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AGA hosted productive Hill meeting advocating for GIs
Chairman Roskam recently took over the chair of the Health Subcommittee, which has prime jurisdiction over Medicare Part B issues when Rep. Pat Tieberi, R-OH, retired. The roundtable focused on regulatory issues that impact physician practices and their ability to provide timely care to patients.
AGA and the Alliance of Specialty Medicine thanked Chairman Roskam and Congress for the technical corrections to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) that were included as part of the bipartisan budget agreement passed earlier this year that will significantly improve physicians’ ability to successfully participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) track. Because of the lack of opportunity for specialists like gastroenterologists to participate in advanced alternative payment models (APMs), most physicians will be participating in MIPS. Although Congress provided CMS with more flexibility in scoring for MIPS, we stressed to Chairman Roskam that MIPS reporting and scoring needs to be simplified to make it less administratively burdensome and costly for physicians. We also addressed the ongoing challenges regarding electronic health records (EHR) interoperability and the administrative and financial burdens it has on physician practices. This roundtable is part of one of AGA’s top advocacy issues, urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), other payors, and Congress to provide relief to physicians.
AGA also raised the issue of alternative payment models and gastroenterology’s experience with developing bundles and episodes around common GI conditions. AGA stressed to Roskam the need for CMS to move forward piloting specialty payment models that have been approved by the Physician Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) to test them in the Medicare population. The need for modernizing the Stark laws to enable physician practices to participate in alternative payment models was also discussed at the roundtable since the current Stark laws prohibit physician referral based on volume or value. AGA supports S. 2051/H.R. 4206, the Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act, which would provide CMS with the regulatory authority to create exceptions under the Stark law for APMs and to remove barriers in the current law to the development and operation of such arrangements. The legislation would allow CMS to waive the Stark laws for physicians seeking to develop and operate APMs like what Congress allowed for accountable care organizations (ACOs). AGA believes this legislation is necessary for many of the innovative payment models developed by gastroenterologists to be implemented in the Medicare program.
Prior authorization
Prior authorization was also a major topic raised with Roskam and how it impacts all physicians regardless of where they practice. We emphasized how tremendously burdensome prior authorizations is to physicians and physician practices, and gave examples of how it often interrupts and/or delays delivery of patient care.
AGA and the alliance recommended that payors make prior authorization requirements and criteria transparent and easily accessible. We also recommended that CMS standardize and streamline prior authorization processes by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. We also encouraged the committee to conduct oversight hearings to investigate prior authorization and utilization management practices by Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D plans.
AGA and the alliance will continue to work with Roskam and the committees of jurisdiction to find solutions to lessen the regulatory burden on physicians that take time away from providing care to patients.
Chairman Roskam recently took over the chair of the Health Subcommittee, which has prime jurisdiction over Medicare Part B issues when Rep. Pat Tieberi, R-OH, retired. The roundtable focused on regulatory issues that impact physician practices and their ability to provide timely care to patients.
AGA and the Alliance of Specialty Medicine thanked Chairman Roskam and Congress for the technical corrections to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) that were included as part of the bipartisan budget agreement passed earlier this year that will significantly improve physicians’ ability to successfully participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) track. Because of the lack of opportunity for specialists like gastroenterologists to participate in advanced alternative payment models (APMs), most physicians will be participating in MIPS. Although Congress provided CMS with more flexibility in scoring for MIPS, we stressed to Chairman Roskam that MIPS reporting and scoring needs to be simplified to make it less administratively burdensome and costly for physicians. We also addressed the ongoing challenges regarding electronic health records (EHR) interoperability and the administrative and financial burdens it has on physician practices. This roundtable is part of one of AGA’s top advocacy issues, urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), other payors, and Congress to provide relief to physicians.
AGA also raised the issue of alternative payment models and gastroenterology’s experience with developing bundles and episodes around common GI conditions. AGA stressed to Roskam the need for CMS to move forward piloting specialty payment models that have been approved by the Physician Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) to test them in the Medicare population. The need for modernizing the Stark laws to enable physician practices to participate in alternative payment models was also discussed at the roundtable since the current Stark laws prohibit physician referral based on volume or value. AGA supports S. 2051/H.R. 4206, the Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act, which would provide CMS with the regulatory authority to create exceptions under the Stark law for APMs and to remove barriers in the current law to the development and operation of such arrangements. The legislation would allow CMS to waive the Stark laws for physicians seeking to develop and operate APMs like what Congress allowed for accountable care organizations (ACOs). AGA believes this legislation is necessary for many of the innovative payment models developed by gastroenterologists to be implemented in the Medicare program.
Prior authorization
Prior authorization was also a major topic raised with Roskam and how it impacts all physicians regardless of where they practice. We emphasized how tremendously burdensome prior authorizations is to physicians and physician practices, and gave examples of how it often interrupts and/or delays delivery of patient care.
AGA and the alliance recommended that payors make prior authorization requirements and criteria transparent and easily accessible. We also recommended that CMS standardize and streamline prior authorization processes by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. We also encouraged the committee to conduct oversight hearings to investigate prior authorization and utilization management practices by Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D plans.
AGA and the alliance will continue to work with Roskam and the committees of jurisdiction to find solutions to lessen the regulatory burden on physicians that take time away from providing care to patients.
Chairman Roskam recently took over the chair of the Health Subcommittee, which has prime jurisdiction over Medicare Part B issues when Rep. Pat Tieberi, R-OH, retired. The roundtable focused on regulatory issues that impact physician practices and their ability to provide timely care to patients.
AGA and the Alliance of Specialty Medicine thanked Chairman Roskam and Congress for the technical corrections to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) that were included as part of the bipartisan budget agreement passed earlier this year that will significantly improve physicians’ ability to successfully participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) track. Because of the lack of opportunity for specialists like gastroenterologists to participate in advanced alternative payment models (APMs), most physicians will be participating in MIPS. Although Congress provided CMS with more flexibility in scoring for MIPS, we stressed to Chairman Roskam that MIPS reporting and scoring needs to be simplified to make it less administratively burdensome and costly for physicians. We also addressed the ongoing challenges regarding electronic health records (EHR) interoperability and the administrative and financial burdens it has on physician practices. This roundtable is part of one of AGA’s top advocacy issues, urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), other payors, and Congress to provide relief to physicians.
AGA also raised the issue of alternative payment models and gastroenterology’s experience with developing bundles and episodes around common GI conditions. AGA stressed to Roskam the need for CMS to move forward piloting specialty payment models that have been approved by the Physician Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) to test them in the Medicare population. The need for modernizing the Stark laws to enable physician practices to participate in alternative payment models was also discussed at the roundtable since the current Stark laws prohibit physician referral based on volume or value. AGA supports S. 2051/H.R. 4206, the Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act, which would provide CMS with the regulatory authority to create exceptions under the Stark law for APMs and to remove barriers in the current law to the development and operation of such arrangements. The legislation would allow CMS to waive the Stark laws for physicians seeking to develop and operate APMs like what Congress allowed for accountable care organizations (ACOs). AGA believes this legislation is necessary for many of the innovative payment models developed by gastroenterologists to be implemented in the Medicare program.
