The Eastern Physician Duke Lumberton nov-dec 2012

Category

N ov e m b e r / D e c e m b e r 2 012

Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton

Efficient Expertise Is Central to Busy Practice That’s Saving Lives

T H E M A G A Z I NE F OR H E A L T H C A RE P RO F E S S I ON A L S

Also in This Issue Treating Endometriosis Effective Media Relations

november/december 2012

1

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Editor’s Note

Keeping Pace Duke Cardiology of Lumberton – our cover story this month – is making a difference in Robeson County. Since entering this underserved region in March 2011, more residents who suffer a heart attack have benefited from the practice’s close proximity of gold-standard treatment. Committed to maintaining Duke’s signature quality of care, the Lumberton practice is growing and enhancing its diagnostic and therapeutic services to keep pace with regional demand.

T H E M A G A Z I NE F OR H E A L T H C A RE P RO F E S S I ON A L S

This issue of The Eastern Physician also features two contributing editors. Dr. Andrea Lukes addresses the importance of identifying the underlying condition causing pelvic pain and the need for lifelong management in some endometriosis patients. She invites referrals to her study on the

Editor Heidi Ketler, APR

safety and efficacy of elagolix in patients with endometriosis-related pain. Amanda Kanaan presents

Contributing Editors

an overview of social media that helps clarify its appropriateness and usefulness for physicians.

Paul V. Brown Jr. Amanda Kanaan Andrea Lukes, M.D., M.H.Sc., F.A.C.O.G.

As the year quickly comes to a close, now is a good time to plan to include The Eastern Physician in your marketing mix next year. Our readership encompasses more than 6,000 physicians, doctors of osteopathic medical, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and hospital administrators in 42 eastern North Carolina counties.

Creative Director Joseph Dally

It’s important for these potential referrals to keep up with your practice and professional expertise, so send us your health care-related news and perspective, which runs at no cost to you. Consider also combining it with advertising for an especially cost-effective marketing message.

We at The Eastern Physician would like to thank you for your support of, and interest, in a magazine serving the medical community within this fast-growing region. We look forward to keeping pace with all of its medical developments in the new year.

Heidi Ketler Contents 4 Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton

Efficient Expertise Is Central to Busy Practice That’s Saving Lives 8 Women’s Health

11 News

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain: Understanding Causes and Management

9 Marketing

12 News

5 Reasons Why Online Marketing Should Be Part of Your Marketing Plan in 2013

The Value of Media Relations

- Carteret General Hospital Gets the Gold Quality Achievement Award

- State Approves Additional 28 Beds for FirstHealth Hospital in Hoke County - $100 Million-plus Health Pavilion in Hoke County Is Well Under Way

13 News

Welcome to the Area

Cover L to R: Scott Denardo, MD, Christopher Walters, MD, Kelly Allen-Evans, FNP, Allison Scott, FNP, Bob Everhart, MD, Melvin Echols, MD (slightly behind Dr. Short), Sydney Short, MD, Matthew Cummings, MD, Abi Ogunleye, FNP, Marla “Brien” Bryant, DNP, Sandy O’Brien – Health Center Administrator

2

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News and Columns Please send to info@easternphysician.com

Warm wishes for a great holiday season and year ahead

10 Marketing

Photography Bill Goode Photography

Advertising rates on request Bulk rate postage paid Greensboro, NC 27401 Every precaution is taken to insure the accuracy of the articles published.

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Cover Story

Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton Efficient Expertise Is Central to Busy Practice That’s Saving Lives

By Rory Cullen

Despite encouraging declines in recent

clots, and we’d notify Duke. Then they’d

“We’ve had four cases so far this month.

years, cardiovascular disease remains the

send down a helicopter to fly the patient

They came in, 10 minutes later they were

leading cause of death in the United States.

up. That was an hour turnaround, at best. A

in the cath lab, and 10 minutes later the ar-

Particularly where catastrophic events are

huge amount of time,” says Robert G. Ever-

tery was open,” says Dr. Everhart. “The big

concerned, such as ST-elevated myocar-

hart, M.D., director of the Southeastern Re-

push nationally is for 90 minutes, and we’re

dial infarction (STEMI) heart attacks, a pa-

gional Medical Center cardiac services and

averaging around 50 minutes right now.

tient’s survival hinges on getting immediate

cardiac catheterization laboratory of Duke

This preserves heart muscle so the heart

medical attention. Any delay increases the

Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke Cardio-

doesn’t weaken as much, which can lead

amount of heart tissue affected and lowers

vascular Surgery of Lumberton.

to all kinds of complications.”

cardiologists and emergency responders is

Patients frequently ran dangerously close

Meeting Great Demand

“minutes mean muscle.”

