Press Releases
NEWS from Fisher-Titus Medical Center
272 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk, OH 44857
www.ftmc.com
From Johnna Young, Marketing/Public Relations Specialist …… (419) 663-1975 x 6630
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2009
On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States. That’s the bad news. The good news is that stroke is preventable.
“Everyone should know the risk factors and warning signs of stroke,” said Dr. Michael Leslie of Advanced Neurologic Associates. “If you suspect that your or someone around you is having a stroke, call 911 immediately and get to the hospital. Stroke damage can be reduced, but only if you are treated quickly.”
To learn more about stroke, join Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s health-care professionals on Tuesday, May 19 at the Fisher-Titus Learning Center at Norwalk High School, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk. Health screenings will be available from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
At 6:30, physicians from the FTMC Emergency Department and Advanced Neurologic Associates will present the latest stroke information and tell you what you need to do if you suspect you or someone around your is having a stroke.
To register or for more information, call 419-660-2828.
FTMC is one of 26 hospitals in Ohio certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission.
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT::
Brett M. Johnson, MBA, LNHA
Practice Manager
Phone 419.483.2403 ext. 122
Fax 419.483.8418
Advanced Neurologic Associates achieves MGMA ‘Better Performer’ status
Bellevue, OH, February 5, 2009 – The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2008 Report Based on 2007 Data
identified Advanced Neurologic Associates as a “better performer” because of superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide.
MGMA recognizes Advanced Neurologic Associates as a national leader in Cost Management, Productivity, Capacity and staffing in their Multi-Specialty group medical practice. We strive to continually improve our patient’s experience via enhancing access, improving patient-practice interactions, and effective cost containment strategies.
Advanced Neurologic Associates has been serving North Central Ohio since 1983. Addressing the growing and expanding community needs, Advanced Neurologic has evolved from a solo practice to a group of seven providers covering a five county area. This is the first time Advanced Neurologic Associates has been recognized a “Better Performer” by MGMA.
Brett M. Johnson, COO/EVP commented, “We are extremely honored to be recognized by the MGMA for our quality improvement efforts. Change is never easy, but through the hard work and dedication of our Associates, Leadership Team, and Physicians, we have changed our patient’s overall and personal experience. We look forward to addressing the remaining challenges that face not only our practice but also our regional healthcare system.”
The MGMA report, a benchmarking standard among medical groups for nearly a decade, was produced using data from respondents to the MGMA Cost Survey: 2008 Reports Based on 2007 Data as well as data from a questionnaire that assessed management behaviors, practices and procedures of better performers. The report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; patient satisfaction; and managed care operations.
About Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. has provided excellence in neurological care and pain management for over 30 years and offers a wide array of services. All physicians have achieved Board Certification in Neurology through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In addition, several of the physicians are specialized and achieved additional credentials including Certifications in Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Vascular Neurology and Electrophysiology and Somatosensory Testing.
The physicians strive to be on the cutting edge of medicine today and are currently participating in several national and international clinical research trials for various conditions. They are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team as they provide the clinical analysis and interpretation of various outcomes.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, currently maintains offices in Bellevue, Norwalk, Port Clinton, Fremont, Green Springs and Willard, Ohio. Hospital affiliations include Firelands Regional Medical Center, Magruder Hospital, Fisher-Titus Medical Center, The Bellevue Hospital, Memorial Hospital – Fremont and St. Francis - Green Springs.
About MGMA
MGMA is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources, and political advocacy for medical practice management. Today, MGMA’s 22,500 members lead 13,700 organizations nationwide in which some 275,000 physicians provide more than 40 percent of the health care services delivered in the United States.
MGMA’s mission is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice
professionals and the organizations they represent. MGMA promotes the group practice model as the optimal framework for health care delivery, assisting group practices in providing efficient, safe, patient-focused and affordable care. MGMA is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and maintains a government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Please visit www.mgma.com.
