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RMC to Host Healthy Heart Day Screenings Saturday, February 25th

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What:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States each year.  At RMC, we believe prevention is the best medicine.  As part of RMC’s Early Detection Connection series of community health events, men and women above age 20 are invited to receive a Heart Day screening at one of two convenient RMC locations. For $50, each patient will receive an EKG, lipid profile, blood pressure screening and a basic metabolic profile.  Along with the screening, patients will receive a FREE t-shirt – courtesy of RMC Foundation who is sponsoring this year’s Heart Day activities.

When:

Saturday, February 25th, 2017 from 8AM to 5PM CT

Where:

The Tyler Center in Anniston
731 Leighton Avenue
Anniston, AL 36207

or
RMC Jacksonville
1701 Pelham Road South
Jacksonville, AL 36265

Why:

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the key to preventing cardiovascular disease is managing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or high blood glucose.  The best way to find out is through screening tests during regular doctor visits.  “Regular cardiovascular screenings are  important because it helps you detect risk factors in their earliest stages,” said Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D., American Heart Association.

Cost:

$50 (to be paid upon arrival)

Registration Required:

To schedule an appointment, please call 1-844-RMC-APPT

RMC Newborns Saving Lives in Anniston

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ANNISTON, AL (January 2, 2017) – RMC’s littlest patients have recently become Alabama’s youngest life savers. That’s because parents of babies born at RMC in Anniston can now donate their newborn’s umbilical cord blood to LifeCord, a public FDA-licensed cord blood bank of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

Cord blood is rich with blood-forming stem cells that can help patients who are in need of a bone marrow transplant. Cord blood transplants have successfully treated cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and other diseases of the bone marrow. After a patient’s diseased marrow is destroyed, the transplanted cord blood stem cells act like seeds to re-grow healthy, functioning marrow.

Cord blood offers some practical advantages over traditional adult marrow or stem cell donations. While the tissue from an adult donor must be matched with near pinpoint accuracy to a recipient, cord blood can succeed with less perfect matching. It’s also tested, frozen and ready for transplant, saving time for patients in need.

LifeCord is proud and honored that Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Alabama will join this long list of prestigious medical facilities and begin saving lives by offering public cord blood donation through LifeCord to moms in our community. In Alabama, Baptist Medical Center East, Baptist Medical Center South and Jackson Hospital, all in Montgomery, participate, along with East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham.

“There is no charge for donating, and the procedure is simple and safe,” said Stephanie Shorter, Cord Blood Coordinator for LifeCord. “Encouraging more parents to donate will further expand the use of cord blood, and more lives will be saved.”

For additional information, please contact LifeSouth at 888-795-2707 or on the web at www.lifesouth.org.

Brake for Breakfast

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Anniston, AL (October 11, 2016) – In recognition of October’s designation as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to host a number of awareness and early detection connection events to recognize and honor breast cancer survivors and promote awareness.

Local residents are invited to RMC’s first annual “Brake for Breakfast” early detection connection event on Friday, October 21 from 7 am to 8:30 am. Local residents are invited to stop by as they ‘Brake for Breakfast’ with RMC staff, physicians, breast cancer survivors and receive a FREE healthy breakfast, gift and important information on early detection capabilities available at RMC. RMC’s second annual “Brake for Breakfast” event will be held at The Tyler Center, located at 731 Leighton Ave in Anniston adjacent to the RMC main hospital campus in Anniston.

For more information, visit rmccares.org/brakeforbreakfast or register on RMC’s ‘Brake for Breakfast’ facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1466248700350278/.

RMC Awarded Grant from March of Dimes Alabama to Help Moms and Babies Across Anniston and Calhoun County

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July 13, 2016 – The March of Dimes Alabama has awarded a grant to Regional Medical Center to support the screening and treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in Alabama, a program that fills an unmet maternal and child health need here. This important program at RMC will enhance and provide education and services for populations at the greatest risk for preterm birth and educate area providers about this critical health problem. Funding by March of Dimes Alabama to support RMC’s NAS program was awarded in a grant totaling $20,000 to assist with this project.

This grant is one of the ways the March of Dimes helps fulfill its mission to prevent prematurity, birth defects, and infant mortality.  In 2003 the Prematurity Campaign was launched to address the increasing rate of premature birth. In Alabama, the rate is 13.1% giving the state an “F” on the 2015 Prematurity Report Card.

