Health in General Fall 2014

A PUBLICATION OF LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

Surviving

Breast Cancer at 35

Orthopedic Breakthrough Only at LGMC Clinical Trials Attract Patients New Physicians Flock to LGH $ 1RW )RU 3UR¿W &RPPXQLW\ 2ZQHG +HDOWK 6\VWHP

FALL 2014

FAL L 2014 LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

HEALTH IN GENERAL

IS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 551 Jefferson Street Lafayette, LA 70501 phone 337.988.4607 fax 337.983.0150 MEDIA

Publisher

ODIE TERRY Account Executive

DRUE KENNERSON

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CONTENTS 2

News & Announcements

3

Breakthrough Ortho Surgery

4

Partner Spotlight

ALLEN MEADOWS

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DARYL CETNAR ÂœÂšÂ¤Â˘Â“Â‹ÂŚÂ¤Â“ÂšÂ‘ Â?Â“Â¤ÂœÂĄÂŁ

BRIAN BILLE PATRICE DOUCET GUS FONTENOT KIM MORSE LESLIE PRIMEAUX RAYMOND RUPERT

5

UHC One-Year Anniversary

6

My Kid's Heart

7

Clinical Trials

(THEpulse) LGH Has New Blue Cross Contract Lafayette General Health (LGH) successfully completed negotiations for a new three-year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana. The contract includes four LGH hospitals: Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC), Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, St. Martin Hospital and University Hospital & Clinics. This year, LGMC has seen an increase in Blue Cross insured patients and a decrease in Medicare and Medicaid patients.

This is due, in large part, to a growing Lafayette economy with a low unemployment rate of only 3.2 percent. Blue Cross remains Louisiana’s largest commercial insurance payer.

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HEALTH IN GENERAL

COVER STORY:

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Unexpected Targets of Breast Cancer

10 11 12

Welcome New Doctors

13 15

La Place de Vie

Online Medical History Endoscopic Ultrasound Machine Construction Update

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

LGMC Receives Women’s Choice AwardŽ

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afayette General Medical Center (LGMC) received the 2014 Women’s Choice Award after women surveyed it one of America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Experience for the third consecutive year. This distinction is the only award that identiďŹ es the country’s best health care institutions based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction and what women say they want from a hospital. The criteria include quality physician communications, responsiveness of nurses and support staff, cleanliness and trusted referrals from other women.

Hospitals named as America’s Best are invited to join an elite network of brands across multiple industries that carry the Women’s Choice Award, symbolizing a commitment to women. “Women remain the primary decision makers for families facing health care choices,� says Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., LGMC CEO. “So, we pride ourselves on succeeding at making our facility a trusted and comfortable place for women to receive care.�

Orthopedic Surgeon Scott Yerger, M.D., (right) works with Colleen Roarty of Stryker Corp. on Lafayette General Medical Center’s new MAKO robotic arm, a minimally invasive instrument for orthopedic surgery.

LGMC Offering More Precise Knee and Hip Surgeries

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problematic. The MAKO procedure gives patients a afayette General Medical Center (LGMC) is quick-recovery option that can eliminate years of the first hospital in Acadiana, and only the prolonged pain until full replacement surgery becomes third in Louisiana, to offer MAKOplasty®, a necessary. minimally invasive treatment option for adults The assistance of this machine allows a surgeon to suffering from early to mid-stage osteoarthritis. Using be so meticulous that the replacement actually lasts a highly advanced, surgeon-controlled robotic system, much longer than before. The implant experiences MAKO enables ultra-precise alignment and placement less wear and friction. This makes partial replacement of implants in partial knee and total hip replacement viable for people of younger procedures. The Robotic Arm ages, and makes fewer Interactive Orthopedic System “THIS IS REVOLUTIONARY replacements necessary for (RIO) makes it less invasive TECHNOLOGY. IT’S THE BEST elderly patients. Ultimately, it than traditional surgery, which ORTHOPEDIC BREAKTHROUGH means more pain-free living helps improve outcomes.

IN THE LAST 25 YEARS." for patients of all ages.

