2019 An Appen Media Group Publication
LOCAL PHARMACIST CHAMPIONS STATE LAW How a local pharmacist worked on a law to protect patients
Healthcare Policy Year in Review Legislators tackle Medicaid, abortion and more
Northside, Gwinnett health systems merge
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COMMUNITY WOMEN’S CANCER PROGRAM
More women trust Northside Hospital Cancer Institute for their cancer care than any other program in the state. As Georgia’s leader for women’s cancer care, we’re proud to have the #1 community breast and gynecologic cancer programs in the entire nation. Learn more at builttobeatcancer.com
EVEN IF YOUR TEEN LOOKS LIKE A PRO LINEBACKER, HE’S NOT where you take them matters Your son might look like an adult on the field, but his body is still growing. Unlike other sports medicine choices, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta only treats growing athletes. We know what it takes to get them back doing what they love for years to come. It’s why where you take them matters. It’s why you take them to Children’s.
©2019 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Inc. All rights reserved. Sports Medicine Physical Therapy is a department of Children’s at Scottish Rite hospital.
OFFICIAL PARTNER
Chaz Chambliss, Spinal Stress Fracture
Three Locations in Alpharetta and Cumming
choa.org/sportsmed
Publisher Emeritus Ray Appen Publisher Hans Appen Editor Carson Cook
Welcome to the 2019 Medical Answer Book. We’re glad you picked it up
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carson@appenmediagroup.com Managing Editor Patrick Fox Editorial Carson Cook Patrick Fox Julia Grochowski Joe Parker Production David Brown Suzanne Pacey Jennifer Edwards Advertising Mike Dorman Paul Flowers June Michaels Steve Neese Carl Appen Kelly Pierce Jim Hart Donna Stevens Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps and photos — is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, Community Answer Book, Medical Answer Book and Seniors Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton. com on the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278 or email advertising@ appenmediagroup.com.
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4 | Medical Answer Book 2019
s with each year, this guide features a wealth of information and resources, including letters direct from the administrators of local hospitals. Also, be sure to check out the directory that lists many of the doctors, practices and other services that are located in the community. A new feature we added this year is a recap of the 2019 state legislative session. Several hot topics were up for consideration this year under the Gold Dome including medical marijuana and Medicaid waivers. Take a look to understand the history of these issues, as well as what legislation could be considered in the future. Healthcare is one of the biggest industries in this region, and the past year saw some major developments. Northside Hospital and Gwinnet Health Systems finalized a merger that had been in the works for more than four years. WellStar North Fulton Hospital opened a new cardiac catheterization lab in Roswell, and Emory Johns Creek Hospital created a new Women’s Clinic in Technology Park. In addition to business stories about the hospitals, in this Answer Book you’ll find stories about smaller practices and other healthcare initiatives. Looking back over a year of medical-related news, I was happy to see so many stories about mental and behavioral healthcare. Though everybody knows someone affected by some kind of mental illness, there is still a stigma surrounding these issues. Still, I feel optimistic seeing more and more attention being paid to mental health and more services being offered. The content in the Medical Answer Book will remain useful throughout the year, so be sure to keep it close by. We have four quarterly editions of our Answer Books — Education, Community, Medical and Seniors. Each version is uniquely focused to give readers the most accurate and relevant information available. The Answer Books are also great ways to advertise because they have a long shelf-life and are available on our website, NorthFulton.com. Call us today at 770-442-3278 if you want to be included in the next edition. If attracting new patients — especially those relocating to the area— is important to your medical practice, there’s no more effective vehicle to reach this market. If you’re not an advertiser but have a great story to tell, contact me at carson@appenmediagroup.com and we can chat about a potential article for one of our many publications. The Answer Books are available at most chambers of commerce, cities, homeowner associations and real estate companies. Additionally, we home deliver 40,000 copies throughout north Atlanta. Happy reading!
LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:
Northside Hospital helps Forsyth County stay healthy F
or a seventh-consecutive year, Forsyth County is Georgia’s healthiest county. I believe that one of many reasons is the high quality health care offered by Northside Hospital Forsyth. No one ever wants to be in the hospital, but sometimes we don’t have a choice. However, we do have a choice of where we go, and for more than 725,000 patients each year that choice is Northside Hospital Forsyth. Northside is one of the most trusted health care systems in the country. In 2019, we were again recognized by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, as one of the top U.S. hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering a positive experience for patients during their hospital stay. I hear from patients every day about why they choose us – for our reputation of providing clinical excellence, the culture of kindness and compassion they experienced during their visit, for the expertise of our medical staff, and the comprehensive services that we offer. That’s a great responsibility that each member of our staff takes very seriously. Northside’s commitment to wellness extends outside of our brick and mortar. We have strong community partnerships with many of region’s non-profit organizations and events, including 2019 Georgia Movies in the Park, North Fulton Community Charities, the Elachee Nature Science Center, Literacy Forsyth, the United Way, the Forsyth County Schools, the March of Dimes and many others. Our patients will always come first in everything we do. We often talk about our growth – of our facilities and our services. Simply put, our growth provides greater patient access to quality medical care and improves patient outcomes. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for putting your trust in Northside Hospital Forsyth all these years. Wishing good health and happiness to you and yours, Skip Putnam CEO, Northside Hospital Forsyth
6 | Medical Answer Book 2019
LETTERS FROM HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION:
The Emory Difference E
mory Johns Creek Hospital (EJCH) is committed to helping you and your family experience a lifetime of good health. We’re a 118-bed acute care facility located in the heart of Johns Creek. EJCH is proud to provide world-class care with hometown heart. We offer academic and research-based medicine, as well as community events, classes and support groups, close to home. We’re part of Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive academic health system in the state. Patients have immediate local access to more than 2,000 physicians in over 50 specialties. That’s the Emory difference. Physicians at EJCH deliver a range of medical services, from routine care to complex procedures and treatments, many of which are not available anywhere else in the area. Some of our renowned services include: Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center; a birth center staffed 24 hours a day with physician laborists, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, advanced cardiac and stroke care, vascular care, 24-hour emergency medicine, intensive care trained physicians, bariatrics/weight loss, orthopaedics, and general surgery. EJCH is diligently working to expand services to accommodate the needs of our community. In our hospital’s Emergency Department, patients now have access to a new ‘fast track’ area. The fast track area treats patients with minor injuries to help discharge them quicker and improve patient flow. It is staffed by a mid-level practitioner and nurse at all times. The area includes seven beds and is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Another new addition is our 13-bed Clinical Decision Unit that cares for patients from the Emergency Department to assess and treat their illnesses. We also have two Cardiac Catheterization labs and an Interventional Radiology (IR) lab available to patients. These technologies provide enhanced image quality for doctors and better manages radiation exposure to patients and staff. The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory provides a variety of cardiac procedures including angioplasty and stent placement, delivering on average less than 90 minutes for severe heart attacks. Our Interventional Radiology lab provides non-invasive
procedures to treat patients with debilitating chronic pain and functional issues. EJCH supports award-winning centers and programs that advance the science of medicine while providing outstanding patient care. Our facility is recognized as an accredited Chest Pain Center with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) capabilities. The Joint Commission has designated our hospital as a Primary Stroke Center. American Heart Association has awarded us the Mission: Lifeline Gold STEMI Receiving Center recognition for excellent heart attack care, as well as the Get With The Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. Free health screenings and casual physician consults are available to the public during our annual community events, Ladies’ Night Out and the 5K Scrub Run and Health Festival. At EJCH, we provide classes and events that are important to our community. Whether you are a new mom looking for newborn baby tips or a cancer patient or survivor, we may have a class for you. Our physicians, nurses, and staff consider it an honor and a privilege to care for you, our neighbors, friends and family members. Thank you for entrusting your care to us. We look forward to continuing to serve patients in Johns Creek for years to come. Sincerely, Marilyn Margolis, MN, RN, NEA-BC Emory Johns Creek Hospital, CEO Medical Answer Book 2019 | 7
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BONES
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6335 Hospital Parkway Suite 200 Johns CREEK Creek, GA 30097 JOHNS (404) 575-4500
JOHNS CREEK
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Hospital profiles What hospital is right for you? The Medical Answer Book profiles the best hospitals in North Atlanta by looking at number of beds and doctors, areas of specialty, the message to the community and more.
WellStar North Fulton Hospital Number of beds: 202 Number of doctors: 568 Areas of specialty: Trauma, cardiac care, women’s health, pain and spine, wound care, inpatient rehab, stroke and cancer. The No. 1 message to the community: Located in Roswell and serving the broader North Fulton community, WellStar North Fulton Hospital is recognized for its Accredited Cancer Program and Advanced Primary Stroke Center designations. We offer a variety of inpatient, outpatient and imaging services, as well as the only Level II Trauma Center in the North Fulton area. As part of the WellStar Health System,
WellStar North Fulton has an unwavering focus on exceeding the expectations of our patients. What makes your hospital different? WellStar North Fulton Hospital is the only American College of Surgeons Verified Trauma Center in North Fulton. Lowest C-section rate in Atlanta in 2018. Location/contact information 3000 Hospital Blvd. Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-2500 www.wellstar.org Medical Answer Book 2019 | 9
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Number of locagtions: More than 65 Number of doctors: More than 350 physicians and advanced practice providers Annual patients: More than 689,000 visits per year Areas of specialty: Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) is one of the largest multi-specialty groups in North Georgia, offering and more than 25 specialties at locations across Northeast Georgia including Cumming and Dawsonville. See the full list of specialties and locations at ngpg.org. The No. 1 message to the community: As the state’s sixth-largest physician group, we always have a practice nearby to offer you expert care. We also offer E-Visits for flu treatment – from anywhere. Visit //ngpg.org/evisit for more information or to start your visit today.
10 | Medical Answer Book 2019
What makes your hospital different? NGPG brings together more than 350 talented physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives and other clinical staff at more than 65 locations across North Georgia. NGPG’s talented physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, midwives and other clinical staff are affiliated with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), a non-profit which serves more than 1 million people across the region. As part of NGHS, patients of NGPG have a direct connection to Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s four hospitals in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega. Learn more at www.nghs. com See the full list of specialties, search for a physician or find a location near you at ngpg.org Location/contact information: 2825 Keith Bridge Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-848-9200
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Northside Hosptial Forsyth Hospital Name: Northside Hospital Forsyth Number of beds: 304 Number of doctors: 650 Hospital Space (Square footage): 1.1 million square feet Annual patients: 725,000 Areas of specialty: Heart and vascular services, orthopedics and sports medicine, maternity and newborn services, cancer care and radiation therapy, emergency services, bariatric surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, breast care, neurosurgery, sleep disorders, spine care, imaging, plastic surgery, urology and GI services. The number 1 message to the community: As one of the most respected health care organizations in the country, Northside Hospital has a decades-long commitment to balancing clinical excellence with compassionate care and that commitment holds true today. Northside Hospital Forsyth is no different. Since Northside purchased the hospital in 2002, we have seen tremendous growth in our services and facilities, and have expanded our presence in the commu-
nity. That growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon. What makes your hospital different? Northside Hospital Forsyth has grown into a stateof-the-art regional medical center, all while providing the same personalized care and experience our communities have come to expect from Northside. Maternity patients enjoy a team approach that uses the expertise and individualized special care of obstetricians and gynecologists, certified nurse midwives, pediatricians, nurses and lactation consultants. We have been first to offer several of the latest minimally invasive computer-assisted robotic surgery techniques and technology. We are Georgia’s leader in same-day joint replacements, using new technologies to provide personalized and precise comprehensive arthritis and joint care. We also were the first hospital in Metro Atlanta to earn Advanced Certification in Heart Failure from The Joint Commission. Location/contact information: 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive Cumming, Ga. 30041 770-844-3200 www.northside.com Medical Answer Book 2019 | 11
HOSPITAL PROFILES
The Heart Center of NGMC Number of locagtions: Office locations in 14 cities across Northeast Georgia, including Cumming Number of doctors: More than 65 physicians and advanced practice providers Annual patients: More than 72,000 visits per year Areas of specialty: The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is the largest cardiology practice in the region, offering general cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac research, cardio-oncology, heart failure and structural heart disease management services. The No. 1 message to the community: Our cardiologists make sure patients’ hearts stay healthy by treating routine and complex conditions, and they lead new ideas about prevention and treatment through clinical research and trials. With 15 locations, there’s always award-winning cardiac care close to home. 12 | Medical Answer Book 2019
What makes your hospital different? The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center offers patients high-quality, advanced heart care, close to home. Our skilled doctors have trained at the best institutions across the world, are equipped with the latest technology and are up to date on all the newest techniques. NGMC’s four hospitals in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder and Dahlonega are consistently ranked among the best in the state and the nation for heart care. And as a part of the Northeast Georgia Health System, we serve more than 1 million people across the region. Request an appointment with one of our 65 physicians or advanced practice providers by calling 770534-2020 or at heartngmc.org. Location/contact information: 900 Sanders Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-534-2020
Š2019 WellStar Health System
RECOVERIES HAPPEN HERE. TOP-LEVEL STROKE PROGRAM WellStar is home to one of the best comprehensive stroke centers in Georgia. With a team of specialists trained to perform a revolutionary procedure that gives stroke patients a real chance to survive and avoid side effects. Helping people beat the odds against stroke is just one way that WellStar’s neurosciences program is caring for the whole you. Learn more at wellstarhealth.org/neuro.
Medical Answer Book 2019 | 13
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Number of beds: 638 beds Number of doctors: 2,100+ physicians Annual patients: 1,160,000+ patient visits Areas of specialty: Children’s has more than 60 specialties, including pediatric cardiac care, orthopedics and sports medicine, cancer and blood disorders, brain health and urgent care. The No. 1 message to the community: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is 100% dedicated to kids and their families. Our pediatric doctors, specialists and nurses understand that children’s medical and emotional needs are different from adults’. That’s why we use specialized equipment and techniques to provide the care kids need to thrive. Every member of 14 | Medical Answer Book 2019
our team is committed to helping our young patients get better faster, so they can get home sooner. What makes your hospital different? Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 2019-2020. We only treat kids and teens, which means our facilities, equipment and services are designed for their unique needs. Our entire clinical staff is specially trained to diagnose, treat and support your child. Location/contact information: Children’s has three hospitals and 26 neighborhood locations, including eight Urgent Care Centers. choa.org 404-785-KIDS (5437)
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Emory Johns Creek Hospital Number of beds: 118 Number of doctors: 857 Hospital Space (Square footage): 329,000 square feet Annual patients: 8,153 admissions; 85,077 outpatient services Areas of specialty: Advanced Cardiac and Vascular care, Bariatrics, National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Emergency Medicine, General and Robotic Surgery, Primary Stroke Center, Neurology and Women’s Services. The No. 1 message to the community: Emory Johns Creek Hospital has the expertise, specialists and technology you’d expect from an academic medical center, while caring for your like family. We’re part of Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive academic health system in the state. Our doctors at 16 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Emory Johns Creek Hospital offer a range of medical services including: emergency medicine, a birth center with level III neonatal intensive care, breast imaging with 3-D digital mammography, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a certified bariatric center, advanced cardiac and stroke care, interventional radiology, sleep medicine, rehabilitation, surgical services, gastroenterology, orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, a pain center and a hyperbarics wound care center. We’re committed to providing Johns Creek and surrounding communities with academic and research-based medicine, as well as events, classes and support groups, close to home. Location/contact information: 6325 Hospital Parkway Johns Creek, GA 30097 www.emoryhealthcare.org/johnscreek 678-474-7000
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin Number of beds: 9 emergency beds and 10 inpatient beds Number of doctors: 94 medical staff members Annual patients: Opened July 2019 and expecting more than 10,000 patients per year Areas of specialty: Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin provides emergency services, inpatient care and supporting imaging, lab and pharmacy services. The No. 1 message to the community: NGMC Lumpkin provides 24/7/365 emergency care to Dahlonega and surrounding communities. The hospital also provides inpatient care and supporting imaging, lab and pharmacy services. A future NGMC Lumpkin campus is being developed along Georgia 400, on 57 acres just south of the intersection of Georgia 400 and Highway 60. The future campus is tentatively scheduled to open in 2022. What makes your hospital different? Since first opening its doors in Gainesville in 1951,
NGMC has added hospital campuses in Braselton, Barrow and Dahlonega – and become Georgia’s most awarded hospital. NGMC has been recognized in recent years as Georgia’s #1 Hospital for overall hospital care, overall surgical care, heart care, orthopedic surgery, women’s care and more. Led by volunteer boards made up of community leaders, NGHS is a not-for-profit Health System – so all revenue beyond operating costs is returned to the community through improved services and innovative programs. In addition to four hospitals and dozens of outpatient locations like Medical Plaza 400 in Dawsonville, NGHS offers primary and specialty care through Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and The Heart Center of NGMC. For more information, visit nghs.com. Location/contact information: 227 Mountain Dr. Dahlonega, GA 30533 706-867-4110 //nghs.com/lumpkin Medical Answer Book 2019 | 17
HOSPITAL PROFILES
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville Number of beds: 557 Number of physicians on medical staff: More than 1,100 medical staff members representing more than 50 specialties. Annual patients: 1,141,499 sq. ft. Annual patients: More than 432,000 visits per year Areas of specialty: Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville offers a designated Level II Trauma Center and award-winning specialty services including heart and vascular services, emergency services, cancer treatment, advanced surgery, orthopedics, labor and delivery, NICU services, neurosciences, bariatrics, hospice, rehabilitation and research. The No. 1 message to the community: NGMC Gainesville, the flagship hospital of Northeast Georgia Health System, brings exceptional health care directly to the surrounding communities of Northeast Georgia. It is our mission to improve the health of our community in all we do.
