Huntsville, AL – Crestwood Medical Center recently announced that April Elam, R.N., has been selected to receive its Nursing Excellence Award.

This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence.

Elam was chosen from among nominations across the organization for her outstanding care of patients in our cardiac care unit. She currently serves as a charge nurse and consistently ensures her assigned patients and every patient on the floor are cared for and serves as their advocate. She always has a smile on her face and has a positive attitude, bringing joy to patients, their family members as well as her co-workers. April’s care and compassion go a long way in contributing positivity to the cardiac care unit’s work environment. She is always willing to support her colleagues and routinely orients new nursing staff and has a wealth of knowledge for new and tenured staff alike. April is always willing to take on more hours and duties to lessen the burden of others. Her positive leadership is very much appreciated and makes the cardiac floor a supportive environment for everyone.

Crestwood Chief Nursing Officer Lance Eiland comments, “April is the epitome of what you would want to have in a nurse. She is kind, compassionate, and always has the best interest of her patients at the forefront. April is also a joy to work with; the team responds well to her leadership. She leads by example and is respected by all.”

“Crestwood is fortunate to have many outstanding nurses like April Elam among its ranks. Nurses who not only deliver exceptional care but with compassion and kindness, striving to do the right thing every time for patients,” says Matthew Banks, chief executive officer of Crestwood Medical Center. “With an ongoing focus on the selfless efforts of healthcare professionals like April, we are pleased to acknowledge the important contributions our nursing professionals provide to our community and we appreciate all they do.”

Elam has been with Crestwood for more than 10 years, serving as a nurse on the cardiac care unit.

Check your deductible status and FSA balance to see if there’s money to be saved or used

Most consumers pay significant premiums for their health insurance, but not everyone takes full advantage of the benefits of insurance coverage, especially once the annual deductible has been reached.

Using your health plan benefits for medical visits, screenings and procedures is the best way to support your overall health. And, as the current plan year comes to an end, right now may be the best time to address any outstanding medical needs, by taking advantage of paid-up deductibles or funds available in your flexible spending account (FSA).

Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement—a predetermined amount of healthcare expense that you must cover out of your own pocket before the plan begins paying the majority of (if not all) remaining expenses. Procedures such as mammograms and other diagnostic imaging studies, colonoscopies, surgeries like joint replacements and hernia repairs, vision care, and physical therapy may cost you less if your deductible has been reached.

Review your plan to see how close you are to meeting your deductible, or if you’ve already met it, because once the threshold is met, your plan may cover the expense for most additional health care services received before year end. On January 1, you’ll be starting over at zero towards your deductible.

“Everyone should access the medical care and services that keep you healthy by using all of the benefits in your plan,” said Matthew Banks, CEO at Crestwood Medical Center. “And, since many people have met their deductible by this point in the year, it’s a good time to schedule any recommended procedures or medical visits before the deductible resets. You may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on what healthcare you need, if it’s obtained within this calendar year.”

“Money in your flexible spending account is yours to use for medical expenses through December 31, but no later,” said Banks. “Work to schedule your appointments so there is enough time to have the test or elective procedure done before the end of the year. Getting everything squared-away by early December means the services you receive are considered part of your 2023 coverage.”

Health plans can vary in many ways, so learn how your plan works to get the most from your benefits.

To schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or provider, visit CrestwoodMedGroup.com.

Crestwood Medical Center recently announced that Brooke Uptagrafft, M.D., and William Schneider, M.D., were recently appointed to its board of trustees. Dr. Uptagrafft is a family medicine physician and founder of Innova Primary Care. She was appointed to a three-year term. Dr. Schneider is a cardiovascular disease physician at Huntsville Cardiovascular Clinic and was appointed to a two-year term as the chief of staff at Crestwood Medical Center.

Mike Gillespie, chairman of the Crestwood board, stated “We are delighted and honored to have these individuals join our board. Both are highly regarded physician leaders in our community and will bring invaluable guidance to us as we continue our efforts to provide quality care and service excellence to patients.”