“We found that there are large gaps in maternal and child health outcomes of expectant mothers, especially among African American and Hispanic women across Alabama.” said Kimberly Seals, March of Dimes State Director of Program Services. “We are grateful that our successful fundraising efforts, such as March for Babies, make it possible for us to support new programs in Alabama that can help more babies be born healthy and have a fighting chance at life.”

According to Shelley Birchfield, OB nurse manager at RMC, in a 2016 statement released by Narcon International, the occurrence of babies born addicted to drugs has increased substantially —more than 500 percent— over a 12-year period (2000 to 2012).  A recent study by the University of Michigan estimates that every 25 minutes in the U.S. a baby is born suffering from opiate withdrawal and that more than 13,539 babies are born with NAS [Neo-Natal Abstinence Syndrome] each year.

During pregnancy, babies form a physical dependence on substances used by their mothers. And after birth, they experience withdrawal, just like adults. NAS is a painful condition causing withdrawal symptoms that can include high-pitched crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, inconsolability and even seizures. While an opioid drug dependency in newborns is more common (often prescribed for pain management and addiction recovery), others can include anxiety and sleep medicines, other painkillers, illegal drugs or certain other prescription medicine.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston has embarked upon this new program to promote prevention and early identification of mothers needing treatment as well as treatment for babies.  After evaluation and diagnosis, babies may need specialized treatment.  The treatment protocol for babies born with NAS will assist in a healthier mom and baby.

Trained volunteer “cuddlers” and non-medical interventions are also key to soothing babies with NAS.  Babies are swaddled in private rooms that are kept quiet and dark, avoiding overstimulation.

“It is a program from our hearts,” said Shelley Birchfield, OB nurse manager. “It is so gratifying to help these moms and babies have a better chance at life, to help them find a new beginning.”

The obstetrics department at RMC is currently seeking applicants for volunteer ‘Cuddlers’.  Specially trained volunteers provide comfort measures to infants at risk for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) on RMC’s OB unit. These trained Cuddlers help comfort babies who may have symptoms such as irritability, tremors, may feed poorly, and have a need to be held.  For those interested in applying for the RMC “Cuddler” volunteer program, please contact OB Services at 256.235.5132 ext. 3.

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.

About Regional Medical Center

With 338 inpatient beds at Regional Medical Center (RMC) Anniston, 89 beds at RMC Jacksonville, and numerous outpatient facilities and services, RMC is the provider of choice for over 13,500 inpatients, 81,000 outpatients, 1,750 newborn deliveries and 55,000 emergency room visits each year. Services include cardiovascular, oncology, orthopedic and women’s/ children’s, as well as most major specialties for the right care close to home. More than 1,600 employees, 300 volunteers and 200 physicians in a full range of specialties provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement® and Maternity Care, and is the first Baby-Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. For more information, visit www.RMCcares.org.

RMC Earns National Accreditation with Commendation for Cancer Program

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July 11, 2016 –Regional Medical Center (RMC) announced today that The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted RMC in Anniston a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation for its’ cancer program.

To earn this voluntary accreditation, a cancer program must meet or exceed 34 CoC quality care standards, undergo an evaluation and survey process every three years and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.  This high distinction of a Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation is only awarded to a healthcare facility that exceeds standard requirements at the time of its triennial survey. This marks the third cycle in a row that RMC has earned the distinction of a Three Year Accreditation with Commendation on all measured quality standards.

Because it is a recognized CoC-accredited Cancer Center, RMC has proven a demonstrated multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved delivery of care, treatment and after care or cancer patients.

The CoC Accreditation Program provides the framework for RMC to improve its quality of patient care through various cancer-related programs that focus on the full spectrum of cancer care including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-of-life care.

“Being recognized with such a high honor and distinction for the extraordinary cancer care delivered by our physicians, cancer specialists and clinical staff underscores just how exemplary the cancer treatment and care is for cancer patients who received this often challenging diagnosis,” said Louis Bass, RMC CEO.  “It is with great pride that our local community can take comfort and recognize that RMC’s Cancer Care program is among the highest ranked and accredited programs in Alabama and the country.”

