Q1 2024 Newsletter
From the CEO
by Curt Hill
In the Q4 2024 issue of our quarterly newsletter, I introduced you to the strategic work we did in the summer of 2023. If you are new to us since then, or if you haven’t read that newsletter, I encourage you to do so—you can find it here: Q4 2024 Newsletter.
At PMRG, we are out to create the extraordinary together and this ethic shapes everything we do, the decisions we make, and how we interact with our various constituencies. We understand and appreciate that this is not a one-time thing. No, it is an ongoing process of discovering where we fall short of that and where we can do better while at the same time acknowledging where we are delivering on that strategic intent.
What falls out of this, as I introduced in the last newsletter, is the future we see and our core values. In this edition, I will be looking at an aspect of who we say we are and one of our core values.
We say that we are a team that doesn’t back down or give up in our commitment to produce extraordinary results. What does that look like in operations? It means we fight for every dollar that should be coming to you for the services you provide. We work the hard stuff, even though the return to us is meager at best. But that’s what it looks like to not back down or give up. We look to the statistics—the black and white measures—to evaluate how we’re doing. Not how we feel about it!
One of our core values is communication. We say communication is our connection with people and allows our organization to thrive. When communication is open, honest, and respectful, it is a recipe for success. We create an environment in which people are seen and heard. This is a very big deal for us. Without this environment in place, we say creating the extraordinary simply isn’t possible!
Curt Hill, CEO
PMRG, Inc
Implementing an
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
by Jana Holt
Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), while sometimes voluntary and sometimes required for medical practices, are a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both employees and patients. Implementing EAPs for all potential emergencies not only creates a safer work environment, but also demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare, potentially boosting morale and improving staff retention. As healthcare providers, we have a fundamental ethical and legal obligation to protect our patients in emergency situations, making comprehensive emergency preparedness paramount.
Numerous resources are available to assist practices in developing and maintaining effective EAPs. Organizations like the CDC, OSHA, FEMA, CISA, HHS, and the Department of Homeland Security offer guidance and tools to prepare for a wide range of emergencies.
While each emergency may require specific procedures, all EAPs share a common framework. This framework includes detailed response procedures for various emergencies, such as:
Medical Emergencies (CDC)
Fire Emergencies (OSHA)
Active Shooter (Department of Homeland Security)
Hazardous Materials Exposure (OSHA)
Natural Disaster (FEMA)
Staff Injury (OSHA)
Pandemic (CDC)
Cyber Attack (NCC)
Each plan will contain the following basic information:
Emergency Communication Plan
Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Emergency Communication Plan
Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation Route
Assembly Point(s)
Patient Evacuation Procedures
Post-Emergency Actions
Accounting for all staff and patients
Incident reporting
Debriefing, review and process improvement
Regular review of plans and training
Accessibility of plans
Developing and implementing comprehensive EAPs is not merely a best practice for medical offices; it is a fundamental responsibility. By proactively preparing for a variety of emergencies, healthcare providers can create a safer environment for everyone, fulfill their ethical and legal obligations, and foster a culture of preparedness that ultimately enhances the quality of care and service they provide.
Resources (click on each to view)
Employee Spotlight:
Sharon Kookich
This quarter we’re proud to introduce you to PMRG employee Sharon Kookich. Sharon just celebrated her sixth anniversary as a PMRG employee, although she has worked in healthcare administration for more than 30 years.
“I love working for PMRG,” said Sharon. “There is a strong company culture, supportive leadership, commitment to innovation, a collaborative work environment, transparent communication and a focus on creating the extraordinary together. It’s a great place to be!”
Sharon says she feels blessed to be the mother of two children and grandmother to twin granddaughters. She says she has learned a lot about patience and being non-judgemental from her autistic son, who lives in a group home and comes to visit every other weekend and holidays. “It has made me more aware of just how many challenges that we all face in life,” she said.
Sharon says “There is no greater joy than grandchildren,” when talking about her daughter Nicole’s twin girls. The twins are very active in theater and music and are honor students. “I am so proud of them,” she says.
Sharon spends her spare time gardening on her 3-acre-property, doing crafts and restoring antiques. She is usually shadowed by her 12-year-old dog Honey.
We’re grateful that Sharon continues to be one of our valued team members. Thank you Sharon!