2015 Leading Medical Professionals

Leading

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE GAZETTE SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015 www.gazette.com/medical

Medical Professionals Atlas Spine Center

Delivering quality care to Colorado Springs for 20 years Leading the way in digestive health at Peak Gastroenterology

Colorado empowers patients to fight prescription drug abuse

Meet the docs:

Kaiser Permanente introduces newest family, pediatric physicians

Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care expands in Southern Colorado

Leading Medical Professionals March 29, 2015

contents

Community medical event calendar ........................................................................

Published by The Gazette 30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903

President & Publisher Dan Steever

General Manager Brad Howard

Advertising Director Rhonda Miller

Editor, Leading Medical Professionals Hannah Blick

Photographer Jeff Kearney

Graphic Designer Gina Pietramale

Local Community Sales Manager Erik Carlson

To advertise:

719-476-1618

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Meet the team at Atlas Spine Center: Dedicated to your overall health for more than two decades ..................................

4 Community engagement, family focus priorities for Dublin Primary Care................ 7 Q & A with the Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care team ............................................ 8 Peak Gastroenterology Associates leads the way in local digestive health ............. 9 Health care in the Springs: Perspectives from the El Paso County Medical Society .......................................

12 Kaiser Permanente introduces its newest family, pediatric care physicians ........ 14 Dermatologist Reagan Anderson, DO: Helping patients feel comfortable in their skin ...................................................

17 Colorado Medical Society weighs in on prescription drug abuse, misuse ........... 18 ON THE COVER: John Davis, DC, of Atlas Spine Center Photo by Jeff Kearney

National Doctors’ Day – March 30, 2015 National Doctors’ Day is held every year on March 30 in the United States. It is a day to celebrate the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for its citizens.

The first Doctor’s Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians. This first observance included mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. On March 30, 1958, a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives.

In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a National Doctors’ Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30 as “National Doctors’ Day.” ✚ – www.doctorsday.org

COMMUNITY medical events APRIL 11

Memorial Hospital Foundation Gala 6 p.m. – cocktail reception and silent auction 7 – dinner, live auction and entertainment at The Broadmoor’s Rocky Mountain Ballroom, 1 Lake Avenue All proceeds will benefit local cardiovascular services. Visit www.mhf.thankyou4caring.org/gala or call 719-365-5871 to register.

APRIL 12

Community Autism Celebration 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Hotel Elegante, 2886 S. Circle Drive Enjoy vendors, crafters, sensory friendly activities, a silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit Denver Autism Speaks and a local nonprofit that supports autism.

APRIL 25

Alpine Autism Center 5K Walk/Runs 8:30 a.m. – registration at America the Beautiful Park, 126 Cimino Drive 10 – walk begins $20 or $40 for family of four April is Autism Awareness Month! Visit firstgiving.com/9435/8th-annual-5kwalkrun-for-autism to register.

Grand Opening: Kaiser Permanente Parkside Medical Office Buildings 1–3 p.m.

215 Parkside Drive (near Memorial Park) Join us for an opening celebration at our new Kaiser Permanente Parkside Medical Offices! We’ll have refreshments, activities for the whole family, giveaways, and more. Meet our physicians and care team, and tour our beautiful new facility. Parkside offers primary care for all ages, a full service pharmacy, laboratory, medical imaging services, and more.

Visit www.kp.org/parkside for more information.

MAY 1–3

Colorado Medical Society Spring Conference The Colorado Medical Society will host the annual spring conference at the luxurious Sonnenalp Hotel in the heart of Vail village. Visit www.cms. org/events/spring-conference to register.

MAY 16

Spirits of Spring 2015 6 p.m. at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive Hosted by Gleneagle Sertoma Colorado Springs, event proceeds will benefit The Home Front Cares, Tri-Lakes Cares and Mission Medical. Cost is $60; visit www.gleneaglesertoma.org for more information.

Spring into Summer Vendor and Craft Show for Ronald McDonald House 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Boulevard Come out and see 100+ vendors while your kids enjoy face painting, live action characters, and caricature drawings. Event is free to the public; donations will be accepted, benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado.

JUNE 27

Climb for Courage for Children’s Hospital Colorado 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Falcon Stadium, Air Force Academy — entrance through north gate only Join us for the inaugural Climb for Courage stair climb when the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium becomes home to Colorado Springs’ only stair climb race. Participants can register as individuals or as part of a team to climb more than 2,700 stairs or 2.7 K around Falcon Stadium. Not up for the race but want to Climb?

Register for the Fun Wave to help raise money for the patients and families served by Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. Call 719-266-3021 or visit www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION

From mental health to family medicine, the general public and medical professionals have a variety of continuing education options right here in our community.

ACESO Foundation 4740 Flintridge Drive, Suite 220.

Call 719-253-2299 to register.

• Basic Sign Language Course: 6–8 p.m., Tuesdays, April 7–May 19, cost is $125.

• Americans with Disabilities Act Basics, 3 p.m., April 22, cost is $10.

AspenPointe 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Nautilus Room, third floor Mental Health First Aid: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. on April 17. Mental health first aid training can assist in early intervention and in the on-going community support of people with mental illnesses. It is useful for people employed in areas which involve increased contact with mental health issues and for caregivers. Visit www.aspenpointe.org/Calendar.html for a list of upcoming seminars.

Centura Health, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services St. Francis Medical Center, 6001 E. Woodmen Road • Baby Care Class Day 1: Are you excited and a little nervous about caring for your newborn baby? Babies don’t come with instructions, so join us for a fun and interactive class that will give you a little “hands-on” experience and lots of information. Visit www. penrosestfrancis.org for a list of upcoming public seminars.

• Continuing Medical Education: Visit www.penrosestfrancis.org/psf/ for-physicians/continuing-medicaleducation for a list of upcoming seminars for medical professionals.

Colorado Springs Senior Center 1514 N. Hancock Avenue. Call 719-387-6000 to register. Visit www.csseniorcenter.com for more information.

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers: 9:30 a.m.–noon, Fridays through May 1; Call Kent Mathews at 719-471-7080, ext. 115 for more information.