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What makes your hospital different? Since first opening its doors in Gainesville in 1951, NGMC has added hospital campuses in Braselton, Barrow and Dahlonega – and become Georgia’s most awarded hospital. NGMC has been recognized in recent years as Georgia’s #1 Hospital for overall hospital care, overall surgical care, heart care, orthopedic surgery, women’s care and more. Led by volunteer boards made up of community leaders, NGHS is a not-for-profit Health System – so all revenue beyond operating costs is returned to the community through improved services and innovative programs. In addition to four hospitals and dozens of outpatient locations like Medical Plaza 400 in Dawsonville, NGHS offers primary and specialty care through Northeast Georgia Physicians Group and The Heart Center of NGMC. For more information, visit nghs.com. Location/contact information: 743 Spring Street Gainesville, GA 30501 770-219-9000 //nghs.com/gainesville
WWW.NORTHSIDE.COM/FORSYTH
Northside Hospital Forsyth leads state in cancer care N
orthside Hospital is one of the most respected health care organizations in the country. The health system leads the U.S. in newborn deliveries, diagnoses and treats the most cancer cases in Georgia, and is among the state’s top providers of surgical services. More than 3,000 physicians and 16,000 employees serve 3 million patient visits each year. Northside Hospital continues to grow to provide the region and the community with greater patient access to quality medical care. Forsyth and North Fulton residents can access that care at Northside Hospital Forsyth, Northside Hospital Atlanta, Northside Hospital Cherokee, the Northside/Alpharetta Medical Campus and many other outpatient facilities nearby. And Northside looks forward to expanding into Gwinnett County following the completion of its merger with Gwinnett Health System. System integration is well underway and the combined system will go live this summer. Expertise Close to Home Northside Hospital Forsyth is a regional leader in same-day joint replacement, performing more surgeries than any other Georgia hospital. Northside Hospital offers expertise that ranks in the top ten robotic surgery programs in Georgia, meaning patients with post-sports related injuries and osteoarthritis return to a better quality of life much faster. Last year, the completion of a fifth medical office building on the Northside Hospital Forsyth campus brought orthopedics under one roof – spine, expert joint replacement services, and sports medicine and physical therapy. Construction on six new operating rooms (ORs) has already begun within the hospital’s Center for 20 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Advanced Surgical Technology. Expected to open in October 2019, the new rooms will bring the hospital’s total number of ORs to 24. The hospital also recently relocated and expanded its outpatient infusion center in order to better accommodate patients who need infusion or chemotherapy services. Northside is nationally renowned for its maternity services, including its Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). More than 3,000 babies were born at Northside Hospital Forsyth in 2018. Northside Hospital Forsyth continues to lead the way in heart and vascular care, earning quality achievement awards, once again, for heart failure, heart attack and stroke care from leading accreditation groups. The hospital’s cardiology team and emergency department staff work collaboratively with Forsyth County and Central EMS to ensure that patients receive access to care. Patient transfer times are ahead of the Atlanta region’s average of 76 minutes. The largest private sector employer in Forsyth County, with more than 3,100 employees, Northside was ranked by as one the Best Places to Work, across all top large employers in the United States, on both Glassdoor.com and Comparably.com. Follow @NorthsideHosp on social media, and for more information, including free community health screenings, visit northside.com.
Alpharetta G E OR G IA
EXPERIENCE
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Planning a wedding, reunion, mitzvah, meeting or sports event? Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, fields and facilities, hotels and more.
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CARSON COOK/HERALD
Dr. Penny Castellano and Emory Johns Creek Hospital CEO Marilyn Margolis cut the ribbon for the Emory Women’s Center on Findley Road Feb. 19, alongside clinic staff, the Chamber of Commerce and Johns Creek City Council members.
Women’s clinic expands care at Emory By CARSON COOK
E
mory has expanded its ability to serve women in Johns Creek with the opening of a new clinic on Findley Road in February 2019. The Emory Women’s Center provides general gynecology and obstetrics services. The office is staffed with board-certified OB-GYNs and certified nurse midwives. “We are very committed to making sure we’re providing high quality, comprehensive women’s healthcare everywhere Emory has a presence,” said Dr. Penny Castellano, interim chair of the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics at Emory University. Located at 12000 Findley Road, the clinic is short distance from Emory Johns Creek Hospital and complements the specialty gynecologic services currently offered at the hospital. “We delivered 371 babies the year that we opened,” Hospital CEO Marilyn Margolis said. “In 2018, we delivered 1,187, and now I’m sure it will be growing.” Margolis said the clinic has been in the works for two years. It took so long to realize the project because they were determined to have the best team of doctors, nurses and midwives, she said. “Because the hospital has been here for 10 years, we’re honored to bring our services here for 24-hour support,” Dr. John Horton said. “Our job is bringing increased safety as well as ever-present quality.” 22 | Medical Answer Book 2019
CARSON COOK/HERALD
Chamber Executive Robin Buckley, Dr. Penny Castellano, Emory Johns Creek Hospital CEO Marilyn Margolis and Johns Creek Mayor Pro Tem Lenny Zaprowski welcome the opening of Emory Women’s Center on Findley Road. Healthcare is the largest industry in Johns Creek, largely thanks to the Emory system. “It’s the people who are really taking care of the patients that make this work,” Johns Creek Mayor Pro Tem Lenny Zaprowski said. “We’re so grateful for them.” Zaprowski thanked Emory for bringing employment opportunities to the city and for partnering on health initiatives like iHeart Johns Creek.
Outstanding women’s healthcare has never been closer.
NEW LOCATION
Emory Women’s Center at Findley Emory Johns Creek Hospital
Emory Saint Joseph’s
As part of Emory Healthcare, the largest and most comprehensive hospital system in Atlanta, Emory Women's Center offers women the highest level of care. Our physicians provide general gynecological care for women of all ages including all dimensions of pregnancy and prenatal care, as well as preventative women's health education and management. Make an appointment today to discuss your gynecological and obstetrical options.
Emory University Clifton Campus
Emory University Hospital Midtown
DEKALB
FULTON
Emory Clinic doctors specialize in different areas of women’s care, but they all share a single focus: Your health and well-being. You can depend on unparalleled medical care delivered by specialists who work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Clyde T Jacob III MD
Padmavathi Pagadala, MD
Dawn Russell, MD
Sejal Tamakuwala, DO
Antoinette Lee-Gregory, CNM
For Patient Appointments: 404-778-3401
Emory University Clifton Campus
Building A, 4th Floor 1365 Clifton Road NE Atlanta, GA 30322 404-778-3401
Emory Saint Joseph’s 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-778-3401
Emory Women’s Center at Findley 12000 Findley Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097 404-778-3401
Emory University Hospital Midtown
Medical Office Tower, 8th Floor 550 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-778-3401
WellStar North Fulton opens new catheterization lab Facility highlights latest innovations in coronary care By PATRICK FOX
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ignitaries from around the region were on hand March 4, 2019 to celebrate the official opening of WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s new cardiac catheterization lab in Roswell. The roughly $5 million facility, located on the hospital’s third floor, allows doctors to perform minimally invasive tests and procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. “Our new cath lab brings many firsts to our community,” said Jon-Paul Croom, president of WellStar North Fulton Hospital. “It is the first cath lab for robotic procedures in the metro Atlanta area, the first electrophysiology procedures at WellStar North Fulton Hospital and the first catheter procedures completed in under 10 minutes at North Fulton.” The wing includes two cath labs, private waiting rooms for families and some of the latest technology in the field. It also includes a renovated rehabilitation facility to assist patients in their recovery. The lab features robotic-assisted percutaneous coronary interventions, whereby a balloon is inflated in the coronary artery to remove plaque. It is the first hospital in Metro Atlanta to employ the technology and one of only 50 sites worldwide. Croom said the new cath lab reflects the hospital’s commitment to keeping up with the latest technology. “Healthcare is changing rapidly. WellStar is leading the way,” he said. “Across our system, we had notable accomplishments from expansions, national recognition, new programs and technologies.” The cath lab also allows physicians to perform electrophysiology procedures to treat abnormal heartbeats, as well as a procedure known as cardiac swing, which reduces exposure to radiation from X-ray equipment by limiting the number of images taken during a diagnostic catheterization. Aside from the technology, one of the key elements of the facility is its attention to process, providing patients and their families the best care available, said Jeffrey Penton, director of cardiovascular services. “I wanted to develop a whole setup where the patient has complete care in one setting,” Penton said. “They come in here, they’re cared for by cardiac specialty nurses. They go to the cath lab and come back
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PATRICK FOX/HERALD
At right, Jeffrey Penton, director of cardiovascular services for WellStar North Fulton Hospital in Roswell, stands beside the facility’s new Corindus Vascular Robotics CorPath GRX system, which allows physicians greater precision in performing coronary intervention procedures. to recover and are cared for by the same nurses that worked with them at the beginning.” The wing includes complete facilities for pre- and post-procedure, so that the same staff is working with patients throughout. The patient begins the journey in a private waiting room with family where a workup is performed. There, images of the heart are displayed to examine the area for blockages, and if any are found, how they should be addressed. From there, the patient goes a short distance down the hall to the actual cath lab where the procedure is performed. Even then, the family in the waiting room can ask the nurse for any updates on the procedure. Following the procedure, the patient is returned to the room and the physician speaks with the whole family, using images displayed on the monitor in the room. Penton said he had been working on the design for about two years before final plans were adopted. Throughout the whole process, he said, it was important to keep patients attached to the same nurses and staff who know their special history. “So, the people who take care of you beforehand, they know exactly what you’re going through in that cath lab, and they’re able to take care of you afterwards with greater care than going to a floor where nurses may see one or two of them in a month,” Penton said. “We see them every day, all day, so you get great care from those nurses because that’s their specialty.”
©2019 WellStar Health System
VICTORIES HAPPEN HERE. DIAGNOSING CANCER FASTER, TREATING IT SOONER For cancer treatment at the highest level and care that’s personal, turn to WellStar. Our collaborative approach accelerates diagnosis, so treatment can begin quickly. And our oncology radiosurgery team is top-rated in Georgia, delivering better outcomes with faster recoveries. At WellStar, we care for the whole you. Learn more at wellstarhealth.org/cancer.
Patient centered, state of the art women’s healthcare available in Alpharetta at Avalon, Johns Creek and Cumming.
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ith no time to be sick, in pain or have surgery, the providers of Modern OBGYN know that educating women with different options for surgery is important. Dr. John Reyes, Dr. Ingrid Reyes, Dr. Natu Mmbaga, Dr. Annie Kim, Dr. Stacey Pereira, and Dr. Christy Kenkel understand that one way of helping women in this busy world is through minimally invasive surgical options via robotic surgery and in-office surgical procedures. “There are so many great options for women,” Dr. John Reyes said. “It’s our job to get that information to them and make them aware they don’t need large incisions, long hospital stays, or painful recovery times.” Minimally invasive robotic surgery allows the physicians at Modern OBGYN to operate through just a few small incisions. Featuring a high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater than the human wrist, da Vinci enables them to operate with enhanced vision, precision and control. As the first surgeons to perform da Vinci robotic surgeries at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, husband and wife team Dr. Ingrid and Dr. John Reyes know some common issues that can be addressed with robotic surgery are hysterectomies, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. Striving to do their best for the women in the community, Dr. John said, “It’s a blessing to be able to do minimally invasive and robotic surgeries on patients suffering from longstanding issues such as infertility from endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic adhesive disease.” Established in 2010, Modern OBGYN has three convenient office locations in Johns Creek, on the Northside Forsyth campus in Cumming, and their newest office location in Alpharetta at Avalon. Along with compassionate care for patients and their needed surgeries, Modern OBGYN strives to give expecting mothers the support they need by making sure that the mothers personally know their provider. Modern OBGYN has a highly experienced team of Certified Nurse Midwives who work alongside each physician to provide well-rounded, patient-centered and personal obstetrical care. You’ll always know us, and we’ll always know you,” Dr. John said. “No surprises when it comes time to deliver!” Dr. John says the best part about building provider-patient relationships is, “We can help them become pregnant, and come full-circle to care for them during their pregnancy and delivery. It’s the full spectrum of
26 | Medical Answer Book 2019
caring for what’s so important to a woman’s life—her health and her family.” Modern OBGYN also provides routine annual exams, Pap smears, HPV testing, irregular cycles, menopause and other common women’s issues. The physicians perform robotic surgery at both Emory Johns Creek Hospital and Northside Hospital-Forsyth. For more information on Modern Ob/Gyn’s providers and services, please visit www.reyesobgyn.com.
Johns Creek • Avalon/Alpharetta • Cumming
DR. J. REYES
DR. I. REYES
DR. KIM
DR. NATU
DR. PEREIRA
DR. KENKEL
KORTNEY NURIA NELKIN, ROGERS, CNM CNM
EMILY DIXON, CNM
PRACTICE SPOTLIGHT:
Medical Fitness and Wellness Group Founded in 2014 and winner for best Nutritionist and best Holistic/ Alternative Medicine in North Fulton, Medical Fitness and Wellness Group is the only fully integrated wellness facility in Johns Creek providing Personal Training, Corrective Exercise, Chiropractic care, Corrective Massage Therapy, Medical Exercise for chronic conditions, as well as our award-winning nutrition program for weight loss and diabetes prevention/management. Whether it is to tone up, lose weight, strengthen your core, manage a condition, improve the performance of your favorite sport, or just improve your flexibility and live pain-free, Medical Fitness and Wellness Group has got you covered.
How are we different?
all of our practitioners are in one location. This means that everyone
responsible for your health and wellbeing will be on the same page with your care. No more having to go to two, three, or four different health providers that may not be in communication with your other doctors and wellness providers. When your wellness team is all in one location it saves time. We can collaborate which each other about your care right from the start, and come up with a customized wellness plan for you.
