Jun10

HaysMed Offers Cardiac Calcium Score CT Scan

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has added an important new screening test that can identify serious cardiac problems early. Cardiac calcium scoring, also known as a heart scan or calcium scoring, can calculate your risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) by measuring the amount of calcified plaques in the coronary arteries.

Cardiac calcium scoring CT screening is a convenient, non-invasive test that evaluates whether you are at an increased risk of a heart attack. The computed tomography (CT) scans are painless, have no side effects and typically take seven minutes to complete.

This is one of five screenings that the public can request without a physician’s referral.

“Anyone can call and schedule any or all of these tests.” Said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and director of cardiology services. “The tests are all non-invasive and very simple to perform.”

Tests offered include screening for atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), peripheral arterial disease, stroke, aortic aneurysm and the latest for cardiac calcium scoring. The tests vary in cost from $15 to $75 or you can get all five for $150. The tests are not covered by insurance.

“The procedures we offer are similar to the traveling mobile screens that are hosted by various organizations. The beauty of our screens is that they are available every week, offer a larger choice and are performed by local hospital staff. Cardiovascular screenings are a great preventative service for patients.” Noted Dr. Curtis.

To schedule a screening any patient can call 855-429-7633 or go to https://www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/heart-health/cvscreening-hays/

Mar5

DeBakey Heart Institute Sponsors Annual Public Hands Only CPR Training

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas– It may take only a few minutes, but for the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, it can be the event of a lifetime.

Sudden cardiac arrest strikes about 250,000 adults in the United States annually. More than 95 percent of its victims die before reaching a hospital – many because they don’t receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in time. Defibrillation is a process in which an electronic device gives an electric shock to the heart to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

To help improve those odds, the HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute and the Hays Medical Center Foundation will hold its 18th annual Staying Alive Hands Only CPR Training on Saturday, March 23, at the Center for Health Improvement at Hays Medical Center. The one and one half hour class is designed for members of the general public, eight years and older; and is not for those seeking professional certification. More than 30 certified instructors and volunteers will donate their time to the event.

Classes in adult and pediatric CPR will be offered at 10:00 am. To register, call 1-800-248-0073, ext 5500 or 785-623-5500 or go to www.haysmed.com/education/

When performed immediately, CPR may double a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival by adding critical minutes to a patient’s life. With CPR, breathing and chest compressions circulate oxygenated blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs until defibrillation is performed.

Cardiac arrest survival is directly linked to the amount of time between the onset of sudden cardiac arrest and defibrillation. Chances of survival drop 7-10 percent with every minute of delay. Brain death starts to occur in just four to six minutes

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all sudden cardiac arrests happen at home, so knowing how to perform (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one, according to the American Heart Association.

Feb14

HaysMed Adds Electrophysiologists – Electricians for your Heart

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has expanded services to their cardiac program recently. Drs. Rhea Pimentel and Madhu Reddy have been seeing patients for several months at the Debakey Heart Institute. Both physicians are electrophysiologists, cardiologists who specialize in the electrical functions of the heart.

“Our affiliation with The University of Kansas Health System has made it possible to bring these much needed services available locally,” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer at HaysMed. “We were able to make arrangements for these physicians to come to Hays on a regular basis to see patients in our heart clinic. The addition of the two electrophysiologists will help strengthen the cardiac services available at HaysMed.”

Dr. Pimentel graduated completed medical school at Northwestern University. She did here residency at the University Hospital of Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Reddy completed medical school at the Armed Forces medical College and did a residency and fellowship at Creighton University and a fellowship at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

While cardiologists typically evaluate and treat patients with heart-related symptoms, including a fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness and other symptoms, electrophysiologists deal with the diagnosis and management of irregular heart rhythm. In most cases, when a cardiologist suspects a patient has an arrhythmia, they refer that patient to an electrophysiologist for further care.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm, whether that is too fast, too slow or erratically. When the heart is unable to beat properly, it can affect blood flow, which can cause damage to or even shut down the brain, lungs and other organs. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be life-threatening.

One of the most common arrhythmias that electrophysiologists treat is atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers—the atria—contract irregularly. AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S., and it is a leading cause of blood clots that can result in a deadly stroke.

The number of people with arrhythmias is increasing and as the population ages, that number will continue to go up.

“We are excited to be able to help patients in this region with their electrophysiology needs so they can have the convenience of receiving this type of care closer to home.” Said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, Cardiologist and Administrative Director of the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

“We’re fortunate that being part of the system has given us the opportunity to have access to additional cardiologists to focus on our patients with heart rhythm problems. Any time we can partner and offer additional services for our patients it is a win-win situation. It is definitely a benefit of being part of The University of Kansas Health System”

For more information please call 888-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Jan30

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

(Hays, KS) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, FACC, FSCAI, FESC, FACP, Cardiologist to the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Seshadri completed medical school at Mysore Medical College, University of Mysore, Mysore, India. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland and interventional cardiology at Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess medical Center in Boston. Dr. Seshadri is board certified in interventional cardiology.