• The Basics of Alzheimer’s: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., April 10. Brought to you by the Alzheimer’s Association. Call 719-266-8773 for more information.

• All About Osteoporosis: 9–10 a.m., April 13.

• The Heart of Caregiving: 1– 3 p.m., April 20, cost is $1.

• Healthy Tips for Safe Travel: 1–2 p.m., April 22, cost is $1.

Kaiser Permanente Webinars Visit www.kp.org to register and see a list of upcoming seminars.

• Freedom From Tobacco Series:

“Manage Your Stress”: 6:30–7:30 p.m., April 14. Ready to quit? This 4-part series covers key strategies for success.

• Healing Hearts Series: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., April 22.

Learn how stress and emotions impact the recovery and healing process for people with heart and vascular conditions.

Basic stress management techniques demonstrated.

Peak View Behavioral Health 7353 Sisters Grove. Call 719-2166232 or email taline.meredith@ strategicbh.com to register. Visit www.peakviewbh.com/events for a list of upcoming seminars.

• L.E.N.S. in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., April 23. Lunch is provided.

• Mental Health First Aid: 11:30 a.m.– 1 p.m., May 28. Lunch is provided.

PILLAR 4570 Hilton Parkway, Suite 101. Call 719-633-4991 to register.

• Medicare A, B, C, D, and All That Stuff: 9:30–11:30 a.m., April 1 and 2.

Please bring a canned food item to donate.

• Sleep, Dream and Awaken to Improved Mental Health: 9:30–11:30 a.m., April 9, cost is $25.

University of Colorado Health, Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital Central, 1400 E. Boulder Street • Oncologic Emergencies Update: 8–11 a.m., May 13, July 8, September 9, November 11 at Targeted at Oncology RNs and other interested RNs. This update will describe the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities and nursing considerations of a variety of oncologic emergencies. Cost is $25 or free for employees; worth 2.5 contact hours.

Visit www.uchealth.org/Pages/ ENRS/EventsSearchResult.aspx for more information and a list of upcoming seminars.

Memorial Administrative Center, Cucharra Room, 2420 E. Pikes Peak Avenue • Diabetes Medication Class: 5:30–7 p.m., May 7. This class is free; call 1-720-855-1102, ext. 7102 to register. ✚

T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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The

gift of life

Atlas Spine Center applies thorough protocol, caring approach in restoring patient health

DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC BEN PARTRIDGE, ERIC CARLSON, JOHN DAVIS AND DERIN DOPPS 4 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S / T H E G A ZE T T E

ATLAS SPINE CENTER’S TEAM OF FOUR DOCTORS AND 11 STAFF MEMBERS SEES ABOUT 350 PATIENTS A DAY, ENSURING EACH PERSON WHO WALKS THROUGH THE DOOR RECEIVES SPECIFIC AND MULTIFACETED SPINAL CARE.

“I’m a pretty firm believer in Atlas because I can see what a difference it makes. I credit them with my health, life and ability to walk. I just think the world of them.” – Atlas Spine Center Patient, Betty Reynolds

BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS •PHOTOS BY JEFF KEARNEY

In 2009, Betty Reynolds’ nightmare began.

After developing a neck tumor that grew into her spine, she slowly lost control of her body, starting with the use of the piano teacher’s right hand and snowballing to the point she was wheelchair-bound, without use of her legs. “I didn’t know what to do anymore, we had tried everything,” she said. Reynolds was not even 60 years old.

Two years ago, a friend insisted Reynolds visit Atlas Spine Center for treatment, but Reynolds was skeptical. “Being from New York, I don’t trust anybody,” she said with a laugh. But after two weeks at Atlas Spine Center, Reynolds was walking again. “Not well, mind you, but I was walking. I just couldn’t believe it,” she said. It was nothing short of a miracle in her eyes. Since then, Reynolds has visited Atlas Spine Center for spinal decompression and chiropractic sessions and seen drastic improvements in her health and mobility. “My husband is amazed at how much better I am,” she said.

“We thought this was rest of my life — no one else was able to help me.”

SECRETS TO SUCCESS On a Tuesday morning in early March, Atlas Spine Center is up and running; doctors and staff move fluidly throughout the office, answering phone calls and questions and calling out greetings. The first patients come in at 6:30 a.m. and the last appointments are typically scheduled for 6:30 p.m. “We know not everyone can get in during the workday, that’s why we try to be available early and late,” said John Davis, DC. The family friendly clinic sees patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. “We love when kiddos come in,” Dr. Davis said. A jungle-themed children’s play area off the main waiting room serves as ready entertainment, as do the doctors’ charismatic personalities and endless energy.

Atlas receives referrals from both former patients and a variety of doctors in town and has built its trademarked protocol around three types of care: spinal decompression, chiropractic, and treatment of peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when arteries and veins are damaged, resulting in impaired sensations in the hands and feet, balance

Atlas Spine Center 5490 Powers Center Point Suite 148 719-278-3612 theatlasspinecenter.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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Atlas Spine Center:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

and organ function. Atlas Spine Center leads the way in El Paso County for neuropathy treatment, using vibration and lighting to stimulate the release of nitric oxide in a patient’s legs, calves, feet, hands and arms.

“We also send patients home with a homework protocol and use supplementation to help their bodies rebuild,” Dr. Davis said.

The doctors use spinal decompression therapy to treat bulging and herniated discs.

Decompression machines range in price from $4,000–$160,000, and Atlas Spine Center houses several from the highest end.

“These are the Cadillacs of decompression machines,” Dr. Davis said, demonstrating how the machines gently stretch a patient’s spine, releasing healing nutrients into the spaces between discs that foster regeneration and healing of tissue.

The doctors at Atlas Spine Center do not believe in leading patients through pain-based treatment, but instead focus on an approach they call No Disc Surgery (NDS). “Treating spinal decompression helps them avoid surgery, and our trademark neuropathy protocol helps people avoid medicine. Our goal is for you to never have to come in again,” Dr. Davis said.

“Nobody west of the St. Louis Arch is doing the protocols we are doing here, to our knowledge.”

