Nautilus The MSC Amscatl.org/pdf-file/Nautilus-Spring2016-FINAL.pdf · Spring 2016 | The Nautilus | The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta | 3M edication can help you feel better,

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6.26.15

MSCA Through the YearsAs the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta celebrates its 15-year anniversary, the time is right to reflect on some of the milestones and advances the Center has seen over the past few years.

NautilusThe

Spring 2016 | mscatl.org

2011 2012 2013 2014 20152010

May 2010Founder and Medical Director Dr. William H. Stuart is honored by the Atlanta Business Chronicle with the 2010 Health-Care Heroes Physician award for his pioneering work. “The diagnosis of MS does not mean that there is a certain progression to disability. Those with MS can live a normal, functional life with treatment, just like patients with more common disabilities like diabetes,” he said.

April 2011MSCA partners with Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, part of Tanner Health System, to provide infusion drugs and services. The physicians and care at the Center remain an exclusive part of MSCA.

February 2013MSCA’s telemedicine program, made available to the Center in partnership with the Georgia Partnership for TeleHealth, makes it possible for MS patients in South Georgia to be seen by MSCA physicians while staying closer to home.

April 2013 MSCA is honored as the beneficiary of the 38th Annual 11Alive Commu-nity Service Awards.

December 2013Dr. Jeffrey B. English MD, Neurologist and Research Medical Director for MSCA, testifies before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee of the unintended consequences of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for MS patients.

January 2014MS Center rolls out an online patient portal, allow-ing patients to schedule appointments, contact their physician, request pre-scription refills and more.

January 2014The National MS Society honors Dr. Mitzi J. Williams with the 2013 Hope Award for her dedication to improving quality of life for peo-ple with MS and their families.

July 2014MS Rx specialty phar-macy opens, making it possible for patients to see their MSCA physicians and fill their prescriptions in one place and easing preauthorization.

December 2014The FDA approves another new medication for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RRMS), Lemtrada®, bringing the total to 11 unique thera-peutic options for RRMS patients. These new treatments are among the many advancements in MS care making life better for those living with the disease.

June 2011MSCA unveils $1.2 million in extensive renovations and new diagnostic equipment. In addition to the renovations, the Center now features its own MRI equipment, making it possible for greater flexibility in scheduling MRI procedures.

June 2011MSCA is honored as the Business on the Move by the National Multiple Scle-rosis Society for the Center’s dedication and service in comprehensive care to patients and their families living with MS.

January 2012MSCA and Tanner Health System open Tanner MS Center in Villa Rica, staffed with neurology specialists from MSCA, in addition to medical infu-sion experts from Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica.

Winter 2010Through MSCA’s research department, 15 patients participate in the Phase 3 study that leads to the approval of Gilenya, the first oral therapy for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Winter 2010Dr. Douglas S. Stuart is named 2010 Volunteer of the Year for Advocacy by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, having made MS activism a major focus of his career for years.

2 | The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta | The Nautilus | Spring 2016

MEDICAL DIRECTORWilliam H. Stuart, MD

CEOR. Terry Smith

[email protected]

NEUROLOGISTSDouglas S. Stuart, MDMitzi J. Williams, MD

Andrei I. Serbanescu, MDRobert W. Gilbert, Jr., MD

Ellis V. Hedaya, MDChristopher S. Russell, MD

RESEARCH MEDICAL DIRECTORJeffrey B. English, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE SPECIALISTSDavid E. Dalrymple, MD, FACP, FACE

Margaret N. Mermin, MDThorne S. Winter III, MD, FACP, FACC

PRACTICE ADMINISTRATORBillie Bishop

[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF NURSINGRobin Kalamaro, [email protected]

FRONT DESK MANAGERDaphne Lawson

[email protected]

CASE MANAGERDebbie Means, M.Ed., CRC, CCM, CDMA

[email protected]

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTClaire Clements

[email protected]