Prior authorization
Prior authorization was also a major topic raised with Roskam and how it impacts all physicians regardless of where they practice. We emphasized how tremendously burdensome prior authorizations is to physicians and physician practices, and gave examples of how it often interrupts and/or delays delivery of patient care.
AGA and the alliance recommended that payors make prior authorization requirements and criteria transparent and easily accessible. We also recommended that CMS standardize and streamline prior authorization processes by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. We also encouraged the committee to conduct oversight hearings to investigate prior authorization and utilization management practices by Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D plans.
AGA and the alliance will continue to work with Roskam and the committees of jurisdiction to find solutions to lessen the regulatory burden on physicians that take time away from providing care to patients.
Dear VESS Members and Attendees: Welcome to Spring Meeting
On the advent of this year’s Society for Vascular Surgery’s (SVS) Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), I would like to welcome you to the 2018 annual spring meeting for VESS, which convenes in conjunction with VAM on June 20 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Our Wednesday program looks very diverse and outstanding, covering key topics in aortic and branch aortic, cerebrovascular, lower extremity, venous disease, hemodialysis, physician wellness/burnout, academic issues, and the medical management of vascular disease. Thank you to Matthew Smeds and the rest of the program committee for putting together such an engaging lineup for this year’s spring meeting! I would also encourage you to visit our industry sponsors for this event; exhibits will be available for perusal June 21-22 within the convention center. Finally, we will be cosponsoring an event Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Independence West Room of the Sheraton Hotel as a Networking Reception for Women, Diversity, and Young Surgeons. All residents and students are invited to attend this networking reception hosted by SVS and VESS. Thanks also to the SVS for hosting this meeting and for the ongoing collaboration we have enjoyed between our societies!
VESS members and leadership have continued to elevate the practice of vascular surgery and the research that has defined it. The more than 40-year history of this society is well outlined by Dr. Vik Kashyap in J Vasc Surg 2014;60(4):1123-4. VESS remains focused on engaging vascular trainees and vascular surgeons within a framework of collegial academic excellence. We continue to support research through grant funding at both the trainee and young investigator levels, and our presenters at both the spring VESS/VAM and Winter Annual Meetings enjoy a very high acceptance rate for publication of their findings. For more information about VESS, just visit vesurgery.org. The leadership for this society is proud of what it stands for. We are committed to exploring relevant and educational topics in vascular surgery. We hope this year’s spring meeting enhances your understanding and practice of vascular surgery. See you June 20th!
Jon Eliason, MD
VESS President
On the advent of this year’s Society for Vascular Surgery’s (SVS) Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), I would like to welcome you to the 2018 annual spring meeting for VESS, which convenes in conjunction with VAM on June 20 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Our Wednesday program looks very diverse and outstanding, covering key topics in aortic and branch aortic, cerebrovascular, lower extremity, venous disease, hemodialysis, physician wellness/burnout, academic issues, and the medical management of vascular disease. Thank you to Matthew Smeds and the rest of the program committee for putting together such an engaging lineup for this year’s spring meeting! I would also encourage you to visit our industry sponsors for this event; exhibits will be available for perusal June 21-22 within the convention center. Finally, we will be cosponsoring an event Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Independence West Room of the Sheraton Hotel as a Networking Reception for Women, Diversity, and Young Surgeons. All residents and students are invited to attend this networking reception hosted by SVS and VESS. Thanks also to the SVS for hosting this meeting and for the ongoing collaboration we have enjoyed between our societies!
VESS members and leadership have continued to elevate the practice of vascular surgery and the research that has defined it. The more than 40-year history of this society is well outlined by Dr. Vik Kashyap in J Vasc Surg 2014;60(4):1123-4. VESS remains focused on engaging vascular trainees and vascular surgeons within a framework of collegial academic excellence. We continue to support research through grant funding at both the trainee and young investigator levels, and our presenters at both the spring VESS/VAM and Winter Annual Meetings enjoy a very high acceptance rate for publication of their findings. For more information about VESS, just visit vesurgery.org. The leadership for this society is proud of what it stands for. We are committed to exploring relevant and educational topics in vascular surgery. We hope this year’s spring meeting enhances your understanding and practice of vascular surgery. See you June 20th!
Jon Eliason, MD
VESS President
On the advent of this year’s Society for Vascular Surgery’s (SVS) Vascular Annual Meeting (VAM), I would like to welcome you to the 2018 annual spring meeting for VESS, which convenes in conjunction with VAM on June 20 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Our Wednesday program looks very diverse and outstanding, covering key topics in aortic and branch aortic, cerebrovascular, lower extremity, venous disease, hemodialysis, physician wellness/burnout, academic issues, and the medical management of vascular disease. Thank you to Matthew Smeds and the rest of the program committee for putting together such an engaging lineup for this year’s spring meeting! I would also encourage you to visit our industry sponsors for this event; exhibits will be available for perusal June 21-22 within the convention center. Finally, we will be cosponsoring an event Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Independence West Room of the Sheraton Hotel as a Networking Reception for Women, Diversity, and Young Surgeons. All residents and students are invited to attend this networking reception hosted by SVS and VESS. Thanks also to the SVS for hosting this meeting and for the ongoing collaboration we have enjoyed between our societies!
VESS members and leadership have continued to elevate the practice of vascular surgery and the research that has defined it. The more than 40-year history of this society is well outlined by Dr. Vik Kashyap in J Vasc Surg 2014;60(4):1123-4. VESS remains focused on engaging vascular trainees and vascular surgeons within a framework of collegial academic excellence. We continue to support research through grant funding at both the trainee and young investigator levels, and our presenters at both the spring VESS/VAM and Winter Annual Meetings enjoy a very high acceptance rate for publication of their findings. For more information about VESS, just visit vesurgery.org. The leadership for this society is proud of what it stands for. We are committed to exploring relevant and educational topics in vascular surgery. We hope this year’s spring meeting enhances your understanding and practice of vascular surgery. See you June 20th!
Jon Eliason, MD
VESS President
With Collaboration the Norm, Fitting For Nurses, Surgeons to Have Meetings in Tandem
It seems fitting, said Tiffany Street, President of the Society for Vascular Nursing, that SVN and SVS have their conferences in the same location and with overlapping times.
“It parallels what we do every day in clinical practice,” she said. “Recently, we have focused our attention on the emphasis of the clinical vascular care team. Physicians and nurses collaborate daily on the care of vascular patients so collaboration in the learning environment is imperative.”
SVN’s 36th Annual Conference, SVN @SVS, will be held June 20 to 21, coinciding with the opening two days of VAM. The SVN conference registration fee permits entrance to VAM, as well.
