Genesis HealthCare System’s Vascular Surgery team recently completed its 200th TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure. The second most of any hospital in Ohio. TCAR is a less-invasive method for treating carotid artery disease that occurs when plaque builds up in one or both neck arteries, potentially causing strokes. Michael Kunstmann, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Vascular Surgeon, and Lane Lee, D.O., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Vascular Surgeon, perform the TCAR procedure. 
 

Dr. Kunstmann said, “Our goal at Genesis is to offer the safest, most beneficial treatments. The TCAR procedure meets the standards for reducing the risk of stroke, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.”

The TCAR procedure starts by making a small incision in the neck. Next, a tube is inserted into the carotid artery and connected to equipment to direct blood flow away from the brain temporarily. The blood is filtered before returning to a vein in the groin. The procedure reduces the risk of stroke, chances of complications, scarring and procedure time compared to carotid endarterectomy. Most patients return home the day after the procedure.

To learn more about heart and vascular care at Genesis, visit genesishcs.org/heart.

Genesis HealthCare System’s Vascular Surgery team recently completed its 200th TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure.

The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top places to work for information technology professionals. This award, given by Foundry’s Computerworld, is an annual ranking of IT departments across all industries based on a comprehensive employee questionnaire. To be selected, IT departments must value challenging projects, possess a corporate culture that emphasizes teamwork, invest in employees through training and career development initiatives, and have high employee retention.

“I’m thrilled at the unparalleled work that the Genesis IT team does year after year,” said Ed Romito, Chief Transformation Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “This recognition isn't just a testament to our collective efforts; it's a celebration of the spirit, dedication, and remarkable teamwork that define us. Our team is dedicated to the Genesis Mission of providing compassionate, exceptional and affordable healthcare services to our community.”

The Computerworld questionnaire focuses on company offerings in categories like benefits, career development, DEI, future of work, training and retention. In addition, this year, the winners were reviewed and chosen by a panel of industry experts. The complete Best Places to Work in IT list is available online at Computerworld.com.

The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top places to work for information technology professionals.

The Muskingum University Nursing Student Organization recently donated $1,000 to the Genesis Cancer Care Center at Genesis HealthCare System. The nursing students raised the funds through T-shirt sales, and the money will assist breast cancer patients with supplies such as breast prostheses and mastectomy bras.

“We are immensely grateful to the Muskingum University nursing students for their efforts to raise funds for our breast cancer patients,” said Pebbles Thornton, Director, Genesis Cancer, Palliative Care and Hospice Services. “We are lucky to have these future healthcare providers and leaders demonstrating their dedication to helping those in our community who are fighting this disease.”

To learn more about Genesis Cancer Services, including the supplies available in the Women’s Boutique, go to genesishcs.org/cancer.

Photo Cutline:
Pictured during the $1,000 check presentation are (left to right) Marysa Starcher and Steven Garcia, Muskingum University nursing students; Pebbles Thornton, Director, Genesis Cancer, Palliative Care and Hospice Services; Cindy Wilkins, Director and Chair, Muskingum University Nursing Department; and Terra Armstead, Muskingum University Associate Professor of Nursing.

Muskingum University Nursing Student Organization Raises Funds for Patients.

Genesis HealthCare System was named one of the Most Wired® hospitals of 2023 by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). This places Genesis in the top 10% of all hospitals in the country utilizing integrated technology for the 8th consecutive year. 

“Accepting this award for the 8th year in a row affirms our mission to continuously provide our community with exceptional care,” said Ed Romito, Chief Transformation Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “Healthcare technology is constantly evolving. It is important to Genesis to stay ahead of the curve because that allows us to deliver the best quality of care to our patients, and really make a difference in people’s lives here in Southeastern Ohio.”

Genesis is certified as a level 9 for Ambulatory Care and Acute Care again for 2023. These certifications place Genesis in the top 10% of all hospitals in the country utilizing integrated technology. The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities. The surveys assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading. The Digital Health Most Wired survey and recognition program serves as a comprehensive “Digital Health Check-up” for healthcare organizations. 