to the 90-minute mark – the gold standard

Opening its doors in 2006, Duke Cardiolo-

the odds of recovery. The maxim among

for the treatment of heart attacks. But since

gy of Lumberton and Duke Cardiovascular

The situation was particularly bad for

Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke

Surgery of Lumberton offered much-need-

Robeson County, where demographic cir-

Cardiovascular of Lumberton began treat-

ed services to an area without a local car-

cumstances were exacerbated by a dearth

ing these patients in March 2011, the differ-

diology program. The rate of heart disease

of local cardiac health care. “They’d get

ence has been staggering.

mortality for Robeson County residents

thrombolytic agents to try to dissolve blood

was 20 to 30 percent higher than North Carolina averages. Since then mortality rate has steadily dropped. In 2010, Robeson County’s statistics intersected with the state mortality rates, and Dr. Everhart is hopeful the trend will continue.

“We’ve had people come in with heart attacks. Some of them die on the table, and we bring them back to life. The impact we’re having on the community, those are the true successes,” says Dr. Everhart.

The program works in tandem with the Southeastern Regional Medical Center, just across the street, and has been growing since its inception, steadily offering a wider range of services. The staff, all Duke faculty

Lisa Booker, a Duke Cardiology of Lumberton echo sonographer, at work.

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The Eastern Physician

physicians and Duke credentialed health care providers, have recently added an-

other partner, Lumberton native Matthew

Duke and his current position.

also performs a plethora of thoracic and cardiac surgeries, including coronary by-

S. Cummings, M.D., to assist with their increased volume and expand the services

“For me, it’s incredibly satisfying to have

pass, valve repair and replacement and

they offer. Construction has recently begun

been a part of the development of a new

aneurysm repair.

on another peripheral vascular laboratory

program in Wilmington, and now to do it

to maintain high-level care.

again within the Duke system,” says Dr.

“We can’t do everything we’d like,” says

“A lot of people here have cardiovascular

Everhart. “We started in Wilmington in

Dr. Denardo, admitting that some highly

disease, strokes and heart failure,” says

much the same way, nothing there at all,

specialized equipment and services simply

Melvin R. Echols, M.D., medical director of

and it’s now grown into a very successful

aren’t practical. “But we cover 95 percent

the clinic at Lumberton and a specialist in

program. It’s a lot of work, but it’s amazing

of cardio diagnostic and therapeutic pro-

chronic heart failure. With only two provid-

to be able to offer this level of care.”

cedures.” With the addition of Dr. Cummings to the staff, the program plans to

ers in the area, it was a struggle to keep up with demand, and it was very difficult to

The program’s success has been particu-

add peripheral vascular scanning (use of

manage caths and the outpatient setting.”

larly profound for Dr. Lowry, who has been

ultrasound to evaluate blood flow) and ad-

with the practice since its beginnings. “I

ditional vascular surgeries to its repertoire.

Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke

grew up 15 to 20 minutes away,” he says.

With more services being offered, fewer

Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton has

After earning his degree at the University of

patients need to be transferred to another

since added support and blossomed. “2011

North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he complet-

facility.

was the perfect year. We recruited a lot of

ed his residency at the University of Roch-

people who were interested in being here

ester School of Medicine and Dentistry be-

Dr. Everhart highlights one noteworthy

but who were also motivated,” says Dr.

fore returning to his roots. “It’s important

practice: radial artery catheterization. The

Echols.

because … it allows people to stay in the

majority of cardiac catheterization pro-

community instead of traveling.”

cedures utilize the femoral artery via an incision in the groin. This can be uncom-

The volume for the practice has increased 27 percent since 2011, and more than 1,200

Services

fortable for patients after the procedure is

procedures have been performed in the

The practice offers a multitude of ser-

completed: standard aftercare includes a

catheterization lab this year, according to

vices, including electrophysiology, con-

30-minute compression of the groin area,

Scott J. Denardo, M.D., director of the lab.

ventional angioplasty care and coronary

and two to four hours of rest is required

Terry S. Lowry, M.D., medical director of

interventions, including stenting and care

the cardiac intensive care unit, has over-

for peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Lowry

seen some 350 surgeries. Dr. Echols sees

conducts pacemaker and cardioverter

between 20-35 patients a day.

defibrillator implants at SRMC, whereas, patients previously were sent to Duke Hos-

“We’re building a very successful program

pital in Durham for implants. Dr. Lowry

here,” says Dr. Everhart. “We’re growing at a time when a lot of cath labs are actually decreasing their procedural numbers. And we’ve greatly improved the degree of care offered in this county.”

