Inside Health Winter 2017

Winter 2017 3-D a Clearly Better Mammogram Peds Infusion: Kid Friendly, Mom Approved New Center Takes on #1 Killer of Women A Publication of Greenville Health System

When Procedure Controls Tremors, “Old Normal� Returns

A Change of Epic Proportion in Your Health Care!

Manage Your Own Care with a Few Clicks

Epic, GHS’ new electronic medical record and billing system, offers an innovative tool called MyChart that gives you access to your provider at your convenience. With MyChart, you can see key parts of your medical record, communicate with your care team and participate in your care—all online or through your mobile device. In the time it takes to order a movie, you can …

• • • • •

Access your and your family members’ health information View test results and immunizations Request prescription refills from your doctor Schedule and cancel office appointments Pay bills online

Ask for MyChart at your GHS doctor’s office or request an account online at ghs.org/mychart (your secure online portal to your GHS medical record). Sign up for MyChart and start enjoying benefits now!

ghs.org

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CONTENTS

The Doctor Will (Electronically) See You Now 2 At GHS, we’re using telehealth not to replace the human connection but to enable it by sharing the trained minds and caring hearts of our clinical staff with patients who otherwise couldn’t easily access expert care.

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Brain Riddle Has Solution 6 Patty Stutts had tried everything to control the tremors of Parkinson’s and nothing had worked—until she came to the GHS Neurological Institute.

Best for Your Breast 10 The accuracy of 3-D mammography is improving cancer diagnosis—and peace of mind.

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Infusing Comfort 13 GHS’ new Pediatric Infusion Center knows how to treat kids right.

Departments Message from the President 1 Spotlight 2 What’s Right in Health Care 3

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Q & A 16 Clinical Trials 17 Practice Profile 19 Provider Directory 20

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We welcome your comments, suggestions and ideas. Call (864) 797-7541 or email nparker@ghs.org.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Thanksgiving in February At Greenville Health System, every season is one of gratitude. That’s the culture we encourage and, for me, as the system’s still-new president, that’s not hard to model. Every day, I’m thankful for our extraordinary physicians, nurses and staff who demonstrate excellence under pressure—and for the opportunity to lead an organization I truly love.

I also am grateful that, in spite of the financial challenges we faced last year, we still could provide more than $412 million in community benefit. (This amount includes charity care for those unable to afford it, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt and support to our community health partners.)

We have stabilized financially and continue to deliver high-quality care because of the uncommon commitment of our employees and leadership, who live our mission to heal compassionately, teach innovatively and improve constantly.

Our doors always are open, our employees always ready to serve. Their skills are in demand everywhere in the country, but they have chosen to serve this community.

These are the doctors and employees who touched the lives of the patients whose stories we share in this issue of Inside Health. These patients—Patricia Stutts, who’s functioning well after deep brain stimulation quieted her movement disorder; Rhonda Newby, for whom 3-D mammography gave accurate and important results following breast cancer; and 12-year-old Kacy Mills, who comes from Beaufort every five weeks for treatment at our Pediatric Infusion Center because she gets “right-sized”

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care here—have one thing in common.

Because of our people and technology, their serious conditions are effectively treated and their quality of life is quantifiably better. I am grateful beyond measure that every day we help Patty, Rhonda, Kacy and many other patients reclaim a healthier life.

I’m thankful, too, as I look ahead to the future. As an academic health center, we are attracting some of the nation’s top physicians. These doctors increasingly are attracting top students and young doctors, eager to train and live here.

Each year, we educate thousands of students on our campuses through our 15 residency and fellowship programs and additional programs for nursing, pharmacy and allied health students.

By joining forces with primary partners Clemson University, Furman University and the University of South Carolina, we’ve become a healthcare research powerhouse and are harnessing our combined resources for the good of our region. We stand at a pivotal point in time to transform the delivery of health care in our state and across the nation.

Most of all, I’m thankful for our patients for entrusting us with their care and for partnering with us to create stronger, healthier communities. Because of you, we are committed to delivering innovative, compassionate care for generations to come.

Spence M. Taylor President

SPOTLIGHT

The Doctor Will (Electronically) See You Now Telehealth is another way GHS is transforming health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve.

Through telehealth programs, GHS specialists digitally connect with patients and physicians for convenient consultations, saving time, money and—sometimes—lives: SmartExam can make traveling to a doctor’s office for minor illnesses a thing of the past.

The program uses a secure portal through which GHS providers can deliver diagnoses, treatment information and prescriptions (if needed) for simple conditions such as coughs, colds and allergies.

Delivery Buddy provides immediate electronic access to a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) for babies who need resuscitation and other critical care. An NNP at GHS Children’s Hospital directs care until the on-call pediatrician arrives. The program also can reduce transport time.

