OBGyn News - gaobgyn.org · OBGyn Society was able to offer shoulder dystocia training to NMA participants. A big thank you goes to Dr. Annette Miles, of Atlanta, who helped facilitate

Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Inc.

Georgia Section The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

OCTOBER 2014 • VOLUME 8, NUMBER 5

OBGyn NewsPROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE in GEORGIA

in this issue P4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap with Coverage for Women’s Services ..........1

Meet the 2014-2015 GOGS Board of Directors and Advisory Council ..............2

Shoulder Dystocia Training ..............3

Editor’s Column/ Annual Meeting Highlights ...........4-5

Annual Meeting Highlights ...........6-7

NotifiableDiseases ..............8

2014-2015 Flu Season Update ...........9

News from Around the State .......10-11

Administrative Office4485 Tench Road, Suite 2410

Suwanee, Georgia 30024Telephone: 770 904-0719

Fax: 770 904-5251www.georgiaobgyn.org


P4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap with Coverage for Women’s ServicesGeorgia Medicaid Plan Covers Gyn Care and Family Planning Services for Eligible Women

Planning for Healthy Babies (P4HB) is a GeorgiaMedicaidBenefitPlan for eligible women ages 18 to 44.

P4HB provides uninsured women in Georgia, not otherwise eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), with health

care coverage for routine gynecological care, family planning services, and case management. Members can be enrolled in 1 of 3 programs offered under the P4HB plan. The three programs offered are:1. Family Planning (FP): Available

to ALL eligible women and covers routine gynecological care, family planning services, but does not includefullmedicalbenefits.

2. Interpregnancy Care (IPC): A more comprehensive plan ONLY for women who have delivered a very low birth weight

(LBW) baby (birth weight < 1500 grams). IPC offers coverage for routine gynecological care, family planning services, primary care, dental care, treatment for substance abuse, medications for chronic health conditions, and case management/resource mother services.

3. Case Management/Resource Mother: This plan is available to women who already have traditional Medicaid and offers them access to a case manager/resource mother to assist with coordination of services for the individual as well as the family.

P4HBhelpsfillthegapinhealthcare coverage for women in Georgia who are not eligible for Medicaid and cannot afford a plan on the health care exchange marketplace. Without Medicaid expansion in Georgia, many women are unable to get their basic health care needs met. The outcome: Increased rates of infant morbidity and mortality, unwanted pregnancies, increased teen pregnancy, increased low birth and very low birth weight babies and high risk pregnancies leading to poor birth outcomes. P4HB gives women access to health care coverage that will prevent many of these adverse outcomes. Once a woman loses her pregnancy coverage, Medicaid P4HB offers providers the ability to retain those patients and continue to Continued on page 3

see them for routine gynecologic and family planning services. Like most insurance plans, member patientsshouldpresentaP4HBbenefitcardattheirhealthcarevisit.Benefitscanalsobeverifiedatthetimeofservice with the CMO in which the woman is enrolled: Amerigroup, Peach State, or Wellcare. There are no copays or deductibles under the P4HB plan. All eligible services are fully covered. A detaileddescriptionofbenefitscanbefound in the provider handbook of the plan in which the woman is enrolled and can be accessed online.

A Quick Look at What P4HB Covers Here is a description of gynecologic, family planning or health care services the insurer pays for under the plan: 1. One (1) Well Women/Annual

Exam (yearly) 2. Four (4) additional visits are

covered, including but not limited to: Follow-up and/or Problem Visits - Sexually Transmitted Disease

(STD) Screening (excludes HIV and Hepatitis B)

- STD Treatment – most antibiotic prescriptions are covered under this plan

- Pregnancy Testing- Contraceptive Management

(initiation, renewals, changes)- Follow-up of Abnormal Pap Smears

(includes coverage for colposcopy and LEEP)

3. Tubal Ligation4. Vitamins and Folic Acid5. Select Immunizations for Women

19-20 Years Old. Women who are 18 years old receive vaccines at no cost

P4HB Covered Services

Services Family Planning

Inter-pregnancy Care(IPC)

Case Management/ Resource Mother

Family Planning/GYN Services - (five (5) visits max including Annual exam)

✔ ✔

Primary Care Visits (5) ✔

Dental Care (limited) ✔

Substance Abuse Treatment ✔

Prescription Drugs for Chronic Dz. (non-family planning) ✔

Case Management/ Resource Mother ✔ ✔

The 2014 Annual

Meeting highlights

can be found on

pages 4-7.