Both organizations are emphasizing the team approach to vascular care this year, with SVN also stressing vascular education and the holistic approach to vascular patient care, Ms. Street said. An abstract session Thursday will focus on “The Vascular Team Connections,” with two abstract presentations plus a panel discussion on “How Collaboration Changes a Patient.” Speakers include surgeon and SVS President R. Clement Darling III, MD; a physician assistant, Erin Hanlon, PA-PAC; and two nurses, Marie Rossi, BS, RN, and Karen Fitzgerald, MSN, RN, NP.
The team approach is vitally important, Ms. Street said. “Vascular nursing is responsible for the care of the patient across the continuum in collaboration with the surgeon,” she said.
Undergoing a surgical procedure affects not only the patient but also the patient’s family, she pointed out. “Because the family support system is vital to good postoperative outcomes, vascular nurses support the family as well.” Nurses cover with the patient and family what they all might expect during the patient’s recovery, helping them think through the various issues and how best to manage them, she said. “It’s all part of the team approach.”
Abstract sessions at SVN @SVS will focus on CLI, AAA, carotid artery, PAD, venous and arterial compression, and vascular team connections. Concurrent sessions will target both the novice and experienced nurse, plus include other emphases, as well. Several SVS members will be presenters at SVN sessions.
The keynote address will cover the care of patients from the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Jonathan Gates, MD, who was Medical Director of Trauma Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the time of the bombing and operated on bombing victims that day, will present the address. Other sessions at the Vascular Annual Meeting also stress the vascular team and patient benefits, including “Team Forum: Improving Metrics in Clinical Practice,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday. Nurses are sure to find topics of interest at VAM, said Dr. Darling. “I find the team approach integral to optimal patient outcomes,” he said. “I could not be happier at including all members of the team at this year’s VAM, from the special programming for physician assistants on Thursday afternoon to SVN @SVS.
“When we work together,” he said, “everyone benefits, especially the patient.”
Visit vsweb.org/SVN18conference or the VAM Planner (vsweb.org/VAMPlanner) for the complete schedule and more information.
It seems fitting, said Tiffany Street, President of the Society for Vascular Nursing, that SVN and SVS have their conferences in the same location and with overlapping times.
“It parallels what we do every day in clinical practice,” she said. “Recently, we have focused our attention on the emphasis of the clinical vascular care team. Physicians and nurses collaborate daily on the care of vascular patients so collaboration in the learning environment is imperative.”
SVN’s 36th Annual Conference, SVN @SVS, will be held June 20 to 21, coinciding with the opening two days of VAM. The SVN conference registration fee permits entrance to VAM, as well.
Both organizations are emphasizing the team approach to vascular care this year, with SVN also stressing vascular education and the holistic approach to vascular patient care, Ms. Street said. An abstract session Thursday will focus on “The Vascular Team Connections,” with two abstract presentations plus a panel discussion on “How Collaboration Changes a Patient.” Speakers include surgeon and SVS President R. Clement Darling III, MD; a physician assistant, Erin Hanlon, PA-PAC; and two nurses, Marie Rossi, BS, RN, and Karen Fitzgerald, MSN, RN, NP.
The team approach is vitally important, Ms. Street said. “Vascular nursing is responsible for the care of the patient across the continuum in collaboration with the surgeon,” she said.
Undergoing a surgical procedure affects not only the patient but also the patient’s family, she pointed out. “Because the family support system is vital to good postoperative outcomes, vascular nurses support the family as well.” Nurses cover with the patient and family what they all might expect during the patient’s recovery, helping them think through the various issues and how best to manage them, she said. “It’s all part of the team approach.”
Abstract sessions at SVN @SVS will focus on CLI, AAA, carotid artery, PAD, venous and arterial compression, and vascular team connections. Concurrent sessions will target both the novice and experienced nurse, plus include other emphases, as well. Several SVS members will be presenters at SVN sessions.
The keynote address will cover the care of patients from the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Jonathan Gates, MD, who was Medical Director of Trauma Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the time of the bombing and operated on bombing victims that day, will present the address. Other sessions at the Vascular Annual Meeting also stress the vascular team and patient benefits, including “Team Forum: Improving Metrics in Clinical Practice,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday. Nurses are sure to find topics of interest at VAM, said Dr. Darling. “I find the team approach integral to optimal patient outcomes,” he said. “I could not be happier at including all members of the team at this year’s VAM, from the special programming for physician assistants on Thursday afternoon to SVN @SVS.
“When we work together,” he said, “everyone benefits, especially the patient.”
Visit vsweb.org/SVN18conference or the VAM Planner (vsweb.org/VAMPlanner) for the complete schedule and more information.
It seems fitting, said Tiffany Street, President of the Society for Vascular Nursing, that SVN and SVS have their conferences in the same location and with overlapping times.
“It parallels what we do every day in clinical practice,” she said. “Recently, we have focused our attention on the emphasis of the clinical vascular care team. Physicians and nurses collaborate daily on the care of vascular patients so collaboration in the learning environment is imperative.”
SVN’s 36th Annual Conference, SVN @SVS, will be held June 20 to 21, coinciding with the opening two days of VAM. The SVN conference registration fee permits entrance to VAM, as well.
Both organizations are emphasizing the team approach to vascular care this year, with SVN also stressing vascular education and the holistic approach to vascular patient care, Ms. Street said. An abstract session Thursday will focus on “The Vascular Team Connections,” with two abstract presentations plus a panel discussion on “How Collaboration Changes a Patient.” Speakers include surgeon and SVS President R. Clement Darling III, MD; a physician assistant, Erin Hanlon, PA-PAC; and two nurses, Marie Rossi, BS, RN, and Karen Fitzgerald, MSN, RN, NP.
The team approach is vitally important, Ms. Street said. “Vascular nursing is responsible for the care of the patient across the continuum in collaboration with the surgeon,” she said.
Undergoing a surgical procedure affects not only the patient but also the patient’s family, she pointed out. “Because the family support system is vital to good postoperative outcomes, vascular nurses support the family as well.” Nurses cover with the patient and family what they all might expect during the patient’s recovery, helping them think through the various issues and how best to manage them, she said. “It’s all part of the team approach.”
Abstract sessions at SVN @SVS will focus on CLI, AAA, carotid artery, PAD, venous and arterial compression, and vascular team connections. Concurrent sessions will target both the novice and experienced nurse, plus include other emphases, as well. Several SVS members will be presenters at SVN sessions.
The keynote address will cover the care of patients from the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Jonathan Gates, MD, who was Medical Director of Trauma Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at the time of the bombing and operated on bombing victims that day, will present the address. Other sessions at the Vascular Annual Meeting also stress the vascular team and patient benefits, including “Team Forum: Improving Metrics in Clinical Practice,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday. Nurses are sure to find topics of interest at VAM, said Dr. Darling. “I find the team approach integral to optimal patient outcomes,” he said. “I could not be happier at including all members of the team at this year’s VAM, from the special programming for physician assistants on Thursday afternoon to SVN @SVS.