The RIO System uses CT “We are proud to be the only scans of each patient’s knee — SCOTT YERGER, M.D. hospital in Acadiana to use or hip to assist surgeons in this innovative technology,” pre-planning their surgery. says Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., LGMC CEO. “This technology During surgery, a robotic arm uses computer-guided is a proven success, with over 37,000 partial knee and mapping software, similar to GPS, integrated into the 5,500 hip surgeries performed nationwide to date, with surgical instruments to ensure exactness, within 0.2 mm tremendous outcomes.” accuracy. This gives each patient a surgery tailored to his Scott Yerger, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at LGMC, or her individual physical makeup. says, “This is revolutionary technology. It’s the best MAKO partial resurfacing is a vital option for younger orthopedic breakthrough in the last 25 years. The end adults suffering from knee pain, whose doctors often result is less pain, less invasive surgery and shorter discourage full replacement. Other types of partial recovery time.” knee replacements have shown to be ineffective or HEALTH IN GENERAL FALL 2014

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PAR T N ER SPOTL IGH T

Improved Health for Acadia Parish

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ith a new name, a new CEO and the support of staff and physicians, Acadia General Hospital (AGH) in Crowley is working hard to improve the health of people in Acadia Parish. Early into her position, CEO Heather Harper made known her “open door” policy, especially when it comes to hearing ideas for ways of improving the patient experience.

At a community planning meeting in August, AGH administration met with physicians and members of the community to gain their input regarding services and physicians that may be needed to propel the hospital to a higher level of care. Community enthusiasm for the prospect of a booming hospital was evident by the meeting’s full attendance.

Just four months since the formal takeover of management by Lafayette General Health, AGH is making strides in quality improvement.

“We’re ready for new and exciting changes in the delivery of care in Acadia Parish,” says Harper.

UPCOMING ENHANCEMENTS: Patients and visitors can expect to see a $3.36 million facilities upgrade beginning this fall.

Improvements in the Emergency Room focus on quality, patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. Patients should notice shorter wait times – down 9.4%.

Further improving the ER’s processes and efficiency, Acadia General is working with new physicians from Schumacher Group, beginning in October.

Improved efficiencies can also be noted in the Surgery Department, including prompt start times.

The hospital is far exceeding its initial goals for improving employee and physician satisfaction.

Starting November 20, the AGH campus will be smoke free.

213,408 Pounds of cardboard recycled by Lafayette General Health each year

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HEALTH IN GENERAL

UHC CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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niversity Hospital & Clinics (UHC) officially observed its one-year anniversary with Lafayette General Health (LGH) during ceremonies held at the hospital on August 12. The public was invited to the balloon-decorated lobby for free blood pressure checks in celebration of the occasion.

Cake and refreshments were also served.

UHC’s CEO Jared Stark thanked those in attendance for their patronage and support during the transition of management. He praised physicians, administrators and staff for helping the hospital make dramatic improvements in service in such a short amount of time, and promised continued progress in the future.

“We’ve made so many positive changes, and affected so many lives,” says Stark.

One such positive change was converting both the hospital and clinics to EMR (Electronic Medical Record). That process required such vigor from staff that the hospital delayed the anniversary celebration until August, when the work was complete. The actual anniversary date was in June, but few staff could be spared to partake in activities or event planning.

Public dignitaries, system board members and hospital administrators all met for a private luncheon in Voorhies Auditorium to commemorate the hospital’s

one-year milestone. The health system hopes to continue working with the State of Louisiana to secure improvements to the leased property in the future.

Investment by LGH has allowed UHC to reopen its Medical Detoxification Unit, Orthopedic Clinic and Pediatric Clinic. By partnering with Lafayette General Medical Doctors, Cardiovascular Institute of the South physicians and Cancer Center of Acadiana, UHC has expanded its oncology and cardiology services. The system has invested more than $2 million in new equipment and upgrades at the hospital. Recent purchases at the hospital include new electrocardiogram equipment, an ultrasound unit, a nuclear medicine camera and advanced audiology equipment.

The hospital has plans to expand the emergency department, but that is pending approval from the state Bond Commission. Staff reorganization at the hospital has allowed the ER to reduce wait times by 49 percent, according to Laurence Vincent, Chief Nursing Officer at UHC. The ER now has a nurse practitioner or physician in place at Triage to first assess patients arriving at the ER. A year ago, 16 percent of ER patients left before being seen. That is down to 6 percent.

Overall staff at the hospital is around 700, up from about 500 when the state last managed the hospital.

