Utah Valley Magazine » Health

Convenient care

gbennett — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:58:52 +0000

For about a year, Dr. Devin Taylor has gone to work at one of Intermountain’s five InstaCare offices unsure of what the day will bring. That’s part of what he loves about his job.
“We see a variety of issues, so we keep sharp on a number of medical concerns,” he says.
He certainly sees a higher number of broken bones, sore throats and lacerations than some other medical concerns. However, he sees enough other issues to make each day exciting.

InstaCare’s niche
The InstaCare offices serve a specific purpose in the local community, somewhere between a hospital’s emergency room and a family’s primary care physician.
“InstaCare is for urgent healthcare needs that are not life threatening,” says Chanda Clift, clinic manager of the Saratoga Springs InstaCare. “We offer acute medical treatment in hours that are typically extended beyond what a family’s primary care physician’s office may offer.”
Because of the acute nature of the medical ailments and the InstaCare’s mission, often patients only come to the office once. If follow-up visits are required, it’s related to the purpose of the first visit. For example, InstaCare staff members frequently take out stitches after a laceration.

InstaCare vs. the emergency room
One of the common questions patients have is whether they should visit the emergency room or head to an InstaCare. Dr. Taylor offers a simple way to make that decision: decide whether your health concern is life threatening. If it is (or if someone is unsure), he suggests going straight to the emergency room.
“We refer some people to the emergency room because, as much as we would like to help them with their situation, we don’t have the resources to help them like an emergency room can,” he says.
However, for patients who don’t need an emergency room but need medical help quickly, without an appointment — including after hours — an InstaCare visit is a great option.

InstaCare and primary care physicians
InstaCare physicians understand the importance of each family having a primary care physician. In fact, InstaCare treatments should typically be followed up with a visit to a family practice doctor.
“Having the medical home that a family practice doctor provides is important,” Dr. Taylor says. “Too many people — especially young people in our area — use InstaCare as their primary care physician. Each family should have a family doctor who gets to know them.”
For example, InstaCare physicians don’t manage diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic ailments.
In some cases, like with the InstaCares in Springville, North Orem and Highland, as well as Chanda’s InstaCare in Saratoga Springs, an Intermountain family practice office is located alongside the InstaCare, making coordination more convenient.

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Top-Notch Child Care

gbennett — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:59:49 +0000

No parent wants to use the services of a pediatric medical specialist. Mothers don’t hope for the day when their child gets to go to the office of a pediatric infectious disease specialist or a cardiologist with experience working with infants.
However, no parent wants to be without those specialists if a sick child is in danger.
While Utah Valley is located only 50 miles from Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City — which houses numerous pediatric subspecialists — the drive time often means more anxiety for already stressed parents.
“That 50-mile drive can feel like 500 when you have a child who needs to see a specialist,” says Dr. Russell J. Osguthorpe, pediatric infectious diseases specialist and pediatric medical director at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.
In addition to the drive, many of the specialists at Primary Children’s have long waits for a consultation appointment, further adding to the anxiety and stress of parents.
Throw in the fact that Utah Valley has one of the youngest overall populations in the country (mainly from the large number of young families and children) and the need for pediatric specialists in Utah Valley is even more evident.
“With our population, the number of children who live here and the workload of specialists at Primary Children’s, we feel this area is one where we can make a real difference,” Dr. Osguthorpe says.

A more convenient solution
So, with that in mind, Intermountain Healthcare created Rock Canyon Pediatric Specialists. The physicians practice began when Dr. Osguthorpe moved back to Utah Valley and became pediatric medical director at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Osguthorpe worked with leaders at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in developing a gameplan in determining the best course in building the practice.
“To their credit, they always kept the needs of patients at the top of the list of priorities,” Dr. Osguthorpe says.

Assembling the team
The first two doctors to join the team after Dr. Osguthorpe were a pair of hospitalists — Dr. Matthew Steinfeldt and Dr. Shad Outsen — who dedicate their work to helping children during a hospital stay.
From there, Dr. Thomas L. Sutton — a pediatric gastroenterologist — began practicing with the group. Pediatric cardiologist James L. Hoffman is now practicing in Utah Valley, giving the group more wide-reaching services.
Starting this month, pediatric surgeon Dr. Earl C. Downey, Jr., will join the group, bringing with him a wide range of experience, including being the medical director of the surgical unit at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City.
The addition of Dr. Downey’s services greatly increases the treatment options for the children of Utah Valley and beyond.

