SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTER AND HUMANA REACH AGREEMENT ON A NEW CONTRACT FOR FORT DRUM MEDICAL COMMAND (MEDDAC)

Watertown, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2019 – Samaritan Medical Center and Humana today announced they have reached an agreement on a new contract that will allow all specialty providers within the Samaritan Medical Practice back in the TRICARE Network, effective Feb. 11, 2019. The Specialty Practice includes General Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat, Gastroenterology, Thoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Pulmonology, A Woman’s Perspective OB/GYN, Vascular Surgery and Dr. Scott Mollison, Orthopedic Surgery. 

Negotiations between Humana, the contract administrator for TRICARE, and Samaritan Medical Center continued following the expiration of the prior agreement on Jan. 1, 2019.

“We are pleased to announce we have come to terms with Humana that will allow us to continue providing a wide variety of high-quality specialty services to the soldiers, retirees, civilian employees, and their families of the Fort Drum Medical Command (MEDDAC),” said Thomas H. Carman, President & CEO, Samaritan Medical Center.

“We have a long, proud history of partnering with Fort Drum and have helped create a healthcare model that works not only for our community, but has served as a model for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense for adoption at other military installations as well. We are pleased to continue to offer these valuable services close to home for our TRICARE beneficiaries through the Samaritan Medical Practice,” Carman added.

While there was no lapse in coverage and care for the beneficiaries previously assigned to the Samaritan specialists, the new agreement helps maintain a broad network of options for patients.

“Helping our beneficiaries get the care they need when and where they want it is at the center of our mission,” president of Humana Military, Brent Densford said. “We’re happy to see our relationship with Samaritan continuing with these trusted providers.” 

As per a non-disclosure agreement reached by both parties, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Samaritan Medical Center continued delivering emergency, urgent, and both in-patient medical and behavioral health care following the expiration of the prior agreement, but a number of outpatient specialty services were impacted during the negotiations.

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

More information regarding Samaritan Medical Center is available at samaritanhealth.com.

About Humana

Humana Inc. is committed to helping our millions of medical and specialty members achieve their best health. Our successful history in care delivery and health plan administration is helping us create a new kind of integrated care with the power to improve health and well-being and lower costs. Our efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large.

To accomplish that, we support physicians and other health care professionals as they work to deliver the right care in the right place for their patients, our members. Our range of clinical capabilities, resources and tools – such as in-home care, behavioral health, pharmacy services, data analytics and wellness solutions – combine to produce a simplified experience that makes health care easier to navigate and more effective.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:

• Annual reports to stockholders
• Securities and Exchange Commission filings
• Most recent investor conference presentations
• Quarterly earnings news releases and conference calls
• Calendar of events
• Corporate Governance information

Samaritan Announces New Director of Communication & Public Relations

Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of the new Director of Communication & Public Relations, Leslie M. DiStefano of Watertown. As Director of Communication & Public Relations she is responsible for all marketing, strategic communication, and media relations, including the public spokesperson for the Samaritan Health network. 

“We are very pleased to have Leslie join our Marketing team, with her experience and knowledge, we will continue to build on the strength of the Samaritan brand and continue to make the community aware of Samaritan’s high quality, expanded and enhanced services,” explains Beth Fipps, Vice President, Foundation and Community Services.

Ms. DiStefano comes from Jefferson Community College where she served as the Director of Marketing & Communication.  During her time at the College she led the marketing team into a comprehensive digital advertising presence and led the recent redesign of the College website.

Prior to Jefferson, she worked in the Samaritan Marketing department as the Online Communication Coordinator/Webmaster.  DiStefano started her career at WPBS-TV as Educational Services Manager and then later was promoted to Director of Corporate Support.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be leading the Marketing department of this vital healthcare system and being back at an organization I care deeply about,” states Ms. DiStefano. “I look forward to continuing the great communication strategies that have been in place and cultivating new ways to communicate our brand.”

