Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

markdown | Name | Title | Area of Expertise | |-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Ava Collins | Senior Vice President of Northern Light Health and Interim President | Leadership in healthcare operations, overseeing hospital services, strategic planning, and patient care quality. | | Carolyn Fetha | Vice President of Provider Services | Administration of employed physician practices, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. | | Randy Albert | Vice President of Finance | Financial management, analytics, strategic budgeting, and operational support in healthcare. | | Libby Perry | Associate Vice President of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement | Patient safety, culture of safety, and quality improvement initiatives. | | Deb Sanford | Vice President for Nursing and Patient Care Services | Overseeing nursing and patient care services across the hospital. | | Brenda Farnham | Associate Vice President, Oncology Services | Leadership in oncology services, patient care, and service line operations. | | Various Leaders | Directors and Associate Vice Presidents of Nursing (Specialized Areas) | Specialized areas include Critical Care, Respiratory Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Services, and Trauma. |

Department	Procedure/Service	Average Cost	Notes
Cardiology	Cardiology Consultations (45 minutes)	$224	Specialist consultation; varies by complexity
Cardiology	Cardiology Consultations (60 minutes)	$320
Oncology	Cancer-Related Testing (e.g., special stain for microorganisms)	$18	Low complexity
Neurology	MRI of Brain	$1,230	Without contrast
Neurology	MRI of Brain	$1,934	With and without contrast
Orthopedics	X-ray of Knee (3 views)	$245	Standard imaging
Orthopedics	MRI of Arm Joint	$1,215	With advanced imaging
Outpatient Services	Preventive Care Visit (ages 40-64)	$188
Outpatient Services	New Outpatient Office Visit (15 minutes)	$113	Standard visit for new patients
Outpatient Services	Established Patient Visit (10 minutes)	$80	Brief follow-up
General Imaging	CT Scan of Abdomen and Pelvis (with contrast)	$1,973	Advanced imaging
General Imaging	CT Scan of Head or Brain	$1,124	Without contrast
Financial Assistance	Charity Care	Free or discounted	For households under 204%-322% Federal Poverty Level
Financial Assistance	Payment Plans	Interest-free	Monthly payment arrangements available

Department	Special Program	Description
Financial Assistance	Charity Care	Free and discounted care for households under 204%-322% of the Federal Poverty Level, depending on income and household size.
Home Care	In-Home Care Services	Skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, social work, and home health aides to support recovery and independent living.
Palliative Care	Pain and Symptom Management	Provides relief from symptoms, emotional and spiritual care, and support for life-limiting illnesses. Covered by most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.
Social Support	Licensed Social Workers	Assistance with assessing in-home needs and ensuring comprehensive care plans for patients and families.
Long-term Care	Hospice Services	Support for patients and families during end-of-life care, focusing on dignity and comfort.

Payment Plan Option	Description
6-Month Payment Plans	Available for balances with a minimum monthly payment of $25.00; designed for balances up to $50,000.
Health Services Financing (HSF)	Partnered with Commerce Bank; offers a 0% APR, no credit check required, and the ability to finance multiple transactions into a single consolidated statement.
Interest-Free Payment Plans	Available for qualified patients; contact patient financial services for more information.
Flexible Payment Terms	Patients may apply for financial assistance to create tailored payment plans based on their financial situation.
Consolidated Payment Statements	Allows for multiple charges to be grouped into one payment account for easier management.
Financial Assistance Programs	Includes reduced payment or free care options for eligible patients based on income qualifications.
Recurring Payment Setup	Option to set up automatic monthly payments for convenience.
Public Assistance Program Application	Staff available to assist with applications for programs like MaineCare or hospital-based financial assistance.

