Geisinger Receives Grant to Develop Diagnostic Tool for Genetic Disorders A team of Geisinger researchers has been awarded a $5 million grant from the National Institute of Health’s National Human Genome Research Institute to develop a tool that will allow healthcare providers to diagnose a genetic basis for select medical conditions in real time. Determining that a medical condition has a genetic basis can have a significant impact on the course of treatment. The proposed High Impact Phenotype Identification System (HIPIS) will shorten the time between onset of symptoms and discovery of a genetic basis for 13 medical conditions, improving patient care and outcomes. “Complex diseases frustrate patients and create a burden on healthcare systems through multiple hospitalizations and frequent testing,” said Marc Williams, M.D., professor at Geisinger’s Genomic Medicine Institute and principal investigator for the project. “Enabling physicians to access genetic information in real time could prevent much of this burden by eliminating the gap between onset of symptoms and genetic diagnosis.” The research team has identified 13 “high-impact” conditions with a high likelihood of having a genetic basis or for which a genetic diagnosis would significantly affect or alter management of the condition. These include pediatric epilepsy, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and congenital kidney disease, among others. An analysis of Geisinger’s electronic health records showed that the average time from symptom onset for one of these conditions to diagnosis as a genetic condition is 3.5 years, and in some cases can take up to 12 years. This delay in genetic diagnosis can affect the patient’s treatment and overall health outcomes. Working alongside experts in each specialty, researchers will develop models that can identify patients with documented clinical signs and symptoms of these high-impact conditions and allow healthcare providers to screen for and diagnose a genetic basis in real time. The team will also analyze clinical workflow to determine the best points at which to present genetic information to providers. “This project is a compelling example of something we do well at Geisinger – using robust genomic and clinical data to help make better health easy for our patients,” said Adam Buchanan, M.S., M.P.H., associate professor and director of Geisinger’s Genomic Medicine Institute. Geisinger has an exciting research environment with more than 50 full-time research faculty and more than 30 clinician scientists. Areas of expertise include precision health, genomics, informatics, data science, implementation science, outcomes research, health services research, bioethics and clinical trials.
New President and Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Dr. Julie Byerly, M.D., M.P.H Geisinger announced that Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., will serve as the new president and dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM), executive vice president and chief academic officer, effective January 1, 2022. She succeeds Steven Scheinman, M.D., who has served as the president and dean of the college since 2012. Scheinman is set to retire at the end of this year. “I am thrilled to announce Julie Byerley as our school’s next president and dean,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., president and CEO of Geisinger. “In addition to being a highly respected leader in education and her many career accomplishments, Dr. Byerley’s passion for academic excellence, research, and teaching will be critical to helping us realize our vision: to make better health easier for the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to have her join our team and lead GCSOM into the future.” “We’re confident Dr. Byerley will work to assure the quality of GCSOM’s educational programs and accreditation that will not only ground students with the very best in healthcare education, research and innovation, but will instill her passion for patient outcomes that will ultimately benefit our communities for generations to follow,” said Virginia McGregor, chair of the GCSOM board. “We want to thank Dr. Scheinman for his leadership throughout the years and vision in growing GCSOM from a small community institution into the nationally respected medical school it is today. We look forward to working with Dr. Byerley to continue this tradition of excellence at GCSOM and to build upon the foundation that Dr. Scheinman helped us establish.” “I’m honored and ecstatic to be joining as the new president and dean of GCSOM and Geisinger’s chief academic officer,” said Dr. Byerley. “The school has a well-known national reputation for being innovative, community centric and patient focused while providing hands-on education and training that prepares students for careers in healthcare. And our research institution has long been recognized as one of the most groundbreaking teams in medicine utilizing population and patient-based data. I am eager to serve and work closely with students, staff, researchers and faculty to further the success of the school, our research environment and all of the academic and training programs that we offer to make better health easier for everyone our students, alumni and researchers will impact throughout their careers.” As the new dean, Byerley will provide visionary leadership for GCSOM, assuring excellence, innovation, and a focus on learners, patients, and the promotion of health. She will continue to establish GCSOM as a leader in the industry and model the community service mission of the organization. In addition to her GCSOM responsibilities, as chief academic officer, Dr. Byerley will leverage her experience from a world-class academic and research institution at the University of North Carolina (UNC) to also oversee the management of educational experiences for learners throughout Geisinger, including graduate medical education, nursing, pharmacy, advanced practitioners and other health professions. She will also be responsible for overseeing Geisinger’s world-renowned research environment that includes more than 50 full-time research faculty and more than 30 clinician investigators responsible for groundbreaking medical advancements like the MyCode Precision Health Initiative and more. Geisinger’s areas of research expertise span precision health, genomics, informatics, data science, implementation science, outcomes research, health services research, bioethics and participation in hundreds of clinical trials each year. Byerley has been with the UNC School of Medicine since 2002, serving recently as vice dean for academic affairs where she oversaw the school’s educational enterprise and the Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development. Since January 2021 she has served as interim dean of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Byerley earned her bachelor’s degree in physics and a teaching certificate from Rhodes College and attended medical school at Duke University. She completed her pediatrics residency and chief residency at UNC-Chapel Hill where she also earned a master’s degree in public health with a focus on maternal and child health.