The center also houses X-ray capabilities and runs on a fully digitized platform; the robust physical therapy room features Core MedX Strength machines, the only equipment known to completely lock the pelvis in place for treatment. Director of physical therapy Chris Stoneman, ATC, leads patients through restorative exercises, and massage therapists are available for treatment.

The doctors — also including Eric Carlson, DC; Derin Dopps, DC; and Ben Partridge, DC, treat a variety of issues from lower back pain to disorders of the nervous system, though they say many issues overlap and symptoms can play off each other. “That’s the beauty of holistic care like this, we can often work out a variety of problems the patient doesn’t even realize are connected,” Dr. Carlson said.

to credit with their success: “I can say it in one word: ‘results,’” said Dr. Davis, who studied at the Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Mo., before relocating to Colorado. Years of experience and sheer numbers of patients who come through the door have made them experts in everything from minor aches to crippling pain.

“We have a desire for change, we want to see your problems be corrected,” Dr. Dopps said.

“Nobody here has ever been happy with just getting you through to your next appointment.

We want to get you back to your life.”

Dr. Dopps and his family relocated to Colorado Springs in May 2014, after ten years of practicing in Wichita, Kan., with his family’s practice. Dopps Chiropractic has been in business for 30 years in the Wichita area and now staffs about 30 doctors in locations around the city. “It was going to take a very special clinic for me to leave the nest,” he said. “I met these guys, saw their focus and that I could grow here; they were one step

FIRM FOUNDATION Atlas Spine Center was founded as Atlas Chiropractic in 2001, with just two doctors and one employee. In one year’s time, the center grew into one of the largest chiropractic clinics in Colorado Springs, and in 2007, the Atlas team added spinal decompression and business exploded. The current team of four doctors and 11 staff members sees about 350 patients a day, and doctors know exactly what 6 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S / T H E G A ZE T T E

up — where I wanted to be.” Dr. Partridge is Atlas Spine Center’s newest doctor, officially joining the team in January after four years of helping out intermittently while he finished school and ran his own practice for two-anda-half years. Dr. Partridge also serves as a part-time anatomy professor at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs. “Each of us is gifted in his own way,” said Dr. Carlson, a Colorado Springs native who helped found Atlas 14 years ago. “All of us together adds up to the best care we could give.”

Through all their success, the doctors agree their shared faith is their No. 1 priority. “We are truly blessed by God to be able to serve all the people we do,” Dr. Davis said. “That’s our foundation, that’s why we’re so successful.”

For further proof, just ask the woman who can walk again — a modern Lazarus. “I’m a pretty firm believer in Atlas because I can see what a difference it makes,” Reynolds said. “I credit them with my health, life and ability to walk. I just think the world of them.” ✚

“Nobody here has ever been happy with just getting you through to your next appointment. We want to get you back to your life.”

– Derin Dopps, DC

Local Longevity Dublin Primary Care provides decades of extensive family health care in Springs

BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS • PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUBLIN PRIMARY CARE

Y

ou know your community and family inside and out — your physician should, too. The team at Dublin Primary Care, 2685 Dublin Boulevard, has been learning and serving families in Colorado Springs for twenty years with the simple, yet effective, model of helping patients maximize their health.

“We believe in the continuation of care, not just treating for illnesses or writing one

prescription, but helping patients be in the best health they can be,” said David Zirkle, DO, president of Dublin Primary Care.

Each of Dublin Primary Care’s nine physicians and four midlevel physicians — including nurse practitioners and physician assistants — have lived in Colorado Springs for at least 10 years, some even up to 30 years.

“We know our patients by name and their entire histories,” Dr. Zirkle said. “We see everyone from babies to grandparents; often, we

see entire families.” The practice offers both family medicine and pediatric care. “It’s about ease of access. If a mom brings her sick child in and he tests positive for strep throat, she can walk across the room to her physician and get tested immediately.”

The medical field is one in constant motion — from utilizing new technology to keeping up on the latest in pharmaceuticals and research, physicians and patients can get lost in the endless stream of changes. “It’s important to have a primary care physician to keep you grounded in your healthcare, to point you in the right direction,” Dr. Zirkle said.

Dublin Primary Care physicians have open communication with both Colorado Springs hospital systems and excellent personal and professional rapport with all major orthopedic and surgical groups in town, as well as a variety of specialists. “We can help you determine which specialist you need to see for certain issues and get you connected with the best,” Dr. Zirkle said.

Dublin Primary Care has extended weekday hours and is open from 8 a.m. – noon on Saturdays, with physicianbacked nurses at the office after hours to take any patient call — emergency or not. “We try to keep openings in our schedule each day, so we can get patients in right away,” Dr. Zirkle said.

When it comes to the future of healthcare in the Pikes Peak region, Dr. Zirkle is optimistic.

“I’ve seen more collaboration in recent years, more sharing of resources,” he said. “We’re making strides toward an integrated health system and the quality of care just keeps going up.” Dublin Primary Care has been working with local healthcare facilitators like Colorado Business Group on Health and Colorado Health Neighbors to coordinate quality healthcare that is patientcentered and easily accessible to the community. “We love this city and want to see it healthy and active,” Dr. Zirkle said. ✚

Dublin Primary Care FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: TERI ASTOR, MD; REEVES BOWER, MD; PETER CLOTHIER, DO NANCY DAWSON, MD; BRUCE KAUTZ, MD; CRAIG LOERZEL, DO STEVEN LUEBBERT, MD; SHANE MCCARTHY, DO; DAVID ZIRKLE, DO

2685 Dublin Boulevard 719-592-9890 www.dublinprimarycare.com T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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Continuity of care

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services provides seamless service with aid of primary care centers INTERVIEW BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS • PHOTOS BY JEFF KEARNEY

Leading Medical Professionals sat down with Nicholas Piantanida, MD, Family and Sports Medicine Physician and Medical Director for Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care in southern Colorado, to hear about the latest in integrated health care in the Pikes Peak region. Dr. Piantanida is a retired United States Army Colonel who toured with two combat deployments. He has served as the Medical Director for SET Family Clinics, which provides for our Colorado Springs uninsured and has volunteered with the United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Clinic.