Come find out why our integrated approach is better for you! Medical Fitness and Wellness Group 10700 Medlock Bridge Road Suite 105 Johns Creek, GA 30097 770.623.4078 www.exercise4prevention.com
Local cyclists start cross-country trip for children’s hospital By JULIA GROCHOWSKI
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our local men began a 3,000-mile, cross-country trip May 2019 that, over the course of 41 days, took them from Cape Flattery, Wash. to the West Quoddy Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. And, it’s all for a good cause — to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. David Bergman, a Johns Creek pediatrician and founder of Pediatric Place, spearheaded the effort along with is son Jonah, who recently graduated from Centennial High School and plans to attend the University of Georgia. Joining the father-son team were Vik Nat, a technical operations manager from Johns Creek, and Bruce Crawford, a retired, avid cyclist from Johns Creek. David said he chose Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta because of his previous experiences working with
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them. “I used to work for CHOA years ago, and I am on staff there,” David said. “I really wanted to give back to the community. They practice excellent medicine.” He added that it’s his patients that drive and inspire him to create fundraising cycling trips. “They’re in my heart,” David said. “There’s always a need to help children. It’s a cause and passion that’s near and dear to my heart.” This isn’t the first time David has undertaken a cross-country trip for a cause. In 2017, he teamed up with Centennial High School teacher Michael Higgins on a 38-day trip from the East to West coasts to raise funds for BlazeSports America, a local nonprofit that supports children and military veterans with disabilities. David is working on a book chronicling the pair’s experiences during that trip. This year, the bikers raised more than $7,000 for
bringing care back to healthcare...
... the emphasis is on family! WINNER 2015
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JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD
David Bergman, left, and his son Jonah prepare for their cross-country trip with two other cyclists to raise funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The cyclists’ plan was to average about 100 miles each day. Bicycling and hiking is a hobby for everyone on the trip, so it’s like they’re always training, David said. No special preparation was needed. David said he chose the route in part to create a unique riding experience different from his previous trips. It was partially inspired by the Vikings and Norse lands, which eventually culminated in the trip’s title — The Norseman’s Passage. The trip mostly covered the northern part of America and cross into Canada in a few sections. “It’s to see a whole other part of the country,” David said. “It gives you a different perspective on life, and it’s the best way to see the diversity of America. You see America in all of its beauty, because you’re really immersed in the land… “It’s patriotism in its purist form. You’re with Americans, traversing through many different climates, cultures, peoples — rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas. You see the whole mix, the good, the bad and the ugly. But you also see the whole beauty of the land and its people.” A minivan tagged along in case of emergencies and the crew blogged periodically about their progress. For the full trip itinerary, to hear updates from the cyclists from their journey and to donate, visit norsemanspassage.blogspot.com.
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Medical Answer Book 2019 | 29
CARSON COOK/HERALD
Mike and Jennifer Shannon say they view patrons of Lily’s Pharmacy as part of the family, along with their children, from left, Abbey, Lily, Violet and Mikey.
Local pharmacist inspires patient-choice state law By CARSON COOK
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ver the past year, Jennifer and Mike Shannon, owners of Lily’s Pharmacy in Johns Creek, have worked with state legislators to pass a law to prevent conflicts of interest in the pharmacy industry. The Pharmacy Anti-Steering and Transparency Act, which will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020, prohibits insurers and benefits managers who have ownership in a pharmacy from steering patients to that business. The law endeavors to reduce conflicts of interests, increase transparency and give patients more choice. The law was inspired in part by local pharmacist 30 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Jennifer Shannon, who saw first-hand how coercive steering practices can negatively impact patient care. Jennifer and Mike created Lily’s Pharmacy, named after their first daughter, in 2013. While Jennifer is the head pharmacist, Mike handles business affairs, and both pride themselves on the customer service and level of care offered at the pharmacy. “Patients should know their pharmacist,” Jennifer said. “We’re the last person that checks that their medication is safe for them. We realized there were no local pharmacies in the area – there were so many chains
CARSON COOK/HERALD
everywhere – so we decided to do it in Johns Creek where we live.” Lily’s Pharmacy works closely with Emory Johns Creek Hospital and other nearby healthcare providers to ensure a quality continuum of care. “We know them well,” Mike said. “We get a lot of referrals from the local providers because we’re out front talking with our patient and not just treating them like a prescription going across the desk.” As with any mom-and-pop shop, competing with larger chain pharmacies can be challenging for Lily’s Pharmacy. But the biggest challenge, the Shannons said, was not attracting patients to their neighborhood pharmacy, but retaining them because of steering campaigns or restrictive insurance plans. “A doctor can never tell you ‘Hey, you have to go to the lab, and you have to go to the one that I own,” Mike said. “That’s illegal. But in pharmacy, the [pharmacy benefit managers] are allowed to say ‘You have to go to this specialty pharmacy’ or ‘You have to use my wholly-owned, mail-order pharmacy.’” This is not only a conflict of interest, they said, but it hurts small businesses and can be detrimental to the patients. “You would be surprised how many people, mostly Medicare patients, are forced or coerced,” Jennifer said. “They will get letters in the mail, phone calls saying ‘You’re due for this medication. Why don’t we just send you 90 days,’ when they probably have no business getting 90 days of anything because their meds change.”
Jennifer said she has spent hours on the phone fighting with insurance companies and mail-order pharmacies to grant her clients the ability to have their medication filled at the pharmacy of their choice. Frustrated by the system, Jennifer reached out to the lobbyist with the Georgia Pharmacy Association, and along with the Medical Association of Georgia and Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology, they developed the bill that would become the Pharmacy Anti-Steering and Transparency Act. While mandating mail-order pharmacy was already illegal in the state of Georgia, many patients have been the target of steering campaigns that remove or complicate their ability to choose their own pharmacist. Under the new law, the practice of steering patients, whether through insurance plans or misleading marketing materials, to a pharmacy that is owned by the insurance company or pharmacy benefit manager is now illegal and punishable by fines and possible loss of license in Georgia. Jennifer testified before legislative committees to help ensure the bill’s passage. With unanimous support in the Senate and one dissenting vote in the House, Georgia became a leader in ensuring patients can chose their pharmacist. Jennifer said she is incredibly proud of the new law and hopes similar laws will be passed in other states. “To have the choice and not be coerced will save so many patients, especially the elderly,” Jennifer said. For more information about Lily’s Pharmacy, visit lilyspharmacy.com. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 31
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Medical Answer Book 2019 | 33
Forsyth named healthiest county for 7th year
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ut of 159 counties in the state, Forsyth County again ranked No. 1 when it comes to health for the sixth consecutive year. The annual County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has again placed Forsyth at the top. The rankings are based on two types of measures: how long people live and how healthy people feel while alive. Northside Hospital Forsyth Administrator Lynn Jackson said the healthy community recognition is built on decades of work from many community leaders. “Forsyth County has a hardwired platform of ever expanding community resources, physical and social environments and governmental support that maintains a healthy community,” Jackson said. “Unlike some of our many other community accolades, the recognition as the healthiest community embraces and supports all of us.” Jackson said health initiatives, whether parks and recreation facilities, health care providers, hospitals, clinics or sidewalks and civic clubs all help to reduce the health gaps that can come from differences in income, education, race, ethnicity or location. “Our collective work in this area brings the greatest 34 | Medical Answer Book 2019
“Our collective work in this area brings the greatest benefit to the highest number of our community members.” Lynn Jackson Northside Hospital Forsyth Administrator
benefit to the highest number of our community members,” Jackson said. Jackson said that while we pause to recognize this milestone in our community, she points out that there’s still a lot of work ahead. “Our interests must continue to be focused on the future as we create successful strategies to overcome our challenges in areas such as drug use and abuse, expanding mental health needs in the wake of contracting mental health services,” she said. “And road safety to reduce traffic accidents and injuries from driving while distracted or under the influence. We still have opportunities as we make sure that Forsyth County remains the greatest place to call home.”
Muscles are made in the kitchen By KAREN ESCOBAR
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veryone is different and has different nutritional needs. That said, there are a few basics to which almost all athletes adhere when it comes to eating well. While you don’t need to religiously stick to strict guidelines, there are some eating methodologies that can really help how you feel before, during and after your workout. (Let’s avoid the term “diet,” as it implies a short-term solution rather than a lifestyle change.) Consider these examples of good eating plans to help boost your training results. Macro If you are researching eating plans, you have likely come across the term “macros.” Short for macronutrients, macros are the key food groups our bodies need to function; and they’re vital to keep you feeling strong and powerful. In general, the macro plan encourages followers to eat protein, carbohydrates and fats, with the understanding that equal numbers of calories from each group are used differently in your body. • Protein helps to build your body and your muscles. • Carbohydrates are your fuel. Stick with low GI carbs (like brown bread, quinoa, brown rice) instead of processed white bread, fries or cereals. • Finally, fats, (the good ones) help you absorb vitamins and minerals. Instead of focusing on overall calorie counts, macro counters search for the right balance of macros to fuel their own body and reach their fitness goals. Clean food The clean food movement is dedicated to steering clear of processed foods, leaning instead toward whole foods and fresh produce. Eating “clean” means staying away from foods with high sugar content. These can cause inflammation, which is not conducive to getting great results from your workout. Clean food also means avoiding junk food, packaged foods and food with a lot of preservatives or salt. To start eating this way, buy fresh as much as possible. You may find it easier to do meal prepping on the weekend, so you always have something healthy on hand. Those on the clean food mission don’t spend too much time counting calories, but rely instead on intuition. As long as the food is not overly processed, you’re on the right track. Just try to make sure you include
carbs, protein and fats in every meal. Enjoy loads of fresh vegetables and a small amount of fruit to keep your nutrient levels up. Zone Probably the second most popular way of eating among the fitness community is known as the Zone Diet, which separates the food groups into blocks. The simplest Zone system breaks food into blocks of 30 percent protein, 40 percent carbs and 30 percent monounsaturated (good) fats. Many advanced athletes will take this to the next level and carefully block out each meal into portions for each specific food type. Your approach may vary, depending on your type of workout and your end goals. What’s ideal for some may leave others struggling to feel on top of things. Time to go Paleo? The theory behind Paleo is that you eat only the foods available to our Paleolithic ancestors. If you’re interested in Paleo, this means no grains or dairy products. Lean meats and plenty of vegetables are the best way to eat Paleo. Watch out though. This diet has been criticized for being potentially high in fats and lacking the benefits of dairy and grains. Paleo has been found to lack a good scientific foundation, and many nutrition-oriented people are turning away from it now in favor of more well-rounded diets. Moderation is key Joining a gym and adopting an active lifestyle is about having fun, making friends and being fit and healthy. It is not necessarily about being uber-toned and slim; although this can be a fortunate side effect. With this in mind, look for healthy foods and choose to eat what makes you feel best; but don’t put pressure on yourself to be the perfect eater. Yes, even the most dedicated athlete loves a burrito and some ice cream from time to time. The trick is to keep treats to just that — a treat. See you at the gym! Medical Answer Book 2019 | 35
What is Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Treatment of Skin Cancer? Josh A. Hammel, MD, FAAD Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon Dermatology Specialists of Georgia Q: Why Mohs Micrographic Surgery? A: Mohs technique allows preservation of the maximum amount of healthy tissue while removing all cancerous tissue, making it a highly desirable procedure for minimizing scarring in delicate areas like the face, scalp, neck, and hands. Dr. Josh Hammel Mohs enables the surgeon to examine the affected skin layer-by-layer to make sure all of the cancerous cells are identified and removed in one outpatient procedure. This certainty comes from the way tissue is examined under a microscope during surgery, where 100% percent of the margin is visualized ensuring that no cancerous cells are left behind. Q: How often can all of the skin cancer be removed in the first layer of the excision? A: Roughly 50% of patients end up only needing a single, small layer of skin removed to eliminate their cancerous tissue. This layer-bylayer approach allows a minimal wound size to promote quick healing. Q: What is the success rate? A: Mohs surgery is the most effective form of treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers with success rates of 98% for those being treated for the first time. Q: What about pain after surgery? A: Typically, a patient’s pain after Mohs surgery is minimal and can be easily controlled by overthe-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil. And, on a pain scale from 1 to 10 most of my patients report having a pain level of 0 within two days or less after their surgery. 36 | Medical Answer Book 2019 | Sponsored Section
Heart Disease in Women Veerappan Subramaniyam, MD, FACC, (Dr. Ramesh) The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center Q: How does heart disease affect women? A: According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States - causing approximately 1 in every five female deaths. Although a woman’s heart looks like a man’s, there are slight differences in how it functions. It is crucial to be aware of the subtle changes in the way your body feels and call your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms.
Veerappan Subramaniya, Dr. Ramesh
Q: What are the symptoms of heart disease? A: Although pain, discomfort or pressure in the chest is often the most common symptom of a heart attack, many women have heart attacks without experiencing chest pain. Women are more likely to have symptoms such as: • Shortness of breath • Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal pressure • Pain in your arms • Sweating • Unusual fatigue • Lightheadedness or dizziness These symptoms are often subtle and may occur when women are resting. What are the risk factors for heart disease? A: Several risk factors for heart disease in women such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity are similar to risk factors in men. Other risk factors that often play a bigger role in heart disease in women include: • Diabetes • Mental health issues or depression • Smoking • Sedative lifestyle • Menopause • Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy • Complications of pregnancy Q: When should I see a cardiologist? A: There are a variety of reasons you should see a cardiologist. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s 15 locations, including Cumming, if you have any of the risk factors for heart disease or have a family history of heart problems.
Preventative, General, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry for the entire family
Loose denture getting you down?
Dr. Sarah Roberts
678.319.0123
crabappledental.com 12670 Crabapple Road • Suite 110 Milton, GA 30004 38 | Medical Answer Book 2019 | Sponsored Section
Your teeth are very important! Losing your natural teeth can be a traumatic experience and living with a denture or partial is often unreliable, unstable, and produces negative effects like difficulty eating, speaking and bone loss leading to jaw shrinkage creating the “Popeye” effect. A natural-looking smile is often viewed as a symbol of health and beauty. Smiling provides positive emotional and psychological benefits to those around you in love and business. A functionally secure fixed prosthesis allows you to enjoy your favorite foods and smile with confidence at that next celebratory meal. How is this accomplished? Dental implants’ small titanium screws are inserted that replace and function like a natural tooth root. They are placed during a surgical procedure and teeth are mounted onto the implant. Dental implant technology has been around since 1965. Dental implants are made of a material that is not toxic or harmful to living tissues so your body easily accepts them. And the new teeth are given on day one, so you do not have to go around without teeth after surgery. Benefits include: immediate improvement in eating, comfort, esthetics, speech and prosthesis stability. In addition, your appearance can be restored as your facial features and lips now have more support. With proper care and good oral hygiene, your new dental implants and restorations will last many years or even a lifetime. Call Crabapple Dental at 678-319-0123 or drsarh@ crabappledental.com to set up a consultation.