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDWilliam H. Stuart, MD

VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDJohn F. McMullan

DIRECTORSJennifer A. Baker

Bruce Cassidy, MDJohn Decker

W. Howard Hudson, MDTate Jones

James LokeyPaula Smith

R. Terry Smith

Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta3200 Downwood Circle, NW, Suite 550

Atlanta, GA 30327(404) 351-0205 Phone

(404) 350-9824 Fax

www.mscatl.org

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6.26.15

D id you know that MSCA hosts a Women’s MS Support Group for the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society? The group meets the fourth Tuesday of

each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Palisades at West Paces building (where the MS Center is located) on level C.

The group is facilitated by Claire Clem-ents, MSCA Director of Development, and co-facilitated by two women, Debbie and Robin, who have lived with MS for years and have actual experience navigating the rocky roads of this disease.

Whether your challenges are great or small and whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or even a family member of someone with MS, support groups are a fantastic way to learn about resources and strategies others use in their daily walk with MS. Support groups can also provide huge emotional support! Many members of these groups can attest to the support and friendships they’ve found with other members who truly know what they’re going through and the invaluable boost it has been in getting them through the good and bad times.

To find a Women’s, Men’s or Mixed Support Group in your area, contact your state chapter of the National MS Society. Each state chapter maintains a list of groups and meeting locations with dates and times. They can also provide assistance if you decide to start a support group in your area.

For more information about the Women’s Support Group at MSCA, go to our website www.mscatl.org or contact Claire Clements at 404-351-0205, ext.123, or [email protected] or Robin at [email protected]. We’d love to see you there!

“Whether your challenges are great or small and

whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or even a

family member of someone with MS, support groups

are a fantastic way to learn about resources and

strategies others use in their daily walk with MS.”

MS Support Group provides valuable resources, strategies and emotional helpBy Debbie Means, M.Ed., CRC, CCM, CDMS, MSCA Case Manager

Spring 2016 | The Nautilus | The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta | 3

M edication can help you feel better, but if it’s not taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, it might make you feel worse! Research

shows that medication is often not taken as directed. This is a major health prob-lem that results in higher healthcare costs, increased hospitalizations and poor clinical outcomes.

The most common reason people don’t take their medication is that they simply forget. It’s difficult to remember to take multiple drugs at different times of the day and days of the week. When you are feeling OK, you don’t have the physical reminder to take medication and may not think you need it anymore. Some-times, you don’t notice an improvement in how you are feeling right away and stop taking it because you think it isn’t working. Medications may also have unpleasant side effects and you find yourself feeling worse instead of better when you take them.

Some people don’t really believe that the medication is beneficial, so they aren’t committed to taking it. Still others experience economic barriers due to the cost of deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.

No matter what the reason for not taking them, the medications you have been prescribed are much more likely to be effective if you follow the exact instruc-tions on how and when to take them.

Here are some tips to help you maxi-mize the benefit of your treatment:

■ Keep your medications where you will see them.

■ Take medications at the same time (or times) each day, such as when you wake up or at bedtime.

■ Make sure that each of your doctors knows all medications and over the counter supplements and vitamins you take. It’s handy to keep a list and take it with you to appointments.

■ Use daily dosing containers. These are inexpensive and available at your local

pharmacy or “big box” stores. They allow you to keep your medications in compartments labeled with the day of the week and the time of the day.

■ Modern technology can be helpful, too. Set up automatic reminders on your smart phone or computer. Try some of the other devices designed to help you stick to your medication schedule, like medication reminder pagers, automatic pill dispensers and voice-command medication managers. These are more expensive than daily dosing containers but could be just the thing to help you stay on track.

■ Create a pill calendar or chart to help you keep up with when you take your medication.

■ Remember to call ahead for refills so you don’t run out. They can take 5 to 7 days to process.

■ Enlist the help of family members to remind you.