Lumberton’s cardiology program is not the first Dr. Everhart has helped to expand. Formerly an interventional cardiologist at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., Dr. Everhart performed the hospital’s first coronary angioplasty in 1988. Dr. Everhart was involved in the development of acute care for STEMI patients, and served as the primary investigator for national and international cardiac trials. These studies led to his transition to

Front row, from left: Matthew Cummings, M.D.; Angela Anthony, R.N.; Gladys Hayes, C.R.T.; Melissa Lewis; Melissa Hood, R.N.; Tiana Lowery, C.S.T.; Annette Carter, R.N.; and Shannan Wilcox, echo sonographer.

Back row, from left: Bryan Hilbourn, R.N.; Sydney Short, M.D.; and Marla “Brien” Bryan, D.N.P.

november/december 2012

5

before the patient can resume normal ac-

Other research involves the study of micro-

that patients come from South Carolina on

tivities. By contrast, the radial artery, via the

vascular dysfunction (abnormalities in the

a regular basis. “We get plenty of people

wrist, offers a far speedier recovery – In 10

coronary arteries that often lead to heart

coming from everywhere,” he says.

minutes, the patient is able to leave. Only

disease) and investigation of the links be-

11 percent of hospitals nationwide employ

tween blood pressure fluctuations and

“What makes the program work is that we

this method.

later complications. “In people with heart

have a really good group of people, from

failure, their (blood) pressures can change

environmental services all the way up to

“It’s been done worldwide for 20 years. It

in abnormal ways, (and) they’re at risk

surgery,” says Dr. Lowry. “The teamwork

never really caught on in the United States,

for further complications in the following

from Duke and SRMC makes everything

but a study from Duke three years ago re-

year,” says Dr. Denardo.

work and turns out well for the patient.”

“It’s technically a little more challenging.

Dr. Echols pursues research on peripheral

Not about to rest on their laurels, Dr. Echols

But with this, people get up and walk off

arterial disease, noting its deleterious im-

reiterates the staff’s dedication to achieving

the table. It’s a lot more convenient for the

pact on other medical conditions. “PAD is a

ever-higher levels of care.

patient. They love it.”

huge issue. We’re trying to do more nonin-

For more information about Southeastern

vasive studies that will help the doctors do-

Regional Medical Center cardiology ser-

There are also fewer complications to con-

ing peripheral cath interventions. Because

vices visit www.srmc.org.

sider. “The major advantage is that you

peripheral procedures are becoming more

have much easier control of the bleeding

utilized, we’re having to make sure the clin-

after the procedure,” says Dr. Everhart.

ic and outpatient system is keeping up with

ally put it over the top,” says Dr. Everhart.

the latest diagnostic modalities.”

Dr. Echols utilizes myocardial perfusion imaging, also called a nuclear test to inves-

Ongoing Excellence

tigate damaged heart muscle and diagnose

“We started with low-risk patients,” says Dr.

heart disease. A safe, radioactive tracer

Lowry of Lumberton’s beginnings, “and

injected into the bloodstream provides a

built our experience. As our program de-

clear image of blood flow throughout the

veloped we’ve added to the amount of risk

body with minimal patient discomfort.

we’re willing to accept. We are continuing

With patient activity (exercise such as run-

to expand the number of services we offer

ning on a treadmill), Dr. Echols can ana-

while maintaining a high quality (of care).”

Matthew Cummings, MD

Scott Denardo, MD

Melvin Echols, MD

Robert Everhart, MD

Terry Lowry, MD Cardiovascular Surgeon

Sydney Short, MD

lyze the heart’s response to physical stress and blood flow to peripheral areas.

As a result, in 2012 Duke Cardiology of Lumberton and Duke Cardiovascular Sur-

Moving Forward

gery of Lumberton was ranked first in the

While the expansion of practice services

state for its cardiology services, second for

has been remarkable in itself, the staff of

overall cardiac services and sixth for coro-

Duke Cardiology of Lumberton is continu-

nary interventions, and it remains among

ally looking to implement new services

the top 10 percent in the nation. Five-star

and procedures to better care for their pa-

ratings in treatment of heart attack, heart

tients. “We’re always trying to make things

failure, and in coronary interventions and

even better,” says Dr. Denardo.

cardiology services further attest to the quality of the staff. Dr. Lowry himself was

When he’s not in the catheterization lab,

named Surgeon of the Year by Surgical

Dr. Denardo is working with medical re-

Products magazine, with quality indica-

searchers at Duke or the University of

tors well below the Society for Thoracic

Florida to continue to improve treatment

Surgery percentages and zero mortalities

options. His latest research has been on

in 2012. Drs. Denardo, Everhart and Echols

blood-thinning agents and stents. “We’re

have similarly stellar numbers.

looking for something that will prevent heart attacks and blockages but won’t lead

“I’ve had people follow me from Wilming-

to bleeding issues,” he says.

ton,” says Dr. Everhart. Dr. Echols notes

6

The Eastern Physician

Christopher Walters, MD

Women’s Health

Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain:

Understanding Causes and Management

By Andrea Lukes, M.D., M.H.Sc., F.A.C.O.G.