P4HB: Filling the Medicaid Gap with Coverage for Women’s ServicesContinued from page 1

6. Counseling and referral to social services and primary care service (only for women enrolled in the IPC program or Case management/Resource Mother program)

Exceptions and Exclusions P4HB offers access to women’s health services but has some limitations providers should be aware of. Providers can download the provider handbook which gives a detailed description of services covered. Like all health plans,

women can access the patient handbook online which details the services covered under the P4HB plan.

Enrollment and Additional Information WomencanenrollintheP4HBplanorfindadditional details about P4HB through:• Planning for Healthy Babies website -

www.planningforhealthybabies.com • Georgia Department of Community

Health P4HB website - http://dch.georgia.gov/planning-healthy-babies

• Toll free number 1-877-P4H-B101 or 1-877-744-2101

• Local Departments of Public Health• Division of Family and Children

Services (DFCS)•OfficeofPerformance,Qualityand

Outcomes at 404-463-7454• Managed Care Organizations

websites:- Amerigroup: www.amerigroup.com- Peach State: www.peachstate.com- Wellcare: www.wellcare.com

Physicians’ Alliance of America (PAA) has been serving practices for over 22 years. PAA sponsors the PAHPT as a major value for PAA members.

Call 855-337-2478Visit www.PAHPT.com

PAHPT is the simple, quality solution built speci�cally for the medical community.

For more information and testimonials by PAHPT enrollees

PAHPT:

• Is a non-pro�t, member owned bene�ts plan that provides stable, a�ordable, quality health coverage

• Has a full Certi�cate of Authority to o�er coverage in Georgia and Alabama (with more states in process)

• Is compliant with all applicable state and federal regulations…including ACA

• Is currently exempt from a number of ACA taxes and fees

• O�ers multiple plan options to �t your needs

�e Physicians’ Alliance Health Plan Trust (PAHPT) Is Saving Members �ousands on �eir Health Plans!

Escape the confusion and uncertainty of ACA, Take care of your sta� and save money!

Contact PAHPT Now!





PAHPT:








Contact PAHPT Now!





PAHPT:








Contact PAHPT Now!

PAHPT:• Is a non-profit, member owned benefits plan

that provides stable, affordable, quality health coverage

• Has a full Certificate of Authority to offer coverage in Georgia and Alabama (with more states in process)



• Offers multiple plan options to fit your needs

Physicians’ Alliance of America (PAA) has been serving practices for over 22 years. PAA sponsors the PAHPT as a major value for PAA members. __________________________________________

PAHPT is the simple, quality solution built specifically for the medical community. For more information and testimonials by PAHPT enrollees


Escape the confusion and uncertainty of ACA, Take care of your staff and save money!

Contact PAHPT Now!





PAHPT:







Escape the confusion and uncertainty of ACA, take care of your sta� and save money!Contact PAHPT Now!

GOGS Brings Shoulder Dystocia Training to the National Medical Association Conf.

Georgia was well represented at this year’s National Medical Associations (NMA) annual conference in Hawaii.

Thanks to the NMA OB Section Chair, Dr. Victoria Green, and Society Past Presi-dent, Dr. Roland Matthews, the Georgia OBGyn Society was able to offer shoulder dystocia training to NMA participants. A big thank you goes to Dr. Annette Miles, of Atlanta, who helped facilitate the shoul-der dystocia trainings. It was also a great opportunity to display some of the wonderful work the Georgia Section of ACOG is doing for our members in our own state. Some of the information shared was the Postpartum Hemorrhage toolkit, Maternal Mortal-

ity committee information, the Georgia Medicaid P4HB family planning (FP) waiver program, our commitment to educat-ing physicians on the importance of support-ing breastfeeding (Medi-cations and Mother’s Milk book provided), our 39 week initiative in collaboration with March of Dimes, Georgia’s CenteringPregnancy initiative, Immediate Postpartum LARC initia-tive, and the Georgia Public Health programs the Society works

with – FP, Newborn Screening, Hep B, Im-munizations – just to name a few. Conference participants were also able to see the ultrasound (US) program offered by Society board member, Dr. Kevin Go-mez, of Atlanta. Participants were able to

practice US techniques, reading US images and explore using a state-of-the-art US machine on live models. The infor-mation provided during the OB section session was very well received by providers from around the nation. Physicians also were impressed with the work for mothers and infants and the support the local chapter of ACOG

offers OBGyns of Georgia.