The right kind of treatment
A pediatric cardiologist is different from a traditional cardiologist.
He or she has to be because children aren’t simply small adults. There are emotional considerations with which a doctor has to be trained in when working with a child.
“Children need to be treated like children,” Dr. Osguthorpe says. “Even the way an illness affects a child is different than how that illness might affect an adult. Why do you think we have children’s hospitals?”
Plus, children typically require a different mindset for medical treatment. They are harder to communicate with — especially about complicated medical conditions — and they aren’t interested in the generally sterile rooms in a traditional hospital.
“They don’t like sterile hospital rooms,” Dr. Osguthorpe says. “That’s why we have a different feel in our pediatric area. We want them to feel more comfortable here.”
Starting down a long road
While the pediatric specialists are being put in place, Dr. Osguthorpe and hospital administrators know there’s still a long way to go to get the program where they want it to be.
“We’re excited because we feel like the foundation is in place and we’re operating from the same motivation as Primary Children’s — that the child is first, and always,” Dr. Osguthorpe says. “We’ve worked closely with Primary Children’s, and we hope to continue to have their help in developing this service.”
In fact, Dr. Ed Clark, a pediatric cardiologist at Primary Children’s Medical Center, has been involved in the evolution of the Rock Canyon group and continues to advise the Utah Valleu Regional team.
Plus, local pediatricians and family medicine physicians are beginning to understand the services available to the community now and the high level of care patients can find locally.
“We would not be able to do this without the support of the great pediatricians we have in the valley,” Dr. Osguthorpe. “We work hard to earn their trust so they will refer their cases to us and allow us to be a partner in the care of the families in this area.”

A convenient location for doctors, too
The commitment to pediatric care in Utah Valley is convenient to the doctors who practice here, too.
“Many of the doctors who have joined our group have ties to the area and had little initial hope of ever getting to live and work in this area,” says Dr. Osguthorpe, a Mountain View High School graduate and former BYU student.
In fact, Dr. Osguthorpe points out that when he decided to go into his chosen field, he knew it was Primary Children’s or bust, if he wanted to live close to friends and family. Now, that’s not the case.
“I’m the pediatric medical director at the same hospital I was born in,” he says. “We now have a place for the best and brightest to come home to and give back to the area that’s given them so much.”
The doctors at Rock Canyon Pediatric Specialists know the group will grow quickly. When given the choice, parents would prefer to avoid the 500-mile … er … I mean … 50-mile drive to Salt Lake City to get their child treated.

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Getting Under The Skin

gbennett — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:55:11 +0000

Treating skin maladies is about more than just improving physical appearance. Stewart West, M.D. — a dermatologist at American Fork Internal Medicine and Dermatology — works with patients to look and feel as healthy as possible.

Mohs micrographic surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery — named after Dr. Frederic E. Mohs, who
invented the procedure — is a skin cancer treatment with success rates reaching 99 percent. Dr. West is one of two dermatologists in Utah Valley
who completed a Mohs fellowship, after finishing a dermatology residency at
the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The surgery enables the surgeon to precisely remove the tumor layer by layer while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue unharmed.
“Mohs surgery is frequently performed on the ears, nose and lips, where we want to be sure we have completely removed the tumor while leaving as little scar as possible,” Dr. West says.
Mohs-trained dermatologists are experts in surgery, pathology and reconstruction, meaning higher success rates with minimal evidence of the surgery.

Vbeam laser treatment
The Vbeam laser specifically targets redness in the skin. A millisecond laser pulse produces enough energy to heat up red areas causing them to break down into smaller particles. Then the body’s own immune system gradually removes these particles leaving less redness. This laser is ideal for treatment of port wine stains, hemangiomas and some birthmarks.
“The laser wavelength only affects red to purple areas of the skin and doesn’t damage the rest,” Dr. West says. “Removing the redness is beneficial because it often reduces burning, itching and flushing.”
In some cases — depending on where they are located (around the mouth and
nose) and how large they are — hemangiomas can cause breathing or bleeding problems. The Vbeam treatment can help minimize these problems, too.
Contact dermatitis treatments
Allergies in the skin (or contact dermatitis) can cause constant itching.
While training at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. West worked with several world-renowned experts in contact dermatitis.
“This is a rewarding part of my practice,” Dr. West says. “Many patients suffer with severe itching for months and even years. When I can help them
identify and avoid the causes of their itching, they become some of the most
appreciative patients I see.”
In many of these patients, Dr. West can pinpoint the chemical(s) the
patient is allergic to and generate a list of products to avoid that contain the chemical. Then he can access a data base to tell patients what products do not contain the chemical that they can safely use. Within a couple weeks, many of these patients are less itchy.

