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Guardian JANUARY 2015 TheProfessional A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education. Guardian FEATURED SPEAKER THE SAFETY & SECURITY OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS Kathy Burkhardt Largo Medical Center Kathy’s message will resonate with health- care professionals as she discusses the impact electronic records have on the improvement of healthcare today and the privacy and security requirements hospitals must have to protect patients’ medical records. As Largo Medical Center’s Health Information Management Director and Privacy Officer, Kathy is familiar with HIPAA and HITECH laws which she will discuss as well as who can access patients’ medical records and the proper documentation needed for this. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and is a Registered Health Information Administrator through AHIMA. Calendar & Coming Events JANUARY 20, 5:30 P.M. MEMBERSHIP MEETING The Safety & Security of Electronic Medical RecordsKATHY BURKHARDT LARGO MEDICAL CENTER 1 CEU available Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., Cypress Palms RSVP to Association Website: www.guardianassociation.org JANUARY 20, 3:30 P.M. GAPC BOARD MEETING REGAL P ALMS VERANDAH R OOM JANUARY 30, 9 A.M. GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFAST THE FOUNTAINS OF BOCA CIEGA BAY 1255 Pasadena Ave. So, St. Petersburg Speaker to be Announced RSVP to Association Website: www.guardianassociation.org Regular Monthly Meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Cypress Palms 400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS P.O. Box 1826 Pinellas Park, FL 33780 [email protected] www.guardianassociation.org ASSOCIATION NEWS Kathy Burkhardt Happy New Year from the Board of Directors, We anticipate 2015 to be a year of renewal and change for the Guardian Association. Our Board will be holding a retreat Friday, January 9th to appoint four candidates as Directors for 2015. Immediately after appointing the candidates, the BOD will develop and begin implementing goals and objectives to assist all of our members. Currently, we have four openings for Directorships and six interested candidates. Director Ron Viele has volunteered to be the facilitator of this important meeting. According to the GAPC’s current By-Laws, the January general membership meeting is the Association’s official Annual Meeting where the new board of directors and new officers will be officially presented to the membership. It is also the traditional time for the swearing-in of Officers and Directors. We invite all of you to attend on January 20 at Cypress Palms and greet our new board and its officers. To help make 2015 a banner year for the Association we encourage members to regularly attend Guardian meetings, volunteer to participate in their commmittee of choice, submit queries, suggest speakers and keep the Board apprised of other matters they would like us to attend to.

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Page 1: JANUARY 2015 Guardian...advertisers. 2 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information,

GuardianJANUARY 2015

TheProfessional

A publication by the Guardian Association of Pinellas County for the purpose of promoting advocacy & education.

GuardianFEATURED SPEAKER

Kathy Burkhardt

THE SAFETY & SECURITY OFELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS

Kathy BurkhardtLargo Medical Center

Kathy’s message will resonate with health-care professionals as she discusses the impactelectronic records have on the improvement ofhealthcare today and the privacy and securityrequirements hospitals must have to protectpatients’ medical records. As Largo Medical Center’s HealthInformation Management Director and Privacy Officer, Kathy isfamiliar with HIPAA and HITECH laws which she will discuss aswell as who can access patients’ medical records and the properdocumentation needed for this. She has a Bachelor’s degree in HealthAdministration from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, andis a Registered Health Information Administrator through AHIMA.

Calendar & Coming

EventsJANUARY 20, 5:30 P.M.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING

“The Safety & Securityof Electronic Medical Records”

KATHY BURKHARDT

LARGO MEDICAL CENTER

1 CEU available

Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., Cypress PalmsRSVP to Association Website:www.guardianassociation.org

JANUARY 20, 3:30 P.M.

GAPC BOARD MEETING

REGAL PALMS

VERANDAH ROOM

JANUARY 30, 9 A.M.

GAPC NETWORKING BREAKFASTTHE FOUNTAINS OF BOCA CIEGA BAY

1255 Pasadena Ave. So, St. PetersburgSpeaker to be Announced

RSVP to Association Website:www.guardianassociation.org

Regular Monthly Meetingthe third Tuesday of each monthat 5:30 p.m. at Cypress Palms

400 Lake Avenue NE, Largo

ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS

P.O. Box 1826Pinellas Park, FL 33780

[email protected]

ASSO

CIA

TIO

NN

EWS

Happy New Year from the Board of Directors,We anticipate 2015 to be a year of renewal and change for the GuardianAssociation.

Our Board will be holding a retreat Friday, January 9th to appoint fourcandidates as Directors for 2015. Immediately after appointing thecandidates, the BOD will develop and begin implementing goals andobjectives to assist all of our members. Currently, we have four openingsfor Directorships and six interested candidates. Director Ron Viele hasvolunteered to be the facilitator of this important meeting.

