Optim Surgery Center and the physician-owned Optim Medical Center-Tattnall are part of Optim Health System

For Immediate Release

(SAVANNAH, GA, May 12, 2020) Optim Health System announced the temporary restrictions placed on elective surgery and outpatient procedures due to COVID-19 have been lifted. The decision to resume was based, in part, on guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Hospital Association, the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Association of Perioperative Nurses, and the Governor of Georgia. 

“We understand the lingering concerns about COVID-19 might still be causing some hesitation in scheduling or rescheduling a surgery or procedure,” stated David Perry, Optim Health System CEO.  “Our team has always championed a culture of safety and patient-focused orthopedic and interventional pain care at Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, and we have been incredibly proactive adding protocols as COVID-19 has evolved.”

Some of the enhanced safety and protection steps include:

• Entry points are limited and secured
• Everyone entering the hospital or surgery center is required to wear a mask while in the facility
• Patients and visitors must clear a set of COVID-19 screening questions prior to arriving at the hospital or surgery center for scheduled procedures, and then again upon arrival accompanied by temperature checks
• Patients are being asked to only bring one visitor, if possible, and that visitor must be 18 years of age or older
• Physical distancing is required and supported in all areas, including limited seating and access to common areas
• Frequent disinfection and sanitation of surfaces in all areas
• Physicians and staff must clear a set of COVID-19 screening questions at the start of their shift, and have their temperature checked multiple times throughout their shift
• Strict infection prevention procedures are being followed, with operating rooms, procedure rooms and equipment thoroughly sanitized between every use
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is strictly used in all surgeries and procedures

Focusing on the patient first and foremost, Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall have become some of the most awarded and accredited facilities in the region for safety, quality and compassion in delivering world class care.  

Optim Surgery Center is accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, which measures the quality of its services and performance against nationally recognized Standards.

Optim Medical Center-Tattnall was recently DNV-GL Accredited and Certified for Quality and Patient Safety as an Orthopedic Center of Excellence for Hip and Knee Replacement, Shoulder Surgery, and Spine Surgery.

Optim Medical Center-Tattnall was named by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement for the seventh consecutive year (2014 – 2020). Other consistent recognitions by Healthgrades include:

• Joint Replacement Excellence Award (2014 – 2020)
• Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement (2014 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement (2012 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement (2014 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (2016 – 2020)
• Patient Safety Excellence Award (2017, 2019, 2020)

Prior to COVID-19 and still today, Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall remain a uniquely attractive option in the region for patients in need of orthopedic surgery and interventional pain procedures.  Surgical patients in an Optim Health System surgical facility can expect less exposure to possible viruses and general illnesses due to the focus on musculoskeletal care and elective surgeries and procedures versus a larger general acute care hospital. Reduced exposure is widely established as one of the ways to greatly reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and illnesses.

“Safety and high-quality care are our top priorities,” explained Perry. “Despite having no COVID-19 cases at our surgery center in Savannah or our hospital in Reidsville, we continue to be vigilant in applying our enhanced safety protocols. We are serious about protecting the health and well-being of our patients, our employees and providers, and everyone in the communities we serve and share.”

Patients who would like to schedule their elective surgery or outpatient procedure should first visit their orthopedic, neurosurgery, or interventional pain management provider. 

The post Optim Health System Safely Performing Elective Surgeries and Outpatient Procedures appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

(Reidsville, GA – June 16, 2020) Optim Medical Center-Tattnall announced today that it is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Patient SafetyExcellence Award^TM. This distinction places Optim Medical Center-Tattnall among the top 10% of all short-term acute care hospitals reporting patient safety data as evaluated by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems. 

During the study period (2016 through 2018),Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals demonstrated excellent performance in safeguarding patients in the Medicare population, as measured by objective outcomes—risk-adjusted patient safety indicator (PSI) rates—for 13 PSIs defined by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).^*

Healthgrades found that patients treated in hospitals receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award were, on average^**:

• 48.3% less likely to experience a collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.
• 54.4% less likely to experience a hip fracture following surgery, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.
• 66.8% less likely to experience pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital, than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals.
• 63% less likely to experience catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired at the hospital, than patients treated at non- recipient hospitals.

“Patient safety is always our top priority,” stated Rob Snipes, Optim Medical Center-Tattnall CEO. “Of the many accolades Optim Medical Center-Tattnall has earned, this one is especially meaningful as it directly reflects our mission of providing the highest quality care and the safest experience for our patients, as well as the communities we serve. I’m incredibly proud of our team of caregivers.”

“Consumers might not know that information around patient safety is readily available and should be considered when researching healthcare options,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Healthgrades. “We commend the recipients of the 2020 Patient Safety Excellence Award for their dedication to providing excellent care for their patients.” 

