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Meritus Health location at Valley Mall makes healthcare convenient
July 1, 2024
Sports medicine, physical therapy, urgent care and pediatrics after-hours clinic to be housed in Halfway shopping mecca Ensuring that our community can access healthcare services is paramount to Meritus’ mission of improving the health of the community. That’s why the opening of Meritus Health’s new multispecialty medical practice at Valley Mall is a plus not only for patients, but for the mall, too. “Meritus is always trying to bring great care closer and closer to the people who need it,” said David M. Lehr, chief strategy officer of Meritus Health. “Expanding our footprint to another major location will improve convenience for our patients. This addition advances our objective to bring high-quality healthcare services directly into communities where people live and work." PREIT, a leading owner and operator of community-centric retail properties, has seen the evolution of malls, where out-of-the-box thinking has brought different tenants that serve customers’ needs. Meritus will be the third major healthcare facility incorporated into one of PREIT’s properties. "We are thrilled to welcome Meritus Health as our newest tenant at Valley Mall," said Julie Rohm, PREIT regional manager. "Our focus on delivering innovative and thoughtful destinations to meet modern consumer demands includes providing services that meet their daily needs. In a market that is evolving at the pace Hagerstown is, we are pleased to enhance the one-stop-shop experience we provide with the addition of high-quality healthcare options." On July 1, Meritus Health plans to open its physical therapy and sports medicine practices, an urgent care and relocate its after-hours pediatrics clinic in the former Sears store. Plans are in the works to add a family medicine practice in 2025. The opening will officially launch Meritus Sports Medicine. It is a practice for athletes of all ages to seek preventive care including sports physicals, injury care, concussion management, and joint/soft tissue therapy. Meritus Health is the sports-medicine provider of choice for the Flying Boxcars professional baseball team and also partners with Washington County Public Schools to provide professional athletic trainers in the county’s high schools. And for those weekend warriors, youth athletes, or any person committed to improving their physical well-being, Valley Mall provides a strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Interstates 81 and 70. The Meritus office will join a diverse set of tenants at the mall, which includes several sit-down dining establishments including Black Rock Bar & Grill, Mission BBQ, Red Robin and Primanti Bros to name a few; family entertainment venues, Regal Cinemas and Tilt; alongside traditional and value retail offerings including H&M, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Victoria’s Secret, aerie, Bath & Body Works and more. To learn more about Meritus Sports Medicine, go to www.meritushealth.com/sportsmedicine.
Meritus Health celebrates new outpatient surgery center
June 27, 2024
C.P. Choudari Surgical Center to help improve the health of the community Meritus Health is opening a new outpatient surgery center to better meet patient needs and continue its mission of improving the health of the community. The C.P. Choudari Surgical Center will reduce wait times, provide faster diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients needing various surgical services. “We remain committed to evaluating the needs of our growing community,” said Dave Lehr, Meritus Health chief strategy officer. “We know that in our community, many must wait too long for important preventative screenings and diagnostic procedures. Opening the C.P. Choudari Surgical Center will help us reduce the time patients are waiting for these important procedures.” The new center, which celebrated its ribbon-cutting June 26, is in Suite 247 of the Robinwood Professional Center, 11110 Medical Campus Drive. It’s named for Dr. C.P. Choudari, who has been paramount in opening the facility. Choudari will be one of the physicians to perform medical procedures in the facility beginning in early August. “Meritus has invested in this surgical center to provide patients a more affordable, convenient and personalized alternative to the hospital for their endoscopic procedures and surgeries, all while delivering high quality care,” said Dr. C.P. Choudari, through whose donation the center was made possible. “This center will be more intimate than the hospital, and give patients a greater sense of personalized care and contact with their care team. “To me, this is a dream come true,” Dr. Choudari said. “Actually, dreams do not come true, dreams are made true.” A provider referral is needed for procedures at the center, but to learn more about what is offered, visit www.meritushealth.com/choudarisurgicalcenter.
