Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. – host of the World’s Oldest Rodeo – and its partnership with Wrangler’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink initiative recently donated $2,000 to The BreastCare Center at YRMC.

Founded in 2004, Tough Enough to Wear Pink supports rodeos - like Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo - as they raise funds for community organizations dedicated to preventing, detecting and treating breast cancer, such as The BreastCare Center at YRMC.

On May 14, Prescott Frontier Days sponsored a dinner and silent auction at the Freeman Building on the Prescott Rodeo Grounds. Proceeds from this sold-out event combined with sales of Tough Enough to Wear Pink items sold throughout the Rodeo were donated to the BreastCare Center at YRMC.

 “These donated funds help women throughout our communities to receive essential mammography services at the BreastCare Center,” said YRMC BreastCare Center Director, Nancy Ledoyen. “The funds are also used to assist our patients who have difficulty securing transportation to physician appointments and treatments and at times to buy groceries.”

“Everybody knows a survivor, a family member or friend fighting the disease or has lost a loved one to breast cancer,” said Mary Ann Suttles, Director, Prescott Frontier Days. “We wanted to do something lasting with the Wrangler funds here in our community so we have partnered with the outstanding staff and physicians at YRMC’s BreastCare Center to help advance breast health.” 

Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) recently finalized an agreement in principle to settle with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding allegations that YRMC failed to repay the federal government for alleged overpayments that were caused by an error in its Medicare Cost Reports.  The cost reports at issue were for fiscal years 2006 through 2009 during the tenure of YRMC’s former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. 

Hospital spokeswoman, Robbie Nicol, said, “As soon as we knew of this allegation on July 20, 2016, we immediately took action and, working collaboratively with the federal government, we were able to quickly reach an agreement in principle to resolve the issue.  Neither YRMC nor any of its current or former employees admitted any wrongdoing, nor has the government asked us to do so.”

Nicol continued by saying, “It’s very important to emphasize that the allegations were not related to the quality or type of care provided to patients.”

Nicol also said, “It is equally essential to emphasize that the error did not affect any Medicare patient’s individual out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-pays, etc.  The error had already been corrected in 2010, which is long before the recent notification we received from the government.”

YRMC has cooperated fully with the federal government’s investigation and the parties have reached an agreement in principle on a settlement of $5,850,000.  The settlement is a one-time cost.

YRMC agreed to settle with the government to avoid the costly burden of a lawsuit. This settlement allows YRMC to devote its undivided attention to providing quality care to the residents of our entire community.

Nicol said, “This matter is certainly no reflection at all on the outstanding patient care our YRMC staff provides nor is it a reflection on the hundreds of other staff members whose roles are to support patient care.  YRMC staff members are dedicated to their patients and their work.  They take great pride on the impact they have in the lives of people throughout our wonderful community.”

Nicol added, “All of us in the YRMC Family are honored to work in healthcare and fulfill YRMC’s Mission.  We touch lives every single day.  It’s a privilege to work with all the people here and I’m proud of everyone’s dedication and professionalism.”

 

Robbie Nicol, Executive Director of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation, announced the Foundation’s receipt of a $15,000 donation from Wells Fargo. This donation will support Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s Partners for Healthy Students program. In 2015, the program’s School-Based Kids Health Clinics and the Mobile Kids Health Clinic provided no-cost health services to uninsured and underinsured children through more than 1,300 visits.

This program, now in its 17^th year, is a great example of YRMC’s expanded view of health. “While health will always be associated with healthcare, at YRMC we believe it also extends to family, school, work and community life,” said Nicol. “Through our Partners for Healthy Students program we help children stay healthy and in the classroom where they are active and alert and striving to achieve academic excellence.” 

“Strengthening the communities we serve for current and future generations is at the core of Wells Fargo’s Vision and Values,” said David Dinerman, Wells Fargo Business Relationship Manager. “Through strategic relationships with outstanding nonprofit organizations such as Yavapai Regional Medical Center and investments in worthy programs such as Partners for Healthy Students, we’re creating solutions that strengthen people, families, and communities.” 

“We are extremely grateful to Wells Fargo for their continued support,” said Amy Negovan, CPNP, Program Director, Partners for Healthy Students. “We can’t eliminate illness, but we can and do foster health. Our program positively impacts children, their parents, their teachers, and their fellow students every day. We are honored to provide these important services for our community.”