Geisinger Raises Minimum Pay Rate Geisinger is strengthening its commitment to its employees as it builds on its robust benefits packages and career development offerings by raising its minimum pay rate to $15 per hour for current and future employees, effective Sept. 26. In addition to its competitive pay, Geisinger regularly invests in its employees by offering comprehensive employee benefits, including affordable healthcare coverage that starts on an employee’s first day of employment, contributions toward retirement, tuition reimbursement, career development programs and more. “By investing in our Geisinger family, we’re investing in our patients, members and the communities we serve,” said Brion Lieberman, Geisinger’s chief human resources officer. “Increasing our minimum hiring rate, along with our other employee benefits, shows our ongoing commitment to our dedicated employees and increases our ability to attract talented candidates to fulfill our mission of making better health easier.” In 2019, the health system also unveiled paid parental and military leave benefits. These benefits further supported employees by providing greater flexibility in balancing their commitment to their families and service to our country. This most recent investment in raising the organization’s minimum wage positively impacts current employees and those joining the organization. The largest employee groups benefiting include nursing assistants, food service workers, medical assistants, and patient access representatives, among others. To learn more about career opportunities or to apply for a job opening at Geisinger, visit jobs.geisinger.org.
Geisinger offering Super Saturday flu shot clinics The best defense against getting the flu is by getting a flu shot. This year, Geisinger is making it easier to get one by hosting three Super Saturday flu vaccine events through October. Select Geisinger community medicine offices are hosting drive-thru flu shot events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older. Select Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers are also offering walk-in or drive-thru flu vaccine events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members age 65 and older. All Super Saturday flu vaccine events are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The additional Super Saturdays are October 2 and October 16. “While we had a relatively mild flu season last year, we cannot let our guard down against the flu this year,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. “This year it’s going to be critical for everyone who is able to be vaccinated against the flu to help keep unnecessary flu hospitalizations to a minimum. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to do that.” Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May. Getting vaccinated early in the season is the best defense to keep yourself and those around you flu-free, Martin said. There are 23 Geisinger community medicine offices hosting the drive thru flu events, including: Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)Geisinger Bloomsburg Reichart Road (2407 Reichart Road)Geisinger Dallas Family Practice (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)Geisinger Frackville (701 W. Oak St.)Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane, Danville)Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)Geisinger Lewistown Community Medicine (21 Geisinger Lane)Geisinger Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)Geisinger Lycoming (780 Broad St., Montoursville)Geisinger Milton (155 S. Arch St.)Geisinger Moshannon Valley (210 Medical Center Drive, Philipsburg)Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton)Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trible Drive) There are six Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers hosting flu events. Drive-thru vaccines are available at: Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane, West Hazleton)Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.) Walk-in flu vaccines are available at: Geisinger 65 Forward Milton (5170 Route 405)Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Dam (30 Baldwin Blvd.)Geisinger 65 Forward Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St., Midtown Village) There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm. When arriving at a drive-thru vaccination site, follow all directional signage. You will need to fill out a short electronic form before receiving your flu shot. Remain inside your vehicle next to an opening window, and be aware that staff will not enter vehicles to provide flu shots. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, Martin said. There are certain people who are considered most vulnerable for contracting the flu, including pregnant women, patients with asthma and other respiratory infections, heart and lung conditions, diabetes and anyone over age 65. Caregivers for children between 6 months and 3 years old, who can’t be vaccinated at the Geisinger primary care drive-thru events, should make an appointment with their pediatrician’s office for a flu shot. For a full list of Super Saturday flu vaccine events, as well as helpful tips on staying flu free this season, visit geisinger.org/flunews.