Are you in pain? Neurosurgery might be the answer for you
June 20, 2024
When you hear the term “neurosurgery,” you might think about a doctor operating on your brain, or conditions such as tumors, aneurysms or stroke. While those are a part of it, one of the chief parts of neurosurgery is reducing and managing chronic pain. “Pain is a big problem in the community,” said Gentian Toshkezi, M.D., F.A.A.N.S, F.C.N.S, who is part of Meritus Neurosurgery with Chikezie Eseonu, M.D., F.A.A.N.S. “The treatment of pain and improving the patient’s quality of life is one of our main tasks.” Meritus opened its specialty practice, Meritus Neurosurgery, in 2023 to serve a growing community need. The health system wanted to provide the specialty surgical services needed so community members don't have to travel out of the area for the care they need. Formally, neurosurgery is a specialized branch of medicine dedicated to resolving complex issues in the brain and spine. But that can also include everything from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome to pain or numbness in the hands and feet. Such conditions can be treated by neurosurgeons, either with surgery or other methods, Dr. Toshkezi said. For example, you might get treated for spinal-related pain in your lower back by a physical therapist, but the pain is not going away. A referring physician could send you to the neurosurgeon for treatment. “When degenerative spine disease progresses, it can cause compression of the spinal cord, and that requires decompression,” he said. Sometimes pain is caused by trauma such as a vehicle crash. Other times it can be from repetition such as sitting at a desk and using a keyboard. Sometimes the pain can be caused by genetics. Whatever the condition, Dr. Toshkezi said neurosurgeons come up with an approach and strategy to treat the pain and improve quality of life. The first step is to talk to your primary care physician, who would perform certain tests, Dr. Toshkezi said. “If they are positive, we are here,” he said. “Not every headache or back pain requires neurosurgical intervention. But don’t ignore it.” For those seeking a consultation with the Meritus Neurosurgery team, a referral is necessary. To learn more about the extensive range of neurosurgery services offered, visit the official website at MeritusHealth.com/Neurosurgery.
Meritus chief financial officer honored by industry publication
June 19, 2024
Josh Repac named to Becker’s 2024 CFOs to Know Meritus Health Chief Financial Officer Josh Repac is among Becker's Hospital Review’s 2024 "CFOs to Know" list, which recognizes pivotal financial stewards within healthcare organizations. These CFOs manage enormous budgets, navigate intricate revenue cycles and develop financial strategies that ensure the sustainability of their institutions. “I am honored to be listed in Becker's CFOs to Know list among so many incredible leaders across the nation working to improve a very important component of healthcare, affordably. Truly, I am honored to help lead a team that is dedicated to improving the health of our community. By working hard to improve the efficiency at Meritus, we are helping to make care more affordable and accessible," said Repac, who first started at Meritus in 2019 and was promoted to CFO in 2021. Highlighted for their roles in maintaining the financial health of hospitals and health systems, these CFOs enable their organizations to focus on delivering top-notch patient care. The list celebrates their commitment to enhancing financial operations, a cornerstone for the success of any healthcare facility. “Reducing costs and ultimately helping to make healthcare affordable is paramount to achieving our mission of improving the health of our community,” said Meritus President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H. “Josh is an incredible leader who is passionate about bringing needed care into reach for our community. He's leveraged community partnerships and helped create pathways for care within our community in addition to having a strong acumen for the complicated reimbursement programs. Josh truly is the whole package.” The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list. The full list features individual profiles of all leaders on the list, and can be read here. Note: The CFOs to Know list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of included CFOs or associated healthcare providers. Leaders and organizations cannot pay for inclusion on this list. CFO names are presented in alphabetical order.
