2009-2010 Annual Report

to the Community

ConnectionsYour source for health and wellness news from Berger Health System.

Summer 2010Care first. Community always.

School’s In for Healthy StudentsPage 6

Hope for HaitiA Berger Story

Page 12

Dr. Call is on the front line.Emergency department physician Dr. Brett Call has worked as a frontline doctor in Iraq. So when he says he likes being on the front line at Berger, it really means something. A veteran of both combat and big city life, Dr. Call chose to practice here for two big reasons: Berger’s state-of-the-art facilities and Circleville’s quality of life. He sees familiar faces both as a volunteer fi refi ghter and in the ER every day. He says, “It makes a difference when you are helping people you know.” His patients tend to agree.

Learn about the Emergency Departmentat bergerhealth.com.

BERGER HEALTH SYSTEM

BER-004 Call Ad_9x10.875_PRO.indd 1 5/13/10 10:52:39 AM

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From the CEO.

VISIOnBerger Health System will be the first choice of care and the best place for staff and physicians to practice.

Dear Friends,

Our Summer issue was developed with a message I want you to feel every time you come in contact with a Berger team member: Care first. Community always. These four words represent the core of our mission, which is to give back to you, our fellow community member.

Berger recently accepted the first-ever Central Ohio Pillar Award, given by Medical Mutual of Ohio and its co-founding partner, Smart Business Network. The award was given to organizations that have assumed leadership in improving quality of life for residents in the communities they serve.

To us, these qualities are what we call The Berger Way. Every employee hired at Berger is chosen because they reflect the values and attitudes we hold dear. These include an attitude of excellence, a commitment to compassionate care and a spirit of pride and teamwork. It’s The Berger Way to provide you and your family with the best care and to be involved in the community.

At the core of our mission is a planned and specific purpose to care for our community. If a need arises, either in the community or nation at large, we give because it’s in our nature. This starts with our Board of Governors, which is a volunteer-based body.

In 2010, our commitment continues to expand with a newly launched Community Advocacy Council. This council is designed as an advisory committee and is made up of community members who have an interest in health and wellness. Our goal is to gain feedback about the services we offer and better understand what our community needs.

As we continue, please know we stay steadfast in our commitment to care for you and the people you love.

Sincerely,

Tim A. Colburn President & CEO Berger Health System

4 Summer 2010

Berger has been focused on community wellness partnerships since 1993. Just a few examples of these efforts include:

• community and employee health fairs• community hikes and walks• corporate wellness programs • wellness education and presentations

“We are proud to serve local businesses, school systems and nonprofit groups,” said Diane Eaton, R.N., M.S., wellness director at Berger. “We can take registered nurses, physical therapists and massage therapists directly to the work site and provide healthcare services and educational resources.”

When Berger staff members visit a workplace or event, wellness services provided include preventive health screenings that measure blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body fat composition, body mass index and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Participants are alerted about any abnormalities found and receive education to assist in making modifications.

A Step in the Right Direction

For many people, taking advantage of the services Berger has to offer can be the first step on the road to good health.

“We want community members to know we are always accessible to meet their wellness needs.”—Diane Eaton, R.N., M.S.

Partnering to Bring Wellness Services to Local BusinessesMost of us work or attend school for more than eight hours a day, which makes wellness and preventive health screenings hard to fit in our schedule. Thanks to creative partnerships with several community businesses, Berger Health System is bringing wellness screenings directly to employees.

Diane Eaton, R.N., M.S., (center) assists Health Care Logistics employees

Tiffany Etling and Sheryl Kraft with personalized health assessments.

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“Our goal is to take health care to today’s busy working adults, making it as convenient as possible for them,” Eaton said. “We have found that there are many people who don’t have primary care physicians, so they are not actively pursuing preventive health care. By offering these services, we can make sure they get connected with a physician who can meet their individual needs.”

Business Focus

Since reaching out to the community with a mix of preventive and educational services, Berger has experienced positive praise and response.

Berger has been a part of Health Care Logistics’ wellness efforts since 1996. The Circleville-based company employs 174 people and provides hard-to-find medical supplies to businesses. Because the company is known for its caring atmosphere, Berger’s services to keep employees healthy was a natural fit.

Over the course of this partnership, employees have benefited by receiving health testing and referrals from familiar faces in the community, including one-on-one consultations and nutrition classes with dietitians.

