Well Aware September 2013 the healthcare magazine for methodist medical center of oak ridge Brain Trust: Methodist’s Neurological Services Page 4 A Focus on Urology Page 6 “Best Hospital” Ranking by U.S. News & World Report Page 3 President’s Letter Leading by Example Community Health Alliance helps fulfill Methodist’s mission. Our local spirit of giving is reflected in a Community Health Alliance initiative aimed at further enhancing the hospital’s mission of clinical and service excellence. Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge is proud to recognize the founding members of this corporate partnership program: Gold Fall is just around the corner, but we have many warm days ahead. Don’t let troublesome symptoms or recent diagnoses keep you from enjoying an active lifestyle on those warm days in beautiful East Tennessee. Highly trained specialists are here at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge to assist you on your journey toward better health. In this issue of Well Aware, learn more about Methodist’s ranking from U.S. News & World Report (page 3). Our multidisciplinary approach to neurological conditions and innovative therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease can help friends and loved ones heal and cope (pages 4 and 5). Leading-edge therapy supports the long-term goals of patients with urological issues or those recovering from a cardiac event close to home (pages 6 and 7). Start the conversation about nagging health concerns with your primary care physician. When specialized care is needed, the compassionate and qualified physicians and staff at Methodist offer a wide range of treatment options to help keep your family healthy. Gold Bronze Bronze Partner Colleague Colleague Colleague We are inviting corporate partners to be part of a crucial group of organizations that will be community stewards for the health and well-being of all who live and work in East Tennessee. For more information about the Community Health Alliance, please call (865) 835-4405. This Issue President’s Letter.................................................. p2 Leading by Example.............................................. p2 Among “Best Hospitals” Top 10............................ p3 Sincerely, Neurological Excellence......................................... p4 Focus on Urology................................................... p6 September–October Calendar............................... p7 Mike Belbeck, FACHE President and Chief Administrative Officer Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge 2 mmcoakridge.com September 2013 Cardiac Rehabilitation.......................................... p7 Rising to the Top It’s official—U.S. News & World Report lists Covenant Health’s Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge among the top 10 “Best Hospitals” in Tennessee. When it comes to providing the highest level of care for challenging patients, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, a 301-bed acute care facility, is part of an elite group of health systems that recently earned top spots in the U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings for 2013–2014. “It is gratifying that Methodist has once again been ranked very high in the state by U.S. News & World Report,” says Mike Belbeck, FACHE, president and chief administrative officer of Methodist. “Overall, based on their criteria, we were the sixth highest ranked hospital in the state and second in the greater Knoxville area.” Making the Grade Each year, U.S. News surveys an average of 10,000 medical specialists and gathers data from approximately 5,000 hospitals nationwide to determine “best in class” among 16 adult specialties, ranging from cancer to urology. Factors such as patient survival, safety compliance, and appropriate nurse staffing levels help determine the rankings. Designed as a reference tool for patients whose difficult or life-threatening conditions require an elevated level of care or complex surgery or medical procedure, the Best Hospitals list provides useful statistics from top-rated healthcare facilities to help patients choose a medical provider that best suits their needs. Methodist’s ranking reflects the unwavering commitment of its 175 physicians and other medical staff who perform on the level with nationally ranked hospitals. Nationwide, 15 percent of hospitals are recognized as high performers within their region, and only 3 percent earn national ranking in any specialty. “For the past several years, Covenant Health has been named among the top health systems in the country, and its hospitals and medical facilities are known for quality and award-winning care,” says Tony Spezia, president and CEO of Covenant Health, parent company of Methodist. “We are very proud of our physicians, nurses, and employees who work diligently to provide excellent care for our patients, who are ultimately the true beneficiaries of the awards.” A full list of hospital rankings is available online at www.usnews.com/health. For more information about services available at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, visit www.mmcoakridge.com. September 2013 Well Aware 3 Brain Trust: An Orchestrated Effort The four neurologists who practice at Methodist are a bit like the conductors of an orchestra. Their combined expertise represents a number of subspecialties, including epilepsy, neurophysiology, electrodiagnostics, and headache medicine. “For patients with neurological conditions, our neurologists serve as the main point of care for all of their special medical needs, including medication management, radiological exams, therapies, and surgical referrals,” says Patrick Matthiessen, MD, board-certified neurologist on staff at Methodist. “Together, our team is able to treat every neurological issue from Parkinson’s disease to chronic migraines to neurovascular blockages that put people at risk for strokes and aneurysms.” A Symphony of Services At Methodist, our neurologists conduct an orchestra that includes virtually every player necessary for complete neurological care. Our neurologists work with radiologists to perform advanced imaging studies—including high-resolution 64-slice computed