Patients receiving care at an accredited CoC facility have access to critical information related to clinical trials and new treatments, genetic counseling and patient-centered services including psycho-social support, a patient navigation process and survivorship care plan that documents the care each patient receives and seeks to improve a cancer survivors’ quality of life.

RMC Earns National Accreditation with Commendation for Cancer Program/add one

Like all CoC-accredited facilities, The Cancer Care Program at RMC maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a joint program of the CoC and The American Cancer Society (ACS).  This nationwide oncology outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world.  Data on all types of cancer are tracked and analyzed through the NCDB and used to explore trends in cancer care.  Accredited CoC Cancer Centers, in turn, have access to information derived from this type of data analysis, which is used to create national, regional and state benchmark reports.  These reports help CoC facilities improve their quality care initiatives.

ACS estimates that more than 1.6 million cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2013.  There are currently more than 1,500 CoC-accredited cancer programs in the U.S.  and Puerto Rico, representing total of only 30 percent of all hospitals nationwide.  CoC-accredited facilities diagnose and/or treat more than 70 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer patients.

“When cancer patients choose to seek care locally at a CoC-accredited cancer center, they have the good fortune of knowing they are gaining access to comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer treatment and care that is in their own community and close to home,” Bass said.

About the CoC

Established in 1922 by the American College of Surgeons, the CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving patient outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive, quality care.  Its membership includes Fellows of the American College of Surgeons. For more information, visit: www.facs.org/cancer.  The CoC provides the public with information on the resources, services, and cancer treatment experience for each CoC-accredited cancer program through the CoC Hospital Locator at http://www.facs.org/cancerprogram/index.html.

About Regional Medical Center

With 338 inpatient beds at Regional Medical Center (RMC) Anniston, 89 beds at RMC Jacksonville, and numerous outpatient facilities and services, RMC is the provider of choice for over 13,500 inpatients, 81,000 outpatients, 1,750 newborn deliveries and 55,000 emergency room visits each year. Services include cardiovascular, oncology, orthopedic and women’s/ children’s, as well as most major specialties for the right care close to home. More than 1,600 employees, 300 volunteers and 200 physicians in a full range of specialties provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement® and Maternity Care, and is the first Baby-Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. For more information, visit www.RMCcares.org.

RMC Foundation to Host Inaugural Martha Vandervoort Garden Jubilee on Friday, May 13th at Longleaf Botanical Garden

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On Friday, May 13, 2016, the RMC Foundation will host the inaugural Martha Vandervoort Garden Jubilee at Longleaf Botancial Garden in Anniston. This year’s Garden Jubilee, presented by RMC and Calhoun County Medical Society, will honor longtime Calhoun County resident, Martha Vandervoort, and her dedication and countless contributions she made to the local community. The event also will award one deserving Calhoun County high school student as recipient of the first Martha Vandervoort Scholarship.

According to Lagina Fillingim, RMC Foundation Director, the goal of this year’s Garden Jublilee will be to raise additional funds to create an endowment scholarship in Martha Vandervoort’s honor. The scholarship will assist with the costs of a college education for a high school student in Calhoun County who demonstrates academic promise, strong character, community involvement and financial need.

“Martha Vandervoort was a true gardener of life and planted seeds of hope and love everywhere she went and with each life that she touched,” Fillingim said. “It seemed only fitting that a scholarship be established in her honor that will continue sowing seeds of hope for our future. She was a champion for our community and knew the needs of those most at risk. With this scholarship opportunity, Martha’s memory will be honored and continue her mission so that each recipient can be the best person God created them to be.”

The Medical Center Memorial Foundation created the college scholarship fund to honor Martha Vandervoort and her dedication and commitment to our community. Community members can support the scholarship fund by purchasing tickets to the Foundation’s Garden Jubilee on Friday, May 13, at Longleaf Botanical Garden or by making a donation to the RMC Foundation in Martha’s honor. Individual tickets are available for $75. Tickets for couples are $150 and tables of eight are available for $1,000. In addition to presenting sponsors, RMC and Calhoun County Medical Society, RMC Foundation is grateful for the support of the following corporate silver sponsors, Robins & Morton, ERA King, and Cares.