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One-stop shop

gbennett — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:26:36 +0000

Located on the corner of 500 West and Bulldog Boulevard in Provo is a medical facility perfect for treating a number of medical maladies — from aerospace consultations to varicose vein treatments.
The Intermountain Healthcare clinics located in the Northwest Plaza are close enough to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center to provide all the advantages that come from a major hospital with a personal touch that can only be found in a clinic.
The Northwest Plaza houses a number of clinics, an InstaCare and an auditorium that hosts numerous public education forums.
Most importantly, the facility provides a place for knowledgeable and caring medical professionals who put best practices into play to meet the needs of patients.

Intermountain Heart & Lung Surgical Associates/Intermountain Vein Clinic
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Assisting family practice physicians and cardiologists around the valley in treating locals with this common concern is a group of professionals at the Intermountain Heart & Lung Surgical Associates in the Northwest Plaza.
Throw in pulmonary concerns, and these specialists become even more valuable. The surgeons at the clinic primarily use the Northwest Plaza offices for consultations and follow-ups to surgical procedures.
“We’re able to help patients learn more about the procedures and ensure proper recovery afterward,” says John Mitchell, M.D.
Treating any surgical concern from the bottom of the neck to the lungs, these surgeons perform a number of procedures including adult cardiac surgery, coronary revascularization (bypass surgery), valve surgery. They also treat some adult congenital disease. The specialists also perform lung surgery to treat lung cancer and pneumothorax (collapsed lung). In fact, Consumer Reports recently named this surgical team as one of the top 10 percent of heart surgery programs in the country.
The surgeons can also treat hyperhidrosis — or sweaty hands. Besides being socially disengaging, the condition can also be hazardous in certain professions.
Housed within the facility is the Intermountain Vein Clinic. Opened in January 2010, the vein clinic has provided relief from varicose veins to grateful patients throughout Utah Valley. Eight in 10 of the clinic’s patients are women, and the majority of the injuries to the veins are due to pregnancy.
“The vein clinic has been very successful and beneficial to the community,” Dr. Mitchell says. “And talk about appreciative patients. Wow.”
The procedure is done in the clinic and takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Usually patients go back to work the next day with no bed rest. The procedure is done using radiofrequency, which — when compared to laser treatment — reduces the risk of vessel perforation.
“We believe it’s safer,” Dr. Mitchell says. “It does take a few minutes longer, but the energy isn’t as intense. The burn doesn’t occur as quickly.”

Intermountain Utah Valley
Aerospace Medical Clinic
Utah Valley might not be the first place that comes to mind for a clinic that specializes in aerospace medicine. Maybe Houston (home of NASA) or Seattle (home of Boeing)?
Local experts James Stewart, D.O., and Marc Robins, D.O., are both board certified in aerospace medicine. With a growing aerospace industry throughout the Wasatch Front, an international airport nearby and two universities within minutes of the clinic — BYU offers aerospace engineering and UVU provides aviation training — the clinic meets the needs of the growing aerospace population.
“Aerospace medicine is a cognitive specialty area,” Dr. Stewart says. “The specialty involves the determination and maintenance of the health and performance of those who fly in air and space.”
Both Dr. Stewart and Dr. Robins received their training through the military and have spent numerous hours in aircraft. This experience allows them to consult patients with knowledge and first-hand experience.
At its core, the clinic assists aerospace professionals with getting the certifications they need to perform their jobs.
“We’re unique because we usually work on healthy people and try to figure out how to keep them that way,” Dr. Stewart says.
Air transport pilots are required to be evaluated yearly, while other pilots are less frequently certified.
The Utah Valley Aerospace Clinic helps aerospace companies moving to the area. The physicians consult with companies to make sure they’re doing all they can to keep employees happy and healthy.
“We’re excited about the growth in the aerospace industry up and down the Wasatch Front in the next few years,” Dr. Stewart says.

