1. family and parenting
2. children

Welcome to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Thank you for choosing to be a part of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We look forward to working with you on
our mission to enhance the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education.
We envision becoming the model for addressing children’s health needs by defining, then providing or advocating
for:



Accessible, innovative and excellent patient care;
Integrated teaching and research; and
Partnerships in wellness and prevention programs
We adopted five values to ensure that we are an organization we can all be proud of:





Integrity: Being honest, ethical and committed to all we do
Respect: Appreciating all people, work and ideas
Nurturing: Fostering the care, growth and development of the individual
Excellence: Delivering the highest level of care and service
Teamwork: Working together to achieve our goals
We ask that you join us with this same commitment to our mission, vision and values.
In this booklet, you will find general information about Children’s, specific information to aid you in day-to-day
interactions at Children’s and a list of key contacts that will be helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to call me or
one of my colleagues.
Again, welcome.
Dan Salinas, M.D.
Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Professional Staff Orientation Manual
Table of Contents
History of Children’s .....................................................................................................................................................5
Mission Statement .........................................................................................................................................................6
Standards of Conduct.....................................................................................................................................................7
Professional Staff Information.........................................................................................................................................
Structure ....................................................................................................................................................................9
Medical Affairs..........................................................................................................................................................9
Medical Staff Governance .........................................................................................................................................9
Medical Staff Services...............................................................................................................................................9
Allied Health Professionals .......................................................................................................................................9
Graduate Medical Education ...................................................................................................................................10
Name Badge ............................................................................................................................................................10
On-Call Schedule.....................................................................................................................................................10
Parking and Transportation......................................................................................................................................10
Physician Data Services ..........................................................................................................................................11
Physician Dining and Physician Lounges................................................................................................................11
Physician Portal .......................................................................................................................................................11
Physician Peer Review ............................................................................................................................................11
Physician Relations..................................................................................................................................................12
The Children's Health Network ...............................................................................................................................12
Departments and Services................................................................................................................................................
Call Center...............................................................................................................................................................13
Camp Braveheart .....................................................................................................................................................13
Cancer and Blood Disorders....................................................................................................................................13
Cardiac Care ............................................................................................................................................................14
Case Management....................................................................................................................................................14
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation...........................................................................................................14
Clinical Nutrition Services ......................................................................................................................................15
Clinical Research .....................................................................................................................................................15
Child Health Promotion...........................................................................................................................................16
Continuing Medical Education ................................................................................................................................16
Craniofacial .............................................................................................................................................................16
Emergency ...............................................................................................................................................................16
Health Information and Dictation ............................................................................................................................17
HIPAA-Patient Privacy ...........................................................................................................................................23
Hospitalist Program .................................................................................................................................................24
Immediate Care Centers ..........................................................................................................................................24
Infection Control......................................................................................................................................................25
Libraries, Family .....................................................................................................................................................26
Libraries, Medical....................................................................................................................................................26
Needle Pain Standing Orders...................................................................................................................................27
Neurosciences ..........................................................................................................................................................28
Occupational Health ................................................................................................................................................28
Orthopaedics............................................................................................................................................................28
Patient Access..........................................................................................................................................................29
Patient and Family Education ..................................................................................................................................30
Pharmacy .................................................................................................................................................................30
Primary Care Centers...............................................................................................................................................31
Pulmonology............................................................................................................................................................31
Quality .....................................................................................................................................................................32
Rehabilitation ..........................................................................................................................................................32
Risk Management ....................................................................................................................................................33
Safety Department ...................................................................................................................................................34
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Security Services .....................................................................................................................................................35
Surgical Services .....................................................................................................................................................35
Technology Services & Telecommunications .........................................................................................................36
Transplant ...............................................................................................................................................................37
Transport Services ...................................................................................................................................................38
Reference .....................................................................................................................................................................
Maps ........................................................................................................................................................................39
Phone List................................................................................................................................................................39
This guide is maintained by the Credentialing Services and Medical Staff Governance departments of Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lisa Remshik (Kuklinski) at 404-7857485 or by e-mail at [email protected] or Bobbi Henderson at 404-785-7533 or by e-mail at
[email protected].
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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta History
Leading the Way
In 1998, Egleston Children’s Healthcare System and Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center—two well-established
children’s health systems in Atlanta—joined to become Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The merger allowed the
hospitals to better serve the community by combining existing services, eliminating unnecessary expenses and
competition, and identifying opportunities for growth and development. That commitment to Atlanta’s pediatric
population expanded when Children’s and Grady Health System jointly announced that an affiliate of Children’s
would assume responsibility for the management of services at Hughes Spalding beginning in February 2006.
Serving our community with more than 30 pediatric specialties, today, Children's is committed to being a model for
pediatric care. Children’s is ranked among U.S.News & World Report’s top pediatric hospitals and as one of the
top three children’s hospitals nationwide by Child magazine. In its rankings of pediatric specialties, Child magazine
lists Children's in the top five for our cancer, cardiac, neonatal, orthopaedic and pulmonology programs.
Children’s at Egleston
1405 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-785-6000
Martha McGill, Chief Operating Officer, 404-785-6023
Corrine Taylor, M.D., Medical Director, 404-785-1001
The hospital’s history reflects continuous growth and change. In October 1928, Henrietta Egleston Hospital for
Children opened thanks to the vision and generosity of Thomas R. Egleston Jr. The hospital was named for his
mother who lost four of her five children to early childhood disease. The original hospital, located in downtown
Atlanta, had 52 beds, treating 605 children in its first year of operation. In the 1950s, Egleston became the pediatric
teaching affiliate of Emory University School of Medicine and relocated adjacent to the university’s campus.
Children’s at Hughes Spalding
35 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-785-9500
Julia Jones, Vice President Operations, 404-785-6096
Robert Pettignano, M.D., Medical Director, 404-785-9599
In 1952, the Hughes Spalding Pavilion officially opened as a private hospital for paying African-American adult
patients. For more than 30 years, the Hughes Spalding Pavilion continued to serve the city’s healthcare needs as a
general, broad-based hospital. After numerous transformations, the Hughes Spalding Pavilion temporarily shut its
doors for renovation in 1989. The facilities re-opened in 1992 as Hughes Spalding Children’s Hospital with a
primary care clinic serving as a medical home to many children in the community.
Children’s at Scottish Rite
1001 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, 404-785-5252
Denise Swords, Chief Operating Officer, 404-785-7563
David Hall, M.D., Medical Director, 404-785-2026
The hospital began humbly in 1915 in two small, wood-frame cottages in Decatur, Ga. The 18-bed facility, known
as Scottish Rite Convalescent Home for Crippled Children, provided indigent, crippled children a place to recover
after having surgery at other hospitals. In 1919, Scottish Rite opened a new 50-bed building and changed its name to
Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children. In the 1970s, following a rapid expansion of Atlanta’s population, the
hospital moved to North Atlanta and greatly diversified its medical services.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding is owned by Grady Health System and managed by HSOC
Inc., an affiliate of Children’s.
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Mission Statement
To enhance the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education.
Vision
To be the model for addressing children’s health needs by defining, then providing or advocating for:
 Accessible, innovative and excellent patient care
 Integrated teaching and research
 Partnerships in wellness and prevention programs
Values





Integrity: Being honest, ethical and committed to all we do
Respect: Appreciating all people, work and ideas
Nurturing: Fostering the care, growth and development of the individual
Excellence: Delivering the highest level of care and service
Teamwork: Working together to achieve our goals
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Standards of Conduct
The Standards of Conduct are part of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Corporate Compliance Program. These
standards help guide actions in our day-to-day jobs. They make sure that we support our System values in all we do
for patients and families. Our Standards of Conduct help us continue our mission of enhancing the lives of children
through excellence in patient care, research and education. As a member of the Children's Professional Staff, it is
important that you comply with the Standards of Conduct.
The following is a summary of each of the 12 standards that comprise the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Standards of Conduct.
Standard 1 – Quality of Care
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s first responsibility is to provide quality care services to our patients, their
families, legal guardians and communities we serve.
Standard 2 – Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will conduct its business and patient care operations in accordance with applicable
laws, regulations and professional standards in order to maintain the integrity of our system.
Standard 3 – Billing and Coding
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will maintain a commitment to fair and accurate billing that satisfies applicable
governmental or third-party payer requirements.
Standard 4 – Protection of Property
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to protecting its property, and the property entrusted to us, against
loss, theft or misuse. Property includes physical assets, funds and confidential/proprietary information.
Standard 5 – Conflicts of Interest
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Board members, physicians and employees are expected to avoid conflicts or
even the appearance of conflicts between their private interests and those of the organization.
Standard 6 – Employee Responsibility
Employees are expected to follow the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (Children’s) values, Standards of Conduct,
policies and procedures, federal and state laws and regulations. Anyone with knowledge of a violation of the values,
Standards of Conduct, policies and procedures, or laws or regulations must report this information as promptly
as possible. Violations of policy including failure to report a known violation shall result in appropriate disciplinary
action.
Standard 7 – Health and Safety
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to providing our patients, employees, staff members, visitors and
community with a safe environment in which to heal, work and visit.
Standard 8 – Human Resources
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of employees and encourages
employees to develop their potential. The Children’s values clearly state that we treat our fellow employees with
consideration and respect for one another, regardless of status or position.
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Standard 9 – Non-Retaliation Policy
No disciplinary action or other form of retaliation shall be taken against any employee for reporting an issue,
problem, concern or violation to management, Human Resources, the Compliance Office, the Chief Compliance
Officer or the Compliance Connection Line.
Standard 10 – Compliance Connection Line
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta recognizes that there may be times when concerns cannot be properly addressed
through the normal chain-of-command. When such situations arise, employees are encouraged to contact the
Compliance Office or the Compliance Connection Line. Children’s established the Compliance Connection Line
operation with the toll-free number 1-877-373-0126. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Standard 11 – Professional Staff Responsibility
Professional staff members are expected to comply with all provisions of Professional Staff Bylaws, Policy on
Appointment, Reappointment and Clinical Privileges, Rules and Regulations, as well as Hospital bylaws, applicable
Hospital policies and procedures, the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Standards of Conduct.
Standard 12 – Physician Contracting
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is committed to contracting with physicians in a manner that complies with
applicable laws, regulations, policies and our business ethics. We will observe the following standards and
procedures relative to any contract with physicians.
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Professional Staff Information
Structure
A Campus President and President-Elect lead the Professional Staff structure. Children’s at Scottish Rite and
Children’s at Egleston are comprised of three departments (Medicine, Operative Services and Emergency
Services/Urgent Care), each led by a Physician Director and a Vice-Director. A Section Chief and a Vice-Chief of
Service lead each of the clinical section areas under these departments. The Department Directors and Section
Chiefs at Children’s at Egleston serve in this same capacity for Children’s at Hughes Spalding.
Campus Presidents, Directors and Vice-Directors divide primary system leadership roles, with Children’s at
Egleston leadership serving in this capacity from January through June and Children’s at Scottish Rite from July
through December.