Brook Lane to affiliate with Meritus, enhance care for region, state
June 12, 2024
Move supports a growing community need for mental health services Two long-standing local health providers will join together in July, as Brook Lane and Meritus Health will affiliate, vowing to expand access to mental health services across the region and state. The definitive agreement comes after months of formal due diligence by both organizations and their respective boards. “As we consider the best opportunities to support the total health of our community, while the demand for mental health support and services continues to increase, welcoming Brook Lane to our organization presents an opportunity for our two strong organizations to enhance access to services and provide patients with more coordinated care,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., President and CEO of Meritus Health. Joshi said Meritus Health and Brook Lane have a long tradition of partnering in the community. In September 2023, the health providers worked together to open a mental health urgent care on the Meritus Health Campus off Robinwood Drive in Hagerstown. “We looked at the need in our community and across our state and found a way to share resources in order to quickly support that need,” Joshi said. “We understand the strength in working together and look forward to the next chapter in providing mental health services and education to our community.” Over the past several months, Joshi said he and Brook Lane CEO Jeffery D. O’Neal, MBA, LCPC, FACHE have been considering how they can use the strengths of their respective organizations to better fill current and future mental health needs across the region and the state. By combining resources, O’Neal and Joshi outlined an expanded model for mental health that would extend access levels of care and position the organization as one of the largest and most accessible in the nation. Once combined, the community would have access to integrated clinical offerings with a total of 80 inpatient beds; a psychiatry residency program, a high acuity residential crisis program, day treatment programs for children, adolescents and adults, substance abuse treatment services, mental health urgent care, mental health telehealth visits, a Type III and two Type I school programs, school-based therapists, interventional psychiatry programs, an employee assistance program servicing 12 organizations, and much more. Together, there would be 25 providers, 105 licensed therapists, 115 dedicated nursing staff and 20 teachers, all dedicated to supporting mental health services. This model, with combined resources, doesn’t just put together clinical excellence, but aligns cultural and community values as well. "Meritus and Brook Lane share community-centric values and a vision for making our neighbors healthier," O’Neal said. "Affiliating with Meritus provides our organization with the support it needs to grow and expand, while maintaining our tradition of providing compassionate mental and behavioral health services.” The affiliation will not reduce jobs, according to both leaders, but Brook Lane team members will be moved to the more competitive Meritus compensation scale. Over time, the organizations will consider together the best opportunities for expanding mental health services. “We know this partnership will improve access to care in our community,” Joshi said. “We look forward to our next steps, as together we plan and envision how to best enhance services and education.” Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. With over 3,000 employees, 500 medical staff members and 250 volunteers, Meritus Health serves over 200,000 residents of the tristate region. Meritus Medical Center has 327 beds and Meritus Medical group has over 160 providers. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.
Prostate screening a key part of men’s health
June 7, 2024
It’s expected that prostate cancer will be the No. 1 diagnosed cancer in men in the United States this year, according to the American Urological Association. That amounts to 299,010 cases, 6150 in Maryland. Prostate cancer is also expected to be the No. 2 cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S., behind only lung cancer, in 2024. That amounts to 35,250 cases, 660 in Maryland. “I tell my patients it is so important to weigh the options for screening for prostate cancer, especially if you are at high risk,” said Dr. Kevin Hackett, M.D., with Meritus Urology. “Early warning signs are rare with prostate cancer.” The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). Dr. Hackett recommends men talk to the doctors about prostate screening at age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years. Why 10 more years? Dr. Hackett notes that not all prostate cancers are alike. Finding and treating all prostate cancers early might seem to make sense, but some grow so slowly that they would never cause any problems during a man’s lifetime. He recommends discussing screening at age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes African American men and men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). He strongly recommends talking about screening for men aged 40 who are at higher risk: those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age. “When looking at the options, we take the time to review all of the information to make the best decision possible for the patient,” he said. “And screenings aren’t always what the movies would have you believe.” Specifically, there is the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. The typical test finds a protein made by cells in the prostate gland. The chance of having prostate cancer goes up as the PSA level goes up in the blood. While not 100% effective, the American Urological Association says it should be used as the primary screening. The other usual test is the digital rectal exam, or DRE, where the doctor uses a gloved and lubricated finger inserted into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer. It’s often less effective than a PSA test, but it can sometimes find cancers in men with normal PSA levels. If a PSA and/or DRE test show signs of cancer, Dr. Hackett said a prostate biopsy might be ordered. That procedure takes a small sample of the prostate using a thin, hollow needle for examination under a microscope. Though more complicated than other tests, it is the only way to know for sure if a man has prostate cancer. “The doctors at Meritus Urology are there to help men through all stages, from screening to biopsy, to treatment of prostate cancer, should you need it,” Dr. Hackett said. “And you can do things yourself to reduce your risk for prostate cancer, such as exercising, eating healthy, not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, among other things.” To learn more, visit www.meritushealth.com/Urology.
