When it comes to MRI providers in Lancaster, there is a difference.

MRI Group has a long tradition of excellence: Accurate image reading. Collaborative, highly trained physicians. Exceptional patient experience. Affordable rates.

• Images read by local radiologists

• Radiologists available 24 hours a day, year round, to read images and provide consultation

• All radiologists are board certified by American Board of Radiology

• Experts in all radiology specialties including breast imaging, cardiovascular, interventional, neuroradiology, vascular, musculoskeletal, and pediatric imaging

• 3T MRI, Open Wide-Bore MRI and Open High-Field MRI

• Evening and weekend appointments

MRI Scans Performed

• Abdomen

• Brain

• Breast

• Chest

• Extremity

• Heart

• Joint

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

• Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE)

• Pelvis

• Prostate

• Spine

• Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ)

3T MRI NOW AVAILABLE

3T is an advanced MRI machine that produces very high-resolution images. 3T MRI is especially useful for more complex imaging needs. It also makes the MRI exam less invasive for some studies, such as prostate scans.

Phone: 717-291-1016

Fax: 717-509-8642

MRIGroup.com

Several locations in Lancaster County and Chester County

2022/2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Stacey S. Denlinger, DO President

UMPC Highlands Family Practice & UPMC Wound Healing Center

Sarah E. Eiser, MD President Elect

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Lancaster Physicians for Women

Robin M. Hicks, DO Vice President

UPMC Supportive Care & Palliative Medicine

Stephen T. Olin, MD Treasurer

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health

Walter L. Aument Family Health Center

Laura H. Fisher, MD

Immediate Past President Lancaster Family Allergy DIRECTORS

Robert K. Aichele, Jr., DO

Marco A. Cunicelli, DO | Resident

Kendall R. Dempsey, MD | Resident

Lena Dumasia, MD

David J. Gasperack, DO

Lauren M. Hammell, DO | Resident

James M. Kelly, MD

Karen A. Rizzo, MD, FACS

Christopher R. Scheid, DO

Susanne Scott, MD, MPH

Danielle Rubinstein, DO

LancasterPhysician is a publication of the Lancaster City & County Medical Society (LCCMS). The Lancaster City & County Medical Society’s mission statement: To promote and protect the practice of medicine for the physicians of Lancaster County so they may provide the highest quality of patient-centered care in an increasingly complex environment.

Ihope this letter finds everyone celebrating a return to a more familiar holiday season. Lancaster City & County Medical Society held multiple events this fall — like the annual dinner where we celebrated individuals and organizations providing exceptional service to Lancaster County. Many of our members also enjoyed the mixer at the new Medical Heritage Museum in November and the Holiday Social & Foundation Benefit in December. I think I speak for everyone when I express what an emotional boost it has been to share stories and experiences with colleagues again face-to-face! The museum had so many interesting displays, including an interactive physical exam display. I encourage you to visit and see the collection of medical history and artifacts from Lancaster County.

As we all figure out what “normal” means for us both personally and professionally, I remember one of my favorite quotes: “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” ~ Wendy Mass

I hope we can end 2022 and begin 2023 by listening more than we talk and by practicing more empathy than judgement.

Though news about SARS-COV-2 and COVID (in all its forms) has dominated the conversation for years and will continue to be part of our community as we learn more over time, the rest of medicine continues to advance. Diseases both old and new need to be given fair attention, including the rise in RSV cases we are seeing.

Thank you to the contributors and readers of this magazine for your continued support. We want to continue to highlight topics related to medicine and the community. If you have any interest in writing or want to suggest a topic you are interested in hearing more about, please let us know. We also hope to continue to offer the small group discussions program, “Docs, Drinks, and Dialogue.” If you are interested in hosting, or co-hosting, please contact our executive director, Beth Gerber.

While many, even most, patients recover from COVID-19 without lasting effects, for others, the recovery process can be more prolonged and complex. These patients continue to experience physical, emotional, or cognitive symptoms, which can significantly impact their overall quality of life.

Tony T. Ton-That, M.D., medical director of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Post-COVID-19 Recovery and Rehabilitation Therapy Program, said many patients suffer from continuing symptoms six months or more after a COVID-19 infection. Those symptoms can range from weakness, pain, and fatigue to “brain fog,” anxiety, and depression.

“We are still learning about the possible long-term effects of COVID-19 that can affect people months or even years later,” he said. “Our recovery and rehabilitation therapy program offers multidisciplinary care to address these symptoms, so patients can once again function as active members of their communities.”

According to the CDC, it’s difficult to determine exactly how many people experience post-COVID conditions. Estimates can vary as widely as 2.5 to 30 percent, depending on a number of factors, including whether the patient was hospitalized during their original illness and whether symptoms are self-reported or recorded in medical records.

LG Health’s multidisciplinary COVID-19 recovery and rehab team includes physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as neuropsychologists and behavioral health counselors. Patients are referred by their primary-care provider, a specialist, or themselves.

The LG Health program, which is unique to southcentral Pennsylvania, is part of an ongoing effort across Penn Medicine to help patients who experience “long-haul” COVID symptoms. Penn Medicine’s PostCOVID Assessment and Recovery Clinic offers a similar multidisciplinary approach to care through virtual and in-person visits throughout the region. And the Penn Neuro COVID Clinic treats patients who continue to experience symptoms related to cognition, headache, vertigo, and brain fog.

For many patients who face lingering challenges after COVID-19, that continued care and support can prove essential to finally returning to a more normal life.

At the LG Health Post-COVID-19 program, a case manager coordinates each patient’s care, ensuring timely access to the appropriate providers across various specialties. Patients receive an evaluation and personalized care plan, which takes into account medical history and any pre-existing conditions that may be exacerbated by COVID-19.

Case manager Jill Fehrman said the program sees patients of all ages and genders, who experienced varying severity of illness with COVID-19. While the length of rehabilitation therapy varies based on the patient and their progress, about six to eight weeks is typical.

Persistent poor endurance, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches are common symptoms that can persist from the physical standpoint, she said. It is not uncommon for these symptoms to be present for several months. A physical therapist can help to rebuild strength and endurance through monitored exercise on the treadmill or other stationary equipment. Vestibular treatments and balance training can help to treat dizziness.

“We are seeing people who had COVID19 several months ago and are still easily fatigued and have poor endurance,” Fehrman said. “In some cases, that can lead to additional concerns, including weight loss.”

Cognitive impairment — or “brain fog” — can lead patients to struggle with activities of daily living long after their initial recovery from COVID-19. Occupational or speech therapy can be an integral part of returning a patient to a higher level of cognitive function. An occupational therapist, for example, might focus on strategy implementation, adaptation, and actual task engagement.

“Many of our patients sometimes have a hard time figuring out the right word for what they want to say,” Ton-That said. “Others have trouble gathering ingredients to cook a meal. It takes them a longer time to accomplish routine tasks.”

When it comes to emotional health, patients who have recovered from COVID19 might experience anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. A neuropsychologist or counselor can help to address these symptoms, which may be especially prevalent in patients who had lengthy hospital stays and severe illness.

While most patients improve with rehabilitation therapy, Ton-That said some might require additional care from a pain specialist, cardiologist, or pulmonologist. The patient’s primary-care provider coordinates referrals to those follow-up services, if necessary.

“Our program takes a highly collaborative approach to treating our patients who are experiencing long-term symptoms of COVID-19,” he said. “We have seen that there continues to be a great need in our community for this type of care.”