Please refer to the Medical Staff Governance section of the Physician Web site (md.choa.org) for a complete current
listing of professional staff leadership with contact information.
Medical Affairs
Bill Lee, Director, Medical Staff Services and The Children’s Health Network (TCHN),
[email protected], 404-785-7934
The Medical Affairs department is vitally concerned with the provision of excellent patient care at Children’s
through its involvement with the volunteer Medical Staff and employed physicians. The department provides
oversight, direction and support to all physicians involved with Children’s, including employed, community and
Emory faculty. Our goal is to ensure that Children’s is providing the best medical care to the patients we serve.
Medical Staff Governance
Bobbi Henderson, Medical Staff Governance, [email protected], 404-785-7533
To assist the elected leadership of the Medical Staff, Children’s has established an office of Medical Staff
Governance. This office coordinates the meetings of the Medical Executive Committees, the meetings of the general
Medical Staff and Medical Staff Departments, and coordinates any changes to the Medical Staff documents
including bylaws, organizational manual, and rules and regulations.
Medical Staff Services
Lisa Remshik, Manager, Medical Staff Services, [email protected], 404-785-7485
Medical Staff Services ensures staff practitioners are properly credentialed and applications for professional staff
membership are processed in a timely manner. Our mission is to make certain that all providers on the Professional
Staff of Children’s are capable of delivering quality patient care and providing services in compliance with the
accreditation guidelines of regulatory agencies. Professional staff are reviewed for renewal of staff membership and
clinical privileges at least every two years. Prior to appointment to the Professional Staff and granting of clinical
privileges, an application and supporting documentation are reviewed by:
- appropriate Section Chief
- appropriate Department Director
- Credentials Committee Chair
- Credentials Committee
- Medical Executive Committee
- Board of Trustees
Allied Health Professionals
Susan Guda, Credentials Coordinator, [email protected], 404-785-2198
Medical Staff Services is responsible for the credentialing process for Allied Health Professional (AHP) Staff
affiliation. AHPs must undergo the credentialing process prior to practicing at a Children’s hospital. AHP staff
specialties includes, but are not limited to:
- psychologists
- nurse practitioners
- physician assistants
- surgical assistants
- nurse anesthetists
- employed physicians in training working outside their GME program
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Graduate Medical Education
Renita Murry, Children’s at Egleston GME Coordinator, [email protected], 404-785-6418
Christina Ware, Children’s at Scottish Rite GME Coordinator, [email protected],
404-785-3782
The Graduate Medical Education department at Children’s is committed to providing an environment that fosters the
educational experience of physicians in training (residents and fellows) who are assigned to Children’s as part of
their curriculum. Approximately 102 FTEs from six schools are assigned to Children’s. This means approximately
230 individuals will spend time training at Children’s. Each resident works under a written job description and under
the supervision of a credentialed member of the Children's medical staff. Job descriptions are located on the
Careforce Connection.
Name Badges
Professional staff members are required to wear the Children’s issued photo identification badge when on a
Children’s campus. Badges may be obtained from the Security offices located at each hospital. Replacement for lost
or stolen badges may also be obtained from the Security office for a $5 fee.
On-Call Schedule
Dichell Wiggins, Data Management Coordinator, [email protected], 404-785-7487
The on-call scheduler is accessible electronically on Careforce Connection. The call schedules are located on the
intranet in the department section for Credentialing Services or on the Web at www.choa.org/doccall. Active
professional staff members are required to participate in the on-call process. Contact your Section Chief for further
information as the on-call scheduler is maintained at the section level. Medical Staff Services is responsible for the
oversight of the on-call scheduler to ensure that it is consistently updated and readily available.
Parking and Transportation
Due to ongoing construction changes associated with Master Facility Plan projects, always check the Facility
Planning and Development Web page on Careforce for the most current parking information.
Children’s at Egleston Parking
Professional staff members at Children’s at Egleston are issued one hangtag for their vehicles to gain access to the
parking deck. Obtain hangtags from the Security department by completing a Vehicle Registration Form or by
calling 404-785-6696 to have your hangtag mailed. This hangtag is valid for any vehicle driven by a professional
staff member. The hangtag should be placed on the rearview mirror to identify the vehicle when parked in the
Children’s at Egleston deck. Medical Staff hangtags do not allow you access to any other parking facility.
Professional staff members are requested not to park in areas designated for patients, families or handicapped.
Children’s at Egleston has reserved parking spaces for Professional Staff members on level GB.
Shuttle service is provided from Children’s at Egleston to the Cystic Fibrosis Center, the American Cancer Building
or Two Decatur Center. Contact Security at 404-785-6695 for a schedule.
Children’s at Hughes Spalding Parking
Professional staff members at Children’s at Hughes Spalding are issued one hangtag for their vehicles to gain access
to the parking areas. Obtain hangtags from the Security department by completing a Vehicle Registration Form. This
hangtag is valid for any vehicle driven by a Professional staff member. Professional staff may park in the Piedmont
lot, Butler Street lot or MLK lot with the issued hangtag.
Physicians at Children’s at Hughes Spalding may park in the Piedmont or Butler Street lots. AAA manages
physician parking and will issue access cards for access into these lots.
Children’s at Scottish Rite Parking
Professional staff members at Children’s at Scottish Rite should register their vehicle with the Security department
by completing a Vehicle Registration Form. A rectangular parking decal is issued and should be affixed to the lower
left corner of the vehicle windshield. Parking for Hospital-based professional staff members is available in the
Physician Parking area of the hospital parking deck. This parking area can be accessed via Peachtree-Dunwoody
Road or from the main entrance via Meridian Mark Road. Professional staff may use their identification badge for
access to the area or press the intercom button at the gate. Security will grant access.
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Physician Data Services
Paula Hickman, Manager Physician Data Systems, [email protected], 404-785-7489
The CACTUS database maintains professional staff demographics, training, education and experience. This
database is used as a resource throughout Children’s to feed other databases requiring provider information to
support various departments and functions. Medical Staff Services ensures the database maintains its integrity by
verifying all information collected and routinely contacting providers to ensure accurate information is on file.
Physician Dining and Physician Lounges
The Professional Staff lounge at Children’s at Scottish Rite is located on the ground floor of the main hospital
building, near the Medical Library. The lounge is stocked with light snacks and beverages, and provides a buffet
lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Physicians may also receive their meals free (up to $5 per
person) at the Café cafeteria, located on the ground floor and open daily for:
- breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- dinner from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The OR Professional Staff lounge at Children’s at Scottish Rite is kept unlocked except during nights, weekends and
holidays. There are three dictation stations in the lounge. Complimentary juice, coffee and tea are available. During
the week, complimentary bagels and cream cheese are also available.
The Professional Staff dining room at Children’s at Egleston is located on the ground floor of the new expansion
building. It can be reached by using the connector elevator or stairs. Once on the ground floor, the entrance to the
dining area is immediately to the right of the elevators. The lounge is stocked with light snacks and beverages and
provides a buffet lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Physicians may also purchase their meals at
a 25 percent discount in the hospital cafeteria, located on the ground floor and open daily for:
- breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- dinner from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The OR Physician lounge at Children’s at Egleston contains computers, a PACS station and dictation capability.
Physician Portal
Contact IS&T Solution Center at 404-785-6767 for assistance with logging onto the portal
The Physician Portal is a Web site at md.choa.org that provides access to online tools as well as convenient links to
medical information. Access to the portal is secure and requires a user name and password. The portal includes:
- Physician directory
- On-call schedule and patient census
- Clinical pathways
- EpicWeb and PACS
- CME records
Physician Peer Review
Frankie King, Manager, Physician Peer Review, [email protected], 404-785-7465
The System Physician Peer Review Committee meets monthly. Written reports are made to the System Medical
Executive Committee and to the Board. Physician Peer Review Subcommittees meet monthly and perform reviews
of referrals specific to the relevant Professional Staff Departments with written reports and referrals made as needed
to the System Physician Peer Review Committee.
There are four subcommittees of the Physician Peer Review process. Each Physician Peer Review Subcommittee:
- Evaluates the performance and behavior of Professional Staff members in the interest of selfimprovement and enhanced patient care;
- Reviews/assesses referrals identified through Risk Management, coding review, case coordinator review,
nursing or physician observation, mortality review, patient representative, and/or Compliance Program;
- Provides a fair and systematic methodology for evaluation of events related to clinical and behavioral
performance in accordance with the Peer Review Process that has been adopted by the System.
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It is very important to notify the Peer Review Department with any concerns related to a physician’s clinical
performance or behavior. Anyone may file a physician peer review concern with the Peer Review Department. The
identity of the person making the physician referral is not revealed and remains confidential.
Physician Relations
Jackie Bennett, Director, Physician Relations, [email protected], 404-785-7535
Physician Relations is a dedicated physician advocacy department for all physicians of Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta. Our goals are to ensure that Children’s provides 24-hour accessibility for concerns and suggestions and to
improve open communication between the physician and Children’s. Our department distributes a monthly
physician newsletter, “MedClips," and periodic email updates, “MedBytes."
The Children’s Health Network
David Dorminey, Manager, PHO Operations, [email protected], 404-785-7943
The Children's Health Network (TCHN), a subsidiary of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, is a Physician Hospital
Organization (PHO). It has been carefully structured to meet the unique needs of the metro Atlanta pediatric
provider community. Following the merger of Egleston and Scottish Rite to form Children's Healthcare of Atlanta,
area physicians vigorously pursued the consolidation of Atlanta Children's Health Network and Scottish Rite
Pediatric Health Alliance to create a new pediatric PHO. The PHO has the potential to contract with more than 30
managed care organizations. For more information about our TCHN and their current initiatives, please contact Bill
Lee, Director, Medical Staff Services, at 404-785-7934.
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CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENTS AND SERVICES
Call Center – 404-250-KIDS
Children’s offers 24-hour nurse advice through the Call Center. Parents have telephone access (404-250-KIDS) to
pediatric nurses who follow physician-created protocols. Protocols are reviewed quarterly or as needed by a
physician review committee. Nurses help parents make decisions on immediate or home care that will keep the child
comfortable, give advice on how to monitor for changes and help determine when they should see a doctor.
The Call Center features an automated audio library in either English or Spanish with more than 300 pediatric health
information topics.
Parents can also obtain a free physician referral to more than 600 primary care pediatricians and pediatric specialists
in Atlanta online at www.choa.org or by calling 404-250-KIDS.
Camp Braveheart
Camp Braveheart is an annual camp for children and teenagers ages 7 to 18 with congenital and acquired heart
defects, including heart transplants. The camp is designed for children with special needs and is located one hour
east of Atlanta in Rutledge, Georgia. Children enjoy everyday childhood opportunities in a setting where they are
not different. When given typical childhood activities, like those at Camp Braveheart, these children gain the skills
necessary for personal growth and development well beyond the scope of the camping program.
For more information, email [email protected] or call 404-785-6735.
