Clinical Connections 7/15/21

Summer 2021 Clinical Updates Page 2 to 4 Appointments & Recognition Page 5 New on Staff Page 6 Provider Personalities Page 7 Engagement Page 8 House Calls Page 9

Friends and Colleagues,

As we begin to enjoy summer in a year we could have never imagined, I wanted to catch up a bit. I've been taking some time to reflect on the winter and early spring. We were collectively struggling. Our days and nights were filled with caring for COVID-19 patients, and in some instances caring for each other.

But today, I see a light. It might be small, like a single star in the night sky, but it is bright. Although the pandemic may not be over, we have arrived at this point because we have traveled together. So many have given and sacrificed, and the words “Thank you” will never be enough. As I think about our collective COVID-19 response as a medical staff, I am so proud. I realized that so many played a part, but so many gave quietly and selflessly. So, I thought I would make you more aware.

Did you know…

• Physicians and APPs from GI, Neurology and Cardiology took shifts as hospitalists?

• Anesthesiologists and CRNAs became proceduralists at Frick Hospital?

• The GI lab at Westmoreland Hospital became an inpatient COVID unit?

• The PACU at Frick Hospital became an inpatient COVID unit?

• All parts of the Department of Surgery altered their schedules to keep monitored and • critical care beds open?

• Primary Care designed, organized and staffed COVID care and testing at Frye Farm • Road?

• Providers from Pulmonary, Critical Care, Hospitalists, Emergency Medicine and • Infectious Disease formed a COVID clinical committee to help us all stay up to date • with ever-changing treatment recommendations?

• Excela has administered thousands of vaccines, with many members of the medical • staff volunteering at the vaccine clinics on days off?

• Our own Chief Medical Officer, Carol Fox, has become a media personality, regularly • asked to speak about COVID and the Excela response?

We have done all these things, and many, many more.

So yes, I see a light. It has come from us supporting each other. It has come from our hope and literal tears of joy when getting a vaccine. It has come from all the lives we have touched, as we have helped the community to move forward.

I see a light, and it’s getting brighter and larger, Because it’s coming from all of you.

Many thanks and beyond proud to represent you, every day,

Heather Walker, MD President, Excela Medical Staff

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Clinical Updates Mammography Services Update

On Monday, May 24, mammography services moved from the Weatherwood location in Greensburg back to Westmoreland Hospital. Patients are instructed to enter through the Excela Health Heart, Lung & Vascular Institute and are directed from there. It is important for patients to understand that there is no increased risk or association of breast cancer with COVID-19 vaccination. We encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination to receive the vaccine at the earliest date available for their own protection and for the benefit of our community to achieve herd immunity. We also encourage women to continue annual breast cancer screening with mammography to detect cancer at the earliest stage possible.

To schedule a mammogram call: 724-689-0100.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in relation to screening mammograms here.

Moving Afib Patients off Blood Thinners

Providers at Excela Health are now performing minimally invasive ligation of the left atrial appendage in selected patients with atrial fibrillation. They are using what is called the WATCHMANTM procedure or surgical clipping to seal off the appendage and close it off from circulation so clots can no longer be formed in the structure. The elimination of the left atrial appendage significantly reduces the risk of blood clots and in the majority of patients, blood thinners can be stopped safely. Please contact Excela Health Electrophysiology at 724-689-1355 to discuss this option for your patients or you can refer them to us for a qualifying appointment.

Learn more here

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Baseline ImPACT® Testing Available at Excela Health

Baseline ImPACT® testing is an important tool in the prevention of concussive consequences for our youth.

ImPACT® stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is a test that measures memory, attention span, visual and verbal problem solving. ImPACT® has two primary uses: before the onset of an activity a baseline test is conducted to measure the athlete’s performance baseline. In the event of an injury, a post-injury test is administered and compared to the baseline and/or normative data scores.

ImPACT® testing is offered for kids 10-18 years of age in office or via telehealth for $25 now through August 27. Kids ages 5-9 can be tested in office for the same fee. Every test will be checked for validity by one of our experts, and results will be discussed with the athlete and/or parent. To schedule an appointment call: 724-689-1070.

Read more here

TCAR Procedure Offers Patients Less-Invasive Treatment Option to Help Prevent Stroke

Vascular surgeons Justin Wallace, MD and Elizabeth L. Detschelt, MD, FACS are among the first in western Pennsylvania to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes using a new procedure called TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR).

