December 2010
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CMC salutes and recognizes the tireless efforts of our physicians
Russell F. Stahl, M.D., F.A.C.S. Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery |
Alessandro Smeraldi, DO Endovascular Surgeon |
Through a “model of consistency” Dr. Russell Stahl performed his 2000th open heart operation! The Cardiovascular Program at CMC has performed thousands of heart catheterization, coronary and peripheral interventions, EP procedures as well as cardiac, thoracic and vascular operations.
Congratulations to our physicians and the Cardiac Services team who work tirelessly everyday to achieve exemplary outcomes for our patients. Complex cardiovascular care is readily available here at Community Medical Center.
CMC 27th Annual Asthma Ski Day
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sno Mountain Ski Resort, Scranton, PA
Noon - 5 p.m.
Call Community Health Education Department at 570-969-8986 to pre-registration Asthmatic children can participate free of charge while siblings, parents or guardians receive a discount.
November 2009
PHC4 Report
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
According to a recent report released by the Pennsylvania Health
Care Cost Containment Council, CMC’s Cardiac Surgery program
continues to surpass other providers in our area, as well as many
of the top academic centers in Pennsylvania. CMC and its principal
surgeons have never been labeled as “worse than expected”,
only as “better than expected” in several PHC4 analyses.
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We invite anyone to visit and see why we provide the best cardiac surgical care in NEPA, and will do so for years to come.
For more information on Community Medical Center, the PHC4 report and our lastest patient video visit our website: www.CMCHEALTHSYS.org
Charlie Flynn, 83-year-old open heart surgery patient
Have a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season
Health Tip: At least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided through healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco smoke.
October 2009
Blue Cross
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton, PA. Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Premiere Cardiovascular Conference. Featuring nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, Uwe Reinhardt, PHD, M.A.C.P. a leading healthcare policy expert.
Be a part of the discussion that may promote the transformation of Health Care Delivery in our Area.
Community Medical Center in conjunction with TCMC, as an Educational Partner, presents CATCH '09.
CME/CEU Credits will be available
Registration Deadline: October 12, 2009
For more information or to register go to www.CATCH09.org
Kim DelVecchio (570) 969-7355 or Kimberly.DelVecchio@cmchealthsys.org
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be given for reservations cancelled after October 19, 2009
Congestive Heart Failure
Deadline Fast Approaching
“CATCH'09”
Saturday, October 24, 2009
September 2009
CATCH '09
Congestive Heart Failure
This symposium is the collaborative effort of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and palliative medicine specialists discussing how to effectively manage Congestive Heart Failure patients’ health issues.
Nationally acclaimed
Keynote Speaker:
Uwe Reinhardt, PHD, M.A.C.P.
Princeton University
Professor of Economics
James Madison Professor of Political Economy
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| John P. Boehmer, MD, Penn State College of Medicine specializing in Cardiac Transplantation, Mechanical Circulatory Support |
Eric Cassell, MD M.A.C.P. Cornell University Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Adjunct Professor of Medicine |
Community Medical Center in conjunction with TCMC, as an Educational Partner, presents CATCH '09
CME/CEU Credits will be available
Registration Deadline: October 12, 2009
For more information or to register go to www.CATCH09.org
Kim DelVecchio (570) 969-7355 or Kimberly.DelVecchio@cmchealthsys.org
Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be given for reservations cancelled after October 19, 2009
Please Join us for:
“CATCH'09”
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton, PA
PATIENT CENTRIC, VALUE DRIVEN HEALTH CARE
August 2009
Summary of STS Measured Outcomes
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
Managing every aspect of every patient, every day. That’s one reason the outcomes of CMC’s Cardiac Surgery Program are better than the national averages.
Summary of STS Measured Outcomes
Based on 164 eligible CABG patients in 2008
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You don’t have to leave the area to receive the best care, from the best cardiac surgical team. Our Cardiac Program exceeds the expectation and outcomes of the top centers across the nation.
Don’t take our word for it listen to one of our heart patient tell their story visit: www.CMCHEALTHSYS.org/Thortons
August - Save the Date for CATCH’09
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton, PA
Three national known speakers discussing Congestive Heart Failure
July 2009
DASI Score Before & After OHS
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
When the Cardiac Surgery team at CMC performs Open Heart Surgery on a patient, we don’t just focus on the surgery. Our plan of care focuses on outcomes and how well the patient is able to function after surgery. Using a standardized assessment of functional status scoring system, we assess our patients’ ability to perform daily activities pre-operatively and post-operatively.
DASI score before and after OHS
First long term assessment of functional outcome
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At CMC, we strive to achieve the best surgical and quality of life outcomes that are possible. We care about what matters most to our patients – living healthy, productive, independent lives.
July Celebrates Independence Day
Fireworks can be exciting, festive and fun, it is important to remember that fireworks are also dangerous.
Facts: Firecrackers, sparklers, and rockets account for most of the injuries seen in emergency departments.
Please have a Safe Holiday. CMC Salutes our Brave Men & Women in the Military.
May 2009
The Pain Clinic
The Pain Clinic at CMC
The Pain Clinic at CMC provides interventional pain management for evaluation and treatment of non malignant and malignant pain. The physicians treat several painful conditions and syndromes via interventional blocks utilizing fluoroscopic guidance. The clinic provides a referral base for physical, occupational, aqua therapy and for psychological support in dealing with chronic pain.
CMC’s Pain Clinic treated 2,117 Patients in 2008
80% of the patients were treated for Chronic Radiculopathy, Neck & Back Pain with Epidural & Steriod Injections.