Cancer and Blood Disorders
As one of the leading pediatric cancer, hematology, and blood and marrow transplantation programs in the country,
the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta provides advanced
diagnostic and clinical care as well as innovative treatment and research options to children, adolescents and young
adults. The Aflac Cancer Center is ranked among the top five childhood cancer centers in the country by Child
magazine.
Directed by pediatric hematologists/oncologists, our multidisciplinary team offers children and families the
emotional, physical and spiritual support they need. Located at Children’s three campuses, Children’s at Egleston,
Children’s at Hughes Spalding and Children’s at Scottish Rite, the Aflac Center treats more than 325 new cancer
patients each year and follows more than 2,000 patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood
disorders. Aflac Cancer Center features:
- 40-bed inpatient facilities
- 10 specially designed rooms for blood and marrow transplants
- An outpatient center with a full range of pediatric infusional and apheresis services
- Onsite, innovative diagnostics, cell processing laboratory and oncology pharmacy
- A 20-plus-member family support team
Children’s has the largest sickle cell disease program in the nation, and this disease is the second most common
reason for admission to Children’s at Hughes Spalding. The Aflac Cancer Center, Grady Health Systems, Emory
University School of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine and the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia have
joined to form the Atlanta Sickle Cell Provider Consortium. The expanded services now available at Children’s at
Hughes Spalding will not only allow enhanced treatment for our patients, but also supplement the tremendous
advancements being made through affiliation with the consortium.
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Cardiac Care
The Children’s Sibley Heart Center is one of the country’s leading pediatric cardiac programs and is ranked as one
of Child magazine’s top three pediatric cardiac programs in the United States. Sibley Heart Center specializes in
caring for children with congenital heart defects and those who develop heart defects later in their childhood or teen
years. Staff includes dedicated pediatric cardiologists, pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiac intensivists, and
pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists located at Children’s at Egleston.
Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, a group of 34 pediatric cardiologists, provides outpatient care at 17 clinics
throughout Georgia. For more information about SHCC go to www.choa.org/cardiology or call 404-256-2593 or
800-542-2233.
The Sibley Heart Center features:
- Cardiac intensive care unit (CICU)
- Cardiac cath lab
- Pediatric heart surgery suites
- Cardiac step-down unit (CSU)
- Noninvasive cardiology diagnostic areas
- Patient and family learning center and
business center
A physician at Sibley Heart Center can also be reached at 404-256-2593 or 800-542-2233.
Case Management
The Case Management department’s role is to monitor and coordinate patient care under the hospital’s utilization
management program to assure that quality healthcare services are delivered in the most cost-effective, efficient and
appropriate manner. Working in active partnership with patient/family, physicians, nursing staff and other members
of the multidisciplinary team, the Case Managers (unit-based clinicians):
- Identify opportunities and make suggestions to deliver care more efficiently or at lower costs
- Provide admission and concurrent clinical review of all patients and perform the required certification
activities with payers
- Initiate and coordinate discharge planning and the transition to post-hospital care
- Act as a resource regarding reimbursement and payer issues
- Perform resource utilization and management functions on all units
- Monitor patient care following designated quality criteria
For more information contact Charlene Roberts, Director, Case Management, at [email protected] or 404785-5976.
Children’s at Egleston, 404-785-6528
Children’s at Scottish Rite, 404-785-2356
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation
The Children’s Foundation is an organization that oversees all fundraising efforts in support of Children’s, including
annual gifts, major and planned gifts, corporate support, grant development, endowment enhancement and special
events. As a not-for-profit organization, Children’s benefits from the generous philanthropic and volunteer support
of our community and state, enabling us to enhance services and programs for children and their families.
The Children’s 1998 Society
The Children’s 1998 Society is the physician philanthropic group, named for the year that Children’s Egleston and
Children’s at Scottish Rite merged. Working under the motto “together we can make a difference,” doctors at
Children’s who join the Children’s 1998 Society pledge their financial support to the organization. For information
on participating in the Children’s 1998 Society, contact Kathy Minarik, Senior Development Officer, at
[email protected] or 404-785-7576.
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Fundraising Events
A listing of fundraising events is available at www.choa.org/give. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation
is located at the Children’s Office Park at 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, and may be reached by calling 404-785GIVE.
Clinical Nutrition Services
Clinical Nutrition Services provides screening for nutritional risk, assessment and clinical nutrition intervention to
the patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Care and services are provided to patients utilizing an interdisciplinary team of health professionals, ancillary and
support staff collaborating to assure optimal clinical outcomes. Clinical Nutrition services are provided to pediatric
patients admitted or treated at the hospital regardless of diagnosis or condition; and referred to its ambulatory
healthcare facilities. Nutrition screening, assessment, monitoring, reassessment and education are provided by
registered, licensed dietitians, assisted by diet technicians and based on results from the nutrition screening program.
A physician may request a nutrition consult for either inpatients or outpatients and nutrition referral by the primary
nurse.
The registered dietitian usually assesses patients identified at nutritional risk via screening. A physician’s order is
not required to initiate a nutritional assessment of a patient screened at-risk. Nutrition assessments are documented
in the progress notes section of the patient’s medical record. Dietitians are assigned to clinical service lines
(neonatology, cardiology) for continuity of care.
Children’s at Egleston: Ellen O’Leary, [email protected], 404-785-1493; pager: 404-225-1539
Children’s at Scottish Rite: Katherine Smith, [email protected], 404-785-2770; pager: 770-397-0216
Clinical Research
Research is a cornerstone of the Children's mission. In conjunction with Emory University School of Medicine,
Georgia Institute of Technology and other academic institutions, Children's researchers seek answers to the most
perplexing childhood medical conditions with two goals in mind: discovery and integration. Research studies are
the building blocks to medical breakthroughs and cures. A direct result of research studies include advancements in
medicine and enhanced patient care. New research studies build on the results of past studies and current treatments,
which allow for the continual discovery of new and improve techniques that are preventative, diagnostic and
wellness related.
The majority of Children’s research projects are clinical in nature, so research findings can be translated rapidly
from patient bedside to the community. Children’s researchers are engaged in more than 600 active studies in the
community, in more that 30 clinical specialty areas. Funding for research comes from a variety of sources, including
community support, federal, non-profit and corporate sponsors.
Services
The Clinical Research department provides services for all research activities that occur at Children’s.
- Grants Accounting and Contracts
- Compliance/Regulatory Oversight
- Clinical Support and Development
Education & Training
Teaching takes many forms at Children’s. For our researchers who are on the clinical frontier helping to provide
new information about pediatric conditions and diseases, the Children’s Research department is dedicated to
educating and training researchers in several key areas:
- Human Subjects Education Program (CITI) required for all investigators, web-based training
- Introduction to Clinical Research for future investigators, one-day workshop
- Pre and post award grant submission and management, individual training
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- Research policies and procedures related to grants, contracts and individual training
For information contact Kristine Rogers, Director, Clinical Research, at [email protected] or 404-785-1215.
Child Health Promotion
Child Health Promotion is an organizing force that creates and sustains community partnerships to improve the
health status of Georgia’s children. Child Health Promotion works with a variety of different organizations like
school systems, healthcare providers, fire departments, law enforcement agencies and government offices and is a
statewide training resource for professionals, parents and children.
For more information, contact Seema Csukas, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Child Health Promotion, at
[email protected] or 404-785-7202.
Continuing Medical Education
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers a variety of Continuing Education activities for physicians, nurses and allied
health professionals. Children’s is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to provide Category I CME
credits to physicians. In addition to the regularly scheduled in-house programs, Children’s offers a variety of other
continuing education opportunities to meet physician’s needs. Some of the programs offered include general
pediatrics, cardiology, pulmonology, and orthopaedic conferences as well as CME dinners. A comprehensive
continuing education calendar is located at www.choa.org/cme. A monthly CME calendar is also provided through
the monthly physician newsletter “MedClips.”
For additional information or to register for a program, contact Nancy Richardson in Continuing Education, at
[email protected] or 404-785-7843.
Craniofacial
The Children’s Center for Craniofacial Disorders provides care for children from birth to age 21 with cleft lip and
palate, tumors, skull deformities, various syndromes, and traumatic injury. Services at Children's include oral and
maxillofacial surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric dentistry and orthodontic services, genetics,
feeding, as well as a speech science lab. The multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists includes neurosurgeons,
dentists, ophthalmologists, geneticists and others. The Center for Craniofacial Disorders at Children's developed the
first dissolvable midface expander for children with craniofacial abnormalities. For more information, call 404-7852239 or 800-848-9049.
Emergency
Care at the Children’s Emergency Departments is provided by pediatricians who are specially trained in pediatric
emergency medicine. Children’s provides emergency care 24 hours a day and the Emergency Departments hold a
Level II Trauma Center designation. Emergency services at Children’s is ranked by Child magazine in the top ten
for national preeminence.
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Health Information & Dictation
Facility
Hours
Location
After
hours
Phone
Children’s at Scottish Rite
Children’s at Egleston
Monday through Friday 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Main department located on the ground floor.
Main department located in the basement near the
Office is located behind the information desk
Koi Pond. Physician chart completion area located
and through a single door (across from
on the second floor adjacent to the Physicians
Employee Health).
Lounge.
Call Security on the phone located outside the door
Please contact Security at 404-785-6142 or
leading into the department. This phone
visit them (at the end of the Medical Records
automatically rings in the Security office. Or, you
hallway on the right) and ask them to let you
may call the House Supervisor at 404-250-2595
in.
404-785-2056 or 404-785-2053
404-785-6431
Documentation Guidelines
- Every entry in the medical record must be signed, dated and timed. Include month, day, year
and time of day (am or pm)
- Entries must be legible
- Entries must be permanent
- Never use pencil or erasable pen; use only black or blue ink
- Make quality entries – another medical care provider should be able to continue quality medical care at
any time based on objective, complete and accurate entries.
Make all entries promptly:
- A complete admission history & physical exam (H&P) is recorded at the time of admission for
patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units
- A complete H&P is recorded within 24 hours of admission for patients admitted to other hospital units.
- H&P may be written, documented in Epic, or dictated, and needs to be authenticated by a member of the
Professional Staff
- Exceptions: If a complete H&P has been obtained (7 days prior to admission for inpatients and
30 days for outpatient/Day Surgery procedures), a durable, legible copy of the report may be
used in the patient's record provided all changes are documented at the time of admission or it is
documented that there are no changes.
Additional documentation must include:
- A statement of the current status and course of action planned during the admission.
- An operative report must be dictated or documented directly into Epic immediately after surgery, and a
postoperative surgical note must be written in the progress notes to provide pertinent information for any
individual required to attend the patient until the report is transcribed and filed on the record.
- Physician's orders should be dated, timed and signed at the time that they are written.
- Telephone or verbal orders must be read back and verified, and need to be dated, timed and signed
within 30 days of discharge; however, they should be verified and completed as soon as possible.
- Discharge summaries, or clinical resumes should be dictated or documented directly into Epic upon
discharge or within 30 days. A handwritten short stay discharge summary form may be completed or
documented in Epic for admissions less than 48 hours that are of a minor nature.