According to the GAPC’s current By-Laws, the January generalmembership meeting is the Association’s official Annual Meeting wherethe new board of directors and new officers will be officially presented tothe membership. It is also the traditional time for the swearing-in ofOfficers and Directors. We invite all of you to attend on Januar;y 20 atCypress Palms and greet our new board and its officers.

To help make 2015 a banner year for the Association we encouragemembers to regularly attend Guardian meetings, volunteer to participatein their commmittee of choice, submit queries, suggest speakers and keepthe Board appraised of other matters they would like us to attend to.

Kathy Burkhardt

Happy New Year from the Board of Directors,We anticipate 2015 to be a year of renewal and change for the GuardianAssociation.

Our Board will be holding a retreat Friday, January 9th to appoint fourcandidates as Directors for 2015. Immediately after appointing thecandidates, the BOD will develop and begin implementing goals andobjectives to assist all of our members. Currently, we have four openings forDirectorships and six interested candidates. Director Ron Viele hasvolunteered to be the facilitator of this important meeting.

According to the GAPC’s current By-Laws, the January general membershipmeeting is the Association’s official Annual Meeting where the new board ofdirectors and new officers will be officially presented to the membership. It isalso the traditional time for the swearing-in of Officers and Directors. Weinvite all of you to attend on January 20 at Cypress Palms and greet our newboard and its officers.

To help make 2015 a banner year for the Association we encouragemembers to regularly attend Guardian meetings, volunteer to participate intheir commmittee of choice, submit queries, suggest speakers and keep theBoard apprised of other matters they would like us to attend to.

Page 2: JANUARY 2015 Guardian...advertisers. 2 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information,

Newsletter Editor & Breakfast Facilities CoordinatorPhyllis Johnson

596-8919 or [email protected]

Association [email protected]

The

2015 Board of Directors

Officers and

Board Members,

as well as available

Committees will appear in

the February 2015

e-Newsletter.

The Association has 1501” notebooks for sale.

For more informtion callSue Schramek

at (727) 455-4280.

ADVERTISEIn The Professional Guardian NewsletterAdvertising RatesFull page, 1 month, Sponsoring $250.00

1/2 page $130.00*

1/4 page $ 80.00*

1/8 page business card $ 50.00*

* Per month with 3 month minimum

Send camera ready color ads and payment, as well as editorial copy to:

Phyllis JohnsonOne Windrush Blvd., #55Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785email: [email protected]: (727) 596-8919

Deadline for ads with payment is the 25th ofeach month. Same deadline for editorial copy. Acomplimentary copy of each issue is sent to our advertisers.

2

IIDDEENNTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN BBAADDGGEE OORRDDEERR FFOORRMM

Gold identification badges are available to members for $15Badges will be mailed to your address.

. For information, contact Sue Schramek at (727) 791-3972.

Name on badge (Title will read Professional Guardian)

Shipping address

City, State, Zip

Email or phone

Blood is traditionally in short supply duringthe winter months, especially January, dueto the holidays, travel schedules, inclementweather, and illness. A reduction in turnoutcan put our nation’s blood inventory at acritical low. January has been designated asNational Blood Donor Month to encouragedonors to give or pledge to give blood.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S.needs blood.More than 41,000 blood donations areneeded every day.The blood type most often requested byhospitals is Type O.The blood used in an emergency isalready on the shelves before the eventoccurs.A single car accident victim can requireas many as 100 pints of blood.

Can You Help?

January has been designated as NationalBlood Donor Month to encourage donorsto give or pledge to give blood. Blood istraditionally in short supply during thewinter months, especially January, due tothe holidays, travel schedules, inclementweather, and illness. A reduction in turnoutcan put our nation’s blood inventory at acritical low.

Gold identification badges are available to members for $15Badges will be mailed to your address.

. For information, contact LynnMarie Boltze at (813) 625-8734.

The Association has 1501” notebooks for sale.

For more informtion call Cynthia Van Vliet at (727) 253-3735.

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3

Membership Meetingand Holiday Party

December 16that

Cypress Palms, Largo

Page 4: JANUARY 2015 Guardian...advertisers. 2 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information,

4

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Rent includes cable & utilities.

$700.00 / month. Non-smoker. No Pets.

To view this property please contact:

Joan at (727) 433-0053.

Our Mission is “to affect positively the quality of life for our residents, meet their

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TBI Residential Services is an all male facility thatspecializes in the care and services for individuals with:

brain injury • difficult dementiapost traumatic stress disorder

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TBI Offers:• Licensed

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• Computerized Medication Managementto promote accuracy & timeliness

• Provides transportation to and from Doctors’ appointments.