Where are your primary care locations?

We currently have one location in Colorado Springs. The Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care Clinic is located at the corner of North Circle Drive and Union Boulevard, across from the Audubon Medical Campus, giving us close proximity to other specialists and medical services. This location opened one year ago and received the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Level III recognition for a top level of patient-centered medical care in January.

This means, not only are we providing patientcentered care, but we’ve been recognized for doing it at a high level. Our newest location is in Monument, Centura Health Physician Group Tri-Lakes Primary Care, opened in January. We are planning to open a third location in the Broadmoor area within the next year.

NICHOLAS PIANTANIDA, MD

What services can patients receive at these locations?

We see patients for all medical concerns ranging from general wellness to treating acute illnesses and chronic disease care. We are excited about this opportunity to serve the medical needs of our Colorado Springs community, and we’re honored to partner

8 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S / T H E G A ZE T T E

with our patients to work toward their health goals. Our primary care team is blended with physicians, advanced practiced providers, and staff from a variety of backgrounds, and we have more plans to diversify our portfolio.

We have an internal medicine provider on our team and are looking to add pediatric primary care partners in the near future. In house, we can do labs and X-rays as well as provide physical and behavioral health therapies. We also host patient and physician education forums on topics like musculoskeletal ailments that are not improving and exciting ways to “get moving.”

What are some of the major health concerns for our region?

This is a fairly active community, so we see a variation of overuse injuries, including back pain. We also — like most communities — have a large burden of hypertension, diabetes, allergies, obesity and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We see behavioral health complaints, including depression and anxiety. Our team also does a great job managing other lifestyle and health challenges that require behavioral changes, including tobacco cessation and exercise prescriptions.

Penrose-St. Francis Primary Care 3027 N. Circle Drive 719-776-4646

These all contribute to the disease burden that comes into the clinic. We can’t say this enough: stop smoking, stay active and choose to “be positive” — these are so crucial. We’ve said it before, but it’s important enough to continue to emphasize whenever possible.

continuum of care, we are reducing patient risk and increasing quality. I think the overall health of the patient is improved because as a healthcare team, we are all working collectively to ensure there is no interruption or miscommunication in care.

How does a primary care help connect patients with other healthcare services in the local Centura Health network?

How will the primary care centers contribute to the advancement of health care in our community?

There are unique aspects of the Penrose-St. Francis system of health that allow us as a primary care group to take advantage of the resources that extend well beyond our clinics and reach our Penrose-St. Francis specialty and emergency care areas. When something goes wrong with a patient, we can trust that we have a ready lifeline to the emergency and inpatient settings. This lifeline, along with our specialty care partners, forms the continuum of care that richly benefits our patients. Patients can rest assured knowing they are getting the very best in modern medicine: Penrose-St. Francis Heath Services was recently named one of Healthgrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” for the eighth year in a row. I firmly believe that where there exists a committed and connected

What’s unique about Colorado Springs and how we’re maturing as a system of health is that we are rolling out patient-centered care in a way that develops relationships with the community. We strive to know patients by name and start a relationship of care. This relationship in care is essential and assures that the patient is part of the decision making and goal setting. This is a challenge in health care today: if a patient is not on board with any part of their healthcare plan, it becomes just another New Year’s resolution. My providers are uniquely suited to advance relationships focused on shared achievable goals that mean something to the patient. I’m looking forward to seeing our community’s health grow and improve, and it starts with a trusted medical relationship, one patient at a time. ✚

Gary Klein, MD Michelle Reed, DO Nicholas Piantanida, MD Alison M. Fry, MD, FAAFP Iwona Nimptsch-Kossek, MD Sharon Ortiz, ANP Deborah Rice, MSN, APN Maryann Fulton, ANP Genni Lehnert-Beers, FNP Mark Davis, PA-C Joe Hazuka, PA-C

Centura Health Physician Group Tri-Lakes Primary Care 17230 Jackson Creek Parkway, Suite 300 in Monument 719-571-7000 Albina Gadeliya, MD Michael O’Neill, MD

www.penrosestfrancis.org

T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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BUCK PATEL, MD

TOP NOTCH JAMES ROSE, MD

ANJU SIDHU, MD

SCOT LEWEY, DO, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, FACP, FACOI, FAAP, FACOP, CPE

ROBERT CHRISTOPHER HARMON, MD, PHD

VANESSA LEE, MD

LUKASZ KOWALCZYK, MD

“It’s exciting that we don’t have to limit ourselves to just one place. We are where you need us to be.” – Prashant Krishnan, MD

Peak Gastroenterology leads the way in southern Colorado’s digestive care

BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

BRODIE GERRARD-GOUGH, MD

JOSEPH MOORE, MD, FASGE

JAMIE THOMPSON, BSN, RN, MSN, ANP-C

If your digestive tract is a mystery, consider the team at Peak Gastroenterology your private investigators. Not only do its members have decades of experience and state-ofthe-art equipment to solve whatever case of gastrointestinal (GI) issue you might be experiencing, but their passion for caring for the community is unmatched.

“Our focus is our patients and their well being, that’s always our priority,” said Prashant Krishnan, MD, gastroenterologist at Peak Gastroenterology, 2222 N. Nevada Avenue, Suite 5001. “In fact, we redesigned our entire website from the ground up to focus on one thing: YOU, the patient.”

Peak Gastroenterology has been consistently adding new physicians to its roster, including five new GI experts in the last two years, making it the fastest growing gastrointestinal practice in the area. Robert Christopher Harmon, MD, PhD; Lukasz Kowalczyk, MD; Vanessa Lee, MD; James Rose, MD; and Anju Sidhu, MD, bring Peak Gastroenterology’s numbers to 11 doctors and two nurse practitioners.

“We’re twice as large as the second-largest gastrointestinal office in town,” Dr. Krishnan said.

“And we’re planning to expand.”

The practice is building a brand-new center at the corner of Fillmore Street and Cascade Avenue and expects to open there in June. The new location will feature three floors of services, including a stateof-the-art endoscopy center, an internal medicine office, and a full-service gastroenterology clinic.