- Inpatient progress notes must be documented daily at the time of observation in Epic and should give a
pertinent, chronological report of the patient's course in the hospital and reflect any change in the
patient's condition and the results of treatment.
- In a teaching setting, the attending physician is responsible for appropriate oversight of the care provided
by the physician-in-training including orders implementing the physician’s plan of care.
- Abbreviation use should be limited. Children's uses the Stedman’s Abbreviations, Symbols and
Acronyms reference for its approved abbreviations, symbols and acronyms list. This reference is
available on Careforce under References. The abbreviations, symbols, and acronyms contained in this
on-line reference may be used within the medical record (chart), but not in recording the final diagnoses
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or surgical procedures as documented in the discharge summary, operative report, radiology results,
pathology reports or other clinical documentation where final diagnoses or procedures are documented.
- Correct errors carefully. Careless alterations create the appearance of tampering. Draw a single line
through each inaccurate entry. Write “ERROR” over the inaccurate entry. Date and initial the error and
document the correct information in a legible manner.
- Never write extraneous remarks in the medical record.
“DO NOT USE” Abbreviation List
Abbreviation/Dose Expression
Intended Meaning
MgSO4
MS or MSO4
Magnesium sulfate
Morphine Sulfate
Μg
q.d. or QD
Q.O.D. or q.o.d.
TIW or tiw
Sub q/SQ
SC
u or U
Microgram
Once daily
Every other day
Three times a week
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Unit
Correction
Write Magnesium Sulfate
Write Morphine or Morphine Sulfate
Use “mcg”
Use “daily”
Write “every other day”
Don’t use this abbreviation
Use “subcut.” or write “subcutaneous”
Use “subcut.” or write “subcutaneous”
“Unit” has no acceptable abbreviation.
Use “units”
IU
Zero after decimal point (1.0)
International unit
1 mg
Use “units”
Do not use terminal zeroes for medication
doses expressed in whole numbers
No zero before decimal dose (.5)
0.5 mg
Always use zero before a decimal when the
dose is less than a whole unit
Voluntary Relinquishment (VR) Process Summary for Overall Charts
Whenever a medical record is not completed (dictated, signed and dated) within 30 days of discharge, the Medical
Staff member will be managed according to the procedures stated in policy “Medical Staff Voluntary
Relinquishment of Privileges Due to Delinquent Medical Records.” This includes:
- History and physical examination
- Consult (signed, timed and dated)
- Discharge summary (or Short Stay Form if applicable)
- Physician's orders (signed, timed and dated)
- Anesthesia records
First Occurrence (within a 12 month period):
- Suspension - Loss of admitting and clinical privileges for elective patients, including scheduling
procedures on both campuses.
- May care for patients currently in-house, and perform surgery that was scheduled prior to notification
of suspension by the Health Information Services Department.
- Restrictions will be lifted immediately once no available records are delinquent.
Second Occurrence (within a 12 month period):
- Same as in “First Occurrence”
- Fine of $250 charged
- Restrictions will be lifted immediately once no available records are delinquent and fine has been paid.
Third Occurrence (within a 12 month period)
- Same as in “First Occurrence”
- May not take call or perform emergency cases.
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- Allowed to care for current inpatients and perform surgery for previously scheduled patients.
- Fine of $1,000 charged
- Restrictions will be lifted once no available records are delinquent and the fine has been paid.
Records of discharged patients are removed from the units nightly and are made available in the Incomplete Record
area approximately five days post discharge, but may be accessed for online documentation completion by the
physician anytime after discharge.
If a physician has six consecutive months without a suspension, the oldest offense within the past 12 months will be
deleted. Your records will be available on the date you request them. To have records pulled during department
hours, call Children’s at Scottish Rite at 404-785-2053 or Children’s at Egleston at 404-785-6436.
Voluntary Relinquishment (VR) Process Summary for Delinquent Operative Report Dictations
It is the policy of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to ensure that all operative dictations are dictated immediately after
the procedure. For purposes of this policy “immediately” after the procedure is defined as before the patient moves to
the next level of care. In order to enforce this need and to emphasize the importance of it, physicians (once trended)
who have the greater of 5 or 10 percent delinquent op dictations during the month will be placed on VR and will be
unable to electively admit patients or schedule procedures until all delinquent reports have been dictated and/or
associated penalties satisfied.
First Voluntary Relinquishment
- Professional Staff member’s non-emergent admitting and clinical privileges for elective patients shall be
automatically relinquished.
- Professional staff member is not allowed to schedule any additional surgeries until all delinquent operative
dictations have been dictated. Such relinquishment shall be system-wide (applicable at both campuses).
Second Voluntary Relinquishment
- Same as in “First Relinquishment.”
- Should the professional staff member incur a second voluntary relinquishment in a 12-month timeframe a
$250 fine is paid to the Medical Library.
Third Voluntary Relinquishment
- Same as in “First Relinquishment.”
- Should the professional staff member incur a third voluntary relinquishment in a 12-month timeframe a
$1,000 fine is paid to the Medical Library.
If a physician has six consecutive months without a suspension, the oldest offense within the past 12 months will be
deleted.
Resignation
When you resign from the medical staff at Children’s you are responsible for:
 Providing Health Information Services with two weeks notice of your impending departure.
 Ensuring that you have completed all of your incomplete records prior to your departure.
 Obtaining documentation from Health Information Services that you have completed every available
record.
Dictation
Your dictation identification number is the same as your CACTUS identification number, obtained by calling
Credentialing Services at 404-785-7485.
Quality Dictation Guidelines:
- Clearly state your name
- Attending physician’s name
- Patient’s name
- Medical record number
- Type of report being dictated
- Spell names and difficult medical terminology
- Dictate names and addresses (if available) of parties you wish to receive copy of the report.
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Dictation Equipment
For your convenience, dictation equipment is located in the Emergency department, physician lounge on inpatient
units and within the Health Information Services department. You also have the capability of dictating from other
locations via a standard telephone. Portable dictation units are available in Health Information Services in the event
of system downtime. Additional units are distributed throughout the hospital in key locations such as the Emergency
Department and OR Lounge to facilitate timely dictation during downtime.
Report Requirements and Formats - History And Physical Exam Dictation Guidelines:
- Patient's name
- Medical record number
- Admission date
- Room number
- Chief complaint
- Present illness
- Relevant past, social and family history
- Evaluation of patient's developmental age
- Consideration of educational needs, daily activities - Immunization status
- Psychosocial needs (appropriate to patient’s age) - Impression or admitting diagnosis
- Treatment plan
- Guardian's expectations
- Attending Physician (if different from dictating physician)
- Physical exam (include review of all body systems and any laboratory results known at time of dictation)
Report Requirements and Format - Discharge Summary Dictation Guidelines:
- Patient's name
- Medical record number
- Admission date and diagnosis
- Discharge date
- Final diagnoses
- Procedures and procedure dates
- Present illness
- Physical examination (brief)
- Summary of significant laboratory and x-ray data - Hospital course and treatment
- Discharge medications (with specific dosages)
- Condition upon discharge
- Physical activity
- Plans for follow-up care
- Attending physician (if different from dictating physician)
Report Requirements and Format - Operative Report Dictation Guidelines:
- Patient's name
- Medical record number
- Surgeon
- Assistant
- Surgery date
- Room number
- Preoperative diagnosis
- Postoperative diagnosis
- Operation (name of procedure)
- Anesthesia
- Indication for surgery
- Findings
- Technique (estimated blood loss, condition of patient upon termination of procedure, sponge
and needle count) and specimens removed
- Attending physician (if different from dictating physician)
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Report Codes Children’s at Scottish Rite
Report Codes Children’s at Egleston
404-785-3770
Code
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
11
14
15
20
22
24
25
26
30
31
50
Report Type
Pre-Admit H&P
H&P
Consultation
Operative Report
Neurophysiology
Discharge Summary
Brachial Plexus
Genetics
Special Procedures
Progress Notes
Clinic
Meridian Mark H&P
Gwinnett Satellite
Child Advocacy Clinic
Pain Clinic
Hem/Onc Clinic
Comp Hemophilia Clinic
Muscular Dystrophy Clinic
404-785-6271
Code
1
2
3
10
20
25
27
30
32
40
40
40
40
45
26
99
90
95
Report Type
H&P
Day Surgery H &P
Aflac Letter
OP Note
Discharge Summary
Sleep Lab Study
Apnea Center
Consult
Liver Clinic
GI Procedure
Anorectal Manometry
pH Probe Study
Lactose Breath Test
Neurophysiology
Pain Clinic
Cardiac Discharge Summary
CICU Transfer Summary
CICU Progress Note
In-house Dictation Instructions:
To dictate in-house using the report type codes from the table for the hospital from which you are dictating.
- Lift handset and enter Dictator I.D. number on keypad, followed by # key.
- Press valid Report Type key or enter appropriate Report Type Code for the hospital from which you are
dictating (Children’s at Egleston or Children’s at Scottish Rite) then press #.
- Enter the six-digit medical record number, then press #.
- Press the button on the handset to record dictation; release to pause.
- Dictation confirmation number is given at end of dictation when pressing 5 or pressing End Report key.
To Review Dictation:
- Push handset bar up to rewind and release for automatic playback.
- Listen to last correct word and pull handset bar down to stop automatic playback.
- Press button on handset to dictate changes.
To Complete Dictation:
- Press End Report key or press 5 to receive Dictation Confirmation number, and then hang up handset.
To Dictate Additional Reports:
- Press key labeled Next Report. If the report you are dictating is the same work type, press the # key. If
not, enter new work type number followed by the # key.
- Enter the medical record number, and then press #.
- Press button on handset to record dictation. Release to pause.
Call-in Dictation:
- Dial phone number for either Children’s at Scottish Rite or Children’s at Egleston (see chart above)
- After prompt, use the keypad to enter DICTATOR ID#, and then press #.
- When prompted, enter valid REPORT TYPE code, and then press #.
- When prompted, enter six-digit medical record number, and then press #.
- Press 2 to RECORD. Press 2 again to pause recording and 2 to resume dictating. Please note that the
record mode is NOT voice activated. There is No Beep, so just begin speaking. There is a continuous
beep when in “pause” mode.
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To Rewind:
- Press 3 for short review.
- Press 7 for continuous review; press 9 to stop rewind and begin playback.
- Press 77 to move to the beginning of report and begin playback.
To Fast Forward:
- Press 4 to begin fast-forward and 9 to stop fast forward.
- Press 44 to move directly to end of dictation.
To Edit (Make corrections, record over the unwanted material):
- Locate the portion of your dictation to be changed.
- Press 2 and record over the unwanted material.
To Dictate Next Report Without Hanging Up:
- Press 8 to end your current dictation and begin another report. Follow voice prompts and enter the next
Report Type and medical record number.
To Complete Dictation:
- Press 5 at end of dictation session, Listen for the dictation confirmation number, and then hang up. (If
you do not press 5, your dictation will be sent anyway).