The YRMC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that raises charitable support for Yavapai Regional Medical Center programs, facilities, and healthcare services.

Prescott Valley Campus Launched Medical Hub

Turn back the calendar 10 years and you’ll see the Human Genome Project was publishing the final chromosome sequence in Nature…Daniel Powter’s song “Bad Day” was heading for platinum status…and people were slipping their feet into brightly colored clogs called Crocs.

In May 2006, Western Yavapai County residents – especially those in the Prescott Valley area – were celebrating the opening of Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) East. The hospital welcomed its first patient on May 15, 2006 and has been growing ever since.

“YRMC East has experienced both incredible growth and tremendous support since opening 10 years ago,” said John Amos, President and Chief Executive Officer of YRMC. “I was honored to serve as the first Administrator of YRMC East. From the beginning, the community showed steadfast loyalty to YRMC East.”

According to Frank Almendarez, YRMC East Campus Administrator, that community support has allowed YRMC to identify programs and services that are important to the community. “If you compare a picture of the 2006 YRMC East Campus to one taken today, you can see the positive change and growth,” Almendarez said. “This is due to the vision of YRMC’s Board of Trustees and its leadership team, both who understand and respond to the healthcare needs of our communities.”

YRMC East is now the heart of a thriving medical community. The following major programs and services have been launched since 2006:

• The Family Birthing Center – Relocated to YRMC East in May 2010, the Family Birthing Center features 16 spacious, private birthing rooms. It’s also now licensed as a Level II Continuing Care Nursery by the Arizona Department of Health Services and certified by the Arizona Perinatal Trust to care for high-risk newborns and their moms.
• The BreastCare Center at YRMC – Opened in October 2011, the BreastCare Center offers comprehensive and coordinated breast care services. Additionally, the Center includes Arizona’s first breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system designed specifically for breast imaging. Recently, the BreastCare Center introduced breast tomosynthesis, a new mammography technology that creates three-dimensional images.
• Advanced Wound Care Center – This state-of-the-art Center relocated to the Del E Webb Outpatient Center in June 2012. YRMC’s Advanced Wound Care Center includes accomplished healthcare professionals who specialize in the complex aspects of wound care. The Center also is home to western Yavapai County’s only Hyperbaric Medicine Program, which features two hyperbaric oxygen chambers that help heal wounds.
• YRMC Outpatient Service Center – Designed with patient convenience in mind, the Outpatient Service Center opened near YRMC’s East Campus in 2015. The Center brings together top primary care and medical specialists under one roof with easy access for patients. It also includes an Outpatient Clinical Laboratory as well as Cardiac Diagnostic Imaging Services and is home to Prescott Valley Medical Imaging.
• The Infusion Center – This state-of-the-art YRMC facility opened in 2015 to serve residents undergoing antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy and other healing therapies. The Infusion Center includes 12 state-of-the-art infusion bays. In addition, the Center incorporates patient conveniences such as personal televisions and basic cable as well as connections for laptops and tablets.

“YRMC’s East Campus has evolved into a medical destination,” Almendarez said. “We’re committed to continuing that trend over the next decade and beyond with new programs and services as well as jobs for the people of our communities.”

Keep up with YRMC news on HealthConnect (www.YRMCHealthConnect.org) and follow us on social media (see below).

Follow YRMC online at www.yrmc.org and www.yrmchealthconnect.org or connect with us on social media at:

Twitter

• https://twitter.com/YRMCquadcities

Facebook

• https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter
• https://www.facebook.com/PonderosaPediatrics

YouTube

• www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGC2lYqCa4FaM8EWhuK9_g

YRMC’s Celebrate Life Health Expo ’16 Features Health-Focused Communities

What’s more inviting than a friendly neighborhood? For Celebrate Life Health Expo ‘16 participants, the answer is six welcoming, activity-filled neighborhoods.

“This year’s Expo features ‘neighborhoods’ for people of all ages as well as health, wellness and career interests,” said Robbie Nicol, Executive Director, Community Outreach and Philanthropy, Yavapai Regional Medical Center. “We’ll have health screenings, activities, career advisors and even opportunities to meet one-on-one with YRMC physician specialists.”

