Welcome to Saint Vincent. Welcome to better care. Saint Vincent is a proud member of Allegheny Health Network—an integrated delivery network focused on preserving health care choice and providing affordable, high-quality care.
Specialized Women’s Care New affiliation brings greater medical expertise to the region
Our network is growing with your family. At Saint Vincent, our women’s health specialists provide a comprehensive array of obstetrical and gynecological services. Delivering more options, more doctors and better specialized care throughout our community. To schedule an appointment, simply contact one of the physician offices listed below. O B S T E T R I C S /G Y N E C O L O G Y
OB/GYN Associates of Erie Bayview Center 100 Peach Street (814) 459-1851 Bayside OB/GYN & Infertility 104 East 2nd Street, Third Floor (814) 456-2229
Lake Erie Obstetrics & Gynecology 2501 West 12 Street, Suite 10 (814) 314-0072 Erie Women’s Health Partners 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 220 (814) 454-8185
P E D I AT R I C I A N S
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Children’s Health Care—West 2501 West 12 Street (814) 835-4838
Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 (814) 454-1142
N E O N AT O L O G Y
M AT E R N A L- F E TA L M E D I C I N E
Saint Vincent Neonatal Services 232 West 25 Street (814) 452-5000
Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 (814) 454-1142
Welcome to Saint Vincent. Welcome to better care.
SaintVincentHealth.com/WomensHealth
Mission Statement
Inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, Saint Vincent Health System is a community of caregivers dedicated to bringing God’s healing love to all and committed to compassion and excellence in the delivery of a continuum of holistic care.
Board of Trustees
Mark Webb, Chair Jeff Szumigale, Vice Chair Karen Hanlon, Treasurer Helen Baran Natalie Dwyer-Haller, Esq R. Steven Jones Dennis Prischak Tim Shuttleworth Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
contents
Saint Vincent Hospital Vitals Magazine • Winter/Spring 2014
TAVR: New MinimallyInvasive Cardiac Procedure
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Enhanced Women’s Services at Saint Vincent
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Health Happenings
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Specialized Women’s Care
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Jacqueline Bauer William Goldfarb, MD Tony Farah, MD Patricia Liebman John W. Paul
President/CEO
Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE
ON THE COVER
For Erie resident Bobbie Kocher, 74, a recent medical condition could have forced her to travel out of town for care. Luckily, Saint Vincent specialists were able to treat her right here at home.
cover story
Special pull-out calendar
Read the full story on page 8.
Physical Therapy Utilizing The McKenzie Method® FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/SaintVincentHealth FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SVErie
Questions or Comments Please call the Saint Vincent Marketing Communications Department at 814-452-5706.
Vitals Magazine is a publication of Saint Vincent Hospital
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Health Care On The Go
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It was the perfect day for an autumn hay ride through the countryside of Corry, Pennsylvania. The leaves were turning vibrant colors, many of them beginning to fall from their branches. On that day, the Mitchell family gathered for its annual hay ride. The grandkids and great grandkids piled into the tractor wagon for this annual family tradition. This year the family had so much more to be thankful for and celebrating.
TAVR Procedure:
Technology Saves the Life of Heart Patient Unable to Endure Surgery Maxine Mitchell is the matriarch of this large family of four children, eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. It was just one year ago on that very hay ride when this normally active 87-year-old ended up in the Saint Vincent emergency room. Maxine fell as she was getting on to the tractor wagon and fractured her ankle. Following surgery to repair her ankle, doctors also discovered Maxine had a life-threatening heart valve disease called aortic stenosis. The family had some tough decisions to make.
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Aortic Stenosis The aortic valve is like a one-way gate that allows oxygen-rich blood to leave the heart, travel into the aorta and then to the rest of the body. Aortic stenosis means the valve is narrowing and restricting its ability to open in order to allow for normal blood flow. “Mom came out of the ankle surgery on a ventilator and she slowly recovered,“ said Cassie Smith, Maxine’s daughter. “But as the months went by, we all noticed that her condition was worsening and she was in constant need of oxygen.” Normally, a patient would require open-heart surgery to repair or replace a faulty heart valve. This was not an option for Maxine, according to Saint Vincent cardiologist, Matthew “Casey” Becker, MD. “With her advancing age, the poor condition of her heart and her overall health, Maxine could not tolerate open-heart surgery,” commented Dr. Becker. “But, Saint Vincent now offers patients like Maxine an alternative—a new, minimally invasive valve procedure offered at few hospitals in the country.” “The doctors showed us how little blood was moving through mom’s heart valve,” said Cassie. “That explained why she needed oxygen all the time, but we also knew that mom couldn’t continue to live like this.”