“The entire building has been designed with the patients’ experience in mind,” Dr. Krishnan said.

“We want to focus on the experience from the time they walk in the door to the moment they walk out.”

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DIGESTIVE DETAILS Each of the newest physicians bring fresh specialties to the table, from knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction — Dr. Kowalczyk can perform InterStim, a procedure that alleviates fecal incontinence — to experience performing therapeutic endoscopies, which are traditionally performed only in the prestigious university medical setting.

Peak Gastroenterology also houses experts in GI issues like liver disease, celiac disease and food sensitivities, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. “We’re the only group in southern Colorado that can truly do everything,” Dr. Krishnan said. The team is also a healthy blend of ages, ranging from the early thirties to the late sixties, which Dr. Krishnan cites as a perfect combination of technical expertise and tried-and-true experience.

There are also several Colorado Springs natives on the team, giving the doctors and staff a finger on the pulse of the community.

Gastroenterology deals with the entire digestive tract, including esophagus, stomach, small intestines, colon, pancreas, liver, and bile ducts. “Basically, we try to find out why people are having certain gastrointestinal issues in a nonsurgical and lessinvasive way,” Dr. Krishnan said. Gastroenterologists see patients with cases of GI tract bleeding, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, swallowing issues, diarrhea, constipation, and more, employing scopes to view internal organs and diagnose problems.

As your personal digestive detective, Peak Gastroenterology has an arsenal of equipment to get to the bottom of your problem. To view the esophagus, stomach and first section of the small intestines, doctors insert a scope through the mouth, called an

esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). To view the colon and last part of the small intestines, the scope enters the body through the rectal cavity. Another strategy sends the scope through the mouth to view the bile duct; this is called an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and is a more technical procedure. The Peak Gastroenterology team can also see the entire small intestines by having the patient swallow a capsule with a camera in it, called video capsule endoscopy.

One of Peak Gastroenterology’s newest additions, Dr. Harmon, is capable of performing an endoscopic ultrasound, which uses sound to create images that allow doctors to see through intestinal walls. “It’s a highly complicated procedure, but he performs it beautifully,” Dr. Krishnan said. Buck Patel, MD, the practice’s founder, also has the skill and experience to perform SpyGlass and single-balloon enteroscopy, both technically sophisticated procedures.

LOCAL LEADERS Peak Gastroenterology is pushing the boundaries of technology to help patients. Typical GI scopes have one camera that gives doctors 170-degree visibility, but ridges and folds inside the colon make it difficult to see behind each crevice. In November 2014, Peak Gastroenterology invested in Fuse endoscopes, a brand-new, state-of-the-art scope made by EndoChoice, the leader in GI medical equipment.

The new scope has three cameras and can see 330 degrees — almost twice the visibility of a regular scope. “We are the only practice in Colorado to have this, and the eighteenth in the U.S. to have it,” Dr. Krishnan said. “As a group, we decided it’s important to invest in a piece like this to help our patients.”

PEAK GASTROENTEROLOGY 2222 N. Nevada Avenue Suite 5001 719-636-1201 www.peakgastro.com

The new scope leads to a 69 percent increase in polyp detection, which is how colon cancer is often discovered and diagnosed. “We expect to see a significant decrease in colon cancer,” Dr. Krishnan said. “We’ve already had several instances with the new scope where we’re confident we would’ve missed something without it.”

Peak Gastroenterology has been serving Colorado Springs for more than 20 years, when Dr. Patel joined the existing practice and built it into the local digestive powerhouse it is today. The practice serves a large geographic area, with exclusive coverage in Castle Rock at the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.

The doctors also have strong relationships with both local hospital systems and receive referrals from both. “It’s exciting that we don’t have to limit ourselves to just one place,” Dr. Krishnan said. “We are where you need us to be.” Peak Gastroenterology is also the GI provider for Colorado Springs Health Partners (CSHP) — the largest medical practice in Colorado Springs. With new doctors, improved technology and a fresh start in an advanced facility, 2015 looks to be a banner year for Peak Gastroenterology. “We are really excited to be able to offer even more to our patients,” Dr. Krishnan said.

“And to save more lives, that’s really what it comes down to.” After all, solving your digestive issues is all in a day’s work for the team at Peak Gastroenterology — it’s elementary, dear Watson. ✚

PAUL PINTO, MD

PRASHANT KRISHNAN, MD

ZAHRA HARRISON, BSN, RN, MSN, ANP-C

T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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El Paso County

Perspectives

Area health systems successful thanks to quality physician-patient relationships

BY THERESA WOODS, EL PASO COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

Relationships are at the core of professional medicine — as important a factor in quality health care as appropriate and timely treatment.

“Physician-patient relationship will always be paramount in the provision of health care,” said David Richman, MD, owner of and physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at North Springs Physical Medicine, 325 S. Parkside Drive. “We have an opportunity to work with the system to keep as much of the care between the physician and the patient as possible.” Dr. Richman also serves as President of the El Paso County Medical Society (EPCMS).

The first provision of the national healthcare

reform law to go into effect in 2010 was the Patient Bill of Rights, which guarantees patients have a right to choose a physician. Staying abreast of healthcare changes and ensuring medicine is physician and patient driven are top priorities for EPCMS. “A coordinated, organized, team approach to health care is necessary today,” said Mike Ware, CEO of the EPCMS. “We work to establish these relationships because quality health care begins with a physician as the head of the healthcare team.

We have an engaged and connected medical community that addresses and adapts the healthcare delivery system to one that is best for physicians and patients.”

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As community values remain at the forefront and physicians work together with local healthcare stakeholders, the healthcare delivery system reforms to provide the best care possible and use local dollars efficiently for citizens of the Pikes Peak region. “We do come together and talk,” Richman said. “It’s important for the physicians and the patients to know that we all have ongoing dialogues about healthcare delivery in our community.”

In addition to private practice primary care and specialty physicians, Colorado Springs Health Partners and Mountain View Medical Group, the two largest medical groups in the city, provide healthcare services to help

✚ El Paso County Perspectives (continued): meet the community’s needs, along with the education systems. University of Colorado Health, which entered into a long-term lease for Memorial Hospital in 2012, has steadily invested resources and personnel to improve the facility and expand the services offered. “We must produce new physicians who always put the patient first,” said Erik Wallace, MD, FACP, Associate Dean at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

School of Medicine. “Understanding better what patients think, feel, and experience is an essential step in the right direction.”