“When we work together,” he said, “everyone benefits, especially the patient.”
Visit vsweb.org/SVN18conference or the VAM Planner (vsweb.org/VAMPlanner) for the complete schedule and more information.
Register for the Vascular Annual Meeting Today
The 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting is less than a month away. Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s VAM, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register and here to obtain housing (the deadline for housing currently is today, May 22). To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
The 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting is less than a month away. Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s VAM, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register and here to obtain housing (the deadline for housing currently is today, May 22). To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
The 2018 Vascular Annual Meeting is less than a month away. Join colleagues and friends in Boston for this year’s VAM, June 20 to 23. Scientific sessions are June 21-23 and the Exhibit Hall is open June 21 to 22. Click here to register and here to obtain housing (the deadline for housing currently is today, May 22). To get a full schedule and begin creating your own personal agenda, complete with marking sessions as favorites, see the VAM Planner.
Check SVS Website for New Research Opportunities
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Looking for a research opportunity? Check our updated website for current programs in your area. If your institution has an opportunity to promote, let us know at [email protected].
Submit a case to VAM's “Ask the Experts"
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting educational program for the new “Ask the Experts” sessions, to be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Topics are coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD. Learn more about case submission here.
And if you haven’t registered for VAM yet, do so! The premier meeting for vascular surgeons is just five weeks (and one day) away. Learn more and register here. And obtain a hotel room here.
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting educational program for the new “Ask the Experts” sessions, to be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Topics are coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD. Learn more about case submission here.
And if you haven’t registered for VAM yet, do so! The premier meeting for vascular surgeons is just five weeks (and one day) away. Learn more and register here. And obtain a hotel room here.
Help build the Vascular Annual Meeting educational program for the new “Ask the Experts” sessions, to be held daily, Wednesday through Saturday. Topics are coding, aortic care for occlusive disease, hemodialysis and PAD. Learn more about case submission here.
And if you haven’t registered for VAM yet, do so! The premier meeting for vascular surgeons is just five weeks (and one day) away. Learn more and register here. And obtain a hotel room here.
For Members Only: View “Negotiations” Webinar Materials
Did you miss the April 30 webinar on "Negotiating Physician Employment Contracts," presented by the SVS and the SVS Community Practice Committee? Materials -- available only to SVS members -- can be viewed here. Topics include benefits, call pay, termination rights, non-compete clauses, tenure opportunities and more.
Did you miss the April 30 webinar on "Negotiating Physician Employment Contracts," presented by the SVS and the SVS Community Practice Committee? Materials -- available only to SVS members -- can be viewed here. Topics include benefits, call pay, termination rights, non-compete clauses, tenure opportunities and more.
Did you miss the April 30 webinar on "Negotiating Physician Employment Contracts," presented by the SVS and the SVS Community Practice Committee? Materials -- available only to SVS members -- can be viewed here. Topics include benefits, call pay, termination rights, non-compete clauses, tenure opportunities and more.
San Antonio hotels for CHEST 2018
Are you ready for CHEST Annual Meeting 2018? Get ready with exclusive hotel deals for your trip to San Antonio from onPeak, the official hotel provider for CHEST 2018. Through onPeak, we are able to bring you the lowest rates, best hotels, and great amenities for your trip all along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. onPeak also provides flexible booking policies, great group tools, and a full team of wonderful customer service agents to ensure you have a smooth booking process.
Marriott Rivercenter – HQ Hotel
The San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, a magnificent 38-story hotel, is just steps away from premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Guests will enjoy supreme comfort conveniently located near many hot attractions, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo. The Alamo, one of the nation’s most storied and revered landmarks, is within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Discover the distinctly diverse personality of the Alamo City in grand style. Also along the spectacular River Walk, Grand Hyatt San Antonio is steps from trendy downtown bars, Zagat-rated restaurants, and all the sites and attractions that make San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
Located in beautiful downtown San Antonio, the Hilton Palacio del Rio hotel is surrounded by Texas culture and attractions, including the Alamo, just two blocks away. The Hilton Palacio del Rio offers superior service, extensive guest amenities, and is the only hotel in downtown San Antonio that features a private balcony in every room. Tex’s Riverwalk Sports Bar & Grill, Durty Nelley’s Irish Pub, Ibiza Riverwalk Patio Restaurant & Bar, and the Rincon Allegre Lobby Bar await to satisfy individual tastes.
Hotel Contessa
Step into the marble lobby accented with glass sconces and towering palm trees and you’ll know you’ve made the right choice on where to stay. The ambiance of this 265 all-suite property with heated rooftop pool, full-service spa, gourmet restaurant, and modern meeting space is unmatched by any other downtown hotel. Our dedicated service team is devoted to making any stay – leisure or business – a memorable experience. The Hotel Contessa extends to her guests a relaxing respite in an urban setting coupled with all the amenities of a large resort.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio
Experience the heart of the River Walk at Hyatt Regency San Antonio. This is the only hotel on the River Walk directly overlooking the historic Alamo, connecting two of San Antonio’s top destinations through the 16-story atrium lobby. This four-diamond hotel includes contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop pool, Stay-Fit gym, and a relaxing spa. The experienced staff adds a genuine touch to world-class amenities.
Marriott Riverwalk
The San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk hotel charmingly captures the vibrant culture and style of this romantic city, welcoming you and ensuring an enchanting stay. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, offering sweeping balcony views of the fabulous River Walk district. The 30-story hotel invites guests into a contemporary lobby with Texas flair: chili-red walls, dark-wood trim, and wrought-iron accents. Explore the history, culture, and culinary delights along the River Walk.
Westin Riverwalk Hotel
The Westin Riverwalk Hotel boasts 473 rooms and luxury suites with Texan hospitality and warm residential style. This riverfront hotel is the perfect location to relax and recharge. Expect a warm welcome when you visit the best of San Antonio River Walk hotels. Enjoy delicious dark chocolates imported from Venezuela when you check in and amenities such as The Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath® products that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The hotel rooms also include sparkling city or river views and elegant, oversized marble bathrooms with pampering bath amenities.
Don’t forget to book your hotel before they sell out! View the official hotel block at http://onpeak.com/CHEST-2018.
Note that onPeak is the only official hotel provider associated with our event. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering accommodations for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the meeting. Beware that entering into financial agreements with unendorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Hotel information provided by onPeak.
Are you ready for CHEST Annual Meeting 2018? Get ready with exclusive hotel deals for your trip to San Antonio from onPeak, the official hotel provider for CHEST 2018. Through onPeak, we are able to bring you the lowest rates, best hotels, and great amenities for your trip all along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. onPeak also provides flexible booking policies, great group tools, and a full team of wonderful customer service agents to ensure you have a smooth booking process.