The Operation
TAVR Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement or TAVR is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which repairs the heart valve without removing the old, damaged valve. Instead, a new valve is inserted directly into the damaged aortic valve to take its place. This procedure does not require an open-chest incision or a heart-lung bypass machine. It is all accomplished through a catheter. Saint Vincent is one of just four facilities in western Pennsylvania to offer the TAVR procedure to patients. In fact, there are just 265 centers in the United States that have qualified as TAVR centers by having the expertise to perform this procedure. The TAVR procedure generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes, which is much shorter than the typical open-heart valve surgery of four-to-six hours. The catheter is typically placed in the femoral artery (in the groin area), much like angioplasty, and is then guided into the heart. Instead of a stent, the catheter carries an expandable heart valve that can be positioned into the damaged valve, then opened to create the new valve.
At Saint Vincent, the TAVR procedure is performed in the hospital’s new $2 million hybrid operating room, the largest of the hospital’s 13 operating rooms. The hybrid OR is designed and equipped to accommodate the tools and personnel required for performing both open surgical as well as interventional procedures. “This room is outfitted with the radiology and catheter devices found in a traditional catheterization lab, but it also serves as a fully equipped operating room should the patient not tolerate the TAVR procedure and require an immediate open-heart operation,” commented Dr. Marbey.
“When we see patients within this category, we are looking to improve their quality of life without putting them through the strains of traditional open heart surgery.” Maxine’s family did its homework. They
“This procedure is fairly new and it’s FDA approved for people like Maxine, who have severe aortic stenosis and are considered a high-risk patient for standard open-heart valve replacement surgery,” said Mark Marbey, MD, Saint Vincent cardiovascular surgeon. “When we see patients within this category, we are looking to improve their quality of life without putting them through the strains of traditional open heart surgery.”
looked into the procedure and met with the physicians who would be performing the operation. “You’re never ready for your parents to go,” added Brenda Warner, Maxine’s daughter. “And we just weren’t ready. After discussing it as a family, we also thought Saint Vincent assembled quite an impressive team, so we put our faith in them and their abilities.” Thinking about her life ahead, Maxine added, “I think the sun is going to shine a few more years and I’d like to see that. So, I decided to have the surgery.”
The Saint Vincent TAVR team assembled in the hospital’s hybrid OR to prepare for Maxine’s surgery on June 18, 2013. This multidisciplinary team, led by Drs. Marbey and Becker, also includes 10 to 12 nurses and technicians who specialize in cardiac procedures. “When we started the procedure, we found that Maxine did not have large enough arteries to support the catheter used to deliver the valve with the typical approach in the groin,” commented Dr. Becker. “So we had to go through her ribs to reach her heart.” This type of approach is called transapical aortic valve implantation. It is used for patients who have severe aortic stenosis as well as calcification of their arteries. “We had to make a small incision between the patient’s ribs in order to access the heart,” added Dr. Marbey. “The catheter then carried the compressed tissue valve through the ribs and into the heart where we then placed it inside the diseased valve and inflated it to secure it in place.” Again, this entire procedure was performed without opening Maxine’s chest wall or stopping her heart. “She did beautifully,” commented Dr. Becker. “The whole procedure went very well and Maxine came through perfectly.”
Call 814-453-7767, ext. 2406 or email TAVRclinic@cicdi.com for more information.
SaintVincentHealth.com
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For additional information on the Saint Vincent TAVR program contact:
The Hay Ride Maxine spent a few days at Saint Vincent and then about a week in transitional care at Corry Memorial Hospital, where she could be closer to her large family. In less than two weeks after her surgery, Maxine returned to her Corry home, where she lives with her daughter, Cassie and Cassie’s husband, John.
TAVR Clinic Coordinator Saint Vincent Consultants in Cardiovascular Diseases 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 190, Erie 814-453-7767 ext: 2406 TAVRClinic@cicdi.com
The family said it was just a short time later when Maxine got some of her ‘pep’ back and no longer had to be tied to her oxygen, which Maxine called a ‘nuisance.’ “I felt like I came through this with flying colors,” Maxine commented. So much so, that Maxine soon resumed her routine of visiting the beauty salon two or three times a week and making stops at the local antique shops and flea markets. Shopping has always been one of her favorite things to do. “We had a hard time keeping her down,” said Cassie. “She was ready to get back doing all the things she enjoys.” Also at the top of Maxine’s fun list is the family’s annual fall hay ride. And, this year, Maxine was ready for that day! With her grandson behind the wheel of the tractor and surrounded by her whole family, Maxine was ready for another day of sunshine.
