Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge

markdown | Name | Title | Area of Expertise/Responsibilities | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Stephen Pepitone | Vice President, Patient Flow Center & Clinical Services | Oversees patient throughput operations, strategic growth, and clinical services in Baton Rouge. | | Coty Rome | Interim Chief Financial Officer | Manages financial operations and strategic growth initiatives for the Baton Rouge and Lake Charles regions. | | Isabel Aguilar | Assistant Vice President, Finance and Analytics | Focuses on financial oversight, analytics, and optimization of practice models, with responsibilities in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge regions. | | Terri Edwards, DNP | Assistant Vice President - Nursing | Supervises house operations, medical-surgical services, telemetry, and women´s health services across the Baton Rouge region. | | Jason Hawkes | Interim Assistant Vice President, Clinic Operations | Oversees clinic operations for various medical specialties, leveraging experience in respiratory and cardiopulmonary healthcare. | | Elizabeth Stanley | Director of Pediatrics, Ochsner Medical Center – The Grove | Leads pediatric operations and strategic planning, including expansions and integration of pediatric care services. |

markdown | Department | Common Services | Estimated Costs | Factors Affecting Costs | Financial Assistance/Payment Plans | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | Cardiology | Consultation, Stress Test, Angiography | Basic consultations: $200-$500; Procedures: $2,000-$30,000 | Complexity of procedure, use of advanced imaging, multiple visits | Payment plans available; financial assistance for eligible patients | | Neurology | EEG, MRI, Stroke Treatment | EEG: $500-$1,500; MRIs: $1,000-$5,000; Stroke: $10,000+ | Equipment usage, specialist involvement, length of treatment | Discounts based on income; insurance billing provided | | Oncology | Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy | Chemotherapy: $2,000-$10,000/session; Radiation: $5,000-$15,000 | Number of sessions, medication types, clinical trial access | 100% assistance for those under 200% federal poverty level | | Orthopedics | Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine | Surgery: $10,000-$50,000; Physical Therapy: $200/session | Surgery complexity, hospital stay duration, rehabilitation services | Installments for high-cost procedures; insurance options | | Outpatient Services | Lab Tests, Imaging, Minor Procedures | Lab tests: $100-$500; Imaging: $500-$2,000; Minor Procedures: $1,000-$10,000 | Type of test/procedure, required technology, and same-day service | Flexible payment options; tailored assistance programs |

| Department/Service | Description | |---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance | Offers financial support for emergency and medically necessary care to residents unable to pay. This includes 100% assistance if family income is at or below 200% of federal guidelines. Applications can be submitted via MyOchsner or by contacting Patient Accounts. | | In-Home Care Services | Ochsner Home Health provides tailored, in-home healthcare, including skilled nursing, therapy (physical, occupational, speech), medication management, and chronic disease management. These services may be covered by Medicare/Medicaid for eligible patients. | | Day Care Centers | No specific information available related to dedicated day care centers for patients requiring long-term assistance. | | Palliative Care | Services provided include pain management, nutritional consultations, behavioral health nursing, and assistance in transitions of care. These may be part of broader home health services. | | Social Support Options | Offers medical social work, patient/caregiver training, and community outreach initiatives such as mobile health screenings, SNAP application assistance, and collaborations with Healthy City Initiative and Southern University for underserved populations. |

Payment Option	Description
Monthly Payment Plans	Patients can qualify for monthly payment plans based on an approved schedule. These plans allow breaking down large bills into smaller installments.
Interest-Free Payment Plans	Allows patients to pay their medical expenses over an agreed period without incurring any additional interest or fees on the original amount.
Flexible Payment Structures	Customizable payment options are available, offering flexibility based on patient needs and financial situations.
Financial Assistance	Available for patients unable to pay, covering emergency and medically necessary care for qualified residents.
Pay Your Bill Online	Bills can be paid online via the MyOchsner website or app, offering convenient payment tracking and management.
Payments by Phone	Patients can call customer service to make payments through credit card over the phone.
Paperless Billing	Secure and convenient option to view and manage billing statements electronically through the MyOchsner account.
Payment via Credit/Debit Cards	All major credit and debit cards are accepted for payments.
Upfront Payments for Uninsured Patients	Uninsured patients are required to provide an upfront estimate of costs for scheduled services.

