News from Piedmont Healthcare

Find Your Fit at Piedmont Healthcare’s Move ‘n Groove

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Free health screenings and education available to participants.

ATLANTA, Ga. (January 13, 2011)—According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, regular physical activity can lower your risk of coronary heart disease and decrease blood pressure. Piedmont Healthcare presents Move ‘n Groove, an interactive event for the whole family designed to help individuals add physical activity to their daily lives and achieve good heart health. The day includes physical activities, education, free health screenings, discussions with physicians, dance instruction and demonstration, door prizes and more. The event takes place Saturday, February 18, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at North Atlanta High School located at 2875 Northside Drive, N.W., in Atlanta, Ga.

“Staying physically active not only helps you maintain proper body weight, but it keeps the mind and body healthy,” said Randy Martin, M.D., a cardiologist with Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians and emcee of the event. “More importantly, daily activities such as walking, running, dancing and even gardening are essential to preventing heart disease and strokes.”

Also available are free COPD education and screenings, featuring lung health testing and the COPD Foundation’s COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung. The Shuttle is a 20-seat, state-of-the-art mobile motion simulator that immerses riders on a journey through the lungs to see the harmful effects of smoking. High-definition imagery, surround-sound audio and computer-driven motion control make the Shuttle a fun and memorable experience. During the multimedia ride, viewers traverse the globe in rapid sequence, learning of the toxic smoke, dust particles and chemical fumes that enter the lungs and cause progressive and often debilitating deterioration of lung function.

Participants will enjoy special performances and learn how to increase their heart rate withline dance, cha cha, swing, belly dancing and Zumba. Move ‘n Groove will also offer mini sports camps and Tai Chi as part of the program. Free health screenings and education will include blood pressure checks, cholesterol and glucose screenings, sleep health assessments, flu shots and much more. Piedmont physicians will also be on hand to answer a variety of health questions.
Admission to the event is once again free, however registration is suggested, visit piedmont.org/itsagirlthing.

Piedmont Hospital Calls on Atlanta Citizens for Blood Donations

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Piedmont Hospital hosts blood drive December 16.

ATLANTA, GA. (December 2, 2011)—The need for blood transfusions is far outpacing donations. In response to this nationwide need, Piedmont Hospital is hosting a blood drive on December 16. Convenient to residents of Buckhead and Midtown, the drive takes place at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the McRae Auditorium, in the 1984 building. North deck parking is complimentary.

Only about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and only a fraction of those eligible actually donate. If you qualify as a donor, Piedmont asks that you visit redcrossblood.org and schedule your appointment using the sponsor code “pied.” Your single donation could save up to three lives across the state.

All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

Donors must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must not have given blood in the last 56 days. Walk-ins are welcome; however appointments will be honored first. To schedule an appointment visit, redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code “pied.”

All donors receive a Piedmont t-shirt and will be automatically entered to win two Delta Airlines tickets from the American Red Cross.

COPD Shuttle Coming to Piedmont Hospital, free COPD screenings

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Participants will go on virtual journey inside human body to see the damage of smoking and air pollution on lung tissue.

ATLANTA, GA.(November 25, 2011)—In the U.S., 24 million Americans may have some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and as many as half of those people remain undiagnosed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COPD is also the third leading cause of death in the U.S. On Wednesday, November 30, Piedmont Hospital will host a free COPD awareness and screening event from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in front of the 35 Building on the hospital campus, featuring lung health testing and the COPD Foundation’s COPD Shuttle: Journey to the Center of the Lung.

The Shuttle is a 20-seat, state-of-the-art mobile motion simulator that immerses riders on a journey through the lungs to see the harmful effects of smoking. High-definition imagery, surround-sound audio and computer-driven motion control make the Shuttle a fun and memorable experience. During the multimedia ride, viewers traverse the globe in rapid sequence, learning of the toxic smoke, dust particles and chemical fumes that enter the lungs and cause progressive and often debilitating deterioration of lung function.

At this event, free COPD screenings will be provided by Piedmont Hospital’s respiratory therapy staff on a first-come, first-served basis.

About COPD
COPD is the only chronic disease growing in mortality, killing one individual every four minutes. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and adult onset (refractory) asthma. Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, and chronic coughing. For more information, please visit www.copdfoundation.org or call 1-866-316-COPD (2673).

