St. Luke's Health Beat Winter 2013

Winter 2013

St. Luke’s

B E A T 

Advances in breast cancer Only Iowa location with treatment PAGE 6

Heart Disease Awareness Son saves father with CPR PAGE 2 Heart attack symptoms women often miss PAGE 4

From trauma to triumph PAGE 8

stlukescr.org

What’s

Inside 1

Health Clips

Health news you can use.

2 - 3 Son saves father with CPR

How high school CPR classes helped an Iowa man save his father’s life.

4-5 2-3

4 - 5 Heart attack symptoms women often miss

Would you know the signs of a heart attack? Heather Weers thought she did – until it happened to her.

12

6 - 7 Advances in breast cancer 8 - 9

St. Luke’s is the only hospital in the state that offers advanced technol- ogy in the treatment of breast cancer.

A Cedar Rapids mother credits the expert care her son received at St. Luke’s for his fast recovery after an assault.

10

Another dialysis option in Cedar Rapids

11

Peek inside the new PCI Medical Pavilion

St. Luke’s and Internists, P.C. have partnered with DaVita to offer another dialysis option for eastern Iowans.

Specialty healthcare in one convenient setting – join us for a sneak peek inside.

12 Ask the Expert

What makes St. Luke’s Hospice unique?

13

For your health

Missed

On the

8 - 9 From trauma to triumph

11

cover

the last issue?

Stories from Health Beat, Fall 2012, are available at stlukescr.org.

Connie Rabe is the first woman to use IOERT at St. Luke’s for advanced breast cancer treatment.

ealth H St. Luke’s

B E A T

Health Beat magazine is produced locally by St. Luke’s Marketing Communications for the community and friends of St. Luke’s Hospital.



Vol. 18 No. 1 l Winter 2013

P.O. Box 3026 l Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3026 319/369-7395 l stlukescr.org

Timely health and medical news.

Connect with St. Luke’s at stlukescr.org

Health Clips Quality & safety report At St. Luke’s Hospital, our commitment to patient safety and quality is a top priority and is demonstrated every day by our dedicated team of nurses, doctors and staff.

We invite you to read our latest quality and safety information, which is located on our website.

Go to stlukescr.org/patientsafety2012 to read about how we are exceeding national heart attack care standards and eliminating hospital-acquired and surgical infections.

Meet the Real Moms The Real Moms of Eastern Iowa is a social media community for moms and moms-to-be. It’s a blog with posts from five local moms who share their triumphs and troubles of parenting.

Readers are invited to swap stories and commiserate on the tough job that is parenting.

Go to therealmomsofeasterniowa.com to join in the fun and meet our newest “Real Mom,” Ashley, who is expecting her first child in May. While you are there – stick around and get to know the other “veteran” moms.

Your journey to a healthier heart…begins today Heart disease remains a leading killer in America, but even if you have a family history, heart disease and heart attacks are not inevitable.

In fact, you can take proactive steps to take control of your heart health by eating healthier, exercising and finding out your heart disease risk with St. Luke’s Heart Check. It’s a screening of five tests that access your heart and vascular health, as well as your risk for stroke.

Did you know half of people who die of heart disease have no prior symptoms? These steps may just save your life.

The cost for all five tests, plus a consultation with a heart care expert is $195.

therealmomsofeasterniowa.com

Start your journey to a healthier heart by scheduling your Heart Check today, call 319/369-8129.

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 |

1

Heart Disease Awareness

Son saves father with CPR W

hen Ryan Albertsen took CPR four years ago in high school he never thought he’d need it. The South Tama High School alum took CPR for three years in PE class.

“It has been years since my last CPR class so I recently took a recertification class through work,” said Ryan. “I thought nothing of it until March 30, 2012.”

Ryan and his dad, David, were unloading firewood from a pickup truck at their family farm in rural Keystone.

They were joking and talking about what they would do if they won the lottery when David suddenly collapsed.

