Tag: Myers Clinic

Provider Spotlight: Taylor Chevalier, PA-C

Provider Spotlight: Taylor Chevalier, PA-C

Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) is thrilled to welcome Philip-Barbour High School and Alderson Broaddus University graduate Taylor Chevalier to the BCHA Team. Taylor will work as a physician assistant with patients at Myers Clinic.

We chatted with Taylor to learn more about her healthcare experience and what she’s looking forward to the most with serving her hometown.

Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from? What school did you graduate from?

I am a Barbour County local who graduated from Philip-Barbour High School in 2014. I went off to college at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, but then came to Barbour County to study medicine at Alderson Broaddus University.

Why did you choose to work with BCHA?

I’ve always wanted to come back home and put my education to good use by serving the folks of my community.

What drove you to want to work in healthcare?

I have always loved science/medicine and taking care of others. By becoming a healthcare provider, I am able to combine those two passions into a career I love!

 What do you hope to achieve through your role at BCHA?

Since Barbour County has always been home to me, I’ve always wanted to find a way to give back to my community. Through my role at BCHA. I am able to do so as a provider.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love the people I work with!  I love being able to interact with members of our close-knit community – both my patients and my colleagues.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love anything outdoors! In my free time, you’ll most likely find me somewhere in the mountains on horseback, camping, or out on Tygart Lake.

Taylor is now accepting patients at both locations. To schedule an appointment with her, please call Myers Clinic at (304) 457-2800.

Provider Spotlight: Morgan Winterbottom, PA-C

Provider Spotlight: Morgan Winterbottom, PA-C

Barbour Community Health Association is excited to welcome Morgan Winterbottom to our healthcare team as a physician assistant. Morgan will work as a provider at Belington Medical Clinic and Myers Clinic.

We chatted with Morgan to learn a bit more about her background and what she’s looking forward to as a PA at BCHA’s clinics.

Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from? What school did you graduate from?

I’m originally from Lothian, Maryland. I graduated from Alderson Broaddus University for both my undergraduate in biology and PA school. I came to Philippi in 2015 and haven’t left since!

Why did you choose to work with BCHA?

After spending many years at ABU and traveling around North Central WV for my PA school rotations, I discovered that I really enjoyed rural healthcare and appreciated how welcoming, genuine, and kind the patients were to me, even as a student. As graduation approached, I realized that I wanted to stay in Barbour County and serve the community who had welcomed me and helped me grow all these years. Working with BCHA was the perfect opportunity to do this.

What drove you to want to work in healthcare?

I wanted to promote health and wellness on a personal level. Interacting and connecting with people has also brought a great sense of joy and purpose to me.

What do you hope to achieve through your role at BCHA?

I just hope to continue providing great team-based care and meeting the needs of the people in this community.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

I really enjoy developing a relationship with my patients and making a difference in their quality of life.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to play lacrosse and seek out WV scenery. In the summer, I like driving back to Maryland to visit my family and go crabbing and fishing with my dad.

Morgan is now accepting patients at both locations. To schedule an appointment with her, please call Myers Clinic at (304) 457-2800 or Belington Medical Clinic at (304) 823-2800.

Here to Educate, Help, and Guide – Intro to Chronic Care Management with Erica Weese, RN

Here to Educate, Help, and Guide - Intro to Chronic Care Management with Erica Weese, RN

Here at Barbour Community Health Association, we are constantly working to turn to better healthcare—which is why we are so excited to announce one of our newest endeavors: Chronic Care Management. Ever heard of it? We didn’t think so! Luckily, Belington Medical Clinic’s Health Educator, Erica Weese, RN, was able to sit down and explain what Chronic Care Management is and who it can help.

Q: What is Chronic Care Management?
A: Chronic Care Management is a personalized program designed to assist eligible patients manage their ongoing chronic conditions. After the initial start-up visit or phone call, we draft goal-oriented care plans specific to each patient to help them tackle their health goals. These can range from simple goals like remembering to take medication to more complex goals like managing and changing diets. I spend roughly 20 minutes a month with each patient checking in on their goals and making sure they’re staying on track.

Q: Who is Eligible for Chronic Care Management?
A: To begin, we are only working with Medicare patients, specifically those who have at least two chronic conditions that will last their lifetime or at least twelve months. Some chronic conditions on this list can include Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Cancer, and more.