Treatment options are based on patient complaints & general diagnosis.
Our staff consists of physicians who are Board Certified and Fellowship trained in pain as well as registered nurses to assist with patient’s care.
Dr. Kishor Vekaria
Dr. Cynthia Jose
Dr. Jamshid Khademi
Dr. P. K. Prahalad
Dr. Rafi Punekar
Dr. Rohit Singh
Pictured above: Satisfied Patient, Edmond Urbas and Dr. Cynthia Jose
Call the Pain Clinic at 570-969-7253 Fax 570-969-8691
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month
High blood pressure is a factor in 67% of heart attacks and 77% of strokes.
CMC Cardiologists suggest to get your blood pressure checked regularly for prevention and treatment.
April 2009
Out Patient Diabetes Education Program
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
“The Outpatient Diabetic Education Program at CMC is able to quantify that increasing patient knowledge about diabetes has a positive impact on lifestyle modification and on the most important biochemical marker of glycemic control, the HBA1c level.”
Lifestyle Behavior Score
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HbA1c Level
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“Diabetes management extends beyond an inpatient hospital stay. The Diabetic Education Program strives to improve the patients’ self management of their disease.”
Manage Diabetes
Don’t Let It Manage You
Center For Diabetes Management at CMC Can Help You Gain Control and Live with Diabetes.
CMC’s program facilitated by a certified diabetes educator allows you to take command and set goals.
Diabetes has been called the greatest pubic health treat of the 21st century.
March 2009
Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
“The Cardiac Service line at CMC participates in many national quality improvement databases. Using the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the ACTION database we analyzed risk factors in a subset of patients with diabetes who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention”
Characteristics Of Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization
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“One of the major complications of diabetes is atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease. Diabetics undergoing revascularization also have high rates of other risk factors and comorbidities. The challenge of treating diabetics goes beyond glucose control and includes encouragement of a more healthy lifestyle. Value driven healthcare requires more than a bypass or a stent. We strive to manage the patients medical condition from start to finish.”
March 30th is National Doctor’s Day
CMC Salutes and Recognizes the tireless efforts of our Physicians
History: The first Doctors’ Day observance was held on March 30, 1933. The President authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day March 30, 1991.
February 2009
Thoracic Patients Receive Quality Care
The number of patients needing Thoracic Surgery continues to rise at Community Medical Center. Our surgeons, administration and staff are committed to providing our thoracic surgical patients with the highest quality care available.
Thoracic Procedures at CMC
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The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery database assists surgeons and institutions in improving patient care and outcomes through education, research and advocacy. The data provides practice performance assessments comparing CMC’s outcomes against regional benchmarks and national standards. Community Medical Center is proud to be one of 126 hospitals across the nation and one of 13 centers in Pennsylvania participating in this quality endeavor.
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February is American Heart Month
Each year cardiovascular disease claims the lives of nearly half a million women.
CMC participated in Wear Red Day benefiting the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women”
January 2009
Our Achievements
Throughout 2008 our physicians and staff have been working very hard to produce some of the highest quality results.
Some of our achievements include:
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Get With the Guidelines Award for
Coronary Artery Disease
2006 Bronze Achievement
2007 Silver Achievement
2008 Gold Achievement
PHC4 CARDIAC SURGERY REPORT
CABG without Valve Surgery
7 and 30 day Readmission
LOWER THAN EXPECTED
Valve Surgery with CABG
30 day Readmission
LOWER THAN EXPECTED
Valve Surgery
30 day Readmission
LOWER THAN EXPECTED
GIFT OF LIFE
Medal of Honor Award
3 consecutive years
(1 of 20 hospitals in region)
Plus – Higher than state and national averages in
CMS Customer Satisfaction scores.
| Infection Rate CMC's Bloodstream Infection Rate is lower than the PA state Average |
CABG Mortality Rate CMC's Mortality Rate for Coronary Artery (CABG) Surgery is lower than the PA state Average |
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“We will continue to pursue outstanding quality outcomes for our patients and their families in 2009.”
January is National Volunteer Blood Donor Month
Each Donor can save up to three lives. “ Give blood... the gift of life.”
CMC Donor Site Blood Drive February 9th in the School of Nursing Auditorium 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
December 2008
Rates of Complications for Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery
CMC Cardiovascular Program:
CMC doctors are experienced in a wide range of surgical and minimally invasive ways to treat patients with blocked arteries in the legs. Whether for elective or limb salvage procedures, CMC strives for rates of low complications and high success.
Rates of Complications for Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery 2006 - 2008 at CMC are Similar to or Better than National Statistics
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In keeping with CMC’s tradition of excellence, bypass patients are tracked post operatively for long term success. By monitoring patency (whether or not the bypass is open) CMC is able to maintain the patient’s health longer after surgery.
Patency Rates for All Bypass Surgery
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National Prevention for Drunk Driving Month
In 2006, 17,941 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes- an average of one every half-hour and 13,900 were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers.
October 2008
C.A.T.C.H. Symposium
At CATCH ’08 (Convergence Around Technologies Cardiovascular Health) we will emphasize how specialist use the latest techniques to create patient centric, exemplary cardiovascular care.
Join us at this premier event.
Lectures, Procedural Videos with highlights of specific topics, and interactive audience participation are all a part of the day. Leading experts in convergence will discuss the latest direction in cardiovascular care!
For more information or to register go to www.CATCH08.org
Jane Gaul (570) 969-7002 or j.gaul@cmchealthsys.org
Fee: $35 per person. Breakfast and lunch are included.
What's New in Complex Cardiovascular Care in Northeaster PA?
CONVERGENCE!