“We’re a major economic force in the community, and we’re proud of that,” says Stark.

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5

Doc, My Kid’s Heart Is Beating Out His Chest!

by Scott Hamilton, M.D., and Danielle Duhon, M.D.

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irst the child complains of chest pain. He might even say, “My heart hurts.” Mom puts a hand on son’s chest – she can feel his heart beating! Maybe Uncle Joe just died of heart disease. Now, it’s panic time!

Chest pain and palpitations are scary. Adults think about heart problems and assume the worst. After all, we have been told over and over: if you have chest pain, get seen; it could be a heart attack. In kids however, chest pain is rarely the heart. It’s usually strains in the chest wall – ribs, cartilege and muscle – and sometimes it’s heartburn or occasionally lung issues.

But, what about palpitations, that feeling of heart pounding? You feel your child’s chest, and you’re certain their heart is going to jump right out! Before you lose your cool, try to think. Recent activity, caffeine or many medicines can cause your child’s heart to race. If your child has been running around or doing high-energy exercise, have them rest for a moment. See if the heart rate slows down.

Consider other causes of a pounding heart. Soda, coffee and especially energy drinks all contain caffeine and other stimulants. Extra ingredients in energy drinks, like guanara, can be more stimulating than caffeine and make the heart race. Now, there are “energy” candies, gum, gels and water mix-ins. With all that stimulant coursing through the veins, it’s no wonder the heart is going BA-DUM, BA-DUM! Several medications can also push the heart. Even if your kid is adult-sized, children metabolize medications differently than adults. Always read the label or talk to your doctor to make sure the medication and dosage are safe. Medications that can stimulate the heart include antihistamines (Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine, Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra), decongestants (pseudophedrine, phenylephrine), and cough suppressants (dextromethorphan).

Besides over-the-counter medications, your child could be prescribed a medication that can cause palpitations. These include stimulants to treat ADHD or inhalers for asthma. If a child combines those medications with other stimulating medications or caffeinated drinks, he is getting double duty and can certainly have a pounding heart.

Unfortunately, some teenagers smoke cigarettes (real or electronic) or use chewing tobacco. These contain nicotine, which is a stimulant. Used alone or in combination with medications, caffeinated or “energy” drinks, and/ or prescriptions, nicotine will get some teenagers’ hearts going overtime.

Finally, anxiety is a common cause of palpitations. Some kids are worriers. They have lots to worry about. There is pressure to do well in school. There can be family strife like parental fighting and divorce, bullying siblings or loss of a loved one through moving or death. There are social worries: Am I too fat, ugly, stupid, boring, etc? Some also worry about the big questions: Will the world end? What is the meaning of life?

Some kids live with worry so much they internalize it and don’t realize that worries are the cause of their pounding heart. We ask the child what is worrying them and they can’t say. They are so used to worrying that they don’t realize it IS a worry. Or they are afraid to talk about it in front of a parent.

Counseling can help the child explore and diffuse the anxiety.

Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if your child is having a pounding heart with dizziness, fainting spells or breathlessness. These are medical conditions that need to be checked. If you can’t talk to your doctor and are concerned, go to the Emergency Room. But, perhaps you can think back and figure it out before you get to that point.

Kids have strong hearts—so strong that, even though it’s probably not a heart problem, it feels like they're going to beat right out of their chests!

Welcome guest columnist Danielle Duhon, M.D., a Family Practice resident at University Hospital & Clinics.

Scott Hamilton, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatricians and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center's dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency Department. Dr. Hamilton is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instructor.

His blog is available at ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com, where it is accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an internet connection.

Scott Hamilton, M.D.

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ParentsDontFret.net

Clinical Trials: First Step to Making Lafayette a Research Hub

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ome in the local health care industry have doubted the likelihood of Lafayette ever becoming a hub for medical and health care services.

But, David L. Callecod, FACHE, President of Lafayette General Health (LGH), thinks it’s not only a possibility; it is a destination.

Lafayette General Health expanded its research department this year to help attract more clinical trials to Acadiana. A clinical trial is a research study to help researchers answer specific health questions. Callecod considers expanded clinical trials an early step towards creating more opportunity for Lafayette to grow, and not just in terms of health care services provided. They could transform the nature of the medical industry here.

