Crestwood Medical Center recently announced the availability of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget.

The free helpline connects callers with licensed agents who can assist in comparing traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans, and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is best for them during Medicare annual enrollment from October 15 through December 7. Licensed insurance agents are available at no cost or obligation to help consumers find a Medicare plan that meets their health care needs.

Local consumers can access the helpline at 855-583-2003, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT, or online at www.medicarecompareusa.com.

“Consumers are bombarded with confusing messages from competing health plans and options—and this is especially true for those just turning 65 and becoming eligible for Medicare for the first time,” said Dr. Pam Hudson, chief executive officer of Crestwood Medical Center. “This helpline is a one-stop resource for insurance information, so individuals can be confident in the selections they make.”

MedicareCompareUSA is dedicated to helping consumers make this important insurance decision. Not owned or managed by any Medicare insurance company, MedicareCompareUSA’s mission is to provide individuals the unbiased information they need while simplifying the enrollment process.

In addition to providing assistance throughout the plan application and enrollment process, agents of MedicareCompareUSA can provide an annual review of an enrollee’s Medicare coverage during Medicare’s enrollment period. This often includes assisting members affected by Medicare plan network changes that sometimes occur. Doing so assures that beneficiaries have the information they need to proactively select a plan that best meets their specific needs, preferences and budget.

Hudson points out that Crestwood Medical Center is not in-network with all insurance options or health plans, and contractual relationships may change over time. If a patient enrolls with a health plan that does not include Crestwood in the network, their care and relationships with their doctors could be affected.

“Members of our community have been entrusting us to be their healthcare partner for many years, and that’s a responsibility and honor we don’t take lightly,” Hudson said. “This helpline will help those on Medicare make an informed decision regarding their insurance options at this important time in their life. We urge all eligible consumers to take advantage of this free service.”

Traditional Medicare and the Medicare Advantage plans offered by Aetna, Blue Advantage, Cigna Healthsprings, Humana, United Healthcare, and Viva (effective 1/1/21) all allow consumers covered by these plans full access to in-network medical care and procedures at Crestwood Medical Center and Crestwood Medical Group.

Huntsville, AL – Crestwood Medical Center today announced that John Hawes, RN, has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award.

This peer-nominated award, created in honor of 2020 being the “Year of the Nurse,” and in recognition of the critical role nurses have played in treating patients throughout the COVID pandemic, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence.

John was chosen from many nominations across the organization for his outstanding care of patients especially those diagnosed with COVID-19. Working tirelessly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), he has demonstrated leadership in combination with his natural ability to create healing relationships with patients and their families by deliberately connecting with them in such a manner as to provide compassionate care for both. John seeks opportunities to mentor novice nurses, is an active role model for his peers, and assists with ongoing education of new and changing processes associated with the evolution of COVID-19.

“Crestwood is fortunate to have many outstanding nurses like John Hawes among its ranks. Nurses who deliver exemplary care, compassion and service, who understand the importance of teamwork and mentoring others, who can lead in times of crises, and who are true champions of promoting healthcare in our community,” said Dr. Pam Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of Crestwood Medical Center. “With so much focus this year on the selfless efforts of front line heroes like John, we are pleased to acknowledge the important contributions our nursing professionals provide to our community.”

In addition to receiving the Nursing Excellence Award itself, John received a cash prize and quintessential book on nursing, written by Florence Nightingale in 1859, that remains relevant to today’s modern nursing attitudes and skills.

Pictured from Crestwood Medical Center: Kris Goodwin, RN, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer; John Hawes, RN, 2020 Nursing Excellence Award Winner; Susan Bryce, RN, Chief Nursing Officer; and Pam Hudson, MD, Chief Executive Officer.

Huntsville, AL, June 4, 2020 — Following the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phoenix, a Huntsville non-profit that provides employment services to people with disabilities, partnered with Facebook to donate protective face masks to local hospitals, like Crestwood Medical Center.