Marriott Rivercenter – HQ Hotel
The San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, a magnificent 38-story hotel, is just steps away from premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Guests will enjoy supreme comfort conveniently located near many hot attractions, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo. The Alamo, one of the nation’s most storied and revered landmarks, is within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Discover the distinctly diverse personality of the Alamo City in grand style. Also along the spectacular River Walk, Grand Hyatt San Antonio is steps from trendy downtown bars, Zagat-rated restaurants, and all the sites and attractions that make San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
Located in beautiful downtown San Antonio, the Hilton Palacio del Rio hotel is surrounded by Texas culture and attractions, including the Alamo, just two blocks away. The Hilton Palacio del Rio offers superior service, extensive guest amenities, and is the only hotel in downtown San Antonio that features a private balcony in every room. Tex’s Riverwalk Sports Bar & Grill, Durty Nelley’s Irish Pub, Ibiza Riverwalk Patio Restaurant & Bar, and the Rincon Allegre Lobby Bar await to satisfy individual tastes.
Hotel Contessa
Step into the marble lobby accented with glass sconces and towering palm trees and you’ll know you’ve made the right choice on where to stay. The ambiance of this 265 all-suite property with heated rooftop pool, full-service spa, gourmet restaurant, and modern meeting space is unmatched by any other downtown hotel. Our dedicated service team is devoted to making any stay – leisure or business – a memorable experience. The Hotel Contessa extends to her guests a relaxing respite in an urban setting coupled with all the amenities of a large resort.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio
Experience the heart of the River Walk at Hyatt Regency San Antonio. This is the only hotel on the River Walk directly overlooking the historic Alamo, connecting two of San Antonio’s top destinations through the 16-story atrium lobby. This four-diamond hotel includes contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop pool, Stay-Fit gym, and a relaxing spa. The experienced staff adds a genuine touch to world-class amenities.
Marriott Riverwalk
The San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk hotel charmingly captures the vibrant culture and style of this romantic city, welcoming you and ensuring an enchanting stay. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, offering sweeping balcony views of the fabulous River Walk district. The 30-story hotel invites guests into a contemporary lobby with Texas flair: chili-red walls, dark-wood trim, and wrought-iron accents. Explore the history, culture, and culinary delights along the River Walk.
Westin Riverwalk Hotel
The Westin Riverwalk Hotel boasts 473 rooms and luxury suites with Texan hospitality and warm residential style. This riverfront hotel is the perfect location to relax and recharge. Expect a warm welcome when you visit the best of San Antonio River Walk hotels. Enjoy delicious dark chocolates imported from Venezuela when you check in and amenities such as The Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath® products that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The hotel rooms also include sparkling city or river views and elegant, oversized marble bathrooms with pampering bath amenities.
Don’t forget to book your hotel before they sell out! View the official hotel block at http://onpeak.com/CHEST-2018.
Note that onPeak is the only official hotel provider associated with our event. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering accommodations for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the meeting. Beware that entering into financial agreements with unendorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Hotel information provided by onPeak.
Are you ready for CHEST Annual Meeting 2018? Get ready with exclusive hotel deals for your trip to San Antonio from onPeak, the official hotel provider for CHEST 2018. Through onPeak, we are able to bring you the lowest rates, best hotels, and great amenities for your trip all along the beautiful San Antonio River Walk. onPeak also provides flexible booking policies, great group tools, and a full team of wonderful customer service agents to ensure you have a smooth booking process.
Marriott Rivercenter – HQ Hotel
The San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, a magnificent 38-story hotel, is just steps away from premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Guests will enjoy supreme comfort conveniently located near many hot attractions, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo. The Alamo, one of the nation’s most storied and revered landmarks, is within easy walking distance from the hotel.
Grand Hyatt San Antonio
Discover the distinctly diverse personality of the Alamo City in grand style. Also along the spectacular River Walk, Grand Hyatt San Antonio is steps from trendy downtown bars, Zagat-rated restaurants, and all the sites and attractions that make San Antonio one of the most culturally rich cities in the country.
Hilton Palacio Del Rio
Located in beautiful downtown San Antonio, the Hilton Palacio del Rio hotel is surrounded by Texas culture and attractions, including the Alamo, just two blocks away. The Hilton Palacio del Rio offers superior service, extensive guest amenities, and is the only hotel in downtown San Antonio that features a private balcony in every room. Tex’s Riverwalk Sports Bar & Grill, Durty Nelley’s Irish Pub, Ibiza Riverwalk Patio Restaurant & Bar, and the Rincon Allegre Lobby Bar await to satisfy individual tastes.
Hotel Contessa
Step into the marble lobby accented with glass sconces and towering palm trees and you’ll know you’ve made the right choice on where to stay. The ambiance of this 265 all-suite property with heated rooftop pool, full-service spa, gourmet restaurant, and modern meeting space is unmatched by any other downtown hotel. Our dedicated service team is devoted to making any stay – leisure or business – a memorable experience. The Hotel Contessa extends to her guests a relaxing respite in an urban setting coupled with all the amenities of a large resort.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio
Experience the heart of the River Walk at Hyatt Regency San Antonio. This is the only hotel on the River Walk directly overlooking the historic Alamo, connecting two of San Antonio’s top destinations through the 16-story atrium lobby. This four-diamond hotel includes contemporary guest rooms, a rooftop pool, Stay-Fit gym, and a relaxing spa. The experienced staff adds a genuine touch to world-class amenities.
Marriott Riverwalk
The San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk hotel charmingly captures the vibrant culture and style of this romantic city, welcoming you and ensuring an enchanting stay. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, offering sweeping balcony views of the fabulous River Walk district. The 30-story hotel invites guests into a contemporary lobby with Texas flair: chili-red walls, dark-wood trim, and wrought-iron accents. Explore the history, culture, and culinary delights along the River Walk.
Westin Riverwalk Hotel
The Westin Riverwalk Hotel boasts 473 rooms and luxury suites with Texan hospitality and warm residential style. This riverfront hotel is the perfect location to relax and recharge. Expect a warm welcome when you visit the best of San Antonio River Walk hotels. Enjoy delicious dark chocolates imported from Venezuela when you check in and amenities such as The Westin Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath® products that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The hotel rooms also include sparkling city or river views and elegant, oversized marble bathrooms with pampering bath amenities.
Don’t forget to book your hotel before they sell out! View the official hotel block at http://onpeak.com/CHEST-2018.
Note that onPeak is the only official hotel provider associated with our event. While other hotel resellers may contact you offering accommodations for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with the meeting. Beware that entering into financial agreements with unendorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Hotel information provided by onPeak.
Impacting careers, impacting patient care
Thank you for all you do to champion lung health. Your donation supports projects, such as grant funding, which are boosting patient outcomes, improving community health, and advancing the research that continues to enhance the journey for those facing pulmonary illnesses. Each year, your generosity funds more than $550,000 in clinical research and community service grants, allowing CHEST members to develop and implement their ideas through securing preliminary data support, distinguishing themselves among their colleagues, and advancing chest medicine toward medical breakthroughs.
One such story of the advancements being made in communities around the world begins in New York City.
