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MERITUS STORIES
Going for Bold: Meritus employee loses 40 pounds
In late 2023, Sandy Alton realized she had a problem. “My health started declining,” said the community navigator with Meritus Health. “I was gaining a lot of weight. My energy level was bottoming out.” But things became clear to her in the fall when she and her husband, Greg, got photos taken in Williamsport. “When I saw those pictures, it made me hit rock bottom,” she recalled. “Had I really gained that much weight?” Feeling sorry for herself and not knowing what to do, she turned to a program she’d actually been sharing with patients and co-workers: Go for Bold. “Why not use if for myself?” she asked. What is Go for Bold? The Go for Bold initiative was started by Healthy Washington County, a coalition of public and private organizations, including Meritus, with a mission to strengthen the health and wellness of our community and residents. The initiative was sparked after a Community Health Needs Assessment found Washington County residents had high rates of chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, among others. The goal of the initiative is to lose 1 million pounds as a community by 2030 by encouraging activity, healthy diet and accountability. So far, more than 163,000 pounds have been lost, according to the program’s online weight tracker. Hub City Nutrition offers free classes Alton started by clicking on the link for fitness classes, which advertised a free fit camp held twice a week. “It was free, and I thought I didn’t have anything to lose,” she said. “I figured if I don’t like it, I just won’t go back.” Greg Alton, who has had heart surgery himself and needed to get into better shape, agreed to join his wife. It was at the fitness classes where they met Sheriff “Reef” Taiwo and Jetaine “Jet” Hart who operate Hub City Nutrition. The couple partnered with Healthy Washington County to offer the free community workouts about two years ago. “It aligned with our vision of making Hagerstown healthy,” Hart said. “It aligned with our mission and bigger purpose.” Taiwo and Hart left Prince George’s County for Hagerstown with the goal of making the community healthier. Using statistics compiled by the state, they learned that Washington County was at the bottom of most Maryland counties’ lists when it came to health. Hub City Nutrition also provides nutrition and wellness coaching. For example, they have a 21-day challenge that is meant to provide accountability along with nutrition coaching by offering meal guides, prizes and workouts. It all fits in with Go for Bold. ‘She has abs at 60’ Hub City Nutrition recently started hosting monthly wellness workshops. This not only offers meal and workout advice, but participants get on the scale to track their progress. “A lot of people are seeing amazing results,” she said, noting Sandy Alton’s transformation. “She has abs at 60!” When the Altons took their first class in November 2023, they were amazed. “We said, ‘We have no idea what the heck we just did, but it was awesome,’” Sandy Alton said. “I’ve lost 40 pounds and my energy is through the roof. I can’t say enough about the good things it’s done for my life.” To learn more about Go for Bold, visit healthywashingtoncounty.com/goforbold.
NEWS & UPDATES
Public health advisory: Cases of flu, other viruses surging
Meritus Health chief medical officer reviews situation, offers advice to prevent spread The tri-state area has seen an increase in several viral illnesses in recent weeks, with the flu being the most prevalent, Meritus Health medical experts say. Healthcare providers across the health system are also encountering an increased number of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, and the norovirus stomach bug. Cases of COVID-19 are also being reported, though their number is a far cry from the pandemic’s peak. But the flu is the big one, with Meritus Medical Center, Meritus Urgent Care and Meritus primary care providers reporting a surge since January. Flu season typically runs from December through February, thanks to cold weather forcing people indoors and into closer contact with each other. Flu vaccines are given in the fall to help control the spread. “This year we have noticed a variant strain not completely covered by the vaccine,” said Meritus Chief Medical Officer Anand Budi, M.D. “As a result, we are seeing people who are vaccinated also getting sick with flu.” Stopping the spread, treating symptoms To help stop the spread of the virus, Dr. Budi advised regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. As with most viruses, treatments are limited. Oseltamivir, known by the brand name Tamiflu, can treat the flu, but it typically only shortens the length of illness by a day. “The best thing to do is to rest, drink plenty of fluids — especially water — and use over-the-counter medicines,” he said. While there is some indication that vitamin C and zinc can help ease symptoms, Dr. Budi advised against taking cough suppressants, unless it’s needed to help with sleep. “You want them to bring that phlegm out of their lungs,” he said, noting expectorant medicines would be better. He also said drinking more fluids is helpful because it can thin mucus, making it easier to expel. When is it time to visit the doctor? Because the flu and other viruses going around are very contagious, Dr. Budi recommends staying home and treating symptoms yourself. “Visiting the doctor can spread the illness to other patients and healthcare providers,” he said. However, seek medical attention if you are: In respiratory distress Have a high fever (102.5 degrees or higher) Have a severe cough that lasts for more than four days Are no longer eating or drinking a reasonable amount What treatment options does Meritus have? President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., noted that, in addition to the emergency department at Meritus Medical Center off Robinwood Drive, and the urgent care centers on Crayton Boulevard and at the Valley Mall, Meritus also offers a virtual option. MeritusNow allows patients to schedule an online appointment with a care provider using your computer or phone camera. Details to set up an appointment can be found by visiting www.meritushealth.com/now. “If you or a loved one does become ill, we want to remind you that Meritus is prepared to support your care needs,” Joshi said. “Our mission is to improve the health of the community by providing expert care, no matter where you are.”