“Employee interest in Berger’s programs continues to grow,” said Connie Lewis, president of Health Care Logistics. “Our employees know the staff and feel comfortable with them. At Health Care Logistics, we know healthy employees are happier and more productive—and we want to protect our employees’ health,”

For more information on wellness services at Berger Health System, visit bergerhealth.com or call Diane Eaton at (740) 474-7549.

Connie said. “Berger allows us to do that in a way that is very accommodating to our schedule.”

Community Focus

While good health starts with the individual, Berger is helping Pickaway County employees focus on family health and well-being.

Since 2009, Berger has worked with Pickaway County to form a healthcare cooperative agreement. Pickaway County employs more than 4,000 people who can utilize health fairs and screenings. So far, approximately 700 Pickaway County employees and dependents have enrolled.

“Berger and Pickaway County agree that health is a family issue,” says Robert G. Rodriguez, Ph.D., MPH, MSc, MBA, RHU, coordinator of health management programs in Pickaway County. “The programs we have coordinated with Berger expand beyond the worksite and encourage our employees to get their families involved. Programs such as weekend hikes and family health fairs with clinical screenings emphasize this importance.”

Positive Response

The response from Pickaway County employees has been optimistic.

“Our employees have been extremely enthusiastic over the relationship with Berger,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “They enjoy the convenience. Having services delivered to the worksite simply adds to the value of the relationship.”

Your Community, Your Health

Berger has the ability to create unique programs to meet a business’ needs. These include:• clinical screenings • health coaching,

education seminars and training sessions

• mammogram scheduling and screening

• occupational immunizations• osteoporosis screenings• seasonal influenza

vaccinations• vascular screenings• worksite-based nutritional

and fitness programs• wellness planning

for employees and their families

Through a community wellness partnership with Pickaway County, Diane Eaton, R.N., M.S., provides a health assessment to Pickaway County employee Lisa Burroughs.

6 Summer 20106 Summer 2010

“The Berger clinic at Westfall is second to none—the quality of care is excellent and to have this type of facility in a school setting is just incredible.”—Marie Hammond, mother of Westfall students Megan and Jozie and exchange student Lena

Dr. Fernandes with clinic patients Megan and Jozie Hammond and Lena Henson.

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Every Wednesday morning, Deborah Fernandes, M.D., pediatrician with Berger, and Nancy Downing, R.N., Westfall district nurse, see children right where they are—school.

Berger’s partnership with the school district means any Westfall student, from elementary to high school, can receive screening and treatment for illnesses such as sinusitis, urinary tract infections and strep throat, as well as sports and work physicals—and immediately return back to class.

Berger opened a clinic at Westfall in 2009. Marie and Dennis Hammond are among the parents who have taken advantage of this service.

“Jozie experiences chronic upper respiratory infections, and before Dr. Fernandes and her staff began the clinic, Jozie was missing a lot of school,” said Marie, a teacher with the Teays Valley Local School District. “Now, Jozie is able to see the doctor in the morning and receive a prescription if she needs it. It’s been a lifesaver for us because simply taking Jozie to school 15 minutes early means we have greater peace of mind throughout the day.”

Marie says Dr. Fernandes and her staff know each student by name and are always there to offer a comforting hug.

“This is a really innovative program,” said Dr. Fernandes, who also has a full-time practice at Berger Medical Center at 9085 Southern St. in Orient. “I’m happy to be able to deliver these services in a way that is convenient and effective for parents and children alike.”

Your Child’s Health, Our Priority

After parents fill out a consent form, a child may attend the clinic any time he or she needs care. While parents are welcome to accompany their child on a visit to the clinic, with parental permission, a child may attend the clinic on his or her own.

“Our students are our number one priority,” Nancy said. “Having healthcare available right here at school helps us keep them healthy and in class.”

From doctor visit to follow-up care, Marie said her family counts on the seamless process at the clinic. In fact, the Hammonds

transitioned to Dr. Fernandes as their pediatrician for both daughters and their foreign exchange student, Lena Henson.

“We could tell immediately the whole Berger clinic staff was genuinely concerned about our girls,” Marie said. “The quality of care that the girls receive is always above and beyond our expectations.”

Did You Know?Since the clinic began in

January 2009, more than 200 Westfall students have received

care from Berger Health System professionals right

in their school.

School’s Infor Healthy StudentsFor Marie and Dennis Hammond, Berger’s unique partnership with Westfall Local School District has been nothing short of a lifesaver when their daughters need care.