The new procedure is performed in the hybrid operating room at Excela Westmoreland Hospital.

“TCAR is an important new option in the fight against stroke, and is particularly suited for the patients we see who are at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy or other medical conditions,” said Elizabeth Detschelt, MD. “Because of its low stroke risk and faster patient recovery, I believe TCAR represents the future of carotid repair.” Contact Excela Health Vascular Surgery at 724-689-1355 to discuss this option for your patients.

Learn more here

Clinical Updates Westmoreland Hospital QuikDraw has Reopened Laboratory and imaging services are once again available at Westmoreland Hospital, located on the ground floor. The Hours are Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

View all QuikDraw locations/hours here

New ExcelaHealth.org

Over the past six months the Marketing and Communications team has been working to develop a new and improved public website for Excela Health.

This evolution of the site includes upgrades to the user experience and the design.

Improvements include: • Updates to the Find a Doctor tool which now has the • capabilities to view videos of physicians. (When • available) • A new locations tool making it easier than ever to find • the nearest office for patients.

• And much more!

Should you notice problems in functionality or inaccurate information, please click here.

COVID-19 Update

As of June 30, 2021 57.5% of Westmoreland County residents have received at least one vaccination and 48.4% are fully vaccinated.

Due to declining numbers, effective July 5, 2021, the Frye Farm Road COVID Testing and Evaluation Center is now closed. The EHMG Primary Care physicians have devised plans to ensure that their patients can be seen (virtually or in person) within their practices or at an alternate EHMG location for evaluation and testing, if necessary.

Docs On the Mic

Dr. El-Attrache Discusses Gallbladder Health Dr. BenFauzi El-Attrache, Excela Health Surgical Specialists, discusses the purpose of the gallbladder as well as signs and symptoms of gallbladder issues. He also shares treatment options available at Excela Health.

View the video here

Dr. Masterson on Westmoreland Community Connections Dr. Jim Masterson and his patient Cheryl McCutheon talk about the Westmoreland County Concussion Support Group on Westmoreland Community Connections.

Dr. Masterson is the Director of Sports Medicine and the Concussion Program at Excela Health.

View the video here

Atrial Fibrillation Education Seminar: WATCHMAN™ Procedure Presented

by Dr. Sayegh

Dr. Bassel Sayegh explains how the heart works, what atrial fibrillation is, and the connection between Afib and stroke risk. The seminar discusses which patients should consider the WATCHMANTM and who should not.

View the video here

Staff who may require COVID testing will continue to be able to do so as directed by Employee Health.

Staff MUST call Employee Health during regular business hours OR the Nurse on Call (NOC) after hours for direction if symptomatic.

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Clinical Updates New Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines

Guidelines for lung cancer screening are changing. Both the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) are expanding recommendations for lung cancer screening with low dose CT scans (LDCT). They have both recommended lowering the age of first screen to 50 years (previously 55) and continuing screening until age 80 (previously 77). Pack-year history has also been reduced to 20 (previously 30). Importantly, screening is still recommended for current smokers and former smokers who have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

Screening should also be considered for people with a prior history of lung cancer, especially if they were treated five or more years ago. Screening should also be considered for people with other risk factors for lung cancer including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those with a family history of lung cancer and those that may have significant exposure to heavy metals, dust, asbestos or other occupational exposures.

For individuals who meet the high-risk criteria, low dose CT screening for lung cancer may be covered every year by Medicare and most private insurance plans at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs. However, additional testing and follow-up scans between screenings may have a copay or deductible. Should insurance deny coverage - or an individual not meet the criteria, there are self-pay options. For an initial visit to our lung center, a patient would be charged $199.90 in total. Subsequent annual screening visits would cost $167.00 Since 2016, The Excela Health Advanced Lung Center has performed nearly 11,000 LDCT scans and diagnosed 155 new lung cancers for a detection rate of 3.5%. The majority of these cancers have been Stage I or II, and 98% of those have received comprehensive staging and definitive treatment at an Excela facility.

These new guidelines represent an exciting opportunity to expand lung cancer screening across our community.

As a reminder, assistance with referrals, if needed, is available at the Excela Health Advanced Lung Center via fax (724-68-1442) or phone 724-689-1440.

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Appointments & Recognition Resident of the First and Second Quarters

Excela Health Latrobe Family Medicine has established a recognition program in which faculty, residents, students and staff can nominate a resident each quarter for going above and beyond.