• We will work with your long term care insurance provider

• We accept worker’s compensation injury cases and veterans administration

• Day and Respite Care services

TOUR TODAY!(727) 938-68002563 KEYSTONE ROAD

TARPON SPRINGS, FL

Assisted Living Facility H 9034

Page 5: JANUARY 2015 Guardian...advertisers. 2 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information,

Clerk of the Circuit CourtOffice of Ken Burke

Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller For Pinellas County, Florida

FROM THE CLERK

We want to start by saying Happy New Year to all and thank you all for a wonderful year in 2014!

In the upcoming months be looking for a change in the requirement to file the new BrowardSmart forms and discontinue the use of the current form requirement. Until there is a date cer-tain decided please continue with what you are currently providing.

Also since it is the New Year, please remember to pay your annual maintenance fee of $7.50 tothe Clerk to cover the year 2015.

We are looking forward to another wonderful year in 2015 and working together with you tomeet the needs of your clients. We appreciate you working with us and your patience as westrive to offer excellent customer service to all our citizens.

5

If there is a topic you would like discussed in any of our upcoming monthly newsletterarticles, please email it to : [email protected]

HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance, please call:Probate Court Records ................................ 464-3321 (main line)Bill Burgess, Probate Manager…………….…464-3003

If there is a topic you would like discussed in any of our upcoming monthlynewsletter articles, please email it to [email protected].

HOW TO CONTACT US: If we can be of assistance, please call:Probate Court Records ................................ 464-3321 (main line)Jennifer Shawen, Audit Supervisor…….……… 464-3087

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6

continued on page 7

What is a “defining moment”? What is a“pivotal moment”? We all have them in oneform or another, all in varied levels of intensity.It is the intensity that imbeds the meaning ofthe moment into ones psyche and manifeststhrough ones behavior.

The earliest pivotal moment I can rememberoccurred at a very young age. I was taking aride with Grandpa Gard to the house of one ofhis Urbana friends. Grandpa was a smoker anda drinker, but was a barrel of fun when he wassober. We drove into the driveway of hisfriend’s home, got out of the car, and headed forthe front porch. Grandpa took a long last dragon his cigarette, and then flicked it out into thelawn. My eyes followed the trajectory and landingsite of the flaming butt. I sauntered over toground zero and watched the ringlets of smokerise into the air. I picked it up, looked at it fora second, and then put it up to my lips just likeGrandpa did. Unlike Bill Clinton, I inhaled. Theevent was akin to vertigo combined with toomuch to drink. The Earth’s rotation increased tothat of a Frisbee in flight. It scared the livingBeJesus out of me. I gathered myself togetherand ran to catch up to Grandpa. I am quite surethe whole event happened in a fraction of time,but it was so profound that cigarettes have nottouched my lips since, even with the peerpressures from boot camp many years later.

Another pivotal moment came several yearslater with the same Grandpa Gard. My brotherLes and I were in the summer between 3rd and5th grade respectively. Grandpa loaded us upin his brand new ‘66 Lincoln and departedIllinois headed for summer vacation inClearwater, Florida where Grandma Gard lived.They had a nice home on the waterfront onIsland Estates, just short of Clearwater Beach.Fishing and swimming were our duties for thesummer. We hadn’t been there for 2 days when

Grandpa began having severe pains in hislower back. It was difficult to see him in such astate. The man was a six foot two, 240 poundDutchman with a Marine TI flattop. When hewas on scotch, he seemed much larger andintense. Now, he was down.

It turned out he had bone cancer. OcshnerClinic in New Orleans was the only place at thattime with the capability to treat the malady.Grandpa flew, and we rode with Grandma in herown Lincoln. The next two months we lived atthe Airport Hilton and performed the dailyritual of getting ourselves together to visitwith Grandpa as he went through all of histreatments. He seemed to be responding well.As summer surrendered to fall, Les and I wereflown back to Illinois to begin our next schoolyear. A week before Christmas, Grandma calledto tell us Grandpa had hemorrhaged the daythey were leaving for a two-week Caribbeancruise and had to be rushed to the hospital. Weimmediately loaded up the car with Mom andDad and rushed to Clearwater. Dad was reallyrattled. Needless to say, Christmas was a littlestrained.

Les and I slept on bahama beds in the Floridaroom. Mom and Dad had the front bedroom.We went to bed as usual the night of December27. Just before midnight, I woke up to seeGrandpa standing in the middle of the Floridaroom. He had a calm look on his face and thehint of a smile. He looked straight at me, andthen took a glance towards Les who had noproblems sleeping. He slowly turned andproceeded to the front bedroom. I heard“Goodbye, Dad.” Fifteen minutes later, wereceived a call from the hospital that Grandpahad died. I learned that night there was anotherside to life. I have had the thrill of the otherside of life many times since.