Improving Cancer Treatment onathan Stegall, MD J The Center for Advanced Medicine Q: How is cancer treatment different today than it has been in the past? A: The field of oncology is changing rapidly. We now have more tools in our tool chest than ever before, ranging from chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to nutrition, supplementation, and stress reduction therapies. The art of cancer treatment today is to choose which treatments are best for each patient on a case-by-case basis, in order to maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects while enhancing overall health. This field is known as integrative oncology, and I believe it is the best way to treat cancer. Q: How do you choose which cancer treatment(s) to recommend for each patient? A: I view each cancer case like a fingerprint – no two are exactly alike. Each patient’s internal environment is a unique culmination of his or her specific cancer diagnosis, genetics, lifetime environmental exposures, and even emotional stressors. Every detail matters. Using a combination of advanced diagnostic and lab testing, as well as a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique history, a personalized treatment plan is developed. This is contrary to the one-size-fits-all approach many oncologists today are still using. Q: What advice would you give to patients investigating cancer treatment options for themselves or a loved one? A: Knowledge is power! I encourage patients (and their families) to do their research and not feel rushed into a decision. Oncology can be a very fear-based specialty if we aren’t careful, and I find that approach to be counterproductive. Choosing which treatments to pursue is a huge decision, and patients should feel confident in their decisions. However, spending too much time trying to find the perfect treatment is likely to be detrimental, not only because many cancers are aggressive, but also because there is a lot of bad information out there (especially on the internet!). Q: How can patients get more information? A: The best way is to visit my website, cancersecrets. com, where I share a wide range of helpful information in a variety of formats. My bestselling book, Cancer Secrets, can be purchased there in paperback and Kindle formats. My podcast, The Cancer Secrets Podcast, can also be accessed on the site. Finally, I post regular blog posts which are archived there. My goal is to provide as much information as possible. For those individuals looking for an integrative oncologist, my office number is (770) 551-2730, and my practice website is tcfam.com. 40 | Medical Answer Book 2019 | Sponsored Section
Winter skin care As the weather in Atlanta plummets from summer straight into winter, we are most often plagued with chapped lips and overly dry skin and often forget about our broader skin concerns. With months to go before spring’s warmth and summer sun, I encourage my patients to take a Dr. Brent Taylor good look at their long term skin concerns and to act now as opposed to the warmer months, when we are more likely to be out in the sun and unable to get the full effects of the treatments below. So what should you be doing for your skin now instead of in the spring and summer months? 1. Treating your precancers, shallow cancers and sun damaged skin with photodynamic therapy –Photodynamic therapy (PDT), sometimes called blue light therapy, is one of the best things a person can do to effectively treat precancerous actinic keratosis (AK), mild shallow skin cancers such as superficial or nodular basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ and even some types of acne and sun damage. Many of the cancers I treat on the face and scalp via Mohs surgery could have been prevented if the patient had undergone PDT while the cancer was still in its early stages. Most commonly, PDT is used to treat AKs or skin cancers on the face or scalp but is also frequently used on the arms, hands, neck or chest. What can a patient expect during a PDT procedure? After having a topical medicine called ALA soak into the skin for one to four hours, the PDT treatment takes only 15 minutes during which a patient lies underneath a blue light, that ultimately causes damaged tissue to be replaced with healthy tissue. 2. Treat your pigmentation problems! – Pigmentation concerns such as melasma and “age spots” are best treated in the winter months
when the skin is not getting exposed to as much UV light. Melasma is a disorder marked by dark patches on the skin, often on the cheeks and upper lip. Topical medicines and chemical peels can help. During a melasma-specific peel, patients can expect to have a red, sensitive face that peels for one to several weeks depending on the strength of the peel and the sensitivity of the patient’s skin. During this time the patient cannot get any sun on the new skin. And afterwards sun protection is key to preventing melasma’s return. Unfortunately melasma is stubborn, and retreatment approximately once per year is often beneficial. Other pigmentation concerns such as freckles or “liver spots” are best treated via laser therapy. Again, as these treatments involve damaging the skin with heat and light energy, the best results will come from avoidance of the sun after treatment until the area heals. Use of pants and long sleeve shirts and pursuit of indoor activities help maximize treatment effect. 3. Treat your legs now: not in the spring when you want to show them off. Patients often present with vascular complaints in early spring and request a quick and immediate fix. Common complaints such as varicose veins, spider veins and telangiectasias can be effectively treated but may require multiple treatment modalities and sessions. Also, insurance companies often require that patients try 3 months of “conservative therapy” consisting of exercise, leg elevation, medical grade compression stockings and over the counter pain medicine before insurance companies will cover vein treatments, so if you want legs to be ready for summer, it’s best to see a physician in late fall or early winter. At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, it is our pleasure to meet your skin care needs. Board certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Brent Taylor is a skin cancer, vein and aesthetic expert honored to be of service. Call 678-345-1899 for an appointment. Sponsored Section | Medical Answer Book 2019 | 41
Directory of doctors Locations for area hospitals, urgent care, dentists and more Audiologists
• Ambit Hearing Aid Centers: 5890 Bethelview Road, Suite 10, Cumming, 770-781-0537; 1636 Oakbrook Drive, Suite B, Gainesville, 770-383-1869. ambit3ddirect.com • Atlanta Hearing Aid Services: 10800 Alpharetta Hwy, Roswell, 770-992-5353. atlantahearing.com • Audiological Consultants of Atlanta: 875 Mansell Road, Suite B2, Roswell, 678 461 6366. audioconsult.com • Audiology HEARS: 6130 Southard Trace, Cumming, 770-781-2376. audiologyhears.com • Doctors’ Hearing Center: 11180 State Bridge Road, Suite 207, Johns Creek, 770-676-7208. doctorshearingcenterga.com • Miracle Ear of Forsyth 1616 Market Place, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone 770-441-4864 www.miracle-ear.com/locations/cumming-ga • Mraz Audiology Consulting: 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy, Ste 385, Alpharetta, 770-653-7027, audiologyconsulting.com • North Georgia Audiology and Hearing Aid Center: 4045 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite B, Suwanee, 770814-1260. yourhearinglink.com • Little Listeners: 1389 Weber Industrial Drive, Cumming, 770-744-2451. littlelistenersclinic.com • North Fulton ENT: 950 Sanders Rd., Cumming, 770-886-5821; 2500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 450, Roswell, 770-343-8675. northfultonent.com • Northside Hearing: 1360 Upper Hembree Rd. Suite 201, Roswell, 770-751-7437. northsidehearingcenter. com • Optimal Hearing: 600 Houze Way, Suite B-3, Roswell, 770-641-9087. optimalhearing.com • Southern Medical Hearing Center:T 4190 Old Milton Pkwy, Ste 2e, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-462-2000 southernmedicalhearing.com
Cardiology
• Atlanta Cardiology Consultants: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 395, Alpharetta; 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 3400, Cumming, 770-751-9131. atlantacardiologyconsultants.com • The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center: 900 Sanders Rd., Suite A, Cumming, 770-886-5184. 108 Prominence Court, Suite 210, Dawsonville 706-265-1415. 1400 River Place, 42 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Braselton, 770-848-8000. nghs.com • The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 900 Sanders Rd., Suite A, Cumming, GA 770-886-5184, nghs.com • The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 108 Prominence Court, Suite 210, Dawsonville, GA 706-265-1415, nghs.com • The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 1400 River Place, Braselton, GA, 770-848-8000 nghs.com
Child Services
• Angels Over Forsyth: 3651 Peachtree Parkway, Suite E, PMB 350, Suwanee, 770-569-0776. angelsoverforsyth.com • Giving Children a Chance: 11805 Northfall Lane, Suite 803, Alpharetta, 770-255-1018. gcacofgeorgia. com • Hands on Forsyth: 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming, 770-205-1701. handsonforsyth.org • Jacob’s Ladder: 407 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell, 770-998-1017. jacobsladdercenter.com • SAFFT: 219 Castleberry Rd., Cumming, 770-8869505. safft.org
Chiropractic
• 100% Chiropractic: 11030 Medlock Bridge Road #230, Johns Creek, 678-694-1113; 920 Marietta Hwy #300, Roswell, 770.518.0770. 100percentchiropractic.com • Atlanta Spine and Sport: 3719 Old Alabama Road, Suite 400-A, Alpharetta, 678-620-3668. atlantaspineandsport.com • Capstone Chiropractic: 480 North Main Street #201, Alpharetta, 770-864-1195. capstonealpharetta.com • Catalyst Physical Medicine: 4914 Atlanta Hwy, Alpharetta, 770-667-0099. catalystphysicalmedicine. com • Code V Performance 12600 Deerfield Parkway Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-687-8023, www.codevperformance.com • Cumming Med Spa: 2950 Buford Hwy # 140, Cumming, 678-455-8800. cummingmedspa.com • Dr. James Locher: 9850 Nesbit Ferry Road, Suite 6, Johns Creek, 770-641-9295
Counseling Services/ Mental Health
• Crabapple Counseling, LLC 1000 Abbey Court, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-524-5241, www.crabapplecounselingllc.com • Family Counseling Associated of North Georgia: 102 Mary Alice Park Road, Suite 504, Cumming, 1-888850-4891. familycounseling4ng.com • Getting Along Alpharetta, GA, (770) 671-1814, www.gettingalong. net • Kids Creek Therapy: 3905 Johns Creek Court #250, Suwanee, 770-888-5221. kidscreektherapy.com • Nancy Shertok, MSW, LCSW: 162 Prospect Place, Alpharetta, 678-929-5905. psycotherapy123.com • Paraclete Counseling Centers: 3905 Johns Creek Court, Suwanee, 770-753-0350. paracletecounseling.com • The Center for Psychotherapy of North Georgia: 634 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 678-513-7676. • The Summit Counseling Center: 2750 Old Alabama Road #200, Johns Creek, 678-893-5300. • Winward Psychology: 4895 Windward Pkwy, Suite 203, Alpharetta, 678-566-5000. winwardpsychology. com • Margot Vetrovsky, B.A. Cogmed and ADHD Coach: 314 Maxwell Rd, ste 400, Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-
442-9447 ext 114 margot@yourshrink.com • Dr. Malcolm Anderson, ph.D: 3355 Medlock Bridge Rd., Norcross, 770-582-0532, drmalcolmanderson.net
Dentists
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
• Dr. Sean Savedoff, the Thyroid Coach: 11040 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 770-731-9410. drsavedoff.com • Extraordinary Life Health Center 11500 Webb Bridge Way Ste 5A, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-744-6103, www.elhchealth.com • HealthSource Chiropractic: 5950 Bethelview Road #200, Cumming, 470-297-6112. healthsourceofcumming.com; 11180 State Bridge Road, Unit 501, Johns Creek, 770-927-4023. healthsourceofjohnscreek.com • Inspire Chiropractic: 2615 Peachtree Pkwy #270, Suwanee, 678-541-9100. goinspirechiropractic.com • Integrated Healthcare of Georgia: 11800 Northfall Lane, Suite 1403, Alpharetta. ihcog.com • North Atlanta Spine Chiropractic & Wellness: 5755 North Point Pkwy, Suite 4, Alpharetta, 678-691-3221 northatlantaspine.com • North Fulton Chiropractic Center: 254 N Main St, Alpharetta, 770-754-4567, nfultonchiro.com • South Main Chiropractic 401 South Main Street, Suite A-5, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-404-8944, www.mysouthmainchiro.com • The Health Doctors, PC 1700 Abbey Court, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-664-0099, www.gentledc.com • Vickery Chiropractic: 5830 Clarion Street, Suite 101, Cumming, 678-947-4449. vickerychiro.com • Willis Chiropractic: 317 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, 770-740-8740. willischiropractic.com
• Advanced Dental Associates: 285 Elm Street, Cumming, 770-887-2915. advanceddentalassociates.com • Alluring Cosmetic Dentistry: 800 Mansell Road, Roswell, 770-642-9900. alluringcosmeticdentistry.com • Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics: 4205 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, 770 664 4936. alpharettachildrensdentistry.com • Atlanta Dental Spa: 1875 Old Alabama Road, Suite 130, Roswell, 770-998-3838. atlantadentalspa. com • Avenue Dental: 983 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 770-888-4444. avenue-dental.com • Bloor Family Dentistry: 2500 Hospital Blvd, Suite 320, Roswell, 770-663-4435. webuildgreatsmiles. com • Bright Smiles Contemporary Family Dentistry: 907 Buford Hwy, Suite 100, Cumming, 678-922-8282. brightsmilesga.com • Bryan Family Dentistry: 403 East Maple Street, Cumming, 770-887-3223. bryanfamilydentistry.com • Byrd Dental Group 4000 North Point Parkway Ste 500, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 770-777-0911, www.byrddentalgroup.com • Center for Advanced Dentistry: 6916 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 500, Suwanee, 678-894-7926. hitechsmiles.com • Center For TMJ Therapy: 3590 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-521-1978, tmdatlanta.com • Children’s Dental Zone: 3719 Old Alabama Road #400, Alpharetta, 770-777-1222. childrensdentalzone.com • Children’s Dentistry of Cumming: 407 East Maple Street, #109, Cumming, 678-445-5444. childrensdds.com • Christy Haffner, DMD Pediatric Dentistry: 3300 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-777-9400. drchristyhaffner.com • ConfiDenT: 11550 Webb Bridge Way Suite 1, Alpharetta, 770-772-0994, confident-alpharetta.com • Cosmetic Dentistry Center of Alpharetta: 3070 Windward Plaza, Suite R, Terraces At Windward , Alpharetta, 678-894-8266. thesmileexperience.com • Crabapple Dental: 12670 Crabapple Road, Suite 110, Alpharetta, 678-379-4066. crabappledental. com • Cumming Dental Associate: 1200 Bald Ridge Marina Road, #200, Cumming, 770-781-8560. cummingdental.com
Medical Answer Book 2019 | 43
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
(Dentists continued) • Cumming Dental Care: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, 770-889-1990. cummingdentalcare. com • Cumming’s Family Dentist: 309 Pirkle Ferry Road, Cumming, 770-205-9226. cummingsfamilydentist.com • DeMercy Dental: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140, Roswell, 770-641-8010. demercydental.com • Dent1st Dental Care: 9775 Medlock Bridge Road #I, Johns Creek, 770-476-9595. dentfirst. com • Dental Town: 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Bldg 400, Suite 4250, Cumming, 770-887-8807. johnscreekdentaltown.com • Dentistry at Milton: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 506, Milton, 678-990-3358. dentistryatmilton.com • Dr. James Lamb, DMD, MS, PC: 285 Elm Street, Suite 103, Cumming, 678-455-7828. • Dr. Michael Leach, DDS: 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 201, Alpharetta, 770-521-8855. thekidstoothdoc.com • Dr. Robert Shackelford: 3915 Johns Creek Court, Suwanee, 770-442-8472. • Dr. Scott Flemming, DDS: 4895 Windward Parkway, Suite 100, Alpharetta, 770-475-4241. • Dr. Stuart Coe Dentistry: 11775 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-475-3600. roswell-dentist.com • Esthetic Dental Solutions: 2650 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 678-352-1333. estheticdentalsolutions.com • FAGD Family Dental Care: 3005 Old Alabama Road, Suite 320, Alpharetta, 770-475-7551. sabledds.com • Family & Cosmetic Dental Care: 2627 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite 440, Suwanee, 770-888-3384. myjohnscreekdentist.com • Family Dentistry of Forsyth: 3130 Mathis Airport Pkwy #309, Suwanee, 404-551-5550, familydentistryofforsyth.com • Golsen Family Dentistry: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-667-0669. golden.com • Good Dental Care: 910 Woodstock Road, Suite 110, Roswell, 770-518-7475. gooddentalcare.com • Grady Dental Care: 10710 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 678-957-0770. gradydentalcare.com • Imagix Dental: 11125 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-596-0529. • Ivy Dentistry: 11775 Northfall Lane #107, Alpharetta, 770-619-2909. ivydentistry.com • Johns Creek Dental Care: 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 311, Suwanee, 770-495-9575. johnscreekdental.com • Johns Creek Dental Creations: 9590 Medlock Bridge Road #B, Johns Creek, 770-623-1427. briangboothyp.com • Johns Creek Dental Excellence: 9925 Haynes Bridge 44 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Road #700, Johns Creek, 770-663-0333. • Jones Bridge Dental Care: 11925 Jones Bridge Road #200, Alpharetta, 770-772-0606. jbdentalcare.com • Lemons Dental Esthetics: 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Building B, Suwanee, 770-418-1414. lemonsdental.com • Milton Pediatric Dentistry: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 507, Milton, 678-352-1033. kidshappyteeth. com • Mint 32: 3005 Royal Blvd. South #150, Alpharetta, 770-417-0100. mint32.com • Montes Periodontics and Implant Dentistry: 520 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite B, Cumming, 770-325-5562. montesperiodontics.com • Muccioli Dental: 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 275, Johns Creek, 678-389-9955. mdentalsmiles.com • North Bridge Dental: 10955 Jones Bridge Road #129, Alpharetta, 678-319-0210. wizforteeth.com • North Georgia Smiles: 1595 Peachtree Parkway #207, Cumming, 770-888-8282. northgeorgiasmiles. com • North Fulton Smiles: 12315 Crabapple Rd #121, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770- 569-0613 northfultonsmiles.com • Old Milton Dental: 4165 Old Milton Parkway #190, Alpharetta, 678-624-0370. oldmiltondental.com • Oral Surgery Associates & Dental Implant Centers: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 160, Roswell, 678781-0050. georgia-oms.com • Pediatric Dentistry of Forsyth: 3810 Windermere Parkway #501, Cumming, 770-889-9600. drjasonbongiovi.com • Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 10930 Crabapple Road Suite 106, Roswell, GA 30075, 678-582-1557, https://kidshappyteeth.com • Polish Dental Center: 4640 Valais Court, Suite 102, Alpharetta, 770-642-4711, smilepolish.com • PolkaDot Pediatric Dentistry: 4190 Old Milton Pkwy, Suit 2K, Alpharetta, 678-389-6669. polkadotdental. com • Reich Dental Center: 4849 S Cobb Dr,, Smyrna, 770435-5450, reichdentalcenter.com • Roswell Dental Care, Dr. David Remaley: 1570 Old Alabama Road, Suite 102, Roswell, 470-375-9241. roswelldentalcare.com • Roswell Family Dentist: 380 Market Place, Roswell, 770-998-6000. roswellfamilydentistry.com • Roswell Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics: 10930 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 678-352-1090. kidshappyteeth.com • Sandra Vargas Dental Care: 5805 State Bridge Road, Suite L, Duluth, 678-474-4917. smilegeorgia.com • Smile Magic Dentistry: 2880 Old Alabama Rd, Alpharetta, 678-240-2777, smilemagicga.com • Stone, Stone & Elliot: 4205 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-475-4449. stonestoneandelliott.com • The Dentist: 1024 Market Place Blvd., Cumming,
