ePhysician Notes

	Dr. Christopher White New Cath Lab Pumps Up Ochsner North Shore’s Cardiovascular Strength To refer patients, call 985-646-5672 A new $2.1 million Cardiac Catheterization Lab is revitalizing heart care services at Ochsner Medical Center - North Shore in Slidell. “Our goal is to create a cardiovascular center of excellence on the North Shore, and we’re on our way,” asserts Christopher White, M.D., Professor of Medicine, System Chairman for Cardiovascular Diseases, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. “From this well-equipped, ideally located facility, we can serve patients from throughout a wide, growing region.” The new Cath Lab opened May 17. This major investment in the hospital’s technologies and services renovated an older cath lab into a state-of-the-art cardiology facility that features the latest “head-to-toe” angiography. The Toshiba Dual Plane system centralizes cardiac and vascular procedures, allowing physicians to perform a full heart study and full vascular study without moving the patient. Along with the Cath Lab opening, Ochsner North Shore began building its multidisciplinary cardiovascular team by adding more cardiologists, surgeons, nurses and technologists, a process which is still continuing. “Ochsner interventional cardiologists from the south shore, including myself and Rajan Patel, M.D., are working at Ochsner North Shore every week to support the program,” says Dr. White. “Our commitment is strong because of North Shore’s potential to become a major referral center. Thanks to the hospital’s location at I-10 and Gause Boulevard, with I-12 close by, patients from Gulfport to Hammond and beyond are all just a short distance away from Ochsner quality heart care. We want all area physicians to know that our new facility has superb technologies and highly experienced staff.” The new Cath Lab offers routine angioplasty and stenting, carotid stenting, renal stenting, atherectomy and valvuloplasty. It is re-energizing existing heart services at Ochsner North Shore, which include emergency care, open-heart surgeries and rehabilitation. Dr. White explains, “As Ochsner North Shore grows, I see the hospital offering all major heart services with the exception of specialized procedures such as heart transplants. We have all the elements in place to grow.” Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Stephen Ramee Ochsner’s Heart Programs: Leading In Alternatives To Open-Heart Surgery Consultations, Patient Referrals 888-317-3717 or ochsner.org/heartvalve Ochsner's Heart Valve Program and Adult Congenital Heart Program set the pace in the region by delivering new minimally invasive procedures, pioneering techniques and enhancing state-of-the-art care. Ochsner’s Heart Programs, unique in the region, offer highly specialized, multidisciplinary, individualized care, especially in the growing number of procedures that treat heart valve problems without open-heart surgery. In 2010, Medical Director Stephen Ramee, M.D., performed the Gulf South's first percutaneous aortic valve replacement with team members Tyrone Collins, M.D., and Gene Parrino, M.D. Ochsner is one of only 20 U.S. hospitals to participate in the PARTNER (Placement of AoRTic traNscathetER valves) Clinical Trial using the SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve Device. This procedure has reduced the risk of patients by half in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Such procedures are advantageous to patients whose age or medical condition put them at risk for open heart surgery. At Ochsner, neither of these factors are deterrents to effective heart valve treatments. Patients with adult congenital heart disease can face a high risk of new heart complications as they age. Ochsner’s team of congenital heart experts provides a full host of treatments and interventions. Earlier this year, the Adult Congenital Heart Program's Victor Lucas, M.D. and Tyrone Collins, M.D. completed the region’s first transcatheter pulmonary heart valve replacement for congenital heart disease. The Adult Congenital Heart Program has performed more than 500 non-surgical procedures to close atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovales (PFO), which have proved safe and effective. The Adult Congenital Heart Program also cares for pregnant women with adult congenital heart disease, and encourages consultations early in pregnancy to help ensure prenatal health and positive outcomes. Ochsner takes pride in offering a “patient friendly” environment that offers collaborative effort between the Ochsner medical team and the referring physician. Ochsner physicians cater to the patient. With just one call, all outpatient clinic appointments can be scheduled with the necessary Ochsner physicians and specialists. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Frank Mott Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Program: Uniting Specialties For State-of-the-Art Care Refer Patients 877-356-1647, lungcancerclinic@ochsner.org Ochsner’s Multidisciplinary Lung Cancer Program delivers highly advanced diagnostics, medical and surgical treatment, cutting-edge therapies, research and patient support. The program unites thoracic medical oncology, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine and radiation oncology. Along with the full array of standard radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery, the program offers robotics surgery, endobronchial ultrasound, clinical trials for various stages of the disease, novel therapies and Nurse Navigators to guide patients. Part of The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, the team moves Ochsner’s legacy as a leader in the fight against lung cancer into the 21st century. Patients receive unsurpassed treatment and compassion. Frank Mott, M.D., thoracic medical oncologist and program director, explains, “Our regular tumor board conferences bring our specialists together to discuss cases and plan optimal treatment for each patient. Because lung cancer involves different specialties and a range of surgery and treatments, patients benefit when we coordinate care and share ideas.” As part of the high standard of care, patients are receiving targeted therapies, when appropriate; treatments with fewer side effects and better pain control. Dr. Mott adds, “New advances have made it possible to think of lung cancer as a chronic disease, though curative improvements are not yet available.” Notable features include: Robotic Lobectomy, performed by Abbas Abbas, M.D., Chief of Thoracic Surgery. Endobronchial ultrasound. Susan Gunn, M.D., pulmonary medicine, is certified to perform this procedure, an important tool in staging lung cancers. Radiation techniques, including IMRT and stereotactic body radiation, performed by radiation oncologists Roland Hawkins, M.D., and Mini Elnaggar, M.D. Medical Oncology treatment by Suma Satti, M.D., Department of Hematology-Oncology Clinical trials cover areas such as surgeries for lung cancer that spreads to lymph nodes, targeted drugs for stage four lung cancer and drugs for small cell lung cancer. New specialist Joel Marcus, Psy.D, Director of PsychoOncology and Palliative Care Services, Department of Hematology-Oncology. Lung cancer patients benefit from comprehensive care on many fronts. Ochsner’s multidisciplinary team provides care while raising the standards for lung cancer diagnostics and treatment. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Zehra Jaffery Bayou Region Specialty Services Growing As Ochsner St. Anne Gains Full-Time Cardiologist To refer a patient or learn more about cardiology and other medical specialties at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital, call (985) 537-2666 Specialty medical care in the Bayou Region is growing, and Ochsner St. Anne’s new cardiologist Zehra Jaffery, M.D., is a major addition. Dr. Jaffery joins a growing number of physicians practicing at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital who see patients in the new Medical Office Building, completed last summer. Patients from throughout the region now have more advanced heart care services close to home and access to Ochsner’s network of even more advanced resources if they are needed. “With our fully equipped cardiac catheterization lab at Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital, we do the full range of diagnostic cath procedures in Raceland,” says Dr. Jaffery. Ochsner St. Anne’s cardiac imaging and diagnostic services include EKG, treadmill stress testing and nuclear stress testing. Dr. Jaffery brings impeccable training to her new position. Before completing a cardiology fellowship at Ochsner last year, she was chief medical resident for internal medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed her internal medicine training at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Serving a community of smaller towns and rural areas allows Dr. Jaffery to get more involved in educating patients about heart health. Women and heart disease is one of her major interests. “We need to help women recognize the symptoms of heart disease and how their symptoms may differ from the classic signs of heart attack in men. I hope to be doing more community education,” says Dr. Jaffery. “This community has been warm and welcoming, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know patients and the staff at Ochsner St. Anne.” Dr. Jaffery and other St. Anne specialists are building relationships with referring physicians throughout the region. Cooperation with area doctors and quality care and service to patients are their aim as Ochsner St. Anne grows. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Drs. Dee Malkerneker & Pavan Narra Interventional Radiology Brings New Capabilities To Ochsner West Bank Patient Referrals, 504-391-5150 or ochsner.org/westbank Two new fellowship-trained Interventional Radiologists are bringing state-of-the-art specialization to Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Campus, especially in making more minimally invasive procedures available close to home for West Bank patients. Dee Malkerneker, M.D., joined Ochsner West Bank last summer, and Pavan Narra, M.D., arrived in October. This boost in Interventional Radiology is an important addition to Ochsner West Bank as it continues to expand its nationally recognized clinical services. Ochsner Medical Center — West Bank Campus, a campus of Ochsner Clinic Foundation, received the 2011 HealthGrades® Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ and is recognized for exceptional care in seven specialties by U.S. News & World Report 2011-2012 Best Hospital rankings. “We offer the full range of advanced diagnostic and treatment interventional radiology procedures, including vascular work and chemoembolization,” says Dr. Malkerneker, who completed her fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Narra is a LSU Medical School graduate whose fellowship was at Emory University. Among the services Dr. Narra and Dr. Malkerneker offer are: Diagnostic Vascular Imaging Peripheral Arterial Disease Vascular Stenting for Carotid, Renal, Peripheral arteries Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Uterine Fibroid Embolization Deep Vein Thrombosis Minimally Invasive Cancer Therapy Central Venous Access Catheters, Filters "Some of the interesting things we’re doing include interventional oncological procedures such as chemoembolization to deliver Y-9 spheres, all lower extremity venous procedures, biopsies and placement of PleurX catheters,” Dr. Malkerneker says. “We want to become more active in pain management, including vertebroplasty and other therapies.” Ochsner West Bank now has an interventional radiologist available every day. As the service grows, the hospital especially wants to increase referrals from vascular surgeons, nephrologists and oncologists, as well as physicians from throughout the West Bank communities. Ochsner West Bank now has even more skilled physicians who, along with the hospital's technologies, continue to deliver nationally renowned care. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Rebecca Hutchings Ochsner Peds Growing With 24/7 ER, Subspecialists Learn More: Ochsner’s Pediatric ER, Pediatric Orthopedics 504-842-3900, ochsner.org/children Ochsner’s spectrum of children’s services is growing wider and deeper this fall with the fully staffed 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Room at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway and expansion of subspecialties such as orthopedics. “As of October 1, our Pediatric ER on Jefferson Highway is always open and always staffed by a board-certified pediatrician,” says Director Rebecca Hutchings, M.D. “We’re providing specialized emergency care for children in a family-friendly environment – and we’re doing it faster than our competition.” With innovative strategies to increase efficiencies, the Pediatric ER aims for an average door-to-doctor time of 30 minutes. Current wait times for the Pediatric ER are posted separately from the adult ER at ochsner.org. The Pediatric ER is designing waiting areas and exam rooms better suited for young patients. Dr. Hutchings, board-certified in emergency medicine and pediatrics, says the goal is to make Ochsner the first choice for children’s emergency care among local pediatricians and families. “When a child comes to our Pediatric ER, we have the treatment they need, no matter how complex or basic their needs. We will never have to transfer a child elsewhere for specialized care. We have every subspecialist here. We also have support services for families. It’s all at Ochsner.” Sean Waldron, M.D., new pediatric orthopedist, is part of Ochsner’s expansion in children’s healthcare. Dr. Waldron, who completed his fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is bringing the latest advances in trauma, sports medicine, congenital disorders and neuromuscular diseases to more young patients. His research interests include juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee and femoral-acetabular impingement of the hip. Having more pediatric orthopedic capabilities supports Ochsner’s Pediatric ER and increases opportunities for consultations with physicians from throughout the region. “I’m interested in treating a wide variety of general pediatric orthopedic and pediatric sports conditions, from simple fractures to ACL tears,” Dr. Waldron says. He and his colleagues offer waterproof casts. From basic emergency care to trauma to serious illness, Ochsner’s Pediatric ER offers quality and specialization. A growing array of services and more subspecialty care confirm Ochsner’s leadership in regional pediatric care. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Pulin Shah Laser Vision Center: Advanced Refractive Surgeries, Personalized Care at Ochsner Baptist Free Consultations, 504-894-2020 or LASIK@ochsner.org Offering the first blade-free LASIK surgery in the New Orleans area, the Laser Vision Center at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center specializes in innovative refractive surgeries delivered with highly individualized patient care. “Our interest is in quality instead of quantity,” says Director Pulin Shah, MD, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who was the first IntraLASIK-certified surgeon in New Orleans. “Instead of moving large numbers of patients through LASIK, we thoroughly evaluate each patient and discuss what procedure would be best for them. There are new options that are effective and affordable.” As one of the first programs to open at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center in 2008, the Laser Vision Center focuses on basic refractive surgeries, cataract lens implants and innovative procedures that help many patients in a wider range of age and vision issues, who may not be LASIK candidates, correct their vision and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses. One example, says Dr. Shah, is refractive lens implants. “This procedure is for patients ages 45 to 50, not eligible for LASIK. We remove the natural lens, as in the cataract lens procedure, and replace it with a refractive lens that provides sharp vision.” Dr. Shah also performs phakic intraocular implants, also known as the implantable contact lens (ICL), in which the natural lens is not removed and the implant is positioned behind the iris. “The bladeless LASIK technology we have here at Ochsner offers a small yet significant increase in the safety and efficiency of the refractive procedure,” explains Dr. Shah. “In most LASIK surgery, a microkeratome blade is used to make the first incision to cut a flap in corneal tissue, then a laser is used to reshape the cornea. With our iLASIK technology, the laser is used for the first incision as well.” No blade touches the eye. Free consultations are always available at the Laser Vision Center, and patients can count on the advanced, individualized care they receive in any Ochsner medical or surgical program. “Refractive surgeries are now time-tested. We work with patients to help ensure they receive good results with the procedure that is right for them, in which possible side effects are minimized,” says Dr. Shah. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Ralph Dauterive Ochsner Baton Rouge Obstetrics: Healthy Deliveries, Growing Market Referrals, Information 225-761-5239 Celebrating its first birthday this spring, the Family Birthing Center at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge continues to deliver success, with more than 1,100 births and a growing number of patients from throughout the region. “We’re offering something that no one else in the Baton Rouge market has,” says Ralph Dauterive, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, Ochsner Baton Rouge. “With our multiple birthing options and midwifery practice, we continue to build our obstetrical volume.” The Family Birthing Center is on target to exceed its goal of more than 100 deliveries each month and hopes to grow to 145 births monthly. The $7.3 million Family Birthing Center, with all-private rooms, opened on the fourth floor of the hospital in spring 2010. It was designed with features that have great appeal for expectant families. To give the feeling of home, rooms are about twice the size of standard hospital rooms. The Family Birthing Center offers labor and delivery alternatives such as suites with built-in birthing tubs, labor stools and chairs as well as capabilities for advanced interventions if complications occur, including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and two operating suites. Dr. Dauterive says about 10 percent of patients are using the birthing options, and many more expectant mothers are showing interest. “If you would like to use the birthing tub, for example, we have one, and our staff can support you. This is a major factor for expectant mothers.” Six full-time, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists are on staff. “The collaborative Midwifery Practice, one of the few in the area, is another reason the Family Birthing Center has thrived,” says Dr. Dauterive. “We plan to increase the number of midwives to seven. The practice is unusual in Louisiana, and patients are responding positively.” Family