■ Call your doctor’s office if you skip medication and aren’t sure what to do next or if you experience side effects you weren’t expecting.

■ If you have concerns about the cost of your treatment, talk with your healthcare team. They may be able to help find assistance for you. Your doctor has prescribed your

medication specifically for you. Taking it as directed is the best way to manage your disease and improve your health and quality of life.

“When you are feeling OK, you don’t have the

physical reminder to take medication and may not

think you need it anymore. Sometimes, you don’t

notice an improvement in how you are feeling

right away and stop taking it because you think it isn’t working.”

Following exact instructions for medication can be as important as what you are prescribedBy Robin Kalamaro, MSCA Director of Nursing


Thursday, April 21

Health, Hope & Hops6 p.m.5 Seasons Brewery Westside, 1000 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta GA 30318 5 Seasons Westside Brewery will be hosting the sixth annual Health, Hope & Hops dinner to honor patient Christy Dryden and benefit MSCA. Chef David Larkworthy and Brewmaster Crawford Moran and 5 Seasons Brewery pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients in both their award winning food and beer. Join us for a complimentary cocktail hour, tour of the brewery, sample of the fresh brewed beer or wine and enjoy the delicious meal of MS healthy courses prepared specifically for the evening. Space is limited to 60 seats; please visit our website or contact our development office at 404-351-0205, ext. 123 for tickets today. Individual tickets $65 per person and $120 per couple (dinner and libations included). Sponsorships are available.

Saturday, April 2

NMSS Walk-MariettaMarietta SquareSaturday, April 23

NMSS Walk-AtlantaPiedmont ParkTeam up with friends, family members and coworkers to walk and raise funds and awareness for those affected by MS. Visit nationalmssociety.org to find out more and register.

Sips n Strokes7-10 p.m. Sips n Strokes Toco Hills, 3019 N. Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 Sips n Strokes of Toco Hills will donate a portion of proceeds to MSCA. Invite friends and bring your favorite beverage and snacks to enjoy as the instructor shows you step-by-step how to paint a beautiful masterpiece that you take home at the end of the night. There will be prizes, raffle and auction items! $35 per person. Call to reserve your spot, payment is due to Sips n Strokes. Check www.mscatl.org for dates.

Tuesday, April 26 Tuesday, May 24 Tuesday, June 28

Women’s Support Group6:15-6:45 p.m. social time; 6:45-8 p.m. meetingGet together the fourth Tuesday of every month for support and friendship with others who know and understand what you’re going through. You’ll find fellowship, learn coping strategies and get involved in community activities.

Sunday, May 1

MS Fest: A Gathering for Patients and Their Families 3-6 p.m.Hyatt Villa Christina 4000 Summit Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30319 Bring your whole family for a day of fun activities indoors at the Retreat at Perimeter Summit. Test your skills at the carnival games and enjoy the pet-ting zoo, pony rides, great live music and delicious food, all included in admission. Admission is free ($30 donation requested if possible). Sponsorships are available.

June 14-26

Race Across America – MSCA Team ETop endurance cyclists world wide compete in this 3,000+ mile bicycle race from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD. Erik Newsholme has a passion for riding and is committed to raising awareness for MS patients and the MS Center and will compete as a solo rider. Erik is the husband of our very own MSCA NP, Beverly Baker-Newsholme. You can be a part of the race by following along, or receiving a personal update or call during their two week journey. Please visit our website to find out more.

For more information regarding events, sponsorships, registration or to plan your own event please visit www.mscatl.org or call 404-351-0205, ext. 123

Mark Your Calendars

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O btaining PHI (protected health information) records can be a complicated process for all of us. It won’t surprise you to know there are laws and

regulations that have to be followed.To obtain your records for your own

personal use, you must submit a written request. By completing MSCA’s Medical Records Release form, you give us per-mission to release our medical records on you to you!