GOD WANTS ME?!!by Errol Gard

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7

It is a defining moment that is the driver forthis account. The moment determined what Iwas to do with my life. It also determined whatmy wife, Renee, was going to do with her life.At the time of the change, we didn’t grasp whathad happened. We couldn’t put it into words.We just began to act upon the guidance webegan receiving the summer of 1997. The guidancewas most certainly coming from the other side.

We call this adventure the Science Project. AsI write, we have received the funding to begindevelopment of an “evolutionary” liquid fuel. Itwas the chain of events the guidance set off thatbrought this about. It is a fuel that can be madeanywhere on the planet. All countries harbor theubiquitous ingredients. It is the process that isspecial. I can only pray we are not too late tohelp.

There is also a molecular energy productioncomponent to this guidance, and it has alreadychallenged Newton’s Law of Cooling, albeit in aprimitive, but nonetheless, repeatable way. Wehave been told these clean energy projects rep-resent the two “Holy Grails” for how civilizationwill receive and utilize clean energy once theproducts are unveiled in a practical form to theworld. Whether we live long enough to actual-ly see the unveiling to the world is the $64,000question.

All of a sudden, I began thinking of WorldPeace. My wife Renee and I found ourselves liv-ing in Hana, Maui due to our guidance. Weforged beautiful friendships with many of theNative Hawaiians who take refuge there, and

also the much less numerous Caucasians et alwho chose the independent and challengingway of life living on the side of a dormant vol-cano offers. While visiting our dear friends andbiodynamic farmers, Rich and Virginia, I wasasked directly what my life’s mission was. I hadnot thought about it in specifics, yet without evena hesitation I responded, ”To be the person his-tory blames for starting the 1000 years ofpeace.” Which was then followed by my blurt,“Where in God’s name did that come from?”

My answer was in my question. How profound!Idealist? Raving maniac? I really pondered theimpact of that spontaneous statement. I alsolooked at what was truly becoming the definitionof my life.

Hawaii has been a very important part of mylife since before all of this guidance became“known”, and there is something about thelanguage that makes one feel like singing andcrying at the same time. It is beautiful. Withjust a couple of words a person can express awhole conceptual way of thinking and being.

Just how it came to me I cannot explain, butone day Renee had a pen and paper near herwhen I uttered “Hau’oli la Ho’omaikai” (whichmeans “It is my job to be the Witness to theactions of my Lord”). Now, I had the definitionof my life. It is funny how science and spiritu-ality are seemingly at odds. I am here to con-fess to one and all they are joined at the hip.

All we have to do is stay awake!

Errol Gard and wife Renee recently came onboard as managers of Belleair Towers, an

independent living community in Clearwater,bringing diverse backgrounds to the job which

they describe as “a calling.”

GOD WANTS ME?!!...CONTINUED

Page 8: JANUARY 2015 Guardian...advertisers. 2 IDENTIFICATION BADGE ORDER FORM Gold identification badges are available to members for $15 Badges will be mailed to your address.. For information,

Villas & Apartments for Seniors...A Safe & Secure place to call home.

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The Guardian Association of Pinellas County, Inc. is a non profitcorporation, formed in 1977 as a voluntary group. It is a professionalassociation which allows the receiving of tax deductible contributionof goods and services. The association is governed by an elected Boardof Directors and meetings are open to all members. The purpose of theassociation is primarily that of education, thus promoting a betterquality of service for elders by developing and improving thecapabilities of guardians and their relationship with other entitieswithin the community.

The Palms of Largo is an Independent, Assisted & Memory Care Campus!

8

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9

CHOOSING THE BEST

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN

Learn how to select the best physician

for your healthcare journey

Edited from Aging in America: What You Need to Know by Karyn Rizzo

A primary care physician is the co-pilot of everyperson’s healthcare journey. Many seniors choose aphysician or are assigned one by an insurance companywhen relatively healthy, or for a temporary medicalcondition and that physician may not have been evaluatedto make sure he/she is the best one for the patient.

For many seniors their doctor becomes a part of theirlife very much like a member of the family. By the timethe senior is aging so is their primary care physicianwho may NOT still have active hospital privileges or isnot always up to date with the newest and best state ofthe art medical practices.

Once a senior has developed certain chronic medicalconditions such as high blood pressure, diabetesor chronic heart failure that require prescriptionmanagement, a physician who hasn’t kept up with thelatest information may be prescribing outdateddrugs or treatments and not be aware of the latestrecommendations.

In the event of a sudden medical emergency or accident,the primary care physician becomes the most importantperson on the medical team. Choosing a primary carephysician who is not competent and well trained candrastically affect the future choices and options a personwill have available.

Your primary care physician, the ultimate managerof your healthjourney, helpsyou decide whatmedications areneeded, and inthe event of ahospital staywill be the keyperson directing

you or a loved one’s recovery. It is crucial your primarycare physician is in agreement with your wishes in theevent of a major illness or medical emergency.