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“She was ready to get back to doing all the things she enjoys.”
Women’s Health
Saint Vincent Expands Women’s Services When it comes to women’s health services, the last few months have been an exciting time at Saint Vincent. Several meaningful changes have taken place, enhancing and expanding the services offered for women in Erie.
Specialist in High-risk Obstetrics and Perinatal Genetics Now Treating Patients in Erie As a result of its affiliation with the Allegheny Health Network, Saint Vincent now offers highly specialized services not previously available in Erie. In Fall 2013, Saint Vincent welcomed Ashi Daftary, MD, to its medical staff in the area of maternal-fetal medicine. Dr. Daftary specializes in high-risk obstetrics and perinatal genetics. When a woman faces a high-risk situation or a complication causes worry during pregnancy, an obstetrician can refer her to Saint Vincent and Dr. Daftary. And, instead of traveling to Pittsburgh, Dr. Daftary is augmenting available services and treating patients in Erie.
Broadened Choice in Obstetrics and Gynecology For women, the freedom to choose their obstetric or gynecological physician is very important. That’s why Saint Vincent is proud to announce that, OB/GYN Associates of Erie and Bayside OB/GYN & Infertility have joined Saint Vincent’s network of OB/GYN providers, offering area women an even broader choice. OB/GYN Associates of Erie and Bayside OB/GYN & Infertility have joined the Saint Vincent team of providers, which includes Erie Women’s Health Partners, Lake Erie Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medical Associates of Erie. The addition of these two practices further ensures women of the Erie region have access to high-quality health care and a broad network of providers that offers patients the experience and specialized care they deserve. For a full listing of Saint Vincent obstetric and gynecological physicians, go to www.SaintVincentHealth.com and click on Find-a-Physician.
Dr. Daftary and his staff at Saint Vincent will be able to assess the risk factors involved in the patient’s pregnancy. Here is a list of the common perinatal services provided: • Consultations regarding management of a pregnancy complicated by maternal disease such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac disease or renal disease • Consultations regarding previous pregnancy issues, including repeated losses, preterm delivery, severe intrauterine growth restriction and pre-eclampsia • Consultation or complete management related to abnormal fetal conditions • Referral and/or assistance in performing amniocentesis (genetic and pulmonary) and in managing isoimmunization • Advice regarding the timing and method of delivery Dr. Daftary is board certified in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Daftary, call 814-454-1142.
Specialized Care for Gynecologic Cancer Patients without Traveling Saint Vincent also welcomed Thomas Krivak, MD, to its medical staff recently. Dr. Krivak is a gynecologic oncologist, specializing in gynecologic cancers, including surgical and medical management of cervical, ovarian and uterine cancer. He also performs minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries and provides follow-up care. Dr. Krivak is also involved in research and clinical trials. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Krivak is also affiliated with the Allegheny Health Network. To allow patients to be treated in Erie, he will be augmenting available services and performing surgery at Saint Vincent. Dr. Krivak is in practice at Greater Erie Niagara Surgery in Erie. Dr. Krivak joins gynecologic oncologist Fredric Price, MD, also of Pittsburgh, in treating patients in Erie. Both see patients at Greater Erie Niagara Surgery in Erie. See photo and full practice details on page 12.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Krivak, call 814-454-1142. SaintVincentHealth.com
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Glutes, Guns, and Guts When: Wednesdays 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Zumba When: Tuesdays 4:35 to 5:35 p.m. or Thursdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
All About the Core When: Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
R.I.P.P.E.D When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:35 to 5:35 p.m.
Sucker Punch When: Mondays, 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Saint Vincent is dedicated to your good health! Purchase an 11-class pass for $50 at the Saint Vincent “Inspired” Gift Shop in the main lobby at 232 West 25 Street, Erie. View full class descriptions at www. saintvincenthealth.com and click on the Classes and Events tab. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held in the Saint Vincent Fitness Center, Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Lower Level. Call 814-452-5655 or e-mail jterrito@svhs.org for more information.