The charge for receiving your medical records varies depending on the number of pages in your records or the number of pages being requested. In general, the cost is less than a dollar per page and decreases as the number of pages increases. There are additional charges for MRI discs and, of course, postage. You will be notified of the total charge and payment is due before the records can be released.

Here are some important facts to know when requesting medical records:

At MSCA, you are asked to make a written record of the person or persons you authorize us to speak with regard-ing your medical care and records. We understand there is a lot of paperwork to fill out each year, but please know that each piece is important. MSCA’s Patient Consent for Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information form

tells us with whom you will allow us to speak regarding your medical care. This form should be updated each year, but can also be changed at any time should your circumstances change. If you don’t list anyone, we are not allowed to speak with anyone. Please consider the possibility of your medical condition changing unexpectedly. Who would you want handling your medical affairs?

Your medical records are the prop-erty of the providing medical doctor or facility. Although one doctor may have medical records from some of your other doctors, the only ones they can release are their own. You will have to make separate requests to each separate doctor providing you with medical services. If you are requesting copies of your medical records to send out, it will be a good idea to make a copy for your files to avoid additional costs in case there should be a need for you to provide those records to someone else.

If you want to request that your medical records be sent from your MSCA doctor to another doctor or facility, you would submit a written request via MSCA’s Medical Records Request form. Again, we can provide copies only of our medical records. But the good news in requesting your records to be sent directly to another doctor or facility is that there’s no charge!

There are also times when your medical records are requested by your medical insurance company. When you accept your medical insurance policy you have agreed to allow any medical records pertaining to the charges filed by your doctor or facility to be released to them in order to process your doctor’s claims.

Other situations where requests for your medical records could be made include filing for disability or life insurance or any legal actions in which you may be involved. All of these would require the requestor to provide us with a copy of your signed release of your medical records to them. These entities also would be responsible for making payment directly to your doctor or facility.

MSCA uses a third party, HealthPort, to process the majority of these types of medical records requests. This company provides a representative on a weekly basis to process the medical records requests received by our office. Please keep this timeframe in mind when requesting or authorizing medical records requests on your behalf.

You can contact our Medical Records Department at 404-351-0205, ext. 143, anytime to request records, update the names of the people to whom you autho-rize release of medical information or ask questions concerning your medical records. We will be happy to assist you.

How to obtain protected health informationBy Daphne Lawson, MSCA Front Desk Manager


Research Wants YOU!

The Department of Clinical Research at the MS Center of Atlanta con-tinues to be active in research on

neurologic diseases. Currently, we have open studies in MS and Alzheimer’s disease.

While there are currently 11 unique FDA–approved therapeutic options for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, individual patient response to therapy always varies. Over time, individual patients may need to switch from one form of therapy to another. Starting or changing therapy is a decision to be made between a physician and patient individually.

If it’s determined that it is time for a change, certain studies can provide free treatment. Several studies are currently available for existing and new therapies for multiple sclerosis. We are involved in studies with Gilenya®, Plegridy®, Tecfidera® and Lemtrada®, as well as participating in therapies that are new and not yet approved by the FDA.

We are also involved in several pivotal trials for treatment medications for Alz-heimer’s disease. These new medications hopefully will prove a reduction in the progression of the disease.

Please talk with your doctor if you’re interested in finding out about one of the studies to see if you may qualify. You can always ask to speak with a research team member at 404-351-0205 x 111 about cur-rent studies or other research questions.

As always, thank you for your support of research.