Facility
Phone
Listener ID #'s
Radiology Dictation
Children’s at Scottish Rite
404-785-3179
55, 56, 57, 58, 59 OR 2179
Children’s at Egleston
404-785-6029
55, 400, 500, 600, 700 or 6029
Radiology Dictation – To Listen:
- Dial phone number for either Children’s at Scottish Rite or Children’s at Egleston (see table below)
- Enter listener ID# (see table below)
- Enter Patient Identifier and #
- For Results, press 9
- Repeat Results, press 3 multiple times
- For next report on same patient, press 8
For new report with different patient identifier:
- Press (*) and follow voice prompts
- To disconnect, press 5
Dictation Troubleshooting - Technical Difficulties:
Call 404-785-6767 to report dictation equipment/phone problems. Be very specific when reporting technical
difficulties. For example:
- You are cut off
- You cannot get a voice prompt
- Handset not working
- Dictation not recording
Call Health Information Services for Dictation Questions
Children’s at Scottish Rite
Children’s at Egleston
Dial 404-785-2187 or 404-785-2300
Dial 404-785-6430 and press option 4
Study/Review Requests
If you need to request a record for review, call with your request and allow at least three to five business days for
processing. Records are maintained on site at Children’s at Scottish Rite for one year and at Children’s at Egleston
for three years. Archived records are maintained off site and require additional retrieval time. You may only request
records for which you have or will be participating in the patient's care or for which you are the attending physician.
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Time frames for IRB or HIM-approved research studies will be determined by HIM depending on department
staffing. Retrieved records will be available for two weeks.
Release of Information:
Information contained in the medical record is the property of the patient. The actual medical record is the property
of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and is maintained for the benefit of the patient, medical staff and the hospital. It
is the hospital’s responsibility to safeguard the record. Policy and regulatory guidelines state that medical records
should not be removed from the hospital's jurisdiction and safekeeping except in accordance with a court order.
Written consent by the patient or his/her legal qualified representative (i.e., parent or guardian) is required for
release of medical information to persons not otherwise authorized to receive this information. Authorization to
release copies of medical records becomes part of the correspondence section of the patient’s record.
Release of Information
Children’s at Egleston: 404-785-2432
Release of Information
Children’s at Scottish Rite: 404-785-2431
Health Information Staff Contacts
Ellen Wright, Director, HIS
404-785-7074
Sherron Holliman, Manager at Children’s at Scottish Rite
404-785-4353
Deborah Earvin , Manager at Children’s at Egleston
404-785-6324
Carmen Baggett, Coding Director
404-785-5461
Olene Rubenstein, Transcription Supervisor
404-785-2187
Terry Stein, HIS Systems Manager
404-785-2300
HIPAA-Patient Privacy
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is federal legislation implemented to protect
patient privacy. The Privacy section of this act became law in April of 2003 and addresses “protected health
information” (PHI). PHI is patient identifiable information such as name, medical record number, account number,
etc. Confidentiality of patient information must be maintained at all times.
- When discussing PHI, try to conduct the discussion in a conference room, patient room (if discussing that
patient) or other private location.
- When working at a Children’s computer and reviewing PHI, sign off from the application in which you are
working prior to leaving the workstation.
- Never share your login and password.
- When disclosing PHI to sources outside of Children's, verify whether an authorization is required (refer to
HIPAA Disclosure Grid on Careforce/Departments/HIPAA).
- When transporting a medical record out of Health Information Services or the unit transport the record in a
fashion that protects patient confidentiality.
- When working with PHI on the units, do not to leave any information out on the counters of the nurse’s station
unattended.
- Do not send PHI via e-mail outside of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Only internal e-mail may be used.
- When faxing PHI, always use a cover sheet.
- When disposing of PHI, always use a shredder or shredding bin. Never dispose in a wastebasket.
All Children's policies and procedures are located on Careforce under the Policy and Procedure section or under
Departments/HIPAA.
Failure to comply with the HIPAA privacy law may result in fines up to $250,000 per infraction and up to 10 years
jail time. Contact Ellen Wright, Privacy Officer, at [email protected] or 404-785-7074 for additional
information related to HIPAA.
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Hospitalist Program
The Hospitalist Program of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is an extension of the primary physician’s care in the
hospital setting. It creates a partnership between community physicians and hospitalist pediatricians offering
consultative advice, inpatient coverage, outpatient diagnostic services and referral coordination with specialists. The
program emphasizes high quality medical care, a superior level of service to primary care physicians, high patient
satisfaction and return of all patients to the referring physician.
Key Features:
- Toll-free, 24 hour telephone access lines for primary care physicians and mid-level providers (direct
provider-to-physician)
- Inpatient hospital care
- Outpatient diagnostic referral program
- Coordination of referrals to appropriate pediatric specialists
- Timely feedback to primary care physicians
- Award-winning, board certified physician staff with exceptional depth of clinical and diagnostic expertise
- Referral of all patients back to their primary care physicians for post-hospitalization care.
The Outpatient Diagnostic program offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic services including:
- Consultation regarding medically challenging diagnoses
- Outpatient evaluation as a second opinion or to determine if further consultation or evaluation is
necessary
- Coordination of multidisciplinary care on an outpatient basis for patients with multiple medical
conditions.
Telephone Consultation
Two 24-hour, seven-day-a-week telephone lines offer primary care physicians immediate access to hospitalists. We
encourage physicians to use the hospitalist service to obtain a free consultation or second opinion. Challenged
frequently by difficult pediatric diagnoses and complex conditions, the Children’s hospitalists draw upon their
collective experience and strengths to diagnose and treat children with pediatric conditions ranging from the most
common to the highly complicated.
Referrals to Specialists
Physicians who use consultation services provided by the Children’s hospitalists can also discuss possible needs for
referrals to pediatric specialists. Children’s is committed to ensuring that all children and adolescents have access to
the full continuum of services they need to reach optimal health.
Hospitalist Program
Phone
Outside Georgia
Children’s at Scottish Rite
404-303-7483 or 800-854-7483
800-244-2813
Children’s at Egleston
404-225-2937 or 800-377-0998
800-244-2813
Immediate Care Centers
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Immediate Care Centers are located throughout the metro Atlanta area and
offer convenient walk-in service seven days a week, including holidays, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The Children’s Immediate Care Centers treat common illnesses and injuries including:
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rashes
- Bites
- Sore throat
- Colds and flu
- Sprains and strains
- Coughing and wheezing
- Stomachaches
- Earaches and ear infections
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Fevers (children older than 2 months)
- X-rays, splinting and lab services
- Minor cuts and burns
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Call 404-250-KIDS or visit www.choa.org/immediatecare to learn more about services and locations for the
Children’s Immediate Care Centers. Call Ahead Care is also available at the Children’s Immediate Care Centers.
Call 404-785-CALL (2255) to use this time-saving option.
Infection Control
Infection Control at Children’s includes all three hospitals as well as the satellites. There is an Infection Control
Nurse available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on pager 1-800-329-6410. Children’s also contracts with
epidemiologists for consultations as needed.
Hospital Isolation System
- It is the physician’s responsibility to order and discontinue isolation. Nurses may institute isolation, but
are required to have a physician’s order within 24 hours.
- The Infection Control Manual, found on each Patient Care Unit and on the Intranet, lists the isolation
required for specific disease conditions or diagnoses.
- Isolation technique requirements are described on each isolation door card.
- Please use only the disposable stethoscope in each isolation room.
- Reusable equipment taken into isolation room must be cleaned with disinfectant wipes prior to removable
from the room.
Standard Precautions:
- Gowns, gloves, masks and face protection are available in each patient and exam room.
- Resuscitation devices are available in each patient room to prevent disease transmission during mouth-tomouth resuscitation.
- Do not recap needles using a two-handed technique. Dispose of all sharps and blades into the sharps
disposal container in each patient and exam room.
- Report all percutaneous or mucous membrane exposures promptly to Occupational Health. Each unit has
a needle-stick protocol to initiate testing. Call the Needle-stick hotline at 404-785-4444.
Reportable Diseases
Infection control will notify the State of Georgia Office of Epidemiology of all required reportable diseases in
hospitalized patients. When a patient is diagnosed with invasive diseases such as hemophilus influenza type B,
meningococcal disease, measles, shigella or pertussis, Infection Control will notify the Health Department and
report any daycare or community exposures. It is the physician’s responsibility to arrange for prophylaxis of
immediate household members. Physicians (or their designees) are responsible for reporting designated diseases in
any outpatient to the local health department:
- Notify Infection Control of all known or suspected TB cases as soon as possible.
- Notify Infection Control of all suspected healthcare associated infections as soon as possible.
- Notify Infection Control of any clusters of infection.
Hand Hygiene
- Hand washing should be done when hands are visibly soiled, after removing gloves, after contact with all
blood or body fluids with patients having Clostridium Difficle and after using the restroom.
- Apply soap after wetting hands; apply friction between fingers and around thumbs for a minimum of 10
seconds; rinse, then turn off the water faucet with a paper towel, not your hands.
- An alcohol-based foam for hand hygiene is available in all patient care areas. This may be used in place
of soap and water whenever your hands are not visibly soiled with dirt, blood or body fluids.
- All healthcare workers that have direct contact with patients are not permitted to wear artificial
fingernails.
- Natural fingernails are not to exceed one quarter (1/4) inch from the end of the digit.
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Children’s at Egleston
IC Practitioner 404-785-0655
Infection Control
24 Hours Pager 1-800-329-6410
Manager 404-785-7457
Administrative Asst. 404-785-7769
Immediate Care and Satellites 404-785-7459
Children’s at Hughes Spalding
IC Practitioner 404-785-6836
Children’s at Scottish Rite
IC Practitioner 404-785-2869
Industrial Hygienist 404-785-7458
Industrial Hygienist 404-785-6836
Industrial Hygienist 404-785-7431
Libraries, Family
The Family Libraries offer a collection of consumer health books, magazines, audiovisuals, charts, models and
brochures on medical and health-related topics. These resources, supplemented by computer databases, are available
to patients, their families and staff who want to learn more about a particular condition or to explore other healthrelated topics. Materials are primarily for the non-medical person, available both on adult and child reading levels.
Recreational books and videos as well as a computer for Internet and email access are also available in the family
libraries for patients and families. The Family Library at Children’s at Egleston is located on the ground floor near
the elevator lobby and the Max Brown Family Library at Children’s at Scottish Rite is located on the first floor near
the lobby.
Children’s at Scottish Rite - Max Brown Family Library
Open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone
404-785-2192
Fax
404-785-2191
E-mail
[email protected]
Children’s at Egleston Family Library
Open Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone
404-785-1611
Fax
404-785-1664
E-mail
[email protected]
Libraries, Medical
Professional staff are invited to use the Medical Libraries for patient care information, continuing education and
research. Online request forms, available on the Library Services web page under Departments on the Children’s
intranet site, Careforce Connection, may be faxed or e-mailed to the library.
