Direct Line from Steve Edwards for 6/28/2019

CoxHealth’s stance on medical marijuana

While Missouri law allows marijuana to be used by individuals with certain qualifying medical conditions, the use and possession of marijuana is still prohibited by federal law. This conflict between state and federal laws creates a tremendous dilemma for our organization. Because we must certify every year that we are in compliance with all federal laws, or risk losing the ability to provide care for Medicare and Medicaid patients, we cannot act in a manner that is in any way inconsistent with federal law. Given the current state of the law, and in agreement with our physician governance and leadership, physicians employed by CoxHealth will not be certifying patients as having a qualifying medical condition for use of medical marijuana. Additionally, physicians with privileges to see patients at CoxHealth also may not certify patients as having a qualifying medical condition for use of medical marijuana while they are receiving care at a CoxHealth facility, nor will medical marijuana be allowed in any form at CoxHealth. We trust that there are likely therapeutic benefits to the use of medical marijuana. As has been the case in other states, we are confident that there will be many other resources available in our communities to support patients who wish to use medical marijuana.

Executive order for cost transparency

This week, President Trump issued an executive order requiring hospitals to post hospital-insurance company costs online. Given how recently this executive order was issued, much about its requirements and implementation have yet to be decided by the government. As these requirements become known, CoxHealth and insurance networks will work together to publish information in compliance with federal law.

Employee survey participation hits all-time high

Ninety-two percent of our 12,000 employees participated in our annual employee satisfaction survey this summer. That participation rate is a record, as well as the 363 departments across CoxHealth that reached 100% participation. We appreciate staff for trusting us with their opinions so we can continue to improve.

Three CoxHealth professionals named to state leadership roles

Missouri Gov. Michael Parson has appointed three CoxHealth professionals to state leadership positions.

CoxHealth physicians honored as ‘Top Docs’

Around 100 CoxHealth physicians were honored in 417 Magazine’s Top Doctors issue. Physicians on the annual Top Doctors List were nominated by their peers as the best in medical and surgical care in the region.

CoxHealth in the news

CoxHealth’s stance on medical marijuana was covered by the Springfield News-Leader, KY3/KSPR, KOLR-10, KTTS and Ozarks Independent.

An article in this month’s issue of 417 Magazine told the story of Cox Branson’s response of the 2018 Duck Boat disaster.

Voice of the patient

“I really appreciate how comfortable the nurses made me feel. Kelsey and Aleda were so nice and really went above and beyond. They talked to my husband and I as if we had been friends forever. They were very informative about all questions we had. Melissa, who was my nurse in the delivery room was amazing! I cannot say enough great things about her. She was awesome with helping me through my contractions, and really encouraging me. She is the kindest nurse. Through it all, she was like a mom to me. My first two pregnancies I did not have at CoxHealth. This was by far the best experience!”

Thanks for reading,

Steve