Ms. DiStefano serves on the North Country Family Health Center Board of Directors and is a 2017 Jefferson Leadership Institute alum and continues to be an active planning member of the Race Against Poverty event.  She holds an MBA from Clarkson University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from SUNY Potsdam.

Ms. DiStefano began her new role on Thursday, March 28th. Her office is located in the Marketing and Foundation office at SMC, and can be reached at 315-785-4504.

Samaritan Medical Center Urges Visitors to Not Visit if They Have Signs of Illness

With a significant increase in Influenza (flu) and Norovirus (stomach flu) in our community, Samaritan Medical Center and all of its facilities are urging visitors and loved ones to stay home if they have any signs of sickness.

“We understand that visiting loved ones is important to both the visitor and the patient or resident, and we encourage it under normal circumstances” explains Karen Abare, RN, BSN, CIC, Director of Infection Prevention at Samaritan Medical Center. “However, keeping our patients and residents from acquiring further illness from the flu or stomach bug is our priority. These are highly contagious illnesses and can be life threatening. We are urging anyone who has any signs of illness, especially if they have tested positive for the flu or norovirus, to stay at home until they are well. This protects our patients, residents and staff from potential exposure and illness.”

Samaritan has seen an increase in the number of people visiting its facilities with signs of illness, which has prompted this request to avoid visiting. Many residents and patients already have compromised immune systems that cannot fight off viruses. Both the flu and norovirus are extremely contagious, even to those who are healthy.

The hospital has posted signs at entrances to remind visitors of this urgent request and thanks the community in advance for its cooperation and vigilance. “This is the perfect time to remind the community that the number one way to prevent the spread of illness is by frequent handwashing,” concludes Mrs. Abare. “Next to that, staying home and avoiding public places will minimize the spread of illness to others and throughout the community.”

MODELING SEARCH: TEEN MODELS NEEDED FOR FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK

WATERTOWN, NY – Is a prom in your future? Or maybe you’re attending another formal occasion and are looking for just the right dress or tuxedo. The “Teens for Miracles” event will spice up the runway with the latest styles and trends. But why just sit in the audience and watch? Sign up to be a teen model for a chance to try on and show off formal attire that you or others could add to your wardrobe.

For more than a decade, Kathy Lettiere, owner, A Touch of Grace, Watertown, has organized the “Teens for Miracles” fashion show to raise money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Samaritan Medical Center. During this time, hundreds of local teens have walked in the fashion show modeling bridal and prom fashions.

Teen girls in grades 9-12 can sign up to be models in the fashion show by calling Kathy Lettiere at A Touch of Grace at 315-788-6164. All models must be fitted no later than January 28th.

The “Teens for Miracles” fashion show will be held at the Ramada Inn, Watertown on Sunday, February 3rd at 2:00 pm. Tickets for the event are $10 each and will be available for purchase at A Touch of Grace, the Children’s Miracle Network Office at Samaritan, or at the door on the day of the event. Teen models are encouraged to ask family and friends to purchase tickets to the event.

There will be a drawing at the conclusion of the fashion show for several gift certificates, sponsored by Kathy Lettiere, to include a prom gown, tanning, nails and dinner – all the essentials for the perfect prom night!

For more information on the event, please contact Kathy Lettiere at 315-788-6164 or Kristin LaClair, CMN Development Manager at 315-785-4053.

On Saturday, October 15^th and Sunday, October 16^th, a crew will be on-site to seal/stripe the ramp up to the 3^rd level as well as the 3^rd level deck. The following weekend (October 22^nd and 23^rd) they will do the 4^th level. On both weekends, BOTH levels will be closed and will re-open on Monday morning. However, the first and second levels of the parking garage will remain open throughout the sealing and striping process and will be available for patient, visitor and employee parking.

Fast scans. Exceptional comfort. Unmatched quality.

Has your doctor ever recommended that you get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam? Or are you simply curious about this safe imaging test?