| Department | Services Provided | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Counseling | Offers financial assistance for patients with demonstrated financial need for medically necessary care, including emergency services. Ochsner also provides guidance on billing, insurance claims, and offers financial estimates before starting care. | | Financial Assistance | Assistance programs are available for Louisiana and Mississippi residents who are unable to pay or lack sufficient insurance coverage. Applications must include proof of residency, income, and supporting documents. | | Billing and Financial Services| Provides cost estimates for procedures and treatments, billing process guidance, and support understanding insurance claims. Advisors educate patients about their rights, protections, and provide options to avoid surprise or balance billing. | | Patient Financial Services | Offers consultations via phone or in-person to discuss financial aid options such as Medicaid, Social Security, Victim of Crime resources, and cost reduction programs. | | Financial Aid Application Help| Assistance with completing financial assistance applications, verifying paperwork, and coordinating with insurance providers to ensure accurate billing. | | MyOchsner Support | Access to digital tools for billing management, treatment cost tracking, and communication with financial counselors through the MyOchsner portal. |

markdown | Accommodation Type | Details | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Physical Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, elevators, and parking spaces available across the facility. | | Assistive Devices | Access to wheelchairs and other assistive devices for mobility needs during visits. | | Communication Aids | Availability of services such as sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices for patients with hearing impairments. | | Priority Services | Priority check-ins and expedited services for patients requiring special accommodations, including simplified digital check-ins. | | Staff Training | Staff trained in inclusive care, including understanding and addressing the needs of patients with disabilities. |

Digital Health Service	Description	Support for Patient Care
Telemedicine Virtual Visits	Provides audiovisual consultations through MyChart for remote healthcare access.	Offers convenience, reduces travel needs, and enhances access to specialists.
CareConnect 360 Telehealth Network	Enables partner hospitals to access Ochsner specialists remotely for critical and complex cases.	Ensures local care for patients, reduces the need for transfers, and accelerates specialist access.
MyOchsner Patient Portal	Allows appointment scheduling, messaging doctors, viewing test results, and managing health records.	Facilitates efficient communication, real-time updates, and self-management of care.
Ochsner Digital Medicine Program	Focuses on managing cardiometabolic conditions with health coaching, licensed clinicians, and remote monitoring tools.	Improves chronic condition management, reduces hospital admissions, and personalizes care.
Remote Monitoring Tools	Includes blood pressure cuffs, glucometers, wireless scales, and spirometers synced to MyChart.	Enables real-time health tracking, early detection of issues, and proactive intervention.
Connected MOM Program	Provides pregnant patients with digital BP cuffs and scales to monitor their health remotely.	Improves maternal outcomes, reduces in-person visits, and ensures continuous prenatal care.
On-demand Virtual Urgent Care	24/7 access to urgent care providers through a virtual platform.	Addresses immediate health concerns without the need for physical visits.
Behavioral Health Telehealth	Virtual access to mental health professionals for therapy and consultations.	Increases accessibility to mental health services and reduces stigma associated with in-person visits.
On-site Telehealth Clinics	Offers telehealth services customized for workplace populations.	Enhances healthcare accessibility for employees and reduces time away from work.
Epic Electronic Medical Records	Comprehensive health records system integrated with MyChart for seamless care coordination.	Ensures access to health information across facilities, enhancing continuity of care.

Department	Program	Description
Biomedical Sciences	Ochsner Academics Summer Internship for Students (OASIS)	2-week program offering clinical shadowing, departmental tours, lectures, simulation training, and panel discussions. Aimed at undergraduate students pursuing medicine or research.
Cardiology	Clinical Rotations	Elective rotations available for students preparing for internal medicine or subspecialty training. Includes patient care, supervision by seasoned faculty, and direct evaluations.
Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine Medical Student Elective	4-week rotation offering direct patient care under attendings, interns, and residents. Includes evaluation and procedure opportunities, patient presentations, and feedback.
Toxicology	Medical Toxicology Rotation	2-week rotation for 4th-year students focusing on poisoning presentations, evaluations, and management strategies with didactics, bedside consults, and a formal presentation.
Pediatrics	Core and Elective Clinical Rotations	Part of the University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School, includes practical and academic training in pediatrics with performance evaluations and hands-on learning.
Psychiatry	Core Clinical Rotations	Offered through the University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School, focusing on psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, and patient case analysis.
Family Medicine	Core Clinical Rotations	Emphasizes primary care with patient interaction, case management, and integration of clinical and academic knowledge.
Obstetrics & Gynecology	Core Clinical Rotations	Features exposure to deliveries, gynecological care, and surgical interventions with faculty oversight.
Surgical Sciences	Core & Elective Clinical Rotations	Training includes surgical procedures, perioperative care, and patient management under expert guidance.
Community Education	Safe Sitter Classes	Prepares students in grades 6-8 for safety and emergency scenarios, including choking rescue and CPR. Includes role-playing and practice sessions.