Intermountain Provo Neurological Clinic
Matthew Butrum, M.D., is part of a team devoted to managing and treating neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, epilepsy, dementia and multiple sclerosis.
The neurologist enjoys working with primary-care physicians in diagnosing ailments, consulting on treatment and meeting the needs of the patient.
“Communication is important,” Dr. Butrum says. “Sometimes there are symptoms that don’t come from the neurological condition — they might come from a simple sinus infection — and we have to talk through those things.”
Neurologists manage treatment of neurological conditions. While many of the ailments they see can’t be cured, there are strides toward treating symptoms.
“There are new developments and research,” Butrum says. “It used to be you could get a diagnosis and move along. Now, especially with MS, there are medications that help fight disability.”
A neurologist assists in determining a diagnosis, or they can confirm the diagnosis of the primary care physician. Sometimes, if the symptom is obvious — like a seizure — a neurologist is brought in to immediately determine course of care.

Intermountain Utah Valley
Internal Medicine Clinic
The term “internal medicine” is somewhat of a misnomer. While the term has origins in Germany, the practice would be better described as adult care. Internists specialize in treating adults — especially those with chronic problems like diabetes, heart disease, bone disorders and arthritis.
“We do a lot of preventative medicine, but it’s usually with regard to issues older people deal with — diabetes, high cholesterol — things like that,” says Matthew Mainord, M.D.
In fact, internal medicine specialists address nearly all concerns other than pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology.
“We’re experts at managing medications, especially for people who have a number of medical concerns,” Dr. Mainord says.
Internists consult with necessary specialists with the perspective of treating the whole patient. For example, a medicine for joint pain prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon could cause stomach problems in the patient. An internist can ensure medications don’t cross react.
“Once you get up to five or six different medications, there is a much higher likelihood of cross reaction,” Dr. Mainord says. “An internal medicine doctor can help with those decisions.”

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Cardiac Rest

gbennett — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:44:41 +0000

Our society is always looking forward. We want faster machines, more convenient living and quicker food.
We feel the same about medicine. We want more accurate testing capabilities, new medications, better procedures and nicer facilities.
However, every once in a while it pays to step back in time and do things the way our grandparents did.
That’s the case with the 100-Day Heart Challenge, sponsored by Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo.
“We’re really talking about getting rid of two generations’ worth of bad habits,” says M. Eric Carter, M.D., a cardiologist at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. “Our grandparents ate fresh food, worked outside and got the exercise they needed to be healthy.”
Today’s abundance of food, sedentary lifestyles and stressful situations have contributed to cardiac concerns around the country — and in our own backyard.

The Challenge
Since the first 100-Day Heart Challenge in February 2007, the staff at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center has assisted dozens of people in getting their hearts in shape through education, hard work and lifestyle changes.
Each year in February (to correspond with Heart Health Awareness Month), about a dozen participants are chosen from around Utah Valley to take part in the 100-day challenge. Each participant takes a series of tests (cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index) and meets with a professional dietitian. Volunteers from BYU and UVU’s exercise sciences departments work with participants as trainers and educators.
“About half of the learning is intellectual,” Dr. Carter says. “The other half is habit learning. They get confidence in being able to live this way. That’s why we do it for three months — they have it in their habits as well as in their heads.”

The Participants
“Each person comes in with goals,” says Maria Black, administrative director for Heart Services at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. “One might be interested in weight loss, another might want to cut back on medication. It’s very individualized, and the program can meet those individual needs.”
The participant has to “buy in” to what’s happening or results won’t come.
“You can tell in short order who isn’t committed to the program,” says John H. Mitchell, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
The program is also unique in that it has a philosophy of “paying forward” what participants have experienced and learned. They have access to knowledgeable trainers, dietitians, doctors, nurses and therapists who expect them to pass on these habits and information to others. That’s one of the reasons the program started with women. If mom eats healthy, the family eats healthier, too.
“We want people to touch someone else with this experience,” Dr. Mitchell says. “Make contact with parents, siblings and children. If you have risks for heart disease, family members probably do, too.”
The Results
With three years of data, the physicians are starting to see useful trends among those who have participated in the challenge.
“When we analyzed the data, it turned out that about half of the participants were in treatment range for something,” Dr. Carter says. “The amazing thing is that more than half of those dropped out of that range in 100 days. Diabetic rate dropped by 70 percent. This is a concrete benefit from living a healthier lifestyle.”
While a winner is named (using a computer program that considers a number of factors), each individual develops life-changing — and life-extending — habits that help them and their families.
Maybe even for two generations.