Saint Vincent Fitness Classes
Health Happenings
Drop 10 in 10SM When: April 5 to June 7 9:30-10:30 am Cost: $20 fee for Highmark members Location: L-60 Conference room, Hardner Building
Eat Well for Life 1 & 2SM (a 12-week program) When: Thursdays, April 3 to June 19, noon to 1 p.m. Cost: free for Highmark members
Daily Steps to Less StressSM When: Wednesdays, April 2 to May 7, 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Cost: Free
Offered free for Highmark members, this class series can help you to address important health care issues. For information, please e-mail jterrito@svhs.org. Unless otherwise noted, classes take place in the L-60 Conference Room of the Hardner Building, 2315 Myrtle Street, Erie. Most classes are $65 for those who are not Highmark members.
Highmark Class Series
Pull out and post this calendar!
Breastfeeding Women’s Center Classroom Thursdays, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, August 7, September 11 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
Saturday Preparation for Labor (a two-week class) Saturdays, January 11, 18; March 8, 15; May 3, 10; July 12, 19; September 6, 13 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost: $30 per couple
Monday Preparation for Labor (a three-week class) Mondays, February 3, 10, 17; April 7, 14, 21; June 2, 9, 16; August 4, 11, 18 Cost: $30 per couple
Newborn Care Classes When: Thursdays, March 6, June 5, September 4 and December 4 6:30 to 9 p.m. Cost: $15
Online eLearning Childbirth Education Class Check out our convenient alternative for expectant parents who cannot attend a conventional prepared childbirth class due to bed rest, scheduling conflicts or time constraints. It can also be a helpful refresher course for repeat parents. Registrants can work with class materials online and also receive a hard copy of the book for future reference. To learn more or sign up, go to SaintVincentHealth.com/Babies.
From childbirth to newborn care and even a class for expectant dads, this class series is just what you need when you’re expecting. Beautiful Beginnings classes may be reimbursable, so be sure to check with your health insurance provider. Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at the Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie. Register and pay online at SaintVincentHealth.com.
Beautiful Beginnings Classes For Expectant and New Parents
FREE Breast Cancer Support Group When: Third Wednesday of every month Where: Regional Cancer Center, 2400 West 12 Street, Erie RSVP: 814-836-2660
FREE Look Good, Feel Better for Female Cancer Patients When: March 3 or July 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. Where: Saint Vincent Women’s Center, 311 West 24 Street, Erie RSVP: 800-227-2345
Community Cancer Learning and Support
AARP Basic Driver Safety Course A two-day course for drivers over age 55 When: Wednesdays, February 5, April 4, June 4 and August 6, or Saturdays, January 4, April 5 and July 12 Where: Saint Vincent Hospital One West Conference Room, 232 West 25 Street, Erie RSVP: For class times or to register, call 814-866-4817
Especially for Seniors
Friday Fusion When: Friday 12:30 to 1p.m.
Mash Up Thursday When: Thursday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
FREE Saint Vincent Cardiac Support Group When: Thursday, February 6, May 8 and August 7, at Noon Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814-452-7273
When: January 14 at 10: 30 a.m. February 5, at 10 a.m, March 5, at 1 p.m. April 9, at 10 a.m., May 7, at 10 a.m. June 11, at 1 p.m., July 8, at 10 a.m. August 6, at 10 a.m. Where: Saint Vincent McGarvey Learning Center RSVP: 814-866-4819
FREE Living Without Hip and Knee Pain Experiencing hip or knee pain? Attend a free seminar, where you’ll hear the latest on treatment from one of our orthopedic surgeons. Participants receive a free hot/cold gel pack.
Maternity Tours Tours of the maternity floor are part of the Labor Prep classes. However, for those moms and dads who are unable to attend class or who would like another look, tours can also be scheduled by calling 814-452-5664. You can also take an online tour at www.SaintVincentHealth.com/babies.
So, You’re Going to be a Grandparent A Class for Expectant or New Grandparents Mondays, May 5 or September 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per person/$15 per grandparent couple
Dads Make a Difference! A Class for Fathers-to-Be or New Dads Mondays, April 28 and September 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per dad
CPR for Infants, Children, and Adults Educational Services Classroom 224 West 26th Street Saturdays, March 29 and June 14 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and August 21 at 4:30 p.m. Cost: $40 per person
Breastfeeding Support Group When: Third Wednesday of the month 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: No fee
Mothers and Daughters: On Growing Up For girls 9-12 and their moms Saturdays, February 22 and May 17 9 a.m. to noon Cost: $20 per mother-daughter couple, $5 for each additional daughter
HealthyU Lunch and Learn: Wellness Within your ReachSM When: June 11, noon to 1 p.m. Cost: Free Location: L-60 Conference room, Hardner Building Personal Nutrition Coaching Seven personal nutrition coaching visits are available to Highmark members annually. Call 814-452-5666 for more information.