Dr. Anne Patterson

for over 20 years and is a national leader in obstetrical care. Dr. Patterson also has her Master’s Degree in Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has been an early adopter of cutting edge ultrasound, EMR and telemedicine technologies. She serves on the Board of Directors for many statewide advisory, hospital and professional associations. Dr. Patterson is a true leader in her specialty and a principal of Women’s Telehealth.

2014-2015 GOGS President

Dr. Anne Patterson took the reins as this year’s Society president at the 2014 Annual Meeting

in August at Sea Island, GA. Dr. Patterson has been providing maternal fetal medicine expertise for years. Dr. Patterson received her medical training and completed her OBGyn residency and MFM fellowship at Emory University. She was based in private practice at Northside Hospital

Meet the 2014-2015 GOGS Board of Directors and Advisory Council

(Red denotes a member who has moved to a new position or is new to the Board)

2014-15 Advisory CouncilMembership CommitteeChair: Dina Weiss Linfoot, MD• Members: Holly G. Coleman, MD,

Bonita Dozier, MD, Lisa S. Rogers, MD

Nominations and Awards CommitteeChair: Roland Matthews, MD• Ruth Cline, MD• David B. Byck, MD

Government Relations CommitteeChair: Andrew A. Toledo, MD• Vice Chair: Carla Roberts, MD• Members: Greg Cook, MD, ThomasHatchett,MD,WinifredSoufi,MD, Jules Toraya,MD

Grant Activities CommitteeChair: Jeffrey H. Korotkin, MD• Members: David B. Byck, MD, P. Ruth

Cline, MD, Roland Matthews, MD

Education and Residency Involvement CommitteeChair: Roland Matthews, MD• Members: David B. Byck, MD,

Chadburn Ray, MD, William Butler, MD, Ira Horowitz, MD, Jessica Arluck, MD

President: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Anne Patterson, MD, AtlantaPresident-Elect: . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine M. Bonk, MD, DecaturImmediate Past President: . . . Roland Matthews, MD, AtlantaSecretary Treasurer: . . . . . . . . Hugh D. Smith, MD, ThomastonMember at Large: . . . . . . . . . . Chadburn Ray, MD, AugustaMember at Large: . . . . . . . . . . MargaretD.Schaufler,MD,LaGrangeACOG Section Chair: . . . . . . . . Pam Gallup-Gaudry, MD, SavannahACOG Sec. Vice-Chair: . . . . . . . Victoria Green, MD, AtlantaExecutive Director: . . . . . . . . . Pat Cota, Suwanee

Obstetrical Practice CommitteeChair: Shelley Dunson-Allen, MD• Vice Chair Perinatal Medicine: Michael

Lindsay, MD• Vice Chair Genetics: Kevin Gomez, MD

Public Health and Relations CommitteeChair: C. Anne Patterson, MD• Vice Chair Victoria L. Green, MD

Gynecological Practice CommitteeChair: Cyril O. Spann, MD• Vice Chair Gyn Oncology:• Vice Chair Urologic Gynecology:

Brian Raybon, MD • Vice Chair General Gyn: Cary C. Perry, MD Reproductive Endocrinology CommitteeChair: Robert J. Straub, MD• Vice Chair: Robin H. Fogle, MD

Reproductive Health CommitteeChair: Cynthia A. Mercer, MD• Vice Chair: Camille Davis-Williams, MD

Retired Physicians CommitteeChair: John B. Hill, MD• Vice Chair:

Practice Management CommitteeChair: Steve Mintz, MD, MBA• Vice Chair: Catherine M. Bonk, MD

Medicare, Medicaid and Third Party Payer CommitteeChair: Al Scott, Jr., MD• Members: Andrew B. Dott, MD,

Hugh D. Smith, MD

Program CommitteeChair: C. Anne Patterson, MD

Volunteer Activities CommitteeChair: Thomas L. Hatchett, MD• Vice Chair: Mike Scott, MD

Gyn PACChair: Andrew A. Toledo, MD• Treasurer: Nancy H. Cook, MD

Communications EditorAl Sermons, MD

ACOG Ex Officio Members• Ramon A. Suarez, MD• Ben H. Cheek, MD• Sandra B. Reed, MD

Dr. Roland Matthews and Dr. Annette Miles show the shoulder dystocia

training model at the NMA conference.

