Emory Johns Creek Hospital

EJCH Recognized for Excellence in Lab Services

2008-06-23T10:14:00.001-04:00

Emory Johns Creek Hospital has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the superior results of their most recent inspection. “Not all labs are CAP accredited,” explained Laurie Hansen, director of laboratory services at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. “The CAP survey is voluntary and its standards are far more stringent than the federal inspection process,” said Hansen.

During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the each facet of the laboratory’s records including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, blood bank, pathology and microbiology. Standards for each area include proficiency, quality control, computer services, personnel, safety, manuals and validation, as well as overall management of the laboratory. Emory Johns Creek is one of only 6,000 CAP accredited laboratories nationwide.

“Commitment to excellence is something you hear a lot about – here at Emory Johns Creek, that commitment is part of our daily mission, and it is reflected in honors like this from CAP. Our laboratory does an extraordinary job providing clinical excellence on a daily basis,” said Kavita Narayan, chief operating officer at the hospital.

EJCH Leads the Way in New Anesthesia Options

2008-06-11T13:02:00.002-04:00

EMORY JOHNS CREEK LEADS THE WAY IN NEW ANESTHESIA OPTIONS

Johns Creek, GA – Anesthesiologists at Emory Johns Creek Hospital have access to new technology in anesthesia and pain relief, making the hospital the first in the area to offer such advanced alternatives. Many patients fear surgery because of the side effects commonly associated with anesthesia. Nausea, vomiting and pain can linger well after a surgery is over, extending recovery times. Ultrasound guided nerve block technology provides physicians a way to deliver anesthesia that is swift and precise by allowing doctors to see the neural anatomy with high resolution ultrasound images. “We are very happy to be able to offer this alternative to our surgeons and patients,” said Michael Garrett, MD, director of anesthesiology at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. “This is truly cutting edge technology and will provide multiple benefits for our patients.”

The new procedure is a great alternative for orthopaedic and vascular patients because it allows precision placement of nerve blocking medication, helping to minimize and even eliminate the need for narcotics. “Narcotics used in anesthesia are the number one culprit for patients experiencing nausea and headaches after surgery,” said Garrett. “This method gives us the tools we need to make sure the patient is free of pain. Patients experience no nausea, heal faster, are on their feet and headed home sooner.”

Conventionally, nerve blocking anesthesia is delivered to the nerves based on what anesthesiologists know about the anatomy of our nervous system. But bodies differ, and nerves can be in slightly different locations based on a patient’s size, age and previous injury or surgery histories. “The great thing about the new technology is that now, we can see exactly where the nerve is – no question,” said Garrett. The procedure is ideal for patients who, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to tolerate traditional, narcotic anesthesia.

“Bringing this level of technology to Johns Creek and the surrounding communities is so very central to our mission. We are very proud to be able to offer world class care and serve as leaders in the healthcare communities we serve,” said John Quinlivan, chief executive officer of the hospital.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, hotel-like setting. Services include emergency care, state-of-the-art all digital imaging including a 64 slice CT, The Birth Place with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 24-hour anesthesiologists, intensive care, advanced cardiac care, rehabilitation services and women’s services. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is home to the Atlanta Bariatric Center, designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

EJCH Physician Featured at Forum

2008-06-11T12:58:00.001-04:00

Johns Creek, GA - Jacqueline Pearson, MD, is the keynote speaker at the Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives: Women Healthcare Executives forum on June 4 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta. Dr. Pearson, a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, will lead the forum’s topic, “Ladies Only: Doing it All, Doing it Well and Keeping Your Sanity.”

“We know that today’s women are faced with many challenges as they balance careers and families,” said Kavita Narayan, board member of the Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives and chief operating officer of Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

Dr. Pearson is board certified in internal medicine and her special interests include the treatment of osteoporosis, perimenopause, thyroid disorders, diabetes and heart disease. “With so much emphasis being placed on striving for work-life balance, Dr. Pearson brings not only excellent clinical expertise, but also that of a woman engaged in balancing her own career and family life,” said Narayan. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Pearson on staff at our hospital and we are honored to have her represent us at this event.”

Asian Health Fairs Slide Show

2008-05-28T18:08:00.002-04:00

A slideshow from our Asian Health Fairs, held May 17 and 18 in observance of Pacific Asian American Heritage Month at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

2008-05-15T09:06:00.001-04:00

Emory Johns Creek Hospital Participates in Georgia Hospital Price Check Initiative

Johns Creek, GA - When it comes to healthcare, most of us are not really sure about what hospitals charge for their services or procedures. Typically, insurance has covered the majority of the costs. Insurance plans have changed dramatically and now include many more options for consumers that help lower their annual premiums. As a result, consumers are becoming far more aware of the costs associated with healthcare – and in some cases shopping around for the best bargains.

Members of the Georgia Hospital Association are supporting the consumer-driven healthcare initiatives outlined by Governor Sonny Perdue’s plan to modernize Medicaid in Georgia. Emory Johns Creek Hospital participates by providing pricing information for a variety of its services and procedures to be posted on its website, GAHospitalPriceCheck.org. “We want to help health care consumers make the best health care choices possible,” said John Quinlivan, CEO and president of Emory Johns Creek Hospital, “regardless of their insurance coverage circumstances.”

“We were surprised, recently, to learn that our self-pay pricing for labor and delivery services is the best in the area,” said Quinlivan, “particularly since we are noted for our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and five-star hotel like amenities.” Patients are becoming more aware of the costs associated with their healthcare, and many have incentives to find ways to control those costs. Emory Johns Creek has responded by offering self-pay packages for a variety of services. “More patients are becoming savvy shoppers when it comes to healthcare and taking advantage of self-pay plans when they are under insured.”