For more information about services and programs offered through Berger Health System, visit bergerhealth.com.

berger hospital statistics and Financial highlights

Service Statistics 2008 2009

Total Admissions 3,078 2,844

Newborn Admissions 439 404

Emergency Department Visits 31,823 31,532

Outpatient Surgical Procedures 3,770 4,006

Outpatient Radiology Procedures 390,088 389,244

Laboratory Procedures 295,904 331,084

Financial Highlights 2008 2009

Net Charges for Patient Services $64,650,879 $68,070,652

Non-Operating Revenues and Donations $1,250,876 $470,127

Other Operating Revenue $1,538,137 $1,519,387

Total Revenue $67,439,892 $70,060,165

Salary and Wages $21,977,770 $22,796,792

Employee Benefits $7,683,622 $8,212,742

Professional Fees $2,693,655 $3,450,582

Supplies and Other Expenses $29,772,251 $30,765,028

Total Expenses $62,127,298 $65,225,144

Provisions for Future Services $5,312,594 $4,835,022

Care First. Community Always.

board oF governors

Mayor Chuck Taylor Chairperson

Rich Rawlins ViCe-Chairperson

Randall Cotner Treasurer

Dr. Charles Hedges seCreTary

Dr. Vernon Bolender

Dr. Edward Caplan

Sereana Dresbach

Richard Huggins

Mark Leatherwood

the berger team

Volunteers ......................... 362

Physicians .......................... 202

Registered Nurses .............. 174

Licensed Practical Nurses ...... 16

Technicians ........................ 130

Allied Health ........................ 41

Employed Physicians ............ 21

Berger is celebrating another busy year of caring and working for the community. As we look to areas of community support and financial highlights, we are reminded of our mission:

“We will exceed the expectations of our patients and customers in order to be The Best Community Hospital and Healthcare System in Ohio.”

8 Summer 2010

Berger Health System’s Board of Governors

major areas oF community support in 2009

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Medicare Loss—Patient Care $5,915,811

Medicaid Loss—Patient Care $2,182,943

Charity Care $1,981,940

Berger—Ohio University Nursing School $57,892

Circle of Caring-Faith in Action Community Volunteer Program

$46,506

Health Education Services $39,901

Free Transportation for Frail and Elderly Patients

$42,750

Civic Sponsorships $41,839

Community Health Fairs and Lectures $53,497

This past year we have made significant strides in building access to primary care physicians in the community. We have assisted Pickaway Health Services, the multi-specialty physician group affiliated with Berger, expand their primary care physician group to include Dr. Kristy Blum in Ashville, Dr. David McMahon in Grove City, Dr. Anne Prosperi, Dr. Fred Figueroa and Dr. James Mosley in Circleville. In addition, Dr. Kevin Sellars will join their group in July.

We are also working to build strong relationships with larger health care systems to bring more specialists to the community. We have been able to expand cardiology services with the addition of Dr. Greg Lam of MidOhio Cardiology and Vascular Consultants (an OhioHealth affiliate). Our partnership with the Mark H. Zangmeister Center and Dr. Chris Rhoades has led to increased capabilities in cancer care, and we continue to grow radiology services through our partnership with Riverside Radiology Associates. In addition, our partnership with Premier Health Care Services provides a strong physician team for our emergency department.

Berger’s goal is to provide our community the best physicians locally.

We currently have more than 200 physicians on our medical staff. You can view a full list with contact information at bergerhealth.com.

Dedicated to Bringing and Keeping Physicians in Our CommunityBerger Health System strives to recruit and retain the best physicians to our community.

MedicareMedicare is a federal government program that provides insurance to those 65 and older and other qualifying individuals. While the program reimburses providers for healthcare services, that reimbursement does not fully cover the costs to provide these services. Berger financially helps patients receive needed treatments, even if Medicare does not cover them.

MedicaidMedicaid is a health insurance program supported by both the state and federal governments. Medicaid serves low-income families and individuals. Similar to Medicare, when Medicaid does not cover certain procedures and families cannot afford to pay the remainder, Berger is responsible for financially supporting these services.

Charity CareBerger does not turn away patients based on their ability to pay for needed health services. In order to support needy patients in the community, Berger provided nearly $2 million in healthcare costs to patients unable to pay all or a portion of their medical bills.

10 Summer 2010

Foundation Making a Difference in Your HealthcareSince the Berger Health Foundation’s inception in 2004, community members have been given the power to enhance care in Pickaway County and surrounding areas. Thanks to generous donations, the Foundation purchased a digital mammography unit to help women in the fight against breast cancer.