Clinical trials help improve patient care and disease prevention. Benefits include access to treatments and drugs that might not otherwise be available to patients. They also may be more appealing to health insurers and companies that do medical research and innovation.

Having Lafayette’s only two Major Teaching Hospitals, Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) and University Hospital & Clinics (UHC), helps LGH enhance such benefits. This confluence of resources makes Lafayette a much more attractive market for top physicians, which ultimately serves to improve community health.

“Because of the unique qualities of our community, we are a great place for research,” says

David L. Callecod, FACHE LGH President Callecod. “When our community demographics are paired with our fiber capabilities, we represent a great laboratory for study.”

The best part of bringing in clinical trials, though, is what it means for patients. Participants get to have a more active role in their own health care by determining their course of action.

Patients accepted into a clinical trial can leave or continue at their choosing. They also gain access to progressive treatments before they are widely available. Evidence derived from these trials eventually helps others by driving medical research.

“We are a community that is small enough to effectively implement a study, but also large enough that it has significance,” says Callecod.

Cancer Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General began conducting clinical trials three years ago. But, Lafayette General’s

expanded research department is now launching trials outside of oncology and beyond Lafayette General Medical Center.

Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D., Medical Director of Oncology at University Hospital & Clinics, is also Director of Oncology Research at UHC. She will be instrumental in helping bring clinical trials in oncology to a broader audience than just patients at LGMC. In August, LGMC launched a trial investigating potential treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia is contracted through normal social interaction in the community, as opposed to being acquired during hospitalization.

It’s the first non-oncology clinical trial activated by Lafayette General Health.

Clinical trials are important because they can offer hope to patients who may not be responding ideally to conventional treatment. With safety as the highest priority, physicians, nurses and other team members at LGH facilities will thoroughly instruct any patient on potential risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial. LGH staff closely monitors and assesses the progress of its trials and continues this through follow-up care.

Clinical trials not only help advance a particular field of study, they could help transform the entire community.

For more information about clinical trials, call (337) 289-8658 or visit LafayetteGeneral.com/ ClinicalTrials.

HEALTH IN GENERAL FALL 2014

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C OVER STORY LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

HEALTH IN GENERAL

Unexpected Targets of Breast Cancer

a

‘WA-WA-WA’ in your head.”

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), sometimes called infiltrating ductal was making sure that she didn’t pass a cold on to carcinoma, is the most common the children she babysat in her home for years. type of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 80 percent of all breast Then, last December, the wife and mother of two left her OB/GYN’s cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, about two-thirds of office feeling as helpless as one of her babies. women are age 55 or older when they are diagnosed with an invasive breast cancer. Surprisingly, just Still, she ordered a mammogram a below 7 percent of all breast cancer During her annual examination, couple of weeks later in April, and cases occur in women under 40 years her doctor discovered something then shortly after that ordered another old. Consequently, younger women she’d overlooked. Though Casey had ultrasound. Nothing changed. generally do not consider themselves performed breast self exams fairly The whirlwind of scans and testing to be at risk for breast cancer, and regularly, she never felt the lump in ended with Casey seeing a surgeon don’t think it is necessary to perform her left breast. and undergoing a biopsy. On April 25, self-examinations. They often don’t take Her OB/GYN sent her home the diagnosis came in – invasive ductal a discovered lump seriously, assuming suggesting they “keep an eye on it and carcinoma. “I’m a strong person,” says it to be benign. However, breast cancer reexamine it in a couple of months.”

Casey. “But still, the words seemed can strike at any age, and women of Almost from that moment, the lump every age should be aware of became the focus of Casey’s their personal risk factors. universe. “I was looking at YOUNGER WOMEN GENERALLY DO Casey was referred to it and feeling it every day to NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE oncologist Victoria Panelli, M.D., see if it was growing,” she AT RISK FOR BREAST CANCER, AND at Cancer Center of Acadiana remembers. “It was sensitive at Lafayette General Medical to the touch and it moved DON’T THINK IT IS NECESSARY TO Center. Dr. Panelli prescribed 10 when I pressed it; I was PERFORM SELF-EXAMINATIONS. weeks of intense chemotherapy always told that was a good THEY OFTEN DON’T TAKE A to reduce the size of the mass sign, meaning it was benign.”