Sibling Preparation Classes Tuesdays, April 29 and September 23 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost: $10 for one child; $5 for each additional child
HealthyU Lunch and Learn: Clean the AirSM When: May 14, noon to 1 p.m. Cost: Free Location: L-60 Conference room, Hardner Building
cover story
Specialty Care Close to Home at Saint Vincent Erie’s Bobbie Kocher isn’t a woman who can sit still for long. She’s well known among the local theater groups where she was actively involved for more than 30 years. At the same time, she maintained a full-time job and raised her two children. Kocher lasted about 30 days into retirement and realized, “This is not fun at all!” So, she jumped at the chance to work part time as finance assistant for the St. Martin Center in Erie. This 74-year-old woman is not going to stop living until she absolutely has no choice in the matter. When it comes to her medical care, Kocher doesn’t mess around either. A recent medical condition could have forced her to travel out of town for a specialist and that’s not something Kocher wanted to do. “I don’t mind a day trip to Pittsburgh or Cleveland, but navigating the traffic, paying for parking and walking through a large hospital that I know nothing about is not something I want to do,” explained Kocher. Kocher was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly five years ago and the chance of reoccurrence is always in the back of her mind. For the past few years, she has been suffering from post menopausal vaginal bleeding, which can be a symptom of cervical cancer.
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Kocher said her gynecologist, Michael Scutella, MD, of OB/GYN Associates of Erie, had tried a number of treatments, but nothing seemed to work. With her history of cancer, Kocher said Dr. Scutella wanted her to see a gynecologist who also specialized in the treatment of cancer. That specialty, up until recently, was not available in Erie. SaintVincentHealth.com
Saint Vincent’s recent affiliation with the Allegheny Health Network has made a significant difference in expanding medical specialties never before offered in the Erie region. For several months, two gynecologists who specialize in cancer treatment have been seeing patients at Saint Vincent. More importantly, these physicians are also performing surgical procedures at Saint Vincent, allowing women and their families the ease of having a higher level of care provided locally. “The Erie region has not had a gynecological/oncologist up until this time,” said Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Vincent Hospital. “For these issues, women had no choice but to seek care out of town. And we are happy to bring these specialists to our patients.” Thomas Krivak, MD, and Fredric Price, MD, each spend several days a month at Saint Vincent. Both have been well received by local physicians—who are referring their patients—and by the patients themselves.
“I have been practicing in the Pittsburgh region for almost eight years,” said Krivak. “I have seen a number of Erie patients during that time in Pittsburgh and I think it’s fantastic that I can offer surgical procedures in Erie at Saint Vincent.” For Bobbie Kocher, staying in Erie for her medical and hospital treatments is a top priority. But, as with any potential surgery, having confidence in the physician is also important. Kocher knew the moment she met with Dr. Krivak that she was in good hands. “I did my research and I checked him out,” commented Kocher. “He quickly made me feel at ease and said he could address my problems. I trusted him immediately.” Kocher underwent a hysterectomy at Saint Vincent in early November. Dr. Krivak, who is skilled in robotic surgery, used the daVinci Surgical System® at Saint Vincent, leaving Kocher with just four tiny incisions rather than one large abdominal incision.
Kocher was out of the hospital and recovering at home in less than a day and a half. The best news of all? No cancer was found. Kocher said her experience with Dr. Krivak and Saint Vincent couldn’t have been any better. “Affording me this opportunity to have a specialist like Dr. Krivak at Saint Vincent is a gold mine,” said Kocher. “I am hoping that this new network can provide this area with more specialists for other medical problems so patients can stay here for care.” According to Dr. Krivak, an important aspect of his success in Erie is due in part to the physicians who refer their patients to him and Dr. Price. “There is a dire need for this specialty in Erie—no doubt about it,” said Krivak. “Our practice relies on physician referral and I am pleased that the surgeons and ob/gyn practices in the Erie region have the confidence in us to refer their patients to us for specialty care.”
To schedule a consultation, call 814-452-1142.