Dermatologists
• Aesthetic Dermatology PC: 960 Sanders Road, #300, Cumming, 770-205-0104. aestheticdermpc. com • Aesthetic Specialty Centre: 1825 Old Alabama Road, Suite 201, Roswell, 770- 393-9000, asc-psd.com • Atlanta Center-for Dermatologic Diseases: 327 Dahlonega Road, #1501, Cumming, 770-844-1902. atlcenterforderm.com • Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases: 3400 C Old Milton Pkwy, #340, Alpharetta, 770-664-5225. atlcenterforderm.com • Atlanta Dermatology, Vein and Research Center: 77800 Atlantis Place, Alpharetta, 770-360-8881. dermandvein.com • Dermatology Affiliates 401 South Main Street, Ste A2, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 404-816-7900, https://dermatologyaffiliates. com/ • Derm Clinic: 425 Peachtree Pkwy #345, Cumming, GA 30041, (404) 937-3447, dermclinicmd.com • Dermatology & Skin Cancer Prevention Center: 3275 Market Place Blvd., #250, Cumming, 770-389-9116. dermskincancerprevention.com • Dermatology Specialist of Georgia 4360 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Suite 260, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-452-5667, https:// mydermspecialists.com/location/dunwoody/ • Dermatology Center of Atlanta: 9900 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-497-0699. dermatologyatlanta.com • Georgia Dermatology Center: 1505 Northside Blvd., #1500, Cumming, 770-781-5077. dadermctr.com • Goodman Dermatology: 2500 Hospital Blvd., #280, Roswell, 770-754-0787. • Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Duluth, 770-771-6591. johnscreekdermatology.com • Live Oak Dermatology 135 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075 678-870-2020, www.liveoakdermatl.com • North Atlanta Dermatology: 3370 Paddocks Pkwy, Suwanee, 770-814-8222. naderm.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of
Atlanta: 3180 North Point Pkwy #420, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com • Steele Dermatology 11500 Webb Bridge Way, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-464-6000, www.steeledermatology.com • The Fountain Laser Hair Removal: 4245 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite E, Suwanee, 770623-3334. thefountainlaser.com
Diabetes
• North Georgia Diabetes: 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, 770-886-3842
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
770-844-6771. • The Martin Dental Center: 45 W. Crossville Road, Suite 505, Roswell, 770-993-7472. themartindentalcenter.com • Walls & Hendricks: 10700 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-813-0079. shawnwallsdds.com • Windermere Dental: 3860 Windermere Parkway, Suite 201, Cumming, 678-455-3734. windermeredentalcare.com • Windward Dental Care: 12850 Highway 9 North, #400, Alpharetta, 770-569-7580. windwarddental. com
Ear Nose & Throat
• Atlanta Allergy & Asthma: Multiple Atlanta Metro Locations, atlantaallergy.com • Northside ENT: 1360 Upper Hembree Rd. Suite 20, Roswell, 770-475-3361. chacko@allergy.com • North Fulton ENT 2500 Hospital Blvd., Suite 450, Roswell, GA 30074 770-343-8675, www.northfultonent.com
Family Medicine
• Alpha Family Medicine: 480 N Main St #202, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 619-1974, alphafammed.com • Alpharetta Family Practice: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 585, Alpharetta, 770-475-3200. • Campbell Family Medicine: 410 Peachtree Pkwy, Cumming, 678-474-4742. campbellfamilymedicine. com • Cash Family Health: 11285 Elkins Road, Roswell, 678-760-3800 • Complete Family Healthcare: 2520 Northwinds Parkway, #150, Alpharetta, 770-772-3500. • Cumming Family Medicine: 765 Lanier 400 Parkway, Cumming, 770-205-1294. cummingfamilymedicine. com • Crabapple Family Medicine 2700 Abbey Court, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-772-4233, www.crabapplefamilymedicine.com • Dr. Leslie S. Gaskill, MD: 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Bldg 200, Suite 201, Johns Creek, 770-495-9995. drlesliegaskill.com • emedical Associates: 3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd #501, Cumming, GA 30041, 678-736-6000, encountermedicalassociates.com • Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine, Dr. Zack Charkawi: 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 100, Johns Creek, 770-771-6591. johnscreekdermatology.com • Lanier Family Healthcare: 5830 Bond Street, #200, Cumming, 770-205-5518. lfhllc.com • Longevity Health Center: 1745 Woodstock Road, Roswell, 770-642-4646. longevityhealthcenter.com Medical Answer Book 2019 | 45
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
(Family Medicine continued) • Morrow Family Medicine: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd. Suite 150, Cumming, 12970 Hwy. 9, Milton, GA 30004 770-781- 8004 morrowfammed.com • North Atlanta Primary Care: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Suite C270, Alpharetta, 770-442- 1911. napc.com • North Chattahoochee Family Physicians: 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 770-497-1555. ncfpinfo.com • Northside Primary Care: 11800 Northfall Lane #1401, Alpharetta, 678-867-0904. draazrumsyed.com • Pandya Medical Center: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd, Suite 220, Cumming, 770-373-7704. pandyamedicalcenter.com • Perimeter Medical Wellness: 1250 Upper Hembree Road, Suite B, Roswell, 770-274-9511. perimetermedicalwellness.com • Physicians Immediate Med: 10905 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-505-3000. physiciansimmediatemed.com • Renew Health Medical Center: 11550 Jones Bridge Rd #4, Alpharetta, 678-297-0901. renewforhealth. com • The Longstreet Clinic, P.C.: Multiple Locations, 770718-1122. longstreetclinic.com
Gastroenterologists
• Atlanta Gastroenterology: Offices in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek & Cumming, 866-468-6242. atlantagastro.com • Digestive Care Physicians: 1505 Northside Blvd, Suite 2850, Cumming, 770-227-2222; 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 450, Johns Creek, 770-227-2222. digestivecarephysicians.com • GI North: 1505 Northside Blvd., Suite 1800, Cumming, 404-446-0600. gi-north.com • Gastroenterology Consultants, P.C. M. Thomas Riddick, MD, Multiple Locations 770-442-5882, www.gastroenterologyconsultants.net
Hair Restoration
• Anderson Center for Hair: 5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd #106, Atlanta, 2710 Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 150, Alpharetta, GA 30009 404-256-4247. atlantahairsurgeon.com • North Atlanta Hair Restoration: 631 N Main St #200, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 678-845-7521 nahairrestoration.com
Holistic/Alternative Medicine
• Advanced Health to Be: 595 E. Crossville Road, Suite 300, Roswell, 678-900-2105, advancedhealthtobe.com • Ahimki Center for Wholeness: 555 Sun Valley Dr, Roswell, 770-552-4242, ahimki.net 46 | Medical Answer Book 2019
• Alpharetta Wellness Clinic: 5755 North Point Pkwy #89, Alpharetta, 770-777-0129, www.alpharettawellness.com • Center for Advanced Medicine: 3333 Old Milton Pkwy suite 560, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-551-2730. advanced-med.com • Foundation Therapy Center: 11660 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 560, Roswell, 770-753-9195, foundationtherapy. com • Medical Fitness and Wellness Group: 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd, #105, Johns Creek, 770-623-4078, exercise4prevention.com • Natural Medical Solutions 1130 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, GA 30076 770-674-6311, www.natmedsol.com • Integrative Healthcare of Atlanta: 1342 Auburn Rd., #114, Dacula, 770-237-5534, integrativehealthcareofatlanta.com • Functional Medicine Georgia: 13680 Hwy 9 N, Bldg. F – #400, Milton, 678-242-0219, functionalmedicinega.com
Hospitals
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: 3795 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, 404-785-6880. choa.com • Emory Johns Creek Hospital: 6325 Hospital Parkway, Johns Creek, 678-474-7000. emoryjohnscreek.com • Gwinnett Medical Center: 3620 Howell Ferry Road, Duluth, 678-312-6800; 1000 Medical Center Blvd, Lawrenceville, 678 312-1000. gwinnettmedicalcenter. com • WellStar North Fulton Hospital: 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell, 770-751-2536. wellstar.org • Northeast Georgia Medical Center: 743 Spring Street, Gainesville, 770-219-9000. nghs.com • Northside Hospital: 1200 Northside Forsyth Drive, Cumming, 770-844-3200; 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-667-4000. northside.com • Piedmont Hospital: 104 Prominence Point Parkway #104, Canton, 770-704-6988. piedmont.org • St.Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta: 1400 Hembree Road, Roswell, 678-319-4736. stjosephsatlanta.org • Regency Hospital: 11175 Cicero Drive, Alpharetta, 770-772-4345. regencyhospital.com
Internal Medicine
• Alpha Medical Centre: 3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 128-A, Johns Creek, 770-821-1940. • Alpharetta & Cumming Internal Medicine: 1380 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 770-475-2377. alpharettainternalmed.com • Comprehensive Internal Medicine: 3890 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-622-9002. cimedicine.com • Eagle Medical Center: 804 Bombay Lane, Roswell, 770-754-9880. myeaglemedicalcenter.com • Elite Care Internal Medicine: 1240 Upper Hembree Road, Suite D, Roswell, 770-667-0810. elitecareim. com
Medical Supply
• Heavenly Wheels: 6375 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 101, Johns Creek, 888-792-0301 Ext. 3. heavenlywheels.com • Mobility Express: 1580 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 3, Roswell, 770-998-9984. mobility4all.com
OB/GYN
• Alpharetta Women’s Health Group: 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming, 770-888-3358. awhg.org • Alpharetta Women’s Specialists: 1360 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 101, Roswell, 770-817-1970. awsobgyn.com • Chattahoochee Gynecology: 6610 McGinnis Ferry Road, Johns Creek. 770-813-8742 • Nile: 401 South Main Street, Suite B-8, Alpharetta, 770-521-2229. isisobgyn.com • Modern OB/GYN: locations in Alpharetta, Johns Creek & Cumming 404-446-2496. reyesobgyn.com • North Pointe OB/GYN: 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 350, Cumming, 770-886-3555; 81 Northside Dawson Drive, Suite 305, Dawsonville, 770-886-3555. npobgyn.com • Peachtree Women’s Clinic: 11975 Morris Road, Suite 300, Alpharetta, 678-205-9004. peachtreewomensclinic.com • Providence Women’s Healthcare: 1300 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 770-6770-6170. providencewomenshealthcare.com
Oncologists
• Atlanta Cancer Care: 1505 Northside Blvd. #4600, Cumming, 770-205-5292; 1357 Hembree Road, Suite 230, Roswell, 770-740-9664. atlantacancercare.com • Center for Advanced Medicine: 3333 Old Milton Pkwy suite 560, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-5512730. advanced-med.com
Orthodontics
• Braces Braces: 5215 Windward Pkwy Suite D, Alpharetta, 770-763-7923, braces-braces.com • Dr. James B. Gray, DMD PC: 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 240, Roswell, 770-993-6292. creatingsmiles.net • Hiser Orthodontics: 285 Elm Street, Suite 101, Cumming, 770-888-7798. hiserortho.com
• Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 10930 Crabapple Road Suite 106, Roswell, GA 30075, 678-582-1557, https:// kidshappyteeth.com • Smile Doctors Braces by Jordan Orthodontics 4205 North Point Parkway Bldg B, Alpharetta, GA 30022\, 770-751-1240, http://orthodontist.smiledoctors.com/GA/ alpharetta/30022/4205-north-point-parkway • Walton Orthodontics: 2609 Peachtree Pkwy, Suite C, Suwanee, 770-663-0955. drwalton.com • Windermere Orthodontics: 3120 Mathis Airport Pkwy #106, Suwanee, 770-888-1929, windermereorthodontics.com
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
• Internal Medicine of Johns Creek: 3340 Paddocks Parkway, Suwanee, 678-474-9633. imajohnscreek. com • Johns Creek Primary Care Physicians: 4365 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 400, Suwanee, 678-957-1910. johnscreekprimarycare.com • Spectrum Internal Medicine: 401 South Main Street, Alpharetta, 678-319-9901. spectruminternalmed. com
Ophthalmologists
• Eye Associates of North Atlanta: 5755 North Point Pkwy, Suite 94, Alpharetta, 470-767-8287. eyeassociatesofnorthatlanta.com • Family Eyecare of Roswell: 910 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 100, Roswell, 770-992-6789. familyeyecareofroswell.com • Milan Eye Center: Locations in Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Cumming, 470-326-0330. milaneyecenter. com • North Georgia Eye Clinic: 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-292-1999; 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325, Johns Creek, 470-3260330. northgeorgiaeyeclinic.com • Thomas Eye Group: 11690 Alpharetta Hwy., Roswell, 770-475-5515; 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 101, Suwanee, 770-809-3366. thomaseye.com
Optometrists
• Clarity Vision Group: 1780 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 301, Cumming, 770 205-2520. clarity-vision.com • Eye Care Solutions: 12630 Crabapple Rd. Milton, 678-909-9864 eyecaresolutionsatl.com • North Point Eye Care: 5755 North Point Pkwy #222, Alpharetta, 770-410-1540 • Reimbold Eye Group: 4180 Old Milton Parkway, 1-D, Alpharetta, 770-776-9000. reimboldeye.com
Orthopaedics
• Bender Orthopaedics: 11660 Alpharetta Hwy ste 630, Roswell, GA 30076, 678-297-7588 benderorthopaedics.net • OrthoAtlanta: 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 400, Johns Creek, 678-205-4261, orthoatlanta.com • Ortho TLC: 1120 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 106, Suwanee, 770-814-2223. orthotlc.com • Resurgens Orthopedics: 1285 Hembree Rd, Suite 200-A, Roswell, 770-475-2710. Other Metro Atlanta locations. resurgens.com
Pediatricians
• Alpharetta Pediatrics: 102 Pilgrim Medical Answer Book 2019 | 47
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
(Pediatricians continued) Village Drive #300, Cumming, 678-947-4588. alpharettapediatricsonline.com • Children’s Medical Group: 6918 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, 770-622-5758. cmg- pc.com • Children’s Special Services, LLC: 7501 Auden Trail, Atlanta, 770-394-9791. childrens- services.com • Children’s Therapy Works: 11940 Alpharetta Highway #150, Alpharetta, 770-754-0085. childrenstherapyworks.com • Cumming Pediatric Group PC: 1505 Northside Forsyth Drive #3600, Cumming, 770-888-8888. cummingpediatricgroup.net • Dunwoody Pediatrics: 3300 Old Milton Parkway #200, Alpharetta, 770-664-9299. dunwoodypediatrics.com • Georgetown Pediatrics: 416 Pirkle Ferry Road, Suite J300, Cumming, 770-889-9142; 6300 Hospital Parkway, Suite 125, Johns Creek, 770-814-8883; 3400A Old Milton Pkwy, Suite 510, Alpharetta, 770475-2233. georgetownpediatrics.com • Intown Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine: 490 Bill Kennedy Way, Atlanta, 404-446-4726. intownpediatrics.com • Lakeside Pediatrics: 204 Canton Road, Cumming. 770-886-5437 • Main Street Internal Medicine and Pediatrics: 401 South Main Street #C5, Alpharetta, 678-205-2437. msimap.com • North Fulton Pediatrics: 1285 Hembree Road, #100, Roswell, 770-442-1050; 11975 Morris Road #210, Alpharetta, 770-664-0088. northpointpediatrics.com • Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, P.A. (PAMPA) 11755 Pointe Place Suite C, Roswell, GA 30076 770-346-8450, http://www.pampapediatrics.com • Pediatric Physicians PC: 1111 Alderman Drive, Alpharetta, 678-527-1555. pediatricphysicianspc.com • Pediatric Place: 9570 Nesbit Ferry Road #201, Alpharetta, 770-640-8119. thepediatricplace.com • Pediatrics and Genetic: 3586 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-346-0132. pediatricsgenetics.com • Pediatric Physicians, PC 11050 Crabapple Road Suite 120, Roswell, GA 30075, 770-518-9277, http://www.pediatricphysicianspc.com • Rainbow Pediatric Clinic: 1670 Buford Highway, Cumming, 770-781-1606. rainbowpedclinic.com • Roswell Pediatric Center: 110 North Corners Parkway #100, Cumming, 770-888-2882; 12385 Crabapple Road, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-3439900; 3400-C Old Milton Parkway #545, Alpharetta, 770-751-0800. roswellpediatrics.com • Vickery Pediatrics: 410 Peachtree Parkway #4260, Cumming, 678-990-2501. vickerypeds.com