There is no fee for routine research or document delivery services, but requests must be related to patient care,
research, staff development and management at Children’s. Library staff gives priority to information requests
needed for clinical emergencies involving patient care.
Library Services
Library staff performs searches as requested or instructs users in database searching by appointment or class (see
Aspen for class schedule).
Article and book retrieval
We provide Interlibrary Loan services for a book, journal article or audiovisual materials not available in the
libraries. You are welcome to copy materials in the library at no charge (50 page limit).
Reference and circulating materials
Current collection of textbooks for each medical specialty (with emphasis in pediatrics) is available. Books marked
“Reference” are non-circulating. Other materials may circulate for two weeks with a one-week extension.
Management resources
Materials on leadership, time management and communication are also available for circulation.
25
Journals
250+ titles in general medicine, pediatrics, nursing Allied Health specialties and healthcare management. Journals
may not be checked out, but photocopying is available in the libraries.
E-Resources (see the Library Services under Departments on Careforce Connection)
200+ full-text online medical journals Ovid (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, etc.), MDConsult, EBSCOHost,
PubMed, Up-to-Date, Micromedix, etc. (with online tutorials also available).
Audiovisuals
Pediatric Grand Rounds, Audio-Digest (pediatrics and orthopaedics). (CE credit available for Audio-Digest
tapes/CDs only); Active Care Management Symposium (July only)
Other resources
Interactive software for genetic diagnosis and nursing simulations are in the Learning Resource Center at Children’s
at Egleston.
Online library catalog
An online bibliography/searchable database of the medical library collections of print and electronic materials,
displays item availability and offers online access to e-Resources.
Children’s at Scottish Rite Fran Golding Medical Library
Staffed Mon-Fri; after hours access by ID badge
Elaine Harbin, Medical Librarian, 404-785-2154
Kate Daniels, Medical Librarian, 404-785-2157
Phone
404-785-2152
Fax
404-785-2155
Email
[email protected]
Children’s at Egleston Inman Medical Library
Staffed Mon-Fri; after hours access by ID Badge
Emily Lawson, Medical Librarian, 404-785-1481
Kate Daniels, Medical Librarian, 404-785-2157
Phone
404-785-6438
Fax
404-785-6463
Email
[email protected]
Needle Pain Standing Orders
The Medical Executive Committee has given nurses the authority to initiate certain orders for pain control prior to
discussing them with the attending physician. In particular, nurses can order the topical anesthetics EMLA cream or
LMX cream, buffered Lidocaine or 24 percent sucrose pacifiers prior to venipuncture. These nurse initiated orders,
called standing orders, require the signature of a physician after use.
All of the following should be used in conjunction with developmentally appropriate behavioral interventions (in
consultation with a Child Life specialist, if available).
1.
EMLA or LMX cream before venipuncture in infants greater than 32 weeks for EMLA, 38 weeks for LMX
and older children and adolescents. Patients are screened for lidocaine or prilocaine allergy. (LMX is also
available “over the counter” in both hospital gift shops.)
2.
Buffered Lidocaine for intradermal and subcutaneous anesthesia. Addition of NaHC03 increases the PH of
lidocaine and decreases the stinging/burning on injection. Lidocaine is pre-mixed in the pharmacy.
3.
24% Sucrose (‘Sweetease’) for infants greater than 32 weeks gestational age administered via pacifier dip or
syringe (0.05 – 0.1ml) immediately before a painful stimulus.
For questions, please contact Sarah Leahy, Manager, Clinical Operations, Children’s Center for Pain Relief, at
[email protected] or 404-785-7538.
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Neurosciences
The Children’s Neurosciences program provides comprehensive care for children with brain disorders. Our
neurosciences team includes neurologists, epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists,
social workers and others. Programs and services are available at Children’s at Egleston and Children’s at Scottish
Rite and include:
- Brain and Spinal Cord Tumor Program
- Neurogenetics/Metabolic Disorders Clinic
- Comprehensive Pediatric Level 4 Epilepsy Program - Neuromuscular Disease Clinic
- Craniofacial
- Neuro-oncology
- EEG
- Neuro-otology Program
- Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Clinic
- Neurorehabilitation Program
- Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinic
- Neuro Spine Care for Kids
- Myelodysplasia Clinic
- Sleep Disorders Program
- Neurofibromatosis Program
- Spasticity Clinic
Visit www.choa.org/neuro for additional information on Neurosciences services.
Occupational Health
The Occupational Health Department assists physicians in obtaining their TB tests and MMR, Varicella and
Hepatitis B titers. Please note that vaccines are not provided at this time. Current TB tests are required at initial
appointment and reappointment.
Children’s at Egleston
404-785-2228
Occupational Health at Children’s at
Egleston walk-in hours are Monday
and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
and Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Children’s at Hughes Spalding
404-785-2228
Occupational Health at
Children’s at Hughes Spalding
walk-in hours are Monday and
Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
and Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Children’s at Scottish Rite
404-785-2228
Occupational Health at Children’s at
Scottish Rite walk-in hours are
Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 12
p.m., and Wednesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Orthopaedics
At Children’s, our orthopaedic surgeons, therapists and staff are specially trained to care for kids. The Children’s
Orthopaedic program is ranked by Child magazine as one of the top five programs in the United States.
The Children’s Orthopaedic Program includes:
- Hand Clinic
- Limb Deficiency Center
- Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Rehabilitation
- Sports Medicine Program
- Scoliosis
Each year, Children’s cares for more than 3,000 sports injuries and screens more than 65,000 children for scoliosis.
Children’s is also home to the only hospital-based orthotics and prosthetics lab in Georgia, designing both upperand lower-extremity prostheses for children born with a partial or malformed limb (hand, arm, foot or leg).
For more information about the Children’s Sports Medicine Program, contact Harold King, Manager, Community
Outreach/Sports Medicine, at [email protected] or 404-785-7570, or online at www.choa.org/sportsmed.
27
Patient Access
Patient Access provides assistance to help your patients “access” our services. We help with scheduling, preregistration, registration, insurance verification, precertification verification and financial counseling.
There are rare occasions when adults (people who have passed their 21st birthday) may be appropriately cared for at
Children's (such as a patient who needs equipment only available at Children's, or patients receiving staged
treatment that will be finished after their 21st birthday). All admissions for patients beyond their 21st birthday must
be pre-approved by the Vice President, Medical Management, at 404-785-7462.
Charity Care
The Children's charity philosophy is to provide care to all children defined as residents of Georgia, regardless of
their ability to pay if the child requires medical services that are most appropriately provided by Children's and not
available elsewhere in Georgia. Individuals seeking treatment at Children's who are residents of states other than
Georgia, or who are residents outside of the US may also be eligible for charity care. (Georgia residents needing
Children's charity care resources will have priority access to the health services Children's provides.) Before
committing to accept a child however, Children's will carefully review each case to determine the availability of
services elsewhere, Children's ability to fund the care, and other criteria. If you are contemplating caring for a
charity patient at Children's, please contact the Clinical Director for your specialty or the House supervisor. They
can help you with the appropriate approval process.
Interfacility Transfers
On occasion, patients need to be transferred between our hospitals for purposes of continuing care. In general,
patients are only transferred between our two hospitals if the receiving hospital can offer a service the sending
hospital cannot. These interfacility transfers require pre-approval. Please contact your patient's Case Manager or the
House Supervisor to arrange this.
Direct Admissions
To admit a patient for services at Children’s, the following information is required:
- Patient’s first and last name
- Patient’s date of birth
- Admitting diagnosis
- Origin of patient (home or another medical facility)
- Name of the admission (emergent, urgent, elective)
- Approximate time of admission (if hospital census is full we may ask you to delay an elective admission
until a bed is available)
- Medical information related to the patient is also important when determining the appropriate placement
such as a chicken pox exposure)
- Insurance information, to include payer and policy number
The Supervisor of Patient Placement carries a cell phone which, if busy, will roll over to a voice mail and pager.
Please leave your name and phone number for a return call. DO NOT leave any patient information on the message.
Precertification is required for surgeries and non-emergent admissions by 3 p.m. the day prior to service or the visit
may have to be postponed until precertification is obtained by the physician’s office. To aid in communication,
please list the precertification number on the order form for outpatient services or provide it at the time of
scheduling.
Our Financial Counselors are happy to assist you or the patient’s family with any financial information.
Department
Admitting-Supervisor of Patient Placement
Financial Counselors
Children’s at Egleston
404-785-2595
404-785-6133
Children’s at
Hughes Spalding
404-785-9638
404-785-9660
Children’s at
Scottish Rite
404-785-1108
404-785-4514
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Scheduling Services
Diagnostic Scheduling
Children’s at
Egleston
Radiology
Scheduling
(appointments
for
404-785-6078
diagnostic tests including MRI, CT, Ultrasound,
Press 1 or 2
Nuclear Medicine & Fluoroscopy )
Radiology Scheduling Problems
404-785-0517
pager 404-2252847
Department
Laboratory Scheduling
Clinic and Admission Scheduling
Admissions (Bed Placement)
Surgical Scheduling (Routine)
Routine Scheduling
Routine Scheduling
404-785-6415
404-785-3000
404-785-2595
404-785-6622
Children’s at
Hughes Spalding
404-785-9988
Children’s at
Scottish Rite
404-785-2787
404-785-9988
404-785-2756
pager 404-225-2669
404-785-9988
404-785-9850
404-785-9638
404-785-9500
404-785-2039
404-785-6000
404-785-6514
404-785-2260
The Children’s Surgery Center at Meridian Mark Plaza
404-785-5650
The Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center at Satellite Boulevard
404-785-8000
Patient and Family Education
The goal of Patient and Family Education at Children’s is to ensure that all patients and their families receive quality
information to improve patient health outcomes, promote recovery, speed return to function, promote healthy
behavior, and increase and maintain the patient’s and family’s participation in decision making and healthcare.
To accomplish this, Patient and Family Education works to:
- Ensure standards and protocols related to patient and family education are consistent throughout
Children’s
- Approve patient and family educational materials available throughout Children’s, ensuring that the
reading level is at 5th to 8th grade level
- Provide staff training and education related to patient education topics
- Promote continual readiness for the Joint Commission patient education standards
Patient family teaching sheets are available via the physician portal. For more information, contact Patient and
Family Education at 404-785-7839.
Pharmacy
The Pharmacy department provides all drugs and assures appropriate clinical outcomes from their use. This is
pharmaceutical care. Specific services provided by the pharmacy include:
- Prepares, dispenses and distributes drugs in appropriate forms for patient use
- Provides clinical and pharmaceutical information concerning drug therapy
- Provides specific services for patients and professional staff, such as:
- Interpreting, questioning, clarifying and validating all drug-related orders
- Compounding I.V. drug, TPN and chemotherapy admixtures
- Answering questions asked by physicians and nurses
- Performing patient interviews and instruction as requested and medication instruction as needed
and upon discharge
- Regulating drug therapy in accordance with guidelines approved by the Pharmacy, Nutrition and
Therapeutics Committee
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- Presenting drug therapy conferences
- Preparing and disseminating drug information newsletters
- Detecting and reporting drug allergies and/or adverse drug reactions
- Compounds pharmaceutical dosage forms
- Assists in research of the clinical use of drugs
- Participates in a drug usage evaluation program with the Pharmacy, Nutrition, Therapeutics Committee
- Participates in the System’s performance improvement program
The Pharmacy is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Formulary of
Accepted Drugs is available on Careforce and the Physician Portal. For more information, contact Helen
Giannopoulos at 404-785-6502 at Children’s at Egleston or Jennifer Sterner-Allison at 404-785-2910 at Children’s
at Scottish Rite.