| Department | Service Description | Contact Information | |------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Billing and Financial Services | Guidance on the cost of procedures, payment plan setup, and insurance-related assistance. | Patient Financial Advocate: 207-834-1826 | | Financial Assistance Program | Provides income-based assistance, sliding fee scales, and discounts for those who qualify, including a 340b Drug Discount Program. | Call 207-834-1826 | | Health Services Financing | Offers a 0% APR payment plan with no credit check required, allowing patients to consolidate multiple charges into one monthly payment. | Enroll through healthcare provider or call 207-973-5000 | | Price Estimator Tool | Online tool to estimate treatment costs, including tests and procedures. | Available on the Northern Light Health website | | Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) | Offers free or discounted care to patients with income below specific Federal Poverty Levels. Provides fair hearings for denied financial assistance applications. | Access information online or call 1-866-750-5001 | | Payment Plans | Allows setting up manageable monthly payments, generally to be completed within six months. | Call 833-774-1168 or refer to specific service facility contacts |

Category	Details
Physical Accessibility	- Accessible private patient rooms with features for limited mobility such as European-style showers. - Family lounges and common areas designed for accessibility. - Accessible main lobby with thoughtful design elements.
Assistive Devices	- TTY-compliant telephones with volume control and light signal for ringing. - Provision of assistive devices upon request.
Communication Aids	- Free qualified sign language interpreters. - Written materials in accessible formats (e.g., large print, audio, electronic formats). - Free language interpretation services for non-English speakers.
Priority Services	- Prompt emergency care without delays. - Priority access to protective and advocacy services. - Efficient transfer processes if specific care cannot be provided onsite.
Staff Training	- Commitment to respectful, inclusive, dignified care by trained staff. - Staff compliance with patient rights and nondiscrimination practices.

Department	Educational Programs	Details
Family Medicine	Third Year Clinical Core Rotations	Focused 6-week family practice rotation through the Family Medicine Center, providing hands-on patient care experiences.
Internal Medicine	Traditional Clerkship	12-week program that includes rotations in adult inpatient and outpatient care settings.
Pediatrics	Traditional Clerkship	6-week clinical rotation for exposure to various pediatric care settings, both inpatient and outpatient.
Surgery	Traditional Clerkship	Focused 6-week rotation under supervision of surgery professionals, including hands-on procedural learning.
Obstetrics & Gynecology	Traditional Clerkship	6-week rotation providing exposure to prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care with procedural learning opportunities.
Psychiatry	Traditional Clerkship	6-week rotation offering experience in managing diverse psychiatric cases in inpatient and outpatient environments.
Emotional Intelligence	Skills Training	Sessions throughout the year to enhance interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills in clinical settings.
Suture Training	Skills Training	Practical training sessions on suturing techniques to strengthen procedural expertise.
Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB)	Skills Training	Workshops on managing conflict and aggressive behavior in clinical environments.
Clinical Simulation Center	Simulation-Based Training	Provides simulated clinical experiences across multiple specialties for hands-on practice and proficiency development.
Nursing	Nurse Externship Program	10-week paid summer program that offers hands-on clinical experience in various specialties.
Interprofessional Education	Interdisciplinary Learning	Collaborative training with pharmacy, physician assistant, and other healthcare students in patient-centered care models.
Research	Clinical Research Training	Opportunities for students to engage in medical and clinical research projects alongside mentoring professionals.

Department	Research Projects	Impact on Healthcare Professionals
Clinical Research	Phase II-IV clinical trials, IRB protocols, data collection, analysis, and multi-specialty studies focusing on diverse patient populations in rural Maine.	Training on Good Clinical Practices, regulatory compliance, and research ethics. Provides continuing medical education credits (CME).
Neurology	Robert C. Strauss Neurocognitive Research (Alzheimer´s, neurodegenerative diseases), schizophrenia research, Maine Initiative for Neurologic Aging and Health registry.	Collaboration with world-class institutions like University of Maine and Harvard, mentorship in research for trainees, and critical analysis skills development.
Cardiology	State-of-the-art heart and vascular care with nuclear medicine, non-invasive cardiology, and minimally invasive hybrid operating rooms.	Workflow redesign methodologies and hands-on training in advanced surgical and diagnostic technologies.
Genetics	Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic markers for chronic renal disease in rural populations.	Exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaborations with UMaine Institute of Medicine.
Pulmonology	COVID-19 vaccine safety research and public health education through podcasts and webinars.	Joint research presentations and improved communication skills for public health outreach.
Pediatrics	Studies on pediatric patient care in critical environments, such as NICU—a facility with single-bassinet rooms for vulnerable patients.	Familiarity with advanced patient care technologies and family-inclusive healthcare practices.
Social Science	Healthy aging and psychological pandemic effects webinars in collaboration with the UMaine Center on Aging.	Enhanced expertise in gerontology and psychological health through interdisciplinary educational activities.