Some have found after being taken to the hospitalthat their doctor does NOT have hospital privileges ormay not even be allowed at the hospital, and health-care decisions are now being made by a virtual strangerwho calls the shots without being aware of yourmedical history. It is recommended the senior find aBoard Certified Physician who can more competentlymanage his patient's changing medical needs.

Furthermore, most primary care physicians havealliances with specific hospitals, hospitalist physicians,rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, andMedicare and Medicaid replacement Insurance companies.Most physicians choose to align themselves with qualitycare organizations to protect them from malpracticeclaims and a damaging reputation.

For some physicians, the shrinking pay and risingoperational expenses force them to make some decisionsbased on the money their alliances will pay them.

Due to the challenges of making money as a physician,many doctors have changed their practices to onlytreat patients on an outpatient basis in their offices,while others have decided on only having a hospitalbased practice. Some doctors have chosen a hybridmethod in which they treat their patients in an out-patient setting but also follow them to the localhospitals and rehabilitation centers.

Across the nation, physicians are dealing with shrinkingreimbursements from most insurance companies,higher malpractice insurance costs and the dailychallenges of running an office with ever increasingoverhead.

continued on page 10

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10

Physicians who do take care of their patients while ina Hospital and/or Skilled Nursing and Rehab Centerlike to have most of their patients in a convenient areato maximize their very limited time.

Some alliances pay physicians who they designate asmedical director a monthly stipend or bonus whichcan benefit as extra income for the physician's practice.This may be a key factor as to why a physician is makinga referral to a certain home care agency, hospital orrehabilitation center.

Usually a medical directorship or advisory positioncan pay from $500 to $1500 per month per entity(Hospital, Skilled Nursing Center, Home HealthAgency, etc) depending on the area in the country. Ona yearly basis this income collec-tively becomes a huge asset.

Contrary to what most peoplemay stereotypically assume, not allphysicians are rich, and some haveenormous debt loads. Therefore, theseadditional incomes are somethingthey vehemently protect. Forinstance, if a rehab center is lookingat hiring a different MedicalDirector, the present physician will be more feverishlylooking to admit one of his/her patients to reaffirmhi own worth, and preserve his job and income withthat rehab center.

Some physicians have become contracted providerswith Medicare and Medicaid Advantage Plans(HMO’s), and receive money for their patients' officevisits, as well as a monthly amount per patient theyhave with said HMO Insurance Company. This perpatient payment can range from $5.00 to $30.00 ormore, per patient per month, which is commonlyknown as a monthly capped amount. They receive thismonthly patient capped income from the Insurancecompanies regardless of whether they’ve seen any ofthese patients who are members of the insurancecompany during the month.

Insurance Companies that accept federal Medicaremoney and state Medicaid money are trying to maximizetheir profits; i.e. make their business profitable.Therefore, they require certain services and specialties tobe authorized, and impose limitations on the physicians

as to what they are allowed to offer their patients,and in some cases, despite what a patient’s medicalcondition requires.

Many physicians struggle as they try to manage theirpatient’s wellness within the limitations imposed uponthem by the various Insurance companies. At timesthis develops into situations where they are not able topractice medicine in the way they’ve been trained andknow to be more accurate.

Some Insurance contracts penalize a physician finan-cially when they order certain costly tests, specialistconsultations, rehab or home health services, and/orsimply deny authorization for some or all of theseservices.

At times, when a physicianwants their patients to havemedical assistance in thehome, an expensive medication,a specialty test or some otherservice or procedure that canmake a difference in thepatient's health, they are notallowed to order these services.

What is maddening is thatmany of these services are entitlements allowed understraight Medicare or Medicaid. Our governmentagencies actually give an incentive to these insurancecompanies to manage the distribution of benefits tothe recipients entitled, but many find very legal andingenious ways to avoid authorizing what they arerequired to do. With minimal oversight from thegovernment, the Insurance companies have been ableto get away with NOT providing members what theirphysicians feel they need.

Many times a physician’s referrals can have financialconsequences and influence the referrals they make.All physicians take an oath to “cause no harm,”however they are also running a business and maystruggle with their oath and the reality of making aprofitable living.

The options that will be offered a patient while inthe community or in the event of a hospital stay arealways directed by the primary care physician, as longas they have ACTIVE hospital privileges.

CHOOSING THE BEST PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN...(continued)

continued on page 11

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11CHOOSING THE BEST PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN...(continued)

A hospitalist physician can be either an independentphysician who accepts patients whose physicians don’tround in hospitals or be employed by the hospitalprimarily and does not have any community offices.

While in the hospital, a primary care physician orhospitalist physician will be making medical decisionssuch as what tests, medications, specialty consultations,are needed.