The Expo – sponsored by YRMC – takes place:

Saturday, May 21, 2016
8:30 am – Health Expo Mall Walk
10:00 am - 2:00 pm – Celebrate Life Health Expo
Prescott Gateway Mall – 3250 Gateway Blvd., Prescott, AZ 86303

• Get a jump on the day by joining the mile-long Health Expo Mall Walk around Gateway Mall. Join the warm-up for walkers, which will be led by Sgt. Steve Rosen of Kickstart Boot Camp for Women in Prescott. Those who complete the walk will receive a free fanny pack and a pedometer.

Here’s a glimpse of some activities you’ll find in our Expo neighborhoods:

Kids’ Neighborhood

• Sign up for Computerized Cognitive Assessments for student athletes at-risk for concussion ($20 for a baseline screening). Sponsored by the YRMC Spine Center and Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.
• Meet with a pediatrician from Ponderosa Pediatrics.
• Tour YRMC’s Partners for Healthy Students Mobile Health Clinic.
• Experience the spot … A Child’s Museum.
• Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office – Child safety demonstrations.
• Meet other medical professionals, such as family chiropractors and Kids dentists.
• GoNoodle – A demonstration of desk-side fitness activities sponsored by YRMC.

Heart Health Neighborhood

• Meet one-on-one with a YRMC cardiologist, interventional radiologist and other specialists.
• Lifeline Screening – Affordable, high-quality heart and other screenings. Pre-registration is required. Visit www.lifelinescreening.com, insert the Gateway Mall zip code (86303), complete the screening questions and follow the instructions on how to make an appointment for May 21.

Spine Health Neighborhood

• Meet with a YRMC physiatrist that specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
• See what radiologists from Prescott Medical Imaging and Prescott Valley Medical Imaging learn from interventional x-rays.
• Get a back massage from a professional therapist.

Health & Wellness Neighborhood

• Get healthy cooking tips and recipes from the host of YRMC’s online cooking show, Your Healthy Kitchen.
• Learn how to select produce and prepare meals on a budget from Prescott Farmers’ Market.
• Easy breathing demonstrations from YRMC’s Respiratory Therapy services.
• Gather information on affordable health coverage.

Careers & Jobs Neighborhood

• Talk to human resource experts from a variety of fields.
• Learn how you can re-career at any age.
• Check out educational opportunities for a variety of career paths and occupations.

Volunteers’ Neighborhood

• Learn about volunteer opportunities at YRMC and organizations throughout our communities.
• Meet pet therapy dogs from YRMC’s PAWS program.
• See chic, fun and unique merchandise available at YRMC’s Gift Shops. All purchases are tax-free!

“The mall stores and vendors are all in with YRMC’s Celebrate Life Health Expo,” said Nicol. “This will definitely be a full day of fun for families.”

• Look for more information on YRMC’s Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter/events

Follow YRMC online at www.yrmc.org and http://www.yrmchealthconnect.org or connect with us on social media at:

Twitter

• https://twitter.com/YRMCquadcities

Facebook

• https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter
• https://www.facebook.com/PonderosaPediatrics

YouTube

• www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGC2lYqCa4FaM8EWhuK9_g

The Imaging Services Department at Yavapai Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has added the Philips Ambient Experience MRI to its already impressive suite of services.

Many patients who require an MRI are uncomfortable with the confined nature of traditional MRI procedures. Additionally, some patients are unable to stay still for long periods of time, making a traditional MRI difficult to use. The Philips MRI reduces scan time by 30% to 50%, reducing the amount of time the patient is actually in the MRI.

As its name indicates, the Philips Ambient Experience MRI has an open design and soft lighting, bringing a more welcoming atmosphere to the procedure room. Patients can personalize their experience by choosing the lighting from a touchscreen monitor. They can also choose from a number of calming videos that are projected during the procedure.  Patients can even bring music from home to enhance their experience.

 “We’re putting the patient in control of their experience,” says Mary Sterling, Director of Imaging Services at YRMC, “and when you’re in control, you’re more relaxed. This new technology is a practical solution for patients who previously were not good candidates for MRI.”

“Many patients report that they are calmer and more comfortable with our new Philips MRI,” says Sterling, “This aligns beautifully with our Vision of a Total Healing Environment at YRMC, where peace of mind and peace of heart are as important as physical cure and comfort.”

Physicians are pleased that the digital scan technology of the Philips MRI offers superior quality images, helping to make diagnosis more accurate.