“Dad was lifeless and wasn’t breathing,” recalled Ryan. “He gasped when he went down. It was a death

wheeze and he started to turn blue. I told my stepmom, Becky, to call 911 and I started performing CPR.” “I remember it was a Friday when I had my heart attack,” said David. “I worked all day and we had just finished unloading the wood when I suddenly passed out. I don’t remember feeling any chest pain or anything. I just collapsed.”

Ryan performed CPR on his Dad for at least 15 minutes as they waited for the first responders to arrive at their country home. When the ambulance crew arrived they used a defibrillator to shock his heart but David never woke up. He was loaded onto a helicopter and flown to St. Luke’s.

“ David would not be here today if his son hadn’t performed CPR on him.

CPR is what makes a big difference in this case and it’s happy ending.”

Mir Wasif Ali, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, cardiothoracic surgeon.

2 | stlukescr.org

From left: Ryan, David and Bob Albertsen at the spot in rural Keystone where Ryan saved his dad’s life with CPR.

“I always told my family if anything happened to me to make sure I went to St. Luke’s,” said David. “They have always taken great care of my family and I knew it’s where I wanted to go.”

The Heart Hospital David’s father and Ryan’s grandfather, Bob, is the family member who first exposed David to St. Luke’s many years ago.

Bob has had two open-heart surgeries at St. Luke’s and numerous stents placed over the years. St. Luke’s is the only hospital in eastern Iowa designated as a Top 50 Heart Hospital by Truven Health Analytics.

“I was only 45 when I had my first heart attack,” said Bob. “They always take great care of me at St. Luke’s. I’ve had nothing but excellent care. When Ryan called and told me David had collapsed and was on his way to St. Luke’s I knew he was in good hands.”

Heart disease runs in the Albertsen family.

Bob’s father died from heart disease in his 60s.

“I just had my second open-heart surgery at St. Luke’s a few months ago,” said Bob. “When heart disease runs in your family like it does ours – it’s tough to ignore.”

“It’s unusual I would perform open-heart surgery on a father and son in less than a year,” said Mir Wasif Ali, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa cardiothoracic surgeon.

“Initially David was too sick for me to operate on so we had to stabilize him first.

He spent several weeks recovering at St. Luke’s and I operated on him when tests indicated his heart function improved enough to proceed with open-heart surgery.”

“I was pretty out of it after my heart attack,” said David. “When I came to, I was told what happened and that Ryan saved my life.”

“As you can imagine it was pretty emotional when I first saw my Dad,” said

Ryan. “I did what I needed to do and I am so glad I knew CPR. If I didn’t, my Dad wouldn’t still be here. I am so fortunate I was there that day.”

“What impressed me the most about this case is that Ryan saved his Dad’s life,” said Dr. Ali. “To do high-quality CPR like he did is very impressive.”

“I am so glad Ryan was there the day of my heart attack,” said David. “If Ryan wasn’t with me I wouldn’t be alive today.

Seeing Ryan for the first time after my heart attack was so emotional. I felt so blessed for what he did. You always want to do everything you can for your kids and don’t think you’ll die in front of them.”

“I just did what I needed to do,” said Ryan. “I didn’t have a choice. It was my Dad and I wasn’t going to stop until help arrived. I’m glad I learned CPR in school.

It saved my Dad’s life.”

Open-heart surgery Dr. Ali performed quadruple bypass surgery on David and restored blood flow to the blocked vessels in the heart.

“The family has been so kind to me, thanking me for performing David’s surgery,” said Dr. Ali. “But in my mind, Ryan is the hero. The importance of CPR cannot be stressed enough. David would not be here today if his son hadn’t performed CPR on him. CPR is what makes a big difference in this case and it’s happy ending.”

New CPR guidelines emphasize effective chest compressions with minimal interruptions, which helps keep blood circulating. Classes are offered in eastern Iowa, including at St. Luke’s.

(Check stlukescr.org for a schedule.)

“I was dead on my feet when I went down,” said David. “Today is a different story. I’m doing well. I have changed my diet, quit smoking and exercise more.

With my Dad’s heart history I always knew it might be an issue but at 50, I didn’t think it would be that soon.”

“I have taken note of my strong family history for heart disease,” said Ryan.

“I’ll do what I need to do to try and stay healthy.”