There are exciting developments in the

Once diagnosed, the management of en-

treatment of endometriosis, a common

dometriosis can be challenging. Surgical

gynecological problem.

interventions with the most effectiveness include ablation (laser) of the disease. At

Endometriosis is defined as the presence

six months after surgery, pain is significant-

of endometrium (lining of the uterus) that

ly improved in those receiving laser com-

occurs outside of the uterus. The most

pared to those within a control group, 62.5

common symptoms associated with endo-

percent versus 22.6 percent2. Other surgi-

metriosis are painful menses (dysmenor-

cal options, such as laparoscopic uterosa-

rhea), pain with sexual intercourse (dys-

cral nerve ablation (LUNA) and presacral

pareunia) and non-menstrual pelvic pain.

neurectomy, are technically challenging and not as commonly performed.

Approximately 70 percent of women with chronic pelvic pain have endometriosis1.

Most treatments of pain associated with en-

Diagnostic laparoscopy provides a defini-

dometriosis are medical. These treatments

tive diagnosis.

range from NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), hormones (progestogens only or combined oral contraceptives), danazol (synthetic testosterone), GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists, or more recently, the levonorg-

After earning her bachelor’s degree in religion from Duke University (1988), Dr. Andrea Lukes pursued a combined medical degree and master’s degree in statistics from Duke (1994). Then, she completed her ob/gyn residency at the University of North Carolina (1998). During her 10 years on faculty at Duke University, she cofounded and served as the director of gynecology for the Women’s Hemostasis and Thrombosis Clinic. She left her academic position (2007) to begin Carolina Women’s Research and Wellness Center, and to become founder and chair of the Ob/Gyn Alliance.

She and partner Amy Stanfield, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., head Women’s Wellness Clinic, the private practice associated with Carolina Women’s Research and Wellness Clinic.

Women’s Wellness Clinic welcomes referrals for management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Call (919) 251-9223 or visit www.cwrwc.com.

estrel intrauterine system. At Women’s Wellness Clinic, we have experience with each of these medications and review all of

productive tract and ovarian and/or tubal

them in our management of endometriosis

masses. In addition, it is not always due to

and pain.

gynecological conditions. Pelvic pain can be due to gastrointestinal, urinary, neuro-

See if you may qualify for the Violet Petal Study — a medical research study for women with moderate to severe pain caused by endometriosis.

Our team is conducting an on-going study

logic, psychological, as well as psychiatric,

called “A Clinical Study to Evaluate the

disorders. We encourage a thorough work-

Safety and Efficacy of Elagolix in Subjects

up of all etiologies relating to pelvic pain.

with Moderate to Severe Endometriosis-

It is also important to understand that en-

Associated Pain.” We welcome calls about

dometriosis is a chronic disease that often

this study to our office at (919) 251-9223 or

requires a lifelong management plan.

by e-mail to janet@cwrwc.com or atiya@ cwrwc.com.

Lastly, pelvic pain can be caused by a number of conditions, not only endometriosis: pelvic adhesions, pelvic inflammatory disease, congenital anomalies of the re-

8

The Eastern Physician

1) Spaczynski RZ, Duleba AJ. Diagnosis of endometriosis. Semin Reprod Med 2003; 21:193-208.

2) Sutton CJ, Ewen SP, Whitelaw N, Haines P. Prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial of laser laparoscopy in the treatment of pelvic pain associated with minimal, mild, and moderate endometriosis. Fertil Steril 1994; 62:696-700.

Marketing

5 Reasons

Why Online Marketing Should Be Part of Your Marketing Plan in 2013

By Amanda Kanaan

The month of December is often a time of

range of demographics. The fact that

reflection, planning, and goal-setting for the

you cater to a geriatric population is no

upcoming year. For most practices, as with

longer an excuse. The 70-75 year-old age

any small business, these goals usually in-

group is the fastest growing demograph-

clude increasing the amount business from

ic of Internet users (2009 study by Pew

the year before. When discussing marketing

Internet & American Life Project).

strategy every medical practice, regardless

5. Targeted Approach: If you are a plastic

of size or specialty, should consider invest-

surgeon who wants to do more mommy

ing in online marketing in 2013. Here are five

makeovers, for example, you can easily

reasons why…

use online marketing to target specific

1. Cost-Effective: The cost is lower than

keywords and demographics related to

traditional media such as TV or radio and

this service. It’s a great way to establish a

can often have a greater ROI due to the

niche or at least bill more of a particular

long lasting effects.

service.

