MPP Infusion Centers® Announces Great News for Florida Blue Subscribers

MPP Infusion Centers®, a Joint Commission-accredited ambulatory infusion services provider, announced today that all MPP Florida locations, effective August 1st, are fully contracted with Florida Blue.  MPP Infusion Centers® located in Jacksonville, Orlando, Kissimmee and Port St. Lucie can provide services to Florida Blue subscribers on an In-Network basis for all PPO, HMO and Medicare Advantage plans. 

Utilization of specialty infusion biologic medications prescribed to treat chronic, complex diseases including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, gout, asthma, and other autoimmune disorders is on the rise.  Central to MPP’s mission to meet the growing demand for infusion drug therapy is to provide a high quality, unparalleled patient experience in the most cost-effective location.  MPP President and Founder Ellen Davis says, “our infusion centers intentionally focus on offering a very different atmosphere from a hospital or cancer center by providing access to safe, convenient, comfortable treatment separate from acutely ill patients; an important distinction for patients managing chronic diseases in an out-patient environment requiring very little non-essential interaction with others.”

“Partnering with Florida Blue, in our Florida markets, allows us to provide expanded access to care for thousands of Florida residents that trust Florida Blue for health insurance benefits,” stated Mrs. Davis. “We could not be happier to bring our customized infusion services to these communities and look forward to expanding into additional regions with Florida Blue.”

MPP Infusion Centers® was founded over 10 years ago by Ellen Davis, a long-time infusion patient, who had very few treatment options when beginning therapy. MPP Infusion Centers®, currently provides industry-leading care in Florida, Colorado and Texas, with additional states in their development pipeline.     

To learn more about MPP Infusion Centers, please visit the website at www.mppinfusion.com or call one of our patient care navigators at 720-902-4111. 

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Local County Medical Societies Unify Under Single Organization

ORLANDO – The Orange County Medical Society, Inc. (OCMS) and Seminole County Medical Society (SCMS) are pleased to announce their unification creating a singular physician organization in Central Florida, the Physicians Society of Central Florida (PSCF) that will represent the interests of physicians practicing in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
“This will be remembered as an historic moment for organized medicine in the region with the coming together of these two organizations that have such a long and proud history. It is bold move but also an obvious evolution as we strive to meet the needs of our physician members throughout this growing region”, noted Ryan Hall, M.D., President of the Seminole County Medical Society.

Dr. Darin Wolfe, President of the Orange County Medical Society added, “The goals of this merger are to provide physicians with a unified vision and strategic advantage as we address the needs of our members and the future of our profession. The merger will provide us with unprecedented focus on regional politics, regional health care needs, practice management tools and resources, and a singular focus on steadfastly supporting the interests of physicians throughout this community.”

The Orange County Medical Society was founded in 1906 while the Seminole County Medical Society was founded in 1927. The Osceola County Medical Society has been inactive in recent years.

Dr. Darin Wolfe has been elected as the initial President of the Physicians Society of Central Florida. The Board of Directors for the new organization will be comprised of existing physician leaders from Orange and Seminole County as well as Deborah German, M.D., Dean of the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and Joan Meek, M.D., M.S., Dean of the Florida State University College of Medicine. The Board of Directors also includes regional representatives and local Medical Students and Residents.

Both leaders stressed that while the name of the associations are going to change, the mission of the new organization will remain to promote access to quality medicine, a competitive marketplace to promote quality and lower costs, and to advance the practice of medicine in our community. The organizations will merge their charitable efforts under the Physicians Society of Central Florida Foundation and will expand their Political Action Committee to include a focus on candidates for office throughout the region.

About the Physicians Society of Central Florida (PSCF)
The PSCF was founded in 2019 as collaboration between the Orange and Seminole County Medical Societies. The PSCF represents over 900 allopathic and osteopathic physicians, residents, and medical students in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole County. Our mission is to advocate for the highest quality of health care, while ensuring freedom of choice, and access to affordable medical care.

Physicians Society of Central Florida
522 S. Hunt Club Blvd #412, Apopka, FL 32703
Phone: 844-234-7800
pscfl.org

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Orlando Healthcare Guide will be the official Physicians Society of Central Florida Membership Direc..