The board of trustees at Crestwood Medical Center consists of local community leaders and physicians on its medical staff. Uptagrafft and Schneider join the following who are currently serving:

• Mike Gillespie, Chair
• Tommy Beason, Vice-Chair
• Matthew Banks, Crestwood CEO
• Penny Billings
• Dr. Darla Cowart
• Leta Demaoribus
• Dr. Jeff Garber
• Dr. Eric Janssen
• Kim Lewis
• Dr. Fay Raines
• Dr. Smita Shah
• Dr. Warren Strickland
• Bobby White

(Huntsville, AL – June 27, 2023) – Temperatures across the United States are rising and so are incidents of heat exhaustion. In fact, between 2016 and 2021, the number of patients diagnosed with heat exhaustion between the months of May and September rose by 53%.

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps and the condition is more likely to affect the elderly, those with high blood pressure and people who work in a hot environment according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC). If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it can cause heat stroke which can lead to permanent disability or death.

“We spend more time outside in the summer whether that’s working, playing or lounging around, which increases the risk of excessive heat exposure and exhaustion,” says Daniel Krautter, D.O. “By understanding the symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to prevent it, you can stay safe and healthy all summer long.”

To help prevent heat exhaustion, Dr. Krautter recommends the following tips:

• Cover up: When outside, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, hats, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 15 (but 30 to 50 SPF is better) to protect against sunburn which affects the body’s ability to cool down.
• Keep cool: When the temperature is up, take cool showers, go swimming or apply wet towels on the neck or forehead to help lower body temperature.
• Hydrate: Drink fluids, especially water, throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine which can contribute to dehydration.
• Stay in the shade: Stay in shaded areas or indoors during the hottest parts of the day which are usually between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Rest often: If working outside or participating in outdoor activities, make it a point to take regular breaks to cool down in a shaded area where you can rest and rehydrate.

“Spending time outside, enjoying the sunshine and warm weather is why so many people love the summer, but it can be dangerous without the proper precautions. If you or a loved one experience symptoms of heat exhaustion, and you can’t cool down, it’s time to seek medical care,” says Dr. Krautter.

Huntsville, AL (June 27, 2023) – Crestwood Medical Center has been designated a Lung Cancer Screening Center by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.

In order to receive this elite distinction, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.

Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care, significantly reduces lung cancer deaths. In December 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended screening of adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cancer killer – taking the lives of more people each year than breast, colon and prostate cancers combined.

The ACR, founded in 1924, is one of the largest and most influential medical associations in the United States. The ACR devotes its resources to making imaging and radiation therapy safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 36,000 members include radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, interventional radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians. For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Center designation, visit: acr.org/Quality-Safety/Lung-Cancer-Screening-Center.

For more information about Crestwood’s Lung Cancer Screening program, visit www.crestwoodmedcenter.com/lung-cancer-screening-diagnostic-imaging.

The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® Heart Failure Gold award for proven dedication to ensuring all heart failure patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

Huntsville, AL (June 22, 2023) – Crestwood Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Heart Failure Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, meaning reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.

About 6 million U.S. adults are living with heart failure (HF), a number that is expected to increase to more than 8 million by 2030. Despite the name, HF doesn’t mean that the heart has stopped working – it means the heart is having a hard time pumping blood and oxygen throughout the body. While there’s no cure for HF, patients can live a quality life by working with their health care team to create and stick with a plan that may include medication, symptom monitoring and lifestyle changes.

The Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure quality achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. The program aims to increasing healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.

Crestwood Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” says Matthew Banks, chief executive officers “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in North Alabama can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for HF patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their HF at home.

“We are pleased to recognize the leaders and teams at Crestwood Medical Center for a strong commitment to providing high-quality care for people with heart failure,” said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., MSc, MACC, FAHA, MACP, FHFSA, national chairperson of the American Heart Association Heart Failure systems of care advisory group and chief, division of cardiology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines quality improvement programs often see better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Crestwood Medical Center additionally received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll™ award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to heart disease or stroke.

The American Heart Association presents the Get With The Guidelines – AFIB Gold award for proven dedication to ensuring all AFib patients have access to best practices and life-saving care

Huntsville, AL (June 20, 2023) – Crestwood Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – AFib Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to managing atrial fibrillation (AFib), ultimately helping to reduce patients’ stroke risk.

AFib affects millions of Americans, often leading to heart-related complications as well as increasing the risk for stroke fivefold. However, proper care and treatment can reduce these risks.

The Get With The Guidelines – AFib quality achievement award is earned by hospitals that demonstrate a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date research-based guidelines as outlined by the American Heart Association. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines.