More information on the Most Wired award is available here: Chimecentral.org.

This places Genesis in the top 10% of all hospitals in the country utilizing integrated technology for the 8th consecutive year.

Genesis HealthCare System is providing an opportunity for community members to purchase a Snow Angel memorial to honor or remember a loved one while giving to a worthy cause.

Sessions are being held to assist patients in choosing alternative plans.

Genesis HealthCare System announced today that it will not accept Anthem Medicare Advantage or Humana Medicare Advantage plans in 2024. This means the entire Genesis HealthCare System, including Genesis Hospital, Genesis Coshocton Medical Center, Genesis Perry County and Genesis Medical Group Physicians will not be in-network with the Anthem or Humana Medicare Advantage plans.

“We simply cannot accept the Anthem Medicare Advantage or Humana Medicare Advantage Plans for 2024,” said Mathew Perry, President and CEO of Genesis HealthCare System. “If you are a current participant in Anthem or Humana Medicare, it is important to consider other choices during open enrollment, which is taking place now. As you review your options, we invite you to consider other health plans that Genesis HealthCare System accepts.” 

Once a year, all Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan members have the opportunity to choose coverage and make sure their doctors and hospital are in-network providers for the upcoming year. It’s called the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP) – and it’s Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2023.  

There are two ways for patients to seek assistance in evaluating which MA plan is right for them.  

1. Working with an insurance broker to select a plan is one of the best ways. They can help evaluate the patient’s choice to find a plan that meets their unique needs. There is no cost for this service.   

2. Genesis will hold sessions that include an Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) representative to provide information and help you make a choice:

• In Zanesville, join us at North Terrace Church, 1420 Brandywine Blvd., on Wednesday, Oct. 25. 

• In Cambridge, join us at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Highway, on Tuesday, Oct. 31.  

• In New Lexington, join us at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 3309 North Main Street, on Thursday, Nov. 2.  

• In Coshocton, join us at Coshocton Village Inn & Suites, 115 N. Water Street, on Monday, Nov. 6.

All sessions start at 9 a.m. and noon each day. Registration is required by going to genesishcs.org/medicare. 

Genesis will accept the following Medicare Advantage Health Plans in 2024: 

• Aetna Medicare 
• Medical Mutual of Ohio 
• Medigold 
• United Healthcare 
• CareSource Medicare Advantage
• The Health Plan Medicare Advantage
• AllWell Buckeye Medicare Advantage
• Valor Health Plan Medicare Advantage

For additional information, call the Genesis Patient Resource Center at 740-454-4335 or 866-270-1944, ext. 4335, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.  

Sessions are being held to assist patients in choosing alternative plans 

Several community business and healthcare organizations are partnering to offer free mammograms to those who can’t afford one due to lack of insurance, being under-insured or not having the ability to pay. Coconis Furniture, Marquee Broadcasting (WHIZ-TV), Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum County Community Foundation, Southeastern Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Project, and Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates are committed to ensuring area residents receive this essential breast cancer screening regardless of their ability to pay.

During the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, WHIZ-TV is airing a public service campaign on their NBC, FOX5 and MeTV stations to promote the free mammogram program. Vouchers for free mammograms are available at Coconis Furniture locations and the Genesis Cancer Care Center for community members to pick up. Patients may call Genesis Central Scheduling at (740) 454-4242 to schedule their mammogram to be conducted at Genesis imaging locations in Zanesville and Coshocton by the end of 2023, free of charge.

Last year 64 patients were able to receive free mammograms due to the efforts of these community organizations, and one person was identified with early breast cancer. For more information, contact Pebbles Thornton, Director, Genesis Cancer, Palliative Medicine and Hospice Services, at (740) 454-4274.

Organizations partnering to provide breast cancer screenings.

Genesis HealthCare System received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll as well as Get With The Guidelines® Rural Stroke Bronze recognition for 2023.