There’s no better place to schedule an MRI exam than Samaritan Medical Center. That’s because we now have the Philips Ingenia 3.0T, the first-ever digital broadband MR scanner. This revolutionary system delivers superb image resolution, fast exams, and a more open patient experience you can feel good about.

It’s fast. Our Ingenia 3.0T can scan patients of varying size, age, and medical condition in less time than previous MR systems on the market. Routine exams of the brain, spine, knee, ankle, and liver are quick and easy. And even more complex scans may only last 15 to 40 minutes.

It’s comfortable. Our revolutionary new Philips Ingenia 3.0T has a wide-bore opening to make you feel less confined. In fact, most scans can be done with your head completely out of the system.

It’s accurate. The Philips Ingenia 3.0T delivers the revealing images your doctor needs to help diagnose your medical condition correctly.
This makes it easier for your doctor to identify and pinpoint any potential problems and helps reduce the number of repeat exams.

The right choice for imaging. Philips Ingenia 3.0T is one more reason to ask your doctor about scheduling your next diagnostic imaging exam at Samaritan Medical Center . To learn more about our wide range of diagnostic and imaging services, click here.

FAQs

Is there any risk?
MRIs use no harmful radiation and there are no known health side effects. MRI studies are very low-risk procedures for most patients.

Can anyone get an MRI?
An MRI isn’t for everyone. Be sure to inform your physician if you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, a shunt with telesensor, inner ear implants, metal fragments in one or both eyes, implanted spinal cord stimulators, or if you’re pregnant or breast feeding.

How do I prepare for an MRI exam?
For many MRI exams, no special preparation is needed. For some, you may need to fast for 4-12 hours prior to the exam. Others require you to swallow a fluid, or to have an injection, that helps show what’s going on inside your body. Guidelines vary with the specific exam and also with the facility. You will be asked to remove all metal (earrings, watches, bobby pins, etc.) and credit cards. You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam or wear loose-fitting clothing with no metal fasteners, zippers, or buttons.

How long will the exam take?
With our advanced Philips Ingenia 3.0T, we can perform routine exams of the brain, spine, knee, ankle, and liver quickly and easily. More complex vascular, cardiac, and musculoskeletal studies can last from 20 to 40 minutes. You should allow extra time in case the exam lasts longer than expected.

Why is Samaritan Medical Center the right choice for an MRI?
At Samaritan Medical Center , we have recently added the Philips Ingenia 3.0T MR system to ensure our doctors and staff have access to the best imaging equipment available and to help deliver the best experience possible to our patients.
The Philips Ingenia 3.0T delivers superb image quality, fast exams, and a more open experience that you can feel good about. In fact, most scans can be performed with your head entirely out of the opening. You’ll probably be very comfortable as you lie on the padded table.

Does the scanner make a lot of noise?
The magnet makes a slight rapping sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. Your MRI technologist will provide you with hearing protection, but you can still hear the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.

Will I have to hold still the whole time?
We’ll get the highest quality results if you hold still during the exam. The technologists will guide you and let you know when you can move between scans.

Will I be alone?
You’ll be in contact with one of our technologists at all times. Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to talk to him or her by intercom. In some cases a family member is welcome to stay in the room with you during your scan.

How do I schedule an MRI at Samaritan Medical Center?
In most cases, your doctor can do that for you. Physicians ordering an MRI for their patients, or patients with a doctor’s order, can schedule an appointment by calling 315-779-5200.

July 5, 2017

PLEASE NOTE: Samaritan Medical Center is on ambulance diversion. This by no means indicates that we are closed – WE ARE ACCEPTING PATIENTS. Diversion is simply a request for ambulance services to consider transporting patients to another hospital, if the patient agrees, and if that is an option for the patient. Unstable (critical) patients who cannot safely make it to another facility will still come here, and we are still accepting walk-in patients, though they may experience an unusually long wait depending on the acuity of their condition. It is important to note that expectant mothers and patients seeking behavioral health are not affected.

July 7, 2017 UPDATE: SMC is no longer on ambulance diversion.