ll also find the link on the home page of the Ballad Teams app and under the intranet Quick Links as HRO Mission Moment Form. Whether or not you have a story to submit yet, you can view and enjoy the growing collection of mission moments here. To view the dashboard, you will need to create a Smartsheet account with your Ballad Health email – an easy process that just takes a minute. Going forward, if you…

System Updates
IT & Epic
IT & Epic

Don’t Fall for it: Recognizing charity scams in the wake of a disaster

It’s a sad truth that there are people who seek to use tragic events to their advantage. Cybercriminals may try to prey on people’s increased sense of urgency or compassion following a major event or natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. But just knowing a few safeguards can protect you from further harm during an already difficult time. How to detect and defend against disaster scams The key to avoiding these scams is to be suspicious of anyone who reaches out to you. The greater the sense of urgency, the more likely the request is an attack. Here are some of the most common indicators of a charity scam: Be very suspicious of any charity that requires that you donate via cryptocurrency, Western Union, wiring money or gift cards. Cyber criminals can change their caller ID phone number to make their phone call look like it’s from your local area code or from a trusted name….

IT & Epic