2. Increasing Demand: We are in the

Amanda Kanaan is the president and founder of WhiteCoat Designs, a North Carolinabased marketing agency catering specifically to physicians. WhiteCoat Designs offers doctors affordable marketing solutions to help them grow their practices. Services include website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, online reputation monitoring, brochure and collateral design, branding makeovers and physician liaison services to build patient referrals. Ms. Kanaan can be reached at amanda@whitecoat-designs. com or (919) 714-9885. To learn more, visit www.whitecoat-designs.com.

midst of an “e-patient” revolution (pa-

Whether you invest in search engine op-

tients whose number one source of

timization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) ad-

health information is the Internet). As

vertising, or social media, the first step in

more and more health care organiza-

an effective online marketing strategy is a

tions realize this, the market space will

good website. The goal of online marketing

become increasingly competitive.

is to bring people to your website; the goal

on to your competitor’s site. Therefore, on-

3. Highly Trackable: Unlike some market-

of your website is to bring people to your

line marketing won’t be nearly as successful

ing strategies, the results of online mar-

practice. On average, your website has seven

without a great website and a great website

keting are highly trackable. Most Inter-

seconds to make an impression on a patient.

won’t be nearly as successful without online

net marketing agencies provide monthly

Otherwise, it’s back to the search engine and

marketing.

reports showing how your

search

engine

One of the great qualities

rankings are increasing

of online marketing is that

and the direct correla-

it’s an even playing field.

tion to your number

Whether you are a solo fam-

of visitors, as well as

ily practitioner or a 10 physi-

the number of visitors

cian cardiology practice, you

you are converting (i.e.

each have the opportunity to

number of online ap-

compete online. So as you

pointment

enter into budget discussions

requests,

etc.).

this month and consider your

4. Wide Appeal: Online

goals for next year, consider

marketing is a highly

online marketing as a cost-

effective marketing tool

effective approach to growing

that caters to a wide

your practice in 2013.

november/december 2012

9

Marketing

The Value of

Media Relations

By Paul V. Brown Jr.

You’re a skilled and compassionate physician.

You

have

an

health in the hands of someone they trust.

established

practice. And while you could always use

Why might a physician resist enlisting

a few more patients, it’s not like you have

media to their cause? One reason, in my

loads of free time on your hands. So why

view, is modesty. Most caregivers get into

do you need to reach out to the media for

the business simply to help people. There’s

coverage?

a natural – and laudable – tendency to want to stay in the background, to resist

It’s a smart question to ask, especially since

shouting your credentials and successes

interaction with reporters and bloggers

from the housetops. But the business

may require you to develop a few new

side of medicine requires marketing your

skills, and since hiring a media relations

services and experience.

or public relations company is another business expense.

Paul V. Brown Jr. founded PB Media, a media relations company, in 2008, after three decades as a reporter, bureau chief, editor and editorial writer at big and small newspapers in North Carolina. His list of clients includes government agencies, politicians and nonprofit groups, as well physician practices.

He can be reached at (919) 698-7871 or at paul@pbmediacompany.com.

as the has-been practice tomorrow.

Surely good, competent physicians will get word-of-mouth patient referrals. Their

Health is a person’s most valuable asset, and most people would rather put their health in the hands of someone they trust.

names (and reputations) will reach the ears of referring physicians. But that’s rarely enough in this digital age, with information flooding your customers from the Internet, smart phones, niche publications and traditional media. You probably know of

But in today’s constantly changing and

Then there are the issues of cost and time.

“reforming” medical market, practices do

Media relations can be expensive. Big

well to set themselves apart in the eyes of

public relations firms command the biggest

patients, referring physicians and hospital

fees. But smaller shops and consultants

and insurance concerns. Otherwise, they

that offer media relations specifically

risk being overshadowed by a practice

(instead of the full array of public relations

across town.

services) often are more affordable.

How important is it to get your name and

Busy doctors don’t have the time to sit for

expertise into the public consciousness –

interviews or write op-ed pieces. A good

coverage on TV news spots, a mention in

media relations expert does the advance

blogs and a quote in newspaper stories?

work needed to minimize a client’s time

Well, ask yourself why hospitals have large,

away from patients.

costly public relations departments. Or why the American College of Rheumatology

The fact is, unless your practice is bursting

devoted an entire session to developing

out of its examining rooms and will stay

media relationships at its annual meeting

that way, you will need the public to know

last year (and a session on marketing).

that you exist and are good at what you do.