NeuroDirect links GHS neurologists with emergency departments to provide acute stroke consultations. The program allows rapid assessment and treatment of patients and can speed administration of tPA, a clot-dissolving medication that may minimize the effects of a stroke.

Tele-Infectious Disease provides GHS specialist consults to physicians at other hospitals. A robot gives access to clinical data and medical images and facilitates direct patient/physician interaction.

Tele-Maternal-Fetal Medicine makes frequent ultrasound and sonogram consults available for women in rural areas with high-risk pregnancies. Complex medical problems that once meant transferring care hours away now can be managed closer to home.

“Our telehealth programs allow GHS specialists to be two places at once— providing vital care for patients at remote locations.”

– Spence Taylor, MD, GHS President

Tele-School helps students in underserved communities stay in school. Digital connections allow school nurses to consult with off-site nurse practitioners and on-call pediatricians.

Tele-Sitter allows one sitter to simultaneously watch many hospital patients who need a sitter, eliminating the need for individual sitters.

An Advanced Pediatric GI Telehealth Pilot Study helps young patients with gastrointestinal conditions use and rate telemedicine. Patients log into a secure video app after filling out a disease activity scale and then speak directly with the physician. The program is proving to be a good fit for patients whose primary disease management involves symptom checks and counseling—and a big savings for those who live throughout the Southeast.

While this advanced technology makes healthcare delivery more efficient, the expertise and compassion of GHS healthcare providers make it effective.

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W H AT ’ S R I G H T I N H E A LT H C A R E

Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on at GHS as we live our mission to heal compassionately, teach innovatively and improve constantly.

200

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The number of nurses at Greer Memorial Hospital, which recently received Magnet Recognition Program® status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. “Magnet status” indicates that Greer Memorial focuses on high-quality outcomes and excellence in physicians, staff and especially nurses, with an emphasis on professional development.

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Patients treated annually through the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program of the GHS Cancer Institute. It is one of only two programs in the state and the only one in the Upstate to earn accreditation for both allogeneic and autologous stem cell transplants from the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy.

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The number of 5-star facilities in our system (Greer Memorial and Patewood Memorial hospitals)— and the only two in the Upstate—as ranked recently by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Greenville Memorial Hospital earned 4 stars (only 8% of major teaching hospitals in the U.S. exceed more than 3 stars), and other GHS facilities were rated at least 3 stars.

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The number of facilities in our health system (Greenville Memorial Hospital, Greer Memorial Hospital and Hillcrest Memorial Hospital) that earned “A” rankings from the Leapfrog Group. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are assigned twice yearly to more than 2,600 general acute-care hospitals based on national performance measures.

12 Months a year we want to help you stay healthy

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with preventive steps.

The years that GHS has offered Girls on the RunÂŽ, a program for girls in third through eighth grades that focuses on preventing health risks related to physical inactivity and poor body image by promoting physical fitness, self-confidence, character development and good citizenship.

For great tips around the calendar, visit ghs.org/healthyallyear.

35,400+

Patients who receive diagnostic imaging services at Hillcrest Memorial Hospital (HMH) each year. HMH has been designated a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. HMH is first in the state and ninth in the country to receive this designation.

$17 Million

Medicare savings produced through GHS’ population health initiatives, which are improving the health and wellness of our community while reducing the cost of care.

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Our first priority: taking care of patients and their families.

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Patty Stutts enjoys a return to regular activities with husband Pressley and pet Pippi.

Brain Riddle Has Solution

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atricia Stutts tried everything to ease the pain of Parkinson’s disease—medication, dental appliances, functional chiropractic treatments, dietary adjustments and even having a balloon inflated in her nasal passages. “If I could find it on the internet, I gave it a try,” she said.

The challenge of helping some patients with movement disorder symptoms finds answer in deep brain stimulation.

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. Its progressive nature means symptoms may begin as a small tremor in one hand and then worsen over time to include problems such as difficulty with balance and swallowing. Stutts had symptoms for several years—hers began with sporadic trembling in her right leg and foot— before being diagnosed in April 2012. Her leg and foot pain progressed to the point where several times a day it was unbearable, and the shaking prevented her from going out.

By Leigh Savage

After pursuing other remedies with little result, she read about deep brain stimulation (DBS) and decided it was worth a try.

Since having the procedure at Greenville Health System (GHS) in July 2015, Stutts has dramatically reduced pain and tremors, cut her medication and, at 63, is becoming the active person she was before Parkinson’s struck. “If I had waited longer, I might not have been a candidate,” she observed. “I’m grateful.”

Electric Medicine “People look at this as a last-ditch effort because it’s brain surgery, but that’s not true,” said Fredy J. Revilla, MD, chair of the GHS Division of Neurology. “For the appropriate patient, it can be an amazing option for treatment.”