Crestwood Medical Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” says Matthew Banks, chief executive officers. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in North Alabama can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality AFib care. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their AFib at home.

“We are pleased to recognize Crestwood Medical center for its commitment to providing high-quality care for persons with atrial fibrillation,” said Jonathan Piccini, M.D., MHS, FACC, FAHA, FHRS, volunteer expert for the American Heart Association and associate professor of medicine and director of cardiac electrophysiology for Duke University Medical Center. “Hospitals that participate in Get With The Guidelines often see improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Crestwood is pleased to introduce Jennifer Lee as its new practice executive for the thirteen Crestwood Medical Group outpatient, walk-in, and specialty clinics. Jennifer recently joined the administration team in May 2023 after the retirement of Karen Hill as a seasoned healthcare executive. She has managed large ACOs in Hawaii and Texas. Lee was the first market operations director for Evergreen Nephrology in Alabama where she managed the first of its kind value based care program for two nephrology clinics in Huntsville and Birmingham. Prior to joining Evergreen, she was a value based care pioneer for OptumCare and Wellmed Medical Management for nine years. She has a master’s degree in clinical practice management from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration from Drexel University. She is passionate about provider relations, clinic expansion, and joining the Crestwood team.

Huntsville, Alabama – Crestwood Medical Center was recently recognized by The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). Crestwood was granted a three-year renewal recognition for quality and safety for it Endoscopy Center as part of its program specifically dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy in all settings where it is practiced in the United States. Crestwood is one of more than 600 endoscopy units to be granted the recognition since 2009. The ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program honors endoscopy units that have demonstrated a commitment to patient safety and quality in endoscopy as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous criteria, which includes following the ASGE guidelines on privileging, quality assurance, endoscope reprocessing, CDC infection control guidelines and ensuring endoscopy staff competency.

“We are honored to be recognized once again by ASGE for our efforts to enhance quality and safety in our endoscopy unit,” says Matthew Banks, Crestwood chief executive officer. “Through ongoing education and continued compliance with the ASGE Endoscopy Unit Recognition Program requirements, we demonstrate our dedication to the delivery of high-quality patient care.”

To be recognized by ASGE, a unit, through a peer-reviewed application process, must attest to the continued competence of all staff relative to their roles, demonstrate the adoption of unit policies specific to ongoing assessment of performance relative to key quality indicators, and attest that the unit has an established infrastructure and personnel dedicated to infection control and prevention. The program is applicable to all settings where endoscopy is practiced, including office-based endoscopy units, hospital-based endoscopy units, and stand-alone ambulatory surgery centers.

Crestwood Medical Center Endoscopy Center specializes in the following procedures:

• pH monitoring
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangioplancreatogram (ERCP) and Cholangioscopy
• Esophageal manometry
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Small bowel pill cam

For more information, contact the clinical manager at 256-429-4979 or go to https://www.crestwoodmedcenter.com/digestive-health.

Huntsville, AL (May 17, 2023) – Crestwood Medical Center recently announced that its Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine department received two awards from Healogics, one of the nation’s largest providers of advance wound care services – Center of Distinction Award and Robert A. Warriner III, Clinical Excellence Award.

The Center of Distinction Award is given for facilities that excel in key performance indicators and Crestwood achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months including a patient satisfaction rate of higher than 92%. The Clinical Excellence Award is given to facilities that have scored in the top 10% of Healogics Wound Care Centers with comprehensive healing rates.

“We are so proud of the work our wound care team does every day that is making the difference in each of our patient’s quality of life,” says Matthew Banks, CEO. “We are excited that their hard work, dedication, and doing what is right for our patients is being recognized.”

Crestwood Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine is a member of the Healogics network of more than 600 wound care centers across the nation and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time.

Advanced wound care modalities provided by Crestwood’s wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. Crestwood Wound Center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen under pressure to help progress the healing of the wound.

We are proud to positively affect so many people by using our knowledge, skills, and advanced therapies helping our patients return to their normal lives,” says Jesse Gibson, Director of Crestwood Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine. “Our physicians and clinical team strive to provide the greatest patient experience without compromising patient care. It is because of the dedication to placing people first that our organization has been decorated with numerous awards since opening in late 2013. As we continue to grow, I look forward to knowing that we will be able to help many more people have an improved quality of life.”