Top Stories

Ballad Health is updating its app to provide a more user-friendly experience and give users access to the latest MyChart features as they become available. The new app experience will be available starting today, Nov. 10. The app will have a different look and feel, but if you or your patients already use the Ballad Health app, there’s no need to download a new app or create a new MyChart account. Users will simply update the Ballad Health app they already have, and their MyChart account information will remain unchanged. Why it matters For patients, the update enables access to new MyChart features as they’re released, all within the app they already know. For team members, understanding the change will help you answer patient questions with confidence and reassure them that their MyChart account information is not changing. If you use the Ballad Health app for your own care, you’ll benefit from the same improvements….

It has come to our attention that letters sent by BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee to their TennCare (BlueCare) customers suggest their customers’ physicians may not be accessible in the unfortunate event that Ballad Health is no longer a part of the BlueCare Network.   This is not accurate.    Individuals who access their coverage through TennCare may choose another plan, and may, of course, keep their doctors. Ballad Health and our Ballad Health Medical Associates physicians have been, and remain, in-network with all other TennCare plans being offered in the region. These plans include UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee and Wellpoint Tennessee. Ballad Health continues to negotiate in good faith with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee with the goal of finding agreement in all plans, including commercial, exchange, Medicare Advantage and BlueCare. Anyone eligible for TennCare who receives their coverage through TennCare will not lose TennCare regardless of the outcome of these negotiations. If Ballad Health and…

NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members from Alan Levine, chairman and CEO, on Thursday, Nov. 5. Dear colleague, I am pleased to share that Ballad Health has reached a new, multi-year agreement with UnitedHealthcare, ensuring continued in-network access to our physicians, hospitals and services for people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage individual and Group Retiree plans. This is good news for our patients, particularly the seniors who count on us for care close to home. We appreciate UnitedHealthcare’s partnership in reaching an agreement that puts patients first. Meanwhile, negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee remain ongoing, with our current agreements set to expire Dec. 31, 2026. As we have throughout our longstanding relationship, we are working to reach a reasonable agreement that reflects the cost of providing care and protects access for patients. Any new agreement must also be sustainable for our hospitals and providers. If an agreement is not reached,…

Southern Comfort Bedding is holding a sale for team members in November, with 20% of all purchases benefiting the Ballad Health Auxiliary. The sale lasts from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 and team members have the option to use payroll deduction. Visit www.southerncomfortbedding.com and scroll to the bottom of the checkout screen to find options for payroll deduction for hospital employees. The Ballad Health Auxiliary is a nonprofit organization that supports our hospitals through gift shops, coffee shops and other fundraisers. Proceeds benefit our patients and their families. The auxiliary also oversees our volunteer services, including pet therapy, shuttle services, cancer care aid, hospice assistance and much more! Southern Comfort Bedding offers cooling sheets, beach and pool towels, comforters, bundles, cotton sheets, cooling pillows, bath towel sets and more. Orders are shipped directly to the buyer’s home. Payment options include payroll deduction, PayPal and credit/debit.

Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Jessica Jennings, FNP-C, joins Ballad Health Cancer Care in Abingdon, Marion MARION, Va. – Jessica Jennings, FNP-C, has joined Ballad Health Cancer Care – Abingdon, a department of Russell County Hospital, and Ballad Health Cancer Care – Marion, a department of Smyth County Community Hospital, where she will provide comprehensive oncology and hematology services. Jennings’ services include hematology, infusion therapy and oncology treatment, further expanding access to high-quality cancer care for patients across Southwest Virginia. “My interest in medicine was inspired by my mother, who always cared for family and friends during times of illness or hospitalization,” she said. “Watching her compassion and dedication to helping others influenced my desire to pursue a career in healthcare.” Jennings earned a family nurse practitioner degree and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from King University in Bristol. She is board-certified as a family nurse practitioner by…

Investments in team members, education and technology help strengthen workforce and improve care across the Appalachian Highlands The big picture: Ballad Health’s investment in its workforce has reduced its nursing turnover rate from 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic to below 12%. In a recent interview with Becker’s Hospital Review, Ballad Health Chairman and CEO Alan Levine shared how that shift has stabilized the system’s workforce, improved patient experience and strengthened its care for patients. By the numbers Why it matters Alan Levine on Ballad Health’s progress and priorities Building the workforce close to home Technology that supports patients and caregivers Learn more You can read Levine’s full interview with Becker’s Hospital Review here.

