The Art of the Possible

Centura Health’s art of the possible

New initiatives lead to healthy bodies and checkbooks

By Tom Hess

The costs and outcomes of health care matter to any patient, especially those over 50. Seniors can feel especially vulnerable about their heart, lungs, breasts, prostate, colon, knees, hips and other body parts. Add to that an ongoing, evolving pandemic, and it’s no wonder people want to know who they can trust.

The leadership staff at Centennial-based Centura Health, which operates the Penrose-St. Francis health facilities in the Pikes Peak Region, acknowledged the skepticism of some patients who wonder whether health care operates in their best interests.

PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS

One challenge Centura is currently addressing is the need for mammograms, colonoscopies and other screenings, which many people put off due to COVID. Now, health professionals report detecting diseases at later stages, which makes them harder to treat. It’s recommended that eligible individuals get tested, especially people who have a family history and genetic predisposition to cancer.

Penrose-St. Francis also offers a $99 test that spots signs of heart disease in hopes that people will get tested before more serious heart disease sets in. If a patient scores high, they’re encouraged to see a cardiologist.

When Bill Gessner of Colorado Springs suffered a heart attack, nurses at St. Francis recommended Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, a program focused on reversing the cardiac disease process through nutrition, exercise and stress management.

“By the end of the program, I had full confidence in the restoration of my heart,” said Gessner.

Paul Hockersmith, a 60-year-old patient from Monument with circulatory troubles, said he experienced “improved wellness, increased vigor and stamina, and greater mental alertness and acuity” through Ornish.

TRUST BY TRANSPARENCY

Centura is 100 percent committed to people’s financial health just as much as their physical health. Officials recognize that some people will not get screened or enter a program if they don’t trust what a health provider says about cost, which is why Centura’s smartphone app includes a “price transparency tool” that considers a patient’s insurance.

Centura’s health facilities draw patients from all over the region. The William J. Hybl Sports Medicine & Performance Center at University of Colorado Colorado Springs has zero-gravity treadmills, altitude chambers and other tools to help patients regain function toward meeting their goals.

Centura also plans to open a dedicated orthopedics and spine clinic at Interquest Parkway in July 2023. Learn more at www.centura. org or call 719-776-5000. ■

Philip York, MD, with a patient.

Comprehensive orthopedic care close to home.

Providers passionate about protecting and preserving your mobility and strength.

At Centura Orthopedics, our providers offer a broad range of services including physical therapy, the latest in minimally invasive surgical procedures, biologics, and athletic training to address the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. Our award-winning team is highly experienced in helping patients reduce their pain and improve their movement through a variety of therapies and surgeries so they can get back to doing what they love.

Our Specialties:

• Bone Health

• Foot and Ankle

• Fracture Care

• Hand and Wrist

• Hips • Knees • Osteoporosis • Shoulders

• Spine • Sports Injuries • Sports Medicine • Total Joint Replacement

3 Convenient Locations:

Audubon | 3010 N Circle Dr, Suite 100 | Colo Spgs, CO 80909 Briargate | 4105 Briargate Pkwy, Suite 300 | Colo Spgs, CO 80920 William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center 4925 N Nevada Ave | Colo Spgs, CO 80918

Learn more at centura.org or call 719.259.6105

Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, and marital status in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. For further information about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303-673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2022. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-719-776-5370 (TTY: 711).