Local Neurologists elected to the Alumni Board of Directors at the Cleveland Clinic
Bellevue, OH, October 08, 2008. Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. of Bellevue, Ohio is proud to announce the election of Dr. Steven Benedict, M.D., to the office of Alumni Specialty Director, Neurology, at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Alumni Association. Dr. Benedict will serve a four-year term through June 2012. As a member, Dr. Benedict will be representing approximately 400 Clinic Neurology Alumni on the Alumni Board of Directors.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Alumni Association endeavors to enhance relationships and enrich programs for alumni in and across all specialties and locations. Its membership consists of MD's, DO's, and PhD's who successfully completed at least one year of an approved post-graduate medical education program under the auspices of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Department of Graduate Medical Education or a minimum of one year of an approved research fellowship. Current and former staff are also honorary members. Their Alumni are located throughout the world--in 72 foreign lands and all 50 United States and Puerto Rico.
FTMC Stroke Support Group and Advanced Neurologic Associates Team Up to Provide Stroke Education Forum
A stroke is a serious medical emergency. Remember: Time is brain. Damage can be reduced with treatment, but only if you are treated within three hours of the first symptoms.
“An important component of educating the public on stroke or brain attack is the need to get emergency treatment immediately if stroke symptoms are present,” said Annette Holmes, an occupational therapist at Fisher-Titus Medical Center and one of the coordinators of FTMC’s Stroke Support Group.
Learn more about stroke during a special educational forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 in Fisher-Titus Medical Center’s Auditorium, 272 Benedict Ave., Norwalk. The forum is sponsored by FTMC Stroke Support Group and Advanced Neurologic Associates.
During the event, neurologists from Advanced Neurologic Associates will review the signs and symptoms of a stroke and answer audience questions.
Along with educational community programs, the stroke support group provides opportunities for stroke survivors, their caregivers, and health-care professionals to support each other by sharing experiences, challenges and accomplishments. The support group also provides stroke survivors and their caregivers with available resources to help them lead active and rewarding lives after stroke.
The group is led by Holmes and Occupational Therapy Assistant Connie Beard. The group meets from 2-3:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday each month and has educational discussions on a variety of topics such as diet, exercise, visual changes, community re-entry and communication.
If you or someone you know would benefit from this support group or would like more information, call 419-660-2700, Ext. 6435.
Fisher-Titus Medical Center is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities (JCAHO).
Local Neurologists achieve Board Certification in Vascular Neurology from the ABPN.
Bellevue, OH, June 11, 2008: Brendan Bauer, MD and Steven Benedict, MD recently obtained Board Certification in Vascular Neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). They are currently distinguished as two of only 225 doctors in the United States to have achieved this recognition and whose medical practices include cerebrovascular disease as an independent area of medical expertise.
Dr. Bauer directs the Stroke Teams at Fisher-Titus Medical Center Stroke Center in Norwalk, Ohio. Both physicians are recognized locally for their contributions, treatments, and research in the subspecialty field of Vascular Neurology. In addition to caring for stroke patients, they are actively involved in clinical research to improve patient outcomes. Their research interests include acute stroke intervention and stroke prevention.
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. (ABPN), is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the public interest by promoting excellence in the practice of psychiatry and neurology through certification. The ABPN is one of the 24 boards upholding the highest quality standards as a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In 2003, the ABPN created the vascular neurology certification to help identify properly trained and experienced vascular neurologists. Additionally, the certification was created to establish the field of vascular neurology as a solid sub specialization in both neurology and child neurology.
To qualify for the vascular neurology certification, doctors must complete additional formal training in vascular neurology, devote at least 25 percent of their practice to vascular neurology and successfully pass a comprehensive examination encompassing epidemiology, basic science and clinical aspects of vascular neurology including recovery, regenerative approaches and rehabilitation of stroke.
William R. Bauer, MD, Ph.D., FAAN
Evaluating Novel, Orally Active Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
FREEDOMS II Clinical Trial Now Enrolling Patients
Bellevue, OH ¾ Advanced Neurologic Associates is one of 101 research sites conducting a landmark, Phase III clinical trial called FREEDOMS II, which is evaluating an investigational, orally active drug for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). William R. Bauer, MD, Ph.D., FAAN, is leading this effort locally and is currently enrolling patients into this clinical trial.