This is where the alliances come into the picture. Ifa physician taking care of a patient in the hospital isthe Medical Director of a certain skilled nursingcenter, he usually tries to direct to those centers heworks with. HOPEFULLY, it is one preferred and isconvenient to your support system.

Similarly, they will write an order for the companythey work with, or one who is paying them a monthlystipend when their patient is being discharged homefor home care services.

If there is a Commercial Insurance, Medicare orMedicaid replacement HMO, the options becomeeven more limited. (The influence of MedicareAdvantage Plans will be covered in subsequent chapters.)

Since a primary care physician is so crucial to apatient's future wellness, how can the best one be chosen?

Word of mouth is always an excellent way, however,the best recommendations come from someone whoworks in healthcare. Many healthcare employees havelearned which physicians are the most ethical and bestsuited for someone’s personal preferences (man,woman, nationality, etc) and Insurance company.

Many have learned from experiences of neighborswhich physicians have the most expertise and sense ofintegrity.

Most hospitals, senior centers and assisted livingcommunities offer lectures and an opportunity tomeet the physicians personally. At these sessions apotential patient has the opportunity to know thatphysician and ask questions without having to set upan appointment in his/her office. Once you do arrangean appointment, a lot of needed information can begathered by looking around the office or asking staff.

With the influence of the internet, there are manydifferent sites that grade and judge the quality of alllocal physicians, and include any pending malpracticeclaims.

Additionally, most local hospitals have websites thatlist the physicians who have privileges with them,including their specialties, training, and usually a picture.

Extracted from “Aging in America: What you NEED TO KNOW about Navigating our Healthcare System”

Author Karyn Rizzo, Healthcare Industry Consultant

Available at www.agingguidebook1.com,Amazon, Kindle, Nook and at Barnes & Noble

Karyn Rizzo, owner of ELITE Marketing & Consulting has over 20 years inthe healthcare industry.

A native of Chicago, Illinois, she has lived in Florida for over 20 years.

Her work in Physician Office management and subsequently in the seniorhealthcare Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Centers has given her a uniqueoutlook on the entirety of the industry.

She has helped families connect to local resources and receive knowledge andassistance for many years and as a patient advocate she has worked diligentlyto protect seniors and their families from those who would take advantage fortheir own personal gain.

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12

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This decision is so important to anyone’sfuture health choices that a checklist isincluded to best judge weather a physi-cian would be the best for you or a lovedone, and be willing to work in harmonywith your wishes.

Because you usually only have a veryshort time during an appointment todiscuss specifics with any physician, a lotof the needed information can be gath-ered by looking around the office or ask-ing the staff.

Additionally, most local hospitals havewebsites that list the physicians that haveprivileges with them, including theirspecialties, training, and usually a pic-ture.

Karyn Rizzo (pictured left),owner of ELITE Marketing& Consulting has over 20years in the healthcareindustry.

A native of Chicago,Illinois, she has lived inFlorida for over 20 years.

Her work in PhysicianOffice management and

subsequently in the senior healthcare Assisted Livingand Skilled Nursing Centers has given her a uniqueoutlook on the entirety of the industry.

She has helped families connect to local resources andreceive knowledge and assistance for many years and asa patient advocate she has worked diligently to protectseniors and their families from those who would takeadvantage for their own personal gain.

Where does the Word come fromWhere does it go

How is it brought into beingHow do I know

It comes in small phrasesSpinning with Light

Encouraging statementsDuring the night

I hope for inspirationAwait the response

Then write what is givenWithout second thoughts

The more I am openUntangled with fears

The more that is givenAnd more that I hearNo reason to worry or

Cause to despairI open myself and

The words are just thereAlways availableAlways in time

To teach meInspire me

In a sweet rhyme

BY RENEE GARD

WHERE DOES THEWORD COME FROM?

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13

Dear Friends,

As we wind down 2014, and fully embrace 2015 our wish is to have more joy and less stress.

Some of you may know that I had knee surgery (in Dec) for the third time on same knee in less than10 years. I am doing well and had a wonderful caregiver (my husband Jeff). He has made sure I havebeen protected, and ate well, had my meds on time, and helped me to keep the knee elevated andiced. The physical therapy has been “cry out loud” torture but I know a big necessary part of thewhole experience.

This is a story I would like to share with you about the day after surgery:The day after surgery as I am lying in bed in the hospital, the nurse came in and was going to takeout the catheter and then assist me in getting to the bathroom for the first time post-surgery.

As she was getting into position to help me move my left leg over the side of the bed, I reached upand grabbed the “monkey bar” attached to the orthopedic beds and pulled myself up and swung mylegs over the side of the bed without assistance! The look of astonishment on her face was price-less! She said: “WOW –you are very strong to be able to do that!” (I know she was also thinkingsince I am of a certain “older age”, this is not the “norm”). Most people have to be assisted in evensitting up.