Dr. Revilla points out that not every patient with Parkinson’s disease will be a good candidate for DBS surgery. “A careful assessment is required to determine if the potential benefits outweigh the risk for each individual case,” he noted. “For those who qualify, this treatment can provide dramatic improvements that result in improved quality of life.”

The surgery is ideal for patients who have side effects from medication or who have unpredictable response to medication. The team also must ensure that patients respond to dopamine (a chemical in the brain that functions as a neurotransmitter sending signals between nerve cells), which indicates Neurosurgeon Philip Hodge, MD, and neurologist Fredy J. Revilla, MD, play a critical role in the DBS procedure.

they will respond to the surgery.

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Getting off medication is a key benefit for Stutts, who had experienced severe cramping as a side effect. “Now, instead of controlling symptoms with a pill, I control them with electricity,” she remarked. “It’s electric medicine.”

Precision Required Stutts’ surgery was performed by Philip Hodge, MD, a neurosurgeon at GHS Southeastern Neurosurgical & Spine Institute, after extensive testing by GHS neuropsychologist Tracie Mertz McConnell, PhD. The complex procedure was performed in two stages after extensive surgical planning, which included plotting coordinates for the targeted area of the brain.

“I placed the electrodes into one of the brain nuclei involved in the movement pathway,” Dr. Hodge explained. “Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that is diminished in Parkinson’s disease. The electrodes normalize the electrical signals in this pathway, thus mimicking the effect of dopamine.”

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The patient is awake during this process to help guide the placement of electrodes. Stutts was apprehensive about this aspect, but it wasn’t as frightening as she had anticipated. “It wasn’t enjoyable, but it definitely wasn’t horrible,” she recalled.

The final phase of the surgery focused on placing a pacemakersized battery in Stutts’ abdomen and connecting it to the brain electrodes. (The battery normally is placed in the chest, but Stutts had lost so much weight by that point that it needed to go in the abdomen.)

Dr. Hodge’s role was to place the electrodes while a GHS neurologist tested to ensure they were in the ideal position.

The neurologist programmed the electrodes, which typically are turned off for two weeks following surgery to allow healing.

With more than 50,000 settings in the device, it can take up to a year to find the optimal settings for each patient.

Stutts said it was turned too high at first, and she began sweating and laughing inexplicably. But after that initial issue, her team found the ideal settings. She now returns every few months to check the settings. Many patients have some control over when to turn the device on or off; in Stutts’ case, it stays on.

Another benefit of this treatment is its reversibility, Dr. Hodge reported. In the past, other procedures sometimes have resulted in creating more complications. DBS is still brain surgery, but it can be undone if needed.

Groundbreaking in the Upstate The surgery, which requires a multidisciplinary team and specialized equipment, has been performed in the United States since 1997 and was approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease in 2002. Stutts was the second patient to be implanted with electrodes at GHS and the first with Parkinson’s (the first patient had a similar disorder called essential tumor).

Dr. Hodge said that as the only hospital in the Upstate offering DBS, “interest in the surgery is growing as word gets out.” The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston is the only other facility in South Carolina where it is performed.

Stutts said having her team nearby has been invaluable. “I underwent neuropsychological testing, MRIs, CT scans— you’re constantly in and out of medical offices, so frequent trips to Charleston would have been too much travel.”

After a circuitous route through many treatments, Stutts is glad she made the decision to undergo DBS, which has allowed her to return to activities she loves such as long walks and biking on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail.

“I still have Parkinson’s, and DBS is not a cure,” she concluded.

“But the difference it’s made is like night and day.”

To learn more, please visit ghs.org/movement-disorders.

“I still have Parkinson’s, and DBS is not a cure. But the difference it’s made is like night and day.” — Patricia Stutts

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Best for Your Breast With 3-D technology, doctors are catching more cancers and saving more lives.

by Andrea Rebert

GHS radiologist Amanda Scopteuolo, MD, believes 3-D tomography is a major breakthrough in fighting breast cancer.

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very year, thousands of women receive word that their annual mammogram showed something irregular. After a disquieting wait and more testing, many learn that the first result was a false alarm: They don’t have cancer.

“The breast is an extremely complex part of a

On the other hand, some women hear that their initial results came back clean only later to discover that cancer, too small to detect originally, already was growing in their bodies.

“It’s made up of various types and layers of

Such has been the dilemma presented by traditional 2-D mammography. Anxiety-producing false positives are common while cancers too small to distinguish in the exam aren’t spotted.

take a two-dimensional picture of a three-

woman’s body,” said Greenville Health System (GHS) radiologist Amanda Scopteuolo, MD. tissue—and it’s three-dimensional. When we dimensional breast, these layers of breast tissue are superimposed on each other.”

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She continued, “The tissue in the breast is white on a mammogram. Cancers also are white. Consequently, detecting cancers, especially in a dense breast, poses a challenge.”