Sleepless in Atlanta

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Chat Time: Nov 16, 2011 7:30 to 8:30

ATLANTA, GA (Nov. 3, 2011) – We all know that good sleep is essential to our health and well being – but many of us struggle to get quality ZZZZs. Do you have problems going to sleep or staying asleep? How much sleep is too little or too much? Are over-the-counter sleep aids safe? What’s the best way to treat restless legs, snoring, narcolepsy or parasomnias? Join our sleep experts for the discussion! You snooze, you lose.

Walter S. James, M.D.
Dr. James specializes in sleep medicine. A graduate of Tulane Medical School, he completed his residency at University Hospital in San Diego, California, and pulmonary fellowship at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He is board certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, critical care and internal medicine. Dr. James is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

Dr. James is the co-medical director of the Sleep Center at Piedmont Hospital and the Sleep Medicine Practice of the Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta, GA. He lectures on sleep disorders and provides ongoing educational lectures for medical professionals and the general public. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society, American Sleep Disorders Association, Southern Sleep Society, and is the founder of the Sleep Society of Atlanta and a founding member of the Georgia Association of Sleep Professionals. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he is married with two children.

Scott Leibowitz, M.D.
Dr. Leibowitz is board certified in Internal Medicine and boarded by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Sleep Medicine in the specialty of Sleep Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and a research and clinical sleep medicine fellowship at Stanford University.

Dr. Leibowitz is the co-medical director of the Sleep Center at Piedmont Hospital and the Sleep Medicine Practice of the Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta, GA. He is also currently a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University and is on faculty at the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine where he lectures on topics in Sleep Medicine. Dr. Leibowitz has written extensively on topics in sleep medicine for peer reviewed medical journals and textbooks; he continues to be actively involved in sleep education and awareness, with a particular focus on sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Leibowitz is married with two children.

Anne W. Batson, RN, MSN, FNP-C
Anne is a nurse practitioner on staff at the Sleep Medicine Practice of the Piedmont Heart Institute. She graduated from Vanderbilt School of Nursing and worked in critical care units in Charleston, SC, New London, CT, and Atlanta for a total of nine years. She then continued her education at Kennesaw State University for her Masters Degree in Nursing. She has been a family nurse practitioner for thirteen years in North Fulton serving the communities of Roswell and Alpharetta. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, Emory University and the University of Alabama helping graduate students gain clinical experience and prepare for their certification boards. Anne is married with two children.

Piedmont Hospital Named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery and Coronary Intervention in 2012

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Patients Treated at 5-Star Hospitals have 73% Lower Chance of Death Compared to 1-Star Hospitals

ATLANTA, GA (Oct. 28, 2011) – A report released today by HealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, named Piedmont Hospital One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services and Cardiac Surgery (2012). Choosing a hospital can be a life or death decision. HealthGrades report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals. A quality comparison of doctors and hospitals in the Atlanta area can be found online at HealthGrades.com.

“Patients today have a wide array options when it comes to choosing a healthcare provider,” said Kerry Hicks, HealthGrades chief executive officer. “At HealthGrades, we are proud to have led the way for empowering patient choice based on objective clinical outcomes and access to actionable quality measures. We commend Piedmont Hospital for its superior quality and support of consumerism and transparency in the Atlanta area.”

Five Star Rated for:

Overall Cardiac Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Cardiac Surgery in 2012
Cardiology Services for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
Coronary Bypass Surgery for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
Coronary Interventional Procedures for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
Treatment of Heart Attack for 10 Years in a Row (2003-2012)
Treatment of Heart Failure for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)

State and National Ranks:

Ranked among the Top 100 Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery and PCI (2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Cardiac Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Cardiac Surgery in 2012
Top 5% in the Nation for Cardiology Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Overall Cardiac Services in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Cardiac Surgery in 2012
Ranked #3 in GA for Cardiology Services in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012
Top 5 in GA for Overall Cardiac Services for 9 Years in a Row (2004-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Cardiac Surgery for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Cardiology Services for 9 Years in a Row (2004-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Coronary Interventional Procedures for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)

Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011 Healthcare Consumerism and Hospital Quality in America report include:

Patients had, on average a 73% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the national average.
Patients had, on average, were 63% less likely to experience inhospital complications than patients at 1-star programs, and had a 43% lower chance of developing an inhospital complication than the national average.
If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010 had been treated at 5-star hospitals, 240,040 lives could have potentially been saved.
If all Medicare patients from 2008 through 2010 had gone to 5-star hospitals for their procedure, 164,472 inhospital complications could have potentially been avoided.
In an online survey, 80% said they are very or somewhat concerned about the quality of hospital care in their community.
In an online survey, 42% of HealthGrades visitors said that they believe their chances of experiencing an unexpected death or complication is higher in some hospitals in their community compared to others.

Read the documents below for more information on healthcare quality.

Piedmont Hospital Named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery and Coronary Intervention in 2012

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, GA (October 18, 2011) – A report released today by HealthGrades, a trusted, independent source of physician information and hospital quality ratings, named Piedmont Hospital one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery and Coronary Intervention (2012).

Choosing a hospital can be a life or death decision. The HealthGrades report found that patients treated at 5-star rated hospitals experience a 73% lower risk of mortality and a 63% lower risk of complications compared to 1-star rated hospitals. A quality comparison of doctors and hospitals in the Atlanta area can be found online at HealthGrades.com.

“Piedmont Hospital prides itself on providing excellent care combined with high-quality cardiac services to our patients,” said Les Donahue, president and CEO of Piedmont Hospital. “We believe this prestigious recognition is a result of our team approach to both clinical excellence and patient satisfaction.”

Piedmont Hospital received five-star ratings in the 2012 study for:

Overall Cardiac Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Cardiac Surgery (2012)
Cardiology Services for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
Coronary Bypass Surgery for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
Coronary Interventional Procedures for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
Treatment of Heart Attack for 10 Years in a Row (2003-2012)
Treatment of Heart Failure for 4 Years in a Row (2009-2012)

Piedmont’s state and national rankings include:

Among the Top 100 Hospitals for Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery and
Coronary Intervention (PCI) (2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Cardiac Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Cardiac Surgery in 2012
Top 5% in the Nation for Cardiology Services for 2 Years in a Row (2011-2012)
Top 5% in the Nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Overall Cardiac Services in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Cardiac Surgery in 2012
Ranked #3 in GA for Cardiology Services in 2012
Ranked #2 in GA for Coronary Interventional Procedures in 2012
Top 5 in GA for Overall Cardiac Services for 9 Years in a Row (2004-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Cardiac Surgery for 6 Years in a Row (2007-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Cardiology Services for 9 Years in a Row (2004-2012)
Top 5 in GA for Coronary Interventional Procedures for 3 Years in a Row (2010-2012)
Key findings of the HealthGrades 2011 Healthcare Consumerism and Hospital Quality in America report include:
Patients had, on average a 73% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to a 1-star rated hospital, and a 54% lower risk of dying in a 5-star rated hospital compared to the national average.
Patients had, on average, were 63% less likely to experience inhospital complications than patients at 1-star programs, and had a 43% lower chance of developing an inhospital complication than the national average.
In an online survey, 80% said they are very or somewhat concerned about the quality of hospital care in their community.
In an online survey, 42% of HealthGrades visitors said that they believe their chances of experiencing an unexpected death or complication is higher in some hospitals in their community compared to others.

Piedmont Hospital Increases Access to Breast Health Services Thanks to Susan G. Komen Grants

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

ATLANTA, GA (October 5, 2011)—Piedmont Hospital has received a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate to support the hospital’s efforts to provide breast health services to approximately 300 uninsured and underinsured women of the greater Atlanta area. The $142,000 grant is intended to help these women gain access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

“Piedmont is committed to providing world-class breast health services to all women, and this increased funding will help us serve even more members of the greater Atlanta community,” said Jeffrey Allen, M.D., medical director of the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at Piedmont Hospital. “As we continue striving to ensure underserved women in our area receive quality healthcare, we are extremely grateful for the support provided by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate.”

October is breast cancer awareness month. In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. Eighty percent of women who are diagnosed do not have any reported risk factors, other than being female and aging. Common risk factors may include family history, race and ethnicity.