“Ryan is our hero,” said Bob. “The team at St. Luke’s was excellent to us – as they always are. We just hope we don’t have to visit them anytime soon.”

St. Luke’s Heart Check is a series of five tests to assess your heart, vascular and stroke health. The cost for all five tests plus a consultation with a St. Luke’s heart care expert is $195. To schedule an appointment, call 319/369-8129.

St. Luke’s named among the 50 best in heart care Ranked among the Top 50 heart hospitals across the nation, the heart care team at St. Luke’s Hospital continue to lead the battle against heart disease.

St. Luke’s was recently named one of the nation’s Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics. This year, for the first time in the study’s 12 years, Truven limited the list to 50 hospitals instead of 100, to highlight providers that truly lead the way and transform heart care.

This means St. Luke’s is recognized for delivering higher survival rates, shorter hospital stays, fewer readmissions and lower costs. St. Luke’s is the area’s Heart Hospital.

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 |

3

Heart Disease Awareness

Heart attack symptoms

women often miss H

eather Weers is very familiar with heart disease. It runs in her family. Her dad was only 38 when he died from a heart attack.

history. She’s almost always had high cholesterol but exercised and tried to eat healthy in hopes of keeping heart disease at bay.

“My dad was mowing the lawn and my sister found him,” said Weers. “He was unresponsive. My mother and a neighbor performed CPR on him for an hour but he couldn’t be saved.”

“Last year around this time I was at a RoughRiders game with a friend,” said Weers. “I was eating popcorn and towards the end of the game the popcorn wasn’t agreeing with my stomach.

I vomited. My friend suggested we go to St. Luke’s ER. I told her I wasn’t going to the ER only to be sent home and told that it was nothing.”

At 41, Weers often felt she was living on borrowed time because of her family

Weers headed home. She told her friend if she wasn’t feeling better by Monday

she would see her family doctor. Besides the nausea she felt extremely tired and slept all weekend.

“Monday came and I still felt horrible,” said Weers. “So I did as promised – I called my doctor and got in right away.

He did a few tests and sent me straight to St. Luke’s where they were waiting for me.”

Heart attack Weers met her cardiologist, Hisham Wagdy, MD, Cardiologists, L.C. who confirmed she suffered a heart attack.

“He said I had significant blockages and a stent wouldn’t fix my problems,” said Weers. “He recommended open-heart surgery.”

“We decided open-heart surgery was the best option for Heather because of the severity of her heart disease,” said Mir Wasif Ali, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa cardiothoracic surgeon. “There were multiple vessels involved and performing bypass surgery would give her less need for another procedure in the future and improve her overall chances for survival.”

“I was in shock,” said Weers. “I was actually in denial initially. The thought of having open-heart surgery at my age, 41, was not appealing. Even with my family history I found it hard to believe I had a

Heather Weers with one of her dogs after heart bypass surgery.

4 | stlukescr.org

Warning signs of a heart attack Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. People often dismiss heart attack warning signs, such as chest pain, and think they merely have heartburn or a pulled muscle.

Frequent signs of a heart attack: • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest, which lasts for more than a few minutes or it go away and come back. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, may include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.

• Extreme fatigue • Anxiety • These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe. Treatments are most effective when they occur in the early stages of chest pain.

• Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.

heart attack. I never knew nausea and fatigue were signs of a heart attack.”

Women’s heart attack signs are different “A typical sign of a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain and shortness of breath,” said Dr. Ali. “But women’s heart attack signs can be different. Nausea, extreme fatigue, like Heather experienced, is not uncommon.

Other signs can be jaw pain, sleeplessness and back pain.”

And like Weers, women are less likely to seek immediate medical attention.

If symptoms are ignored it can lead to death. Thankfully, Weers had a friend who convinced her to seek help, which ultimately led to her lifesaving, open-heart surgery.

“No matter what age you are – when someone tells you – ‘you need open-heart surgery’ – it’s shocking,” said Dr. Ali. “But

Mir Wasif Ali, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, cardiothoracic surgeon

once she understood everyone thought it was the best course of action she was more comfortable with the decision.”