Primary Care Centers
The Children’s Primary Care Centers at Chamblee and Children’s at Hughes Spalding offer primary care services
for children with Medicaid or PeachCare insurance with bilingual staff available. Services provided include well
child care, sick visit care, immunizations, hearing/vision screening and appropriate referrals as medically indicated.
The offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Evening and weekend hours are also available.
Visit www.choa.org/primarycare for a map and directions to each of our locations.
Pulmonology
The Children’s Pulmonology Program includes a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, nutritionists, respiratory
care therapists and pharmacists. Pulmonology at Children’s is ranked by Child magazine as one of the top five
programs in the nation. Our program includes treatment of:
- Asthma
- Bronchiolitis
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Interstitial lung disease
- Pneumonia
- Sleep disorders
The Children’s Asthma Center provides comprehensive disease-management programs depending on the type and
severity of the patient’s condition. The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Children’s cares for patients from newborn to age
21 in a collaborative setting. The Children’s Sleep Center offers evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of sleep
disorders.
Pulmonology Program Contact and Referral
Children’s at Hughes Spalding
Children’s at Scottish Rite
Children’s at Egleston
404-785-9850
404-785-2096
404-785-6650
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Quality
At Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, patient safety and improving patient outcomes are our top priorities. We are
committed to strengthening quality within the Institute of Medicine’s six critical areas—proving that care is
effective, efficient, equitable, patient-centered, safe and timely.
The tools of quality, knowledge and accountability guide us as we improve pediatric care with these four
cornerstones:
- Patient safety and improving patient outcomes
- Excellence in care
- Expanding knowledge
- Personal and system accountability
Quality is located at The Children’s Office Park, 1677 Tullie Circle, Atlanta. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 7
a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Alan Kohrt, Chief Quality Officer, at [email protected] or 404785-7527.
Rehabilitation
Children’s offers pediatric rehabilitation services at Children’s at Egleston and Children’s at Scottish Rite, as well as
several satellite locations throughout metro Atlanta. We work with patients with diverse conditions, from traumatic
brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to neurological diseases and other childhood impairments resulting from
accidents, illnesses, injuries, congenital defects, syndromes and other conditions.
The acute inpatient rehabilitation program provides therapies designed to facilitate the patient’s transition home
and/or to other rehabilitation programs at Children’s.
The Children’s Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (CIRU) is accredited by the Commission on
Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The CIRU offers services 24 hours a day, including physical,
occupational and speech therapy, audiology services, as well as music and recreational therapies designed for
children, adolescents and young adults.
The Day Rehabilitation program is designed much like a child’s typical school day. Patients come to the center five
days a week to rebuild the everyday skills they need at home, school and in their communities.
For patients and families with ongoing rehabilitation needs, the outpatient rehabilitation program offers pediatric
audiology, occupational and physical therapy, speech therapy, and many other services at nine locations throughout
metro Atlanta.
Rehabilitation Programs Information and Referral
The Children's Central Business Office
The Children’s CIRU
The Children's Day Rehabilitation Program
404-785-7100
404-785-7224
National Pager 800-399-2380
404-785-3300
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Risk Management
The Children’s Risk Management Program is designed to direct risk management activities system-wide and to
protect patients, visitors, employees, physical assets, the Children’s image and financial resources. Coordination of
the Risk Management Program is the responsibility of the Director of Risk Management.
Disclosure of Unanticipated Events:
An unanticipated event is “any outcome resulting from a failure of a treatment to provide expected benefit, when
there is reasonable concern that the event may have at least in part been related to faulty execution or judgment” and
disclosure is a process for how we tell families about any such event. Sharing these events with family members is
the ethical thing to do and is a requirement of federal and state regulatory bodies. These events are graded on a letter
scale from “A” (a circumstance that may have the capacity to cause harm, such as medicine bottles with similarlooking labels) to “I” (patient death). Events of level “A” through “D” (these events do not involve harm to the
patient) may be disclosed at the physician’s discretion. Events of level “E” through “I” above MUST be disclosed to
the family. Help and support in these matters is provided to a physician through Risk Management, the
Administrator on Call, the House Supervisor.
Physicians are required to immediately call the Risk Management Pager 404-533-0685 for all Level E and above
occurrences as described below:
- Category E (severity level E): An error occurred that resulted in the need for treatment or intervention
and caused temporary patient harm.
- Category F (severity level F): An error occurred that resulted in initial or prolonged hospitalization and
caused temporary patient harm.
- Category G (severity level G): An error occurred that resulted in permanent patient harm.
- Category H (severity level H): An error occurred that resulted in a near-death event (e.g., anaphylaxis,
cardiac arrest)
- Category I (severity level I): An error occurred that resulted in patient death.
Risk Management also provides assistance to physicians in the following areas:
- Consent/Custody issues
- DNR and Withholding and Withdrawing of Treatment
- Brain Death issues
- Advance Directives
- Blood Transfusion
- Abuse and Neglect
- Urgent Events
Risk Management is the first responder following any urgent occurrence notification page to assist with developing
a communication plan for disclosing the event to the patient's parent/legal guardian and to assist with necessary
documentation.
Risk Management Contact Information
Barbara Ardell, Director, Risk & Conflict Resolution
Ashley Benson, Clinical Risk Manager
Pager for Risk Manager On-Call
404-785-7523
404-785-7543
404-533-0685
32
Safety Department
The Safety department is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive system-wide
safety program. Safety department activities include environment of care surveys, chemical waste management,
providing occupational and environmental health and safety resource materials, consultations, training and following
requirements of all regulatory agencies.
Safety policies for Children’s are available on Careforce Connection. The policies include:
- Safety Management
- Security Management
- Utility Systems Management
- Medical Equipment Management
- Emergency Management
- Hazardous Materials and Waste Management
- Life Safety Management
Hazards Communications Program
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require employers to establish a program for
the identification, handling and storage of and education about hazards. The Children’s policy addresses the use and
understanding of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and requirements for the use of personnel protective
equipment. Material Safety Data Sheets contain information on safe handling, storage, spill clean up and disposal of
chemicals. Any condition that might be considered hazardous to patients, visitors and/or employees, should be
reported to Security at 404-785-6161.
Medical Equipment Plan
It is the responsibility of all employees and medical staff professionals to notify the Safety Manager of any medical
device-related event resulting in death or serious illness or injury.
Emergency Codes and Situations
Code Red indicates fire or smoke is suspected or detected. Implement RACE techniques immediately:
R = Rescue
A = Alarm
C = Contain
E = Extinguish
Code Yellow:
Remove everyone including patients from danger; move to a safe area
Pull the nearest Fire alarm; call Security at extension 56161 or dial 404-785-6161
Close doors and window in the area if possible
Put out small and confinable fires; evacuate area if not small or confinable
Indicates a bomb threat or actual bomb emergency. Get as much information as possible from the
caller. Call Security at extension, 56161 or dial 404-785-6161.
Code Green:
Indicates an internal or external disaster that results in multiple casualties needing emergency
care. Required personnel should report to the primary manpower pool.
Code Blue:
Indicates an internal cardiac or respiratory arrest. Call Security at 56161 or dial 404-785-6161.
Satellites call 911.
Code Pink:
Indicates a kidnapping or missing patient situation.
Children’s at Egleston Safety Office
John Hittle
404-785-6948
Children’s at Hughes Spalding Safety
Office
Ben Yancey
404-785-6068
Children’s at Scottish Rite Safety
Office
John Lara
404-785-4399
33
Security Services
Children’s employs a proprietary security department. Security officers wear a white shirt with a badge and navy
blue slacks. Security supervisors carry ASP batons and all staff are trained in non-violent crisis intervention.
The emergency number for all three hospitals is extension 5-6161 or dial 404-785-6161. We have surveillance
cameras strategically located on each hospital. An intercom system/telephone works in conjunction with the camera
system. Panic alarms are located in the parking deck stairwells at Children’s at Scottish Rite and emergency phones
are in the parking deck at Children’s at Egleston.
Security Office
Hours
Children’s at Egleston
Monday-Friday,
24 hours a day.
Children’s at Hughes
Spalding
Monday-Sunday,
24 hours a day.
Children’s at Scottish Rite
Tuesdays: 6:30-8:30 a.m.
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 6:30-8:30 a.m.
2:30-4:30 p.m.
24-Hour, Non-Emergency Phone
404- 785-6142
404-785-6811
404-785-2073
Surgical Services
At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons are specially trained and
experienced in caring for a wide variety of medical issues for children, ranging from hernias or appendicitis to
cancer or serious congenital anomalies. Children’s offers a broad scope of comprehensive, team oriented, advanced
surgical care to infants, children and adolescents, including:
- Abdominal surgery
- Ophthalmology surgery
- Brachial plexus surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Plastic/reconstructive surgery
- Dental and oral/maxillofacial surgery
- Trauma surgery
- General surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Head and neck surgery
- Transplant surgery
- Neurosurgery
Children’s also offers minimally invasive surgical procedures such as laparoscopic and thorascopic procedures. In
addition to inpatient and outpatient surgery, ambulatory surgical services are also available at:
- The Children’s Surgery Center at Meridian Mark
- The Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center at Satellite Boulevard
34
Technology Services & Telecommunications
The Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Department at Children’s provides support for most hardware,
software, network, telephone and paging systems.
The Solution Center at Children’s is the central point for technology-related requests and assistance. When you call
the Solution Center, representatives take information about your problem, log your call into a tracking system, and
forward your request to the appropriate IS person for resolution. To reach the Solution Center, dial ext. 56767
internally or call 404-785-6767.
Careforce Connection Intranet Site
The Intranet site for Children’s, http://careforce, is called Careforce Connection. It is accessible only through
computers at a Children’s facility. Simply click on the Internet Explorer icon on the computer desktop and Careforce
Connection will come up on your screen. If you do not have access to the site, call the Solution Center at ext. 56767
or dial 404-785-6767. Popular features of Careforce Connection include the employee and physician phone
directories, department pages, the Children’s policies and procedures, the Doctor On Call schedule, and reference
materials such as Micromedex and Pediatric Advisor. You also will find an online version of Careforce Chronicle,
the employee newsletter for Children’s.
Web Site
The address for the Children’s external Web site is www.choa.org. Visit the site for up-to-date information about
Children’s, pediatric health and safety tips and much more.