The keys to surviving breast cancer are regular screenings (breast self-exams and screening mammograms) and early diagnosis. Screening mammograms are recommended for women over age 40. However, a recent survey conducted by Komen Atlanta illustrated the marked underutilization of breast services in the Atlanta area by African-American and Latino women as well as indigent women of all races.

Services provided under the Komen Atlanta grants are free to patients who meet certain income and residency requirements. Patients should be referred by a physician. If a patient qualifies and doesn’t have a physician, she will receive help finding a physician to follow her care. To learn more about the program and to check qualifications, call the Doris Shaheen Breast Health Center at 404-605-4427.

For more information on Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate or grants in your area, visit komenatlanta.org.

Over 300 Piedmont Physicians Join Medical Association of Georgia

Tue, 4 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (October 4, 2011)—A total of 327 physicians, including 82 from Piedmont Heart Institute and 245 physicians from Piedmont Physicians Group, have joined the Medical Association of Georgia.

As the largest physician organization in the state of Georgia, the Medical Association of Georgia is the leading voice for the medical profession in Georgia.

“These are times of great change for healthcare,” said R. Timothy Stack, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “Our physicians naturally want to look after the best interests of their patients and practices. Membership in the Medical Association of Georgia will help provide that assistance while they continue to focus their primary efforts on patient care.”

Founded in 1849, the Medical Association of Georgia represents its 6,500 members before the General Assembly, all state administrative and regulative bodies and before state and federal courts.

For more information on Piedmont Physicians, visit piedmontphysicians.org. For more information about Piedmont Heart Institute, visit piedmontheart.org.

Piedmont Hospital Hosts An Evening Out For Women’s Health

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Health screenings, education and cooking demonstrations in the gardens.

ATLANTA, Ga. (September 20, 2011)—This fall, Piedmont Hospital introduces Steppin’ Out, a community health education event designed for women. This fabulous evening of health screenings, flu shots, discussions with physicians and cooking demonstrations takes place Wednesday, October 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Atlanta Botanical Garden located at 1345 Piedmont Avenue, N.E. in Atlanta, Ga. Paid registration includes entrance to Atlanta Botanical Garden, parking, food, two complimentary cocktails, flu shots and everything else this great event has to offer.

“Women are the primary decision makers and primary caregivers in the family,” said Randy Martin, M.D., a cardiologist with Piedmont Heart Institute Physicians and emcee of the event. “This event focuses on providing the women in our lives with the knowledge they need to not only set an example for their families, but to live strong and healthy lives themselves.”

Cooking demonstrations will include tips on cooking with herbs, cooking for disease prevention and how nutrition can help people cope with cancer treatments. Andrew Toledo, M.D., a leader in the field of fertility will provide information on preparing for conception and knowing when to seek medical help. Physicians from all specialties including obstetrics and gynecology will be available to answer questions. Certified fitness instructors will share information on the importance of pelvic health and how to achieve it.

Free health screenings and education will include body mass index (BMI) measurements, blood pressure checks and flu shots.

Admission is $20 and helps cover the cost Piedmont’s women’s educational programs. Registration is required by visiting piedmont.org/ItsAGirlThing or calling 1.866.900.4321.

Piedmont Hospital’s Outpatient Infusion Center Moves to Howell Mill Road

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 13, 2011) – Piedmont Hospital’s Outpatient Infusion Center will relocate from the Piedmont Hospital campus on Peachtree and Collier roads to the Piedmont Hospital Outpatient Center in the Piedmont West Medical Office Park at 1800 Howell Mill Road in an effort to enhance patient service. Along with the location change, the center will also bear the name Piedmont West Infusion Center.

The center will open in its new location on September 30, 2011. Care will continue to be provided by the same dedicated nursing team, but in a more convenient location. Patient parking will be free.

“Our new location will continue the Piedmont tradition of well-rounded care, not only through an excellent team of experts and the latest technology, but also in a comforting, convenient environment,” said John Goodman, executive director for the Piedmont Cancer Center also located at the Howell Mill Road location.

The Piedmont West Infusion Center hours of operation will continue to be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you would like additional information on the center and its new location, please call 404-605-3300.

Piedmont Hospital Hosts Blood Drive September 12

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Blood recipient encourages Atlantans to donate.

