There are two recipients this year for the annual Richard A. Garibaldi, M.D. Award – Dr. Stephen Lahey and Dr. Mark Metersky. The award is given to those who exemplify dedication to excellence in all facets of clinical care and their commitment to collaboration across disciplines – characteristics that came naturally to the late Garibaldi. The nominations came from clinicians, nurses and other professional staff who work closely with the doctors.
Dr. Stephen Lahey Nomination Letter: In recognition of the efforts put forth as a surgical physician advisor for John Dempsey Hospital length of stay initiatives as well as the patient throughput process. The initiative began in March 2014 and since then Dr. Stephen Lahey has been unwavering in his support of the care coordination staff and his physician colleagues. Leading and intervening as needed and in showing dedication and true collaborative spirit, Dr. Lahey has assisted in taking this initiative forward to become a very successful process to improve patient care. Professional and diplomatic, Dr. Lahey has grasped the meaning of a true physician advisor. Dr. Lahey’s clinical expertise in the area of surgery provides guidance to the care team. He has made significant contributions to not only John Dempsey Hospital through his knowledge base of CMS, coding and compliance and quality but representing UConn Health as a nationally recognized leader and expert in clinical care and coding and reimbursement.
Dr. Mark Metersky Nomination Letter: Mark Metersky has been the lead physician advisor for the Care Coordination Department and UConn Health for many years. Currently, he chairs the Utilization Review Committee and leads the group monthly in reviewing all areas of compliance as it relates to billing, coding, status assignment and outlier status and assuring that the implementation of the Two Midnight Rule went smoothly. In addition, Dr. Metersky monitors our PEPPER reports and assures that we are in a steady state of compliance. John Dempsey Hospital recognizes him for his efforts as the Medical Physician Advisor for our length of stay initiative which began in March 2014 as well as our overall patient throughput improvement process. He is a dedicated leader for the case managers and social workers and he is always responsive and collaborative for the staff and his colleagues. Dr. Metersky has made significant contributions to John Dempsey Hospital and brings his clinical expertise as a pulmonologist to provide guidance to the Care Coordination Department and the entire care team.