The team member wellness program is an important part of Ballad Health’s benefits package. For those who select medical insurance through Ballad Health, there are significant savings on your premiums by participating in the voluntary wellness plan – which includes completing a health screening. We’ll be announcing the 2019 health screening dates this week, so be on the lookout – because this year’s schedule starts earlier than last year and also will finish up sooner. SCREENINGS START SOONER THIS YEAR Due to the timing of the merger, last year’s health screenings schedule started and finished later in the year than usual. This year you’ll have a longer period of time than last year to complete the screenings. They’ll start March 18 and will be offered through June 5 at locations across the system. The new rates will take effect July 1, 2019. HEALTH PLAN How do the different rates apply? More details are forthcoming about…

The Johnston Memorial Hospital Shamrock 4 Miler will take place Friday evening, March 15, in Abingdon, benefiting the Johnston Memorial Hospital Foundation. Ballad Health team members can get a $5 discount by using the code “BALLAD5” when they register online. To register, visit the race website at balladhealth.org/foundation-events/shamrock-4-miler.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Holston Valley Medical Center has been recognized nationally for its excellence in cardiac care. The hospital was recently named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson HealthTM. This is the fourth time Holston Valley has been recognized with this honor. Organizations do not apply or pay for this recognition or pay to promote their award for top performance. The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study uses 2016 and 2017 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, 2017 Medicare cost reports (2016 if 2017 reports were not available) and U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data published in the second quarter of 2018. Hospitals were scored in key value-based performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, wage- and severity-adjusted average cost per case and,…

Our “Kudos & Recognition” feature highlights team members and others from across Ballad Health who have earned honors, awards, professional certifications or done other notable things worth recognizing. If you know a team member who might qualify, email information to doug.janz@balladhealth.org. Rebekah Eichler honored with JMH’s quarterly DAISY Award ABINGDON, Va. – Rebekah Eichler, RN, was the third-quarter DAISY Award honoree at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Rebekah works as a shift leader in JMH’s outpatient surgery department. Her DAISY nomination included the following: “Rebekah arrives every single day ready to lead the team and ready to communicate with the patients and other families. She is always ready to jump in and help others when needed. Her attitude is one of a go-getter and a motivational leader. “Rebekah has a sense for those who are less fortunate or in need of assistance. She pays attention to detail in assessing patients, especially those in need. In the past…

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – An experienced leader with a servant’s heart has been named chief operating officer for Ballad Health’s Greene County market, which includes Laughlin Memorial and Takoma Regional hospitals and Laughlin Healthcare Center. Chris Miller began his new role in Greeneville in early February. “I am so excited that Chris joined our team because he fits so well into our culture,” said Tammy Albright, president of Ballad Health’s Greene County market. “Chris is an energetic leader with excellent technical skills and invaluable experience, but he also is an inspirational person who leads by example. He makes those who work with him better people. He raises the bar high for all of us.” In his new role as chief operating officer, Miller is responsible for several departments, including radiation oncology, lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, environmental services and dietary. Miller most recently served as associate administrator at Johnson City Medical Center, where he managed many of…

Photos from the Walk of Respect at Bristol Regional Medical Center for Sgt. Steven B. Hinkle of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. He died at the hospital from injuries received in a shooting on Saturday morning.  

Are you interested in being a model for a day, representing Ballad Health? We’re looking for team members who will pose for photos that we can use to help promote Ballad Health in our community. The photos will be used in Ballad Health direct mail pieces, wraps for elevators, yard signs and more. If you’re interested, check out the dates and locations listed below for photo shoots at our facilities. All team members are eligible, even if you’re not located at the facility where the photo shoots are scheduled, so if you’re at an outlying facility, just attend the photo shoot nearest you.

All office managers or team members who handle patient requests for medical records: Here’s a great resource for you! Join into this Webex on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at noon, hosted by our Ballad Health corporate audit and compliance services.  

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Ballad Health will be supporting the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Tri-Cities on April 13, 2019, in the fight against breast cancer. Registration is underway to participate in the 5K run or to make a donation, and we’re also asking team members to come up with the most creative name and theme for the Ballad Health tent at the Komen race. If you’ve got a great idea for the team name and theme, send it to Anne Godfrey, Ballad Health events coordinator, at anne.godfrey@balladhealth.org. Deadline to submit a name or theme is March 4. The event takes place April 13 at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, 300 W. Market St. The 5K run begins at 8 a.m. with a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk starting at 8:45 a.m. Note: Registration fees will increase after March 1, so register soon to get the early-bird registration rates! For more information, visit the Komen…