Now, however, tomosynthesis, or 3-D tomography (“3-D Tomo”) is bringing three-dimensional imaging to mammography. 3-D Tomo uses an X-ray to take multiple pictures. The pictures then are separated into layers and viewed one at a time, instead of as one image of overlapping layers.

Because finding breast cancer early is important for better outcomes, doctors traditionally have called women back for more testing if they see anything suspicious. With 3-D Tomo’s clear, easy-to-read images, doctors can see that a spot, which previously would have caused concern, is not a malignancy but a normal part of that woman’s tissue. This more precise method, used in exams on 8 million women, has reduced callbacks by 15 percent to 36 percent.

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Removing the Flurry of Worry Easley resident Rhonda Newby was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. “Nobody’s ever ready to get that diagnosis,” she recalled. “It shook my world.” A working mother, busy employee and first in her family to have breast cancer, she underwent surgery, radiation and reconstruction for breast cancer and has been in remission for nine months.

Just as her world was returning to normal, she found her equilibrium being shaken again when the time came for her annual mammogram. She knew several women who also had battled breast cancer, all of whom were called back for testing after their annual mammograms. She was especially concerned that scar tissue from previous operations would create a false positive. She dreaded both the uncertainty that a callback would bring—and then undergoing more scans that could include ultrasounds or painful and time-consuming biopsies—and the risk of missing any returning cancer.

At her appointment, when the technician explained the benefits of 3-D Tomo, Newby was ready to try the new technology. “3-D Tomo was such a relief,” she recalled. “And brought so much peace of mind. I immediately texted my husband to share the good news.”

technology saves inconvenience, time and stress for the patient. 3-D mammograms do emit more radiation than 2-D mammograms, but the amount is well within federal regulations—about equal to the radiation received from a year living on earth.

Who Benefits from 3-D In addition to reducing callbacks, 3-D Tomo is catching cancer earlier, with overall cancer detection increasing by 29 percent.

While detection of non-invasive cancers (cancers confined to the milk duct) has not improved dramatically, detection of invasive cancers (those that have spread into surrounding tissue) has—by 41 percent.

Because women with dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer and to receive a false positive, they are most helped by the improved technology. Younger women, who often have more density than older women, frequently have seeming abnormalities that turn out to be a natural part of their breast.

Women receiving their first mammogram also benefit from 3-D Tomo. When Dr. Scopteuolo and other radiologists look at a mammogram, they compare the image against mammograms from previous years.

“If a woman has a history of stability of an area,” explained Dr. Scopteuolo, “I don’t need to call her back. But if this is her first mammogram and I have no others with which to compare, the alternative is to compare the breasts to each other. So women undergoing their first mammogram get a lot of false positives.

With 3-D Tomo, I’m calling fewer back.“ In fact, every woman approaching her annual mammogram should consider 3-D Tomo. No referral is required at GHS, which is one of two providers in the Upstate offering the new technology. Women whose insurance doesn’t cover the 3-D exam pay a $75 fee.

If an abnormality is detected, a second mammogram is less often required with 3-D exams. Women who need further testing often are sent for an ultrasound. As mammograms are uncomfortable and ultrasounds often are required even after the second mammogram, using this

3-D Tomo is detecting breast cancer earlier.

3-D Tomo is no more or less comfortable than a traditional mammogram: The equipment and the exam are virtually the same. It’s the software—and the results—that are different.

“I would definitely recommend the 3-D mammogram to other women,” noted Rhonda Newby. “The peace of mind and assurance that nothing is going to be missed is enormous.”

“This is the most exciting technology to arise in my 15 years as a radiologist,” commented Dr. Scopteuolo. “Reduced callbacks are saving women time and anxiety every year, and detecting invasive cancers earlier is saving lives.”

To make an appointment for a 3-D Tomo mammogram, please call (864) 455-7774.

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Infusing Comfort For one Beaufort family, the Pediatric Infusion Center at Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System (GHS) is worth the drive.

By Lark Reynolds

Thanks to the treatment Kacy Mills is receiving for Crohn’s disease, she can enjoy baking, craft activities and making butterfly friends.

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acy Mills had been having digestive troubles for about two years when she connected with GHS Children’s Hospital in October 2015. The 12-year-old from Beaufort, S.C., had visited a pediatric gastroenterologist close to home, but she and mother Cynthia Mills weren’t happy with the experience.

A family friend recommended Liz Dancel, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist with GHS Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dancel diagnosed Kacy with Crohn’s disease, which led to a treatment plan involving Remicade infusions every five weeks.

The family have brought Kacy to Greenville for the infusions, despite more than a three-hour drive each way.

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“We wanted a place that was child-centered, and I like that it has a lot of things geared toward kids,” Cynthia Mills said.

“Everything is bright and colorful, and the nurses are very kid friendly and personable.”

Kacy has had multiple infusions at Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Infusion Center, and she feels strongly about it, too.