Q: How do patients get started with Chronic Care Management?
A: Patients can be referred by their primary care physician to begin this program. One of the best parts of Chronic Care Management is that it can all be done over the phone. It begins with an initial phone call or visit where the patient and I review their health history and any medications they’re taking.

Q: What are some benefits for people to start Chronic Care Management?
A: There are so many benefits for people to start Chronic Care Management, the biggest being education. A big part of my job is to collaborate with the patients primary care provider and to help aid in the understanding of their health conditions, labs, medications, treatments, etc.

Q: What is the Health Educator’s Role in Chronic Care Management?
A: I’m here to educate, help, and guide. My role is to be the center of the spider web. I’m the liaison between patients and their primary care physician or any other physicians or specialists the patients see. My goal is to help the patient feel more confident in their understanding of their disease processes so that they can be a happier, healthier version of themselves.

If you or a loved one are eligible for this program, don’t hesitate to contact Erica Weese, RN, at Belington Medical Clinic or Holly Holbert, BSN, RN, at Myers Clinic.

Provider Spotlight: Tessa Ricottilli, PA-C

Provider Spotlight: Tessa Ricottilli, PA-C

Barbour Community Health Association is thrilled to welcome Tessa Ricottilli, PA-C to the team. Tessa will work directly with patients at Myers Clinic.

We chatted with Tessa to learn a bit more about her background and what she’s looking forward to in this new position.

Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from? What school did you graduate from?
I am originally from Nicholas County, WV, but I moved to Barbour County two years ago. I graduated from Alderson Broaddus University.

Why did you choose to work with BCHA?
I wanted to be closer to my children and serve our community.

What drove you to want to work in healthcare?
I have always had a passion to help others. I’ve also always been interested in science and the field of medicine.

What do you hope to achieve through your role at BCHA?
I hope to contribute to the family-friendly environment of BCHA by making sure patients feel welcomed and comfortable seeking care.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
I really enjoy interacting with patients and coworkers.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy outdoor activities, like gardening, swimming, and hiking as well as cooking and traveling.

To schedule an appointment with Tessa, please call the Myers Clinic at (304) 457-2800.

 

What is a Case Manager?

What is a Case Manager?

At Barbour Community Health Association, we not only prioritize a patient’s physical health, but also their mental wellness.

Mental health is so, so important to a person’s daily life – whether it’s maintaining relationships, creating healthy family and work life balance, improving emotional health or overall quality of life.

That’s why we ensure we have the best behavioral health team that offers care and compassion to each individual who walks through the door. Our team also includes expert therapists who are specialized in various behavioral health treatment areas, including: anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse and many more mental health needs.

Our team also includes case managers who maintain a rapport and working relationship with each patient who may identify with a mental health concern.

Let’s learn a bit more about case managers and their important role in the behavioral health field.

Why are case managers needed?

Case managers often assist patients in connecting them with tools and resources that can benefit and improve their quality of life. They assist in the very important process of managing care to ensure that the patients’ individual needs are being met in the best way possible. They work directly with each patient from the beginning of behavioral health treatment services until completion.

What are our case managers responsibilities?

Case managers help in various ways, including:

– Providing patients with resources, which may include linkage and referral to outside community, treatment and support agencies.
– Coordinating patient appointments.
– Providing compassion and support to all patients via telephone or in person.
– Assisting with coordination of patient health insurance benefits.
– Working with the patient’s licensed health care provider to ensure behavioral health treatment efficiency and service delivery.

What is the difference between a case manager and a therapist?

Barbour Behavioral Health case managers are the initial point of patient contact, and provide support and information regarding available treatment options. Often case managers are referred to as the safety net that helps to catch patients who are in need. They are appointed to a patient to help assist in a smooth recovery throughout treatment with their licensed provider. Case managers communicate with patients in between provider appointments as needed for additional support.

A therapist works with the patient in identifying areas of concern, symptoms, diagnosis and strengths in order to develop personalized treatment goals which can be achieved within the therapeutic process. A therapist helps the patient in treating the underlying cause of symptoms for increased quality of life through various evidenced-based clinical practices, or interventions.

Both aim to ensure that patients are working toward achieving the best version of themselves.

What is the education of our case managers?

Barbour Behavioral Health case managers have a minimum 4-year undergraduate college degree in a human services related field.

At BCHA, we value our case managers, who are dedicated to our patients and their wellbeing.

For more information on behavioral health services, please call 304-823-4000.