NOTE: This message was released at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. Ballad Health has identified and resolved a disruption affecting several of its software systems at facilities and Ballad Health Medical Associates clinics. Our Information Technology team has restored the software systems quickly and safely. Facility and Ballad Health Medical Associates teams will continue working directly with patients whose care may be affected or interrupted by the disruption. We are grateful to our team members, who responded with patience and an unwavering focus on caring for patients throughout the downtime, and we thank our patients, families and community for their patience and understanding. Patients who need assistance rescheduling an appointment or service should call 833-8-BALLAD (225523). Ballad Health’s Corporate Emergency Operations Center will remain activated to support the health system until 5 p.m.

Due to the systemwide outage affecting Epic and numerous other Ballad Health systems, the deadline for Excellence Awards project submissions has been extended to Tuesday, Nov. 3, at midnight. The previous deadline for submissions was today (Thursday, Oct. 29). If you’ve been involved in a performance improvement project at Ballad Health, this is your chance to be recognized. Click here to access the submission form. Note: You must be on a Ballad Health network device to access the submission link. You can also find the submission form on the Ballad Health intranet main page under “Quick Links” or by clicking the Excellence Awards banner at the top of the page. The awards event will take place in March of 2027. Resources to assist in submitting projects Resources are available to help team members understand what is required when submitting a Ballad Health Excellence Awards project. (You can find these documents on the Quality Department’s intranet…

Ballad Health has been, and remains, committed to negotiating in good faith with our long-term partner, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, to reach an updated provider agreement for its commercial, Exchange, TennCare and Medicare Advantage products while protecting access to care for the people, employers and communities we serve. Currently, Ballad Health also uses BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to provide administrative services for its own employees, who are self-insured by Ballad Health. Health systems across the country, including Ballad Health, are facing several imminent challenges, including: an increasing number of individuals leaving the insurance exchanges and becoming uninsured due to the elimination of enhanced premium subsidies by the federal government; major cuts to the Medicaid directed payment program for hospitals, which disproportionately impact rural regions, set to begin in January 2028 under the provisions of HR 1, otherwise referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”; rising inflationary costs of supplies and medications; and increased subsidies…

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The 23rd annual Diabetes Symposium will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. The event lasts from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Deadline for registration is Friday, Nov. 13. The event can be attended in person or virtually. Click here for more information or to register. Who should attend The event is designed for healthcare professionals seeking practical tools, evidence-based guidance and opportunities to connect with others dedicated to advancing diabetes care. Any interested physicians, nurse practitioners, registered and licensed practical nurses, physical therapists, registered dietitians, pharmacists and other health professionals are encouraged to participate. Registration Educational credits are available. See more details below on topics and speakers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The experiences of nurses and the essential role of empathy in healthcare took center stage Oct. 21 at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre during a special screening of “NURSE: Empathy Heals.” The documentary shares nurses’ personal stories, offering a closer look at the emotional demands of caregiving and the people behind patient care. The film is part of the Nurse Narratives Initiative (NNI), a collaboration led by East Tennessee State University (ETSU) that brings together StoryCollab, the ETSU College of Nursing, the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement and the ETSU Research Corporation, with support from Ballad Health. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chusy of Plan A Films, “NURSE: Empathy Heals” explores nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and the everyday challenges of patient care. Through accounts of grief, resilience, doubt, faith and compassion, the documentary examines what it means to care for others — and the importance of extending empathy to caregivers themselves. The…

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Niswonger Children’s Hospital celebrated the opening of a completely redesigned St. Jude Tri-Cities Affiliate Clinic, bringing a more comfortable experience for children receiving cancer treatment and their families. The renovations were fully funded through more than $550,000 in philanthropic support from local donors. Designed to create a welcoming, child-friendly environment, the clinic was updated to feature a safari theme, including a waterfall feature in the hallway. The renovations also added a self-service drink and snack station, a counseling room and a music therapy room, along with two extra-large exam rooms to accommodate larger families.   “We are so appreciative of our community. This is a project that was initiated when a local philanthropist simply observed a need and asked how they could help,” said Chris Jett, chief executive officer of Niswonger Children’s Network. “Without this clinic, families would have to travel outside the region, sometimes as far as Memphis, to get…