I said: “For the past year I have seen a chiropractor (Dr. Randal Butch in Seminole). He has helpedme to maintain a stronger back and core (I have severe back issues). The proof of his work was inthe joy of that moment in that hospital room! That was my Christmas miracle---my hope is that eachone of you have unexpected miracles and joy in 2015!

Article is courtesy of Demential Details Dispatch, published by Karen Karle. Karen may be contacted at DementiaCaregiver Resources, Inc., 727.391.9999.

Unexpected Miraclesby Karen Karle

Unexpected Miraclesby Karen Karle Truman

Article is courtesy of Dementia Details Dispatch, published by Karen Karle Truman, Ph.D. Karen may be contactedat Dementia Caregiver Resources, Inc., 727-391-9999.

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Trauma surgeon and researcher Julius Cheng, M.D., of the University ofRochester Medical Center, may have said it best when he commented “Insteadof just treating falls as they happen, the focus should be on what we can do tohelp older people avoid them in the first place.” I wonder if he was also thinkingof preventing automobile accidents when he offered that single piece of advice.

Recent research has established a definite correlation between falls and older driver crash involvement.According to an article published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, older adults that have fall-en two or more times in the previous year may be at a higher risk of being involved in an at-fault car crash.

The study, conducted by Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, and the School of PublicHealth at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, also reported that older drivers who fell two or more timesin the prior year were 1.5 times as likely to be involved in an accident and two times as likely to be involvedin an at-fault accident.

The study’s bottom line; a history of frequent falling can serve as a valid indicator in identifying olderdrivers that are at a higher risk for future traffic accidents. That’s pretty significant!

Fortunately, falling is NOT an inevitable part of the aging process as falls can be prevented. In loosetranslation, that could mean that by preventing falls we could ultimately prevent automobile accidentsinvolving older drivers.

The CDC has developed the following tips to help older adults stay independent and reduce their chancesof falling:

Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance,and that they get more challenging over time. Tai Chi programs are especially good.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review current medications (both prescription and over-the counter) toidentify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Have an eye doctor check vision at least once a year and update eyeglasses to maximize vision.

Make the home safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or showerand next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving lighting in the home.

Other helpful tips are available from the CDC’s website at cdc.gov.

Submitted by Matt Gurwell, founder of Keeping Us Safe, LLC. Matt works with older drivers to help them deter-mine whether they are still safe drivers. Visit his website at www.keepingussafe.org to learn more about theirEnhanced Self-Assessment Program, designed specifically for senior drivers, or to schedule a presentation for yourgroup, business, or organization.

FALLS AND THE OLDER DRIVER

SUBMITTED BY MATT GURWELL

Matt Gurwell

14

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Bob LonardoLicensed Insurance Agent

CELL: 727-743-8124OFFICE [email protected]/blonardo

Life / Health / Medicare / Long-Term Care

15

Proud Supporter of the Guardian Association

750 Starkey Road, Largo, FL 33771727.546.4053

Assisted Living Facility Lic #7301

Be more aware

Be more involved

Be more inspired

Be more considerate of others

Be more kindhearted

Be more courteous

Be more respectful

Be more concerned

Be more knowledgeable

Don't worry, be happy!

Resolutions for

2015

The Guardianship Association of PinellasCounty, Inc. does not endorse or recommend

any products or services. The views and opinions expressed in articles

published in the e-Newsletter do not necessarily state or reflect

those of the Association or its members.

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JANUARY COMMUNITY CALENDARTo advertise your event on this calendar,

submit information to Phyllis Johnson at [email protected] by 2/17

16

9:00 AM

Casual NetworkingBreakfast

Westminster Shores125 56th Ave. S.

St. Petersburg

RSVP / info to Jennifer(727) 641-4222

1/15Thurs.

10:00 -11: 30

AM

Professional Women in Healthcare

(Mid-County)

The Barrington901 Seminole Blvd.

Largo

RSVP Dawn Gretter(727) 585-5900

1/15Thurs.

12:00 PM

Balancing Your LifeGuest Speaker:

Mary Jane Cronin

Westchester Gardens3301 McMullen Booth Rd.

Clearwater

RSVP / Info(727) 579-9414

1/13Tues.

9:30 AM

Rise & Shine! Motivational Marketing Breakfast

Grand Villa - Largo750 Starkey Road

Largo

RSVP Laverne(727) 493-0164

1/14Wed.

5:00 -6:30 PM Wine Down Wednesday

Princeton Village333 16th Avenue S.E.

Largo

RSVP Cintia(727) 588-0020

1/14Wed.

8:00 - 9:30 AM

Pancake Breakfastfor Professionals

Brookdale - Countryside3260 N McMullen Booth Rd

Clearwater

RSVP(727) 726-5090

1/15Thurs.