Advances in your field and changes in the

Health is a person’s most valuable asset,

larger medical landscape are constant. A

and most people would rather put their

cutting-edge practice today may be viewed

10

The Eastern Physician

cases where a patient didn’t receive the best care because they were attracted to a doctor in your field with less expertise – but much greater visibility.

What can media relations get you? Well, what do you want? It may be to attract more patients, to establish your practice, to position yourself as a primary expert in your field, to present your uniqueness compared to your competition. All of these aims are sound and can be accomplished through an effective outreach plan. Indeed, you’ll first want to decide your specific aim or aims for media, and then make sure your media relations consultant tailors your campaign to achieve those aims.

As a practitioner, you want to interact with your patients. As a business person, you’ll want to interact with the media.

News

Carteret General Hospital Gets the Gold Quality Achievement Award Carteret General Hospital was one of nine

National Steering Committee and director

making our care for heart failure patients

hospitals in the state to earn the Get With

of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services

among the best in the country and imple-

The Guidelines–Heart Failure Gold Quality

at Massachusetts General Hospital in Bos-

menting the American Heart Association’s

Achievement Award from the American

ton, Mass. “The goal of the American Heart

Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure

Heart Association.

Association’s Get With The Guidelines

program will help us accomplish this goal

program is to help hospitals like Carteret

by making it easier for our professionals to

The recognition signifies that Carteret

General implement appropriate evidence-

improve the long-term outcome for these

General has reached an aggressive goal of

based care and protocols that will reduce

patients,” said Cindy Jones, director of

treating heart failure patients with 85 per-

disability and the number of deaths in

quality, accreditation, and case manage-

cent compliance for at least 24 months to

these patients. Published scientific studies

ment at Carteret General Hospital. “As we

core standard levels of care as outlined by

are providing us with more and more evi-

work to make Carteret General even better

the American Heart Association/American

dence that Get With The Guidelines works.

for you and your family, our recognition for

College of Cardiology secondary preven-

Patients are getting the right care they need

heart care is another example of how we

tion guidelines for heart failure patients.

when they need it. That’s resulting in im-

are committed to your health.”

proved survival.”

Get With The Guidelines is a quality improvement initiative that provides hospital

Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure “Carteret General Hospital is dedicated to

helps Carteret General Hospital’s staff de-

staff with tools that follow proven evidencebased guidelines and procedures in caring for heart failure patients to prevent future hospitalizations. Carteret General Hospital was previously recognized in 2010 with the Bronze Award and in 2011 with the Silver Award as recognized in the US News & World Report.

Under Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure, heart failure patients are started on ag-

Partnering with patients and providers for a healthier community.

gressive risk-reduction therapies, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diuretics and anticoagulants, while in the hospital. They also receive alcohol/drug use and thyroid

Meet Dylan...

management counseling as well as refer-

Lost: 135 lbs Found: A New Lifestyle

rals for cardiac rehabilitation before being discharged.

“The full implementation of national heart

Joseph C. Moran, MD, FASMBS 2801 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27607

failure guideline-recommended care is a critical step in preventing recurrent hospi-

P: 919.781.0815 F: 919.781.0816

talizations and prolonging the lives of heart failure patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm,

www.alasurgery.com

M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines

november/december 2012

11

News velop and implement acute and second-

protocols, standing orders and measure-

heart failure patients, save lives and ulti-

ary prevention guideline processes. The

ment tools. This quick and efficient use of

mately, reduce healthcare costs by lower-

program

quality-improvement

guideline tools will enable Carteret General

ing the recurrence of heart attacks.

measures, such as care maps, discharge

to improve the quality of care it provides

includes

State Approves Additional 28 Beds for FirstHealth Hospital in Hoke County The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation has con-

ordinating specialist visits to enhance the scope of offerings avail-

ditionally approved FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ 2012 certificate of

able to Hoke County residents.

need request for 28 beds and a second operating room to be added to its Hoke Community Hospital.

“We are pleased the state saw the merit in our applications,” said FirstHealth CEO David J. Kilarski. “The building of FirstHealth Hoke Community Hospital is well under way, and we are looking forward to opening the doors of the new hospital. Because we are eager to complete construction and give Hoke County its first hospital, we

$100 Million-plus Health Pavilion in Hoke County Is Well Under Way

hope this certificate of need approval will move forward without

Cape Fear Valley’s $100 million-plus investment in bringing compre-

delay and the costly burden of appeals.”

hensive healthcare to Hoke County is continuing to make progress.