3

OBGyn NEWS, October 2014 OBGyn NEWS, October 2014

Al Sermons, MDEditor

Atlanta, GA

Editor’s ColumnOh, What a Meeting!

My wife and I took the back roads home to Atlanta after the GOGS Annual Meeting at

Sea Island, August 21-24. As she drove along Highway 341, I relaxed in the passenger seat, turned on Pandora, and reminisced about the meeting. I was pumped, excited from all that I had heard and learned, and

totally impressed to be a part of this magnificentgroupofhumanbeings!With every thought of the past three days, my mind kept repeating the phrase, “Oh, what a meeting!” Contrary to my trip down to The Cloister three days earlier, I was in no rush to return to Atlanta. Pandora connected, and the sound of Ray Charles singing “Georgia On My Mind” was like déjà vu. This had been the firstsongplayedattheopeningofthebanquet the night before. However, thefirstofficialsonghadbeendedicated to our wonderful Executive Director Pat Cota, whom we learned had recently “jumped the broom.” I had been crunched for time as I prepared for my trip down to Sea Island from Atlanta. I spent the night before waiting for a multip to deliver. It was a G6P5 that I had promised to deliver personally, but secretly hoped would be delivered while I was out of town. As luck would have it, she presented to the Labor & Delivery in active labor and six centimeters dilated, on the evening before I was to leave. A delivery that should only have taken a few minutes became several

hours, lasting well after midnight. Therefore, I was tired and late when I arrived at the GOGS meeting.

The Board meeting had started at 10:00 a.m. I arrived at approximately 10:30. I glanced around the room and recognized past presidents of the Society, the president of the Georgia Section of ACOG, and the secretary

of ACOG. Yes, even the president of ACOG was a guest at this year’s meeting. Board members were a compilation of distinguished colleagues from throughout the state of Georgia. The topics of conversation were relevant, meaningful, and seemingly endless. We discussed access and maintaining Medicaid OB in rural Georgia. We discussed tax incentives and loan

repayments for new OBGyns practicing in rural Georgia. We talked about The Affordable Care Act. I still wonder if it is truly affordable. We talked about healthcare exchange. Does it mean that our patients exchange health insurance so that they are covered for a wellness visit, but remain technically uninsured, because of high deductibles? I sat quietly during much of the meeting. I listened and observed board members as each spoke passionately about the topics. As I had done so often in the past, I recognized the full character of this board, and I was proud to be a part of it. In those moments, I realized that as different as we are—separated by political affiliation,gender,color,religion, and demographics—our common denominator is still our desire to improve and provide the best

possible care to women and children in the state of Georgia. Thefirstclinicalsessionstartedat 1:30 Thursday afternoon. In the evening, we were wined and dined at the opening reception. For the next three mornings, we had clinical sessions provided by some of the most intellectual minds in our profession. Additionally, there were lectures by acclaimed, elected public servants of our craft. I was particularly impressed with the lectures given by Dr. Edward Partridge from the University of Alabama. During hisfirstpresentation,Dr.Partridgelectured on screening guidelines for the early detection of cervical cancer. At

one point, he indicated that if we truly believe in evidence-based medicine, then we need not perform pelvic exams and Pap smears on healthy asymptomatic females who present with no complaints. He ventured that the wellness goal for such a patient could be equitably achieved, if we “take her totheoffice,chatfor10minutes,andsend her home.” I liked the sound of that, but I don’t think I am comfortable enough in my “evidence-based” skills to adopt this philosophy. Later, I was

further impressed by Dr. Partridge, during his lecture on “Overcoming Social Determinants of Health,” particularly, eliminating the disparity in healthcare in The Mississippi Delta and The Alabama Black Belt.