Geisinger and Acadia Healthcare Break Ground for New Behavioral Health Center Geisinger and Acadia Healthcare Company held a groundbreaking ceremony for Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast, a new 96-bed inpatient behavioral health facility. The event occurred on the site of the new facility at 60 Glenmaura National Blvd. in Moosic. Slated to open in the fall of 2022, the facility is a joint venture between Acadia Healthcare, the nation’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and Geisinger, which serves more than 1 million people across 45 counties in Pennsylvania. The center will address the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services in northeastern Pennsylvania. The facility will provide care for adult, pediatric and adolescent patients who struggle with acute symptoms of behavioral health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This array of acute behavioral health services provides a level of care unparalleled in northeastern Pennsylvania, especially for children and adolescents. The facility represents an approximately $40 million investment in the community. “The need for behavioral health resources is a national issue that we also face here in northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for all of the communities we serve, and we are excited to partner with Acadia to provide these much-needed services close to home for our patients.” “We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to introduce this new facility to Moosic and the surrounding communities,” said Debbie Osteen, chief executive officer of Acadia Healthcare. “We are so proud to work together to address a rising need in this area. This facility, like all in the Geisinger network, will become a strong member of the community, collaborating with all organizations, hospitals and first responders.” Geisinger and Acadia will open a similar facility in Danville, with construction slated to begin in 2022. These two new centers will allow Geisinger to consolidate inpatient behavioral health programs from Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital and Geisinger Community Medical Center, providing additional capacity and expanded private room availability at those hospitals. Together, the new facilities are expected to create approximately 200 new jobs by 2024. Pictured in photo are: Matthew Walsh, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Geisinger; Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, president and chief executive officer, Geisinger; Justin Coffey, MD, chair, psychiatry and behavioral health, Geisinger; Michael Genovese, MD, JD, chief medical officer, Acadia Healthcare; Isa Diaz, senior vice president of strategic affairs, Acadia Healthcare; John Hollinsworth, executive vice president of operations, Acadia Healthcare; Heather Acker, vice chair of the Geisinger Board of Directors; Virginia McGregor, chair of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Board of Directors and member of the Geisinger Board of Directors.
Geisinger, Medacta Partner to Guarantee Outcomes for Knee Hip and Shoulder Replacement Surgeries Going for a joint replacement surgery is a major decision made by patients and it often goes through various stages of deliberation. Geisinger, one of the nation’s most innovative health systems, Geisinger Health Plan and Medacta, a high-growth, pure play orthopaedics company, announced today that they will offer a two-year guarantee for total hip, knee and shoulder replacement surgeries. The guarantee applies to all patients who are a member of a qualifying Geisinger Health Plan and remain in the care of a Geisinger provider. Geisinger, through its partnership with Medacta, also offers a lifetime guarantee for total hip, knee and revision knee replacement surgeries for qualifying patients. Joint replacement surgeries are very common and safe for the treatment of severe osteoarthritis. However, this guarantee provides much-needed peace-of-mind for patients who need surgery to relieve their joint pain. Patients with comorbidities are also included in the guarantee. Comorbidity is a major factor in determining the outcomes of various orthopaedic conditions. Patients with comorbidities have higher revision rates than patients without comorbidities. “We understand that the decision to have surgery is not made lightly. This guarantee offers patients a sense of security while making that crucial decision,” said Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., chair of the Geisinger Musculoskeletal Institute. “Geisinger is centered around making health easier. We offer world-class joint replacement expertise to our patients and we’re willing to stand behind our surgeries for a lifetime. We are proud of this ground-breaking offering because of the many benefits it brings our patients, both physically and mentally.” A global leader in orthopaedic medical devices, Medacta provides uncommon resources to train surgeons–including those at Geisinger–in surgical techniques and the use of their specially-designed hip, knee and shoulder implants for minimally-invasive surgeries. Medacta innovative Solutions, among which its patient-matched technologies (MyKnee®, MyShoulder®, MyHip®) to facilitate accurate implant positioning and OR efficiency through advanced 3D pre-operative planning and patient specific instruments, and its Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery (AMIS®) technique for hip replacements, are designed to enable a healthy and active lifestyle for every patient, reducing postoperative pain and shortening the rehabilitation time. “The promotion of patient well-being by advancing surgical approaches, implants and instruments through responsible innovation, is a cornerstone of Medacta’s mission,” said Francesco Siccardi, Chief Executive Officer at Medacta International. “This expansion of our successful value-based initiatives with Geisinger, initiated in 2018 launching the hip replacement program with positive responses, demonstrates how Medacta brings our patient focused mission to life.” In 2014, Geisinger launched ProvenCare Hip Fracture, Total Hip, Total Knee and Lumbar Spine in yet another chapter of the health system’s transformative care. In 2018, in association with Medacta, Geisinger became the first health system to offer a lifetime guarantee for eligible total hip replacements. In 2019, Geisinger extended the same lifetime guarantee to eligible new knee replacement surgeries. Patients are encouraged to find out more from their doctors on both the two-year and lifetime guarantees. For more information, please visit www.geisinger.org/ortho.