ATLANTA, Ga. (September 12, 2011)—Every day in Atlanta, someone like 25-year-old Joanna Reid needs a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, the need for blood far exceeds donations. To help meet this need, Piedmont Hospital is hosting a blood drive on September 16, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the McRae Auditorium, in the 1984 building. North deck parking is complimentary.

Atlanta resident Joanna Reid is thankful for
her Piedmont blood donors

Reid, who suffers from chronic medical conditions, unexpectedly collapsed in her Tucker home on the morning of August 22. Her family immediately took her to Piedmont Hospital where doctors discovered her hematocrit levels were dangerously low. Reid required multiple blood transfusions and several nights of close observation.

“I am extremely grateful to the generous individuals who took the time out of their day to donate at a recent blood drive,” said Reid. “When people see that sign for a blood drive they may not think they have the time, or perhaps they don't think their contribution will make that big of a difference, but I encourage those individuals to give donation a second thought. With an hour of their time and a pint of their blood, several strangers essentially saved my life.”

Only about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and only a fraction of those eligible actually donate. If you qualify as a donor, Piedmont asks that you visit redcrossblood.org and schedule your appointment using the sponsor code “paces.” Your single donation could save up to three lives across the state.

All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

Donors must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must not have given blood in the last 56 days. Walk-ins are welcome; however appointments will be honored first.

Piedmont Hospital Achieves U.S. News and World Report Rankings

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

Ranked as Top Acute-Care Community Hospital in Metro Atlanta and Metro Area’s No. 2 Hospital Overall in 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings

ATLANTA, Ga. (July 19, 2011) – Among metro Atlanta area hospitals, Piedmont Hospital has ranked as the top acute-care community hospital in metro Atlanta and the metro area’s No. 2 hospital overall on the 2011-12 Best Hospitals list by U.S. News and World Report. Piedmont climbed in the rankings, earning its first-ever national ranking, in gastroenterology, and recognition for 10 additional high-performing specialties as well.

In addition to the national ranking at No. 48 for Piedmont Hospital’s gastroenterology program, a total of 10 specialties offered at Piedmont Hospital were listed as high-performing: cancer care; cardiology and heart surgery; diabetes and endocrinology; ear, nose and throat; geriatrics; gynecology; kidney disorders; neurology and neurosurgery; orthopaedics; and pulmonology.

The core mission of the national Best Hospitals ranking is to help guide patients who need an especially high level of care because of a difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age. The regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.

Piedmont “is among the best hospitals in the Atlanta area,” said U.S. News and World Report’s Avery Comarow, Health Rankings Editor, earlier this year. “Newly expanded U.S. News rankings of hospitals in the 94 most-populous metropolitan areas show that, in 10 specialties, Piedmont offers Atlantans high-quality care. In those specialties…its performance puts it above most other hospitals that are not nationally ranked.”

“As we navigate a changing healthcare industry, providing safe, quality care and service is extremely important, and we will strive to sustain clinical excellence by raising the bar each year,” said Les Donahue, president and CEO of Piedmont Hospital. “We are honored to share the news of this success with the communities we serve, and we are pleased to receive our first national recognition for our gastroenterology program.”

The U.S. News and World Report has published the annual Best Hospitals list for more than 20 years, identifying the top hospitals in their field nationwide. Earlier this year, the list was expanded to identify top hospitals among 94 metro areas. To be ranked in its metro area, a hospital had to score in the top 25 percent among its peers in at least one of 16 medical specialties. Hard numbers stand behind the rankings in most specialties—survival rates (32.5%); reputation among physicians (32.5%); patient safety (5%), and other care-related indicators like patient satisfaction, technology, and nurse staffing (30%).” The metro area rankings are designed to be relevant to a much wider range of consumers, and rank hospitals that offer exemplary care in both specialty areas and in overall health care services to their city, state, and region. The Best Hospitals metro area rankings are available online at usnews.com/hospitals.

The rankings will also be featured in the U.S. News Best Hospitals guidebook, which will go on sale August 30.

Piedmont Hospital Calls on Atlanta Citizens for Blood Donations

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

Piedmont Hospital hosts blood drive July 15.