Congratulations to Dr. Chai Parikh for winning the first quarter of 2021! He was recognized for his kindness and compassion.

Congratulations to Dr. Alex Fleming for winning the second quarter of 2021!

Dr. Fleming received nominations from the Family Medicine Faculty, Residents & Staff.

Congratulations to the Residency Graduates

Five of the eight members of this class will be remaining with Excela Health and joining the Excela Health Medical Group. Dr. Gatzke is headed to Ligonier Family Medicine.

Drs. Marconi and Parikh are joining Blairsville Family Medicine. Dr. Sciullo is coming to Excela Square Latrobe Family Medicine and Dr. Wilson will become part of the Excela Hospitalists. Dr. Vlahos is bound for Marshall, MI and Bronson Family Medicine. Dr. Cortes heads to Charlotte, NC and Atrium Health Weddington Family Medicine. Dr. Fleming will be continuing his education with a sports medicine fellowship at the University of Buffalo in New York.

Accolades for Patient Safety, National Recognition Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Care

Excela Health continues to be recognized for exceptional patient care, with Excela Westmoreland Hospital once again receiving an “A” in The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2021 Hospital Safety Grades. The designation comes for the second consecutive grading period and reaffirms Excela Health’s continuing efforts in protecting patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States. The Leapfrog Group is a national organization committed to improving healthcare quality and safety for consumers and purchasers.

Nationally, only 906 hospitals received an “A” for the period. In Pennsylvania, Excela Health Westmoreland is one of 56 facilities to do so. Excela Latrobe Hospital maintained its “B” for this evaluation period; Excela Frick Hospital does not have sufficient data to be rated in this program.

Excela Health Physicians Recognized

by Pittsburgh Magazine

Excela Health congratulates Christopher Rihn, MD; Michael Szwerc, MD, FACS; and Mark Zelkovic, MD, FACS for being honored in this year’s edition of Top Doctors.

We thank them for the skill and dedication they provide to the patients who turn to us for care. Along with their colleagues on the Excela medical staff, they exemplify all that is good in the art and science of medicine.

Congratulations to our Family Medicine Residency graduates, pictured left to right: Raymond Gatzke, MD; Alexander Fleming, DO; Chaitya Parikh, DO; Nicolas Cortese, DO; Lauren Sciullo, DO; Alexa Marconi, DO; Megan Wilson, DO; Karren Vlahos, DO; Program Director Mike Semelka, DO

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New on Staff Luke Doney, DO

Alexa Marconi, DO

Greensburg

Blairsville

724-832-4003

724-459-5203

Courtney Dugan, MD

Andrew Schoenling, MD

Delmont

Greensburg

724-468-8764

724-832-4233

Raymond Gatzke, MD

Charis Venditti, MD

Ligonier

Latrobe

724-238-6668

724-537-7100

Anesthesia

Family Medicine

Family Medicine

Family Medicine

Pulmonary Intensive Care

Breast Surgery

Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Family Medicine Residency - First Year Residents Top row, left to right: Cole Miller, DO, Excela Square at Frick; D. Vincent Ream, MD, Excela Square at Latrobe; Juan Almaguer, DO, Excela Square at Latrobe Middle row, left to right: Lauren De Luca, MD, Excela Square at Latrobe; Megan Cunningham, DO, Saltsburg Family Medicine Bottom row, left to right: Jeremiah Florendo, DO, Excela Square at Latrobe; Alex Smaracheck, DO, Saltsburg Family Medicine; Alex Androkites, DO, Excela Square at Frick

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Provider Personalities Do you know the physician who was recently featured in an art gallery?

Dr. Marti Haykin, Neurology The pandemic-inspired exhibit includes Dr. Haykin’s charcoal drawings featuring 17 portraits of friends and co-workers wearing masks, along with eight still-lifes.

Which Excela Health physician was a battalion surgeon while in the U.S. Army?

Dr. Thaddeus Pajak, Family Medicine Dr. Pajak served 11 years, seven of which were active duty, in the U.S. Army. During this time, he spent a year in Afghanistan (Operation Resolute Support 2015-2016 ) and served as Battalion Surgeon for the 2nd Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment 10th Mountain Division.

Aside from being a urologist this physician is also a magician; do you know who?

Dr. Geoffrey Bisignani, Urology Dr. Bisignani has entertained our staff, clinicians and members of the public throughout the years as he shares his love of magic. He has performed at Excela Health internal events, fundraisers and more!