Open studies are ongoing for MS and Alzheimer’s treatment trialsBy Jeffrey B. English, MD, MSCA Research Medical Director and Debbie Johnson, RN, Clinical Research


The Palisades Building3200 Downwood Circle, Suite 550

Atlanta, Georgia 30327

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Yearly AngelsAnonymousMrs. Melissa AnthonyMrs. Alison BearmanMrs. Phyllis BeaversMs. Roberta L BeltMr. & Mrs. Allan NottinghamMr. & Mrs. Joel H. BickerstaffThe Bienkowski FamilyMr. & Mrs. Ernest Biglow, IIIDr. Louis BinionMr. H.J. Boatwright, Jr.Mr. Raul BostonMaster Sergeant and Mrs. Randy

BradfordMs. Rowena BrahmDr. & Mrs. Marvin BrantleyMr. Charles Joseph BrownMr. Miralem CajicMs. Nikki CanterMr. David CarlDr. Bruce CassidyThe Chasin FamilyMr. & Mrs. Sid CherryMr. & Mrs. Alan D. ChunkaMr. & Mrs. William ClementsMs. Carolyn WheelerThe Georgia Caribbean

Culture, Inc.Ms. Jill CurtisMr. Ron Darden

TRUiST Comprehensive Distribution

Dr. John A. DrummondMrs. Virginia EdwardsDr. & Mrs. Jeffrey B. EnglishMr. Sadel FeticThe Reed Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Edwin GardnerMr. & Mrs. Wayne GehrhardtMs. Heather GravesMs. Bronwyn HarrisMr. & Mrs. Ralph HarveyMr. & Mrs. Allen HauckMs. Jeania D. HillThe Home Depot FoundationMr. Darren C. JacobsonMr. Jerry GreenbaumMr. & Mrs. Martin JohnsonMr. Frank JonesMr. & Mrs. Thomas A. KammererMr. & Mrs. John KennedyDr. & Mrs. Robert KralMr. & Mrs. Arnold KurthMs. Shelese LaneMr. & Mrs. John LefflerMr. & Mrs. Seymour LevineGive With Liberty Employee

DonationsMr. & Mrs. Winford LindsayMr. Travis LloydMs. Deborah Macdonald

Mr. Michael MatthewsMs. Janis McBroomMr. & Mrs. Wayne McClureMr. & Mrs. David V. MillerNetwork for GoodDr. Edwin L. PageMr. James PahnMr. & Mrs. Jamie D. BrunnyMrs. Kathy PickeringMr. & Mrs. J. Timothy PinderMr. Robert QuillMr. Eli RabinMs. Stella RaderMr. Melvin RamcheranMr. & Mrs. David RatcliffeDr. & Mrs. Sam Richwine, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. J. Pargen RobertsonMr. Marlon RocheeMs. Kim RutledgeMr. & Mrs. Joseph RyanS & A Storage & Logistics Mr. John SalyerMr. & Mrs. Gary SchulteMr. & Mrs. Tom ShanksMr. & Mrs. Nickolas SigalosMr. David SirnaMs. Kenise SloanMs. Maria SmithMs. Paula SmithMs. Sonya D SnoderlyMs. Karen A. Sowa

Mrs. Barbara Hall StallingsMr. & Mrs. Sean StarkeyMr. Michael TerrellMs. Linda Diane TharpeMr. Glynn JenkinsMs. Karen ThompsonUnited Way of Metropolitan

AtlantaMr. & Mrs. Carl WatryMs. Tonya WeaverMs. Jackie WeemsMr. Joe WeissingerMr. & Mrs. Joe WhitakerMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey WhittinghamMr. Brad WilliamsMs. Stephanie WinterMr. Oran WoodallMs. Cynthia WrightMr. & Mrs. John P. Younger

Memorial & Honorarium Gifts Mr. William McCreedy & Mrs.

Helen Sigalos CorryMr. & Mrs. Allen T. DenhamV.C. and Mary A. Puckett Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Alan KesslerMr. & Mrs. Glenn MarstonMr. & Mrs. William McKennyMr. & Mrs. James NixMs. Ellen SternMr. & Mrs. Butch Stewart

Donations November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016

Documents

Nautilus The MSC Amscatl.org/pdf-file/Nautilus-Spring2016-FINAL.pdf · Spring 2016 | The Nautilus | The Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta | 3M edication can help you feel better,