“I really like it because the nurses are awesome,” Kacy stated. “They talk to you like you’ve known them forever.”

Lisa Hiott, RN, and other kid-oriented staff members are some of the reasons Kacy Mills doesn’t mind getting infusions.

Capacity Doubles Not long ago, Children’s Hospital expanded its existing infusion area in the Pediatric Gastroenterology office at the system’s Patewood Medical Campus. Now, the Pediatric Infusion Center is housed at Cross Creek Medical Park (across from Children’s Hospital) and includes eight beds—double the previous capacity. The center serves patients from infants to age 18 and features dedicated staff to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

“More and more, medications are being developed that are specifically targeted to parts of the immune system, and those often are delivered as an IV medication,” explained Jonathan

Markowitz, MD, MSCE, medical director for the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology. “Having a dedicated center where the nursing staff has familiarity with these medications and also has familiarity with how to work with pediatric patients in terms of putting in IVs and keeping patients entertained is a valuable resource.”

The Pediatric Infusion Center provides services for patients with a range of conditions, although the BI-LO Charities Children’s Cancer Center at Children’s Hospital has its own infusion space as well. The expansion was a welcome relief for many patients and physicians.

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Sarah Payne-Poff, MD, medical director of Children’s Hospital’s relatively new Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, said some of her patients were being admitted to the hospital for infusion treatments because of the lack of outpatient space.

“Kids were getting admitted to the hospital because there wasn’t any other way to give them IV therapy,” Dr. PaynePoff pointed out, adding that other benefits to the new center include easy access and coordinated services. “The parking is very easy, which may sound like a small thing, but for kids who have mobility issues, it’s nice that they can park right outside of the door. And the center will draw labs for us when they place the IV, which saves the patient an extra needle stick.”

“When we went back, we saw her ceiling tile in the area where she usually sits,” Mills said. “And there’s a lot of other kids’ art on the ceiling now. The nurses make it so the kids don’t feel like they’re coming there as a guest—they kind of make it another home.”

Mills appreciates that the nurses create an environment of family-centered care. In fact, Mills has been so pleased with the service Kacy has received at Children’s Hospital that she plans to make the trip for all of her daughter’s healthcare needs.

A Home Away from Home Kacy especially likes the way the staff members make the center feel like home. It is packed with ways for patients to entertain themselves, such as movies, coloring books, iPads and snacks—and outfitted with comfortable reclining chairs for times when Kacy just wants to nap. Cynthia Mills shared that once when Kacy visited, the nurses removed a ceiling tile and let Kacy decorate it using markers.

“We’ve decided, for every new thing that comes up, we’ll always take Kacy to Children’s Hospital because we’ve been completely happy with the service,” she concluded.

For information about the Pediatric Infusion Center or other services of GHS Children’s Hospital, please visit ghschildens.org.

Kacy and Cynthia Mills both give the Pediatric Infusion Center of GHS Children’s Hospital a thumbs up.

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Q & A

From the Heart

Through the new Women’s Heart Center, GHS takes aim at the top killer of women.

Why is there a special heart program for women?

The recent death of actress Carrie Fisher shines a light on a sad truth: Heart disease is the number one killer of women and more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. Heart disease causes one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute.

At Carolina Cardiology Consultants, a practice of Greenville Health System, we are passionate about prevention and early detection of heart disease. We know that 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented. Through the Women’s Heart Center, we want to increase our access to women and reduce their risk of heart disease.

Whom does this program seek to help?

This program targets women ages 3565 from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Particularly, we want to see women with known risk factors of heart disease: high

blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, history of smoking, diabetes, pregnancy associated with high blood pressure or diabetes, or family history of heart disease.

If you are a woman with any of these risk factors or concerned about your risk of developing heart disease—or if you are concerned about a woman you love—we want to help.

What happens during the appointment?

You will meet with Jennifer Walton, NP, and cardiologist Andrea Bryan, MD, for a one-hour consultation. During the appointment, you will undergo a number of tests, including a physical exam, an EKG and checks on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and fasting blood sugar level. Your cardiovascular risk factors also will be reviewed. You will leave with personalized recommendations to help reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

What is the cost?

A consultation is $100. Additional testing may be recommended, the cost of which we will discuss during your appointment. Most testing will be covered by your insurance.

What are the hours?

The office (3 Butternut Drive, Greenville) is open Thursday mornings, 8 to noon. Beginning in March, the day will change from Thursday to Tuesday.

How do I get more information or make an appointment?

For more information, please click here: ghs.org/womensheartcenter. To make an appointment, call (864) 455-6977.

Andrea Bryan, MD, a cardiologist with Carolina Cardiology Consultants, is director of the Women’s Heart Center.

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CLINICAL TRIALS

Participants Needed

Hundreds of clinical trials are conducted throughout Greenville Health System on a variety of drug therapies, surgical devices and other treatments in all areas of medicine.