As one of the region’s largest not-for-profit health care systems, RMC reinvests hospital earnings back into the local communities through improved access to expanded services, state-of-the-art technologies and recruitment of top talent. Founded in 1977, the Regional Medical Center Foundation, Inc. is a not for profit volunteer organization created to promote and assist Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) by enhancing community services through education and financial assistance.
The Medical Center Memorial Foundation provides a way for anyone to support RMC’s important health care mission, no matter the size of the gift. There are a number of ways to contribute, including: a memorial or honorary gift—a donation in honor or memory of a friend or family member; annual gift—a pledge to donate a certain amount each year and planned gifts, making arrangements to make a donation later through a will or trust. Gifts may be designated for a specific area of health care, or the donation may be made for capital improvement or for the area of greatest need.

For more information or to purchase tickets or a corporate sponsorship for the RMC Foundation Garden Jubilee on Friday, May 13, please email foundation@ rmccares.org or call 256-741-6359.

For more information on the RMC Foundation, visit www.rmccares.org.

Certified Nurse Midwifery Program Welcomed at RMC

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On Sunday, April 24th at 2 pm, Regional Medical Center (RMC) invites the community to attend a free “Meet the Midwife” special event at the Women’s & Children’s Pavilion. The event will include tours of RMC’s fully-equipped natural birthing labor rooms and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of midwifery and meet Sara Hellwege, CNM, who joins Joshua Johannson, M.D. at Cheaha Women’s Health & Wellness. Afternoon refreshments will be served for all in attendance.

Nurse-midwifery was first established in America in the 1920s. Since that time, certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have been recognized for their contributions in reducing infant and maternal mortality, premature births and low birth weight rates. Numerous studies have been completed and reports released that document the success of certified nurse-midwives in their quest to improve maternal-child health.

RMC in Anniston was recently awarded the Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Alabama. RMC is also the first designated baby-friendly hospital in Alabama. As the first designated baby-friendly hospital in Alabama, physicians and maternity staff at RMC take extra steps to provide the most baby-friendly environment for families including: immediate skin-to-skin contact with mom and her newborn right after birth, a fully-certified lactation program to encourage breastfeeding on-demand and assist new mothers with breastfeeding support throughout their stay and following discharge. Physicians, clinical teams and nurse midwives encourage low-intervention, customized birthing plans that include water labor, family-centered cesareans with clear draping to fully view a cesarean birth and promote V-BAC births when safe for mom and baby.

Raised in Anniston, RMC’s ‘Meet the Midwife’ guest of honor, Sara Hellwege, CNM, said she is thrilled to return home to fulfill her dream of practicing midwifery and offer additional obstetrical options to the women of Alabama at Cheaha Women’s Health & Wellness.

“Growing up, I knew I wanted to be involved in a healthcare vocation, but after witnessing the miracle of birth, I was called towards nurse-midwifery,” she said. “During my graduate clinical training I was fortunate to have trained under CNMs who specialized in hydrotherapy and movement during labor, as well as using ancillary personnel such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, massage therapists, and doulas to obtain the desired experience for our clients. I look forward to being a partner alongside women and their families in the Anniston community so that they may feel loved and empowered in their choice for a low-intervention, natural birthing experience.”

In 2014, Hellwege earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree from Frontier Nursing University, and graduated Cum Laude from Samford University in 2009. She is board-certified from the American Midwifery Certification Board and licensed as an RN and CNM by the state of Alabama Board of Nursing.

For more information or to register for the “Meet the Midwife” event on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 2 pm, please RSVP to cheahamidwife@gmail.com.

It’s worth it! Mike and Andrea Mongiello drove two hours to experience birth as they designed it.

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EACH YEAR, more than 1,800 newborns begin life at the Women’s and Children’s Center at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston. With a team of specially trained nurses, highly qualified physicians, and the latest in labor, delivery and recovery care here, parents experience a safe, personal and comfortable environment for one of life’s most precious milestones.

At RMC, families have more choices, care options and support throughout the birthing experience. As the first Baby-Friendly Hospital
in Alabama, our collaborative team of doctors and nurses stands ready to help you realize your birthing plan—from the admissions process to childbirth classes, labor and delivery, postpartum and lactation support.

Their best interests at heart

Mike and Andrea “Andy” Mongiello interviewed physicians and toured birthing centers close to home in Cullman, Birmingham and Anniston, and even in Tennessee. They started the journey not knowing who or where they would choose, but knowing for certain what they wanted in a birthing plan.