Department	Affiliations	Professional Development Programs
Cardiology	Maine Medical Association	Continuing medical education opportunities
Neurology	American Trauma Society, Maine´s Trauma Survivors´ Network	Trauma Awareness Programs, NextSteps Recovery Course
Nursing	American Nurses Credentialing Center	Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE)
Pediatrics	Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics	Specialized Pediatric Continuous Education
Psychiatry	American Psychiatric Association	State-level Psychiatry Advocacy and Education
Ophthalmology	American Academy of Ophthalmology	Ongoing Ophthalmologist Certification Programs
Podiatry	American Podiatric Medical Association	Workshops on Care Techniques
Emergency Medicine	American College of Emergency Physicians	Crisis Response and Emergency Care Training
Family Medicine	Maine Academy of Family Physicians	Comprehensive Family Care Training
Anesthesiology	Maine Society of Anesthesiologists	Advanced Pain Management Certifications
Osteopathy	Maine Osteopathic Association	Osteopathic Continuing Medical Education

Department	Certifications	Accreditation Bodies
Cardiology	Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification	American Heart Association
Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine Board Certification	American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
Obstetrics	High Risk Pregnancy Management Certification	Maternal-Fetal Medicine Accreditation
Nursing	Certifications in Medical-Surgical Nursing	American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Orthopedics	Total Joint Center of Excellence Certification	The Joint Commission
Stroke Care	Stroke Care Center Certification	The Joint Commission
Surgical Specialties	Center of Excellence in Hernia Surgery Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery	Surgical Review Corporation (SRC)
Oncology	Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certification	Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Medical Laboratory Science	Clinical Accreditation	Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME)

Department	Opportunities
Audiology	Observational Experience
Clinical Education	Clinical Observational Experience
Medical Assistants	Observational Experience
Medical Laboratory Science	School of Medical Laboratory Science Program
Nursing	Nurse Residency Program, Nurse Externship Program, Dedicated Education Unit
Nutrition Services	Observational Experience
Occupational Therapy	Observational Experience
Office Staff or Non-Clinical Roles	Observational Experience
Perinatal Education	Education Program
Pharmacy	Pharmacy Residency Program, Observational Experience
Physical Therapy	Observational Experience
Radiology Techs	Observational Experience
Research	Clinical and Non-Clinical Research Opportunities
Simulation Center	Simulation-Based Training Opportunities
Speech Therapy	Observational Experience
Trauma Program	Education and Observational Opportunities
Unit Coordinators/Secretaries	Observational Experience

Award	Recipient	Department	Year
True North - Seeing the Individual Award	Jill Sisco, RN, CCRN-CSC	ICU	2025
True North - Making Access Easy Honorable Mention	Theodore Curtis, MD	Pediatric Ophthalmology	2025
True North - Raising Quality Honorable Mention	Rena Toomey, BSN, RN-BC, CRNI	Clinical Education	2025
Gold Star Standards of Excellence - Platinum Level	Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center	Organization-wide	2023
Excellence in Neonatal Nursing Practice Award	Ashley	NICU	2024
Overall Nurse Excellence Award	Lori Weiss, RN	CCU	2019
DAISY Award	Renee Richardson, RN	ICU	Recent
DAISY Award	Kylie T., RN	Emergency Department	2023
SUNSHINE Award - Outpatient Procedural	Kalena P., CNA	Outpatient Care	Recent
SUNSHINE Award - Inpatient	Elizabeth Willinski	Inpatient Care	2019
DAISY Nurse Leader Award	Jackie P., BSN, RN	ICU / PICU	Recent