Because Weers had multiple vessels involved Dr. Ali had to perform a quadruple bypass surgery.

“Making that call to my mom and telling her I was in the hospital after a heart attack was tough,” said Weers. “After what she had been through many years ago with my dad – it was so hard.

But she was on the first plane to Cedar Rapids to be by my side for the surgery.”

“Open-heart surgery has improved Heather’s quality of life and has given her a survival advantage,” said Dr. Ali. “She is also making some lifestyle changes and working with her cardiologist to get her cholesterol under control.

With these changes, we hope she will have a long and healthy life.”

“I feel very lucky,” said Weers. “I am fortunate I had a good friend who encouraged me to go see my doctor.

It feels lucky I came to St. Luke’s, which is one of the Top 50 Heart Hospitals in the nation. They provide excellent care and everyone there is wonderful.”

Today Weers is back working, resuming exercise and eating healthy. She’s adopted a dog and is considering pursuing a master’s degree.

“I never thought I could do these things before my heart attack because I felt I was living on borrowed time,” Weers said. “Now I feel like I’m going to be around for a long time. I guess I never realized how bad I felt until now because I feel amazing. I am very thankful.”

Heart disease can go undetected for years. Learn if you are at risk for a heart attack with St. Luke’s $99 Heart Scan for men and women between the ages of 40 and 70. All that’s needed is a doctor’s referral. To learn more or to schedule yours, call St. Luke’s Heart Care Services at 319/369-8909.

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 | 35

Advances in

breast cancer Only Iowa location with this treatment

Connie Rabe and her husband, Jim, enjoy a walk together near their Center Point home.

C

onnie Rabe was the first patient in Cedar Rapids to receive the newest technology available to breast cancer patients. This technology is called Intraoperative Electron Radiation Therapy or IOERT and it’s available only at St. Luke’s. IOERT combines surgery with an initial, concentrated dose of radiation precisely focused on the area where most breast cancers recur.

“It’s great technology and I feel so fortunate it was available to me,” said Rabe.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis is not easy but knowing I had this lifesaving tool helping me was a big benefit.”

Rabe was only about six months behind in getting her routine mammogram at St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health when she received her breast cancer diagnosis last fall. She had put off getting her mammogram because she travels a lot.

6 | stlukescr.org

“I remember a nurse from St. Luke’s called and asked me to come back in for a recheck,” said Rabe.

“That wasn’t uncommon for me. So I wasn’t in a big hurry to get it scheduled but the nurse was very persistent and said ‘can you please come.’ I told her I wouldn’t have a car until my husband returned home later in the day. She told me she would call back in a little while.

She called me back late in the day and

told me they had a radiologist who would stay longer and work me in. Something told me we’d better get this done and a short time later I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer.”

After her diagnosis Rabe was connected with a care coordinator who set up appointments with an oncologist and a surgeon.

Intraoperative electron radiation therapy “When they say the word ‘cancer’ you pretty much don’t remember anything else they say,” said Rabe. “I was glad to have Wendy Young, my care coordinator, who helped navigate the steps I needed to take. She also explained I might be a candidate for IOERT.

I hadn’t heard about this new technology but she explained I would receive three weeks of radiation versus six weeks – because of that – she had my attention.”

IOERT is used at St. Luke’s during lumpectomy surgery. After the doctor removes the tumor, a radiation oncologist applies a concentrated dose of electron beam radiation directly to the tumor bed. A shield and cone protect healthy tissue from unnecessary radiation. In one to two minutes patients receive radiation equal to five to seven daily radiation treatments. Studies show IOERT offers low recurrence rates because it treats the precise area where most breast cancers recur. Treatment with electrons is essential to penetrate the appropriate depth of tissue where most breast cancers recur. Less powerful radiation machines cannot penetrate deeply enough and may be associated with higher rates of breast cancer recurrence.

“This treatment gives select breast cancer patients another treatment option,” said Robert Brimmer, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa general surgeon. “A woman who has a lumpectomy and IOERT will still need three weeks of radiation therapy. That treatment shortens the typical course from six weeks to three weeks and allows her to resume normal activities much quicker with fewer side effects and lower costs.”

