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Leaders of Merit Health announced today the availability of a toll-free helpline designed to help Medicare beneficiaries select a health plan that fits their needs and budget. The free helpline connects callers with licensed agents who can assist in comparing traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription plans, and then facilitate enrollment in the plan selected. Through this program it will be easier for Medicare beneficiaries to find a plan that is best for them during Medicare... ... Read More

Healthcare executive Barry Moss has been promoted to the role of chief executive officer for Merit Health’s Jackson Market. Moss currently serves as CEO of Merit Health Central, and will continue in this position, which he has held for the past three years. In his expanded role, Moss will also have oversight for Merit Health Rankin, Merit Health River Oaks and Merit Health Woman’s Hospital. The CEOs of these hospitals will continue in their roles. “I’m honored to support the work of Merit Health physici... ... Read More

Melissa Smith, CPCS, has assumed the role of manager of the Merit Health Market Centralized Verification Office. Smith, who grew up in Raleigh, MS, has served as the manager of Merit Health Central’s medical staff services department since 2016, and has over 24 years of experience in medical staff credentialing. Merit Health’s chief quality officer, Kim Harrell, MHA, BSN, CNOR, RN, stated “Merit Health is pleased to provide our medical providers one centralized department with which to work and apply fo... ... Read More

Kim Harrell, MHA, BSN, CNOR, R.N., has assumed the role of Merit Health market chief quality officer. Harrell most recently served as the Chief Quality Officer at Merit Health Central, a position she held nearly four years. Utilizing over 18 years of leadership experience, she will provide oversight to the quality departments in the six Merit Health hospitals in Jackson and Vicksburg. A Jackson, MS, native, Harrell completed her master’s in healthcare administration at Belhaven University. Merit Health’... ... Read More

Leadership at Merit Health River Oaks in Flowood recently announced the hospital has opened an interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory, a needed service in the community. Merit Health River Oaks is the first Mississippi hospital to gain approval to offer 24-hour interventional cardiac catheterization care without on-site cardiac surgical services. Prior to the opening of the lab, the hospital provided only diagnostic heart catheterizations. The addition allows the hospital to offer more clinic... ... Read More

Posted with permission from Well-Being magazine, as featured in their May/June issue Late last year, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released new cholesterol guidelines that include recommendations for more personalized risk assessments and new cholesterol-lowering drug options for people at the highest risk for cardiovascular disease. According to AHA President Ivor Benjamin, M.D., the updated guidelines reinforce the importance of healthy living, lifestyle modific... ... Read More

The Mississippi Braves and Merit Health have announced a partnership that will give citizens access to “Walk the Park” at Trustmark Park throughout the calendar year. Beginning Monday, April 22 with a ceremonial walk at 10 a.m. prior to the M-Braves 10:35 a.m. game vs. the Montgomery Biscuits, the Trustmark Park 360 degree concourse will be available to walk any time, year round, during team business hours. Participants will also be allowed to bring in food items and have use of the stadium picnic table... ... Read More

M.M. Baumann has been named cath lab director at Merit Health River Oaks. M.M. is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science degree in nursing from The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. M.M. holds over 20 years of experience in cardiovascular patient care. In her role, she will oversee day to day activities of the cath lab(both nursing and radiology. ... Read More

Smart planning and healthy eating strategies this holiday season can help reduce symptoms of common gastrointestinal conditions. A gastrointestinal (GI) disorder can make holiday buffets and dinners seem like an arsenal of potential stomach problems. Avoiding these food triggers can help you eat, drink and be merry. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) To help keep the burning sensation of GERD from spoiling your celebration, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)... ... Read More

November is “National Family Caregivers Month.” For caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, the disease can take a toll. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are some tips to help support those who have relatives coping with Alzheimer’s Disease: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease. Learn about its effects and how to respond. Stay in touch. A card, call or visit can show you care. Be patient. Adjusting to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is an ongoing process and each person reacts diff... ... Read More