Hamilton Medical Group has received a Gold Level Electronic Health Record Quality award from the Louisiana Health Care Review Inc., the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Louisiana. The award recognizes Hamilton’s efforts to improve the quality of care given to patients by implementation and utilization of Electronic Health Records. Hamilton is one of 39 physician’s offices in the state to receive the award. The Gold Level recognizes those physician offices that are actively engaged in utilizing electronic clinical information to improve the quality of preventive services and care management for patients.
Registered nurse Amy M. Guilbeau has joined Hospice of Acadiana as clinical devices Director. A native of Breaux Bridge, she received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from UL Lafayette and a master of science degree in health services administration from the College of St. Francis in Joliette, Ill. Prior to joining Hospice of Acadiana, Guilbeau worked in leadership, perioperative services, pain management and palliative care in Colorado.
OCEANS Behavioral Hospital has donated a Nintendo Wii to the residents of Kingsley Place Lafayette, an assisted living facility. The Nintendo Wii provides both physical and mental exercise for the elderly. The residents of KPL are using the Wii for entertainment and exercise purposes, enjoying boxing, tennis, baseball and bowling games.
The establishment of an ultrasound department at Louisiana State University in Eunice is a major step closer to reality through the efforts of three area hospitals and the LifePoint Community Foundation headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. Acadian Medical Center in Eunice, Doctors’ Hospital in Opelousas, and Ville Platte Medical Center in Ville Platte — in association with LifePoint Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of LifePoint Hospitals Inc. — are donating a total of $54,000 to help fund the planned ultrasound department at LSU-E. “LSU in Eunice is widely known as a center of excellence for both our nursing and allied health curricula,” says LSU-E Chancellor William Nunez. “The planned addition of an ultrasound department will further enhance our ability to meet the needs for a highly-skilled workforce in the growing medical fields.” Each hospital contributed $13,000 that was matched by a $15,000 donation from the LifePoint Community Foundation.
Cardiovascular Institute of the South is celebrating its 25th anniversary as one of the nation’s most respected groups of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and thoracic surgeons representing nearly every specialty in heart and vascular medicine. In 1983, Dr. Craig Walker founded the Houma Heart Clinic and by 1988, the center expanded to multiple locations and began treating other diseases related to the heart. As a result, the business’ name changed to Cardiovascular Institute of the South. Through the years, CIS has made significant contributions to the development of non-surgical treatments for cardiovascular disease and is a world-leader in treating peripheral arterial disease. The institute has earned an international reputation for providing state-of-the-art heart and vascular care and received international acclaim as a leader of research and development by participating in a growing number of research trials. CIS physicians continue to serve as clinical investigators for many new and innovative medical devices and often share their knowledge by lecturing around the country about the latest methods of treating both cardiac and peripheral arterial disease. CIS has grown from a one-man practice to include nearly 40 physicians and 500 employees in 10 cities throughout south Louisiana. The clinics see patients from 40 different countries and every state in the U.S.
Jill Hurley, a registered occupational therapist and American Council on Exercise-certified lifestyle and weight management consultant, has opened Healthe Habits for Living at 1130 Coolidge Blvd. in the Oil Center. The innovative lifestyle and weight management company utilizes a creative and effective approach to fitness and weight loss, combining the basics of a healthy lifestyle — nutrition, fitness and fun — into a program that educates and empowers participants to make healthy choices for a better life. The program includes an initial evaluation by a licensed occupational therapist, one-on-one education/counseling to develop a personalized approach to fitness and nutrition, customized exercise sessions, participation in group exercise therapy, and gym/equipment use. Healthe Habits has also partnered with Café Lola to provide Healthe Food, nutritious packaged meals that are optional as part of the program and are also available to non-members interested in convenient, healthy meals. If you are referred by a physician, the program may be covered by insurance. Call Hurley at 261-9188 or visit [email protected] for more info.
Dr. Paul Fenn, an orthopedic surgeon, has joined Dr. George “Ray” Williams’ orthopedic and spine practice in Opelousas and is an active member of Opelousas General Health System’s medical staff. Fenn received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He did his internship in general surgery and his residency in orthopedic surgery at Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, and a combined foot and ankle fellowship at Harvard University. Fenn previously was a staff orthopedic surgeon at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria. He is a member of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Acadiana Karate and Griswold Special Care have teamed up to offer free introductory self-defense classes for individuals who use a cane to assist them in walking. “Cane and Able — Learn How to Use Your Cane in Self Defense” is both an exercise and self-defense skills class. The elderly population and segment with disabilities is perceived as easy prey by attackers, according to Pablo Mahia, owner of Acadiana Karate. People who do not use canes are also invited to the sessions, and onsite registration will be available for additional classes in self defense. Classes are scheduled at one of Acadiana Karate’s three locations — Congress Street, Kaliste Saloom and Fortune Road in Youngsville — as they fill up. For information, call 337-233-8838 or 337-988-0076.