Clinical Information System
In June 2004, Children’s implemented the first phase of Epic, a new clinical information system that eventually will
become the central database for all patient information at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The first stage of the
Epic rollout provided access to patient information including laboratory and radiology results. The Epic system also
allows for the retrieval of all documents dictated in the main hospital dictation system (SoftMed), such as operative
notes and discharge summaries. Clinical information in Epic is presented by encounter. Data is available from May
1, 2000, to the present, with certain limitations on total transcribed documents of a given type (limitations which are
rarely exceeded). Epic users also can view demographic and insurance information. As additional stages of the
system are introduced, clinical functionality will increase.
With appropriate security arrangements, access to the new system is available via EpicCare or EpicWeb. EpicCare is
designed for in-hospital use and EpicWeb is optimized for remote access. These applications are similar so, in most
cases, training on one should prepare you to use both systems. Password assignments, signatures on confidentiality
agreements, and brief training are required before accessing the system. For more information, log onto
www.choa.org/epic, which contains the details and forms necessary for access approval. If you have additional
questions, call the Solution Center at 404-785-6767
Clinical/Medical Informatics
This division is charged with bringing the voice of the clinician to the table when IS decisions are made. If you have
questions or concerns regarding your IS support at Children's, contact Ellen Mauldin, Director of IS Business
Partnership at 404-785-7092.
PACS Images
Picture archival and communication system (PACS) is an acronym used to describe a near-filmless
radiology/medical imaging environment. Radiographic images are available in digital format and authorized users
can view them from CD-Rom, specialized PACS diagnostic workstations, or the PACS Web-based application that
is available on any computer within the Children's network. PACS delivers "any image, anywhere, any time."
Contact one of the following for additional information and access:
Dave Moyer, IS/PACS Administrator, 404-785-7454
Al Izzo, IS Analyst at Children’s at Scottish Rite, 404-785-3488
In-house Paging
In-house paging is used within the hospital buildings only.
35
Children’s at Egleston: Dial ext. 5-6200 from a hospital phone or 404-785-6200 from an outside phone and
enter the three-digit pager number. Be sure to enter three numbers, including a leading zero if needed. Many
of these pagers rotate among teams and services for call. Therefore, if you are assigned a pager, please do not
to take it home with you.
Children’s at Hughes Spalding: In-house pagers are handled by security. Dial ext. 5-6811 from a hospital
phone or 404-785-6811 from an outside phone to have security send a message at your request.
Children’s at Scottish Rite: In-house pagers are used only by nurses and techs on the patient floors. The
hospital operator can send a message to any nurse at your request.
Overhead/Intercom Paging
To send an overhead page to someone at Children’s at Egleston, Children’s at Hughes Spalding or Children’s at
Scottish Rite, dial 0 for the operator. If you are outside the hospital and need to make an overhead page, call 404785-6000 for Children’s at Egleston, 404-785-9500 for Children’s at Hughes Spalding and 404-785-5252 for
Children’s at Scottish Rite.
Emory Telephone Numbers
To call an Emory number from the Children’s at Egleston phone system, dial 81+the last five numbers, such as
81+7+2345. To call the Emory Clinic, dial 81+8+the last five numbers.
PIC Paging System
PIC is the paging system used by most of the Emory-employed physicians, residents and fellows. These pagers are
issued and maintained by Emory. The PIC pager numbers are five digits. If the physician you are paging has a fourdigit PIC number, add a 1 to the beginning. To page a physician using PIC, dial 81+6+5500. From a phone outside
of the Children’s phone system, dial 404-686-5500 and enter the five-digit pager number. After leaving your
number, hang up or press # and hang up. Replacement PIC pagers are available at the hospital switchboard if a pager
is not working. The operator will call Emory to assign the pager number to a replacement pager.
Telephone Directory
The Children’s online phone book and physician phone directory are posted on the Careforce Connection intranet
site. To obtain a user manual for the phone directory, call the Solution Center and request one. If the phone directory
is available on a Children’s computer near you, printing options will provide you with a paper copy. If you have
questions about this, call the Solution Center for instruction on how to do so.
Transplant Services
Children’s is home to one of the most comprehensive pediatric transplant programs in the country. Located at
Children's at Children’s at Egleston, the Children’s Carlos and Marguerite Mason Transplant Center team provides
full pre- and post-transplant outpatient services for liver, heart and kidney patients in one centralized location.
Blood and marrow transplantation is offered at the Aflac Cancer Center, one of the country’s leading childhood
cancer and blood disorders programs. In 2006, Children’s performed 125 transplants: 28 liver transplants, 13 heart
transplants, 35 kidney transplants and 49 BMTs.
Contact the Transplant Information Line at 800-605-6175 for more information.
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Transport Services
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Transport Team transports critically ill newborns, children and adolescents to
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals or other specialized care hospitals in our area. The elite team of critical
care physicians, nurses, respiratory care professionals and paramedics delivers patient care in specially equipped
critical care vehicles, specialized helicopters and fixed fixed-wing aircraft.
By communicating with physicians, the Transport Team initiates treatments that would normally start after the child
is admitted to Children’s. The patient then benefits from a direct admission into our Intensive Care Units,
Emergency Department or Patient Care Areas.
Metro Aviation Inc. conducts all flights and exercises sole operational control over all helicopters. Lifeguard
International conducts all flights and exercises sole operational control over all fixed-wing aircraft.
For more information call 404-250-KIDS. To arrange a transport, call 800-325-6540.
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References
Maps
Campus Maps and directions can be viewed at www.choa.org.
Phone List
Local calls – Dial 9, then the area code and the seven-digit number
Long distance calls – Dial 9, then 1, then the area code and the seven-digit number; listen for tone, enter long
distance code or contact the hospital operator to assist with placing call.
All Children’s locations are linked by telephone. Dial ‘5’ and the four-digit extension if the number begins with 404785-xxxx.
Department
Telephone
Admissions
Children’s at Egleston – Bed Placement ............................................................................. 404-785.6514
Children’s at Hughes Spalding – Bed Placement ................................................................ 404-785-9638
Children’s at Scottish Rite – Bed Placement....................................................................... 404-785-2595
Aflac Cancer Center (Children’s at Egleston) ............................................................................ 404-785-1200
Aflac Cancer Center (Children’s at Hughes Spalding) .............................................................. 404-785-9800
Aflac Cancer Center (Children’s at Scottish Rite)...................................................................... 404-785-3240
Anesthesiology
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6616
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-785-2008
Call Center.................................................................................................................................404-250-KIDS
Case Coordination/Utilization Management
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6528
Children’s at Hughes Spalding ............................................................................................ 404-785-9500
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-785-2356
Children’s Health Network......................................................................................................... 404-785-7940
Clinical Nutrition
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6590
Children’s at Hughes Spalding ............................................................................................ 404-785-9500
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-785-2773
Continuing Education ................................................................................................................. 404-785-7843
Credentialing .............................................................................................................................. 404-785-7480
Family Library
Children’s at Egleston.......................................................................................................... 404-785-1611
Children’s at Scottish Rite ................................................................................................... 404-785-2192
Health Information Services (Children’s at Egleston)................................................................ 404-785-6430
Dictation Call-in – Internal.................................................................................................. 404-785-6271
Dictation Call-in – External................................................................................................. 404-785-6271
Incomplete Records ............................................................................................................. 404-785-6436
Release of Information ........................................................................................................ 404-785-6432
Study Requests .................................................................................................................... 404-785-6207
Transcription Requests ........................................................................................................ 404-785-6271
Voluntary Relinquishment................................................................................................... 404-785-6436
Health Information Services (Children’s at Scottish Rite) ......................................................... 404-785-2056
Dictation Call-in – Internal.................................................................................................. 404-785-3770
Dictation Call-in – External................................................................................................. 404-785-3770
Incomplete Records ............................................................................................................. 404-785-2053
Release of Information ........................................................................................................ 404-785-2431
Study Requests .................................................................................................................... 404-785-4358
Transcription Requests ........................................................................................................ 404-785-4363
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Voluntary Relinquishment................................................................................................... 404-785-2053
Hospitalist Program
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-713-0998
Toll Free .............................................................................................................................. 800-377-0998
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-303-7483
Toll Free .............................................................................................................................. 800-244-2813
House Supervisor
Children’s at Egleston......................................................................................................... 404-785-6514
Children’s at Hughes Spalding ........................................................................................... 404-785-9848
Children’s at Scottish Rite .................................................................................................. 404-785-2595
Infection Control
Children’s at Egleston ........................................................................................................ 404-785-0655
Children’s at Hughes Spalding ........................................................................................... 404-785-0655
Children’s at Scottish Rite.................................................................................................. 404-785-2869
After Hours Assistance....................................................................................................... 800-329-6410
Information Services and Technology – Solution Center ........................................................... 404-785-6767
Legal Services ............................................................................................................................ 404-785-7523
Laboratory Administration ......................................................................................................... 404-785-4552
Medical Library
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6438
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-785-2152
Medical Affairs
Administrative Assistant ..................................................................................................... 404-785-7007
Director, Medical Affairs, Children’s at Egleston ............................................................... 404-785-1001
Director, Medical Affairs, Children’s at Scottish Rite ........................................................ 404-785-2026
Manager, Medical Staff Governance ................................................................................... 404-785-7533
Medical Director, Children’s at Egleston/Dept Chair, Emory Pediatrics ............................ 404-727-2456
Resident Coordinator........................................................................................................... 404-785-6418
SVP, Medical Affairs .......................................................................................................... 404-785-7005
Peer Review................................................................................................................................ 404-785-7465
Pharmacy
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6588
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-250-2059
Physician Relations..................................................................................................................... 404-785-7534
Quality ........................................................................................................................................ 404-785-7527
Research ..................................................................................................................................... 404-785-7503
Risk Management ....................................................................................................................... 404-785-7544
On-call Pager ....................................................................................................................... 404-533-0685
Security Services
Children’s at Egleston (non-emergency) ............................................................................. 404-785-6142
Children’s at Egleston (emergency) .................................................................................... 404-785-6161
Children’s at Hughes Spalding (non-emergency)................................................................ 404-785-6811
Children’s at Hughes Spalding (emergency) ...................................................................... 404-785-6161
Children’s at Scottish Rite (non-emergency) ...................................................................... 404-785-2073
Children’s at Scottish Rite (emergency)............................................................................. 404-785-6161
The Park .............................................................................................................................. 404-785-7719
Surgical Scheduling
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6622
Children’s at Scottish Rite................................................................................................... 404-785-2260
Children’s Surgery Center at Meridian Mark ...................................................................... 404-785-5650
Children’s Outpatient Surgery Center at Satellite Blvd....................................................... 404-785-8000
Volunteer Services
Children’s at Egleston ......................................................................................................... 404-785-6371
Children’s at Hughes Spalding ............................................................................................ 404-785-9922
Children’s at Scottish Rite ................................................................................................... 404-785-4833
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For additional numbers, access the telephone directory on Careforce Connection. To access Careforce Connection
from any Children’s desktop computer:
 Select the Internet Explorer icon
 Careforce Connection
 Phone Directory
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