Franciscan Alliance selects new VP of ambulatory services

INDIANAPOLIS – Christopher A. DiGiusto has been appointed vice president of ambulatory services for Franciscan Alliance.

Among his duties, DiGiusto will provide operational leadership and direction over Franciscan Alliance’s retail sites and ambulatory services, urgent care and occupational health sites; assist with direct-to-consumer engagement; and development and oversight of all telehealth platforms and services.

DiGiusto will report to Robert J. Brody, senior vice president and chief operating officer for ambulatory services for Franciscan Alliance, which operates 14 hospitals and numerous outpatient facilities in Indiana and Illinois.

Since 2009, DiGiusto was the service line director for orthopedics, neurosciences and rehabilitation for Franciscan St. Francis Health, where he was responsible for strategic growth of those medical disciplines at the hospital’s three campuses. During that time, he led many initiatives, including telemedicine services, and spearheaded the development of sports medicine agreements with several school systems throughout Central Indiana.

DiGiusto has held many positions with Franciscan St. Francis Health since joining the organization in 2003.  He has served as director of product and business development and manager of business development. He also was a project team leader for information technology implementation.

An Indianapolis resident, DiGiusto received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, where he later earned a master’s degree in health services (MHA).

DiGiusto is a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives and has leadership roles with the Indiana Healthcare Executive Network.

Franciscan Alliance is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest with 14 hospitals and a number of nationally recognized Centers of Health Care Excellence serving patients in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan.

Busy parents, healthy lifestyles class offered at Carmel Clay Public Library

CARMEL, Ind. – Busy families are often challenged to find the time to maintain healthy habits and related goals.

Parents can learn ways to maintain fitness, exercise programs, energy, sleep and nutrition at a free seminar at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Phil Blaney, MD, with the Franciscan St. Francis Health Family Medicine Center will be on hand to explain how families can set and achieve realistic health goals.

Dr. Blaney, who is in his final year of family medicine residency training, has a background in exercise physiology and biomechanics and will share tips and answer parents’ questions at this seminar.

Please call 317-844-3362 to register for the event.

Carmel Clay Public Library is located at 55 4^th Ave., SE, Carmel.

New physician establishes practice with Heartland Crossing Pediatrics

MOORESVILLE, Ind. – Bradey T. Kleman, MD, has joined Franciscan Physician Network Heartland Crossing Pediatrics.

He joins Amanda M. Walter, MD, and advanced care provider Lisa A. Watkins, NP. Their offices are located at 1001 Hadley Road, Suite LL 1001, Mooresville.

Dr. Kleman most recently worked as a pediatrician in Columbus, Indiana, and prior to that practiced pediatrics in Terre Haute.

Dr. Kleman received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Akron and earned his medical degree from Wright State University-Boonshoft School of Medicine. He completed a pediatrics residency and post-doctoral training at West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Board-certified in pediatrics, Dr. Kleman is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. His clinical interests include acute illnesses, Down’s syndrome and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleman, call 317-834-3502.

Franciscan Physician Network is a division of the Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Alliance. To learn more about network primary and specialty care services in central Indiana, go to FranciscanDocs.org.

Medicare Extravaganza aims to educate seniors on insurance plans

GREENWOOD, Ind. – It’s that time of year again – that open enrollment period to help seniors choose the right Medicare Advantage plan to cover their health insurance needs.

Senior Promise, a Franciscan St. Francis Health-based organization is hosting a Medicare Extravaganza Oct. 19, Oct. 23 and Oct. 26 at the hospital’s Education Services and Support Center at 421 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood, one mile south of County Line Road.

Four presentation sessions will be held at the following times: 9 to 10:15 a.m., 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., noon to 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. 

Franciscan Insurance Services staff will be joined by representatives from Humana Health Plan Inc., Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. Each organization will give presentations on their Medicare Advantage plans to help participants make informed decisions about the right plan for their needs.

Registration is not required. For more information, call Senior Promise and Franciscan Insurance Services at 317-528-8277.

Take a walk through the human heart at the Oct. 2 senior health festival

INDIANAPOLIS – An expanded and fully interactive health fair is in store for the anticipated hundreds who will attend an annual health sponsored by Senior Promise.

“Journey Through Wellness” is slated for 8 a.m. to noon, Friday, Oct. 2, at The Atrium, 3143 E. Thompson Road. Senior Promise is a program based at Franciscan St. Francis Health.

Ever given any thought about what’s going on inside your ticker? Participants can walk through The Ameriheart®, a large, inflatable exhibit. The display offers a realistic view about the parts and mechanics of the heart and cardiovascular disease. Franciscan St. Francis Health clinicians will be on hand to explain these functions.

There also will be numerous lifestyle screenings and other activities available, including health and wellness screenings, physician presentations, exercise (Pilates and yoga chair), cooking demonstrations, genetic counseling and testing for hereditary cancer conditions, chair massages, pharmacy consultations, first aid to name but a few.

Some of the free screenings and services available include:
•  Cholesterol
•  Oral cancer
•  Blood pressure
•  Foot screening

Flu and pneumonia vaccinations will be offered for a fee. However, if you have Anthem, Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, your vaccinations may be covered. Check with your insurance carrier prior to the event to find out if they provide coverage for a  mobile vaccination clinic.

Emergency Medical Technician Paramedics also will be at the fair to talk with guests about personal safety and assist in filling out free emergency medical information forms.

The event also will offer a durable medical equipment (DME) drop-off location for those wishing to donate used or new medical equipment to help those who cannot afford these items.

Franciscan St. Francis Health has offered a DME program for over 15 years.  Donations are accepted of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. This equipment is cleaned, repaired and then given to those in need.