9:00 -10:30 AM

Brunch & LearnThe Fountains at Boca Ciega

Bay, 1255 Pasadena Ave.,St. Petersburg

RSVP (727) 347-2169

1/7Wed.

4:00 -6:00 PM

Belleair Besties - a new networking group

Belleview Biltmore Golf Club1501 Indian Rocks Rd.

Belleair

RSVP Gerri: [email protected]

1/7Wed.

4:00 -6:00 PM

Elvis has Returned!Pacifica - Belleair620 Belleair Rd.

Clearwater

RSVP (727) 467-9464

1/8Thurs.

4:30 -6:30 PM

Trinity Area Marketing Mix (TAMM)

Brass Tap10700 State Road 54

Trinity

RSVP Monee (727) 943-8878

1/8Thurs.

9:00 AM Chomp ‘n ChatRegal Palms

300 Lake AvenueLargo

RSVP Shane Warner (727) 953-9870

1/9Fri.

1/8Thurs.

10:00 AM Referral NetworkingGroup

Princeton Village333 16th Avenue S.E.

Largo

RSVP Cintia(727) 215-8904

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JANUARY COMMUNITY CALENDARTo advertise your event on this calendar,

submit information to Phyllis Johnson at [email protected] by 2/17

17

Brookdale - Countryside3260 N. McMullen Booth Rd

Clearwater

8:30 - 9:45 AM

North CountyNetworking Breakfast

RSVP (727) 726-5090

2/3Tues.

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Wine & CheesePairing Party

Horizon Bay3141 N. McMullen Booth Rd

Clearwater

RSVP (727) 723-7110

1/22Thurs.

5:30 PMGuardian Association

Regular Meeting

Cypress Palms400 Lake Avenue

Largo

RSVP to website:www.guardianassociation.org

1/20Tues.

11:30 AM

FALA - PinellasMembers $10/

Non-members $15TBA

RSVP / Info, Bijou(813) 330-6796

1/21Wed.

4:30 PM

No Name MarketingGroup Location TBD

For more info:call Terri: (727) 403-0017

1/21Wed.

5:00PM

Ribbon CuttingBrookdale Beckett Lake

2155 Montclair Rd.Clearwater

RSVP / Info:(727) 797-7257

1/21Wed.

10:00 -11: 30 AM

Professional Women in Healthcare(South County)

Grand Villa - St. Pete3600 34th Street S.

St. Petersburg

RSVP Susan(727) 484-0563

1/27Tues.

9:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Continuing EducationSeminar

(6 CEU’s possible)

SPC Caruth Health Ed. Bldg.66th St. & Park Blvd.

Pinellas Park

More Info or Register:(727) 341-3393 orspccollege.edu/ceu

1/29Thurs.

8:30 -10:00 AM

Monthly NetworkingBreakfast

Arden Courts9300 Antilles Dr.

Seminole

RSVP to Bernadette(727) 517-7800

1/28Wed.

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Super BowlTailgate Party

Grand Villa - Largo750 Starkey Road

Largo

RSVP Laverne(727) 493-0164

1/29Thurs.

9:00 AMGuardian AssociationMonthly Networking

Breakfast

The Fountains at Boca CiegaBay, 1255 Pasadena Ave.,

St. Petersburg

RSVP to website:www.guardianassociation.org

1/30Fri.

10:00 AM- Noon

Educational Workshop on Alzheimer’s

(free / 2 CEU’s)

Aging Wisely / Easy Living1180 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Suite 701, Clearwater

RSVP (727) 447-5845

1/16Fri.

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Guardian Associationof Pinellas County, Inc.

Membership Request

18

Membership Year: August 1 through July 31

Membership Application: New Renewal Date:

By joining the GAPC you are affirming that you have read the GAPC bylaws and the adopted Code of Ethics from the National Guardian Association.The GAPC Bylaws and NGA Code of Ethics are available on the Association website: www.GuardianAssociation.org

Guardian $45.00 (must be a Guardian or taken the State Guardian Competency Exam) SPGO# Affiliate $60.00 (Non-guardian, Individual)Corporate $75.00 (company is owner of the membership, includes two members, transferable between employees)

Category for listing on GAPC website (Please check appropriate boxes and print legibly)

Professional Guardian Family Guardian Assisted Living Facility Nursing / Rehab Facility Health Care Agency Attorney Paralegal / Legal Assistant Power of Attorney (POA)Care Manager Finance / Banking Government / Court PersonnelOther

Name

Business Name/Organization

Address

City State Zip

County Home Phone Fax

Email Address Website Address

Please make check payable to Guardian Association. Mail to GAPC, P.O. Box 1826, Pinellas Park, FL 33780To apply or renew membership online, please visit our website at www.guardianassociation.org

Pay Pal Accepted. For more information contact : 813-625-8734