January 2014

West Tennessee Healthcare Joins Vanderbilt Health Affiliated NetworkWest Tennessee Healthcare has joined the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, the largest provider-organized network of doctors, regional health systems and other healthcare providers in Tennessee and surrounding states.Known as VHAN, the network includes more than 3,000 physicians in more than 350 practice locations who actively collaborate to provide patients with high-quality, efficiently coordinated and cost-effective healthcare services.VHAN’s mission is to lead the needed transformation of the healthcare system nationally while meeting the healthcare needs of local communities. As the healthcare system moves toward a population-based model of care, VHAN puts the leadership of care coordination in the hands of healthcare providers, working closely with employers and insurance companies.In addition to keeping employees healthy and productive, VHAN aims to reduce employers’ costs for healthcare by creating new, more efficient care models and reducing variation in practice. For instance, a recent pilot project between VHAN and Cumberland Pediatric Alliance (CPA) improved coordination of care and saved more than 9 percent of expected cost of healthcare services for children in Vanderbilt University’s employee health plan.VHAN includes a rapidly growing number of like-minded regional health systems and other providers covering each of the Grand Divisions of Tennessee. These include Vanderbilt University Health System, Williamson Medical Center, Maury Regional Medical Center, NorthCrest Medical Center, and Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Middle Tennessee; Mountain States Health Alliance in East Tennessee; and West Tennessee Healthcare in West Tennessee.Milan General Hospital Welcomes Dr. Misty AllenMilan General Hospital is proud to announce the addition of a new hospitalist program.  Misty Allen, MD is the new hospitalist.A hospitalist is a physician whose practice is dedicated to caring for patients while they are in the hospital.  They specialize in the supervision of inpatients’ care and consult with the patients’ primary care physicians as needed.  Hospitalists do not provide care for patients outside of the hospital setting.Milan General Hospital offers a broad range of medical care including: Surgery, Med-Surg Unit ICU, Radiology, Mammography, Dexascan, Inpatient Physical Therapy and an Emergency Department.Dr. Allen has been a hospitalist at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital since 2007. She is a Family Medicine physician with special training and experience in critical care. Allen graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2005 from the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine and did her internship and her residency at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.Humboldt General will be transformed into an emergency center.  It will operate as a north campus of the Jackson Madison County General Hospital emergency room.  It will be renamed Humboldt Medical Center and will include the continuation of all Sports Plus Rehab services, outpatient lab and imaging services.Gibson General is transitioning into a primary care facility with walk-in after hours care, post-discharge follow-up patient care, screenings, and on-site lab and x-ray. It will be renamed Trenton Medical Center.When Our Children Die ConferenceJennifer McBride, MA, FT, DM, is the founder of the HeartLight Center in Denver, Colorado and Grieflink, a worldwide resource to help people find grief support and education. She was on the front lines in helping to care for the families of seven who died at Columbine High School as well as seven who were killed in the Aurora theatre shooting.  Since 1996, Jennifer has served as a “bridge” to individuals and families, helping them to assess their needs in regard to the process of grief, and connecting them with the broad network of support within the Denver metro area.  She is one of two Vice Presidents and employee-owners at Horan & McConaty in Aurora, Colorado.Friday, January 24th at 7:00p.m, families who have lost a child will gather at the J. Walter Barnes Conference Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital to hear Jennifer address the unique grief associated with child-loss. In addition to the keynote speaker there will be facilitated breakout sessions and a memorial service to close the evening.  Parents, grandparents, and other family members are all invited to this free community event.Saturday, January 25th from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., healthcare professionals, law enforcement, clergy, counselors, and other first responders will have the opportunity to learn effective methods for communicating with and caring for families who have lost a child, as well as effective methods for managing their own grief.Continuing education credit and training hours are available. Registration fee is $25 for the event on Saturday, January 25th and to register, go to  https://www.regonline.com/whenourchildrendie. For additional information, call 731-426-1735 or 731-660-1185.