In the afternoons [following morning lectures], we had free time, and most people played golf. I have always admired those with skill and patience enoughtofindpleasureandsolaceinhitting a ball into a faraway hole. As for me, I sat on the balcony of my room with unknown spirits in my hand, and watched people ride the river. Each evening we were gifted with more wining and dining, until the ultimate treat of our last night… the Saturday night “Black Tie” event!

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. John Inman, Jr. during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night. Dr. Inman practiced medicine for more than 65 years and pioneered OBGyn medicine in South Georgia, during the lean years of the practice of obstetrics and gynecology. (His biography is too extensive to discuss

here.) Upon receipt of the Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Inman recanted stories about the history of medicine in the state of Georgia. He called his firstandlastpatientbyname.Heknew their history and their family. I

sat in awe and admiration of this gentleman! He was aging, but his mind was as sharp as ever. I smiled to myself. I could scarcely recall the name of the patient who had kept me up all night three days ago. I witnessed the “passing of the gavel” from our distinguished 2013-2014 President, Roland Matthews, MD, to our illustrious

2014-2015 President, Anne Patterson, MD. Dr. Patterson solicited assistance from the “Presi-dential Secret Service Men” and press sec-retary to thank our wonderfully good-humored Dr. Matthews for his accom-plishments as president. And then the music began! We danced, and then danced some more. Onourfinalmorning, we had breakfast with the attorneys. I alwaysfindthis gathering fascinating. Doctors and lawyers share

such a love-hate relationship. In truth, I love my attorney, but I’m not so sure about the rest. My wife slowed the vehicle as we arrived back in Atlanta. There was an accident at the I-75/675 junction and thetrafficwasbackedupformiles.Isighed. For the past three days it had beeneasytoforgetsuchtrafficexisted!As I sat there, going nowhere, I was still reveling in the fact that the 2014 Annual GOGS meeting was undoubtedly one of the best meetings ever! (I have attended quite a few over the years.) We had truly enjoyed a fabulous meeting and an excellent time together as colleagues! And, there’s no cause for worry if you missed it. We are doing it again next year, Thursday, August 27-Sunday, August 30, 2015, at Amelia Island, Fla. Mark your calendars and plan to attend, because the best is yet to come. Whoknows?Youcouldfindyourselfdriving home at this time next year, repeating the same phrase as me—“Oh, what a meeting!”

Incoming GOGS President, Dr. Anne Patterson, (on right) honors Outgoing President, Dr. Roland Matthews,

with the help of a few “Presidential Secret Service Men.”

GOGS President Dr. Roland Matthews presents Dr. John Inman, Jr. with the

2014 Distinguished Service Award at the Annual Meeting Awards Banquet on Saturday night.

Dr. Kevin Gomez demonstrates ultrasound technology on a live model in the Sim Lab.

GA DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald (center) talked with conference attendees after her presentation.

The GOGS Board of Directors met on Thursday morning before clinical sessions began.

4 5


Annual Meeting Highlights

PAPARAZZI TIME PAPARAZZI TIME

Annual Meeting Highlights

The Faculty of the GA Residency Programs met to discuss residency education projects.

Dr. Cyril Spann talked with residents at a luncheon on Friday.

CHOA Strong4Life program asked for input from physicians on an obesity project.

Regional Perinatal Center Meeting attendees participated in a breakout session.

Dr. John Jennings, President of ACOG, spoke at the Annual Meeting.

Dr. Victoria Green, Dr. Al Scott, Sabrina Scott, Dr. William Alexander, Dr. Desiree McCarthy-Keith, Avarita Hanson, and Linda. Sermons

socialized at the Friday night cookout.

PAPARAZZI TIMEPAPARAZZI TIMEPAPARAZZI TIME PAPARAZZI TIMEPAPARAZZI TIMEPAPARAZZI TIME6 7


Flu activity has been low across the United States, but rates begin to increase in October and most

commonly peaks between January and March. The CDC recommends anannualfluvaccineforeveryone6 months of age and older, but formoredetailsonfluvaccinerecommendations, visit http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6332a3.htm.

How much flu vaccine will be available this season? Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so supply depends on manufacturers, but manufacturers have projected they will provide 151-159 million doses of vaccine for the US market.