There is no question the healthcare system in El Paso County is growing.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, part of Centura Health, was named one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” annually from 2008-2015 by Healthgrades, and Pikes Peak Regional Hospital opened in

2007 to serve the needs of Woodland Park and the surrounding area. “Colorado Springs and El Paso County are large enough to house some of the best and brightest physicians and allied health professionals in the state,” Richman said.

“People have access to all the different physicians and specialty services here.

For a city our size, we have outstanding medical care.” ✚

New medical education programs set stage for local healthcare advancement

BY THERESA WOODS, EL PASO COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

Colorado Springs is the state’s best-kept health secret, but the Rocky Mountain medical education community might soon be in on it.

University of Colorado Health system entered into a long-term lease for Memorial Hospital in 2012, and has steadily invested resources and personnel to establish it as a top teaching hospital. “We have a unique opportunity to create an educational system that will train our students to become 21st Century physician leaders in whatever the healthcare system will look like 10 to 20 years from now,” said Erik Wallace, MD, FACP, Associate Dean for the Colorado Springs Branch with the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The first University of Colorado School of Medicine students arrive in 2016. They join Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine students who have received part of their medical education in Colorado Springs since 2008. Previous to this, the Colorado Springs Osteopathic Foundation offered a Family Practice residency in the community from 1987 to 2006.

“Medical education is the future of medicine,” said Ronald Blonder, DO, Director of Medical Education at the Rocky Vista University branch campus in Colorado Springs. “The young physicians, while they are very smart and very well trained, the doctoring part is really where we are able to provide education. Doctor-patient relationship, the way that we teach it is one to one.”

Rocky Vista University selected Colorado as its home due to the large number of counties designated as medically underserved areas, with only one other medical school to serve the state. “By 2025, this country will have a shortfall of between 46,000 –90,000 physicians,” Wallace said. “Many of our future Colorado Springs Branch medical students will have ties to this community. If we provide them a wonderful educational experience, then we’ve increased our chances of having them practice medicine in our community in the future.”

Studies have shown that almost 50 percent of medical students return to practice medicine in the community in which they received their medical education. Thirty percent of the University of Colorado School of Medicine Class of 2014 matched to residency programs in Colorado, and 41 percent of the school’s residents report they plan to practice in Colorado after graduation. From the Rocky Vista University class of 2014, about 11 percent of graduating medical students matched to residency programs within Colorado; this percentage is expected to continue rising with the addition of new programs within the state and the region, the result of efforts by the Rocky Mountain Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institution (RMOPTI). A Rocky Vista University Family Practice residency program is planned for Colorado Springs in July 2016.

“The hospitals and physicians of Colorado

ROCKY VISTA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS GRAHAM KEHRER, SHEILA MAIER, ALICIA ELLIOT AND KARINA BOSTWICK PARTICIPATED IN AN INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH THAT PROVIDES PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING TO FUTURE PHYSICIANS. THE PROGRAM STARTED IN FEBRUARY 2015 AND WILL INVOLVE A REGULAR MEDICAL STUDENT ROTATION ABOUT SIX TIMES EACH YEAR. COURTESY OF EL PASO COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Springs have done much over the years to help train the future physicians of Colorado,” said Thomas N. Told, DO, Dean of RVU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colo. “I was the beneficiary of that great training nearly four decades ago as a medical student.

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine is proud to do our part to continue the legacy of quality medical education in Colorado Springs and El Paso County.” ✚

T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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Kaiser Permanente gets a boost

Nonprofit powerhouse increases number of primary care physicians in community Briargate Medical Offices

Parkside Medical Offices

4105 Briargate Parkway, Suite 125 719-282-2533

215 Parkside Drive 719-327-6540

www.kp.org

Audrey Hall, MD, Kaiser Permanente pediatrician

BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS • PHOTOS BY JEFF KEARNEY

Kaiser Permanente’s care options have expanded to include pediatrics, with the addition of Audrey Hall, MD, to its team at the Briargate Medical Offices, 4105 Briargate Parkway, Suite 125. Dr. Hall joined at the beginning of 2015 — less than a year after Kaiser Permanente started seeing patients of all ages at its Briargate location.

“I’m thrilled to help pioneer pediatric care at Kaiser Permanente in Southern Colorado,” Dr. Hall said. The addition of pediatric medicine is part of the nonprofit’s larger expansion plan for health care in Southern Colorado. “Kaiser Permanente really embodies all of my values as a pediatrician and physician, including a huge focus on prevention and community involvement.”

Dr. Hall has worked in Colorado Springs since 2004 and currently serves as a reservist in the United States Air Force (USAF).

She attended medical school through the USAF and served as a pediatrician in the military for 10 years, including stations at both the United States Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base. Her love for Colorado Springs runs deep, and she takes full advantage of the local outdoors. “If I’m telling my patients and families to be active, then I’ve got to live that way, too,” she said.

“I love hiking and spending time enjoying the beautiful landscape with my family.” Ultimately, the community aspect is what has drawn Dr. Hall back to Colorado Springs each time she has left for school or work. “I’m looking forward to getting involved with our youth outreach events,” she said. Locally, Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to improving the health of Southern Coloradans through charitable contributions, preventive health education, community service work, community health initiatives, and supporting the development of a healthy workforce.

With three kids of her own — all active teenagers attending local schools — Dr. Hall enjoys the opportunity to help children grow and develop healthy lifestyles at young ages. “We have pretty frequent contact in the first year of life, and when patients aren’t developing well, we’re able to intervene and get them back on track — that is so rewarding,” she said. Dr. Hall also focuses her time on being readily available to both her patients and their parents and caregivers.

As a nonprofit, Kaiser Permanente Colorado does offer financial assistance to its members. “We are there for them every step of the way,” Dr. Hall said. “We can offer continuity, education, and quality care that is specialized and makes sense for each child.”