Department	Research Projects	Clinical Trials	Impact on Healthcare Professionals
Cardiology	Development of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for cardiovascular diseases.	Cutting-edge trials on new heart failure treatments and minimally invasive procedures.	Enhanced cardiology training and exposure to innovative practices in cardiovascular care.
Hematology and Oncology	Precision medicine research using genetic markers for oncological treatments.	National Cancer Institute supported trials, including immunotherapy and targeted treatments.	Access to multidisciplinary care models and advancements in cancer treatment methodologies.
Primary Care	Community-based studies on chronic disease management, such as diabetes and hypertension.	Trials focused on digital medicine solutions for chronic care management.	Training in integrative approaches using technology and community engagement.
Neurology	Innovative research on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s.	Pilot studies exploring new neurological imaging techniques and therapeutics.	Advanced learning opportunities in neurotechnology and patient-centered care.
Pediatrics	Focus on early childhood disease prevention and treatment strategies.	Pediatric oncology and immunology-focused clinical trials.	Specialized training in pediatric care innovations.

Department	Affiliations with Professional Organizations	Professional Development Programs
Pediatrics	American Academy of Pediatrics	Training and continuing education on pediatric care advancements
Cardiology	American Heart Association	Life-support training, stroke quality achievement programs, and participation in Heart Walks
Oncology	Leukemia and Lymphoma Society	Oncology-focused research and patient care improvement training
Neurology	American Stroke Association	Stroke treatment protocol training through "Get With The Guidelines" programs
Nursing	Southern University School of Nursing	Clinical training through mobile health units and community outreach
Sports Medicine	Louisiana High School Athletic Association	Healthcare training for athletic trainers and health safety protocol education
Education & STEM	Multiple STEM-focused organizations and schools	Ochsner STEM Pathfinder Program, STAR Scholars Program, and career-based mentorship initiatives

Department	Certification	Accreditation Body
Cardiology	Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship	ACGME
Neuroscience	Stroke Ready Certification	The Joint Commission
Family Birthing Services	Baby-Friendly Designation	World Health Organization (WHO) & UNICEF
Obstetrics	Birth Ready+ Designation	Louisiana Department of Health
Emergency Medicine	Telestroke Program	Collaboration with Ochsner Vascular Neurologists

markdown | Department | Program | Details | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Clinical Research | Clinical Research Internship | 6-month, full-time paid program with clinical rotations and didactic learning. | | Community Health | Community Health Intern (PRN) | Assists professional staff with projects and statistical analysis. | | Nursing | Nurse Internship | Hands-on clinical experience for pre-licensure RN students. | | Nursing | Nurse Residency Program | 12-month program for newly licensed nurses, with mentorship and unit-based orientations. | | Medical and Biomedical Fields | Ochsner Academics Summer Internship (OASIS) | Summer program with clinical shadowing, academic sessions, and exposure to research. | | Allied Health | Clinical Rotations in Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy | Alternates with unit-based orientations to develop interprofessional knowledge. |

Award Name	Description	Year
Top Hospitals Everest Award	Recognized for setting the national benchmark for balanced excellence in a single year and the greatest improvement over five consecutive years.	2017
Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals Award	Awarded for comprehensive evaluation of clinical and operational performance in multiple areas.	2017
Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence	Recognizes hospitals with superior clinical outcomes.	2017
Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention	Awarded for excellence in coronary intervention for three consecutive years.	2015–2017
Healthgrades Cardiac Care Excellence Award	Recognized for excellence in cardiac care for three consecutive years.	2015–2017
Leapfrog Group “A” Grade	Awarded an "A" rating in hospital safety scores.	2016
Truven Health Analytics 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals	Only hospital in Louisiana named to this list.	2016
Truven Health Analytics 100 Top Hospitals for Overall Care	Only hospital in Louisiana named to this list.	2016
Baby-Friendly Designation	First hospital in Louisiana to receive this prestigious international recognition for birth facilities.	Not Specified
Birth Ready+ Designation	Awarded by the Louisiana Department of Health.	Not Specified
Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient	Recognized as a five-star recipient for multiple awards.	Not Specified
Leapfrog Group Spring 2024 Hospital Safety Grade	Earned an "A" grade for safety.	2024
GWTG Stroke Silver Plus Achievement Award	Recognized by the American Heart Association´s Get With The Guidelines initiative.	2024
CAPE Award	Awarded to Rose Sterling for excellence in environmental services by Cintas Corp.	2024

