Southwest Georgians with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are getting improved treatment at lower cost at Phoebe.  “Quality COPD treatment is a high priority at Phoebe because we have a high rate of COPD occurrence here in southwest Georgia,” said Dr. Kelly Clay, Chief Utilization Officer.  “Without consistent, effective management, it is an illness that can have a terribly detrimental impact on a patient’s quality of life and can result in death.”
 
The Vizient MidSouth COPD Collaborative recently honored Phoebe with one of three Top Performer Awards in Georgia.  Phoebe was recognized for nearly $500,000 in savings or cost avoidance for COPD patients in just six months.  “Patients don’t have endless resources,” said Dr. Clay.  “It’s not only vital for us to provide our patients with the best possible care, we must also work smartly and efficiently to offer patients the greatest financial value.”
 
The members of the COPD collaborative have worked together for two years to improve patient care in Georgia.  Through a multi-disciplinary team approach at Phoebe, including evidence-based medicine protocols instituted with the help of Daniel Chastain, Pharm. D., Phoebe successfully reduced hospital readmissions and improved quality of care.  “It is great to see a project we spent a lot of time planning have tangible results to improve the lives of southwest Georgians,” said Dr. Clay.
 
Phoebe earned the award based on data from the hospital’s effort to meet gold standards in COPD treatment.  A new respiratory disease navigator, Ilean Bady, is playing a major role in that effort.  “Eileen sees all our COPD patients and educates them about their illness,” said Respiratory Care Director Jan Havard.  “She calls patients the day they are discharged from the hospital, makes sure they have the equipment they need, schedules follow up appointments and helps them find ways to pay for their medications.  The relationships she builds with patients results in healthier outcomes for them,” Havard said.
 
Vizient MidSouth is a membership alliance for not-for-profit healthcare providers that helps members deliver cost-effective care by connecting them knowledge, solutions and expertise to accelerate performance.