St. Luke’s began offering IOERT last fall for early stage breast cancer patients through an international clinical trial. Only a select group of breast cancer patients qualify for

IOERT. Follow-up daily radiation treatments are needed after surgery but the number needed is greatly reduced.

is outpatient surgery she was able to go home shortly after surgery.

“I felt pretty good after my surgery and initial radiation treatment,” said Rabe.

“I was feeling so good in fact I had to force myself to slow down.”

“In one procedure, a woman can have a cancer operation, radiation to the tumor bed and maintain optimal appearance and symmetry with the other breast,” said Dr. Brimmer. “IOERT is a concise, convenient and cost-effective treatment.

This is true innovation.”

Rabe completed her radiation treatments and will have follow-up appointments with her doctors.

“I was happy to learn I would qualify for IOERT,” said Rabe. “I really wanted IOERT because during surgery they direct the radiation right to the tumor bed. That sounded like a huge advantage.”

Radiation treatment in half the time “It shortens the period a woman has to have follow-up radiation therapy,” said Dr. Brimmer. “This is a big advantage especially for working women or individuals who may have to travel from out of town to have radiation therapy. The shortened follow-up radiation treatment allows them to get back into their lifestyle much sooner – from six weeks to only about three weeks.”

“It feels good to be part of an international clinical trial,” said Rabe. “If my treatment helps others I am glad to be part of it.

I think IOERT is a huge advancement in the treatment of breast cancer and we’re so fortunate it’s available in eastern Iowa.

I would definitely recommend it to others.”

Call 319/369-7216 for a oneon-one, same-day consultation.

You’ll be guided through the steps to determine if you’re a candidate for IOERT or go to radiationduringsurgery.com.

“I live in Center Point so I had a little drive to Cedar Rapids,” said Rabe. “Knowing I would only have daily drives to Cedar Rapids for my radiation treatments for three weeks versus six made me think ‘okay, I can do this. It’s only 15 days versus 30 days.’”

Rabe’s lumpectomy and IOERT treatment only took about two hours. Since IOERT

“The shortened follow-up radiation treatment allows women to get back into their lifestyle much sooner – from six weeks to only about three weeks.”

Robert Brimmer, MD, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, general surgeon

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 |

7

From trauma to

triumph

Care credited for teen’s recovery after assault

Christian Meeks helps out in the Cedar Rapids Washington High School library.

T

he first day of school was anything but typical for 15-year-old Christian Meeks of Cedar Rapids. The Washington High School student had the unfortunate luck of being in the wrong place at the wrong time during his walk home from school in late August last year.

Specialized emergency care

“My friends and I were walking home from school when we heard some people shouting at us – we ignored them and kept walking,” said Christian. “The next thing I know everyone is sitting on the ground bleeding and one of my friends is telling me that we’d been jumped. I don’t remember much. I blacked out initially.”

and saved these kids from even more harm. I am told she jumped out of her car and started yelling and someone called the police. I am grateful.”

The family asked that Christian go to St. Luke’s Emergency Room (ER) for his care.

“When I first saw Christian I really felt bad for him,” recalled Julie Beard, DO, St. Luke’s Emergency Department (ED). “His mom said he had been assaulted and he had lost consciousness. The right side of his face was swollen and there was blood in his mouth.”

“It was like a horror movie for me,” said Stephenie, Christian’s mom. “There were ambulances and police everywhere when I arrived after getting a call informing me Christian had been hurt. There was an older woman who witnessed the assault

“St. Luke’s is our hospital,” said Stephenie.

“I had my twins there and we’ve always had a positive experience at St. Luke’s.

So I knew that is where I wanted Christian to go – I knew he would receive excellent care.”

Christian had an X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan, which uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside the body. The images helped Dr. Beard determine Christian’s jaw was broken but thankfully no other facial bones were broken.

8 | stlukescr.org

“It would take a lot of force to break a jaw,” said Dr. Beard. “As you would imagine he couldn’t talk much because he had quite a bit of facial swelling and pain. In these types of cases I think it’s important to listen to the patient’s story and that’s how you can focus your care and assess their pain and work to keep the patient and their family as comfortable as possible.”