Employee Spotlight: Marjorie Burner, RN

Employee Spotlight: Marjorie Burner, RN

The Myers Clinic is excited to announce Marjorie Burner, RN promotion to nurse manager. Marjorie is entering this new position at Myers Clinic with years of experience in the healthcare field and two years already with Barbour Community Health Association.

 

 

 

 

We chatted with Marjorie about her nursing experience and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself – are you from Barbour County?

A: I’m originally from Barbour County. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alderson Broadus University.

Q: What experience do you have in the medical field?

A: I have been an RN for 27 years. I previously was Dr. Holbert’s nurse and then moved to transitional care manager in which I provided care for patients who were transitioning from the hospital back to their home. I’ve also been a nurse manager at other facilities.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a nurse?

A: Honestly, just being able to help and care for people. COVID-19 really put a new spin onto things but I was still able to feel that I was helping patients whether it be in person or via telehealth.

Q: What will your duties be as nurse manager?

A: Managing day to day operations and the clinical staff, staffing, ordering supplies and just making sure everything runs smoothly.

Q: What do you hope to bring in this new role at the Myers Clinic?

A: I just hope I’m able to continue providing outstanding care to the patients that Myers Clinic is known for.

Q: What do you enjoy about working at the Myers Clinic?

A: I just really enjoy the family atmosphere. I’ve worked out of the county most of my career, but in Barbour County, everyone knows everyone.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I’ve started hobby farming. Right now we have two goats, Biscuit and Gravy.

 

5 Tips When Beginning Therapy

5 Tips When Beginning Therapy

Starting therapy for mental health needs can seem like a giant step. Lots of people don’t know where to begin or who to talk to and continue to suffer in silence. That does not have to be you. The staff at the Barbour Community Health Association understands that starting therapy can be difficult but we’re here to help you on your mental health journey. That’s why we’re sharing our five best tips to remember when beginning therapy.

I don’t know where to start.

1. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or reach out to a Mental Health Provider

You see your primary care provider for all health concerns, remember that your mental and emotional health are just as important when achieving overall health and wellness. Bring up mental health concerns during regular check-ups or visits and check-in with your PCP about your mental health regularly.

If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about approaching your PCP, call or check-in with a mental health provider that you trust. Bridging the gap and having clear and open communication with your PCP or Mental Health Provider is the first step to getting and receiving the care you need.

Mental health is an integral part of health care. In many health care settings today, you may be asked if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or if you have had recent thoughts of suicide. Take this opportunity to talk to your PCP or Mental Health Provider openly so they can help refer you to a Mental Health Specialist in your area. You also can visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s Find Help page for assistance with finding a health care provider or treatment that’s right for you.

I’m not prepared or don’t know what to say.

2. Prepare before your visit

When in an appointment setting, many people forget questions or concerns they wanted to discuss with their care provider. Think of your questions or concerns beforehand, and write them down and bring them with you when you go to your next appointment. It’s also good practice to prepare a list of any medications you are currently on. It’s important to tell your health care provider about all the medications you’re taking on a regular basis, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements because they can affect the way your body reacts to certain medications.

Remember to also review your family health history with your provider. Certain mental illnesses tend to run in families, and having a close relative with mental health needs could mean you’re at a higher risk for some of those concerns. It also can help your health care provider recommend actions for reducing your risk and enable both you and your provider to look for early warning signs.

I feel alone.

3. Consider bringing a relative or close friend to your appointment

Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a close friend or relative that you trust to your appointment. It can be difficult to absorb all the information your health care provider shares, especially if you are not feeling well. Your companion can be there for support, help you take notes, and remember what you and the provider discussed. They also might be able to offer input to your provider about how they think you’re doing.

I’m not sure if I have any mental health needs.

4. Be honest with your providers

Your health care provider can help you get better only if you have clear and honest communication. It is important to remember that communications between you and a health care provider are private and confidential and cannot be shared with anyone without your expressed permission. Describe all your symptoms with your provider, and be specific about when they started, how severe they are, and how often they occur. You also should share any major stresses or recent life changes that could be triggering symptoms.

Examples of symptoms include:
● Persistent sadness, anxiousness, or “empty” moods
● Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
● Irritability
● Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
● Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
● Decreased energy or fatigue
● Moving or talking more slowly
● Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
● Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
● Unusual sleep patterns including difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
● Appetite or weight changes (or both)
● Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
● Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause

I’m not sure if this treatment plan is right for me.