Which Hospital Will You Go to During an Emergency? In the event that you or a loved one calls 911 for a medical emergency, you have the right to request to be taken to the hospital of your choice. Please feel free to say to the emergency medical personnel:
Please take me to Saint Vincent Emergency Department… • where my primary care practice is a part of the network of providers • where my medical records will be instantly available • where Saint Vincent’s affiliation with Allegheny General Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic for both heart and stroke care, provides me with access to additional care if I should need it • where the Saint Vincent Heart Stat team is ready to unblock clogged arteries during a heart attack – 24 hours a day, seven days a week • where all physicians are credentialed in emergency care
We hope that you are not faced with a medical emergency, but if you are, you can count on Saint Vincent to provide you with the highest level of medical care. SaintVincentHealth.com
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Saint Vincent is Now Part of the Allegheny Health Network
What does it mean to you, the Erie community and Saint Vincent? A conversation with Saint Vincent President and CEO, Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE It has been about six months since Saint Vincent affiliated with Highmark and the Allegheny Health Network (AHN), western Pennsylvania’s newest integrated health care delivery network. What does this mean to our patients and to the residents and community of northwestern Pennsylvania? Saint Vincent president and CEO, Scott Whalen sat down for an interview to answer some of the questions he has been asked over the past few months. Q: Why did Saint Vincent choose to affiliate with the Allegheny Health Network? A: In today’s changing world of health care, it is difficult to be a stand-alone hospital system. Saint Vincent administrators and the Sisters of St. Joseph spent many years looking for a partner that would not only preserve health care in the Erie region, but enhance the services that Saint Vincent could offer to our patients. We looked at a number of potential partners. What the Allegheny Health Network offered was the type of system that is focused on strengthening its partner hospitals to serve the communities in which they are located rather than to become ‘feeder’ hospitals to a larger system. That is exactly what has happened here at Saint Vincent in just this short period of time.
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Q: Can you give me some examples of how the AHN has strengthened Saint Vincent? A: The first thing that comes to mind is the growth of our Women’s Program at Saint Vincent and the expected additional growth in the coming year. What this affiliation has done is to help attract new physicians both locally and regionally who are providing services in Erie for our residents. Specifically, we have two gynecological/oncologists (see stories page 5 and 8) who are seeing patients at Saint Vincent and, most importantly, they are performing surgical procedures here. This has been a fantastic service for women in Erie who now do not have to travel out of town. We also have a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. These specialties have never before been available in Erie. These doctors want to come to Saint Vincent and the current physicians in town are pleased to be able to offer their patients an option locally. This is just the beginning of our efforts to bring a higher level of care and more specialists right here to Saint Vincent. We will add several more in the coming months. Q: Has the affiliation changed Saint Vincent? A: There will be changes with any new partnership, but we believe the changes have been beneficial to Saint Vincent and the residents we serve. We have changed our name to Saint Vincent Hospital because we are one of seven hospitals within this new system. But, Saint Vincent is our brand and that will not change. The level of caring that patients expect from us will also never change. There is a specific culture of caring and compassion that is apparent at Saint Vincent. Our commitment to providing the highest quality of care at the lowest cost has been backed by our affiliation. This is at the core of what the Allegheny Health Network is all about. Enhancing the overall patient experience and providing patient choice are top priorities. You will see a greater emphasis on individual wellness and disease prevention as we also improve upon the number of primary care physicians available in this region. Q: What other hospitals are affiliated with the Allegheny Health Network? A: The AHN includes seven hospitals in western Pennsylvania. In addition to Saint Vincent—which serves as the northern hub—there are five hospitals in the Pittsburgh region. They include Allegheny General Hospital, Allegheny Valley Hospital, Canonsburg Hospital, Forbes Hospital and West Penn Hospital, as well as Jefferson Hospital, which serves the southern portion of western Pennsylvania. The AHN includes nearly 2,400 licensed beds with more than 17,000 employees, including 7,400 health care professionals and nearly 200 primary care and specialty practices. Q: What else would you like Erie residents to know about Saint Vincent? A: Saint Vincent is an important part of health care in this community and an important economic contributor as well. We were Erie’s first hospital—more than 138 years ago—and our commitment to the community, to high-quality health care and to our patients will never waiver. Some may be surprised to know that Saint Vincent has received top awards from national health care organizations and our patient satisfaction scores are most often in the 90 percentile range. We have more primary care offices, which have been officially recognized and certified for providing outstanding care. We have the largest primary care residency program in the region and also have residency and fellowship programs in emergency and sports medicine. We have the region’s largest hybrid operating room, all high-definition laparoscopic equipment and the latest daVinci® Surgical Robotic System. We may be in Erie, Pennsylvania, but residents here should know that the level of care they can receive at Saint Vincent is among the best in this part of the country.