Cancer survivors honored, credit John R. Marsh Cancer Center
May 31, 2024
June 2 is National Cancer Survivors Day. It’s a day to acknowledge cancer survivors, raise awareness of the challenges cancer survivors face, and to celebrate life. As part of Meritus Medical Center, the John R. Marsh Cancer Center is known for providing the highest quality service in a friendly environment. Surgeons, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists as well as certified nurses and rehabilitation therapists are passionate about their patients’ cancer care and healing process. “I called them my nurse angels,” said Donald Gall, 78, of Halfway, Md. “From the minute you walk in, you can tell that they care. They have to, or they wouldn’t survive in that kind of job.” When Gall first went to John R. Marsh Cancer Center, he was battling stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer had spread to seven different places in his body. He had been on two different kinds of chemotherapy, but after seven months, “it quit working.” His doctor said he had more arrows in his quiver and got him approved to take a new medication, Opdivo. After another seven months, in August of 2016, he was cancer clear. His treatments continued through November 2019. “I cannot say enough about how great those people are in the infusion center,” Gall said. “I don't know how they find the courage to face what they face every day.” To show his appreciation, he would dress up as Santa Claus to deliver presents to the staff who helped him at the center. As a cancer survivor, he admits his treatments did drain his strength. “But I’m here,” he said. “I’m pretty much able to go and do what I want.” Cynthia Delauter beat breast cancer thanks to the John R. Marsh Cancer Center. It was 1998 when the now-72-year-old Hagerstown resident received a stage 1 diagnosis. She underwent radiation, chemotherapy and, eventually, a lumpectomy. “They have been phenomenal,” she said of the staff at the cancer center. “They’ve always been very professional, kind, sympathetic, loving, intelligent — you could ask them anything.” Unfortunately, her cancer journey hasn’t been as successful as one would hope. In 2003, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of treatable blood cancer. She visits the cancer center every five weeks or so to get diagnostic tests, sometimes experiencing a plateau. “But then the numbers go in the wrong direction,” she said, leading to more treatment. When that happens, she said she’s glad she’s got the John R. Marsh Cancer Center there to care for her. “I would highly recommend the facility,” she said. The cancer center is proud to serve Gall, Delauter and the hundreds of patients who get treatment there every year, said Maulik Joshi, president and CEO or Meritus Health. “From nationally renowned oncology specialists to an infusion solarium and meditation garden, our center is the place where patients and families come to find healing, compassion and comfort,” Joshi said. “And the best part is, we are right here providing expert care, close to home.” To learn more about the cancer center and providers, visit meritushealth.com/CancerCenter or call 301-665-4650.
No patient will miss an appointment because they don’t have a ride
May 28, 2024
With support from Maryland Physicians Care, Meritus develops free transportation initiative to reduce barrier A Meritus Health initiative has made it possible for Joan Yarlick and hundreds of other patients to get to medical appointments they otherwise would have missed due to a lack of transportation. Yarlick moved to Hagerstown 10 years ago, leaving behind her car in California. “That’s when I noticed the Meritus vans in the neighborhood,” the Baltimore native said. “The next time I had an appointment, I asked about them.” Yarlick was among the early users this year of the Meritus Transportation initiative. As Meritus leaders continued to note a barrier for community members receiving care was a lack of transportation, they looked further into the issue. “We are committed that no one in Washington County, for any circumstance, will miss a medical appointment due to transportation issues,” said Maulik Joshi, Meritus president and CEO. “Understanding barriers to receiving important care is paramount to improving the health of our community. We will continue to develop and expand our program to support the community’s need.” Meritus has eight vans, and those scheduling medical appointments are asking patients if they need transportation to coordinate a ride, no matter where in the health system they’re going. The service is already averaging more than 300 rides per week, which equates to more than 15,000 free rides a year. The Meritus Transportation service is an answer to a problem repeatedly raised by those surveyed in the Healthy Washington County FY 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment: Transportation to outpatient medical services is a barrier for patients who do not have independent transport. Expansion was made possible with assistance from Maryland Physicians Care (MPC), a locally managed care organization owned in part by Meritus Health and three other hospitals in the state. “As Washington County’s largest Medicaid Managed Care Organization, MPC has a large number of members that lack access to transportation,” said MPC CEO Jason Rottman. “Transportation is critically important to allowing our members access to health care. This includes access to primary care, specialty care and pharmaceuticals. The transportation infrastructure Meritus Health created is a game-changing improvement not only for MPC’s members but also for other residents of Washington County who lack transportation.” Meritus is happy to help patients with safe and reliable transportation, whether they don’t have access to a vehicle or the ability to drive; they are experiencing a short-term injury or driving restriction; they use a wheelchair; or they need more help walking than what might be available through public transportation. As for Yarlick, she’ll continue using the courtesy van through the end of her physical therapy appointments this summer. In the meantime, she’s made friends with some of the drivers who have taken extra care to get her from her home to her appointments. If you or someone you know needs a free ride to a medical appointment, please call your Meritus physician's office 48 hours prior to your appointment, and one of our caring team members will help coordinate the details.