DISCOVERED LUMP SERIOUSLY, before surgery was an option.

Tenderness associated with ASSUMING IT TO BE BENIGN. According to Dr. Panelli, a lump, particularly if it’s diagnosing breast cancer in cyclical in nature, is often a younger women (under 40 years) is good sign. But, many malignant breast unreal, like a dream.” more difficult because their breast “Everyone else was crying,” says tumors can be tender as well. tissue is generally denser than breast In March, Casey nervously returned her husband Jimmy. “You’re hearing tissue in older women. By the time a to her obstetrician. The doctor ordered all kinds of terms that you’ve never lump in a younger woman’s breast can an ultrasound, which showed a mass, heard before, and you know it’s be felt, the cancer is often advanced. Dr. still isolated to the left breast. But, she important to remember what’s being Panelli advises patients with no family told Casey that it was probably benign. said. But, all you’re really hearing is

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t 35, Casey Hammons’ biggest medical concern

HEALTH IN GENERAL

Casey Hammons

history of breast cancer to begin mammogram screenings at age 40.

Those with a family history should be screened at age 40 or 10 years prior to the earliest case of breast cancer in their family — whichever comes first.

Casey is among the minority of breast cancer victims not only because of her young age, but because there was no history of breast cancer in her family. Perplexed by the origin of her diagnosis, she requested genetic testing. Cancer Center of Acadiana’s Genetic Counselor Rebecca Donohue, PhD, is the only advanced practice nurse in Acadiana certified in genetics currently performing this service.

She found no inherited breast cancer markers in Casey, but tests did detect a gene mutation that would put her at further risk for colon cancer.

Dr. Donohue recommended Casey undergo colorectal screenings every five years, or more often, based on the colonoscopy findings.

Casey says telling the parents of the it. I like the fact that I come here for children she babysat that she had to but Dr. Panelli’s plan was to shrink stop was the second hardest thing she’s everything, from seeing my doctor to the mass with another round of having my lab work and chemo.” had to do. Telling her own two boys, chemotherapy before recommending who are now 8 and 13 years old, a lumpectomy to remove was the hardest. “They were would remain. “After PERPLEXED BY THE ORIGIN OF HER what strong and took the news as that, I’m told I’ll need DIAGNOSIS, CASEY REQUESTED well as could be expected. In radiation,” Casey says GENETIC TESTING. CANCER fact, when I decided to shave my almost matter of factly. head, they were in the bathroom CENTER OF ACADIANA'S GENETIC In the meantime, Casey with me and my husband.” has kept busy with her boys, COUNSELOR REBECCA DONOHUE, At this interview in August, staying involved in their PHD, IS THE ONLY ADVANCED Casey is wearing a silk scarf school activities. “I want to PRACTICE NURSE IN ACADIANA under a crocheted white cap. “I watch my kids grow up and tried wearing a wig, but the kids CERTIFIED IN GENETICS CURRENTLY live a long happy life,” she PERFORMING THIS SERVICE. said it didn’t look like me.” says. “I feel positive that I’m She took the boys to a couple getting through this.”

“The nurses and staff are very nice of her doctor appointments and For information on clinical trials people,” adds Jimmy. showed them the Cancer Center of on breast cancer and other diseases Casey finished her first round of Acadiana’s Infusion Center. “I wanted conducted at Lafayette General chemotherapy in August with her them to see where I get treated so Medical Center, call (337) 289-8658 tumor having shrunk from 5.5 to 2 that they knew I was in a comfortable or visit LafayetteGeneral.com/ centimeters. The news was good, place and safe. They actually liked Clinical Trials.

HEALTH IN GENERAL FALL 2014

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WELCOMING NEW PHYSICIANS

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FALL 2014

Jean Ancelet, M.D.

Mulraj Katira, M.D.

Family Medicine Joined Dr. Darrin Menard at Scott Family Physicians.

202 Westgate Rd., Scott (337) 232-1802

Internal Medicine, LGMD Dr. Katira aligned his Internal Medicine practice with Lafayette General Health.

576 N. Avenue G, Crowley (337) 788-1733

Melanie Bienvenu, M.D.

Virginia Simon Kellner, M.D.

Gastroenterology Joined Drs. James Bienvenu, Richard Broussard, Patrick Herrington, Patrick Laperouse, Stephen Person, Erick Salvatierra and Chris Herrington.