Cancer Survivors for Registry GHS Cancer Institute’s Cancer Survivor Registry is a database of demographics, contact information, and tumor and treatment information. Survivors can receive helpful information about moving forward. Contact Katie, (864) 455-5889 or kdaniels@ghs.org.

of lung cancer. This study is open to survivors of early-stage lung cancer who have completed treatment and are experiencing anxiety. The study will involve using a breathing device daily for 12 weeks and filling out patient questionnaires. Call Claudette, (864) 522-4263 or cphinney@ghs.org.

Survivors of Cancer with Insomnia

Survivors of Lung Cancer

Sleep disturbance, particularly insomnia, is a common problem for survivors of cancer. This study is open to patients who have completed all scheduled surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for cancer within the last 2-24 months and have some type of sleep disturbance. Because there is no ideal standard of care for effectively treating sleep problems in survivors of cancer, the purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three different treatments for improving sleep problems and determine which is best. The three treatments are yoga, survivorship health education and cognitive behavioral therapy. Call Claudette, (864) 522-4263 or cphinney@ghs.org.

Survivors of Lung Cancer Having Anxiety The purpose of the Reducing Lung Cancer Survivors’ Anxiety (RELAX) research study is to compare the effects of device-guided breathing on anxiety and shortness of breath in survivors

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A lung cancer support group has been formed through the collaboration between GHS and Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA). The support group meets the third Tuesday of every month, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

This group meets to connect, have open discussion and provide resource opportunities. Focus groups take place within the support group facilitated by an LCA facilitator annually for two years. The focus groups allow participant feedback as well as evaluate the effectiveness of the group. Contact Katie, (864) 455-5889 or kdaniels@ghs.org.

Cancer Survivors with Neuropathy The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy in cancer survivors. Symptoms include pain, tingling and/or numbness in fingertips or toes. Participants will undergo 18 acupuncture treatments over 12 weeks and complete questionnaires. Contact Armand, (864) 455-6251 or adesollar@ghs.org.

Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer with Dry Mouth after Radiation The purpose of the study is to see if acupuncture can decrease excessively dry mouth that can be caused by radiation treatment. The study is open to patients who had radiation treatment to both sides of their head and neck at least 12 months ago and still have extremely dry mouth. The study requires saliva collection and patient questionnaires; some patients will be given twice weekly acupuncture for four to eight weeks. The acupuncturist office is located in Greenville. Contact Jennifer, (864) 455-2860 or JCaldwell@ghs.org.

Women with Ovarian Cancer The purpose of this research study is to test an investigational agent called Vigil™ to determine when cancer may recur after receiving Vigil or a placebo and to compare your ability to carry out everyday activities. Vigil is a way of delivering a cancer protein in which the immune system recognizes the protein as foreign and rejects or destroys any cells that have it. Participants must be willing to receive a monthly injection for four-12 months. Call Anna, (864) 522-2063.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an investigational cell therapy in women with stress urinary incontinence (accidental leakage with exercise, laughing, sneezing). For information, go to ResearchMySUI.com or call toll free 1-877-824-2792.

Young Adults with Type 2 Diabetes The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who are taking metformin. Throughout this study, participants will be tested to see if the combined effects of the study drug and metformin can reduce average blood sugar levels. Participants in this 52-week trial will receive study drugs at no cost. Contact Lisa, (864) 454-5168 or llooper@ghs.org. Â

Relatives of People with Type 1 Diabetes This study is searching for ways to prevent and quickly medically intervene in those newly diagnosed with diabetes.

Researchers are seeking to test family members of people with type 1 diabetes to determine if they show signs of developing the disease. Parents, brothers, sisters and children of those

who have type 1 diabetes (ages 1-45), and cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and grandchildren (ages 1-20) can be tested for their risk of developing type 1 diabetes free of charge. Benefits of participation include finding out your family members’ risk level for developing diabetes, determining eligibility for an ongoing interventional trial, possibly receiving an early diagnosis of diabetes that would allow for early treatment and contributing to the fight against type 1 diabetes. Adult patients or their relatives may call Shirley at (864) 455-3261.

Relatives of pediatric patients may call Lisa at (864) 454-5168.

Teens and Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Currently, there is no approved medication for the treatment of EoE. The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an oral budesonide medication as a treatment for teens and young adults who have EoE. Participants in this 16-week study will be evaluated for reduced symptoms of EoE and will receive study medication at no cost.

Contact Amy, ayes@ghs.org or (864) 454- 5591.

People with Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) This study is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a new medication for the treatment of IC/BPS. IC/BPS is a disease (not an infection) that causes bladder pain, the feeling of always wanting to urinate, and frequent urination day and night. The reason why IC/BPS occurs is unknown. AQX-1125 is an experimental new drug therapy that may help to reduce the bladder pain and symptoms associated with IC/BPS. AQX-1125 is under investigation and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use outside of research studies like this one. Please contact Leesa, (864) 797-7306 or RBradley@ghs.org.