For people with RRMS, currently available, first-line therapies (interferon b and glatiramer acetate) have partial efficacy (about 33% reduction in relapse rate and a modest effect on disability progression). These agents are biologic parenteral treatments requiring injections, which often are associated with side effects (injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms). Therefore, there is a strong medical need for a safe and effective oral treatment for RRMS.
FREEDOMS II (FTY720 Research Evaluating Effects of Daily Oral therapy in MS) is a Phase III, 24-month, randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in approximately 1,080 patients with RRMS. This clinical trial is evaluating the investigational drug FTY720, a novel, orally active, synthetic small molecule designed to decrease the rate and severity of relapse, reduce inflammatory activity, as measured by MRI, and reduce the risk of disability progression for patients with RRMS without some of the side effects commonly associated with standard, injectable therapies.
Efficacy and safety of FTY720 in patients with MS has been evaluated in one double-blind,
placebo-controlled, Phase II study in patients with relapsing MS. The study demonstrated highly statistically significant effects of FTY720 to placebo on both MRI and clinical relapse-related endpoints. Eighty-six percent of patients in the FTY720 groups were relapse-free during the study compared to 66 percent in the placebo group. Relapse rate was reduced by approximately 54 percent in the FTY720 groups compared to placebo. FTY720 was generally well tolerated in the Phase II MS study CFTY720D2201 with less than 10 percent discontinuations overall at 6 months.
The investigational drug, FTY720, is in clinical development for MS by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Patients who participate in the Phase III study, FREEDOM II, will benefit from 2 years of study-related care and close monitoring of their RRMS, including 5 MRI exams administered periodically throughout the study. Patients who complete the 24-month double-blind treatment phase may be eligible to enter a long-term extension of the study, during which all patients will receive FTY720.
People eligible for participation in FREEDOMS II must meet the following criteria:
- Have RRMS and:
- Are not taking any medication for their RRMS, and/or
- In your opinion would be willing to explicitly decline initiation or continuation of treatment with available, approved disease modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis, for whatever reason, after having been informed about their respective benefits and possible adverse events by the investigator.
- Are 18-55 years of age
- Have experienced at least 1 relapse during the last year, or 2 relapses during the last 2 years
- Do not require the use of a wheelchair (are currently in the EDSS range of 0-5.5)
Dr. William R. Bauer is seeking study participants and can be contacted by phone at 419.483.2403 ext. 113 or by e-mail at bburroughs@advneuroassoc.com. Dr. William R. Bauer is also available to meet in person to answer questions and to provide additional information.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS
Bellevue, OH, February 5, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS on achieving a “Primary Stroke Center” designation at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
The accolade, recognized as the Gold Seal of Approval(tm) for stroke care, comes after an on-site review conducted in October by the Joint Commission, the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare. “We are pleased that Firelands Regional Medical Center and all of the staff neurologists have been recognized for the high quality community service that they provide in stroke management. We are committed to providing the best and cutting edge care available to our patients.” states Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS.
Strokes, also referred to as Brain Attacks, require prompt medical attention. Nearly 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year in the United States. Stroke is the nation's third leading cause of death, which is why Fireland’s Regional Medical Center and Advanced Neurologic Associates, are committed to providing rapid treatment for stroke, as well as providing education on stroke prevention and recognition of symptoms.
Congratulations to Dr. Michael Leslie, MD, MS, and the entire Firelands Regional Medical Center team for earning this recognition.
Dr. William Bauer is featured in an online article at The News-Messenger
FREMONT-- A local doctor is fed up with the treatment of pain patients and is taking matters into his own hands.
William Bauer, a neurologist who specializes in pain and pain research, has spent 23 years in the Fremont area working at Memorial and Bellevue hospitals and also the North Coast Imaging Center on East State Street.