Orlando Senior Services Directory

Dear Advertisers:

Exciting changes have been happening at Heritage Publishing, Inc. (HPI) and I am pleased to announce our partnership with the Physicians Society of Central Florida (PSCF), the newly formed and unified Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counites Medical Societies. The 2020-2021 The Greater Orlando Healthcare Guide (OHCG) will also include the official Physicians Society of Central Florida (PSCF) Membership Directory.

HPI has a strong history with other Medical Societies. Having partnered with many area medical societies in Florida and we are looking forward to working with this prestigious organization. PSCF is a non-profit organization for physicians who work or live in the Greater Orlando area covering three counties; Orange, Osceola, and Seminole and represent the interest of physicians in the area.

For ease of use, OHCG will identify PSCF members as “active PSCF Members” and the current PSCF Membership Directory content will be incorporated into the editorial content for the 2020-2021 edition. This new information will be in addition to the cutting-edge articles, comprehensive physician information and NPI numbers that have been a part of the healthcare guide for 24 years.

HPI has been proudly producing OHCG since 1996.  As always, the guide is scheduled to publish in early November with our advertising sales campaign concluding on September 14, 2020.

I wanted to thank Fraser Cobbe, Chief Executive Officer, and the Physicians Society of Central Florida for selecting HPI as their publisher. I look forward to a long and successful relationship.

Cordially,

Marzoug (Mark) Al-Amad | Publisher & President Heritage Publishing, Inc.

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Baptist Health hospitals nationally recognized with A’s for dedication to patient safety

Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade rates Baptist Health as one of only 867 hospitals in the U.S. to receive the highest grade

All four Baptist Health adult hospitals – Baptist Jacksonville, Baptist South, Baptist Nassau and Baptist Beaches have received ‘A’ ratings in the spring 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing achievements in providing the safest healthcare for patients.  

“Our ‘A’ ratings show that we are committed to providing safe, high-quality patient care in all situations,” said David Rice, MD, senior vice president and chief quality officer for Baptist Health. “Our healthcare teams are dedicated to collaboration and open communication – two keys to success in achieving the highest quality standards in our hospitals.”  

Baptist Health’s safety and quality protocols have been further enhanced during the COVID-19 crisis through a number of additional measures. Separate respiratory care units for COVID-19 patients, designated staff and equipment for COVID-19 rooms, and the use of advanced UV technology for decontamination are among the many safety reinforcements the health system has implemented. 

“Patients can have peace of mind that their safety always comes first, especially as we move toward resuming all of our regular medical services,” said Dr. Rice. 

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an A, B, C, D or F grade to hospitals across the country based on their performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harms among patients in their care. Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

 “As the nation copes with a challenging pandemic, our gratitude extends to hospital leadership and healthcare workers everywhere for their tremendous dedication,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We hope this ‘A’ helps to thank the people who work and volunteer for Baptist Health. They are role models in putting patients first, and their service has been extraordinary in our country’s time of need.”

 The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to healthcare quality and safety. The Safety Grade is a letter grade assigned to all general hospitals across the country and updated every six months, assessing how well the hospital prevents medical errors and other harms to patients.

Baptist Health hospitals nationally recognized with A’s for dedication to patient safety
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Heritage Publishing, Inc. Office to Close

Due to executive orders by City of Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Florida Governor DeSantis for all non-essential businesses to close, the Heritage Publishing Inc. office will be closed.

However, you may still reach us by phone. Our telephone number will be forwarded to our publisher’s mobile number at 904-610-5317. 

May we all stay safe and healthy through these difficult times.

Filed Under: blog

First Coast Relocation Guide 2020 is Here!

Amelia Island, FL in First Coast Relocation Guide

Welcome to the 2020 First Coast Relocation Guide ™. This stunning publication has everything a newcomer needs to know when moving to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. We’ve included in-depth information on area neighborhoods, education, healthcare, sports teams, entertainment, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, recreation and more! With this publication, you’ll soon see why the First Coast is truly the best place to call home.