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Kaiser Permanente Colorado, the state’s largest nonprofit health plan, has added three primary care physicians to its Briargate and Parkside Medical Offices in Colorado Springs this year, strengthening and diversifying the care it offers to families in Southern Colorado. From strong military backgrounds to involvement in local schools and a love of the outdoors, these physicians have a natural affinity for living and working in the Pikes Peak Region. Let Kaiser Permanente help you build the foundations of a healthy family in Southern Colorado.

Theodore Stefani, MD, Kaiser Permanente family medicine physician Theodore Stefani’s, MD, roots run deep in our community, which is why he is thankful for the opportunity to serve as one of the newest family medicine physicians at Kaiser Permanente’s Parkside Medical Offices, 215 S. Parkside Drive.

A father of three, Dr. Stefani enjoys working with all ages, from neonatal to geriatric patients. His practice aligns with the focus Kaiser Permanente places on preventive care, women’s health, and physician accessibility for patients. “We work to keep patients out of the emergency room and urgent care,” he said. “It’s truly a holistic health approach for the entire family, potentially saving patients visits and allowing them to live to at the best level of health possible.”

From losing his home in the 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire and rebuilding, to two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan out of Fort Carson, Dr. Stefani has experienced many of the joys and losses felt by our community in recent years. “The first time we moved to Colorado Springs, my family fell in love with this city,” he said. “When I was able to come on full time with Kaiser Permanente, I knew it was the perfect fit. I am so thankful we can stay here.” Dr. Stefani’s family history is filled with both military and medical accomplishments. “My grandfather was a Major and physician in the Army Air Corps during World War II. I served as a Major and physician in our current military campaigns,” he said.

Though Dr. Stefani has worked part-time with Kaiser Permanente Colorado over the past few years, joining the health plan full-time has allowed him to make stronger connections with the executive, nursing, and administrative teams that make it a robust health care operation. “There is a high level of professionalism and relatability that our team brings to each patient we see,” he said.

In addition to the technical perks of working for Kaiser Permanente Colorado, like secure email messaging and electronic medical records, Dr. Stefani is enthusiastic about the organization’s expansion plans in Southern Colorado. “I love our proximity to patients and the care we can offer to families in this area of the city,” he said. “In the Army, I felt I was a part of an important team. Kaiser Permanente is the new team I’ve joined, and I’m excited about the role I have to play.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

15

“I love that Kaiser Permanente is expanding in Southern Colorado and I’m excited to be in this brand-new facility.” – Jena Reichelt, MD

Grand Opening: Kaiser Permanente Parkside Medical Office Buildings 1–3 p.m. • 215 Parkside Drive (near Memorial Park)

Join Kaiser Permanente Parkside Medical Offices for an opening celebration. Enjoy refreshments, activities for the whole family, and giveaways. Meet the physicians and care team and tour the new facility. Parkside offers primary care for all ages, a full service pharmacy, laboratory, medical imaging services, and more. Visit www.kp.org/parkside for more information.

Jena Reichelt, MD, Kaiser Permanente family medicine physician CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

From counseling women on leading active lifestyles to working closely with local medical students, Jena Reichelt, MD, has a desire to share her knowledge and health care expertise with communities in Southern Colorado.

A Pueblo native, Dr. Reichelt joined Kaiser Permanente’s Parkside Medical Offices, 215 S. Parkside Drive, as the health plan’s newest family medicine physician in Colorado Springs. Dr. Reichelt graduated from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs before attending medical school in Denver; her husband Kirk Reichelt, MD, is a Kaiser Permanente hospitalist in Southern Colorado. “I love that Kaiser Permanente is expanding in Southern Colorado and I’m excited to be in this brand-new facility,” she said. The Parkside Medical Offices opened in January and will host a grand opening from 1–3 p.m. on April 25, 2015. The public is welcome to tour the facility, where the architectural inspiration came from local landmarks like Garden of the Gods, and features a full-service pharmacy, laboratory, and medical imaging services.

Dr. Reichelt is optimistic about Kaiser Permanente’s expansion in Southern Colorado, and sees it as an answer to the shortage of primary care physicians in the region that has presented itself in the past several years. “I can’t wait to see Kaiser Permanente become a leader in local health care and better serve our members and community,” she said.

She also plans to work closely with residents and medical students in association with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine local branch, which is housed at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs Lane Center. Firstand second-year students are completing training on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, but will start completing clinical training in Colorado Springs in Summer 2016. “The first year, there will be 24 students going through the program, and it will double the next year,” Dr. Reichelt said. “I think this will add an element of creativity and connectivity between the community and the local medical field.” Adding a strong medical education presence to Colorado Springs’s list of assets gives Dr. Reichelt hope for a bright future for her 2-yearold son and 4-month-old daughter. “I’m excited to bring my kids up in this community,” she said. ✚ 16 2 0 1 5 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S / T H E G A Z E T T E

8580 Scarborough Drive, Suite 225 • 719-531-5400 • www.coderm.com REAGAN ANDERSON, DO

Below the surface Colorado Dermatology Institute treats Springs skin with great care

BY HANNAH BLICK, LEADING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS PHOTO BY JEFF KEARNEY

D

ermatology is more than skin deep; just ask Reagan Anderson, DO, dermatologist at Colorado Dermatology Institute.

At his state-of-the-art office, located at 8580 Scarborough Drive, Suite 225, Dr. Anderson treats everything from acne to rosacea, eczema, scarring, and signs of aging. But when he removes a patient’s skin cancer and leaves minimal scarring on a cosmetically sensitive area, he truly feels the weight of his work. “I love doing it,” he said. “When a patient comes back and thanks me for helping them feel and look normal and healthy again, it’s all worth it.”

Though not a Colorado Springs native, Dr. Anderson did spend the latter part of his teen years in the Pikes Peak region and graduated with the Class of 1992 at Rampart High

School. After medical school, a United States Navy commissioning, and two tours in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps as the First Reconnaissance Battalion Surgeon, he decided to focus on dermatology and opened Colorado Dermatology Institute in 2010.