Plastic Surgery 48 | Medical Answer Book 2019
• John Connors, MD Plastic Surgery 2710 Old Milton Parkway Suite 175, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 755 Mt. Vernon Hwy NE Ste 250, Atlanta, GA 30328, 404-348-4456, www.drjohnconnors.com • Luna Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa: 6335 Hospital Parkway, Suite 216, Johns Creek, 678-8927820. lunaplasticsurgery.com • Milan Eye Center: 6300 Hospital Pkwy, Suite 325, Johns Creek; 970 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 470-326-0330. milaneyecenter.com • Northside Plastic Surgery: 11681 Haynes Bridge Rd, #200, Alpharetta, 770-475-3146, northsideplasticsurgery.com • Premier Image Cosmetic and Laser Surgery: 10779 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076, 770645-4310, picosmeticsurgery.com • Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery 3400 Old Milton Pkwy, Building C, Suite 330 Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-667-3090, www.robinsonfps.com • The Golden Clinic: 1240 Upper Hembree Rd., Roswell, GA 30076, 770-754-4111, goldencosmeticsurgery.com • The Swan Center: 4165 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 200 East, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 770-667-0904. swancenteratlanta.com
Podiatry
• Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia - Johns Creek Office: 4385 Johns Creek Pkwy #200, Johns Creek, 770-418-0456. atlpod.com • Dr. Joel Schancupp 1030 Woodstock Road, Suite 3106, Roswell, GA 30075, 770-993-0880, http://www.roswellpodiatrist.com/ • Village Podiatry Centers: 960 Sanders Road, Suite 100, Cumming, 770-889-9596; 3506 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678-867-7053; 11459 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 260, Johns Creek, 770-232-5030; 1350 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 100, Roswell, 770-663-8011. villagepodiatrycenters.com
Physical Therapy
• Body N Balance: 3005 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, 770-552-8852, bnbstudio.com • Champion Physical Therapy: 540 Lake Center Pkwy, Suite 107, Cumming, 770-205-3939. champtionpt.net • Code V Performance 12600 Deerfield Parkway Ste 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-687-8023, www.codevperformance.com • LeBarnes Pelvic Therapy: 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite C1, Roswell, 678-835-8494, lebarnespelvictherapy.com • PT360: 5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy. #1401, Suwanee, 770-225-8860, pt360atl.com • Johns Creek Physical Therapy: 4060 Johns Creek Pkwy., Suite H, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-622-5344, johnscreekpt.com • Theraways
Prosthetists
• Custom Ocular Prosthetics: 401 S. Main St. #B6, Alpharetta, 770-667-1166. • Fourroux Prosthetics: 6630 McGinnis Ferry Road, Duluth, 678-584-1706. fourrouxprosthetics.com • Pinnacle Prosthetics: 80 Mill Street, Roswell, 770998-5547.
Senior Care
• Advantage Senior Care: 404-312-6423. advantageseniorcareinc.com • Cambridge Health Home Care: 3060 Royal Blvd South #155, Alpharetta, 404-935-5900. cambridgehealth.org • Cara Vita Home Care: 648 Mimosa Blvd, Roswell, 770-643-1712. caravitahomecare.com • CareMinders Home Care: 178 South Main Street, Suite 310, Alpharetta, 770-973-6400. careminders.com • Comfort Keepers: 2475 Northwinds Parkway, Suite 200, Alpharetta, 770-753-6457. • Golden Home Services: 11205 Alpharetta Highway, STE F5, Roswell, 678-242-0084. • Dependable Homecare Services: 5510 Commons Lane, Johns Creek, 770-881-7101. dependablehomecare.net • Easy Living Services, Inc.: 120 Prospect Place, Alpharetta, 770-727-1486. easylivingservices.com. • Home Helpers Home Care: 5755 North Point Pkwy Suite 281, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 678-430-8511 HomeHelpersHomeCare.com/Alpharetta • Hometown Hearts: 10180 Hickory Flat Hwy, Woodstock, 678-597-8440, hometownhearts.org • InterMed Homecare: 1580 Warsaw Rd, Roswell, 770-455-3817, intermedhomehealth.com • Life Balance Home Care: 290 S. Main Street, Suite 500 Alpharetta, 770-663-4100. lifebalancehomecare. com • Mobility Partners: 980 Birmingham Road, Suite 501, Alpharetta, 678-221-4006 • NexSeason Transitions: Alpharetta, 404-439-1022, nexseasontransitions.com • Seen Your Way: 1218 W. Paces Ferry, Suite 204, Atlanta, 404-981-2273. seenyourway.com • Senior Helpers: 294 S Main Street #500, Alpharetta, 404-857-2209. seniorhelpers.com • SaraCare Adult Day Care: 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 770-476-8400. sarahcare.com • Synergy HomeCare: 11380 Southbridge Parkway, Suite 225, Alpharetta, 770-777-4781. synergyhomecare.com • The Memory Center: 12050 Findley Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30097, 678-456-4304, thememorycenter.com • Visiting Angels: 11775 Northfall Lane, Suite 207, Alpharetta, 678-277-9930. visitingangels.com
Senior Centers
• Alpharetta Senior Center: 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta, 678-297-6140. • Crabapple Senior Center: 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, 770-751-9397 • Forsyth County Senior Center: 2 Tri-County Plaza, Cumming, 770-844-7500. • Hembree Senior Care Center: 1130 Upper Hembree Road, Roswell, 678-485-7362 • Roswell Senior Center: 1250 Warsaw Road, Roswell, 770-640-1583
Senior Living
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
631 N. Main Street Suite 201, Alpharetta, GA 30009 678- 694-8772, https://theraways.com/
• Addington Place of Alpharetta: 762 N Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-319-3000 • Addington Place of Johns Creek: 5050 Kimball Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30005 770-754-5446 • Arbor Terrace: 3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, 770-599-2068. at-johnscreek.com; 12200 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, 678-894-7803. at-crabapple.com • Ashwood Meadows: 11190 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-476-4429. • Atria North Point: 100 Somerby Dr, Alpharetta, 770872-0423, atriaseniorliving.com • Belmont Village: 4315 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 770-813-9505. johnscreek.belmontvillage. com • Brickmont Assisted Living: 2925 Webb Rd., Alpharetta, 678-765-9882, brickmont.com • Brookdale Big Creek Roswell: 655 Mansell Road, Roswell, 844-422-2821. Brookdalecom • Brookdale Chambrel Roswell: 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell, 770-232-6432. brookdale.com • Brookdale Historic Roswell: 75 Magnolia Street, Roswell, 770-650-7688. brookdale.com • Cambridge Memory Care: 4040 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 678-266-4065. cambridgeassistedliving.org • Celebration Village: 3000 Celebration Boulevard, Suwanee, GA 30024, 800-791-4987 cvillage.com • Chambrel at Roswell: 1000 Applewood Drive, Roswell, 770-594-4600. brookdaleliving.com/ chambrel-at-roswell • Churchill Manor: 143 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta, 770-667-6078. churchillmanor.net • Cottonwood Estates: 255 Vaughn Drive, Alpharetta, 678-999-6810. seniorlivinginstyle.com • Crabapple Hall: 200 Pine Valley Drive, Alpharetta, 770-664-9264. crabapplehall.com • Cumming Manor: 2775 Castleberry Road, Cumming, 770-781-2300. • Discovery Village at Sugarloaf 1220 Satellite Blvd NW, Suwanee, GA 30024 770-239-6227, www.discoveryvillages.com • Dogwood Forest: 253 North Main Street, Alpharetta, 770-410-9169; 4125 North Point Parkway,
Medical Answer Book 2019 | 49
DIRECTORY OF DOCTORS
(Senior Living continued) Alpharetta, 678-366-7700. dogwoodforestnorthpoint.com • Eden Brook: 4125 N Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678-366-7700. sunriseseniorliving.com • Elmcroft of Roswell: 400 Marietta Highway, Roswell, 770-650-0555. elmcroftal.com • Freedom Pointe Roswell: 75 Magnolia Street, Roswell, 770-645-1900. brookdaleliving.com • Georgian Lakeside: 1070 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell, 678-367-4744. georgianlakeside.com • Gardens of Roswell: 9212 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta, 770-992-0505. • Hearthside Johns Creek: 11340 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, 770-418- 0555. hearthsidejohnscreek.com • Hearthstone Assisted Living: 350 Market Place, Roswell, 770-552-1091 • Laurel Creek Manor: 7955 Majors Road, Cumming, 678-456-8363. laurelcreekmanorcommunity.com • Inspired Living at Alpharetta: 11450 Morris Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005, inspiredliving.care 470-5398290 • Ivy Hall Assisted Living: 5690 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-814-0114. • Ivy Hall at St. Ives: 5835 Medlock Bridge Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-476-1777. • Manor on the Square: 550 Barrington Drive, Roswell, 770-993-8040. manoronthesquare.net • Merrill Gardens at Roswell: 655 Mansell Road, Roswell, 678-894-7820. merrillgardens.com/ assisted_living • Morningside of Alpharetta: 253 North Main St., Alpharetta, 770-410-9169. morningsideofalpharetta.com • Parc Alpharetta: 1000 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta, 770346-9011. watertonresidential.com • Parc at Duluth: 3315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Duluth, 770-622-6880. duluth.parccommunities.com • Roswell Senior Living: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-450-4875. pacificaroswell.com • Sanford Estates: 500 Walton Way, Roswell, GA 30076, (770) 679-2172, seniorlivinginstyle.com • Somerby of Alpharetta: 100 Somerby Drive, Alpharetta, 770-650-9577. somerbyofalpharetta.com • Sunrise of Ivey Ridge: 2950 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta, 770-475-6622. sunriseiveyridge.com • Sunrise of Johns Creek: 11405 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-814-0505. sunrisejohnscreek.com • Tapestry House: 2725 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-649-0808. tapestryhouseassistedliving.com • The Mansions of Alpharetta: 3700 Brookside Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30022, 470-365-2800 mansionsseniorliving.com • The Oaks Senior Living: 5610 Hampton Park Drive, Cumming, 678-965-5700; 255 Elm Street, 50 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Cumming, 770-889-7889; 3875 Post Road, Cumming, 770-886-2630. oaksseniorliving.com • The Phoenix at Milton: 13943 Hwy. 9 N, Milton, 678212-1166, phoenixsrliving.com • The Veranda of Roswell: 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, 770-521-9913. verandaroswell.com • Towne Club Windermere: 3950 Towne Club Pkwy, Cumming, 770-844-7779. towneclubwindermere.com • Vickery Rose Retirement Community: 295 East Crossville Road Roswell, GA 30075 • Village Park of Alpharetta – Wills Park: 12300 Morris Road, Alpharetta. 678-740-3499. villageparkseniorliving.com • Village Park of Alpharetta – Corner of HWY 9 and Wills Road: Alpharetta. 678-740-3499. villageparkseniorliving.com • Villas at Canterfield: 745 Atlanta Road, Cumming, 770-888-4929. thevillasatcanterfield.com • Willow Lake Senior Living: 4855 Willow Lake Lane, Cumming, 770-887-7000. willowlakeseniorliving.com
Shelters/Outreach
• Find a way home: 89 Grove Way, Suite 101, Roswell, 770-645-0050. • Fulton Families Matter: 929 Zion Circle, Roswell, 770-993-0207. • Habitat for Humanity: 133 Samaritan Drive, Cumming, 770-886-4939; 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell, 770-587-9679. • Hightower Association Food Bank: 1120 Pilgrim Road, Cumming, 770-205-2464. • Homestretch: 89 Grove Way, Roswell, 770-6429185. homestretch.org • IM In A Family Receiving Homes, Inc: 3482 Keith Bridge Road #126, Cumming, 770-889-7950. • Lost Ones, Inc: 1158 Canton Street, Roswell, 770993-0055. • North Fulton Community Charities: 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell, 770-640-0399. nfcchelp.org • The Drake House: 10500 Clara Drive, Roswell, 770587-4712. thedrakehouse.org • The Place of Forsyth County: 2550 The Place Circle, Cumming, 770-887-1098. theplaceofforsyth.com
Sleep Assistance
• Fusion Sleep: 4265 Johns Creek Parkway, Suwanee, 678-990-3962. fusionsleep.com • Georgia Neurology & Sleep Medicine Associates: 4385 Johns Creek Pkwy., #230, Suwanee, GA 30024, 770-814-9455, ganeurosleep.com
Specialty
• Aesthetic Specialty Centre: 1825 Old Alabama Road, Suite 201, Roswell, 770-393-9000. aestheticspecialtycentre.com • AYA Medical Spa: 2130 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (678) 534-5035, ayaskincare.com
• Forma Medical Aesthetics 1124 Canton Street, Roswell, GA 30075 770-568-0092, www.formamedical.org • Georgia Reproductive Specialists: 3400 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, 404-843-2229. ivf.com • Ideal Image 5530 Windward Parkway Ste 1210, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 678-681-9678, www.idealimage.com • Sunrise Detox: 4500 North Point Pkwy, Alpharetta, 678-762-0370. • Total You Med Spa 488 North Main Street, Suite 107, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 770-872-0522, www.totalyoumedspa.com • Lyfewell Integrative Healthcare: 10700 Medlock Bridge Rd., Suite 103, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 770629-0093, www.lyfewell.com • Vernu Med Spa 501 South Main Street, Suite 202, Alpharetta, GA 30009, (770) 559-0055, www.vernumedspa.com • IceBox Cryotherapy 2685 Old Milton Parkway Ste 125, Alpharetta, GA 30009, 470-268-4655, www.iceboxtherapy.com
Surgery Centers
• Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions: 6920 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, 678-205-8400. advancedplasticsurgerysolutions.com • Byrd Aesthetic: 11050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, 770-587-1711. byrdaesthetic.com • Grady Health System: 1143 Alpharetta Street, Roswell, 404-616-1550. gradyhealth.org • High Field Open MRI: 10630 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, 770-649-8500. highfieldopenmri.com • North Fulton Health Center: 3155 Royal Drive # 125, Alpharetta, 404-332-1958. • The Oral, Facial and Implant Surgery Center, LLC: 975 Peachtree Parkway, Suite C., Cumming, 770312-1544. ofisurgerycenter.com
Urgent Cares
• American Family Care: 12994 Highway 9 N, Alpharetta, 678-205-8155. americanfamilycare.com • Atlanta Cancer Care: 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-770-1314. atlantacancercare.com • Bethany Bend Urgent Care: 13081 Highway 9 North, Alpharetta, 678-671-3890. bethanybendurgentcare. com • ChoiceOne Urgent Care: 5910 Suwanee Dam Rd #100, Sugar Hill, 470-326-7600, choiceoneuc.com • Doctors Express: 12315 Crabapple Road, Suite 108, Alpharetta, 678-762-9292. doctorsexpressalpharetta. com • Georgia Urgent Care: 1360 Upper Hembree Road #100, Roswell, 678-393-6482. georgiaurgentcare. com • LiveOn Health Center: 6385 McGinnis Ferry Road,
Suite 202, Johns Creek, 770-255-4226. liveoncenter.com • MedPost Urgent Care: 12460 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta, 678-762-0574; 5655 Atlanta Hwy., Alpharetta, 770-343-6364. medpost.com • Northside Primary Care: 11820 Northfall Ln Suite 1103, Alpharetta, 678-867-0904, northsideprimarycare.com • Northside Urgent Care and Family Medicine: 5610 Bethelview Road, Cumming, 770-205-2804; 11180 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-754-0788. northsideurgentcare.com • Physician’s Express Care: 11705 Jones Bridge Road, Suit A 201, Johns Creek, 770-772-1830. getexpresscare.com • Piedmont Urgent Care by Wellstreet: 10945 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 404- 996-0194; 2701 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-998-7611; 6660 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, 404-996-0195; 13081 Highway 9, Alpharetta, 770- 521-6690; wellstreet.com • Primecare Urgent Care: 1628 Market Place Blvd., Cumming, 770-292-9982. • Reagan Medical Center: 10160 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 678-387-1600. reaganmedical.com • Roswell Urgent Care Center: 660 W. Crossville Road #110, Roswell, 678-436-5266. roswellurgentcare.com • SmartCare: 540 East Crossville Road, Suite 210, Roswell, 770-510-1850. smartcareuc.com • Sugerloaf Medical PC: 1300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee, 770-831-3018. sugarloafmedical.com • Urgent Care of Atlanta: 5304 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, 770-777-2062. urgentcareatlanta.com
Urologists
• Advanced Urology Multiple Locations, 440-238-7834, www.advancedurology.com • Georgia Urology: 3400-C Old Milton Pkwy., Suite 535, Alpharetta, 770-772-4427; 1800 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 370, Cumming, 770-889-9737; 11459 Johns Creek Pkwy., Suite 170, Johns Creek, 678-417-0400; 1357 Hembree Road, Suite 250, Roswell, 770-475-7550. gaurology.com • South Atlanta Urology: 5400 Laurel Springs Parkway #1403, Suwanee, 678-845-0390.