Dr. Lovinsky-Desir is a pediatric pulmonologist based at Columbia University and the recipient of the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award in 2014 for her project on Urban Tree Canopy Exposure, DNA Methylation, and Allergies in Pediatric Asthma. The grant helped launch her into the research that she is most passionate about – asthma and health disparities in urban populations.
As Stephanie can attest, junior faculty often struggle to find funding for their research, especially when focusing on disparities, diversity, and socioeconomic factors that affect public health. “A lot of people can’t take the risk to pursue higher-risk careers like research, because they don’t have seed funding that allows them to dive into bigger awards or research grants.”
She made it her mission to find funding at the beginning of her research, so she could establish her reputation as a researcher and continue to receive further funding. Her plan began to fall into place when she applied for, and won, the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award. Dr. Lovinsky believes the CHEST Foundation grant is what launched her research. “Much of my success in getting grant funding is because I was awarded grants in the past! Once you start getting them and conducting research that produces meaningful results, you keep getting more, and it really starts to snowball. The CHEST Foundation award was the first award I as a Principal Investigator —my idea, my metrics. I feel so proud to have accomplished this.”
The findings she concluded from her CHEST diversity grant research allowed her to modify her study and receive the following awards: an award through her institution, the National Institute of Health KL2 award, and multiple awards including an NIH K01, a children’s scholar award, and the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Award. Stephanie is excited for her future research after recently receiving a very competitive score from her NIHK. She believes the CHEST Foundation award jump started her research career, and these other successes have resulted from it. “It’s more than a research project. We are building a research program.” Her current research involves exploring epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in pediatric and adult allergic asthmatics, as well as understanding the effects of environmental pollutants on asthma, activity, and obesity.
Though Dr. Lovinsky’s career as a researcher grew from the foundation grant, she says, “The benefit of this award specifically was the gateway to the CHEST Foundation and all of the other opportunities within CHEST.” She is actively involved in the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and brings many ideas to the table for the future of the CHEST Foundation. “I am committed to being involved with CHEST because of how much the organization has impacted my career. I enjoy giving back by participating in the task force.” Her clinical research and involvement in CHEST demonstrates the direct impact your generous support has on physicians, patients, and lung health.
Thank you for making important research like this possible. Your generosity is the catalyst for change in a world where lung diseases are ranking as one of the top causes of death for men and women everywhere. You’re improving patient outcomes every day, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your continued support will make it possible for the next generation of researchers to launch their careers. You can be a Champion for Lung Health and DONATE today through a new gift to the CHEST Foundation. We can meet our goals for the health professionals, patients, and caregivers we serve with your much appreciated and essential support.
To donate:
Web: chestfoundation.org/donate
Phone:224/521-9527
Again, thank you for all you do to improve patient outcomes. You are the lung health champions that patients and families count on to positively impact lung health.
Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP
President & Trustee
Mike E. Nelson, MD, FCCP
Immediate Past President & Trustee
Thank you for all you do to champion lung health. Your donation supports projects, such as grant funding, which are boosting patient outcomes, improving community health, and advancing the research that continues to enhance the journey for those facing pulmonary illnesses. Each year, your generosity funds more than $550,000 in clinical research and community service grants, allowing CHEST members to develop and implement their ideas through securing preliminary data support, distinguishing themselves among their colleagues, and advancing chest medicine toward medical breakthroughs.
One such story of the advancements being made in communities around the world begins in New York City.
Dr. Lovinsky-Desir is a pediatric pulmonologist based at Columbia University and the recipient of the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award in 2014 for her project on Urban Tree Canopy Exposure, DNA Methylation, and Allergies in Pediatric Asthma. The grant helped launch her into the research that she is most passionate about – asthma and health disparities in urban populations.
As Stephanie can attest, junior faculty often struggle to find funding for their research, especially when focusing on disparities, diversity, and socioeconomic factors that affect public health. “A lot of people can’t take the risk to pursue higher-risk careers like research, because they don’t have seed funding that allows them to dive into bigger awards or research grants.”
She made it her mission to find funding at the beginning of her research, so she could establish her reputation as a researcher and continue to receive further funding. Her plan began to fall into place when she applied for, and won, the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award. Dr. Lovinsky believes the CHEST Foundation grant is what launched her research. “Much of my success in getting grant funding is because I was awarded grants in the past! Once you start getting them and conducting research that produces meaningful results, you keep getting more, and it really starts to snowball. The CHEST Foundation award was the first award I as a Principal Investigator —my idea, my metrics. I feel so proud to have accomplished this.”
The findings she concluded from her CHEST diversity grant research allowed her to modify her study and receive the following awards: an award through her institution, the National Institute of Health KL2 award, and multiple awards including an NIH K01, a children’s scholar award, and the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Award. Stephanie is excited for her future research after recently receiving a very competitive score from her NIHK. She believes the CHEST Foundation award jump started her research career, and these other successes have resulted from it. “It’s more than a research project. We are building a research program.” Her current research involves exploring epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in pediatric and adult allergic asthmatics, as well as understanding the effects of environmental pollutants on asthma, activity, and obesity.
Though Dr. Lovinsky’s career as a researcher grew from the foundation grant, she says, “The benefit of this award specifically was the gateway to the CHEST Foundation and all of the other opportunities within CHEST.” She is actively involved in the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and brings many ideas to the table for the future of the CHEST Foundation. “I am committed to being involved with CHEST because of how much the organization has impacted my career. I enjoy giving back by participating in the task force.” Her clinical research and involvement in CHEST demonstrates the direct impact your generous support has on physicians, patients, and lung health.
Thank you for making important research like this possible. Your generosity is the catalyst for change in a world where lung diseases are ranking as one of the top causes of death for men and women everywhere. You’re improving patient outcomes every day, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your continued support will make it possible for the next generation of researchers to launch their careers. You can be a Champion for Lung Health and DONATE today through a new gift to the CHEST Foundation. We can meet our goals for the health professionals, patients, and caregivers we serve with your much appreciated and essential support.
To donate:
Web: chestfoundation.org/donate
Phone:224/521-9527
Again, thank you for all you do to improve patient outcomes. You are the lung health champions that patients and families count on to positively impact lung health.
Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP
President & Trustee
Mike E. Nelson, MD, FCCP
Immediate Past President & Trustee
Thank you for all you do to champion lung health. Your donation supports projects, such as grant funding, which are boosting patient outcomes, improving community health, and advancing the research that continues to enhance the journey for those facing pulmonary illnesses. Each year, your generosity funds more than $550,000 in clinical research and community service grants, allowing CHEST members to develop and implement their ideas through securing preliminary data support, distinguishing themselves among their colleagues, and advancing chest medicine toward medical breakthroughs.
One such story of the advancements being made in communities around the world begins in New York City.
