Medical Journal Houston Vol.11, Issue 5, August 2014

Legal Affairs: Stark demands strict compliance, see page 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Leading Source for Healthcare Business News August 2014 • Volume 11, Issue 5 • $3.50 George V. Masi named president/CEO for Harris Health System INSIDE ▼ Methodist Sugar Land Hospital debuts implantable cardiac monitor see page 12 INDEX ▼ Legal Affairs......................3 Integrative Medicine.........4 THA.................................5 Physicians Forum............7 Breaking Ground............11 Technology...................12 Recently, Harris Health System Board of Managers unanimously named George V. Masi permanent president and CEO for Harris Health System. Masi has served as interim president and CEO since July 9.   Masi is no stranger to Harris Health System. He has served as the health system’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2005.   “George Masi is a proven leader and a person of high integrity exemplified by his vast work experience in civilian and military healthcare systems,” says Elvin Franklin Jr., chair, Harris Health Board of Managers. “His background gives him great insight in leading our organization.”   Masi has been with Harris Health since 2001, serving as administrator for Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, the health system’s Level I Trauma Center and flagship teaching facility. Prior to joining Harris Health, Masi served for 27 years as a career officer with the Army Medical Department, rising to the rank of Colonel.  His final military assignment was commanding officer for Fort Stewart, Georgia’s Winn Army Hospital.   George V. Masi (Photo courtesy of Harris Health System) Earlier assignments include Chief of Staff for the Army’s Southeast Regional Medical Command, Fort Gordon, Georgia; Deputy Commander and Chief Operating Officer for Army Hospitals in Virginia and Massachusetts, as well as Battalion Command of a field medical unit.  Mr. Masi also taught healthcare administration with full-time faculty appointment as Assistant Professor with the U.S. Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Health Care Administration.  From 1998 to 2001, he served as the Army Surgeon General’s Consultant for Health Care Administration.   “I consider it an honor being selected to lead Harris Health System,” Masi says. “In doing so, I fully commit to the goals of providing the residents of Harris County with the highest-quality healthcare and being recognized as America’s best communityown healthcare system.”   Masi holds graduate degrees from the University of Buffalo, Long Island University and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He is also a Certified Healthcare Executive and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. Houston Methodist Primary Care Group welcomes Dr. Rajan Houston Methodist Primary Care Group Please see MOVING ON UP page 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Feature: Emergency Preparedness Is Your Network Infrastructure Ready? Gluten see page 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . By Shomari Williams. Associate Director, Business Sales, Verizon Wireless Natural disasters can happen, anywhere, anytime and often with little warning. Whether it’s a hurricane from the Gulf Coast, flooding in the streets of Houston, tornados or even damaging winds, these events can cause loss of life and significantly impact our daily lives. For the medical field and physician community, sustaining operations and remaining connected in times of a crisis is vital. The good news is that advances in technology are continuing to improve healthcare processes and create a more efficient environment for patients, physicians, staff and administration. From expediting patient check-in and eliminating wait times to making healthcare more accessible in rural areas, trends in technological developments in the future promise exciting opportunities and more effective care. Consequently, as tech savvy medical practices become increasingly the norm, physicians must evaluate their existing network infrastructure to make certain their operations are ready for potential threats and disasters. Planning and preparedness are the best defenses against any emergency situation. The following are critical factors and initiatives for physicians to consider when developing a plan and to ensure business continuity in preparation for, during and after natural disasters: Identify critical business functions, systems and risks from a technological standpoint. If a natural disaster was to cause major power outages and disrupt service, would your Please see EMERGENCY page 14 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON TX PERMIT NO 13187