Because of Phoenix’s focus on employment services, they have built up a sizable base of government contracts. Many of their contracts deal with items sewn for Department of Defense resulting in a workforce of highly skilled sewers. With a $25,000 grant from Facebook and a quick reallocation of resources, Phoenix was able to start making reusable protective face masks for the hospitals. Because of this partnership, Phoenix was able to donate over 9,000 masks to local healthcare workers working on the front lines.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to help Phoenix and its skilled workforce with needed financial resources to shift gears and fulfill a community need,” said Katie Comer, Facebook’s community development regional manager. “Huntsville is home to our data center as well as our employees and their families, so connecting with community programs is so important to Facebook, especially in light of the current crisis.”

“To provide patient care in the face of COVID-19, there is nothing more important than frontline healthcare workers having the personal protective equipment they need to keep them safe, ” says Pam Hudson, CEO of Crestwood Medical Center. “Crestwood is so grateful to Phoenix and Facebook for partnering together to donate masks to the hospital during this time of need. On behalf of all of the team at Crestwood, thank you!”

Huntsville, AL, May 13, 2020 — Crestwood Medical Center is pleased to announce that Kristina Goodwin, MSN, BSN, FNP-BC, CRNP, has been recently promoted to Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. In her new role, Kris assists the Chief Nursing Officer in executive-level management of resources, strategic planning, and development of policies and procedures that align with the mission and vision of Crestwood. She provides leadership to multiple units across the organization and collaborates with the CNO to promote positive patient experience outcomes.

“Kris is a highly-respected leader who is focused on improving patient outcomes,” said Pam Hudson, CEO of Crestwood Medical Center. “During her time at Crestwood, Kris has been a valuable asset to our team and has played a critical role in our success, particularly in the critical care and cardiovascular service lines.”

Kris, a certified registered nurse practitioner, has been with Crestwood for 6 years, most recently serving as senior director of nursing services. Prior to that, Kris served as director of critical care and cardiovascular services and oversaw initiatives that resulted in positive patient outcomes and quality of care. She also served as a clinical educator for cardiovascular services, where she created and implemented several hospital-wide programs, such as, a sepsis program and a MEWS (Modified Early Warning System) program, designed to identify patients who are at risk and who may require a higher level of care.

Commenting on her new role, Kris said, “I am very excited for this opportunity. Crestwood Medical Center plays such a vital role for our area, providing quality healthcare option in the Tennessee Valley. I look forward to the honor of serving our patients, staff, and community in this capacity.”

Kris received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. Kris lives in Madison with her husband and her two children.

Hospital Week has deeper meaning this year as the Crestwood Medical Center team celebrates our work to provide, safe, high-quality care for patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hospitals and also how much we rely on our community. During the past few weeks, we’ve felt an outpouring of support and we are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, sewn a facemask, left a card, a sign or a chalk drawing, or who has just reached out to one of our caregivers and support team to say – thank you. Thank you for doing that.

Crestwood Medical Center is used to responding in times of crisis. But, this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. And, we know it has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services. So, we want you to know two things.

First, you can count on us to maintain a safe environment for patients and employees. We are taking extraordinary measures – going above and beyond all of our normal efforts to keep our hospital clean and safe – because if you need healthcare, we want you to feel confident and to know you are protected. We are screening everyone who comes into the hospital, providing facemasks and other personal protective equipment to staff and patients, rearranging our environments to enable social distancing, and, in the event we ever do have any patients with COVID-19 at the hospital, we are caring for them in an area that is separate and isolated from the rest of the hospital. Of course, our cleaning staff is disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and doing a terrific job of keeping the hospital clean.

We also want you to know that if you have sudden symptoms that may indicate an emergency health concern, you can – and you should – seek immediate medical attention. Tragically, people with serious emergencies, including heart attacks and stroke, are waiting too long for medical care. Getting fast medical treatment could be the difference between life and death – so please, don’t ignore or rationalize the signs of a health emergency. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need.