In addition to being recognized with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, Optim Medical Center- Tattnall has been named One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacementfor 7 Years in a Row (2014-2020).Other consistent recognitions by Healthgrades include:

• Joint Replacement Excellence Award (2014 – 2020)
• Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement (2014 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement (2012 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement (2014 – 2020)
• Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery (2016 – 2020)

View Healthgrades hospital quality methodologies.

*A 14^thPSI included in the evaluation is Foreign Objects Left in Body During a Surgery or Procedure which is a “never” event and does not have an expected rate.

** Statistics are calculated from Healthgrades Patient Safety Ratings and Excellence Award methodology which is based primarily on AHRQ technical specifications (Version 2019.0.1) to MedPAR data for years 2016 through 2018 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. 

If all hospitals in the country performed at the level of award recipients for each of the 13 patient safety indicators, 110,864 patient safety events could have been avoided.

The post Optim Medical Center-Tattnall in the Top 10% in the Nation for Patient Safety for Second Year in a Row appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

Your comeback starts here.

With the region’s most experience robotic-assisted joint replacement team at Optim Health System’s Orthopedic Joint Centers of Excellence at Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall.

Don’t let pain hold you back!

Relieve your arthritis pain and get back to the things you love with robotic-assisted joint replacement. The surgeons at Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall are experts in robotic-assisted joint replacement and specialists in individually tailoring your joint replacement – removing only the arthritic tissue and leaving your healthy bone. 

Surgeons using robotic-assisted technology are able to  offer you:

• More accurate implant positioning 
• Reduced risk of injury to adjacent tissues
• Smaller incisions leading to a faster, less painful recovery 
• More natural feeling after surgery

Learn more about robotic technologies used at Optim Health System

Mako^TM Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology

OMNIBotics^®

The post Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

When two year old Archer Collins was bitten by a rattlesnake at his home in Screven County, GA, the team at Optim Medical Center-Screven jumped into action to save his life.

The post Saving Archer Collins appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

The physicians and staff at Optim Orthopedics are here to serve all of your musculoskeletal needs.

We would also like to remind you that ALL Optim Orthopedic Physicians are IN-NETWORK for each of the Georgia Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield products.

If you have received a notice by mail or the BCBS website indicates otherwise, this is incorrect and we apologize for any confusion and inconvenience.

We are working diligently with Anthem / Blue Cross to quickly rectify this issue.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call your Optim Orthopedics clinic.

The post IN NETWORK: GA Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, consumers continue to have access to quality healthcare facilities across Southeastern Georgia

ATLANTA, GA (February 10, 2021) – Optim Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) announced they will continue their partnership through a new multi-year agreement, protecting consumers’ access to Optim facilities during the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

“We are pleased to continue our strong partnership with Optim, which shares our commitment to ensuring consumers continue to have access to quality, affordable care at their facilities,” said Pam Stahl, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “We value the relationship we have with care providers in our network, which are vitally important to creating choices for our consumers and fulfilling our mission of improving lives, especially through these unsettling times and beyond.”

The new agreement, effective Feb 1, ensures Anthem BCBS plan networks continue to include Optim Health System’s facilities – Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Optim Medical Center-Screven and Optim Surgery Center-Savannah – and applies to consumers enrolled in Anthem’s HMO/POS, PPO, Pathway and Medicare Advantage plans.

“Prioritizing the health and well-being of the people in communities we serve is more important than ever,” commented David Perry, chief executive officer, Optim Health System. “Signing this new agreement ensures our Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield patients can confidently rely on Optim for safe, high-quality services and compassionate care now and for years to come.”

Consumers with questions can contact Anthem Member Services by using the toll-free number on the back of their current Anthem identification card, or at www.anthem.com. For more information about the services offered at Optim, visit www.optimhealthsystem.com. 

About Optim Health System
Optim Health System includes the nationally recognized Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Optim Surgery Center, Optim Medical Center-Screven, along with Optim Pain Management and Optim Primary Care. Optim Medical Center-Tattnall and Optim Surgery Center are both partially physician-owned in partnership with Surgery Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGRY).

Optim Heath System also operates over 20 clinics conveniently located across southeastern Georgia which focus on orthopedic injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. While these clinics are owned and managed independent of clinics owned and operated by Optim Orthopedics, Optim Health System’s clinics are aligned as part of the collaborative network the organizations share in serving the communities throughout southeastern Georgia and South Carolina. Optim Health System also includes a collaborative partnership with Spivey Orthopedic Clinics and other notable orthopedic practices across the region. Together this network of highly trained medical staff and board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians offer comprehensive, specialized treatment in multiple areas including orthopedics, neurosurgery, interventional pain management, general surgery, primary care, imaging, therapy and athletic trainers.

