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Advocate recognizes those going above and beyond
Updated: February 28, 2013 2:21PM
After receiving questions regarding billing for expensive infusion medication, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital business manager Christine Geetersloh researched how the hospital was reimbursed. She discovered the reimbursement was for a quantity of 1 rather than 400. Through further investigation, she found and corrected a conversion error in the computer system helping the hospital receive a reimbursement of more than $50,000.
“Christine’s investigation of the issue, follow-through, and persistence resulted not only in increased reimbursement for Advocate, but it created a process cycle of improvement system-wide to ensure this does not happen again,” said Mary Treacy Shiff, vice president of finance and support services.
Geetersloh, of Villa Park, was recognized with Good Samaritan Hospital’s fourth quarter stewardship MVP award. MVP stands for Mission, Values and Philosophy: An MVP is a person who exemplifies Good Samaritan Hospital’s core values, goes above and beyond the call of duty and strives to provide a holistic approach to health care. The following associates demonstrated hard work and strong leadership within their departments. MVP winners are nominated by associates.
Compassion Award: Neonatal intensive care unit nurses Gina Nelson, from Woodridge, and Theresa Deibert, from Indian Head Park. They both cared for a premature baby, even coming in on their days off to assist the family through a difficult time.
“The compassion that these two nurses so easily gave to their patient and family was unlimited and much appreciated by the family,” said Peggy Farrell, manager of the unit.
Partnership Award: Anne Lipira, nurse, from Lombard. As the chairperson for the hospital’s annual American Heart Association walk, Lipira excelled at increasing awareness for heart disease and raised nearly $10,000 from the cardiac rehab department.
Excellence Award: Melissa Whitlow, nuclear medicine technician, from Aurora. She recommended a patient receive a different test after reviewing their complicated medical history, which saved the patient, hospital and insurance company time and money.
“Melissa had the motivation to investigate the patient’s medical condition, the dedication to assimilate the information and arrive at an appropriate conclusion and responsibility to inform the radiologist reflecting the value of excellence,” said Lori Tokarz, supervisor of nuclear medicine.
Equality Award: Elizabeth Linchangco, medical social worker, from St. Charles. After a patient’s car was towed, she called her church and received a voucher for the towing charges. When she picked up the car, she filled up the gas tank at her own expense.
“Elizabeth treats all of her patients equally and does not stop until she finds some way to help each one of them,” said Donna Clarke, manager of care management.