What flu viruses does this season’s vaccine protect against? Flu vaccines are designed to protect againstfluvirusesthatexpertspredictwill be the most common during the upcomingseason.Threekindsoffluviruses commonly circulate among peopletoday:InfluenzaA(H1N1)viruses,influenzaA(H3N2)viruses,andinfluenzaBviruses.Eachyear,oneortwofluvirusesofeachkindare used to produce the seasonal influenzavaccine. Allofthe2014-2015influenzavaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses:• an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)

pdm09-like virus• an A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like

virus• a B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like

virus.Someofthe2014-2015fluvaccinealso protects against an additional B virus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus). Manufacturers estimate 78 million doses of the projected 151-159 million doses will be quadrivalent fluvaccinesthisseason.Moreinformationaboutinfluenzavaccinesis available at Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm).

Will this season’s vaccine be a good match for circulating viruses? The vaccine is made to protect againstthefluvirusesthatresearchindicates will likely be most common during the season. However, experts

must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance so vaccines may be produced and delivered ontime.Andfluviruses change constantly (called drift) – they can change from one season to the next or they can even change within the course of one fluseason.Becauseofthesefactors,

there is always the possibility of a less than optimal match between circulating viruses and the viruses in the vaccine.

2014-2015 Flu Season Update

NOTIFIABLE DISEASE /CONDITION REPORTING

All Georgia physicians, laboratories,

and other health care providers are

required by law to report patients

with the following conditions. Both

lab-con�rmed and clinical diagnoses

are reportable within the time interval

speci�ed below.

* Invasive = isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, or pleural uid.

** HBsAg+ = hepatitis B surface antigen positive.

*** L. monocytogenes isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, or pleural uid,

or other normally sterile site; or from placenta or products of conception in conjunction with

fetal death or illness. Infant mortality is reportable to Vital Records.

Resulting in severe illness or death

any cluster of illnesses

animal bites

anthrax

all acute arboviral infections:

-Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

-LaCrosse Encephalitis (LAC)

-St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)

-West Nile Virus (WNV)

botulism

brucellosis

cholera

diphtheria

E. coli O157

Haemophilus in�uenzae (invasive)*

hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

hepatitis A (acute)

measles (rubeola)

meningitis (specify agent)

meningococcal disease

novel in uenza A virus infections

pertussis

plague

poliomyelitis

Q fever

rabies (human & animal)

severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

shiga toxin positive tests

S. aureus with vancomycin MIC > 4µg/ml

smallpox

syphilis (congenital & adult)

tuberculosis

latent TB infection in children<5 years old

tularemia

viral hemorrhagic fevers

To Report Within 7 DaysReport cases electronically through the State Electronic Noti�able Disease Surveillance

System at http://sendss.state.ga.us (SEE REPORTING FOOTNOTES BELOW.)

leptospirosis

listeriosis***

leprosy or Hansen’s disease

(Mycobacterium leprae)

Lyme disease

lymphogranuloma venereum

malaria

maternal death##

methicillin-resistant S. aureus

(community-associated)

mumps

psittacosis

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

rubella (including congenital)

salmonellosis

shigellosis

streptococcal disease, Group A or B

(invasive)*

Streptococcus pneumoniae

(invasive)*

- report with antibiotic-

resistance information

tetanus

toxic shock syndrome

toxoplasmosis

typhoid

Varicella (Chickenpox)

Vibrio infections

yersiniosis

REPORT WITHIN 1 MONTH

REPORT WITHIN 6 MONTHS

Potential agent of bioterrorism.

* Invasive = isolated from blood, bone, CSF, joint, pericardial, peritoneal, or

pleural uid.

To Report ImmediatelyCall: District Health O�ce or

1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)

birth defects (under age 6)

maternal deaths (during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery)

Report forms and reporting information for birth defects and maternal deaths available at

http://health.state.ga.us/epi/mch/publications.asp

benign brain and central nervous system tumors

cancer

Report forms and reporting information for tumors and cancer found at

http://health.state.ga.us/programs/gccr/reporting.asp

Reporting enables appropriate public health follow-up for your patients, helps identify

outbreaks, and provides a better understanding of disease trends in Georgia. For the

latest information from the Department of Public Health, visit their web site at: www.