Understanding stroke: Prevention, recognition and management
May 22, 2024
In 2018, Meritus Medical Center was treating an average of 600 stroke patients per year. Since then, the number has increased to more than 1,000 per year, said Jennifer Smith, B.S.N., R.N., stroke care specialist at Meritus Medical Center. “We’ve seen a higher number especially since the COVID pandemic, but we’re also seeing more younger patients,” Smith said, adding that the hospital has seen stroke patients in their 30s. The reason for the increase in the young adults is due to how quickly poor lifestyle choices can affect the body and the overall risk for stroke in young adults. Experts have long known that diet and lifestyle contribute significantly to cardiovascular health. High cholesterol, diabetes and obesity are major risk factors. The American Heart Association highlights "Life's Essential 8" factors that have the most influence on cardiovascular health. Eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure. Understanding stroke risk factors is crucial for prevention, Smith said. However, certain factors, such as age, race, gender and family history are beyond one's control. “That’s why you should follow up with your primary care provider regularly,” she said. Maryland became a Stroke Smart State in 2022, meaning there is increased focus on educating the public about the causes of stroke, the signs and symptoms of stroke, and the importance of dialing 9-1-1 immediately to reduce the chances of permanent disability or death. Meritus is working to get Washington County and Hagerstown to adopt a similar proclamation announcing they also are dedicated to being Stroke Smart. A part of being Stroke Smart includes educating the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Smith advocates for the BE FAST approach: Balance issues, dizziness, and nausea/vomiting Eyesight changes like blurred or double vision Facial drooping or muscle weakness, particularly on one side of the face Arm or leg weakness or numbness on one side of the body Speech difficulties such as slurred speech or trouble finding words Time to call 911 immediately upon experiencing these symptoms Meritus Medical Center, certified as a Primary Stroke Center since 2007, emphasizes swift action in stroke cases. Timely intervention is paramount to minimize brain damage. The more time between the onset of symptoms and treatment is more parts of the brain that could die. “It’s like they say, ‘Time is brain,’” Smith said. To learn more about stroke and stroke prevention, visit www.meritushealth.com/stroke.
Meritus celebrates groundbreaking of student housing complex
May 17, 2024
Meritus Commons to provide 340 housing units for future medical students Community leaders and supporters were joined by elected officials and community members Thursday evening to celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony for the student housing complex for the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. The complex, Meritus Commons, will include 340 one- and two-bedroom student apartments, a club house, commons area and dog park. The first 90 units will be completed in time for the proposed medical school’s first class to move in before the fall 2025 semester. The complex is just a quarter mile from the school’s flagship building, the D.M. Bowman Academic Hall, adjacent to the Meritus Medical Center campus, and will be accessible by a walking trail. “As we discussed our vision for the school, it was so clear that we wanted to provide a full campus experience for our students. It is essential that the students live here in Washington County,” said Dr. Paula Gregory, Dean of the proposed medical school. “By planting firm roots in our community, our hope and vision is that students will stay and practice medicine here and will love this community as much as we do.” Dave Lehr, Chief Operating Officer for the proposed medical school, told attendees the celebration was truly a celebration of Meritus’ investment in the community’s future, where there are ample physicians to provide essential services, one where the economy is bolstered and thriving, and one where higher education is accessible and poignant. “This is a critically important part of developing a world-class medical school in our community,” he said. “We aim to attract the best medical students in the country to our program. Part of attending medical school is living on campus, becoming part of the community and having access to all of the support that’s needed to thrive through such an arduous program.” Proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine The school’s flagship academic medical building, D.M. Bowman Academic Hall, remains on schedule for construction completion at the end of this year. The 200,000-square-foot, five-story building will house a state-of-the-art simulation center, simulation labs and a conference center that can host more than 600 people. Economic impact An independent economic impact study performed by Tripp Umbach shows the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine will bring considerable benefits to the region. Capital impacts from 2023-2026 are estimated at $268 million dollars, with 1,595 jobs created and estimated tax revenue of $6.2 million dollars. Once the school welcomes its first class, an estimated $500 million of economic impact is expected between 2025 and 2030, with more than $120 million per year to the Maryland GDP every year beyond 2030. “We know that health, education and the economy are all connected. Improving the economy of our region also enhances the health and wellness of our neighbors,” said Maulik Joshi, Meritus Health President and CEO. “We are thrilled to have a project that will improve and enhance so many important factors related to the quality of life in Washington County.” More information on the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medical can be found at MSOM.org.