439 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette (337) 269-0963

Neurology, LGMD Joined Neuroscience Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General, practicing with Drs. David Weir, Damon Patterson and Adam Foreman.

136 Hospital Dr., Ste. 100, Lafayette (337) 289-8282

Stephen Coleman, D.O.

John “Jay” Luke, M.D.

OB/GYN LSU Resident Supervisor, LGMD Dr. Coleman will start in October, rotating with Dr. Tristan Schultis, supervising residents at University Hospital & Clinics.

Vascular Surgery Opened his practice in the same office as Drs. Chris LaGraize and Joe Ghanami.

155 Hospital Dr., Ste. 410, Lafayette (337) 289-9700

Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D.

Lauren Fletcher Luke, M.D.

Medical Oncology, LGMD University Hospital & Clinics Medical Director of Oncology Services and Oncology Research.

2390 W. Congress St., Lafayette (337) 261-6545

Family Medicine/Women’s Health Opened her practice near River Ranch.

1700 Kaliste Saloom Rd., Bldg. 6, Ste. 601, Lafayette (337) 806-9161

Eric Guilbeau, M.D.

Joseph Lupo, M.D.

Family Medicine, LGMD Practices at Lafayette General’s Family Health Plaza in River Ranch.

1216 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette (337) 769-0069

Plastic Surgery Joined Drs. Darrell Henderson and Jeffrey Williams.

1101 S. College Rd., Ste. 400, Lafayette (337) 233-5025

Jordana Hannam, M.D.

Fallon McManus, M.D.

Neonatology Joined Critical Care Newborn Services, providing neonatology services to LGMC's NICU, led by medical director David De Iulio, M.D.

Family Medicine, LGMD Opening her practice in Youngsville in November.

103 Centre Sarcelle Blvd., Ste 506, Youngsville (337) 289-8978

Chris Herrington, M.D.

Michael Schutte, M.D.

Gastroenterology Joined Drs. James Bienvenu, Richard Broussard, Patrick Herrington, Patrick Laperouse, Stephen Person, Erick Salvatierra and Melanie Bienvenu.

439 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette (337) 269-0963

Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, LGMD Splits time between heading UHC’s Orthopedic Clinic and seeing patients at Acadiana Orthopedic Center at Lafayette General.

1448 S. College Rd., Lafayette (337) 233-5300

HEALTH IN GENERAL

Jimmy Skrasek, M.D. Obstetrics and Gynecology, LGMD Opened his OB/GYN practice.

1325 Wright Ave., Suite K., Crowley (337) 783-1651

Angela Snow, M.D. Internal Medicine, LGMD Joined Internal Medicine Physicians with Drs. Michael Alexander, Juan Perez-Ruiz and Bradley Chastant II. 461 Heymann Blvd., Lafayette (337) 289-8717

Jayme Trahan, M.D. Neurosurgery Opened his practice in the same office as Dr. Ilyas Munshi.

99 W. Martial Ave., Lafayette (337) 706-8996

Max Trahan, M.D. General Surgery, LGMD Opened his General Surgery practice.

719 N. Eastern Ave., Crowley (337) 783-1629

Eric Trawick, M.D. Gastroenterology Joined Drs. Stephen Abshire and James Arterburn.

1211 Coolidge St., Ste. 303, Lafayette (337) 232-6697

Blaine T. Walton, M.D. Orthopedic Traumatologist, LGMD Joined Acadiana Orthopedic Center at Lafayette General.

1448 S. College Rd., Lafayette (337) 233-5300

Jeffrey “Jeff� Witty, M.D. Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, LGMD Joined Acadiana Orthopedic Center at Lafayette General.

1448 S. College Rd., Lafayette (337) 233-5300

Medical Info Online

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atients and customers of Lafayette General Health now have access to their information with the launch of the new Patient Portal. This private and secure online information hub allows patients to view and download their health information at any time.

The LGH Patient Portal is now available for patients of Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC), Lafayette General Surgical Hospital (LGSH), St. Martin Hospital (SMH) and University Hospital & Clinics (UHC).

The Patient Portal can be accessed directly via the website: myLGMC.IQHealth.com or by clicking the link on the LGH public page. Presently, the Portal provides lab results, medication lists, allergies, procedures and diagnoses.