Pediatric Hospitalist Program St. Luke’s believes in patient-centered care, which means we put the patient in the center and surround them with experts. In order to meet the very specific needs of children, St. Luke’s developed Cedar Rapid’s only Pediatric Hospitalist program, exclusively caring for kids in the hospital. Caregivers understand a parent’s important role in helping their child heal and our team works to provide support and keep families informed.

“When a pediatric patient comes to St. Luke’s ER and we know it’s likely they will be admitted to the hospital we contact our pediatric unit to give them a heads-up,” said Dr. Beard. “St. Luke’s pediatric team is excellent and very hands on. They want to know when a sick child is in our ED right away and they will walk over from the Helen G. Nassif Women’s and Children’s Center and transfer the child to the unit as soon as they are able. From there they work

with our department and any specialists that might be involved to help coordinate that child’s care as quickly as possible.”

“We are experts in pediatric care and the only Cedar Rapids hospital with a Pediatric Hospitalist Program,” said James Matsuda, MD, St. Luke’s Hospitalist medical director. “We are in constant contact with each patient’s family doctor and other specialists. We coordinate hospital care, including ordering diagnostic tests and establish a treatment plan.”

Christian spent a couple of days in St. Luke’s Pediatric unit. He had his jaw wired shut for several weeks.

“The doctors and nurses were great,” said Stephenie. “Since Christian had a lot of down time they provided games, movies and books to help him pass the time. All of the doctors and nurses were excellent and concerned not only about Christian but our entire family – giving us plenty of hugs and support during a tough time.”

as possible and get their child well and back home as quickly as possible.”

“It has been a traumatic situation but the staff at St. Luke’s helped us through a difficult time,” said Stephenie. “We are extremely thankful for their excellent care in getting Christian well and back in school where he belongs.”

Christian returned to Cedar Rapids Washington High School after missing a little over a week of school. He’s glad to be back in class and back to his routine.

Two teens have been charged in connection with this incident.

“I’m thankful the damage wasn’t worse than it was,” said Christian. “I’m ready to move on and am very grateful for the good care I received.”

For more information about St. Luke’s Pediatric Hospitalist Program, please call 319/369-7338.

“They were great to me,” recalled Christian. “They gave me what I needed and when I had what I needed – they gave me more.”

“It’s tough on parents when their kids are in the hospital,” said Dr. Matsuda.

“We want to make their visit as pleasant

“ We are experts in pediatric care and the only Cedar Rapids hospital with a Pediatric Hospitalist Program. We are in constant contact with each patient’s family doctor and other specialists.

We coordinate hospital care, including ordering diagnostic tests, and establish a treatment plan.”

James Matsuda, MD, St. Luke’s Hospitalist medical director

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 | 9

Another

dialysis option in Cedar Rapids

N

early 400,000 people in the U.S. depend on dialysis treatment for their survival, according to the National Kidney Foundation. With an increasing incidence of factors leading to chronic kidney disease – specifically diabetes and high blood pressure – the demand for dialysis can be expected to rise in our community. In order to meet that need and provide another dialysis option, IPC and St. Luke’s are partnering with DaVita Cedar Rapids.

DaVita opened a new dialysis center at 5945 Council St. NE in February last year.

Internists, P.C. (IPC) and St. Luke’s became partners with DaVita to offer our community a new choice for dialysis care.

“Patient choice is important, which is why DaVita is in Cedar Rapids giving highquality care,” said Tracy Seboldt, facility administrator for DaVita Cedar Rapids.

According to Seboldt, the resources DaVita offers patients set it apart from other dialysis centers.

“DaVita takes every individual experience and looks at how to improve it. They ask, how can we make it better for the patient?

It’s just amazing how much difference it makes for patients when a caregiver involved in their treatment shows them clinically why a particular solution is the best choice.

DaVita offers great data and decisions are made with research and real-life experience behind it.”