Dr. Lovinsky-Desir is a pediatric pulmonologist based at Columbia University and the recipient of the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award in 2014 for her project on Urban Tree Canopy Exposure, DNA Methylation, and Allergies in Pediatric Asthma. The grant helped launch her into the research that she is most passionate about – asthma and health disparities in urban populations.
As Stephanie can attest, junior faculty often struggle to find funding for their research, especially when focusing on disparities, diversity, and socioeconomic factors that affect public health. “A lot of people can’t take the risk to pursue higher-risk careers like research, because they don’t have seed funding that allows them to dive into bigger awards or research grants.”
She made it her mission to find funding at the beginning of her research, so she could establish her reputation as a researcher and continue to receive further funding. Her plan began to fall into place when she applied for, and won, the CHEST Diversity and Young Investigator Award. Dr. Lovinsky believes the CHEST Foundation grant is what launched her research. “Much of my success in getting grant funding is because I was awarded grants in the past! Once you start getting them and conducting research that produces meaningful results, you keep getting more, and it really starts to snowball. The CHEST Foundation award was the first award I as a Principal Investigator —my idea, my metrics. I feel so proud to have accomplished this.”
The findings she concluded from her CHEST diversity grant research allowed her to modify her study and receive the following awards: an award through her institution, the National Institute of Health KL2 award, and multiple awards including an NIH K01, a children’s scholar award, and the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Award. Stephanie is excited for her future research after recently receiving a very competitive score from her NIHK. She believes the CHEST Foundation award jump started her research career, and these other successes have resulted from it. “It’s more than a research project. We are building a research program.” Her current research involves exploring epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in pediatric and adult allergic asthmatics, as well as understanding the effects of environmental pollutants on asthma, activity, and obesity.
Though Dr. Lovinsky’s career as a researcher grew from the foundation grant, she says, “The benefit of this award specifically was the gateway to the CHEST Foundation and all of the other opportunities within CHEST.” She is actively involved in the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and brings many ideas to the table for the future of the CHEST Foundation. “I am committed to being involved with CHEST because of how much the organization has impacted my career. I enjoy giving back by participating in the task force.” Her clinical research and involvement in CHEST demonstrates the direct impact your generous support has on physicians, patients, and lung health.
Thank you for making important research like this possible. Your generosity is the catalyst for change in a world where lung diseases are ranking as one of the top causes of death for men and women everywhere. You’re improving patient outcomes every day, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Your continued support will make it possible for the next generation of researchers to launch their careers. You can be a Champion for Lung Health and DONATE today through a new gift to the CHEST Foundation. We can meet our goals for the health professionals, patients, and caregivers we serve with your much appreciated and essential support.
To donate:
Web: chestfoundation.org/donate
Phone:224/521-9527
Again, thank you for all you do to improve patient outcomes. You are the lung health champions that patients and families count on to positively impact lung health.
Lisa K. Moores, MD, FCCP
President & Trustee
Mike E. Nelson, MD, FCCP
Immediate Past President & Trustee
AACN releases expert consensus statement on teleICU nursing practice
To remain at the forefront of expanding evidence-based practices in all aspects of critical care, facilities must include teleICUs.
In 2013, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) first defined standards for the emerging telenursing practice in the ICU and has recently published an update, AACN TeleICU Nursing Practice: An Expert Consensus Statement Supporting High Acuity, Progressive and Critical Care.1
The new consensus statement, which creates a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving teleICU nursing practice, addresses the new findings in this fast-growing area of health care. It also establishes a model for achieving excellence and optimal patient care outcomes through the following:
• Shared knowledge and goals
• Mutual respect
• Skilled communication
• True collaboration
• Authentic leadership
• Optimized technology
• Practice excellence
A 12-person task force, including teleICU nurse leaders, contributed to the statement and brought a fresh perspective to this area of practice.
Task force co-chair Pat Herr, clinical integration director of eCARE ICU at Avera Health, says it was important to harness the energy and lessons learned from experienced teleICU leaders.
“TeleICUs continue to evolve to meet the needs of patients and health systems,” Herr adds. “New technology options and new partnership models are available, and nurse leaders play an important part in using these tools to improve patient care.”
The earliest teleICU design concepts employed a physician-only model of care, but it quickly became clear that critical-care nursing was a necessary component. Today, the most effective teleICU models implement collaborative care that includes physicians, nurses, information technology, and administrative support personnel.Opportunities in teleICU are one way to retain knowledgeable nurses, who can bridge clinical expertise gaps and provide an additional layer of skilled critical care. TeleICU care ensures delivery of both optimal patient outcomes and timely knowledge to support physicians, nurses, and the entire bedside care team.
Task force member Lisa-Mae Williams, operations director of telehealth and eICU at Baptist Health South Florida, says telemedicine doesn’t mean fewer jobs for bedside nurses; it’s an extra set of eyes to surveil vitals and support a clinical workforce that may be stretched thin.
“At the bedside, when teleICU came to my unit, I was very skeptical,” Williams recalls. “But after seeing for myself what those extra nurses brought to the table – the available technology and time they had to assess trends and really delve into what’s going on – it turned out to be the best tool to care for our patients.”
In addition to knowledge gaps, nurse turnover is on the rise, according to the “2017 Survey of Registered Nurses: Viewpoints on Leadership, Nursing, Shortages and Their Profession” from AMN Healthcare, San Diego.2 The survey also finds that more than one in four nurses plan to retire within a year, and 73% of baby boomers expect to retire in 3 years or less.
The shortfall is already more pronounced in rural hospitals facing staffing challenges and in specialty areas where additional education, training, and experience are critical to improve patient safety and outcomes.
The expertise and dynamic, front-line viewpoint of teleICU experts has resulted in a comprehensive, patient-centric update. Their experience delivering both bedside and remote care was instrumental in developing valuable clinical scenarios. The scenarios in the statement are genuine examples of how each key recommendation is implemented by physicians and bedside and teleICU nurses to provide continuity of care; identify high-risk patients; and decrease mortality rates by filling gaps in monitoring and staff expertise.
As a leader in the delivery of evidence-based practices, AACN offers CCRN-E specialty certification3 for nurses who primarily provide acute or critical care for adult patients in a teleICU setting, which is connected to the bedside via audiovisual communication and computer systems. Visit www.aacn.org > Certification > Get Certified > CCRN-E Adult to learn more.
The expert consensus statement is available for AACN members to download or to purchase a hard copy.4
References
1. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement
2. https://www.amnhealthcare.com/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Campaigns/AMN%20Healthcare%202017%20RN%20Survey%20-%20Full%20Report.pdf 3. https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-e-adult
4. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement
To remain at the forefront of expanding evidence-based practices in all aspects of critical care, facilities must include teleICUs.