On 
Jan. 20, 2016, they welcomed
baby Alyssa to their family with
the medical expertise of Joshua Johannson, MD, obstetrician, and the clinical support and assistance of the Women’s and Children’s team at RMC Anniston.

“Through our local doula, we learned about Dr. Johannson,” says Mike. “We wanted a physician and hospital that would support an all-natural, low-intervention birth. After meeting with the doctor
and touring the hospital, we were impressed with everyone we met and everything we heard.”

The Mongiellos found that at RMC, Dr. Johannson and the care team welcomed their birthing plan, skin-to-skin bonding, breastfeeding and rooming in. “They embraced everything,” Andy says. “They were OK with Mike receiving the baby… everything.”

That said, when they learned that the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around Alyssa’s neck, they were thankful to be surrounded by the clinical expertise of the RMC team and the wonders of modern medicine. “Things don’t always go exactly as planned…it’s hard to anticipate complications,” Andy says. “We were glad to be among ‘friends and family’ at RMC.”

Throughout the entire experience— in the months leading up to Alyssa’s birth, through labor and delivery, in postpartum, the nursery and even after discharge—Andy and Mike felt as if they were part of a
family at RMC, as if they were
the only patient of concern at any moment in time.

“When friends share their amazement that we drove two hours for doctor’s appointments, hospital tours and finally Alyssa’s birth, I just say, ‘Believe me, it’s worth it!’” Andy shares. “You will get the birth you want.”

The Mongiellos recall the support of RMC’s certified lactation consultants, not only in the hospital but also since they’ve been home. “They were there whenever I asked for them,” Andy says. “And they’ve called to check on us several times since coming home. I’ve never had a hospital follow up with me. It’s incredible that patient care at RMC doesn’t stop at discharge.”

Both Mike and Andy served in the U.S. Navy, have medical backgrounds and several physician relatives,
and currently serve as volunteer EMTs. So their expectations were high. Although they heart.”

“We could not imagine a better experience,” Mike says in a thank-you note to the CEO. “We traveled two hours to Anniston countless times during our pregnancy. Every time we made the drive, it was worth the joy we found. Thank you for an amazing experience!”

Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Anniston First Hospital in State to Receive Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

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March 28, 2016 – Officials with Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (RMC) today announced that RMC in Anniston is the first hospital in the state of Alabama to receive the Blue Distinction® Center for Maternity Care designation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Alabama. This new designation is an expansion of the national Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Designated hospitals are recognized for delivering quality specialty care safely and effectively, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community, according to BCBS. Criteria for evaluation in maternity care includes percentage of newborns who are early elective deliveries, utilization of evidence-based practices of care, overall patient satisfaction, and participation in programs that promote successful breastfeeding, such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital initiative.

In addition, hospitals that receive a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation agreed to meet requirements that align with principles that support evidence-based practices of care, as well as having initiated programs to promote successful breastfeeding, as described in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative by Baby-Friendly USA or the Mother-Friendly Hospital program by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) through its “Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care.” The program also evaluates hospitals on overall patient satisfaction, including a willingness to recommend the hospital to others.

“We are extremely proud of the dedicated physicians and maternity nursing staff who helped elevate RMC to receive this esteemed designation as Alabama’s first BCBS Maternity Blue Distinction® Center,” said Louis Bass, CEO of RMC. “This further demonstrates the commitment RMC has to serving new mothers, families and newborns throughout northeast Alabama. As prospective parents seek the ideal maternity facility to welcome their baby’s first precious moments, we are thankful they continue to choose RMC because our hospital offers such baby-friendly, family-centered, personalized birthing experiences that are so important to the continued growth of RMC’s maternity program.”

Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization. Research shows that compared to other facilities, designated Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

Compared with babies born 39 weeks or later, early term infants face higher risks of infant death and respiratory ailments such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, among other conditions. These babies also have a higher rate of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies across the nation have recognized more than 280 hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care. Hospitals recognized for these designations were assessed using a combination of publicly available quality information and cost measures derived from BCBS companies’ medical claims.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, spine surgery and transplants. Research shows that compared to other facilities, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. For more information about the program, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

About Regional Medical Center
With 338 inpatient beds at Regional Medical Center (RMC) Anniston, 89 beds at RMC Jacksonville, and numerous outpatient facilities and services, RMC is the provider of choice for over 13,500 inpatients, 57,000 outpatients, 1,380 newborn deliveries and 42,000 emergency room visits each year. More than 1,600 employees, 300 volunteers and 200 physicians in a full range of specialties provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer, is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a Blue Distinction Centers+ for Knee and Hip Replacement®, and is the first designated Baby-Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. For more information, visit www.RMCcares.org.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for nearly 105 million members – one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog, for up-to-date information about BCBSA.