Vein Specialists
• Atlanta Vein Specialists: 4060 Johns Creek Parkway, Johns Creek, 678-315-3511. atlveins.com • Heart and Vascular Care: 3970 Deputy Bill Cantrell Memorial Rd, Suite 100, Cumming, 678-466-7389. hvcmd.com • North Georgia Vein Institute: Cumming, 678-5131600. northgeorgiavein.com • Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta: 3180 North Point Pkwy #420, Alpharetta, GA 30005, 678-345-1899 premierdermatologyatlanta.com Medical Answer Book 2019 | 51
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YMCA
• Alpharetta: 3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta, 770-664-1220. ymca.net • Cumming: 6050 Y St., Cumming 770-888-2788 - ymca.net
➀ go to NorthFulton.com ➁ Click on Podcasts ➂ Select A Podcast
News & Politics
(Vein Specialist continued) • Vein Solutions: 1505 Northside Blvd., Cumming, 678-513-4275. veinsolutions.com • VeinInnovations: 4255 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suite D, Suwanee, 678-731-9815; 5673 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 340, Atlanta, 678-731-9815.
HOW
Parenting
The Directory of Doctors is not a complete, comprehensive list of every doctor, practice or office in the area. If you wish to be included in the 2020 edition, please contact Carson Cook at carson@ appenmediagroup.com.
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900 Sanders Road, Suite A; Cumming, Ga. 30041 Request an appointment with a cardiologist at one of The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center by calling 770-742-7901 or by visiting heartngmc.org /myappointment
52 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Neurologist talks Alzheimer’s treatment, better brain health By JULIA GROCHOWSKI
T
he brain is a person’s greatest asset in life, yet people tend to devote a disproportionately low amount of time growing and caring for it. That’s according to board-certified neurologist Joshua Turknett who spoke to the Roswell Rotary Club in January 2019. “The brain is the mediator of every single experience that we will ever have,” Turknett said. “Despite the fact that it is our greatest asset, despite the fact that it is the only source of our wellbeing, we tend to give it less attention than it deserves. And even worse, in some cases, we do things that undermine its function and compromise its long-term health.” People may not realize how much they can do to protect and help the brain, Turknett said. Alzheimer’s is one disease that has continued to plague many because of that lack of information, he added. Turknett received his undergraduate degree in neuroscience from Wesleyan University and his graduate degree from Emory University. While he was at medical school, Turknett said that the overall view of Alzheimer’s research was very positive and that people were expecting to find a breakthrough cure soon. Turknett asked one of his professors just before he graduated in 2000 when the professor thought a cure would be found. And the professor told him that his conservative estimate was 10 years. But, Turkett said, it’s almost been 20 years since that moment, and researchers still haven’t developed anything better than what was available while he was still earning his degree. It’s become so stark that several major players in the drug industry, most noticeably Pfizer, have given up on Alzheimer’s research and no longer fund it for lack for results, he added. But, there’s still hope. “We’re going about it the wrong way,” Turknett said. “We’re using the wrong tools, drugs. It’s like taking a hammer to a screwdriver.” The answer, according to Turknett, lies in studying mismatch diseases, also known as diseases of civilization. Several diseases like diabetes, hypertension and Alzheimer’s tend to crop up primarily in several modern
JULIA GROCHOWSKI/HERALD
Josh Turknett plays the banjo, a skill that inspired him to create Brainjo, a company that uses learning and neuroplasticity science to create optimized learning systems.
Western civilizations. Researchers who have studied indigenous populations have noted that these diseases are nonexistent among such people and only show up once a member of an indigenous group is brought into a modern lifestyle, Turknett said. The mismatch occurs because every animal, including humans, has a set environment, and if they are put in a different one, a mismatch, the regulatory systems are strained and start to break down, he said. But implementing changes to minimize the mismatch can help. Some of the changes include evaluating people’s places of life and work and recognizing that while modern medicine is very good at treating acute problems, it struggles to address chronic issues that have many cause, like Alzheimer’s, Turknett said. Other changes include evaluating and correcting any mismatch with sleep, food and human connections and by growing the brain with regular physical and mental fitness. This may include learning cognitively demanding tasks like music, art or language. Turknett is also the author of “The Migraine Miracle” and the creator of the Brain Protection Program and Brainjo Collective. To learn more about Turknett and his research, visit elitecognition.com. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 53
Georgia healthcare policy Year in Review Abortion, Medicaid dominate healthcare debate in Georgia By PRESTON THOMPSON
D
espite Republican control of the State House, Senate and Governor’s Office, 2019 was a contentious year for Georgia politics. Healthcare policy played a leading role in the 2019 state legislative session, and here is a rundown of four of the most impactful discussions. ‘Heartbeat Bill’ dominates headlines Despite not being a part of practiced law in Georgia at any point, House Bill 481 still managed to dominate the healthcare conversation in Georgia. The bill, formally titled the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act, became known colloquially as the Fetal Heartbeat Bill. The bill moved the cutoff for pregnant women seeking an abortion from 20 weeks to six weeks. With some lawmakers absent for the vote, the bill narrowly passed in the Georgia House with only one vote to spare. Critics have argued that most women do not know 54 | Medical Answer Book 2019
they are pregnant at the six-week checkpoint and can only be certain with an invasive procedure. Gov. Brian Kemp was a strong supporter of the bill, keeping a campaign promise to enact the strongest anti-abortion regulation in the nation. Georgia is among five states that passed similar heartbeat measures in 2019. Some experts say that HB481 is likely to deter obstetricians and gynecologists from working in Georgia. With 79 counties already without an OBGYN, a shortage of health professionals could exacerbate a rural healthcare crisis in Georgia. In July, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a formal request to block the law from going into effect. The expected challenge positions HB481 as a potential avenue for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 1973 ruling that protected the right to abortion without excessive government restriction. Medicaid expansion stays in the conversation A focus of the 2018 gubernatorial election was healthcare access in Georgia, and that conversation carried into the legislative session. Democrats have argued in favor of Medicaid expan
buy it without leaving the state. With the clock nearing midnight on “sine die,” the final day of the legislative session, the state Legislature came together to pass House Bill 324. The bill provided licenses for select private companies and universities to begin growing medical marijuana. Recent reporting suggests that the number of approved medical marijuana patients in Georgia is around 8,500. Up to six private companies and two universities can now be licensed to grow medical marijuana, with the state leaving open the possibility of allowing dispensaries to sell it. The bill does not change the legality of smoking recreational marijuana or consuming THC edibles.
sion as allowed for under the federal Affordable Care Act. The program would expand the Medicaid program to cover 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or around $35,000 for a household of four, with the federal government providing 90 percent of funding. While full Medicaid expansion did not pass, a Republican-sponsored bill gave the governor the authority to apply for two waivers: a 1115 waiver that would expand the program to 100 percent of the poverty line and a 1332 waiver that would allow the state to work with the private insurance market to control costs. The legislation also provided for an extensive study on the current state of healthcare in Georgia. The study showed that 1.5 million Georgia residents are uninsured, including 27 percent of those aged 19 to 34. Georgia ranks second worst in the nation for that particular age group. The study also showed that a full Medicaid expansion would cover approximately 666,000 Georgia residents. The Governor’s Office was recently dealt a blow when the federal government denied Utah’s application for similar waiver exemptions. It remains to be seen whether there will be a denial for Georgia’s plan. Georgia expands medicinal marijuana access Georgia citizens could already possess and use medicinal marijuana, but now they will be able to legally
Certificate of Need enters threatened territory The Certificate of Need (CON) law in Georgia was intended to provide access to healthcare across the state and protect existing facilities. It requires for-profit centers that would potentially take services from a non-profit facility to show a sufficient need in their geographical area or practicing specialty. A proposed bill early in the 2019 session would have nearly eliminated the CON system, but several rounds of negotiations created the following adjustments instead: • The Newnan campus of Cancer Treatment Center of Atlanta is now classified as a regular hospital as opposed to a specialty facility. This means, in part, that they will be able to exceed the 25 percent limit on native Georgia patients. • Hospitals operating in Georgia will now be required to report in more detail on their finances, including land area owned and the salaries of the top 10 hospital executives. • The rural hospital tax credit has been increased and adjusted to be more equitable among communities across the state. Seven rural hospitals have closed in the last decade, with 26 more at risk of closure in the near future. • Facilities that feel threatened by an opening specialty facility can now only apply for a CON ruling if the new location in question is within a 35-mile radius of their facility. This replaces a former radius of the entire state that allowed existing facilities to block new facilities that were up to hundreds of miles away. Each of these issues will certainly be back in the news after the same group of legislators returns to the capitol in January. With the governor’s waiver program due for submission in July 2020 and HB481 set for an upcoming court challenge, 2020 is set to build on an eventful 2019. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 55
Emory Johns Creek Hospital Auxiliary volunteers, from left, Sam, Susan and Walt work the concierge desk.
Emory volunteers ramp up efforts By CARSON COOK
T
he Emory Johns Creek hospital Auxiliary has been serving the hospital for over a decade, and with Emory’s sights set on expansion, the auxiliary is working to ramp up its efforts. The auxiliary is made up of 170 volunteers who commit at least four hours a week to help the hospital staff, patients and visitors. Their responsibilities include managing the hospital gift shop, staffing the concierge desk and providing logistical help for doctors and nurses. “When you come to the hospital, you’re either sick, you’re visiting someone who’s sick, or you’re having a baby,” Auxiliary President Ed Holt said. “In any case, you’re stressed. Anything we can do as volunteers to get them to that place where they’re not as stressed, it really helps.” Last year, the auxiliary contributed more than 36,000 hours in volunteer time to the hospital. “We’re not doing any medical procedures, but we are making a difference,” Auxiliary Treasurer Ted Lynam said. “You interface very positively with the patients, and at the same time you perform those things that allow the medical staff to do their work.” 56 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Emory Johns Creek Hospital Auxiliary 2018 Volunteer of the Year Olivia Montgomery manages the gift shop.
Lynam works the “rooster shift” in day surgery from 5 to 7 a.m. He decided to join the volunteer group after he was a patient in the hospital in 2008. “When I was a patient, the care I was receive was over and above what I would have expected,” he said. The volunteers are mostly retirees, Lynam said. In the summers, there is a high school and college student volunteer program. In addition to thousands of hours in free labor, the auxiliary supports the hospital through scholarships and capital fundraising. With funding from gift shop sales and fundraising events, the auxiliary awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in medicine and to Emory staff seeking additional training. The volunteer group contributes new equipment to the hospital such as cameras for the neonatal intensive care unit, additional blanket warmers and an adaptive vehicle for patients learning to drive after a stroke or injury. In 2018, the hospital announced plans for a $61 million expansion that will add two stories to the main hospital building. The hospital is also building a new parking garage and making additional improvements to meet the growing demand from patients. “As it grows, we grow,” Holt said. “We need to grow with the hospital in order to support the hospital.” To achieve this end, the auxiliary has restructured the gift shop to boost sales and is seeking new volunteers. To learn more about the Emory Johns Creek Hospital Auxiliary visit ejcha.org.
Fulton Schools offer texting crisis line By CARSON COOK
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any parents worry their teens spend too much time on their phones, but a new Fulton County School initiative uses texting as a tool to promote student health. The school district, with the help of Fulton County Commissioners, has established an anonymous crisis texting line for teens. The program, called Text 4 Help, can help students reaching out for advice on issues ranging from academic stress to depression to substance abuse. It is offered in 10 high schools across the district. Through the program, teens can connect with a licensed clinician who will respond within three minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students just need to text their message along with their school’s unique code to the number 1-844-823-5323. Texts are routed through a cloaking server to ensure anonymity. Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis said the rapid service was just one of the pros of a texting program. “[Teens] certainly live in an electronic world and are comfortable with that medium, but I also know many of them have reticence about coming forward and sharing stuff with parents and others about the challenges that they’re facing,” he said. Fulton County Schools initially launched a pilot program with just a few schools in January 2018. In the 2019-2020 school year the program expanded to include Alpharetta, Banneker, Cambridge, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Langston Hughes, Milton, Riverwood, Roswell and Tri-Cities High Schools.