Results from any particular visit are available 36 hours after tests are completed.

If you have recently utilized LGMC, LGSH, SMH or UHC services and would like to sign up for the Portal, please visit the Registration Department at the facility where you received services.

Acadia General Hospital in Crowley offers a separate patient portal. Patients can call the Information Systems Department at (337) 788-6366 to be e-mailed a link to their Patient Portal.

For more information, call (337) 289-7313 or visit LafayetteGeneral.com/PatientPortal.

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Gastroenterologist Eric Trawick, M.D. (left) and Surgical Tech Kayla Richard operate the new Endoscopic Ultrasound machine at Lafayette General Medical Center.

LGMC GETS STATE-OF-THE-ART ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND MACHINE

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afayette General Medical Center has acquired a new endoscopy tool to enable more accurate diagnosis of ailments in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a multi-purpose unit that provides unprecedented performance. But, more importantly, it now allows local physicians to make referrals locally instead of sending patients to New Orleans for the same procedure.

The ProSound F75 Ultrasound Imaging Platform is a precision diagnostic system giving physicians the highest quality imaging available.

Better images allow more accurate diagnosis of diseases, as well as a variety of cancers, in the GI tract and in nearby organs such as the pancreas, bile duct, liver, spleen and gallbladder.

This equipment combines

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HEALTH IN GENERAL

ultrasound technology with endoscopic tools to better visualize tissues of the digestive tract and adjacent anatomical structures inside the human body.

Ultrasound typically involves gel and a transducer rubbed across the skin to produce images of internal organs.

With endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), the transducer is inserted into the body via the digestive tract, putting it closer to the area of interest to obtain higher resolution images.

Lafayette General Health welcomed Eric Trawick, M.D., to Lafayette General Endoscopy Center.

Dr. Trawick is a gastroenterologist specifically trained in using this EUS equipment.

“Having the best imaging makes identifying, diagnosing and staging GI tumors easier and more accurate,” says Dr. Trawick. “EUS allows for clear identification of surrounding blood

vessels and targeted needle biopsies of GI tumors in a minimally invasive manner,” he says.

The ProSound F75, manufactured

by Olympus, offers an ergonomic design that makes it more comfortable for both the patient and the medical staff. Its keyboard and monitor have adjustable heights, with a processor stored on a mobile cart. The platform can be transported efficiently for quick tasks and examinations in a variety of clinical settings.

Lafayette General is known for providing exceptional endoscopic care. The hospital staff is technically trained and takes every effort to ensure a patient’s comfort and confidence. LGMC strives to continually keep pace with the latest techniques and technology to provide the highest quality of care available in this medical specialty.

A Place of Life

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atients, employees and visitors of Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) will soon have a new area to enjoy tranquility and celebrate the memories of life. Situated outdoors next to the hospital’s front entrance, La Place de Vie (Meaning: A place of life) will be a relaxing courtyard and site to honor some very special heroes.

The endeavor is a project of Lafayette General Foundation, working closely with Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), with the intent of hosting flag-raising ceremonies honoring the contributions of organ donors and their families.

As a top contributor to organ donations, LGMC has worked closely with LOPA for years to provide many individuals awaiting transplants a second chance at life. It is fitting that La Place de Vie be the site where LOPA’s Donate Life flag will be raised each time a donation is made to commemorate organ donation at Lafayette General.

“It is challenging for me to put into words how much this extraordinary place means to me personally,” says Libbie Harrison, mother of an organ donor and LOPA Family Services Coordinator. “By creating La Place de Vie, Lafayette General has provided a setting for families to feel a sense of comfort.”

This summer, patrons began making contributions to La Place de Vie’s construction by purchasing pavers, benches and plaques on a unique metal oak tree that make up the courtyard’s design. All proceeds raised through purchases of La Place de Vie items will fund Lafayette General Foundation’s mission to support Lafayette General Health through innovative projects that enhance health care in Acadiana. La Place de Vie will open to the public in late fall.

For more information or to make a purchase or donation, visit PlaceDeVie.com.

To make an offline or private contribution to La Place de Vie, call (337) 214-2112.

Investing in Your Health Contribute to the growth of Acadiana’s only community-owned, not-for-profit health system, Lafayette General Health.