10 Summer 2010

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W ith the mission of supporting Berger’s programs and services, the Berger Health

Foundation board, staff, and volunteers work on projects that support health-related services and technology purchases for the benefit of Berger patients.

“As a Foundation, we are fulfilling our purpose of raising money from our supporters and then finding projects that can make the greatest impact on our community,” said Larry Halm, the Foundation’s executive director. “We select projects across a variety of services and community needs.”

Finding the Latest and Greatest For Patient Care

One of the Foundation’s greatest points of emphasis is on acquiring new technology.

“Technology is of the utmost importance to a community-minded hospital like Berger,” said Charles Bradley, Foundation Board President. “Keeping current with technology promotes quality care, keeps costs down and helps attract the best personnel who are used to utilizing the most modern equipment.”

One such example is the purchase of a digital mammography unit for the Berger

Would you like to give toward your community’s health? Visit bergerfoundation.org to find out about upcoming Foundation events and ways you can donate.

Women’s Health Center, which is located at 1434 Circleville Plaza Drive. This unit uses advanced computer technology to capture high-quality images that can be electronically manipulated for clarity, giving radiologists a powerful tool for providing accurate diagnoses.

The Foundation Board has also committed to raising money to fund an additional digital mammography unit, which will be installed at Berger Hospital’s main campus.

Digital mammography benefits women in three important ways.

1. Clarity. Digital mammography lends the ability to create quality images of denser breast tissue. Dense breast tissue tends to be found in younger women and those with breast implants.

2. Comfort. Digital mammography requires a shorter compression time, which may alleviate some discomfort associated with mammograms.

3. Safety. According to the National Cancer Institute, digital mammography uses a smaller amount of radiation than traditional mammography.

Helping Those in Need

In addition to technology purchases, the Foundation sponsors a number of additional programs to help community members who may not otherwise be able to afford care. Examples include the Rainbow Fund program, which helps local cancer patients with funds for uncovered ancillary needs, such as gas and groceries or home and auto-mobile repairs.

The Circle of Caring–Faith in Action Program is an additional community program that helps the elderly and those with disabilities receive help with household chores, yard work, housekeeping or just a visit from a caring volunteer. The Foundation partners with the United Way of Pickaway County, local churches and gifts from the community in order to support this initiative.

“Berger is committed to providing the greatest care possible, and the

Foundation serves as a multiplier for that. The community can give to support this, and they

can help Berger go

above and beyond as a health system.”—Larry Halm, Berger Health Foundation Executive Director

“The Berger Health Foundation Board is a group of caring, concerned individuals that live within our community. They are dedicated to the mission of the Foundation and each gives annually toward that mission.”

—Charles Bradley, Berger Health Foundation Board President

600 N. Pickaway St. Circleville, OH 43113

bergerhealth.com

This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

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PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 456

As part of the Midwives for Haiti initiative, Berger Health System sent one of our own to Haiti to lend a hand to mothers and babies in need.

According to the World Health Organization, 76 percent of all deliveries of babies in Haiti are performed by non-qualified persons, leading to the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the western hemisphere. In response to this, Barbara Poole, C.N.M., M.S.N., director of maternity services, became determined to offer her time and services to helping save the lives of mothers and babies in Haiti.

“Once a family’s mother has died, the whole family structure deteriorates,” Poole said. “Saving lives and families is what motivated me.”

Because community service is a high priority to Berger Health, Poole’s supervisors embraced her idea and assisted her in preparing for her trip. In April 2010, Poole traveled to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, to volunteer in the Cité Soleil clinic from April 8 to 18.

Keeping Mothers and Babies Healthy

In Haiti, Poole worked not only to care for and treat women and children, but also educate women concerning safe birthing precautions and midwifery skills, so that every woman can have the healthy pregnancy and birth she deserves. Offering solid care to treat common conditions that lead to poor mother and baby health was a major focus of Poole and fellow volunteer midwives in Haiti. Poole also helped provide care for newborn infants and their mothers by incorporating vaccines, dehydration treatment and prevention through breastfeeding support.

“The most rewarding part of the trip was just being able to use my skills to help somebody in need,” Poole said.

Poole has also dedicated time to educating community health workers, along with mothers, about proper women’s health care and midwifery. She plans to return to Haiti again next year to pursue this goal.

Helping Hands in Haiti

“Community to the staff at Berger Health System is defined as those who are in need, not just those who are geographically close.”

—Barbara Poole, C.N.M., M.S.N., director of maternity services at Berger

Barbara Poole, C.N.M., M.S.N.