ATLANTA, Ga. (July 5, 2011)—The need for blood transfusions is far outpacing donations. In response to this nationwide need, Piedmont Hospital is hosting a blood drive on July 15. Convenient to residents of Buckhead and Midtown, the drive takes place at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the McRae Auditorium, in the 1984 building. North deck parking is complimentary.

Because it has a limited shelf life, the need for blood is constant. Donating blood is a simple process that helps to save more than five million people in need of blood transfusions each year in the United States. Blood is needed every two seconds for emergency medical situations and is often needed for the treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients. Only about 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, and only a fraction of those eligible actually donate. If you qualify as a donor, Piedmont asks that you visit redcrossblood.org and schedule your appointment using the sponsor code “pied.” Your single donation could save up to three lives across the state.

All blood types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage.

Donors must be 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must not have given blood in the last 56 days. Walk-ins are welcome; however appointments will be honored first.

Piedmont Healthcare Statement Regarding Cost Reductions

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 10, 2011) – Piedmont Healthcare recently completed a comprehensive cost review as part of its system-wide Strategic Performance Improvement initiative. All categories of costs – supplies, staffing, process improvement opportunities, and other miscellaneous expenses – have been carefully examined and prioritized to uphold our commitment to safe, quality patient care.

This initiative is not unlike those occurring at other metro Atlanta healthcare systems as the healthcare industry faces Medicare cuts, new state taxes, a struggling economy, an increasing number of patients with lower-paying healthcare coverage including Medicare, Medicaid and self pay (which includes charity care and bad debt), and the unknown impact of healthcare reform.

Cost savings totaling approximately $68 million have been identified across Piedmont Healthcare. Regretfully, they include a workforce reduction that will eliminate 464 positions across the system, 171 of which were vacant or revised due to scheduling changes. This represents approximately five percent of the total workforce across Piedmont Healthcare. All staffing changes were evaluated for potential impact on patient care and customer service. At this time, it is unknown how many people will actually leave the organization, until all impacted employees are notified and are able to explore critical vacancies in the system.

“Changes like these are extremely difficult and not without emotion since they impact friends and co-workers,” said R. Timothy Stack, Piedmont Healthcare President and CEO. “In all circumstances, our decisions are based on our responsibility to provide safe, quality care at a competitive price and to be good stewards of our resources as a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare provider.”

Piedmont’s overarching goal is to reset our cost structure to align with our changing revenue stream. Like every business seeking long-term viability, stability and growth, we must constantly assess our financial performance and capacity. Piedmont began this initiative from a position of strength and looks to sustain high quality care in a caring environment for our communities and generations to come.

All seven Piedmont Healthcare entities – Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, Piedmont Heart Institute, Piedmont Physicians Group, and Piedmont Healthcare corporate division – have actively participated in the Strategic Performance Improvement initiative.

Piedmont Hospital Celebrates Dedicated Healthcare Team

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, National Hospital Week is May 8-14.

ATLANTA, Ga. (May 9, 2011) – In recognition of National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, Piedmont Hospital would like the community to join them in recognizing nurses and healthcare workers for the outstanding care they provide to patients. Without the dedication of these highly-trained professionals, Piedmont would not be able to offer the top-tier care that it provides to its patients on a daily basis.

“It takes more than just hard work and good medicine to deliver the quality care for which we are known,” said Les Donahue, president and CEO of Piedmont Hospital. “At the end of the day, patients remember the compassion they receive from our employees, physicians, volunteers and nurses. This is a small, but meaningful way for the community to share its appreciation.”

National Nurses Week is celebrated every year between May 6th, which is National Nurses Day, and May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nurses fill an essential need in healthcare of all types, ensuring patient comfort and continuity of care on a daily basis. The nurses of Piedmont are one of the driving forces behind its success as a hospital.

National Hospital Week is the largest healthcare celebration in the nation. It began in 1921 as a way to provide the public with more information about hospitals at a time when medicine was becoming more accessible to many. Today, most Americans have some experience with a hospital, whether in response to their own healthcare needs or those of a loved one. National Hospital Week has become a way to spotlight the quality care, innovative practices and cutting-edge technology available in many American hospitals.

To share your appreciation, find Piedmont Hospital on Facebook at facebook.com/PiedmontHospital, become a fan, and share your thanks with a nurse or healthcare worker that has touched your life.