Abha Saxena, MD, PhD, IPC Nephrologist DaVita Cedar Rapids medical director

10 | stlukescr.org

IPC Nephrologist Abha Saxena, MD, PhD, is the DaVita Cedar Rapids medical director. Other members of the personalized care team include Paramesh Ramadugu, MD and nurse practitioners, nurses specializing in dialysis, a social worker, dietitian and clinical services specialist.

How it works When patients call DaVita, an admission specialist sets up treatment times and works to meet specific time, day and special care needs. DaVita Cedar Rapids has three patient care technicians, a biomedical technician and an insurance counselor to assist families with Medicare/Medicaid and employee group health plans.

DaVita’s guest services helps patients find dialysis services while traveling.

“DaVita provides dialysis, but is not just about dialysis,” said Seboldt. “DaVita is about improving our patients’ quality of life. By offering personalized care, highly trained clinical teams and the broadest array of treatment options, we are helping our patients live healthier, longer, fuller lives.”

DaVita is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, consistently demonstrating clinical outcomes among the best in the nation, with clinical outcomes improving 11 years in a row.

To learn more about DaVita or ask questions, call 319/294-7088.

Peek inside the new

PCI Medical Pavilion T

he Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Medical Pavilion is all about convenience – bringing together specialty healthcare services into one location for patients.

In healthcare, one appointment with a specialist often leads to another and before long you’ve traveled a maze of locations and services. Eliminating doctor sprawl is the idea behind the new PCI Medical Pavilion. The first of its kind in Iowa, it houses many specialty medical and surgical services. As a patient, you’ll park once, step inside to see your specialists, have lab work and diagnostic imaging, pick up your prescriptions and even stop for a coffee or a snack before you exit through the skywalk to find your car in the parking garage.

All PCI physicians are moving to the building along with the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center, St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health and Cardiologists, L.C. Other businesses include Clark and Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics, CarePro Pharmacy and Hy-Vee/Caribou Coffee café.

On the pavilion’s first two floors, each clinic or office has its own “storefront.”

An atrium stretches from end to end in a familiar mall layout that is open and easy to navigate. A community education center for screenings, classes and events will span the partial third floor. Skywalks connect the building to Surgery Center Cedar Rapids and a parking garage.

Main entrances have patient drop-off canopies. PCI describes the Medical Pavilion as a new way to deliver specialty medical and surgical care.

Patient conveniences Todd Langager, MD, Cardiologists, L.C., explained, “By being centrally located in the Medical Pavilion, we can offer sameday appointments for referrals from the other medical specialists in the facility.

This is a great convenience for patients and families. This state-of-the-art office facility allows us to provide timely, efficient and more coordinated care than we presently are capable of providing.”

want quickly and accurately,” said Kimberly Ivester, administrative director, Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center of Iowa and Cancer Care director, St. Luke’s Hospital.

You’re invited to attend the PCI Medical Pavilion community open house on Saturday, April 6. Check stlukescr.org for complete details.

Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa (PCI) Medical Pavilion 2nd Floor Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center of Iowa St. Luke’s Breast & Bone Health

Cardiologists, L.C. is consolidating its two Cedar Rapids locations in the pavilion along with diagnostic services and are upgrading most of their equipment.

Likewise, St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health and the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center will be in close proximity to the specialists who serve their patients.

“The location will allow us to work more closely with our physician partners and improve upon our detection to diagnosis and treatment time, focusing on getting women the answers they

Cardiologists, LC

Main entrance

10th Street SE St. Luke’s Breast and Bone Health, Cardiologists, L.C. and the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center will be located on the second floor of the new PCI Medical Pavilion, at 202 10th St. SE.

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 | 11

Ask the

Expert

What makes St. Luke’s Hospice unique?

James Bell, MD, St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care medical director

provides state-of-the-art care. All of the private rooms are over-sized and equipped with sleeper sofas. Family space within the unit includes a kitchen and laundry facility.

St. Luke’s hospice encourages families and friends to visit with no restrictions. Family can stay with their loved one overnight and amenities, such as meeting rooms and quiet spaces for families, add comfort during a difficult time.