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Department	Residency or Specialty Training Program
Pediatrics	Pediatric care training at Ochsner Health Center for Children - Baton Rouge
Cardiology	Cardiology specialty services and training
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine Residency Program
Surgery	General Surgery Residency Program
Cardiac Surgery	Specialized training in Cardiac Surgery
Neurology	Training in Brain and Spinal Cord Surgery
Oncology	Specialty oncology training with MD Anderson Cancer Center integration
Women´s Health	Obstetrics & Gynecological training, including robotic-assisted surgery
Nurse Residency	Nurse Residency Program (Vizient/AACN accredited)

Department	Residency/Specialty Training Offered
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine Residency Program
Surgery	General Surgery Residency Program
Nursing	Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program

markdown | Service/Support Option | Description | |-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Financial Assistance | Ochsner Health provides financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care for residents of Louisiana and Mississippi who are unable to pay. | | Income-Based Assistance | Patients with a family income of 200% or less of federal poverty guidelines may qualify for 100% financial assistance. | | Application for Assistance | Applications for financial assistance can be submitted online via MyOchsner or by mail to Patient Accounts Customer Service in New Orleans, LA. | | Payment Plans | Flexible payment plans are available, allowing patients to pay their bills in manageable installments. | | Emergency Care Guarantee | Emergency care is provided regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. | | Discounted Services | Discounts may be applied based on financial need and eligibility determination. | | Guidance for Health Insurance Options | Assistance is available to guide uninsured patients in exploring alternative health insurance options or Medicaid eligibility. | | Ochsner Nurse Scholars Program | Offers financial support to nursing students in exchange for post-graduation service with Ochsner. | | MyOchsner Portal | Provides access to billing options, real-time test results, and electronic records, simplifying the payment process for patients. | | Free Nurse Care Line | 24/7 access to a specialty-trained registered nurse for advice on health concerns and care options. |

Department	Research Institution or Lab	Collaborations	Affiliated Universities or Centers
Cardiology	Ochsner Clinical Trials Unit	Conduct clinical studies with academic and non-academic institutions through partnerships with industry sponsors	University of Queensland School of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Oncology	Ochsner Cancer Institute	Extensive research in cancer treatments and clinical trials	University of Queensland School of Medicine
Health Education	Ochsner Discovery Health Sciences Academy	Delivery of STEM-focused health education through immersive programs	Discovery Schools
Community Health	Jag Mobile Program	Mobile health services and outreach for medically underserved communities	Southern University School of Nursing
Clinical Research	Ochsner Clinical Trials Unit	Promotion of translational research and diagnostic technologies	University of Queensland School of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Workforce Development	Partnership with Technical Colleges	Development of nursing and allied health workforce programs	Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges

markdown | Department | Mentorship and Advisory Program Details | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Allied Health | Ochsner Allied Health Scholars program provides tuition support in exchange for service commitments. Scholars must maintain full-time enrollment and good standing. Clinical rotations are completed at Ochsner facilities. Mentorship and professional development are integrated into the program to support scholars during and after their education. | | General Nursing | The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program empowers newly licensed nurses with a 12-month structured mentorship to build confidence and professional excellence. It includes reflective workshops, mentor access, peer support, and interprofessional rotation opportunities. | | Nurse Scholars | Ochsner Nurse Scholars offers financial tuition support for nursing students in exchange for post-graduation employment commitments. Scholars benefit from mentorship guidance, career advice, and structured support from Ochsner personnel throughout their education and transition into practice. | | Obstetrics & Gynecology | A multi-level mentorship in Ochsner’s Ob/Gyn Residency pairs upper-level and lower-level residents with faculty to foster professional growth, leadership, and camaraderie. Mentorship aims to help residents navigate residency challenges and career development. | | Student Nursing and Allied Health | Ochsner collaborates with 30 nursing and 70+ allied health programs, offering clinical training and mentorship to over 1,000 nursing students and 650 allied health students annually. Mentoring relationships are cultivated to enhance skills, professional identity, and career readiness. | | Medical Education | Clinical mentorship is provided for 275+ residents and fellows annually across 23 programs, with additional participation in joint programs. Mentorship is integrated into medical and surgical training to foster professional development and networking. | | Catalyst Internship | This summer internship program offers direct mentorship and hands-on healthcare experience for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Mentorship focuses on career skills development and professional guidance, alongside practical exposure in healthcare roles. |