Geisinger Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine for All Employees Today, 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic and facing another surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Geisinger is announcing all employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15. Rooted in values for safety and high-quality care, the decision requiring employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine follows months of careful study and discussion. “Based on overwhelming evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, we believe this is the right decision at the right time to protect our patients and employees and slow the spread of this deadly virus in our communities,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “We understand that some employees who have consciously chosen to not get vaccinated may be disappointed by this decision. We hope they will understand that this is a necessary step to protect the health of our patients and their colleagues.” In addition to current employees, the COVID-19 vaccine requirement includes all new employees, faculty, medical staff, residents, fellows, temporary workers, trainees, volunteers, students and temporary staff, regardless of employer. Employees must complete a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine series by October 15. All new employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment beginning on October 15. “With new variants taking hold, causing rising COVID-19 numbers locally, nationally and in our hospitals, our communities can’t afford for health care workers to be out of work because of COVID-19,” Ryu said. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have worked tirelessly, under challenging and unprecedented circumstances to continue delivering world-class care to our friends and neighbors, and this now includes requiring our employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.” An exemption process is available for employees who have a documented and very specific medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that preclude them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Geisinger has similar vaccination requirements for employees to be protected from viruses like influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and more. Today’s announcement aligns with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Group Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses Association, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and many more that have strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccine requirements for health care workers. Geisinger stands with these respected organizations in putting the safety of its patients and staff first. Currently, about 70 percent of Geisinger employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. These employees and all those who meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement by October 15 are showing a commitment to our values and keeping our patients, communities and co-workers safe. As a thank you for living Geisinger’s values, all non-executive leadership employees who meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement or receive an approved exemption will be paid a one-time $500 bonus in late October. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, Geisinger continues to follow other safety measures to prevent the virus’ spread, including requiring masks in all buildings, limiting visitation, and reducing capacity in public spaces to encourage physical distancing. For the latest COVID information, including Geisinger’s policies, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.
Geisinger Introduces Customizable Zero-Interest Payment Plans Furthering its mission to make better health easier for the communities it serves, Geisinger is introducing a new AI-backed, customizable approach to medical billing where patients have the power to select zero-interest payment plans that that can be paid over a timeline of their choosing. Partnering with fintech startup PayZen, Geisinger is the first major health system in the United States to implement this AI-backed financing solution to create customized billing solutions that will help patients more easily afford out-of-pocket medical expenses within their personal budgets. With this partnership, patients receiving Geisinger bills for out-of-pocket expenses will be invited to pay the bill in one lump sum, or over many months, on a timeline that works for their personal financial situation. If they elect to pay their balance over time, they can choose from several customized payment plans, all without fees or interest. The payment plans will be made available to all Geisinger patients with out-of-pocket balances over $250 after insurance payments. “Everything we do at Geisinger is done in an effort to make better health easier for our patients, members and communities. This includes making it simpler to afford and pay medical bills with no-interest plans on friendly, customizable terms,” said Robert Dewar, Chief Revenue Officer at Geisinger. “We understand that everyone’s financial situations are different and it’s our obligation to make sure our patients don’t avoid or put off necessary care for financial reasons.” This new approach has proven popular. During the initial rollout, 82% of patients enrolled after receiving their customized monthly payment plan, with an average monthly payment of $52. Geisinger and PayZen are enrolling hundreds of patients in the program each month. “Out of pocket medical bills can put a strain on any patient’s household budget. PayZen seeks to address that strain with technology that allows us to customize payment plans that meet whatever a patient’s budget requires,” said Itzik Cohen, PayZen CEO and co-founder. “Geisinger is an early adopter of this technology that has the potential to revolutionize health care payments to better meet the needs of patients.”
Geisinger Offering Third-Dose COVID-19 Vaccines for Immunocompromised People Following recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration, Geisinger is now offering third-dose COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people. Third-dose vaccines are available by appointment at Geisinger Community Vaccine Centers or select Geisinger Pharmacy locations. People eligible for the third dose are those who already received two doses of either the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and have weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this includes people who have: • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott- Aldrich syndrome)• Advanced or untreated HIV infection• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response If you are unsure if you’re eligible for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your doctor. Make an appointment for a third-dose COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton. Remember to bring the COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received both vaccine doses to the third-dose appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax. As a reminder, one visitor is permitted for outpatient appointments, and masks must be worn (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status) by all patients, visitors and employees in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.