Our relocation guide is designed to help make your move to Florida’s First Coast as smooth as possible. The guide is formatted into three sections, Live, Work and Play, for easy reference. As you explore each section of this guide, you will find all the information you need to get familiar with the area.

The Live section will help you find the perfect neighborhood and the best school for your children. The expanded Work section will introduce you to the companies and businesses that keep the First Coast moving, our strong military presence, the logistics and ports that make it all possible and so much more. The Play section delves into our area sports teams, museums, attractions, shopping and anything else you might need to simply rest and relax.

Copies of the First Coast Relocation Guide can be found throughout the region at Realtor® offices, area home builders, libraries, welcome centers, military installations and human resources departments of all major employers. You may also visit our website to request additional copies at www.heritagepublishinginc.com/request, or contact us at accounting@heritagepublishinginc.com.

Finally, I encourage you to support our valued advertisers. Without their participation, this publication wouldn’t be possible. As always, we greatly appreciate their partnership.

Cordially,

Marzoug (Mark) Al-Amad | Publisher & President
Heritage Publishing, Inc.

See Digital Copy

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Baptist Health Opens First Reflux Center in Jacksonville

One quarter of the U.S. population has symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including chest pain, trouble swallowing, sleeplessness, persistent heartburn and regurgitation. To help patients with this condition, Baptist Health is opening the first comprehensive GERD center in Jacksonville, called the Baptist Center for Bariatric and Reflux Surgery.

GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth and stomach). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus. People diagnosed with GERD experience acid reflux at least twice a week, or moderate to severe acid reflux that occurs at least once a week. Other GERD symptoms can include non-cardiac chest pain, chronic laryngitis, or pulmonary symptoms, such as asthma or recurrent aspiration pneumonia.

“For some patients, simple activities like lying down or having a cup of coffee can result in severe heartburn pain and acid reflux, and they may not know that there are new treatment options available,” said Craig Morgenthal, MD, who, along with Steven Hodgett, MD, is a surgeon at the new center. Both are fellowship-trained in reflux and bariatric surgery.

Many people manage the discomfort of GERD with acid-reducing medications, many of which are now available over-the-counter. However, chronic, long-term (for more than one year) use of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) may be associated with potentially dangerous side effects, including increased risk of bone fractures and a potential link between PPI use and dementia.

“Patients taking PPI medications are typically advised to take the lowest dose that controls their symptoms, for the shortest period of time possible,” said Dr. Hodgett. “The problem is that many patients have no other way to manage their symptoms, so they stay on them for years. Anti-reflux surgery is a minimally invasive option that gives patients a way to come off these medications completely.”

Hope Tallon had severe heartburn and reflux for 25 years. “I had symptoms every single day. It caused burning pain and a horrible bitter taste. Playing with my dogs on the floor or doing a yoga plank would trigger it. Even taking a sip of water or coffee could cause the stomach acid to come up,” said Tallon.

Diet changes and medications didn’t help her symptoms, so her physician referred her to Dr. Morgenthal at the Baptist Bariatrics and Reflux Center. An endoscopy revealed that Tallon had erosions of her esophagus with early onset of Barrett’s Esophagus, which could eventually lead to cancer.

“Chronic acid reflux causes more than acute discomfort; it can cause long-term damage and, in rare situations, can even lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated,” said Dr. Morgenthal.

Tallon had a minimally invasive procedure called the LINX® Reflux Management System in July 2019 and has not had any GERD symptoms since.

The LINX® System is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads, placed around the lower esophageal sphincter located just above the stomach. The beads temporarily separate to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach, then close to help prevent reflux. LINX is implanted laparoscopically in a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes about one hour. Patients generally go home within one day.

“Hope was a perfect candidate for LINX. She’s young and healthy and had exhausted a number of solutions,” Dr. Morgenthal said.

Baptist Center for Bariatric and Reflux Surgery also offers fundoplication procedures, a minimally-invasive surgical technique that reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter by wrapping part of the stomach around the bottom of the esophagus. Fundoplication is often done laparoscopically, which only involves small incisions in the abdomen. Our surgeons are trained in both laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication, as well as hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia repairs.