health.state.ga.us

REPORT IMMEDIATELY REPORT WITHIN 7 DAYS

AIDS#

aseptic meningitis

blood lead level (all)

campylobacteriosis

chancroid

Chlamydia trachomatis (genital

infection)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

(CJD), suspected cases,

under age 55

cryptosporidiosis

cyclosporiasis

ehrlichiosis

giardiasis

gonorrhea

HIV#

hearing impairment†

(permanent, under age 5)

hepatitis B

-acute hepatitis B

-newly identi�ed HBsAg+

carriers**

-HBsAg+ pregnant women

hepatitis C virus infection

(past or present)

in uenza-associated death

(all ages)

legionellosis

REPORTING HIV/AIDS:

# Report forms and reporting information for HIV/AIDS available by telephone (1-800-827-9769)

OR at http://health.state.ga.us/epi/hivaids/reportinginformation.asp. For mailing HIV/AIDS

reports, please use double envelopes marked “con�dential”, addressed to Georgia Department

of Public Health Epidemiology Section, P.O.Box 2107, Atlanta, GA 30301

† Report forms and reporting information for hearing impairment available at

http://health.state.ga.us/programs/unhs/reporting.asp

(Rev 07-14-11)

Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child at birth.Test EVERYPregnant Woman, EVERY Pregnancy for Hepatitis B.

Report HBsAg-positive results to the Georgia Department of Public Health within 7 days of lab confirmation. Report cases at 404-657-2588 or sendss.state.ga.us

8 9


Another Hospital Closes Labor and Delivery Unit After 2 years of extensive consideration, Appling HealthCare System (AHCS) decided to no longer deliver babies as of midnight, October 10, 2014. “It was a very heartbreaking decision to make. The Appling birthing unit provides quality services with an outstanding and dedicated physician and staff” said Andy Smith, CEO. Appling joins more than 30 hospitals in rural areas in Georgia that have given up deliveries in the past few years. Jimmy Lewis, CEO of Hometown Health, an advocacy association for 56 small hospitals in Georgia, stated in a recent article that on average, in the state of Georgia, there are about 14 deliveries per 1,000 population, thus Appling County, with a population of 18,440, would expect to only yield about 258 deliveries, with at least 50% of those deliveries choosing to go to a different facility up to 40 miles away. This would result in anticipated total local deliveries of 129. Lewis also indicated hospitals require a minimum of 325 to 350 deliveries to break even on the service line. AHCS would need 230 more deliveries to break even for the year. This is why most rural counties have given upbirthingservicesduetoinsufficientnumber of deliveries in the service area. Mr. Lewis also stated that rural Georgia is quickly evolving into a state with only a few rural birthing centers. Andy Smith, explained in the 12 months ending August of 2014, the Healthcare System estimates that losses in birthing services will exceed $700,000. There have been several key factors impacting the number of deliveries at Appling HealthCare System besides the decline of deliveries. Other factors negatively impacting the system in 2014 are a $590,000 decrease in the facility’s Medicaid disproportionate share money or (DSH). Due to the Affordable Care Act, AHCS is anticipating an additional cut in DSH payment of approximately $130,000. In addition to these reductions, AHCS expects to lose an additional $134,000 in the 12 months ending August 2014, related

News from Around the State

Great American Smokeout 3rd Thursday in November

The Great American Smokeout is an event held on the third Thursday in November (Nov. 20) by the American Cancer Society. This program gives an opportunity for

millions of Americans to join together in a day of saying “no thanks,” to smoking. Go to http://www.cancer.org or the Georgia Tobacco Use Prevention Program at https://dph.georgia.gov/georgia-tobacco-use-prevention-program for more information.

Tri-Regional Faith & Community Health Summit

Tri-Regional Faith & Community Health Summit, November 6-7, 2014 at St. Philip AME Church, is a collaborative event to gather thousands of faith and community leaders from 8 states to meet in Atlanta, GA for one purpose, “Building Healthier Communities through Education, Empowerment, and Engagement.” This year’s regional event will provide advice and best practices to help grow and sustain your organization. For additional information, visit http://www.triregionalsummit.org/.