Over the next few months, the Ballad Health Research Institute will visit our hospitals to speak with team members and community members about its work and mission. The Research Institute supports, develops and oversees research across Ballad Health to advance scientific discovery, improve clinical outcomes and bring innovative therapies to patients in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Members of the team will have a table set up in the hospitals with information about their work, and they will be available to answer questions and engage with both team members and the community. Upcoming visits include: Visits will be scheduled at other Ballad Health hospitals in the new year. What does the Ballad Health Research Institute do? The institute coordinates clinical trials, ensures regulatory compliance, protects research participants and assists investigators across a wide range of medical and scientific studies. Research ensures that our patients are given access to the most advanced treatments and technologies available…

Congratulations to the latest graduates of Ballad Health’s Excellence in Leadership Program! This cohort brought together leaders from a wide variety of roles and backgrounds across the organization, creating a dynamic learning environment filled with thoughtful discussion, new perspectives and meaningful connections. Participants consistently challenged ideas, asked insightful questions and learned from one another throughout the program. One of the most memorable aspects of this group was the strong sense of community that developed along the way. What started as a classroom of colleagues quickly became a network of leaders supporting one another’s growth and success. Their sense of humor also brought a special energy to every session. Whether through shared laughter, lighthearted moments or friendly banter, this group reminded us that meaningful learning and genuine fun can go hand in hand. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to have on Ballad Health….

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, or something important in how we deal with 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, and about how we can prevent spread! This month, we’re spotlighting influenza, or the flu — the respiratory illness that gets its own season. We’re all familiar with the classic symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches, plus a few more. To combat the flu, team members should get their annual flu shots by Nov. 4, unless they have a medical exemption or religious accommodation. If you have questions or want more information, please reach out to your infection preventionist.

Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Johnson City Medical Center earn Get With The Guidelines® Awards JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The American Heart Association recognized three Ballad Health hospitals for excellence in stroke care in 2026. Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Johnson City Medical Center earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold quality recognition award, highlighting Ballad Health’s commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, comprehensive stroke care across the Appalachian Highlands. The Stroke Gold quality award is given to hospitals that demonstrate at least 85% compliance with seven key achievement measures for 24 consecutive months. “This award really spotlights the incredible team here in Kingsport,” said Kevin Rinks, CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center. “When it comes to stroke care, every second counts, and many moving parts must come together to ensure our patients get the lifesaving care they need. Providing this care…

Here are some of our latest clinicians to join Ballad Health: Sai Karthik Kommineni, MD, joins Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Johnson City JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Sai Karthik Kommineni, MD, has joined Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – Johnson City, a department of Johnson City Medical Center, where he will specialize in cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Kommineni’s services include preventive cardiology; treatment of acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias and rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension and valvular heart disease; dyslipidemia management; and cardiac imaging interpretation and consultation. “I believe in delivering evidence-based, compassionate care while treating every patient with respect and individuality,” he said. “My goal is to ensure patients feel heard, informed and confident in their care every step of the way.” Dr. Kommineni earned his medical degree from Siddhartha Medical College in Vijayawada, India. He completed an internal medicine residency and a fellowship in adult cardiovascular diseases at Quillen College of…

Becomes first integrated health system in Tennessee to receive national distinction The Big Picture: Ballad Health has been recognized as a Dr. Lorna Breen Wellbeing First Champion for 2026 by the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation. This designation recognizes healthcare organizations that support their clinicians’ mental well-being at a high level by eliminating intrusive mental health questions and stigmatizing language from licensing and credentialing applications. While a handful of freestanding facilities have received this distinction, Ballad Health is the first integrated health system in Tennessee to be recognized by the foundation. The background By the numbers Why it matters What leaders are saying “This achievement reflects the outstanding work of our Medical Staff Services team in partnership with the Medical Staff Services Committee of the Ballad Health Clinical Council,” said Dr. Amit Vashist, Ballad Health’s chief clinical officer. “Their thoughtful modernization of our credentialing processes supports both clinician well-being and patient safety. As a board-certified psychiatrist,…

September is Sepsis Awareness Month. This story, told by a Ballad Health team member, demonstrates how important it is to recognize the warning signs of sepsis and to act quickly. Sepsis can move frighteningly fast. Recognizing it early can mean the difference between life and death. Regina knows that better than most. She has watched sepsis threaten the lives of two people she loves — her 8-year-old son, Luke, and years later, her mother. Their experiences were different, but together they taught Regina a lesson she wants others to hear: Know the warning signs. Trust your instincts. And act quickly. For Regina, that lesson began with Luke. In 2003, Luke was an energetic 8-year-old playing football on a hot fall day during grandparents’ weekend. He came off the field complaining of a headache and not feeling well. At first, Regina thought he was just being an 8-year-old boy who didn’t want to play football. Then…