For some obese patients, the best long-term solution for GERD may be gastric bypass surgery, which also reverses other serious health issues related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea.

A physician referral is not required to go the Baptist Center for Bariatric and Reflux Surgery. The center works with primary care providers and gastroenterologists, as well as other specialists, to assist in evaluation and treatment decisions for patients with GERD to find a long-term solution.

“There are solutions for GERD,” Tallon said. “People think you just have to live with it, but you don’t. You can get it fixed and enjoy your life again like I am.”

For more information, visit www.refluxjax.com.

Filed Under: blog

Enhancing Care at Home for Older Adults

Florida Blue Foundation gives $300,000 grant to Baptist AgeWell to strengthen House Calls program

More seniors with complex medical needs in Northeast Florida will now have access to Baptist AgeWell’s House Calls program, made possible by a $300,000 three-year grant from Florida Blue Foundation. House Call brings the unique AgeWell care model directly to a patient’s home, expanding access to quality healthcare for seniors with complex medical needs that make office visits difficult.

The House Calls program, which began in October 2015, provides routine primary care services that are typically provided in a doctor’s office, such as taking vital signs, listening to the heart and lungs, and following up to make sure all medications are being taken. Home visits are made by nurse practitioners and geriatricians who oversee the care.

House Calls is part of Baptist AgeWell, an enriched type of primary care in Northeast Florida for people ages 65+ who want to be proactive with their health to live more independent and productive lives. Board-certified doctors, along with nurse practitioners, clinical pharmacists, rehab therapists, social workers and psychologists have a unique, comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to managing health.

“We are grateful to Florida Blue Foundation for providing the grant that will expand our social services team for the House Calls Program,” said Earl Evens, executive director of Baptist Health’s AgeWell Institute. “Being able to replicate our model of care in the homes of patients who are not able to make it to the office is invaluable to older adults in the Jacksonville community.”

The Community Health Needs Assessment in Northeast Florida from May 2019 highlighted the significant need for expanded access to healthcare, particularly for seniors. The grant for the House Calls program will greatly enhance care for this growing demographic, responding to a critical community need. During the next three years, AgeWell expects to make nearly 6,400 home visits and provide care to more than 545 patients who otherwise may not receive much-needed primary care services.

“The Baptist AgeWell House Calls program aligns with the mission of the Florida Blue Foundation to help people and communities achieve better health,” said Florida Blue Foundation Vice President Susan Towler. “The Foundation strategically allocates grants toward community-based solutions through its focus areas and programs that focus on health solutions in the healthcare system, multicultural and growing populations, and critical issues of affordability, access and quality. The House Calls program is vitally important for many seniors in the Jacksonville community.”

Filed Under: blog

 Baptist Health of Northeast Florida names new COO

As health system aligns operations with the health care of tomorrow, Matt Zuino steps in to the chief operations role.

Jacksonville, Fla., January 9, 2019 – The largest locally owned and governed health system in Northeast Florida, Baptist Health, names Matt Zuino as the organization’s new executive vice president and chief operating officer. With 20 years of experience in health system operations and physician integration leadership, Zuino’s role is instrumental in aligning and transforming operations across the continuum of care, with a focus on health.

Zuino joined Baptist Health as president of physician integration in 2017 from Virtua Health, South New Jersey’s largest health system. As SVP and COO of hospital operations at Virtua Health, he led three hospitals totaling 920 beds. In his new role at Baptist Health, Zuino has oversight for hospital and ambulatory operations totaling more than 125 points of care across the North Florida and South Georgia region.

“Matt’s experience aligns precisely with our vision for the future, and his role is critical in ensuring we fold down the hospital walls to deliver care and promote health in ways that are convenient to and valued by all we serve,” said Brett McClung, President and CEO of Baptist Health.

Zuino succeeds John Wilbanks, FACHE, who served at Baptist Health for 34 years and was named one of the Top COOs in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare in 2017 and 2018.

“If ever there was a situation where I had the opportunity to build on the shoulders of giants and help forge the future of health care, this is it.  I couldn’t be more honored or excited,” Zuino said.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, and his Master of Science in information systems from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt who is well-versed in the techniques and tools of process improvement. He completed the GE Administrative Executive Fellowship for senior executives from the Healthcare Management Academy.