5. Ask questions and stay informed

If you have questions or even doubts about a diagnosis or treatment your health care provider gives, ask for more information and discuss your concerns with your providers. If your provider suggests a treatment you’re not comfortable or familiar with, express your worries and ask if there are other options. It’s okay to disagree with your provider on what treatment to try. You may decide to try a combination of different approaches. You may also want to get another opinion from a different health care provider, which is okay. It’s important to remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. You may need to try a few different treatments, or a combination of treatments, before finding one that works best for you.

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important—if not more important—when taking care of yourself. Beginning therapy can seem like a big task but remember to give yourself credit for taking the leap into mental wellness.

Start the conversation today by calling our Behavioral Health team at 304.823.4000.

The PA Will See You Now: Meet Scott Nesland

The PA Will See You Now: Meet Scott Nesland

Barbour Community Health Association is excited to have Barbour County native Scott Nesland, PA join the Myers Clinic team. Scott will work as a primary care provider to the patients of Philippi’s Myers Clinic.

We chatted with Scott to learn about his background and to see what he’s looking forward to as a BCHA team member.

Tell us a little about yourself — where are you from? What school did you graduate from?
I grew up in Junior and moved to Moatsville and just stayed in the area. I graduated from Philip Barbour High School and then went on to attend Alderson-Broaddus University (AB). There, I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in PA Studies.

Why did you choose to work with BCHA?
Barbour County has always been home to me, and I know everyone in the area. I see it as my way of giving back to the area that helped shape me. I’ve been given a lot of opportunities here in Barbour County.

What drove you to want to work in healthcare?
I was bouncing around the idea of going to med school or PA school. My teacher asked me if I had scheduled my MCAT and the deadline passed by a month. I only applied at AB, and I was accepted. I saw it as a sign to further myself into the medical field by attending AB.

What do you hope to achieve through your role at BCHA?
I’m excited to start taking care of people, especially folks who would benefit from closer care. I think having someone younger in the clinic might be beneficial for both patients and hopefully staff.

What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
I really enjoy talking to people and getting to know patients on a personal level. I also enjoy performing certain procedures too, like sutures, draining abscesses, joint injections, etc.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy running, skiing and fishing on the Tygart River.

To set up an appointment with Scott, click here.

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

What to Expect at Your Medicare Wellness Visit

Since 2011, Medicare beneficiaries have been eligible for an annual wellness visit (AWV), a preventive health benefit created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. Though this service has been offered for several years now, many may be confused about what the actual visit entails.

We talked with our AWV experts, Amy Chenoweth, LPN from Belington Clinic and Jamie Carpenter, LPN from Myers Clinic, to find out what beneficiaries can expect at an annual wellness visit.

What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
It is a visit that we make sure your chart is completely updated and make sure your screenings are done. Everything you should be getting like your immunizations, we want to go over your medication list, and go over family history. We are basically updating your whole chart and depending on your health, will be what screening you get.

Who gets a Medicare Wellness Visit? Who is it that has these or should get them?
Anybody that has Medicare coverage for their insurance is eligible for a Medicare Wellness Visit.

Does this visit cost the patient?
It does not, it is a free annual wellness visit for all Medicare covered patients.

But patients should be aware that during their visit, their clinician may recommend tests or perform services like a hands-on exam that are not formally included in the AWV visit, potentially causing beneficiaries to incur out-of-pocket costs.

What is the process like? How does it get started? If I have Medicare do I call you or do I talk to my provider about it?
You can call us at our respective clinics and ask to speak with us. I do have a Medicare list and I try to call all of our patients that have Medicare, especially when they have Part B, because Part A and B is when you are able to get an exam. Then I will update your chart over the phone and after that, you will come in to see the provider. The basic thing is if I have not gotten ahold of you and you decide you want to do that; give me a call and I will get you in.

Was there any special training or certifications that nurses have to go through to perform these visits?
We did have to do the Aledade training and we are both Licensed Practical Nurses, so we are certified to complete the Medicare Wellness Visits. Aledade is an organization that we work with that helps us put all the data together for these visits and helps us make sure we stay in touch with folks.

What specific screenings should I expect during these visits?
I will do my part over the phone, which is basically getting all of your health information and getting everything updated. Then when you come in to see your provider you will get vital signs depending on which Medicare appointment you come to. During the welcome visit, you can actually get an EKG as well at no cost, but it is going to depend on your health because men and women are different. Women may get their mammograms or dexa scans and men of course will need their PSA checked and we want to make sure they are getting their colonoscopy. It will depend on your health and your age.