“We are excited to have Dr. Seshadri join the cardiology team,” said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and Administrative Director of Cardiology. “His skills and expertise will allow us to build upon the specialized services we currently offer patients.”

In addition to general cardiology services Dr. Seshadri will be providing procedures including pacemaker implants, radial heart cathertizations done through the wrist, will be active in the vein clinic as well as the evaluation and treatment of peripheral artery blockage disease.

“Dr. Seshadri has worked with us at HaysMed for the past year,” added Curtis. “He is an excellent and experienced interventional cardiologist, and we are excited to have him join us on a more permanent basis.”

To make an appointment call 785-623-6544 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Jan22

HaysMed Earns Blue Distinction® Centers+ Designation for Cardiac Care

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has recognized HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA),[1] cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is expected to claim more than 23.6 million lives annually by 2030. Blue Distinction Centers+ for Cardiac Care seek to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care.

To receive a Blue Distinction Center+ designation, HaysMed demonstrated expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) episodes of care. Additionally, HaysMed also demonstrated better cost-efficiency compared to their peers.

Only those hospitals that first meet nationally established quality measures for Blue Distinction Centers are considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.

“HaysMed has always been committed to providing cardiology services to people in western Kansas.” said Jeff Curtis, Cardiology and Administrative Director of HaysMed Debakey Heart. “Twenty years ago we were the first and are still the only cardiology program in western Kansas to provide cardiology services including heart surgery. This Distinction is recognition for the commitment we have made to making cardiology services available to all patients.”

Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and third party data registries, and cost measures derived from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ medical claims.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. On average, Blue Distinction Centers+ are also 20 percent more cost-efficient than non-Blue Distinction Center+ designated providers.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.

All trademarks listed above are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only, and are in no way associated or affiliated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Use of these trademarks does not imply endorsement.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report^® series and the national BCBS Health Index^SM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter.

About Blue Distinction Centers

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

[1]American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/heart-disease-and-stroke-statistics-2018—at-a-glance-ucm_498848.pdf

Jan15

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiology Providers

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Patricia D. Crawley, Cardiologist and Megan F. Homolka, BSN, MSN, RN, APNP to the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

“We are always pleased to add additional providers to our cardiac team,” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer. “The need for heart care in western Kansas remains steady and we are committed to having the specialty services available locally.”

Dr. Crawley graudated from medical school at The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita and a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine in Knoxville. She is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

Homolka completed a bachelor of science in nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing, Arlington, and a master of science in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her area of focus is cardiovascular care.

“We are committed to caring for the cardiology needs of patients in western Kansas,” said Shae Veach, Vice President for Regional Operations. “As part of the region’s premier academic health system, we will continue to offer access to specialists and resources to ensure the continued good health of the communities we serve.”

For more information call 785-623-6544 or go to haysmed.com/debakeyheart

Jan3

HaysMed Cardiologist Using New Device for Heart Attack Patients

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

( Hays, Kansas) – HaysMed cardiologist Dr. Byungsoo Ko is now using a new device to treat heart attack patients whose hearts aren’t strong enough to sustain traditional open heart surgery. The Impella, which is the world’s smallest heart pump, allows cardiologists to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (opening up the blockage in the heart arteries with stents) in patients whose heart function is not strong enough to withstand heart surgery. This percutaneous (being placed without requiring any surgery) heart pump can also be used in patients with a life threatening condition called “cardiogenic shock”, meaning the patient is dying from an acute heart (“pump”) failure.

“This is the only FDA approved device that can be used in this sickest of the sick patient population with a rapidly failing heart” said Dr. Ko.

Inserted through a groin artery, the Impella pumps the blood from the heart into the aorta (the big artery that comes out of the heart) thereby helping the pumping function of the weakened heart. It can pump as much as 3.5 liters of blood per minute (more than half of how much a health heart can pump) to provide extra blood flow to important organs such as brain or kidneys to protect any irreversible damage.

“Now we have a heart pump that can be inserted within 15 minutes in cardiogenic shock patients either from a heart attack or from heart failure. Furthermore, we can use the device in patients with blockages in the heart but whose heart function is too weak to withstand an open heart surgery.” Said Ko.

Within a couple of weeks of the launch of the program, two patients have benefited from this device. Both patients had very weak hearts and were too sick to undergo surgery. With the help of the device and the expertise of the cath lab staff and anesthesia, both patients’ blockages were successfully opened with stents.