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, hotel-like setting. Services include emergency care, state-of-the-art all digital imaging including a 64 slice CT, The Birth Place with Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 24-hour anesthesiologists, intensive care, advanced cardiac care, rehabilitation services and women’s services. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is home to the Atlanta Bariatric Center, designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

For more information, please visit emoryjohnscreek.com.

Emory Johns Creek Offers Safe Sitter Babysitting Classes

2008-05-06T13:05:00.003-04:00

Emory Johns Creek Hospital will hold babysitting classes this summer, beginning Saturday, June 21. Instructors from EJCH will train young teens to care for younger children. “We are proud to be able to offer this nationally recognized program to the adolescents in our community,” said Johnel Reid, director of marketing for Emory Johns Creek Hospital. The classes are designed for children ages 11 to 13 and teach them how to handle emergencies when caring for children.

Topics covered include: what to do when a child chokes; safety for the sitter; how to get emergency help; babysitting business skills; basic child care skills; entertaining children and keeping them safe.

Class dates: Saturday, June 21; Saturday, July 19; and Saturday, August 2.
Class time: 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Fee: $65, includes manual, messenger bag with babysitting essentials
To register, call 678.474.8200

Safe Sitter® was founded in 1980 by Indianapolis pediatrician, Dr. Patricia A. Keener, after a nurse's 18-month-old choked to death while under the care of an adult sitter. In reflecting on her colleague's loss, Dr. Keener recognized the vulnerability of young children when cared for by unprepared child care providers. Since the first class in 1980, more than 450,000 young people have been trained through Safe Sitter®.

Safe Sitter® has attracted the attention of the media over the years. Dr. Keener has made numerous appearances on shows such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, and the John Walsh Show. Safe Sitter® articles are routinely featured in an array of periodicals including The New York Times, Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, and Sesame Street Magazine Parent's Guide, as well as various medical journals. Safe Sitter® has been recognized for excellence by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Emory Johns Creek Hospital is a 110-all private bed hospital in the heart of Johns Creek. It is known for its state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, hotel-like setting. Services include emergency/urgent care, state-of-the-art all digital imaging including a 64 slice CT, the Birth Center with level III neonatal intensive care unit, 24-hour anesthesiologists, intensive care, advanced cardiac care, and women’s services. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is home to the Atlanta Bariatric Center, designated a Center of Excellence by the American American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.

Emory Johns Creek Celebrates Pacific Asian American Heritage Month

2008-05-02T13:52:00.003-04:00

In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Emory Johns Creek Hospital will host a series of health fairs tailored to the Asian communities. “About twenty percent of our medical staff is comprised of physicians from Asian descent. And we know that our community is increasingly diverse,” said Alan Wang, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. “These health fairs give us an opportunity to provide screenings, activities and seminars that are geared specifically to the needs and interests of those communities.”

In addition to the health screenings and consultations with physicians, each health fair will feature a panel discussion, led by one of the staff physicians, for teenagers who are considering a future in medicine. “We know that many parents and their kids are interested in finding out what’s required to get into medical schools and pursue a career as a physician,” said Wang.

The series of fairs will feature Korean, Chinese and Indian physicians. “Reaching out to these communities as part of our own is one of the ways we continue to live up to our vision to be responsive to the needs of our growing community,” said John Quinlivan, CEO of the hospital.

A Power Tool for the Arteries - EJCH Doc Performs New Procedure

2008-04-29T08:21:00.002-04:00

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is one of only a few hospitals in the country to offer a revolutionary new procedure in the treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease. “The procedure is based, in part, on technology we’ve seen in cath lab settings for coronary blockages,” said Starla Longfellow, director of imaging services at the hospital.

Imagine a miniature device with a rotating blade, small enough to thread through a catheter. It tunnels to a blocked artery, located with a live x-ray and contrast dye. The blade spins and begins grinding away plaque. As the plaque particles break up, blood flows more freely from the heart to the legs and arms. The body easily absorbs the tiny particles with no need for further removal of the plaque.

The whole procedure, called an atherectomy, routinely takes 60-90 minutes in an outpatient setting. Patients not only experience significantly improved blood flow, but also may avoid the need for more invasive surgeries.

“As we remove the plaque, we often see a patient’s foot change color and feel it warm up,” says endovascular cardiologist Gregory Robertson, who performs the treatment at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Emory Crawford Long hospitals are among the first in the nation to offer the treatment to people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Affecting 8 to 12 million in the United States, PAD occurs when plaque builds up on the inside walls of the arteries, causing pain and numbness, impairing the ability to walk, increasing the chances of getting an infection, and, in extreme cases, leading to amputation. However, the condition can close an artery by 60% before any of these symptoms present themselves.

Another Emory Johns Creek cardiologist, Khusrow Niazi, was involved in the multi-center research study that first tested the safety and effectiveness of the new technology, which, unlike stents does not stretch the vessel wall. Twenty four patients at Emory Crawford Long underwent the procedure, which helped the FDA decide to approve the device.
Dr. Robertson will present a seminar on Peripheral Artery Disease at Belmont Village Senior Living at Johns Creek on May 6.

PAD PRIMER
If diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, what should you do? Greg Robertson, MD recommends lifestyle changes that can make a difference.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat a low-fat, low-sodium diet.
- Increase exercise under a doctor’s care.
- Manage health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
- Practice good foot and skin care by examining legs and feet every day and applying moisturizing cream to prevent dry skin.

Emory Johns Creek Hospital is known for its state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious, hotel-like setting. Services include emergency care, state-of-the-art all digital imaging including a 64 slice CT, the Birth Center with level III neonatal intensive care unit, 24-hour anesthesiologists, intensive care, advanced cardiac care, rehabilitation services and women’s services. Emory Johns Creek Hospital is home to the Atlanta Bariatric Center, designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.