In addition to the peaceful, homelike environment, patients and families using hospice within St. Luke’s new unit benefit from a specialized staff trained in hospice care.

S

t. Luke’s opened the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit on the sixth floor this month. This area is designed to offer another option for hospice care.

This is a first and only hospice unit within a hospital in the Cedar Rapids area funded exclusively by generous donors who contributed $2.5 million.

St. Luke’s hospice unit has room for six patients, has a home-like feel and

12 | stlukescr.org

St. Luke’s Hospice is founded on the premise the patient and family are given the ability to choose the care options that will bring dignity, hope and comfort to the remainder of the patient’s life. This individualized patient- and familycentered care is provided to eastern Iowans within a 50-mile radius of Cedar Rapids 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Our goal is to make the patient as comfortable as we possibly can and this hospice unit will provide not only optimal medical care for the patient, with hospice-trained doctors and nurses, but also a dedicated team of social workers, chaplains and volunteers to make sure the patient and family are receiving the best psychosocial and spiritual care possible,” said Dr. Bell.

“When a patient’s goal shifts from aggressive or curative care to comfort-focused care this may require more intense supervision that only can be provided in a hospital setting,” said James Bell, MD, St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care medical director. “Of course, many if not most patients want to be at home, and if that is possible, we still absolutely advocate for getting them there.”

St. Luke’s Hospice offers additional services for hospice patients and their families. Respite care provides breaks for caregivers at home by caring for hospice patients for up to five days at a time. Current hospice patients suffering from severe pain or other symptoms can be admitted to the hospital to get their symptoms under control. Residential care will be available for those occasional situations that are prolonged, especially if a patient becomes more stable.

That’s the goal of St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care – to provide care in the comfort of wherever a patient resides.

To learn more about St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care, call 319/369-7744.

For your

Health Relieving Back Pain Occasional or chronic back pain can make it hard to enjoy life and keep up with your everyday routine. Attend this program with Dr. Stanley Mathew, to learn about various causes of back pain, and options you may have for relieving your pain.

Tuesday, April 16 • 6:30 p.m.

Understanding Varicose Veins Varicose veins are often just a cosmetic nuisance, but sometimes they can be painful and may lead to serious health complications. Dr. Richard Kettelkamp, of Cardiologists, L.C. will discuss various scenarios and solutions. Hear about new non-surgical treatments that do not require anesthesia or hospitalization.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 • 6 p.m.

When Wounds Won’t Heal Sores that linger beyond four to six weeks can lead to serious complications, such as infection and ultimately amputation. Those with diabetes and others with poor circulation are especially at risk. If you know someone susceptible to wounds, you’ll want to hear Dr. Dustin Arnold, St. Luke’s Wound Clinic medical director explain promising treatment options that speed healing time and minimize risk.

Thursday, March 14 • 6:30 p.m.

Classes are held at St. Luke’s Hospital, 3rd floor Nassif Heart Center classrooms.

To register for these free events, go to stlukescr.org/livewell, or call 319/369-7395.

St. Luke’s Health Beat | Winter 2013 | 13

ealth H St. Luke’s

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cedar Rapids, IA Permit No. 91

1026 A Avenue NE P.O. Box 3026 Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3026

B E A T 

We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies. If you have questions or concerns about Health Beat magazine, please call us at 319/369-7395 or e-mail stlukes@crstlukes.com. © 2013 St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA

Does a Top 100 Hospital ranking matter?

When you or a loved one needs a

St. Luke’s Top 100 ranking confirms

hospital, the quality of care you receive

St. Luke’s as the regional leader in

is vitally important. To choose where

medical care. We offer experience,

you go, you need objective information.

expertise and the latest technology for

And that’s where the right rankings and

what really matters – the best outcome

studies can help.

for every patient every time. The choice

Truven Health Analytics is the accepted leader in healthcare ratings since

is yours.

When it matters most.

1993. Their data from nearly 3,000 hospitals

includes

patient

safety,

length of stay, survival stats, cost effectiveness

and

patient

ratings.

And Truven has designated St. Luke’s as eastern Iowa’s only Top 100 Hospital.

stlukescr.org/top100