Optim Health System’s large network of highly-skilled physicians, specialty-focused facilities, and experienced nurses and other personnel affords patients in both larger metropolitan and rural areas of our region access to the uniquely safe, high-quality, compassionate and personalized care that sets the standard in today’s healthcare marketplace.

For additional information on Optim Health System please visit: www.optimhealthsystem.com

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/@AnthemBCBS_News.

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At Optim Health System, we take the health and well-being of you, our patient, as well as our employees, providers, and everyone in the communities we serve, very seriously.

As part of our on-going safety protocols, we continue to closely monitor COVID-19 (coronavirus) through the CDC, WHO, and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and update our protocols to mitigate any potential impact accordingly.

COVID-19 QUESTIONNAIRE

All patients and visitors are required to fill out a questionnaire (online and/or in-person) based on CDC guidelines. 

Please DO NOT come in for an appointment, visit or accompany a patient if you or someone you are in close contact with:

• Has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Has been tested for COVID-19 personally over the last 14 days
• Has chills or a fever (greater than 100.4 F)
• Is experiencing any respiratory symptoms: dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, or shortness of breath
• Has recently lost or had a reduction in your sense of smell or taste
• Has unexplained bleeding, bruising, rash or skin irritation
• Has a severe headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal paint

VISITOR & VISITATION RESTRICTIONS

Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall 

• All visitors must be 18 years or older 
• Requesting only one (1) visitor per patient if possible

Optim Medical Center-Screven and all Optim Health System clinics (orthopedics, neurosurgery, pain management, primary care)

• “Essential Visitor Only Policy” 
• Essential Visitors are considered parents / guardians, caretakers, family, and interpreters

TELEHEALTH

If you are interested in Telehealth Virtual Appointments please call the clinic directly for details.

Thank you for your continued patience and adherence to these important protocols. 

Posted: 4/1/2020; Revised: 4/24/20; 7/15/20; 8/31/20; 3/16/21

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Optim Health System’s commitment remains the same: Unmatched Safety. Compassionate Care.

SAFE SCHEDULING

When you call to schedule an appointment, procedure, or surgery you will be asked a series of questions about your health and any symptoms you may be currently experiencing.

TELEHEALTH VIRTUAL VISIT

Our orthopedic, neurosurgery, pain management, and primary care clinics may offer Telehealth virtual visits. If you are interested in a Telehealth appointment please request when scheduling your appointment as not all cases are appropriate for a virtual visit and not all clinics are currently offering.

SAFE CARE PROTOCOLS

Upon arrival, all patients and visitors will be greeted by a Safe Care Navigator or front desk staff for a temperature check and COVID-19 symptom screening. Face masks or face coverings are required to be worn. If you or your visitor do not have one, a mask one will be provided. Where possible, we offer contact-free check-in and check-out procedures. Pens, clipboards, and any other materials that are handled in person are thoroughly disinfected after each individual use.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

We have re-set our lobbies and waiting areas to facilitate physical distancing. 

SAFE COMMON AREAS

All common areas, lobbies, waiting rooms, and high-touch surfaces like door handles, tables, chairs, and elevator buttons are cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.

SAFE EXAM + OPERATING ROOMS

While we have always followed stringent protocols for cleaning and safety we have enhanced them for everyone’s safety and peace of mind. Our exam, procedure, and operating rooms are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each patient.

ACCREDITATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS + AWARDS

Focusing on the patient first and foremost, Optim Surgery Center and Optim Medical Center-Tattnall have become some of the most awarded and accredited in-patient and out-patient surgery programs in the region for safety, quality, and compassion in delivering world class care.

The post Elective Surgeries & Outpatient Procedures appeared first on Optim Orthopedics.

Optim Primary Care clinics in Reidsville and Sylvania are offering free, COVID-19 vaccines. If you are a Georgia resident and meet the current vaccine eligibility requirements* please call or use the links below to request an appointment.

REIDSVILLE CLINIC:

CALL 912.629.3538 or VISIT TATTNALL VACCINE REQUEST FORM

SYLVANIA CLINIC:

CALL 912.629.3555 or VISIT SYLVANIA VACCINE REQUEST FORM

As of March 15, 2021 COVID-19 vaccine eligibility includes:

• Adults 55+
• Educators and staff
• Healthcare professionals / First Responders / Law Enforcement / Firefighters
• Individuals with disabilities
• Parents of children with complex medical conditions
• Individuals aged 16+ with certain medical conditions* that increase risk of severe illness from COVID-19. 

Conditions for individuals 16+ years old include:

• Asthma 
• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease 
• COPD
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Diabetes
• Hypertension 
• Heart Conditions
• Immunocompromised State
• Liver Disease
• Overweight and Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Sickle Cell Disease

*For a full list of eligibility requirements and conditions covered please visit the Georgia DPH website: www.dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine

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