“When I was deployed, I could always tell how stressed my guys were by how their skin was reacting — it fascinated me,” he said. “I wanted to study it, learn more and help people dealing with skin issues.”

Dr. Anderson specializes in Mohs Micrographic Surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. Mohs is the most proven and effective method for removing both surface skin cancer and any remnants that exist below the surface of the epidermis. “It’s a highly precise procedure, so it also allows for the best cosmetic results because you cut out less skin surrounding the tumor,” he said. “It’s generally a safer, more convenient and less expensive procedure.” Dr. Anderson is one of 40 Mohs surgeons in the U.S. to have earned the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology Certificate of Added Qualification in Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Anderson ensures a high quality of customer service for his patients from the moment they walk through the door. Every room in the

Top 5 Colorado skin tips: 1. Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from being damaged by the strong mountain sun.

2. Be gentle: Avoid abrasive exfoliates in our already harsh, dry climate; they do more potential harm than good.

3. Maintain healthy diet and exercise: Take advantage of our beautiful outdoors and spend time treating your entire body to some TLC! 4. Perform monthly skin checks: You already do monthly self breast or testicular exams, be sure to spend an extra 30 seconds each month checking your skin for anything new, changing, or abnormal.

If any of these are present, see your dermatologist immediately.

5. Visit your dermatologist: To understand your specific skincare needs, check with a dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

– Reagan Anderson, DO

Colorado Dermatology Institute has been well planned and staff members greet patients with genuine smiles and helpful guidance. “We care about helping you become comfortable in your skin,” Dr. Anderson said. “We provide comprehensive skin treatment in one place, to help anyone with any type of skin issue.

Your skin should never hinder you from doing something you want.” ✚

T H E G A ZE T T E / 2015 L E A D I N G M E D I C A L P R O F E SS I O N A L S

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Addressing Colorado’s

prescription drug abuse, misuse

BY JOHN S. HUGHES, MD, CHAIR, COLORADO MEDICAL SOCIETY SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

P

rescription drug abuse and misuse is a serious problem in Colorado and around the United States. In 2010, more than 38,000 people died from a drug overdose in the United States: one every 14 minutes.

Nearly 60 percent of those deaths involved prescription drugs and of those, 75 percent were opioid painkillers. In Colorado, the number of drug overdose deaths range from 250 – 500 per year.

The high death rates from misuse and overdose span all demographics, though they are highest among men, people ages 20 – 64, non-Hispanic whites, and those in low-income and rural areas.

Stakeholders across Colorado have successfully shown how various groups with diverse perspectives can come together to address this epidemic issue. The Colorado Medical Society (CMS) — representing more than 7,000 physicians, physicians-in-training and medical students in the state — is one of many agencies, organizations, health professions, associations, task forces and programs that actively participate in the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention.

The consortium was established in Fall 2013, a crucial recommendation in Gov. John Hickenlooper’s “Colorado Plan to Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse,” a coordinated, statewide strategy developed through his

yearlong leadership as chair of the National Governors Association policy academy. The consortium aims to prevent 92,000 Coloradans from misusing opioids by 2016 through education, public outreach, research, safe disposal, and treatment.

On February 24, the consortium launched a new public awareness campaign. “Take Meds Seriously” features a new website, TakeMedsSeriously.org, which serves as the state’s official online resource for prescription drug safety. CMS encourages physicians, pharmacists and the public to visit the website and utilize its resources on the safe use, storage and disposal of prescription drugs.

Guiding the Colorado Medical Society’s efforts is the CMS Committee on Prescription Drug Abuse, convened in January 2014. Last year they reviewed legislation to reduce opioid misuse and abuse and advocated for physicians and their patients at the capitol to ensure their voices were heard. Members of the committee voted to support HB14-1283, or Modify Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, sponsored by Rep. Beth McCann, Sen. Linda Newell and Sen. John Kefalas.

This bill, signed into law on May 21, 2014, makes modifications to the electronic prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).

CMS supported complementary efforts of the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy to update the PDMP and make it more user-friendly.

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Another bill the committee voted to support, HB14-1207, or Household Medication Take-back Program, created a permanent infrastructure that allows individuals to dispose of unused medications at approved collection sites and carriers to transport unused medications from approved collection sites to disposal locations. It was also signed into law on May 21.

The CMS committee continues to coordinate the society’s response to this public health issue and promote education for its members and their patients. Reducing the abuse and misuse of prescription pain medication while preserving access to care for patients will benefit Coloradans now and in the future, and the teamwork of stakeholders around the state will serve as a model for the rest of the country. ✚ John S. Hughes, MD, is the chair of CMS’s Special Committee on Prescription Drug Abuse. He is an occupational medicine physician in Littleton.

The Colorado Medical Society is a non-profit organization whose membership comprises more than 7,000 physicians, physicians-intraining (residents) and medical students in Colorado. The society’s mission is to promote the science and art of medicine, the betterment of public health, and the welfare of Colorado physicians and their patients.

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Briargate Medical Offices

Parkside Medical Offices

Kaiser Permanente is here to meet the health care needs of our Southern Colorado members at our Briargate and Parkside Medical Offices.

Kaiser Permanente Briargate Medical Offices Our members in Southern Colorado have a lot of choice when it comes to selecting a doctor: they can receive care from a network physician in their plan or visit a Kaiser Permanente medical office. This approach combines choice, convenience, and assurance of quality, patientcentered care.

Our Kaiser Permanente Briargate and Parkside Medical Offices offers Kaiser Permanente members primary care, pharmacy, laboratory, medical imaging, and more— under one roof.

Visit kp.org to learn more about our Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices.

Located across from Memorial Hospital North 4105 Briargate Parkway, Suite 125 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719-282-2533

Luz-Estefana (Stephanie) Garcia, MD Internal Medicine

Robert J. Ochsner, MD Family Medicine

Audrey M. Hall, MD Pediatrics

Now open: Kaiser Permanente Parkside Medical Offices Centrally located near Memorial Park 215 Parkside Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80910 719-327-6540

Megan D. Hiles, MD Internal Medicine

Jena Reichelt, MD Family Medicine

Theodore R. Stefani, MD Family Medicine

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