Bauer and several other doctors in the area are working to develop a pain patient's Bill of Rights for Ohio, based on the already existing California pain laws. The law proposes five essential ideas: pain management is a right of the patient, doctors have a duty to listen and respond to patients' pain, pain relief is immune from legal liability, doctors who are unable to ensure pain relief must refer patient to another doctor who can and all doctors must be educated on pain relief. Read the entire story on The News-Messenger.com.Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. Commends Dr. Brendan Bauer
Bellevue, OH, January 9, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. commends Dr. Brendan Bauer, MD on achieving a “Primary Stroke Center” designation at Fisher-Titus Medical Center on November 26, 2007.
Beginning in late 2005, Dr. Brendan Bauer and Ms. Kristi Washburn began working with members of the Fisher-Titus Medical Center medical staff to identify the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations as a Primary Stroke Center. This team put together the policies and procedures to offer our community the best possible care for stroke patients.
On November 8, 2007 the Joint Commission conducted an on-site survey that resulted in no recommendations for improvement to the program prior to being deployed. The end result of these efforts is improved care for our communities’ patients and demonstrates the team’s commitment to providing the best possible care to our community.
Congratulations to Dr. Brendan Bauer, Kristi Washburn and the entire Fisher-Titus Medical Center for earning this recognition.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Director of Information Technology
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Tonya Lloyd as the Director of Information Technology. Ms. Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in healthcare management. Most recently she was the Office Coordinator at Executive Court Medical Associates, Inc. in Norwalk, Ohio.
Ms. Lloyd earned her Bachelor of Applied Science from Bowling Green State University in 2007. She is a certified Medical Assistant through American Medical Assistants Association.
According to Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager, Ms. Lloyd will be responsible for all information technology processes including the implementation of a new electronic medical record system and VOIP phone system. “As we move forward, we will face many new challenges to manage information systems. Ms. Lloyd will be integral in analyzing and implementing solutions to ensure effective information management.”
Ms. Lloyd will be working with Mr. Johnson and all of Advanced Neurologic Associates locations including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue, Fremont, Willard and Green Springs.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Certified Nurse Practitioner
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Felicia Windnagel, RN, CNP as a new Certified Nurse Practioner. Ms. Windnagel has over five years of experience as a registered nurse and most recently was the Director of the Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in Fremont, Ohio.
Ms. Windnagel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bowling Green State University in 2006 and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Toledo, College of Health Science in 2007. She is certified as an advanced practice nurse through the American Nursing Credentialing Center.
In the selection process Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager noted, “Ms. Windnagel stood apart from the other candidates as having a high degree of technical knowledge combined with a good mix of compassion and understanding for her patients. This combination was critical in our decision making process. We look forward to having her join our team of five board certified neurologists.”
“I am look forward to working with Ms. Windnagel, as I believe her skills as a nurse and as a nurse practitioner will greatly enhance our ability to provide a high level of neurologic care and services according to Dr. Steven Benedict, MD, President.
Ms. Windnagel will be working with both Dr. Benedict and Dr. Brendan Bauer, MD in all of the locations they serve including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue and Fremont. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with Ms. Windnagel, please contact the centralized scheduling office at (419) 483-2403.
Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces selection of a new Director of Information Technology
Bellevue, OH, January 7, 2008: Advanced Neurologic Associates, Inc. announces the hiring of Tonya Lloyd as the Director of Information Technology. Ms. Lloyd has over 20 years of experience in healthcare management. Most recently she was the Office Coordinator at Executive Court Medical Associates, Inc. in Norwalk, Ohio.
Ms. Lloyd earned her Bachelor of Applied Science from Bowling Green State University in 2007. She is a certified Medical Assistant through American Medical Assistants Association.
According to Mr. Brett Johnson, Practice Manager, Ms. Lloyd will be responsible for all information technology processes including the implementation of a new electronic medical record system and VOIP phone system. “As we move forward, we will face many new challenges to manage information systems. Ms. Lloyd will be integral in analyzing and implementing solutions to ensure effective information management.”
Ms. Lloyd will be working with Mr. Johnson and all of Advanced Neurologic Associates locations including Sandusky, Norwalk, Bellevue, Fremont, Willard and Green Springs.