Empowering Patients in Pain with the McKenzie Method®
Physical Therapy Success for Back, Neck and Extremity Pain Erie area resident John Knouse, 58, is a guy who likes to take control of his health. He works out regularly and keeps active by landscaping and doing renovations at his home. Last summer, when he was spreading mulch in his yard, John lost control of his health in a way he never imagined. “I felt my back grab, and I was done. I couldn’t move. I lost all use of my left leg and was in extreme pain. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t sleep,” said John, a PhD who works in psychological assessment at Harborcreek Youth Services. “My doctor referred me to Rehab Solutions for physical therapy, but I had to actually use crutches to walk into the place.” John’s therapist, Chris Moon, PT, Cert. MDT, utilizes both traditional physical therapy and a type of treatment known as the McKenzie Method®. For some patients with back, neck and extremity pain, the McKenzie Method can be an effective and more affordable option because it generally requires far fewer office visits. This is because the long-term goal of the McKenzie Method is to teach patients how to treat themselves at home and manage their own pain for life using exercise and other strategies. According to Moon, the McKenzie Method is a systematic way of diagnosing and treating mechanical pain. It involves establishing sustained positions and repeated movements and stretches that patients can do at home to gradually relieve symptoms. Therapists also work with patients on posture and positioning to reduce stress and strain for the types of daily activities patients do at work and at home.
McKenzie Method Goals “Instead of coming in several times a week for traditional physical therapy, we put the patient in charge. We empower them and teach them to reduce and often eliminate their pain,” Moon said. “Sometimes, we can accomplish this in as few as three or four visits. Generally, it takes up to seven or eight visits.” For John Knouse, the McKenzie Method was the right solution. “I noticed relief of pain fairly quickly and regained the ability to use my leg in just a few visits,” he said. At first, John was nervous about the concept of doing the therapy on his own. “I was in so much pain I wasn’t sure I could go through it. But Chris kept it very simple at first. As I started to feel relief, Chris would reassess me and step up the exercises to the point that I could handle them. It worked. I was thrilled.” The McKenzie method falls under the category of physical therapy and is generally covered by insurance. While it isn’t appropriate for every patient, it has consistently helped many, according to Moon. “Patients don’t have to live with pain just because they can’t afford the cost of traditional physical therapy.
Reduce pain quickly Return to normal functioning in daily activities Minimize the risk of recurring pain Minimize the number of physical therapy visits
With our guidance and the McKenzie Method, they can have a significant role in their own recovery.” Once John made a full recovery, Chris worked with him on some maintenance exercises, especially designed for John’s job—which requires a lot of sitting at a desk. “I do the exercises religiously because I don’t ever want to go through that kind of pain again,” John said. Looking back, I like the fact that I was given a lot of control in my treatment. Chris and I now argue over who takes the credit for my recovery. He claims it was all me, but I couldn’t have done it without him.” To make an appointment with a McKenzie Method-certified physical therapist, call Saint Vincent Rehab Solutions at 814-452-5231.
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Saint Vincent Mobile Medical Unit Provides Care On the Go
Saint Vincent Welcomes New Physicians Maggie Biebel, DO Primary Care East Harbor Primary Care 4950 Buffalo Road 814-899-7000 Ashi Daftary, MD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 814-452-1142
This past summer, Saint Vincent introduced a new concept in health care delivery to the Erie region. The Saint Vincent Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), is a 41-foot medical-office-on-wheels that is now providing health care services “on the go” to communities and businesses throughout the northwest Pennsylvania region. The MMU was made possible through collaboration among Saint Vincent, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the Allegheny Health Network. It represents a commitment to community outreach, improving the health of the Erie region and continuing the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The MMU enables Saint Vincent to meet the health care needs of individuals who may not have transportation or access to medical offices or clinics. In addition, Saint Vincent will also deliver corporate wellness programs to the front door of organizations throughout the area. “We have been talking about redesigning health care and the Mobile Medical Unit is part of that redesign,” Saint Vincent president and CEO, Scott Whalen, PhD, FACHE. “We will increase access to health care and provide a more affordable means of delivering that care within the community where people live and work.” Services include physical and preventive health examinations, school and sports physicals, corporate health management, consultations, biometric screenings, vaccination services, PPD testing and health screenings. The unit features two exam rooms, a patient check-in area and an education and counseling area. It has a retractable awning and a digital display screen that can be used when the MMU is utilized at various sites. It is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. In collaboration with Saint Vincent Occupational Health Services, the Mobile Medical Unit can also provide pre-employment physicals and Worker’s Compensation injury care. To learn more about the Saint Vincent Mobile Medical Unit, contact Bonnie Ruff, Saint Vincent Mobile Unit Coordinator, at 814-452-7266.