To learn more, visit ghs.org/research.

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PRACTICE PROFILE

GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens “At GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens,“ said Akhtar Hussain, MD, “we believe that promoting wellness and disease prevention is the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy and active life. That’s what we want for our patients.”

When acute or chronic illness does occur, the practice’s medical team provides compassionate care, helping patients deal with both simple and complex problems effectively.

“As internists,” Dr. Hussain explained, “we are best equipped to encourage preventive health and screening, solve puzzling diagnostic challenges and coordinate treatment among a variety of specialists while keeping the patient’s best interests in mind.”

Dr. Hussain is joined by Priscilla Escalona, MD, who is boardcertified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism as well as internal medicine. Diabetes is on the rise in Laurens County, and Dr. Escalona is kept busy at GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens and at the new Diabetic Center across from Laurens Memorial Hospital, which currently is open one day a week.

Dr. Hussain came to GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens after being in an independent, solo practice for many years—a change he likes.

“This practice is exciting,” he commented, “because it combines my 30+ years’

Drs. Hussain and Escalona anticipate that other physicians will join GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens in the future.

“Caring for my patients and sharing in their journey through life over the past 30 years together have been very rewarding,” Dr. Hussain reflected. “And I’m honored to continue to serve this beloved community and to be a part of this health system.”

Providers

experience of serving this community with

Priscilla Escalona, MD Akhtar Hussain, MD

the freshness of a new healthcare delivery

GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens

system in which more time is focused on my patients’ care.”

He continued, “Our affiliation with GHS is not only a sign of excellence in care but also of access to advanced medical technology and a vast network of specialists in all fields.”

Dr. Hussain also is pleased about electronic medical records, which provide immediate access to patient information and test results, and technology that promotes better communication with patients.

19 Inside Health

22725 Hwy. 76 E., Suite A Clinton, SC 29325 (864) 833-4545 • ghs.org/imlaurens

Hours Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m.-noon

GHS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES Having a personal physician with whom you can establish a lifelong relationship is as important as getting your screenings. If you need assistance finding one, here is a list of GHS primary care practices or call GHS Physician Finder at 1-844-GHS-DOCS (447-3627). To find out more about these practices, go to ghs.org/mydoctor. For a complete list of primary and specialty physicians, go to ghs.org.

CLEMSON Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 208 Frontage Rd., Ste. 1, 29631 654-6034 CLINTON Advanced Family Medicine* 210 S. Broad St., 29325 833-0973 Carolina Women’s Center 102 Medical Park Ct., 29325 938-0087 GHS Internal Medicine–Laurens 22725 Hwy. 76 E., Ste. A, 29325 833-4545 DUNCAN Palmetto Medical Associates* 500 Squires Pte., Ste. B, 29334 968-5123 Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 500 Squires Pte., Ste. A, 29334 582-8135

Children’s Hospital After-hours Care (Urgent Care) 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-3681

MD360® (Urgent Care) 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. B, 29607 286-7550

Christie Pediatric Group* 9 Mills Ave., 29605 242-4840 3911 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1340

Piedmont OB/GYN 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 330, 29605 455-1270 3917 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1360

Cross Creek Internal Medicine* 50 Cross Park Ct., 29605 797-7035

Riverside Family Medicine–Eastside* 215 Halton Rd., 29607 454-2700

Cypress Internal Medicine–Patewood* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. B460, 29615 454-2226

Riverside Family Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3909 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1320

GHS Internal Medicine–Maxwell Pointe* 3907 S. Hwy. 14, 29615 522-1300

GREER

GHS Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wade Hampton* 1809 Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 120, 29609 522-5000

EASLEY

Greenville Family Medicine* 2-A Cleveland Ct., 29607 271-7761

Pediatric Associates–Easley* 800 N. A St., 29640 855-0001

Greenville Midwifery Care & Birth Center 35 Medical Ridge Dr., 29605 797-7350

GRAY COURT

Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 2 Memorial Medical Dr., 29605 295-4210 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. F, 29607 286-7500

Laurens Family Medicine* 9100 Hwy. 14, 29645 876-4888 GREENVILLE Carolina Pediatrics of Greenville* 200 Patewood Dr., Ste. A120, 29615 454-2670 Center for Family Medicine* 877 W. Faris Rd., Ste. A, 29605 455-7800 The Children’s Clinic* 890 S. Pleasantburg Dr., 29607 271-1450 415 Duncan Chapel Rd., 29617 522-2600

Greenville Pediatric Health Center*† 1350 Cleveland St., 29607 263-3012 Gynecology Specialists 890 W. Faris Rd., Ste. 510, 29605 101 Halton Village Circle, 29607 455-1600 (for both) Internal Medicine Associates of Greenville 1025 Verdae Blvd., Ste. A, 29607 242-4683