Reasons teens use Text 4 Help • Depression/Anxiety 27% • Relationship Conflict 17% • Substance Abuse 12% • Self Harm / Suicide 10% • Pressure 10% • Bullying 8% • Other 19% Mental health and mood disorders are the top reasons teens use the anonymous texting service, according to the program’s national website. Ellis noted schools need to be sure students know about the program for it to have its maximum impact. Some schools have hung posters and included information about the program in email newsletters to get the word out. The texting program was created by Linking Efforts Against Drugs (LEAD), a nonprofit agency based in Illinois. Ellis said he was looking into strategies other communities had used to combat the opioid epidemic, and found the program had been successful with teens in suburbs of Chicago. “It’s really about early intervention,” Ellis said. “It’s just one more tool out there that we can utilize to help our children live more healthier lives, and mental health is definitely one component of a healthier life.” Ellis and the school district say they hope to eventually expand the program into all 19 county high schools and potentially middle schools. The Text 4 Help line is funded by a grant from the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 57
Northside, Gwinnett health systems complete merger By PATRICK FOX
A
fter more than four years of negotiations and clearing regulatory hurdles, Northside Hospital and the Gwinnett Health System have completed arrangements to combine their health care operations. The merger takes effect Aug. 28. The expanded Northside Hospital system will have 1,636 inpatient beds; more than 250 outpatient locations throughout Georgia; and nearly 21,000 employees and 3,500 physicians on staff. Debbie Mitcham, longtime chief financial officer and 25-year veteran of Northside Hospital, will be the new president and CEO of Northside’s Gwinnett health care campuses. Phil Wolfe, who served as president and CEO of the Gwinnett system for the past 13 years, has announced his retirement effective Aug. 28. Other important leadership changes are expected to be announced soon as the combined healthcare networks begin service as one entity. The merger agreement was approved by the Georgia Office of the Attorney General in November 2017, and in February 2019, the Federal Trade Commission completed its review of the combination and gave its approval to move forward. Northside Hospital is one of Georgia’s leading health care providers with more than 240 locations across the state, including three acute care, state-of-the-art hospitals in Sandy Springs, Cherokee County and Forsyth County. It leads the nation in newborn deliveries and is among the state’s top providers of cancer care and surgical services. Gwinnett Health System is nationally recognized, with hospitals in Lawrenceville and Duluth. Additional facilities include the Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion, the 58 | Medical Answer Book 2019
Gwinnett Extended Care Center, Glancy Rehabilitation Center, and outpatient health centers including surgical, imaging and physical, occupational and speech therapy facilities. Northside is by far the larger of the two operations. It has $1.8 billion in annual revenues through its three hospitals and various care facilities, according to Dun & Bradstreet. Gwinnett has revenues of about $731 million annually. Hospital officials said patients of the Gwinnett Health System will notice virtually no changes in their regimen of treatment and care. However, they may notice changes to some naming: • Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville, located at 1000 Medical Center Blvd., will be called Northside Hospital Gwinnett. • The Gwinnett Medical Center-Duluth, located at 3620 Howell Ferry Road, will be called Northside Hospital Duluth. • The Gwinnett Extended Care Center at GMC-Lawrenceville, located at 650 Professional Drive, will be called the Northside Gwinnett Extended Care Center. • The Glancy Rehabilitation Center, located at 3215 McClure Bridge Road in Duluth, will be called Northside Gwinnett Joan Glancy. Changes to the signage at the facilities will occur in stages. For care provided at Gwinnett locations beginning August 28, patient bills and statements will be addressed from Northside Hospital, and payments will be made to the same. For care received at Gwinnett locations prior to August 28, patient bills will come from and be payable to Gwinnett Medical Center. More information about the billing process can be found at northsidegwinnett.com.
CARSON COOK/HERALD
The staff of Pyramid Family Behavioral Healthcare welcomes guests to their open house Oct. 26.
Mental health outpatient care opens in Johns Creek By CARSON COOK
P
yramid Family Behavioral Healthcare, an outpatient center in Johns Creek, aims to expand mental healthcare in the North Atlanta suburbs. While there are many outpatient programs for physical therapy or substance abuse, Family Behavioral Healthcare is the first mental health intensive outpatient program in Atlanta, according to Executive Director Tom Connell. “We wanted to bring the services out to the suburbs where it’s more accessible and try to be preventative so people don’t need to go to the hospital,” he said. The center serves adolescents and adults with a focus on mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
“Our program is very person centric. We really want to work with families and build those bridges,” Primary Counselor Shelley Northrup said. The Family Behavioral Healthcare staff is dedicated to work with family, friends, work, school and other healthcare providers to better coordinate treatment. “We want to have clients involved in their healing process,” Connell said. “We want the family involved too . . . It’s a daunting, scary task for families. We want to provide them with guidance and help them navigate the complicated behavioral health system.” Between the group rooms and offices, the facility includes a large open space that will be used for community education events like expert speakers and documentary screenings. “The idea is to generate discussion, reduce stigma and really integrate with the community,” Connell said. “We want to help people understand that [mental health disorders are] pretty common and not be afraid to seek treatment.” Pyramid Family Behavioral Healthcare opens Nov. 13 at 11138 State Bridge Road, Suite 100A with an assessment center in Suite 100B. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 59
Timeline of medical appointments Newborn: Within just days of birth and discharge from a hospital, a child should visit a pediatrician. This type of physician specializes in the care of children, whose bodies are different from adults. A pediatrician will tell you if a newborn has any medical problems that cause concern, what their initial weight is and what you can expect for their growth, development and eating habits.
zations. Young women at this age may also begin to schedule visits to a gynecologist. Women should begin breast self-examinations as well. At this stage of early adulthood until senior care, most adults will begin to fill out questionnaires that detail their health history. Questionnaires help physicians to pinpoint risk factors, and evaluate family history issues and other general health concerns.
Toddler Years: During this time period, a child often sees a doctor more frequently than not, simply because of their developing immune systems and the exposure to childhood germs. However, in the absence of germs or injuries, it is a good idea to have a well visit once per year until the age of 10. Doctors will usually recommend the standard continued course of immunizations, including the chicken pox vaccine, which is not given until the child is at least 1 year old.
20s – 40s: Adults should undergo cholesterol and blood pressure checks every 5 years, along with Tetanus and diphtheria boosters every 10 years. There are really no other recommended tests, unless a patient has an increased risk factor or family history of a specific disease or disorder.
5 Years Old: A child that is ready for Kindergarten will need to go to the pediatrician to be screened and immunized, in most cases. The screenings consist of hearing, vision and sometimes blood pressure or cholesterol tests. Also, the doctor’s office can give you the necessary forms for enrollment in a public school. Not crazy about vaccines, but still want to enroll your child in school? Schools now accept waivers (available at your school office) that allow parents who do not immunize to request enrollment for their child in school without having such vaccinations. Early Childhood: From the ages of 6 to 10, annual well visits to the pediatrician are sufficient. 10 Years Old: Children usually go for another round of vaccinations. 11 – 18 Years Old: Keep in mind that at any point in the teen years when a child is participating in sports, most schools will require the student to undergo a routine physical to make certain that the student is healthy enough to participate in athletics. 18 Years Old: Many colleges require a physical examination upon acceptance to their school, and the paperwork involved with those tests may be required in order to attend classes. Along with proof of a physical exam, colleges will want to verify that a college-aged student has had all the required childhood immuni60 | Medical Answer Book 2019
40s for Men: The American Urological Association recommends a first PSA (prostate specific antigen) test at the age of 40 for most men. In a man’s mid-40s, doctors recommend a screen for Type-2 Diabetes as well. 40s for Women: Guidelines for mammograms change often, but as of now, doctors recommend a mammogram every year or two for women who are 40 and older. Beginning at age 45, doctors also recommend a cholesterol check for women and a blood pressure check every other year. A bone density scan may be performed if the patient is concerned about their specific risk of osteoporosis. 50s for Men: By the age of 55, doctors begin to recommend testing for glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. Both men and women at this stage will most likely be checked for thyroid imbalances, eyesight deficiencies and blood sugar issues. 50s for Women: Once women reach the age of 50, doctors recommend that in addition to the battery of screens used in their 40s, women also begin colon cancer screenings. 60s: Doctors are beginning to recommend the Shingles vaccine around the age of 60 for both men and women. This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot that provides protection against the emergence of Shingles. Hearing evaluations are also important at this age, since nearly 33 percent of the population age 65 and older experiences hearing loss.
Meningococcal
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15 months
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18 months
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4 – 6 years
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7 – 10 years
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22 – 26 years
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27 – 49 years
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50 – 59 years
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65 and Older – Men: Men are now encouraged to undergo testing for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This screening only occurs once, and is typically done after the age of 65. 65 and Older – Women: In addition to all of the previous tests, doctors may now begin to perform a bone density test. With age, women lose calcium, which causes bone breakage and weakness. A bone density scan will provide information on the strength of a woman’s bones. Since the incidence of falls also increases at this age, doctors highly recommend this test. Doctors can also administer a pneumococcal vaccination, which is a one-time shot, providing protection against pneumonia.
Shingles
Hepatitus A
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Varicella
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Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis
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* Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Group Health Cooperative.
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For all persons in this category who meet the age requirements and who lack documentation of vaccination or have no evidence of previous infection. Range of recommended ages for catch-up immunization. Recommended if some other risk factor is present. Medical Answer Book 2019 | 61
Emergency + Community
Resource Table ORGANIZATION
PURPOSE
PHONE #
WEBSITE
United Way
To find help
211 or 404-614-1000
211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/
North Fulton Community Charities
Help in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton
770-640-0399
nfcchelp.org
Community Assistance Center
Help in Sandy Springs/Dunwoody
770-552-4015
ourcac.org
DFACS
Food Stamps/TANF/Medicaid
404-252-2180
dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov
FACAA/LIHEAP
Energy Assistance
404-320-0166
facaa.org
St. Vincent de Paul
Financial Assistance
770-458-9607
svdpatl.org
Housing Authority of Fulton Co.
Section 8 and Public Housing
404-730-5841
hafc.org
Homestretch/Housing Initiative
Transitional Housing
770-642-9185
homestretch.org
Roswell Public Housing
Public Housing
770-993-6226
roswellhousing.org
The Drake House
Emergency housing women with children
770-587-4712
thedrakehouse.org
Metro Fair Housing
Housing Discrimination
404-524-0000
metrofairhousing.com
Salvation Army
General Assistance
404-352-3597
salvationarmy.org
Gateway Center
Emergency Shelter
404-215-6600
gatewayctr.org
Travelers Aid/Hope Atlanta
Homeless prevention, newcomers
404-817-7070
hopeatlanta.org/
EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Com)
Employment Discrimination
800-669-4000
eeoc.gov/field/atlanta
Department of Labor
Unemployment Office
866-873-5676
dol.state.ga.us
Pregnancy Counseling
678-893-5290
abeaconofhope.com
HOUSING & HOMELESS
EMPLOYMENT
FAMILY & CHILDRENS SERVICES A Beacon of Hope Child Abuse and Neglect
To report abuse
404-699-4399
dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/ child-abuse-neglect
GA Council on Child Abuse
Info, resources
800-532-3208
preventchildabusega.org
Child Support Assistance
Child Support Enforcement
877-423-4746
dcss.dhs.georgia.gov/
Families First
Counseling
404-853-2844
familiesfirst.org
Fulton County Schools
General Information
404-678-3600
fultonschools.org
Fulton Co. School Social Workers
Information
404-763-6774
fultonschools.org
G.E.D.
Enrollment Opportunities at NFCC
678-387-4458
nfcchelp.org/education
Head Start
3-4 Year Olds
678-585-9100
georgiaheadstart.org
Child Dev. Center North Fulton
Child Care
770-992-4006
cdakids.org
Family Haven (NF & Forsyth)
24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence
770-887-1121
forsythcountyfamilyhaven.info
PADV (Partnership Against Domestic Violence)
24 Hour Hotline-Domestic Violence
404-873-1766
padv.org/
Jewish Family and Career Services
Family and Career Counseling
770-677-9300
yourtoolsforliving.org
Senior Services North Fulton
Meals on Wheels, Transportation
770-993-1906
ssnorthfulton.org
62 | Medical Answer Book 2019
ORGANIZATION
PURPOSE
PHONE #
WEBSITE
CREDIT COUNSELING/ LEGAL/ POLICE CredAbility
Consumer Credit Counseling
404-527-7630
credability.org
NID Housing Counseling Agency
Foreclosure Information/ assistance
404-612-0405
atlhca.com
HOPE
Foreclosure assistance
888-995-4673
995hope.org
Atlanta Legal Aid
Legal Assistance
404-524-5811
atlantalegalaid.org
Anonymous Police Tip Hotline
Roswell – Crime/Drugs
770-641-3959
roswellgov.com
City of Alpharetta
Alpharetta – Crime/Drugs
678-297-6307
alpharetta.ga.us
City of Johns Creek
Johns Creek – Crime/Drugs
678-474-1610
johnscreekga.gov/services/ police.aspx
City of Milton
Milton Police Department General
678-242-2570
cityofmiltonga.us
Rape Hotline
24 Hour Hotline
770-887-1121
fultoncountyga.gov/contact-ussolicitor
Grady Rape Crisis Center
Crisis line
404-616-4861
gnesa.org/content/grady-rapecrisis-center
Fulton County Records
Birth/Death Records
404-613-1260
fultoncountyga.gov/dhw-vitalrecords
Social Security
Social Security, Disability, SSI
800-772-1213
ssa.gov
Tags/Titles
Fulton County Office
404-730-6100
motor.etax.dor.ga.gov
Veterans Administration
VA Health, Housing, Benefits
800-827-1000
va.gov
Fulton County Housing & Human Services
Info on County programs
404-613-7944
fultoncountyga.gov/divisionsand-programs
MARTA
bus, rail schedules, fares
404-848-4711
itsmarta.com
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
24 hour -mental health, addiction & crisis service
800-715-4225
bhlweb.com/tabform/ fultoncountyga.gov
GOVERNMENT
HEALTH
North Fulton Regional Health Center
Public Health (in Alpharetta)
404-332-1958
North Fulton Service Center
Common Ground (co-located svcs)
404-612-3917 or 404-6126372
North Fulton Health Center Grady
Primary Care clinic in NF (Sandy Springs)
404-616-1550
gradyhealthsystem.org/
Northside Behavioral Health
Mental Health
404-851-8960
northside.com/medical_ services
Children’s at NorthPoint (Mansell Rd)
pediatric primary care
770-643-1792
choa.org/About-Childrens/ Locations-and-Directions
Good Samaritan Atlanta
primary care clinic downtown
404-523-6571
goodsamatlanta.org/
Georgia Highlands
primary care clinic serving North GA
678-887-1668
georgia highlandsmedical.org
North Fulton Hospital
Hospital - Roswell
770-751-2500
nfultonhospital.com
Grady Memorial Hospital
Hospital
404-616-1000
gradyhealth.org/
Scottish Rite (Childrens Hospital)
Pediatric Hospital
404-785-5252
choa.org/
Emory Johns Creek
Hospital - Johns Creek
678-474-7000
emoryjohnscreek.com/
Northside Hospital
Hospital - Sandy Springs or Forsyth
404-851-8000
northside.com/
St. Joseph Hospital of Atlanta
Hospital - Sandy Springs
404-581-7001
stjosephsatlanta.org
Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth
Hospital
678-312-6800
gwinnettmedical center.org Medical Answer Book 2019 | 63
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