###

 About Baptist Health

Baptist Health is a faith-based, mission-driven system in Northeast Florida comprised of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville; Baptist Medical Center Beaches; Baptist Medical Center Nassau; Baptist Medical Center South; Baptist Clay Medical Campus and Wolfson Children’s Hospital – the region’s only children’s hospital.  All Baptist Health hospitals, along with Baptist Home Health Care, have achieved Magnet™ status for excellence in patient care. Baptist Health is part of Coastal Community Health, a highly integrated regional hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. Baptist Health has the area’s only dedicated heart hospital; orthopedic institute; women’s services; neurological institute, including comprehensive neurosurgical services, a comprehensive stroke center and two primary stroke centers; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; a full range of psychology and psychiatry services; urgent care services; and primary and specialty care physicians’ offices throughout Northeast Florida. The Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center is a regional destination for multidisciplinary cancer care which is clinically integrated with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the internationally renowned cancer treatment and research institution in Houston. For more details, visit baptistjax.com.

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A Free 6-Week Heart Health Program

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2019-2020 North Central Florida Healthcare Guide is here!

WELCOME

to the 2019-2020 North Central Florida Healthcare Guide™, the most comprehensive directory of healthcare providers in the region!

As always, this publication is intended to be your go-to resource and reference guide for locating physicians, surgeons and other healthcare providers in Alachua, Columbia and Marion counties as well as The Villages in an easy-to-use directory listing format.

The Green Pages™ section features listings of physicians by specialty, as well as area hospitals, ancillary healthcare providers and services. These listings include National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers, if available, for further convenience.

Our publication also features up-to-date information on legislative news, new technology, along with articles dedicated to keeping the medical community informed about advances in medicine. This edition also delves into the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), with tips on how to keep your practice compliant.

Our goal is to present the most current information in our publication. However, if your listing needs to be corrected, please let us know. You may also submit changes here.

If you would like to request additional copies, please contact us at 904-296-1304. You may also email your order directly to accounting@heritagepublishinginc.com.

We encourage you to support our valued advertisers. Without their continued participation, this publication would not be possible. As always, we greatly appreciate their partnership.

Cordially,

Marzoug (Mark) Al-Amad | Publisher & President
Heritage Publishing, Inc.

See Digital Copy

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Brooks Rehabilitation to Open Additional Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital

Cutting-Edge Facility
Planned to Meet Growing Demand
for Services

Brooks Rehabilitation is excited to announce the development of an additional, state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation hospital to meet the demands of a growing population. The new 60-bed hospital will be built on their existing 115-acre campus in the Bartram Park area of Jacksonville, Fla.

“Brooks has been a recognized leader in physical rehabilitation for 50 years. We’re committed to meeting the needs of this region now and for many years to come,” said Doug Baer, Brooks Rehabilitation CEO. “After a careful needs assessment, we determined a second hospital in Jacksonville will allow us to treat more patients with our specialized services to achieve the best possible outcomes. We will expand to add additional inpatient beds in the future, as necessary.”

Their original 160-bed rehabilitation hospital on University Blvd. is one of the busiest in the country providing care for more than 3,000 patients per year. Brooks also manages a 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in partnership with Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The new hospital on the Bartram campus will also care for patients after a brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury or other disabling illness or injury. It will feature the innovative technology, clinical expertise and proven treatments synonymous with the Brooks organization.

The Brooks Bartram campus currently includes a 100-bed skilled nursing facility, a three-story, 61-unit assisted living facility, and two GREEN HOUSE® 12-bed memory care homes to provide specialized services for the aging population. When it opened in 2013, the campus was planned to accommodate Brooks’ future growth. Adding a rehabilitation hospital provides a continuum of post-acute services in this one location, making it a convenient option for patients, residents and guests.

Brooks anticipates construction to be completed in two years. It is estimated that 150 new employees will be hired to staff the hospital once it is fully operational.

Gresham Smith was chosen as the designer. The contractor has not yet been selected.

For more information, visit BrooksRehab.org.”

Filed Under: blog
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