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Michael Evankovich, MD Urology Saint Vincent Allied Urology 311 West 24 Street, Suite 101 814-452-4214 Daniel Geisler, MD Colorectal Surgery Colorectal Physicians & Surgeons of Pennsylvania 145 West 23rd St., Suite 201 814-453-2777 Thomas Krivak, MD Gynecologic Oncology Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 814-452-1142 Fredric Price, MD Gynecologic Oncology Greater Erie Niagara Surgery 2315 Myrtle Street, Suite 290 814-452-1142 Stephanie Traud, DO Primary Care Great Lakes Family Medicine 3530 Peach Street 814-864-6039
Need a doctor? Call 814-452-7864 or visit www.SaintVincentHealth.com and click on the Find-a-Physician button.
Saint Vincent Earns Accolades
In 2013, Saint Vincent earned several important awards, recognizing the quality care and technology available at Saint Vincent including: The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons awarded national accreditation to the Saint Vincent Cancer Care Center
Regional Home Health For Norman Rieger, 81, getting around can be quite a challenge. Seven years ago, he underwent extensive bowel surgery and has since taken nutrition from a central line in his chest. He’s also had back surgery and hip surgery and has difficulty walking, even when using a walker. Norman’s medical conditions need weekly care and monitoring from a health care professional, but thanks to Regional Home Health (RHH), Norman doesn’t have to struggle to make it to his doctor’s office regularly, nor does he have to enter a nursing home. He receives care in his home once weekly from Lynne Prescott, RN, an RHH home health nurse. “Lynne has actually become a member of the family over the years. We’ve even met her daughter,” said Norman. “We always look forward to seeing Lynne every Monday. She has a great sense of humor, she knows what she’s doing and is just a very caring person.” RHH provides care to approximately 160 people each day. Norman is one of more than 275 patients receiving short-term or long-term nursing care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes from RHH, an affiliate of Saint Vincent Hospital, Millcreek Community Hospital, Corry Memorial Hospital and Vantage Healthcare Network.
Working with the patient’s family physician, RHH nurses and therapists provide skilled health care with personalized attention and support in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties. For Norman, Lynn provides services such as dressing changes for his central line, monitoring of vital signs, monitoring pain and managing medications. When indicated by Norman’s physician, she draws blood for lab work and communicates the results. “The quality of care I receive from Regional Home Health and Lynne meets 100% of my expectations 100% of the time. And, best of all, I get the care right here in my own home.” To learn more about home health care, call Regional Home Health in Erie at 814-866-1705, in Corry at 814-664-5811 or visit www.rhhah.com.
Regional Home Health Services
Skilled nursing Physical therapy Speech therapy
The U.S. News 2013-2014 Best Hospitals Guide designated Saint Vincent as a High Performer in cardiology, heart surgery, gastroenterology, GI surgery, geriatrics, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery and pulmonology The American Heart Association awarded Saint Vincent its Get with the Guidelines: Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award Hospitals & Health Networks named Saint Vincent its Most Wired Survey 2013 national winner The American Heart Association gave the Saint Vincent Heart and Vascular Center its Mission: Lifeline Bronze Quality Achievement Award for heart attack care Becker’s Hospital Review included Saint Vincent among 101 Hospitals with great Orthopaedic Programs Saint Vincent was named a Highmark BCBS Blue Distinction Center for Hip & Knee Replacement, Cardiac Care and Spine Surgery
Occupational therapy Social work Aide services SaintVincentHealth.com
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232 West 25 Street Erie PA 16544
EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE? It can be frightening when a sudden illness or injury strikes, especially if your regular doctor is not available. You need to make a choice quickly about where to get the medical attention you need. What are your options? Life-threatening conditions, such as chest pains or signs of stroke, require a trip to the emergency room, but for everything else, there’s urgent care. Urgent care offers treatment to patients of all ages for injury and illness like the flu, fevers, asthma attacks, broken bones, cuts requiring stitches, X-rays, lab work and more − providing you with a one-stop option for unscheduled, time-sensitive care. And if your needs aren’t time sensitive, urgent care centers can provide wellness and prevention services such as health screenings, flu shots and sports physicals. Urgent care plays an important role in Erie’s health care. Erie is home to two great Urgent Care options, MedExpress Urgent Care and Saint Vincent Urgent Care East.
SAINT VINCENT URGENT CARE EAST 4950 Buffalo Road Erie, PA 16510 814-898-2576 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.saintvincenthealth.com
MEDEXPRESS URGENT CARE Millcreek Township 5039 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509 814-866-1443 Open every day, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.medexpress.com