Birthing Center Features Six large birthing rooms Two operating rooms Two suites with built-in birthing tubs 14 patient rooms Spacious, all-private rooms Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Four observation rooms Family waiting rooms for Labor and Delivery and NICU Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Dr. Richard Tejedor New Asthma Procedure Exclusively Performed at Ochsner Kenner Refer Patients, Learn More: 504-412-1705 A new non-drug, FDA approved procedure called Bronchial Thermoplasty, using radiofrequency energy to reduce airway smooth muscle, is bringing relief to asthma patients whose symptoms are not controlled by other therapies. Richard Tejedor, M.D., the only pulmonologist in the Gulf Coast region performing this outpatient procedure, began offering it at Ochsner Medical Center-Kenner earlier this year. The patients who have already undergone Bronchial Thermoplasty at Kenner have all had good outcomes.. “Bronchial Thermoplasty is recommended for patients 18 years and older whose asthma is not well-controlled by maximal therapies. A bronchoscope delivers a source of radiofrequency energy into the airway, resulting in a reduction in airway smooth muscle mass and decreasing the constriction that leads to asthma symptoms,” says Dr. Tejedor, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary/Critical Care Section, LSU Health Sciences Center. The tissue is heated to 160 degrees for 10 seconds in a precise, controlled application. The application of heat is repeated every 5 mm in the airway and up to 10 mm in diameter. In research studies, this treatment has proven to increase asthma control, improve quality of life and reduce asthma attacks and emergency room visits. The procedure is performed in three sessions, approximately three weeks apart, to treat different areas of the lungs. Most patients see improvement after the second treatment, Dr. Tejedor says. “Thus far, referrals have been patient-driven as many asthma patients are seeking new treatments. Physicians throughout the region, especially allergists and pulmonologists, are becoming more aware that Bronchial Thermoplasty is now available to benefit some of their most difficult patients. “I tell patients that while the procedure is not designed to get them off all their asthma medications, it has shown to bring overall improvements such as a reduced number of severe exacerbation, fewer lost days from work or school and fewer hospitalizations.” The Bronchial Thermoplasty series is a one-time therapy, and patients who have had recent asthma flare-ups or infections will need to wait until full recovery before undergoing the procedure. Dr. Tejedor says Ochsner Kenner works well with referring physicians to make evaluating patients and scheduling Bronchial Thermoplasty as convenient as possible. “Our initial patients have been from out of state. We also expect to serve more patients from throughout the local region.” Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.
	Patrick Cresson Clinic Appointment Capabilities through Ochsner Health System’s Regional Referral Center Call 1-855-OHS-LINK Anytime To connect to the Ochsner system, this number is essential. It will open doors, accomplish tasks and save time. 1-855-OHS-LINK is the referral number for physicians, office staff and facilities to call to not only transfer patients but also to facilitate clinical appointments anywhere throughout Ochsner Health System. It connects you to Ochsner’s Regional Referral Center (RRC), and it’s the only referral resource physicians and staff need to remember. “Your call is answered at any time, 24/7, 365 days a year, by a Registered Nurse, who has the ability to book any clinic appointment across the entire Ochsner system,” says Patrick Cresson, Director of Patient Access. Since 1-855-OHS-LINK was established, it has made referring patients more efficient and saved time for all parties. Cresson says the key to 1-855-OHS-LINK’s success is that the RN coordinators, who are knowledgeable, skilled and specially trained to assist referrers across many specialties, have the ability to complete all the arrangements, right then and there. Ochsner created the 1-855-OHS-LINK not only because of the growing size of the multi-location system, but also to remove barriers for referring physicians. “We want to do all we can to ease the process of referring a patient to Ochsner or transferring a patient to any Ochsner location,” Cresson says. 1-855-OHS-LINK and the Regional Referral Center have garnered positive feedback from referring physicians and hospitals, Cresson adds. High volumes of calls are handled in a timely, efficient fashion. The RRC team is available day and night for all clinic appointment and transfer needs. Click here to download a list of participating insurances at Ochsner.