If you would like to experience a short virtual tour of the Philips Ambient Experience MRI, visit the YRMC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter and click on the Videos tab.

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Visit YRMC online at www.yrmc.org and connect with us on social media.

Twitter

• https://twitter.com/YRMCquadcities

Facebook

• www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter
• www.facebook.com/PonderosaPediatrics

YouTube

• www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGC2lYqCa4FaM8EWhuK9_g

The Yavapai Community Hospital Association, which does business and operates as Yavapai Regional Medical Center, will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 27, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Thumb Butte Room on the Campus of YRMC West in Prescott. The public is invited to attend.

The purpose of YRMC’s annual meeting is to summarize the hospital’s achievements during the previous calendar year.

• Linda Medina, RN, will present the Bylaws Committee Report and Approval of Proposed Bylaws Amendments. Anyone wishing to receive a complete copy of the existing bylaws and proposed amendments may do so through the YRMC Administration Office at (928) 771-5676.
• Rowle Simmons will present the Council of Electors’ Report and Introduction of Reappointed Trustees.
• Paula Kneisl will present the Chairman of the Board of Trustees’ Report.
• Larry Owens, MD, Chief of Staff, will present the President of the Medical Staff’s Report.
• Nancy Thomes will present the Director of Volunteers’ Report.
• John Amos will present the President and Chief Executive Officer’s Report.
• In addition, two Yavapai Community Hospital Association members will be elected to one-year terms on the Council of Electors.

Copies of YRMC’s 2015 Annual Report will be presented to members of the Board of Trustees and made available to members of the public.

For more information on Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s annual meeting, contact the Administration Office at (928) 771-5676.

Physicians across the U.S. and in Arizona recognize Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) as a pioneer in Patient Blood Management (PBM). After its May 12, 2016 PBM Symposium – Doctors and Patients: The Patient Blood Management Collaboration – many predict YRMC will also become a destination for patients seeking the careful, comprehensive medical expertise PBM requires.

“PBM is fast becoming a cause in the medical community,” said Dale Black, Coordinator, Patient Blood Management Program at YRMC. “We’re proud to support the cause by launching a global conversation about PBM as part of our upcoming Symposium.”

The public can join that conversation and learn more about PBM by:

• Joining YRMC’s Facebook Patient Blood Management Group Page located at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1714568585454170/#_=_
• Following YRMC @YRMCquadcities on Twitter (use #PBMconversation in your tweets)

On Thursday, May 12, 2016 – when Doctors and Patients: The Patient Blood Management Collaboration takes place – the public can get involved by:

• Catching a live stream on Periscope between 10 a.m. thru 8 p.m. (MST)

Watching the 6-8 p.m. (MST) event via live stream portal (For instructions on how to live stream the PBM Symposium visit http://www.yrmc.org/services/patient-blood-management/doctors-and-patients-the-patient-blood-management-collaboration#how-to-watch

​“Our goal is to give people information to start a conversation about PBM with their respective physicians,” said Pierre R. Tibi, MD, FACS, Medical Director, YRMC’s James Family Heart Center. “At YRMC, the PBM concept is straightforward. We view blood as a precious resource and we also know that blood has risks that haven’t been adequately addressed in the past. We work with patients on strategies to preserve that resource and prevent unnecessary blood transfusions.”

Dr. Tibi and other PBM Symposium panelists will discuss these strategies which – implemented before, during and after surgery – can help avoid anemia, prevent inappropriate blood transfusions and decrease bleeding. They also will focus on how medical professionals can communicate the benefits of PBM to patients as well as ways to ensure patients fully understand the risks associated with blood transfusions.

“Research shows that PBM leads to better outcomes for patients as well as shorter hospitalizations and faster recoveries,” Dr. Tibi said.