Which Excela Health physician was seen soaring in the sky with the Blue Angels?

Dr. William Jenkins, Emergency Medicine Dr. Jenkins was chosen to fly with the Blue Angels on their Key Influencer Flight Program during the Westmoreland County Airshow due to his work in the medical field in Western Pennsylvania.

Who is the Excela Health physician that is busy as a bee helping to care for their family’s beehive?

Dr. Sharon Goldstein, Breast Surgery Dr. Goldstein, along with her family, takes care of a beehive at their home! During summer you can often find them at farmers markets offering their local honey.

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Engagement Recent/Upcoming Birthdays April Jeffrey R. Antimarino, MD Greg A. Barretto, MD Scott W. Berry, MD Howard A. Brumberg, MD, FACC Ryan Shepard Busch, MD Louis W. Catalano, MD Juan J. Chahin, MD, FACC, FSCAI Willeam Anthony Choby, DMD Robert Louis Davoli, MD Carol Jean Fox, MD, FAAFP George Michael Gavin, MD Fred Paul Harchelroad, MD Tiffany K. Helman, MD Asad A. Khan, MD Mark Kielbiowski, MD Timothy J. Kowalczyk, DPM Karen Ann Lang, MD Efren Labay Leonida, MD Kerry Ann Luck, MD Daniel Medic Jr., DO Jawdat Nikoula, MD Mitsugu Ogawa, MD Louis Olegario, MD Andrew L. Schleihauf, DO Rajesh Sehgal, MD Hiroyuki Tsukui, MD, PhD Michael A. Vittone, MD Hai Wei Wang, MD Dean Watzman, MD Jeffrey M. Wolff, MD Renee M. Young, DO Robert Zaccagnini, MD Ian R. Zack, DO

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May Aster Assefa, MD, FAAFP Kevin Bartolomucci, DO James Gilbert Breisinger, DO Lorenzo Anthony Bucci, MD, FACS Michael H. Culig, MD, MMM Yaoxian Ding, MD Kenneth M. Dinger, MD Robert L. Donley, DO, FACOOG Shawn P. Echard, DPM Antonio A. Fargiano, MD Joseph A. Gall, MD Alberto Ma. Angeles Gauna Jr.,MD Stacy S. Gillespie, DO Teresa l. Giraldo, MD Kimberly A. Gretz-Zambruno, DDS Gregory John Harbaugh, DO Neal John Klitsch, MD Venkata A. Komanduri, MD David W. Lee, MD, FACC Florian B. Mayr, MD Steven E. Mills, MD Geoffrey Bryant Monsour, MD Rahul K. Naidu, MD Brinda Navalgund, MD Mark Anthony Persin, DO Natalie J. Plevelich, DO, FACOOG Larry J. Plundo, DO Robert W. Queale, DMD Susan M. Rakfal, MD Michelle Anne Rathgeb, MD Balu B. Shetty, MD Lee H. Sung, MD Rabelais Tatchum-Talom, MD Thomas G. Tomci, MD Michael P. Toshok, DO Jayachandra B. Vavilathota, MD Joseph Franklin Viverette Jr., MD Thomas D. Ward, MD Bryan Andrew Yurek, MD

June Christopher Bellicini, DO Todd Cindric, DPM Geneen Dashefsky, DO Jennifer Ann Erdos, MD Robert Howard Ferguson, MD Ryan Matthew Flanigan, MD Maureen C. Fleming, DO Robert S. Gorby, MD Amit Goulatia, MD Richard A. Grimaldi, DMD Coby L. Hartman, DO Muna N. Jabbour, MD Victor F. Jabbour, MD Rachelle Lynn Johns, MD Paul G. Krouse, DPM Scott M. Milstein, DO James P. Montgomery, DPM Robert Nassif, DMD Ankur Puri, MD Parminder K. Sharma, MD Daniel C. Vittone, MD Anthony Frederick Yacona, MD Mohammad M. Zaitoon, MD

In Sympathy

Daniel Vittone, MD Member of the Medical Staff E Darryl Hill, DPM Member of the Medical Staff Walter M Tymoczko Brother of Dr. Robert Tymoczko Judith Anne Vittone Wife of Dr. Ron Vittone

House Calls Photography Capturing the Essence of Excela Health

HEART, LUNG & VASCULAR INSTITUTE

Share Your Story

Have something that you would like to share for future editions?

Email information to insight@excelahealth.org

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