Donating to the Lafayette General Foundation brings innovative technologies to our community, like providing preventative and urgent care to children through school telemedicine clinics.

Join us in creating a healthier future for Acadiana by investing in the Lafayette General Foundation. Gifts are tax deductible.

To make an offline transaction, call (337) 214-2112.

For more information, go to LafayetteGeneral.com/Foundation.

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LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

HEALTH IN GENERAL

Lafayette General Medical Center and University Hospital & Clinics welcomed a new round of residents to their respective campuses on July 1. At LGMC, hospital staff filled the lobby and lined the main entry corridor to give the residents a surprise round of applause as they entered the hospital. At UHC, residents were treated to a social gathering and breakfast.

Lafayette General Health participated in the ULL Wear Red Day on Friday, August 29. Employees at facilities across the system donned red T-shirts to work and posed for a photograph at each facility. Shown here is the turnout for the photo at Lafayette General Medical Center.

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LGMC’s orthopedics program was honored at a ceremony June 23 for achieving certification by The Joint Commission in Disease-Specific Care for Joint Replacement of the Hip and Knee, and for being named among America’s Best Hospitals in Orthopedics

by WomenCertified®. Pictured (l-r) are LGH President David L. Callecod, FACHE, Orthopedic Surgeon John Schutte, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon Scott Yerger, M.D., and LGMC CEO Patrick W. Gandy, Jr.

University Hospital & Clinics (UHC) officially observed its one-year anniversary with Lafayette General Health (LGH) during ceremonies held August 13 at the hospital. The public was invited to the balloon-decorated lobby for free blood pressure checks. Cake and refreshments were also served. From left, Glenn Craig, UHC Chief Operating Officer; Al Patin, Chief Administrative Officer, Lafayette General Medical Doctors; Paul Molbert, VP Network Development and Accountable Care Organization; Laurence Vincent, Chief Nursing Officer, UHC; Jared Stark, CEO, UHC; David L. Callecod, President, LGH; Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., CEO, Lafayette General Medical Center; Katie Hebert, CEO, St. Martin Hospital; Carrie Templeton, Administrator, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; and Heather Harper, CEO, Acadia General Hospital (AGH).

David L. Callecod (center) and administrators from across the health system participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge on August 21 to raise awareness of ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). As part of its annual $250,000 community donation, LGH donated $444.37 (in honor of Lou Gehrig and Steve Gleason) to the ALS Association. Other hospital representatives were Dean Ducote, LGMC, Carrie Templeton, LGSH, Heather Harper, AGH and Jared Stark, UHC.

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FALL 2014

HEALTH IN GENERAL

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E T A D P

COMPLETE!

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ince October 2012, Lafayette General Medical Center has been a major construction zone, as a $52.5 million expansion and renovation project enveloped the campus along South College Drive. That project finally came to its expected end at the close of this summer, offering patients a modern architectural and state-ofthe-art medical facility.

The project wrapped up with the installation of new equipment in the renovated part of the Emergency Room. A new dedicated ER entrance was added near the existing, more familiar hospital entrance on the West Tower facing the Heymann Center. The renovated ER space became operational in late September, joining the expanded ER inside the new four-story

addition that also houses new operating, recovery and consultation rooms, sterile processing department and new trauma elevator accessing the rooftop helipad.

Construction was officially concluded August 31, with remaining punch-list items being addressed by contractors through the end of September.

“This has been a very long process, and so worth it to see the finished product. These improvements will ensure that Lafayette General Medical Center will remain the region’s leading health care provider for generations to come, and I am honored to be part of the team responsible for that progress,” says Lafayette General Project Manager Marie Lukaszeski. “I think our staff and patients can be proud to deliver and receive exceptional health care in this awesome new space.”

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FREE Heart Fairs Get your FREE Pocket EKG Card and EKG exam read by a cardiologist!

CALL (337) 289-8600 to make an appointment.

$89.95 value

Only 4 dates available for 2014 Thursdays: 3:30 - 6 p.m.

October 9 November 13 December 11 CIS at Lafayette General, 443 Heymann Blvd.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - Noon October 25

In partnership with

Burdin Riehl Center, 1211 Coolidge St. 2nd Floor (across from the hospital)

LafayetteGeneral.com

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