The Children’s Clinic* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 150, 29650 797-9300 Cypress Internal Medicine–Greer* 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 200, 29650 797-9550 Family Medicine–Mountain View* 426 Memorial Dr. Ext., 29651 877-9066 Greer Family Medicine* 1107 W. Poinsett St., 29650 879-8886 Greer OB/GYN 325 Medical Pkwy., Ste. 100, 29650 797-9200 MD360® (Urgent Care) 1305 S. Suber Rd., 29650 989-4609 Pediatric Associates–Greer* 318 Memorial Dr., 29650 879-3883 LAURENS Laurens Family Medicine* 106 Parkview Dr., 29360 984-0571

Inside Health 20

GHS PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES

PIEDMONT/POWDERSVILLE Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Wren* 1115 Wren School Rd., 29673 859-0740 MD360® (Urgent Care) 11402 Anderson Rd., Ste. A, 29611 631-2799 (in collaboration with Baptist Easley) Pediatric Associates–Powdersville* 207 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-1110 Premier Women’s Care 209 Three Bridges Rd., 29611 220-4209 SENECA Blue Ridge Women’s Center 103 Carter Park Dr., 29678 482-2360 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 985-1799 Clemson-Seneca Pediatrics 109 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 888-4222 Mountain Lakes Community Care (Urgent Care) 100 Omni Dr., Ste. B, 29672 885-7425 Mountain Lakes Family Medicine 10110 Clemson Blvd., 29678 482-0500

Dr. Timothy Sanders Family Medicine 100 Omni Dr., Ste. A, 29672 885-7520 Seneca Medical Associates 11082 N. Radio Station Rd., 29672 882-2314 Upstate Family Medicine 12016 N. Radio Station Rd., 29678 882-6141 SIMPSONVILLE GHS Family & Internal Medicine– Simpsonville 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 300, 29681 522-1170 Greenville Ob/Gyn Associates 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 120, 29681 454-6500 Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine– Simpsonville* 727 S.E. Main St., Ste. 320, 29681 454-6440 Hillcrest Family Practice* 717 S.E. Main St., 29681 522-5400 Keystone Family Medicine* 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. B, 29680 454-5000 MD360® (Urgent Care) 300 Scuffletown Rd., 29681 329-0029 Pediatric Associates–Simpsonville 1409 W. Georgia Rd., Ste. A, 29680 454-5062

*The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Recognition Programs assess whether clinicians and practices support the delivery of high-quality care and are built on evidence-based, nationally recognized clinical standards of care. †Most insurances accepted, including S.C. Medicaid program and Medicaid Managed Care.

The practices listed here are part of Partners In Health Inc. and affiliated with Greenville Health System.

21 Inside Health

SPARTANBURG Children’s Hospital Spartanburg Night Clinic*† 201 E. Broad St., Suite 210, 29306 804-6998 GHS Internal Medicine–Boiling Springs 2400 Boiling Springs Rd., 29316 599-0731 MD360® (Opening in March) (Urgent Care) 2400 Boiling Springs Rd., 29316 599-0731 Pediatric Associates–Spartanburg* 249 N. Grove Medical Park Drive Ste. 100, 29303 582-8135 Skylyn Medical Associates 1776 Skylyn Dr., 29307 577-9970 Spartanburg Pediatric Health Center*† 201 E. Broad St., Ste. 210, 29306 707-2135 TRAVELERS REST Travelers Rest Family Medicine* 9 McElhaney Rd., 29690 834-3192

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GHS Vision Transform health care for the benefit of the people and communities we serve.

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Improve constantly.

GHS Values Together we serve with integrity, respect, trust and openness.

Our Place Is Your Place …

Our healthcare providers at Medical Center–Boiling Springs and Medical Center–Spartanburg join the other GHS primary and specialty care providers in Spartanburg who’ve helped keep the Hub City healthy for more than a decade.

Medical Center–Boiling Springs offers a range of services for patients of all ages and staff dedicated to helping you enjoy a healthier life.

• Family Medicine • Behavioral Health Services • Internal Medicine • Upstate Pharmacy • MD360® Convenient Care • ATI Physical Therapy 2400 Boiling Springs Road • Spartanburg, SC 29316 (864) 599-0731 • ghs.org/boilingsprings

GHS Surgery Center–Spartanburg is an outpatient surgery center offering same-day surgical procedures and aftersurgery office visits.

GHS Surgical & Specialty Medicine–Spartanburg rotates specialty medicine physicians in one office location, providing better access for patients.

1413 John B. White Sr. Blvd. • Spartanburg, SC 29306 (864) 587-5768 • ghs.org/Spartanburg Give us a call, and we’ll partner together to keep you healthy and active. There’s no place we’d rather be.