Expert speakers participating in YRMC’s PBM Symposium, and their topics, include:

• Dale Black, Coordinator, Patient Blood Management, YRMC in Prescott, Arizona Patient Blood Management: It’s All About You!
• Pierre R. Tibi, MD, FACS, The James Family Heart Center at YRMC in Prescott, Arizona The Patient Has Spoken
• Alejandro Chapa, MD, Hospitalist, YRMC in Prescott, Arizona Hemorrhagic Emergencies in the 21st Century: New Drugs, New Problems and What it Means for You
• Aryeh Shander, MD, FCCM, FCCP, Chief, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Pain Management and Hyperbaric Medicine, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, New Jersey Patient Blood Management: Why, What and Now

For more information about the PBM Symposium, visit YRMC’s website www.yrmc.org/services/patient-blood-management/doctors-and-patients-the-patient-blood-management-collaboration

The entire family – parents, children, grandparents – will find interactive activities, health screenings, learning opportunities and loads of fun at Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) Celebrate Life Health Expo:

Saturday, May 21, 2016
10 am - 2 pm
Prescott Gateway Mall
3250 Gateway Blvd., Prescott, AZ 86303

“This year, we’re creating ‘neighborhoods’ so families with children, for example, will find services and information designed for their lifestyle in a single, activity-filled area,” said Roxanne Hull, YRMC’s Community Outreach Coordinator.

In addition to the kids’ neighborhood, Expo visitors can anticipate neighborhoods dedicated to heart health, healthcare careers and volunteer opportunities, to name a few.

“There will be tons of choices,” Hull said. “Every neighborhood will have awesome activities and useful information. The mall stores and vendors are also on board, which will definitely make Expo a full day of fun for families.”

Watch for more information about Expo online (www.yrmc.org) and on social media:

Facebook

• https://www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter
• https://www.facebook.com/PonderosaPediatrics

Twitter

• https://twitter.com/YRMCquadcities

YouTube

• www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGC2lYqCa4FaM8EWhuK9_g

Find YRMC online at www.yrmc.org and connect with us on social media.

Twitter

• YRMC https://twitter.com/YRMCquadcities

Facebook

• YRMC www.facebook.com/YavapaiRegionalMedicalCenter
• Ponderosa Pediatrics www.facebook.com/PonderosaPediatrics

YouTube

• YRMC www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGC2lYqCa4FaM8EWhuK9_g

Excellent teacher … positive leader … team player. These are phrases Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) employees and medical staff members use to describe Francisco Jaume, DO, YRMC’s 2015 Physician of the Year.

An accomplished orthopedic surgeon and Chairman of YRMC’s Department of Surgery, Dr. Jaume has cared for patients at YRMC since 2004. During that time, he has served as Director of YRMC’s Advanced Wound Care Center. Dr. Jaume is credited with leading the center to its current status as a state-of-the art facility that includes northern Arizona’s only hyperbaric chambers for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Even with an extremely busy schedule, Dr. Jaume is known for the time he devotes to YRMC patients and their families as well as hospital staff.

“He’s always professional and empathic with patients and staff,” said Patricia Coates, RN, Clinical Coordinator, Surgical Services at YRMC. “I appreciate how he treats the surgery staff, communicating his needs and how we can best care for patients. He’s always available and ready to help the nursing team in any way.”

Dr. Jaume is dedicated to YRMC’s values. He strives to put them into action as a physician and encourages others – YRMC physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers – to do so as well.

“I believe working together with everyone involved in the patient’s care is key,” Dr. Jaume said. “Making myself available to the staff brings us together as a team. I also believe promoting a positive attitude is not only good for morale, but it translates to the patient’s attitude toward recovery.”

Dr. Jaume’s career also includes an impressive record of military service. He served in the United States Marine Corps for six years, achieving the rank of sergeant. He also served for eight years in the United States Air Force Medical Service Corps, where he achieved the rank of major.

According to John Amos, YRMC President and CEO, Dr. Jaume’s focus on leading by example is inspiring to the YRMC family.

“Dr. Jaume treats people with respect,” he said. “He embodies our organization’s values and lives them every day. YRMC, and our entire community, is fortunate that Dr. Jaume is here caring for patients.”

YRMC’s Physician of the Year is presented annually to a doctor who:

• provides excellent patient care;
• builds positive relationships with employees and volunteers;
• shows respect for everyone with whom he or she comes in contact;
• demonstrates sensitivity to patients’ needs and desires; and
• takes pride in the hospital as well as the community.

“Prescott Meals On Wheels provides three fundamental services; a nutritious, home-delivered meal, a wellness check, and precious moments of conversation,” said Ijams. “Combined, these three services contribute to the ability to live independently for as long as possible with a sense of safety and security.”

Prescott Meals On Wheels may be reached at (928) 445-7630.