MOD Prematurity Awareness Summit

The March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Summit will be held Thursday, November 13 at The Loudermilk Center in Atlanta. This year’s theme is “Reducing Disparities in Birth Outcomes and Maternal Mortality in Georgia.” To learn more or to register, visit bit.ly/modsummit2014. Topics will include The effects of chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, on the premature birth rate; CenteringPregnancy and Maternal Mortality in Georgia. Speakers will be Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, MD; Michael Lindsay, MD, MPH, Associate Professor and Director, Maternal Fetal Medicine Division, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Chief of Gynecology and Obstetrics Service at Grady Healthcare System; and Jacqueline Grant, MD, MPH, MPA, Director of the Southwest Public Health District.

2015 GRHA Annual Conference – Save the Date

The Georgia Rural Health Association’s Annual Conference will be January 12-14, 2015 at the Desoto Hilton in Savannah, Georgia. Visit http://grhainfo.org/index.htm for more information.

GOGS-GA AAP Joint Winter Symposium – save the date

Mark your calendars for the Winter Symposium, February 21, 2015 in Atlanta. Topics will include neonatal withdrawal syndrome on the rise; prescribing drugs safely during pregnancy /breastfeeding, HPV and cancer, and more.

to sequestration. The State Employee benefitsprogramthatisdesignedtosave the state between $200 million and $500 million has resulted in an additional reduction in reimbursement of $600,000.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It’s time again for the annual pink ribbon campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many

forget to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. Visit http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness for more information. And don’t forget National Mammography Day (Oct. 17). The third Friday in October is designated as National Mammography Day. Mammography medical facilities across the country will be offering free or reduced cost screenings to help women detect the disease early, when chances for a full recovery are best.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Throughout National Diabetes Month, organizations can raise awareness of this escalating disease. Some 86 million Americans have a prediabetes condition. People with prediabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for having heart disease and stroke. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people. The American Diabetes Association estimates the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion. See more details at: http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/american-diabetes-month.html#sthash.9zw8jnGZ.dpuf

World Prematurity Day-November 17th

November 17 is World Prematurity Day which focuses everyone’s attention on the global problem of premature birth. One in 10 babies are born too early. Go purple and help raising awareness. Visit https://

www.facebook.com/WorldPrematurityDay for more information.

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Topics include: ICD-10-CM for OB Services & OBGyn Coding Updates for 2015, ICD-10-CM for Genitourinary and Other Primary Care Services, Teamwork, Rejected Claims, Avoiding Malpractice Claims, and Leadership.

For more details or to register, watch for the seminar flyer in the mail, visit www.georgiaobgyn.org or call 770-904-5294.

Friday, December 5, 2014 Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel

And Conference Center

G E O R G I A O B S T E T R I C A L A N D G Y N E C O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y

HPV Vaccination Series Does Not Need Restart Regardless of time between doses

Sandra Yarn, RN, BSN, CAES, EPIC Program Director of the Georgia American Academy of Pediatrics recently learned that some OBs in Georgia were concerned that if too much time passed between administrations of the HPV vaccination series of shots, the whole series would have to be restarted. This is not the case and Yarn wanted to let OBGyns know the series does not need to be restarted, regardless of the length of time between doses. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued Committee Opinion 588 regarding the administration of the HPV Vaccine and is in agreement with this recommendation. To access the full article, visit http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Adolescent-Health-Care/Human-Papillomavirus-Vaccination.

practice until 1993 when he then began working at the University of Georgia Health Center. Dr. Branyon grew up in Athens and attended the University of Georgia. He then received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. While there, he met his wife, Gloria Wadsworth, an aspiring registered nurse. They were married for 52 years until her death in 2013. Dr. Branyonservedasaflightsurgeonin

the US Air Force, then worked at Grady Medical Hospital in Atlanta, before returning to the Athens area, serving patients at both Athens Regional and St. Mary’s hospitals. Dr. Branyon spent 10 years with a younger set of patients at UGA. He was Chief of Staff at both Athens hospitals, served on the Georgia State Composite Board of Medical Examiners, and was GOGS president 1981-82.

Remembering Dr. Donald L. Branyon, Jr.

Donald LeRoy Branyon, Jr., MD, passed away at home August 26, 2014. Dr. Branyon was a retired OBGyn who practiced medicine in Athens from 1965 to 2003. He was in private

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Documents

OBGyn News - gaobgyn.org · OBGyn Society was able to offer shoulder dystocia training to NMA participants. A big thank you goes to Dr. Annette Miles, of Atlanta, who helped facilitate