Department	Residency/Specialty Training
Family Medicine	Family Medicine Residency Program including obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, and preventative medicine
Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine	Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Residency
Nursing	Nurse Residency Program for new graduates
Pharmacy	Pharmacy Residency Program
Cardiology	Clinical experience and rotations in cardiology
Psychiatry	Psychiatry Residency Program
Palliative Medicine	Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

Department	Program
Family Medicine	Family Medicine Residency Program
Neuroscience	Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine 3 Residency
Psychiatry	Psychiatry Residency Program
Pharmacy	Pharmacy Residency Program
Hospice and Palliative Medicine	Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship
Nursing	Nurse Residency Program

markdown | Service/Support Option | Details | |------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance Programs | - Full discount for uninsured patients earning =150% of the federal poverty level (FPL). | | | - Significant discounts for patients with income =250% of the FPL. | | | - Assistance with completing financial aid applications, including documentation of income, address, and assets. | | | - Eligibility guidance for public assistance or government programs (e.g., MaineCare). | | Payment Plans | - Interest-free monthly payment plans for patients unable to pay balances in full. | | | - Flexible payment options tailored to patient needs. | | Emergency Care Guarantee | - Emergency care provided 24/7 regardless of financial ability. | | | - Care for any life-threatening condition, including comprehensive follow-ups when necessary. | | Discounted Care | - 100% discount on care for eligible individuals below 150% of FPL. | | | - Sliding fee scales and partial assistance for incomes =250% of FPL. | | Alternative Insurance Guidance | - Patient financial counselors assist with applications to Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and other insurance registrations. | | | - Resources for verifying MaineCare eligibility or exploring alternative insurance options. | | Support Services | - Dedicated patient account representatives available for personalized financial guidance. | | | - Help understanding bills and resolving discrepancies. | | | - Advocacy for patients receiving care without insurance or with uncovered services. |

Department	Research Institution/Partner	Affiliated University	Description of Collaboration
Clinical Research	UMaine Institute of Medicine	University of Maine	Collaborates on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for chronic renal disease and educational webinars.
Biobank	Maine Medical Center Biobank	Maine Medical Center	Joint procurement of quality cancer biospecimens for in vivo and in vitro translational research.
Psychology & Aging	Center on Aging	University of Maine	Conducts webinars and research on psychological effects and healthy aging.
Clinical Education	Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM)	MSM	Facilitates clinical clerkships for PA students in rural areas to enhance diversity in healthcare workforce.
Genomics	Jackson Laboratory	N/A	Collaboration on xenograft models with fresh cancer specimens for genetic/genomic research.

markdown | Department | Mentorship Details | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Clinical Staff | 1-on-1 and group mentorship programs pairing senior members with junior staff in the same specialization. Focuses on career development, soft skills, and retention. | | Radiology | Mosaic model allowing multiple mentors for a mentee, addressing specific needs such as stress management and career guidance. Includes peer mentoring for study strategies and role preparation. | | Nursing | Nurse mentorship programs lasting 6 months to 1 year. Includes post-mentorship follow-ups, leadership training, and stress reduction. Structured programs also aid nurse retention. | | Graduate Medical Education | Coordinated rotations and mentorship for medical, nursing, and pharmacy students emphasizing research integration, career development, and leadership skills. | | Leadership | Leadership mentoring networks offering biannual 6-month structured mentorship opportunities. Matches made based on leadership competencies and career goals. | | Diversity | Cross-cultural mentoring to promote inclusivity and address diverse personal and professional challenges within healthcare. | | Multidisciplinary | Cascade mentoring where senior professionals mentor junior staff, who in turn mentor students, ensuring continuous knowledge transfer. | | New Employees | Orientation and group mentoring for new intakes, providing guidance on career paths and skill development. Mentorship programs are scheduled for flexibility to accommodate busy healthcare roles. |