About Blue Distinction Centers
Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable health care. Each facility’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

RMC Engages Birmingham-based Aristo ER Team to Staff RMC and RMC Jacksonville Emergency Departments

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Regional Medical Center (RMC) is pleased to announce an afflication with Aristo ER, a Birmingham-based emergency department operations and management firm, to staff board-certified emergency medicine physicians at both the RMC Anniston and RMC Jacksonville campuses. The new ER staffing contract with Aristo ER begins on Friday, February 26th at both facilities, according to Louis Bass, CEO of RMC Anniston.

“Aristo and the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine will work cooperatively with RMC nursing leadership to positively impact the patient experience by recruiting highly qualified physicians and developing and mentoring all clinical staff,” explained Bass. “Patients at RMC Anniston and Jacksonville will see a higher level of qualified physicians in conjunction with strong nursing leadership unequaled and unmatched in Calhoun County. Providing the physician leadership coupled with the strong nursing team will allow the RMC facilities to continue to be a top tier regional provider of emergency department care. The ER’s at RMC Anniston and RMC Jacksonville are open and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to treat you and your family with the most capable and competent group of emergency room physicians, nursing staff, and management available in Calhoun County.”

Bass added that the depth and strength of Aristo’s affiliation with UAB Department of Emergency Medicine includes extensive resources with access to multi-specialties 24/7, strategic thinking, and a concentration of evidence based medicine and leading edge physician management skills.

According to Rich Street, CEO of Aristo ER, the affilation between Aristo and UAB’s Department of Emergency Medicine will provide RMC with an outstanding team of emergency medicine physicians, many who are emergency department board certified, who will manage both emergency departments against nationally and regionally recognized benchmarks in the areas of patient triage, patient throughput, total length of stay, and the quality of physician interactions.

“Aristo’s ER services are built on a culture of teamwork, innovation and a commitment to the local community,” explained Street. “Our ER physician teams are driven by quality and measuring against specific national and regional benchmarks. We work hand-in-hand with administrative and nursing leadership at RMC to enhance, improve and manage the emergency department services at both RMC Anniston and Jacksonville emergency rooms and create a parallel patient experience across the two departments.”

UAB’s management team will be shadowing and mentoring physician development with Aristo. This in-depth educational programs and experience in the management of critically acute patients will provide tremendous value to RMC’s emergency department and benefit patients with high standards of care, and increased patient satisfaction.

“Our aim is to see RMC recognized as a regional leader in emergency care using national and regional benchmarks in patient triage, throughput, length of stay and quality of physician interactions,” explained Street. “The ultimate benefit is an enhanced care experience for the patient.”

About Aristo

As the front door of the hospital, emergency department operations impact the entire organization. Aristo provides emergency department optimization services including management, staffing, and revenue cycle management. Headquartered in Birmingham, Aristo is a local company with deep connections to physicians and hospital facilities across the southeast. Aristo is experienced in helping emergency departments achieve high levels of emergency department performance.

About Regional Medical Center (RMC)

With 338 inpatient beds at RMC in Anniston, 89 beds at RMC in Jacksonville, and numerous outpatient facilities and services, RMC is the provider of choice for more than 13,500 inpatients, 57,000 outpatients, 1,380 newborn deliveries and 42,000 emergency room visits each year. Key health services provided include cardiovascular, oncology, orthopedic and women’s/maternity care, as well as most major specialties for the right care close to home. More than 1,600 employees, 300 volunteers and 200 physicians in a full range of specialties provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, skill and compassion. RMC is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC), is an affiliate in the UAB Cancer Care Network, is recognized as a Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama Distinction Center for Maternity Care®, and is the first Baby-Friendly birthing facility in Alabama. For more information, visit www.RMCcares.org.