For more information on your upcoming Annual Wellness Visit, call Barbour Community Health Association at 304-823-2800.

Inspiration Stems from Barbour County for Myers Clinic’s New Paintings

Inspiration Stems from Barbour County for Myers Clinic's New Paintings

Barbour County’s Myers Clinic, located in Philippi, is bringing a new sense of familiarity and comfort to its patients. The waiting area of the clinic will now be decorated with artwork done by Barbour County native, Leah Seaman. The artist chose five locations that were special to her and carefully captured each scene through vibrant acrylic paint on an 11×14 canvas.

We sat down with Leah to learn more about her artistic background and how her hometown spawned inspiration for the art project.

1. First of all, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What are you studying at school?

I’m 21 years old and currently a senior at Marietta College in Ohio. I’m a double major in communication studies and studio art with a minor in leadership studies. I actually grew up in Barbour County in a little community called Chestnut Ridge. It’s a smaller community based within Barbour County that has a really unique collection of people. There are deep roots established in this community, so you have generations among generations of families that still live here with ancestors who came from the Civil War era.

2. When did you start getting into art? How did this hobby evolve?

Around eighth grade, I had no idea what to ask for at Christmas, so like any good child I asked for an art set and my parents got me a book and a set and my competitive nature pushed me to try to draw the things in the book – and it just kind of grew from there.

But pretty soon in high school I had a family of a former classmate reach out to me and asked me to do a drawing of their family. That first initial job, I think, was the first time I thought ‘there’s something here’.

So, I would say since eighth grade/freshmen year I have really been cultivating my craft, but I never really started to take it seriously until I studied abroad in Florence, Italy two years ago. It was there that I discovered that art is what brings me a lot of joy and fulfillment in life. From there, I really started taking my art seriously.

3. How did you get involved to do this project for Barbour Community Health Association?

Around the time COVID-19 hit, I contacted BCHA about the art project because I was looking for something different to do with my art. And so the conversations just started from there and we eventually came up with this idea. BCHA gave me a lot of free range on this project, which I really appreciated.

Myers Clinic Staff showing off Leah’s paintings.

4. Why did you choose to focus on Barbour County locations?

The purpose of the project was just to kind of show that there is a really gorgeous side to this community. Historically, Chestnut Ridge had sometimes faced some prejudice and difficulty. So, I really wanted to show that the Chestnut Ridge community is absolutely stunning and show some of the positive sides to the area and display some of the scenes we see on a daily basis. It was really cool to give that kind of representation, especially since a lot of people from this community go to the Myers Clinic, so I’m hoping people will recognize some of the scenes that I’ve painted and become relaxed because going to the doctor’s office can be kind of stressful.

5. What was your inspiration for each piece?

Each painting is of a scene from an area in the Chestnut Ridge community that is either special to me or my family, friends, or neighbors.

The painting entitled “Scenic Overlook from Chestnut Ridge Road” is of a vibrant sunset and is a popular spot for anyone who travels through Chestnut Ridge.

Another well-known spot in the community is the Welch Cemetery – the painting entitled “Scenic Overlook from Welch Cemetery”. You can actually see across Barbour County from this hill and many have family members who have been buried in this cemetery. It’s also my dad’s favorite spot.

The schoolhouse painting I did is called “The Old Croston Schoolhouse” – this school used to be the schoolhouse for all the Chestnut Ridge kids before schools integrated. Now, it’s this really old, beautiful, tattered building with a lot of history. I’m really hoping Chestnut Ridgers recognize this painting.

The farm painting, “Sickler Farm”, is of the Sickler Farm, which is owned by a couple that distributes a lot of their produce out to the community. So, I got permission from them to paint their property and some of the cows in the pasture.

For the “Arden River” painting, I wanted to add more autumn colors into the project. So, I thought I’d paint this because a lot of the Chestnut Ridge community enjoys going down to that part of the river to swim. My mom kind of pushed me to paint this more in fall colors just because all of my other paintings were very green.

6. What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on illustrating my first children’s book, so that’s very exciting. I’m also selling prints for any of the five paintings at Myers Clinic in three sizes: 8×10, 11×14, 16×20.

If you’re interested in Leah’s art, connect with h er via her social media pages: Facebook at Artabella or on Instagram at @Artabella_Gallery.