Meritus CEO: We can’t afford not to invest in our dedicated workforce
May 17, 2024
Hospital, health system commits to increase minimum wage to $20/hour over next two years Meritus Health, Washington County’s only integrated health system and one of the region’s largest employers, has committed to increase its minimum wage to $20 per hour in a multi-phased approach over the next two years. In 2023, the health system increased its minimum wage from $15 per hour to $17. This most recent investment will place Meritus a leader in the region and state for healthcare pay rates. “This is the third time in three years that we have committed to increasing our organization’s minimum wage,” said President and CEO Maulik Joshi, Dr. P.H. “Our workforce is our community, and a livable wage is so important. We simply can’t afford not to invest in our dedicated workforce.” The first phase of the increases will begin July 1, 2024, and impact 500 frontline team members, including Medical Assistants, Certified Nursing Assistants, Phlebotomists and Emergency Department Technicians. By January 2027, all positions will have moved to the increased pay scale. As part of the investment in its workforce, Meritus is also providing a performance-based bonus structure and incentives to long-standing team members as they achieve years of service milestones. Joshi emphasized the health system’s goal to encourage local community members to begin a career with the health system versus a temporary job. Meritus offers employees opportunities for tuition reimbursement and educational opportunities. Joshi said many can enter the health system in a minimum wage, entry-level role, take advantage of educational benefits and earn advanced degrees and achieve higher-level career milestones and goals. Whether an employee supports the frontlines of healthcare delivery or serves in a support department, Joshi said working at Meritus means they are all healthcare workers. “Every single position in our organizations helps us live our mission of improving the health of the community,” Joshi said. “We can’t provide the best care without long-serving, dedicated team members. We are thrilled to offer this commitment to them.” In 2021, Meritus increased its minimum wage to $15 an hour, four years ahead of state-mandated increases. That hike impacted 1,100 employees at an investment of $2.8 million. In 2023, the health system invested an additional $3 million to increase minimum wage to $17. Joshi said many factors, including turnover rates, cost of living and a desire of Meritus to be a nationally ranked employer influenced the decision. “The cost of living continues to rise and as a result, many hospitals and healthcare systems are struggling with vacancy rates, losing entry-level workers to other industries with higher starting rates. Unlike other industries, we cannot safely operate with vacancies,” he said. “I’m honored to work with some of our community’s most talented and dedicated workers. Ensuring that we are supporting them and providing them with a livable wage is so important. They make excellent care possible in this community, and investing in them is paramount to us caring for our community.”
Meritus Urology honored by U.S. News & World Report
May 15, 2024
Patients who receive surgical care at Meritus Urology are getting top-ranked services, according to U.S. News & World Report. Antietam UroSurgical Center, which is Meritus Urology’s outpatient surgery, earned a “High Performing” rating from the pro-consumer media company. It was one of only 705 same-day surgical centers to earn this rating out of nearly 5,000 centers that U.S. News evaluated. “We are privileged and honored to be receiving this award,” said Kevin Hackett, M.D., with Meritus Urology. “It underscores the commitment and dedication we have to our patients and our goal of improving the health of the community. We’re all after the same thing: to provide high quality care and attention to every patient we see.” Procedures typically take less than an hour, with just another hour required in recovery. Care can include everything from an enlarged prostate to kidney stone removal. The practice also treats bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular cancers. Services are available for men and women, children and adults. “Our Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers project is the latest manifestation of U.S. News’s focus on ‘data journalism’ — using in-depth, unbiased analyses of objective data to help people make important decisions,” said Mark W. White, vice president of U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about Meritus Urology, visit www.MeritusHealth.com/Urology or call 301-733-0022.