“I am very grateful to HaysMed’s commitment to provide a full cardiovascular service to people in Western Kansas.” Said Ko. “Many patients will benefit greatly from this device”

Oct31

HaysMed Recertified as a Primary Stroke Center Hospital

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

(Hays, KS – Oct 31, 2018) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently successfully completed an on site survey of their stroke program. The hospital was awarded a three year extension of their certification as a Primary Stroke Center hospital by DNV Healthcare reaffirming the hospitals’ readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. HaysMed was the first hospital in Kansas to receive this designation in 2013 and has remained certified since that time.

The three-year certification from DNV Healthcare, a hospital accreditation organization with some of the toughest standards in health care, means HaysMed’s stroke response staff follows the best methods to fast-track patients suspected of stroke so doctors can begin brain-saving treatments immediately.

“This certification let’s our community know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care.” Said Erin Hemphill, MD, Hospitalist and medical director of the stroke program at HaysMed. “It’s a combination of the right medical teams, equipment, and training to quickly assess and treat strokes. Achieving certification validates all the effort we have put into this program to improve every life we touch.”

HaysMed stroke response includes in hospital collaboration that speeds diagnosis and treatment during a patient’s crucial first moments at the hospital. The Hospital’s Emergency Department hospitalists, neurology and critical care departments work together – sharing lab results and CT scans, examining patients and recommending treatment all within a short time of a patient’s arrival.

As part of its review, DNV inspected actual and potential patient outcomes, as well as required processes followed by the hospital’s stroke care team. DNV surveyors assessed the care provided at HaysMed, including the appropriateness of the care and hospital services within the context of the certification requirements.

Surveyors also visited the areas where stroke patients are diagnosed and treated and reviewed clinical records, staff records and other documentation to validate information gained from observations and interviews.

“HaysMed will continue to put quality processes and programs in place to provide the best health care for the people of Western Kansas,” said Hemphill. “Achieving certification shows commitment to excellence, and it demonstrates that the hospital is performing at the highest level.”

Oct4

HaysMed Expands Cardiac Care Services with New Heart Failure Clinic

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS (Oct 4, 2018) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, recently added a monthly heart failure clinic at the DeBakey Heart Institute.

Bhanu Gupta, MD, Nicholas Haglund, MD and Andrew Sauer, MD, all with The University of Kansas Health System, will be in Hays on a regular basis to see patients diagnosed with heart failure. This team brings advanced treatment options for heart failure that are not currently available in the region, such as CardioMems and ventricular assist devices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5.7 million adults in the United States have heart failure. Early detection and diagnosis are critical for improving quality and length of life. Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Cough or wheezing
Fatigue
Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
Sudden weight gain
Reduced appetite and nausea

“We’re fortunate that being part of the system has afforded us the opportunity to offer specialized expertise and advancements not previously available in our region.” Said Jeffery Curtis, MD, FACC, FACP, cardiologist and director of cardiology services at HaysMed DeBakey Heart Clinic. “Our cardiology team continues to explore innovative ways to broaden the depth of heart services for our patients.”

For more information please call 888-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com

Sep18

HaysMed Celebrates 1500th Robotic Surgery

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News,OB-GYN,Urology

Hays, KS (Sept 18, 2018) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will be celebrate the 1500^th Robotic Surgery on September 25, 2018. A special Chamber ribbon cutting will be held at 8 am at Entrance C and the public is invited to attend. In addition a mobile robotics unit will be on site and available from 8 am to 5 pm for people to try out the robot and see how the technology works.

The Robotic Surgery program, the first in Western Kansas, was launched in April of 2014. HaysMed offers robotic surgery for a wide range of surgical procedures. The surgeons use a surgical robot to minimize surgical incision and trauma, improve surgical visualization and improve surgical accuracy. Throughout the surgery the surgeon not only controls every aspect of the surgery in real time but sees it clearly via high definition that results in pinpoint accuracy for greater precision.

Robotic surgery is another form of minimally invasive surgery that offers many advantages to patients. Because of the smaller incisions patients usually see less pain, shorter hospital stays, less scarring, reduced risk of infection and a quicker recovery and return to regular activity.

Robotic surgery is available for general surgeries including gallbladder, hernia, colon resection and bariatrics, women’s surgeries including hysterectomies, prostate/urological surgeries and thoracic/lung surgeries.

In 2016 the hospital added single site surgeries for several procedures. The single site technology allows surgeons to perform the surgery through a small incision in the belly button virtually eliminating scarring.

Currently 11 physicians at HaysMed are trained in robotic surgery: Samuel Durham, MD, Cardiovascular Surgeon, general surgeons Charles Schulz, MD, Paul Teget, DO, Zurab Tsereteli, MD and Jerod Grove, MD, OB/GYN physicians Joel Fort, MD, Lee Hodny, MD, and Timothy Hospkins, MD and Urologists Ernesto Lopez-Corona, MD, Kevin McDonald, MD and Srinivas Samavedi, MD.

“Bringing innovative surgical technology to Western Kansas is something we are very proud of.” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer at HaysMed. “We are committed to providing quality healthcare to our patients.”

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