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2 from Meritus among statewide healthcare innovation contest winners
Advancing Innovation in Maryland Contest seeks to use state’s care model that rewards investment in preventative care Two Meritus Health team members were among 10 winners in a statewide competition to find innovative ways to make patient care better and more affordable. Carly Critchfield and Miranda Ramsey each were recognized for ideas chosen in the Health Services Cost Review Commission’s Advancing Innovation in Maryland Contest. Launched in the fall in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, the Abell Foundation, and the Horizon Foundation, the contest leverages Maryland’s unique healthcare model, which creates opportunities to invest in preventative care. There were 40 submissions to the contest spanning the state, and the contest was judged by an independent panel of experts. Critchfield, supervisor of outpatient practices at Valley Mall, sought to reach isolated patients with a “well wheels” program, which reimagines physician house calls by using mobile healthcare teams across the state. Ramsey, vice president of physician services, aimed to support patients with diabetes through a “diabetic door dash” program that combines medical care, nutritional support and social services. “Innovation comes in many forms,” said Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “These ideas are examples of Meritus leaders’ continuous focus on improvement for patients. By addressing critical health challenges with forward-thinking solutions, we are not only enhancing care in our local community but also contributing to broader efforts to improve health outcomes across the state.” “The AIM contest demonstrates that there is no shortage of great ideas in Maryland health care,” said Jon Kromm, executive director of the HSCRC. “This contest will serve as a spark for the commission and the healthcare sector to pursue innovation in care delivery to support better health at lower cost across the state.”
Family Medicine Residency Program part of Advocacy Day in Annapolis
Maryland Academy of Family Physicians coordinates opportunities for healthcare providers to speak with state lawmakers Members of the Meritus Family Medicine Residency Program joined other physicians and medical professionals earlier this month in Annapolis as part of the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians’ annual Advocacy Day. The day was spent speaking with lawmakers and others about legislation important to family medicine practices under consideration during the state Legislature’s 90-session. “We are just trying to figure out how to best support physicians in whatever environment they work,” said Stacy Ross, M.D., M.S., FAAFP, program director of the Meritus Family Medicine Residency Program and also a Maryland Academy of Family Physicians board member. “We are trying to shore up the workforce in Maryland.” Family medicine, also sometimes called primary care, cares for people of all ages, treating different health problems for both children and adults. Residents in the three-year Meritus Family Medicine program are doctors fresh out of medical school who are training to become family doctors. “It was a great experience for the residents,” Dr. Ross said. “They actually got to see what happens in the legal world and how it affects what we do on a daily basis.” The topics doctors touched on with lawmakers were focused on maintaining and growing the pool of healthcare providers in the state and providing more oversight on insurers: · Medicaid reimbursement rates: Gov. Wes Moore is proposing to fund certain Medicaid payments at 100% of Medicare in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which starts July 1. Historically, Medicaid payment rates to physicians have been too low to ensure there are enough doctors to treat patients. The state House of Delegates and the state Senate have to approve a state budget by the end of the legislative session on April 7. · Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians and Physician Assistants: This program provides money to certain healthcare providers to help repay student loans, thereby making it more enticing for them to enter family medicine instead of a more lucrative specialty. The program had relied on physician licensure fees, which generated $400,000 annually for the entire state. The average medical school debt is more than $200,000. Moore’s proposed budget increases the program funding to $3 million. · Senate Bill 474/House Bill 848 — Health Insurance-Adverse Decisions-Reporting and Examinations: These bills, which the Maryland Academy of Family Physicians support, toughen the authority of the Maryland Insurance Administration, which regulates health insurance carriers in the state. The bills state that the rate of a health insurance carrier’s denials of claims for a treatment can’t grow by more than 10% in the preceding calendar year or 25% in the preceding three calendar years. If that happens, the insurers have to justify the increase to the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, who can levy penalties for violations. Dr. Ross said the group reported being well-received by lawmakers and their staffs. “It was very eye-opening for some of them,” she said. “We were educating them on not only the policies we support, but also how we get to be physicians — going through medical school, residency, etc.” Beyond that, they also told lawmakers about how family medicine providers focus not just on coughs and fevers, but also on the social determinants of health, Ross said. “That includes transportation, housing problems, employment problems,” she said. “We ask about those things and try to get patients the resources they need to improve their overall health.”
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