Initial plans for FirstHealth’s Hoke Community Hospital included a

The first phase slated for completion is Health Pavilion Hoke. Lo-

24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week emergency room, as well as inpa-

cated on 60 acres across the highway from Paraclete XP SkyVenture

tient beds, an overnight observation unit and an operating room,

on U.S. 401, the outpatient center will bring much-needed compre-

full laboratory services, state-of-the-art imaging technology, diagnostic cardiology and transport options via critical care transport or helicopter.

The original hospital strategy also included the option for expansion involving additional inpatient beds, medical office space, and other health care-related services and facilities on a 30-acre medical complex site located on Highway 401. These 28 beds and additional operating room fit right into that strategy.

“Speaking as a longtime resident of Hoke County, I think it’s exciting to see that Hoke County’s first hospital will soon be a reality, and I know these additional beds will serve our community well,” said Julian King, chair of the FirstHealth of the Carolinas Board of Directors. “A hometown hospital strengthens the sense of community, and I am pleased residents will have FirstHealth-quality health care in Hoke County. FirstHealth has honored its commitment to Hoke County, and our services will be even more accessible with these additional beds.”

FirstHealth began providing health services in Hoke County, with physician practices, in the early 1990s and soon afterward built a multi-million-dollar Family Care Center and Center for Health & Fitness in Raeford. Dental care services were added for Medicaid and low-income eligible children, and FirstHealth eventually began co-

12

The Eastern Physician

News hensive diagnostic services to Hoke County, including: • Imaging services, with digital X-ray, digital mammography and ultrasound • Urgent care for minor inju-

Welcome to the Area

Physicians Nathan Gene Miller, DO 120 Newcastle Dr Jacksonville

Robert James Allen Jr., MD Physical Medicine & Rehab - Pain Medicine

ries and illnesses that don’t

Cape Fear Pain Treatment Center Fayetteville

require emergency depart-

Lilian Andries, MD

ment treatment

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington

• A new family practice to supplement [not replace] the thriving Hoke Family Medical Center • Offices for medical special-

Internal Medicine, Hospitalist

Kenneth Bunning, D.O. Urologist

Anna Blair Hatchett, MD

Lauren Elizabeth Finley, PA

Abdominal Surgery, Critical Care Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care

Family Practice

Vidant Medical Center, GME Greenville

Justin Arman Haynes, MD Emergency Medicine

Vidant Medical Center, GME Greenville

Edwin Houng, MD Family Medicine, Family Practice

Southern Regional AHEC Fayetteville

Janie Louise Jacobs, MD

Carolinas Center for Surgery Morehead City

Pediatrics

John Gerome Bertolino, MD

Satya Naga Sai Sowjanya Mantripragada, MD

Administrative Medicine, Family Medicine

Premier Pediatrics Southern Pines

ties so that residents of Hoke

Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune

County won’t have to leave

Ajit Kumar Bisen, MD

Hope Mills Pediatrics, PC Fayetteville

their community for consul-

Internal Medicine

Noha Mataoui, MD

Hope Mills

Pediatrics

Joel Health & Dental Clinic, Fort Bragg

Dale Herd, PA Orthopedic - Surgery of the Hand, Sports Medicine, Surgery, Adult Reconstructive, Trauma, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Practice

Womack Army Medical Center Fort Bragg

Robert Allan Hodge, PA Cardiovascular Surgery, Critical Care Surgery

First Health of the Carolinas Pinehurst

Paul Edward Kelley II, PA Cardiovascular Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine, Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery

Greenville

Claudine Polley Lamanna, PA Cardiovascular Surgery, Critical Care Surgery, Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery

Family Medicine

East Carolina Heart Institute, Greenville

Family Medicine

New Hanover Regional Medical Center Wilmington

Linda Sax, PA

ence of the patients being

Davis Regional Hospital Statesville

Frieda Menzer, M.D.

seen at Health Pavilion Hoke

Robert Christopher Brock, MD

tation with a specialist

Miranda Elizabeth Blevins, MD

• A pharmacy for the conveni-

Emergency Medicine

Vidant Medical Center, GME Greenville

Hospital To Come This is just the first phase of a

Ambrose John Joseph Chazhikattu, MD

medical campus that will even-

Internal Medicine

tually bring more than 300 jobs to the area, as well as a new 41bed full-service hospital. The first-class, acute-care facility, will include:

Joshua David Dobstaff, MD

Fayetteville

Azeem Elahi, MD

• 4 Birthing Suites

Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Sleep Medicine, Geriatric, Pulmonary Disease, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, General Preventive Medicine

Vidant Medical Center Greenville

Shanti Priya Eranti, MD

new

Family Practice

Rocky Mount

hospital is slated to begin af-

Urvi D Gandhi, MD

ter Health Pavilion Hoke is

Internal Medicine

opened, tentatively set for early 2013. When complete, both facilities will continue our efforts to bring comprehensive health care closer to all residents of southeastern North Carolina.

Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Geriatric

Carolina Cardiology P.A. Fayetteville

Carolina East Medical Center New Bern

Pediatrics

the

Michael Volk Stewart, PA

Ashwin Viren Patel, MD

Carteret General Hospital Morehead City

• 9 Observation Beds

on

Fayetteville

Audrey Martin Thornberg, PA

Amira Aly El Sherif, MD

Construction

Cape Fear Valley Health System Fayetteville

Emergency Medicine, Surgery (general)

Vidant Medical Center, GME Greenville

Oncology

• 16-bed Emergency

• Imaging Services

Emergency Medicine

Aaron Michael Scheib, PA

Luis Cuevro, M.D.

Wilmington Health, PLLC Wilmington

• 2 Operating Rooms

Ogheneochuko John Oteri, MD

Franklin

Wilmington

• 41 Inpatient Beds

• 4-bed Intensive Care Unit

Sound Medical Family Practice Morehead City

Rajen Sudhir Patel, MD

Internal Medicine

Department

Internal Medicine

Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, Pediatrics

Vidant Internal Medicine Washington

Zelalem Atakilt Gebreananya, MD

Family Medicine

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Wilmington

Jeffrey Howard Perlman, MD Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

The Regional Diabetes and Endocrinology Fayetteville

Zaneta Yeungjoo-Chung Strouch, MD

Village Internal Medicine Fayetteville

Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Allergy/Immunology, Diagnostic Lab, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, Clinical Neuropathology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Critical Care Pediatrics, Critical Care Sugery

Nash General Hospital Rocky Mount

Cary

Bradleigh Rose Zito, PA

Ramya Thota, MD

Radiology

Hospitalist, Internal Medicine

Vidant, Greenville

Eastern Radiologists, Inc. Greenville

Allison L. Scott, NP

Steven Roger Turley, MD

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Nephrology, Internal Medicine

Vidant Medical Center, GME Greenville

Duke Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton and Southeastern Heart Center

Brook Rene Wager, MD Emergency Medicine

The Outer Banks Hospital Nags Head

Lumberton

West End

Gary McCoy Toppin, P.A. Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Urgent Care, Geriatric Medicine Wilmington

Physician Assistants/ Nurse Practioners

Richard Conrad Westmoreland, P.A. Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Family Practice (and OMT) Southern Pines

Sarah Wistran Young, MD Internal Medicine

Cape Fear Valley Health System Fayetteville

Internal Medicine

Valorie Anne Van Houten, PA

Anesthesiology

Hospitalist, Internal Medicine

Solomon Tewolde Ghebregziabiher, MD

Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Urgent Care

Kimberli Anne Alcaino Dement, PA Family Medicine

Joel Health Clinic Fort Bragg

november/december 2012

13

Duke Medicine and Southeastern Heart Center Offering world-class care, close to home Duke Medicine is proud to be the exclusive provider of heart services at Southeastern Heart Center.

A full-time team of eleven Duke experts ensures that Southeastern Heart Center patients get the world-class care they need—every day of the week.

The Very Best in Heart Care Offering invasive and noninvasive services for high blood pressure, cholesterol diseases, peripheral artery disease, arrhythmia, heart disease, heart valve disease, and heart failure PHySiCiANS:

NurSE PrACtitiONErS:

Matthew Cummings, MD Scott Denardo, MD Melvin Echols, MD Robert Everhart, MD Sydney Short, MD Christopher Walters, MD

Kelly Allen-Evans, FNP Marla Brien Lewis-Bryant, DNP, RN, ACNP-C Abi Ogunleye, FNP

The Very Best in Heart Surgery Specializing in adult heart and chest surgeries including traditional open-heart bypass, chest and lung surgeries, and minimally invasive procedures

Clinic Services

Stress Tests Echocardiography Nuclear Stress Tests Pacemaker Monitoring ICD Monitoring ABI’s Future testing in early 2013 will include peripheral vascular ultrasound studies.

PHySiCiAN:

NurSE PrACtitiONEr:

Terry Lowry, MD

Allison Scott, FNP

together with the rest of Duke’s top-ranked heart team, we are committed to bringing our friends and neighbors in southeastern North Carolina the most advanced care available.

Now seeing new patients in Clarkton, Red Springs, Gray’s Creek, and Pembroke.

Duke Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery of Lumberton 2936 N. Elm St., Lumberton, NC 28358 (Across the street from Southeastern Regional Medical Center)

For an appointment please call: 910-671-6619 9700