The same goes for chronic conditions and even routine healthcare needs. Many of our doctors offer telehealth visits for those who prefer not to come into the office. But, if an in-person visit is required, we are keeping our offices safe – so you can visit your doctor, if needed.

This hospital week, I am so proud of our team and the way they have stepped up to this new normal. I’m proud of everyone in our community who has stayed home to help flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Standing together we have seen how powerful our human connection really is. So, keep standing together – but stay six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. Wear your mask and encourage others to do the same. Tell someone how much you appreciate them. And, if you need healthcare, please don’t be afraid. We are here and prepared to care for you, and also to keep you safe.

Pam Hudson, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Crestwood Medical Center

Huntsville, AL, April, 2020 — Crestwood Medical Center announced today that Kim Caudle Lewis has been appointed to its Board of Trustees for a three-year term effective immediately. Lewis is the CEO of PROJECTXYZ, Inc., which she founded in Huntsville in 2002.

Mike Gillespie, Chairman of the Crestwood Board, stated “We are delighted and honored to have Ms. Lewis join our board. She embodies the spirit of community, brings a wealth of knowledge of our community’s needs, as well as has tremendous business acumen and energy as we further our mission to provide exceptional care and service excellence for patients and their families.”

PROJECTXYZ, Inc., has been recognized by numerous organizations including Inc. 5000 in 2014 – 2017; the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County Small Business of the Year Award in 2015; the U.S. Chamber Blue Ribbon Award in 2016; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Women-Owned Business of the Year in 2017. Ms. Lewis was also selected as an honoree of the 2016 Women Honoring Women by the WEDC Foundation and recognized as one of the 2017 Women That Shape the State of Alabama. Ms. Lewis has been engaged in many community activities including most recently Calhoun Community College, Health Establishments at Local Schools (HEALS), the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA), Huntsville Hospital Foundation, National Children’s Advocacy Center, and is the Past Chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, the first African-American woman to hold the position.

Lewis commented, “Crestwood plays a vital role in the overall health of our community and I look forward to working with this team to assure that we continue to provide access to quality health care for our residents.”

The Board of Trustees at Crestwood Medical Center consists of local community leaders and physicians on its medical staff. Lewis joins the following who are currently serving:

• Mike Gillespie, Chair
• John Stallworth, Vice-Chair
• Tommy Beason
• Penny Billings
• Dr. Darla Cowart
• Leta Demaoribus
• Dr. Todd Foreman, Chief of Staff
• Dr. Jeff Garber
• Dr. Pam Hudson, CEO
• Dr. Eric Janssen
• Dr. John LaFrentz
• Dr. Patrick O’Neill
• Dr. Fay Raines
• Dr. Brian Roberts
• Dr. Smita Shah
• Dr. Peter Wilson

Crestwood Medical Group has made it possible to see their doctors using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Telehealth or virtual visits allow you to talk with a provider just as you would in the doctor’s office, but without leaving the comfort of home. Appointments are available for new and existing patients.

“Continuity of care is important to us, as is the safety of patients and staff during this time when social distancing and staying at home are critical, ”says Karen Hill, Crestwood Medical Group Practice Executive. “Telehealth can be a solution for many reasons someone may want to see a doctor.”

Although some appointments require a physical examination in order for the doctor to meet the standard of care and make fully informed decisions, many visits can be managed well through virtual interaction. These may include certain visits for:

• Minor illnesses such as colds and allergies
• Minor injuries such as sprains
• Follow-up care
• Medication management
• Chronic disease management
• Back pain
• Other specialty care

Many insurance plans cover telehealth visits. Video visits are typically required, although some payers will cover visits by phone only. Check your plan coverage or ask when you make an appointment.

Call 1-888-261-3422 to request a telehealth appointment, or visit CrestwoodMedGroup.com for more information. The practice will provide instructions about your telehealth visit when you schedule the appointment.