In 2013, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) first defined standards for the emerging telenursing practice in the ICU and has recently published an update, AACN TeleICU Nursing Practice: An Expert Consensus Statement Supporting High Acuity, Progressive and Critical Care.1
The new consensus statement, which creates a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving teleICU nursing practice, addresses the new findings in this fast-growing area of health care. It also establishes a model for achieving excellence and optimal patient care outcomes through the following:
• Shared knowledge and goals
• Mutual respect
• Skilled communication
• True collaboration
• Authentic leadership
• Optimized technology
• Practice excellence
A 12-person task force, including teleICU nurse leaders, contributed to the statement and brought a fresh perspective to this area of practice.
Task force co-chair Pat Herr, clinical integration director of eCARE ICU at Avera Health, says it was important to harness the energy and lessons learned from experienced teleICU leaders.
“TeleICUs continue to evolve to meet the needs of patients and health systems,” Herr adds. “New technology options and new partnership models are available, and nurse leaders play an important part in using these tools to improve patient care.”
The earliest teleICU design concepts employed a physician-only model of care, but it quickly became clear that critical-care nursing was a necessary component. Today, the most effective teleICU models implement collaborative care that includes physicians, nurses, information technology, and administrative support personnel.Opportunities in teleICU are one way to retain knowledgeable nurses, who can bridge clinical expertise gaps and provide an additional layer of skilled critical care. TeleICU care ensures delivery of both optimal patient outcomes and timely knowledge to support physicians, nurses, and the entire bedside care team.
Task force member Lisa-Mae Williams, operations director of telehealth and eICU at Baptist Health South Florida, says telemedicine doesn’t mean fewer jobs for bedside nurses; it’s an extra set of eyes to surveil vitals and support a clinical workforce that may be stretched thin.
“At the bedside, when teleICU came to my unit, I was very skeptical,” Williams recalls. “But after seeing for myself what those extra nurses brought to the table – the available technology and time they had to assess trends and really delve into what’s going on – it turned out to be the best tool to care for our patients.”
In addition to knowledge gaps, nurse turnover is on the rise, according to the “2017 Survey of Registered Nurses: Viewpoints on Leadership, Nursing, Shortages and Their Profession” from AMN Healthcare, San Diego.2 The survey also finds that more than one in four nurses plan to retire within a year, and 73% of baby boomers expect to retire in 3 years or less.
The shortfall is already more pronounced in rural hospitals facing staffing challenges and in specialty areas where additional education, training, and experience are critical to improve patient safety and outcomes.
The expertise and dynamic, front-line viewpoint of teleICU experts has resulted in a comprehensive, patient-centric update. Their experience delivering both bedside and remote care was instrumental in developing valuable clinical scenarios. The scenarios in the statement are genuine examples of how each key recommendation is implemented by physicians and bedside and teleICU nurses to provide continuity of care; identify high-risk patients; and decrease mortality rates by filling gaps in monitoring and staff expertise.
As a leader in the delivery of evidence-based practices, AACN offers CCRN-E specialty certification3 for nurses who primarily provide acute or critical care for adult patients in a teleICU setting, which is connected to the bedside via audiovisual communication and computer systems. Visit www.aacn.org > Certification > Get Certified > CCRN-E Adult to learn more.
The expert consensus statement is available for AACN members to download or to purchase a hard copy.4
References
1. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement
2. https://www.amnhealthcare.com/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Campaigns/AMN%20Healthcare%202017%20RN%20Survey%20-%20Full%20Report.pdf 3. https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-e-adult
4. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement
To remain at the forefront of expanding evidence-based practices in all aspects of critical care, facilities must include teleICUs.
In 2013, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) first defined standards for the emerging telenursing practice in the ICU and has recently published an update, AACN TeleICU Nursing Practice: An Expert Consensus Statement Supporting High Acuity, Progressive and Critical Care.1
The new consensus statement, which creates a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving teleICU nursing practice, addresses the new findings in this fast-growing area of health care. It also establishes a model for achieving excellence and optimal patient care outcomes through the following:
• Shared knowledge and goals
• Mutual respect
• Skilled communication
• True collaboration
• Authentic leadership
• Optimized technology
• Practice excellence
A 12-person task force, including teleICU nurse leaders, contributed to the statement and brought a fresh perspective to this area of practice.
Task force co-chair Pat Herr, clinical integration director of eCARE ICU at Avera Health, says it was important to harness the energy and lessons learned from experienced teleICU leaders.
“TeleICUs continue to evolve to meet the needs of patients and health systems,” Herr adds. “New technology options and new partnership models are available, and nurse leaders play an important part in using these tools to improve patient care.”
The earliest teleICU design concepts employed a physician-only model of care, but it quickly became clear that critical-care nursing was a necessary component. Today, the most effective teleICU models implement collaborative care that includes physicians, nurses, information technology, and administrative support personnel.Opportunities in teleICU are one way to retain knowledgeable nurses, who can bridge clinical expertise gaps and provide an additional layer of skilled critical care. TeleICU care ensures delivery of both optimal patient outcomes and timely knowledge to support physicians, nurses, and the entire bedside care team.
Task force member Lisa-Mae Williams, operations director of telehealth and eICU at Baptist Health South Florida, says telemedicine doesn’t mean fewer jobs for bedside nurses; it’s an extra set of eyes to surveil vitals and support a clinical workforce that may be stretched thin.
“At the bedside, when teleICU came to my unit, I was very skeptical,” Williams recalls. “But after seeing for myself what those extra nurses brought to the table – the available technology and time they had to assess trends and really delve into what’s going on – it turned out to be the best tool to care for our patients.”
In addition to knowledge gaps, nurse turnover is on the rise, according to the “2017 Survey of Registered Nurses: Viewpoints on Leadership, Nursing, Shortages and Their Profession” from AMN Healthcare, San Diego.2 The survey also finds that more than one in four nurses plan to retire within a year, and 73% of baby boomers expect to retire in 3 years or less.
The shortfall is already more pronounced in rural hospitals facing staffing challenges and in specialty areas where additional education, training, and experience are critical to improve patient safety and outcomes.
The expertise and dynamic, front-line viewpoint of teleICU experts has resulted in a comprehensive, patient-centric update. Their experience delivering both bedside and remote care was instrumental in developing valuable clinical scenarios. The scenarios in the statement are genuine examples of how each key recommendation is implemented by physicians and bedside and teleICU nurses to provide continuity of care; identify high-risk patients; and decrease mortality rates by filling gaps in monitoring and staff expertise.
As a leader in the delivery of evidence-based practices, AACN offers CCRN-E specialty certification3 for nurses who primarily provide acute or critical care for adult patients in a teleICU setting, which is connected to the bedside via audiovisual communication and computer systems. Visit www.aacn.org > Certification > Get Certified > CCRN-E Adult to learn more.
The expert consensus statement is available for AACN members to download or to purchase a hard copy.4
References
1. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement
2. https://www.amnhealthcare.com/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Campaigns/AMN%20Healthcare%202017%20RN%20Survey%20-%20Full%20Report.pdf 3. https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified/ccrn-e-adult
4. https://www.aacn.org/nursing-excellence/standards/aacn-teleicu-nursing-consensus-statement