tomography (CT)—that can help accurately identify and diagnose neurological problems. They also work closely with Chris 4 mmcoakridge.com September 2013 Treating neurological conditions often requires a team of specialists working in concert. At Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, coordinated neurological care is our specialty. Slaymaker, manager of neurodiagnostics at Methodist, to conduct specialized neurodiagnostic tests and procedures such as: · Electroencephalography (EEG)—a painless test that records the brain’s electrical activity to diagnose epilepsy, brain tumors, head injuries, stroke, and other diseases · Evoked response testing—a painless study of the body’s nervous system to identify the root causes of pain, tingling, or weakness in the back, arms, or legs · Transcranial Doppler sonography—a study of the brain’s blood flow that provides information necessary to treat patients experiencing strokes or mini-strokes When necessary, our neurologists coordinate referrals to physical therapy services at Methodist. Our physical therapy team specializes in neurological therapy for both stroke rehabilitation and motor system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The goal of physical therapy is to restore or find ways of adapting to neurological deficits involving balance, coordination, fine motor skills, walking, speaking, and swallowing. Through our physical therapy department, we can also connect stroke patients to our monthly stroke Patrick Matthiessen, MD support group. Think BIG… Parkinson’s disease is growing problem in the United States. The disease affects approximately 1 million Americans, and that number is expected to double in the next 25 years. While there is no known cure, many people with Parkinson’s are able to control neurological symptoms better than ever thanks to innovative new therapies. Complex Procedures, Capable Hands Our neurologists also collaborate with Lawrence Maccree, DO, board-certified neurosurgeon on staff at Methodist. Neurosurgery addresses some of the most complex and delicate structures in the human body, including the brain, neck, and spinal cord. Because of these delicate structures, neurosurgery for Lawrence Maccree, DO tumors and vascular malformations has ss traditionally been considered one of Don’t mi lth the most difficult forms of surgery, ber Hea our Octo n, which will carrying with it the risk of damaging e Tow , neurological function. Thankfully, the ght on th Matthiessen, MD i N last 20 years have seen remarkable atrick dical feature P at Methodist Me advances in the neurosurgical field, n’s ist made possible through minimally neurolog cussing Parkinso d invasive techniques and a enter, dis event will be hel C greater understanding of the The disease. 9 at 7 p.m. in the brain’s anatomy. 2 oom October At Methodist, we offer a minimally erence R f n o C e g invasive approach to neurosurgery. Rid dist. “Using stereotactic imaging, we can of Metho make smaller incisions and access areas of the brain with less tissue destruction,” Dr. Maccree says. As part of our team approach, Dr. Maccree routinely consults with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and neurodiagnostic specialists at Methodist to develop the most effective surgical treatment plan for every patient. “Many neurological conditions cannot be appropriately treated without a complementary group of experts,” Dr. Matthiessen says. “Each specialist provides an important piece to the puzzle, without which a patient’s treatment would not be complete. At Methodist, we pride ourselves on providing this kind of multispecialty care for each patient.” To learn more about neurosurgery and neurodiagnostics at Methodist, visit www.mmcoakridge.com/neurosurgery. One of these therapies is BIG, developed by LSVT Global. At Methodist, the BIG program involves 16 exercise sessions with a physical therapist. During therapy, patients perform exaggerated movements, such as swinging their arms back and forth and across the body, bending and stretching down to the floor, and doing high steps. The goal is to combat the increasingly small, slow movements people with Parkinson’s tend to revert to over time. Studies show these “big” exercises can markedly improve walking balance and length of gait. “BIG is a high-intensity program that requires a lot of effort from the patient,” says Margaret Keele, PT, DPT, BIG-certified senior physical therapist at Methodist. “When applied, it amplifies actions, your range of motion, and your calibration, promoting more normal movement.” …and LOUD Along with BIG, Methodist Therapy Services also offers LOUD, an LSVT-developed therapy that focuses on speech communication. “As Parkinson’s disease progresses, people have difficulty speaking loudly enough and often have to repeat themselves in large groups,” says Melissa Grater, MA, CCC-SLP, LOUD-certified senior speech pathologist at Methodist. “This hinders their ability to have meaningful social interactions and may require dependence on a voice amplifier.” “We work with Parkinson’s patients on vocal exercises to increase volume, teaching techniques to speak loudly and clearly through reading and speaking exercises,” says Linda Singleton, MA, CCC-SLP, LOUD-certified senior speech pathologist at Methodist. “Many patients see great improvement within four weeks.” To set up an appointment with one of our BIG- or LOUDcertified therapists, call Methodist Therapy Services at (865) 835-3370. September 2013 Well Aware 5 Focus on Urology Urologists care for the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive system. While urology focuses on a wide variety of conditions, monitoring prostate health, treating incontinence, and performing noninvasive surgery are the most common urological therapies. Problems with Prostates Urology Services at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge combine compassionate care with technological innovation. that relieve symptoms or through noninvasive surgical treatments that reduce the swelling of the prostate. Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate. Like most infections, it is frequently and effectively treated with antibiotics. Incontinence Care While loss of urinary control can be The three most frequent embarrassing, 15 million problems with the prostate Americans are living with some are cancer, benign prostatic symptoms of incontinence. hyperplasia (BPH), and “A lot of patients are ashamed prostatitis. Prostate cancer to talk about it, and restrict their impacts 234,000 men in the lives because they are afraid of United States every year. having an accident,” Dr. Cottrell Because prostate cancer may says. “The truth is that most not be detectable without tests forms of incontinence can be Brandon Cottrell, MD until the advanced stages of the managed or treated.” disease, identifying risk factors Don’t suffer in silence. and having a yearly prostate exam may be Make an appointment with a urologist at recommended. Methodist today to receive caring, quality “As men age, their risk for prostate cancer treatment for incontinence. increases,” says Brandon Cottrell, MD, Innovations in Urology board-certified urologist at Methodist. While urology has been around as long “Family history may also increase men’s as the kidney stones found in Egyptian risk for prostate cancer.” mummies, modern urology offers a wide BPH is a noncancerous enlargement range of noninvasive procedures for of the prostate that may cause problems urological problems. Robotic surgery urinating. BPH is treated with medications 6 mmcoakridge.com September 2013 using the da Vinci® Surgical System offers patients comparable results to conventional surgery with shorter recovery times due to smaller incisions. “Da Vinci provides the precision necessary for a low-complication surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the prostate or kidney,” Dr. Cottrell says. “For patients who qualify for robotic surgery, it is a fantastic option.” To find an urologist at Methodist, visit www.mmcoakridge.com. Health Night on The Town: Dr. Cottrell Join board-certified urologist Brandon Cottrell, MD, for a discussion about urinary incontinence at the November Health Night on the Town. The event will be held November 19 at 7 p.m. in the Ridge Conference Room. For more information about Health Night on the Town, call (865) 835-4662. Fall Calendar Classes, of Events, and Support Groups ANTICIPATE Maternity and Family Classes ENERGIZE Fitness Classes for All Ages and Abilities THRIVE Community Health and Wellness Classes ENCOURAGE Support Groups LEARN Don’t let students have all the back-toschool fun. Take advantage of the health and wellness classes Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge offers year-round. Educational Programs • Before Baby (pre-pregnancy planning) and Pre-Admission Visit • VIP (Very Important Pregnancy) Tour • Great Expectations Childbirth Class and One2One Childbirth Class • Breast-feeding Daytime Class • Big Brothers & Big Sisters: The Sibling Class • Infant CPR • Mommy2Mommy Lunches and Mommy and Me Field Trips • Mommy Exercise, Mommy & Co. Exercise, and Mommy Walk/Baby Roll • CardioMix • Yoga • Smoking Cessation—The next eight-week series begins October 1. • Kaleidoscope: A Support Group for Parents with Special Needs Kids • Grief Support after the Loss of a Baby • Walk to Remember: A Memorial Walk for Children Gone Too Soon • Stroke Support Group • Women & Heart Disease • Health Night on the Town • Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning Medical Lecture Series • Covenant Health Passport Do you want to learn more about what Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge has to offer? Call (865) 835-4662 to request your FREE copy of Methodist’s 2013 Physician’s Directory and Class Catalog! A New Startfor the Heart After a heart attack or cardiac procedure, the work of rebuilding strength and living a healthier life begins. Cardiac rehabilitation starts during recovery in the hospital and might simply entail walking the hall outside your room. After returning home, your cardiologist may recommend you continue your recovery by participating in the cardiac rehab program at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. The cardiac rehab program provides a roadmap for heart health by addressing each patient’s unique risk factors through monitored exercise, a smoking cessation program, and classes covering topics, such as healthful eating and medication management. A medical evaluation at the beginning of the program confirms each patient’s candidacy and helps the rehab team identify which aspects of heart health he or she must improve. “The team creates individualized aerobic exercise plans, and exercise trainers supervise patients during workouts at our cardiac rehab center,” says Kevin Montooth, BS, exercise trainer with Methodist’s cardiac rehab program. “Activities, such as stationary cycling and walking on a treadmill, help patients boost their heart rates to safe levels, so they can improve cardiac function and enhance endurance.” With a healthy dose of dedication, your first day of cardiac rehab could mark the beginning of a heart-healthier future—good news for you and everyone who loves you. To learn more about the cardiac rehab program at Methodist, call (865) 835-5235. September 2013 Well Aware 7 PO Box 2529 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-2529 Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Knoxville, TN Permit No. 305 This publication in no way seeks to serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines. Life is too much fun to let sore joints slow you down. The Methodist Joint Replacement Center’s comprehensive program combines leading orthopedic physicians, the most advanced technology, team therapy, a supportive group environment and a clublike atmosphere. It’s a combination proven to restore movement more comfortably, quickly and completely than old-style hip and knee joint replacement. Life is too much fun to let sore joints slow you down. For a free DVD and information packet about joint replacement and the award-winning care at the Methodist Joint Replacement Center, call (865) 835-4405. 0519-0469 Cletus McMahon, M.D., medical director Brian Edkin, M.D. Edward Kahn, M.D. Michael MacKay, M.D. Michael O’Brien, M.D. Jean-François Reat, M.D. Randall Robbins, M.D.
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