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Why Straighten Teeth?

gbennett — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:07:41 +0000

For many parents, investing in orthodontic care may seem like only a mechanical fix. Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems.
  However, teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.
  “Patients finish treatment with a new sense of confidence, feeling like they could conquer the world,” says Dr. Brian Trapnell, owner of Trapnell Orthodontics in Springville. “It’s about more than just chewing your food more effectively. It leads to living life more effectively.”
  An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image — important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person’s self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.
  “If you’re confident with your smile, you’re going to more easily develop people skills that will benefit your personal and professional life,” says Dr. Chris Trapnell, owner of Trapnell Orthodontics in Spanish Fork.
  There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about.

Brian F Trapnell, DMD · 187 E. 400 South, Springville · (801) 489-9475
Christopher J Trapnell, DDS, MS & Greg Trapnell, DDS · 89 W. 900 North, Spanish Fork · (801) 798-8343
Jeffrey L Trapnell, DDS · 3610 N. University Ave., #175, Provo · (801) 344-3700
Christopher J Trapnell, DDS, MS & Greg Trapnell, DDS · 1107 S. Highway 198, Payson · (801) 465-2541
www.drtrapnell.com

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A Team Approach To Athlete Treatment

gbennett — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:35:40 +0000

Kent and Judy Van Leeuwen know that catching touchdown passes doesn’t start when you lace up the cleats under the bright Friday night lights at Timpview High School.
The Van Leeuwens’ three sons lace up first at Utah Valley Sports Medicine Acceleration on the campus of Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo. They spend hours improving technique and strength — eventually resulting in better outcomes between the lines on Friday nights.
“Our sons initially looked at just increasing explosiveness off the line,” Kent says. “The program did that and more. It also strengthens the core, giving you more overall strength and greater durability. I think it also prevents injuries.”
The acceleration program is part of a larger commitment by Intermountain to improve sports performance and also rehabilitate and treat injuries more quickly. Intermountain consolidated its various athlete-oriented services into one entity: Utah Valley Sports Medicine, a TOSH affiliate. TOSH (The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital) is Intermountain’s Murray-based complex devoted to treating the needs of all athletes — weekend warriors included.
“This realignment enables us to better coordinate treatments,” says Brent Edgington, with Utah Valley Sports Medicine, a TOSH affiliate. “We have orthopedic surgeons, physicians, physical therapists and others specially trained in treating the needs of athletes.”
Families like the Van Leeuwens are utilizing the services to help their sons and daughters increase speed and strength. An added bonus is that if injuries happen, the doctors know the athlete and understand his or her sports-specific needs and can work for the best results. Doctors and surgeons work together to ensure proper treatment.
Intermountain’s top-of-the-line physical therapists also help to get athletes back in the game.
Another key cog in getting the most out of training and treatment is eating right. The Utah Valley Sports Medicine team also includes nutrition counselors who customize a dietary plan that meets the needs of a given athlete for his or her specific sport.
“It’s really about doing all you can to work and give yourself an edge,” Brent says. “Competition is tight, and we work to help athletes get that edge.”
Intermountain also wants to keep athletes safe, which is why they provide the Concussion Clinic.
Concussions are increasingly being diagnosed as athletes get stronger and faster, creating more violent collisions. Plus, physicians are learning more about causes and treatments for concussions.
The Concussion Clinic — led by neuropsychologist Jim Snyder — performs concussion baseline tests prior to an athlete starting his or her season. These tests, called the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), give doctors an individualized report on the cognitive function of the athlete when he or she is uninjured. Then, after a suspected concussion, that athlete’s diagnosis is compared to the baseline test to see what changes have occurred.
Provo’s Cindy Evenson took her son, Austin, in for the ImPACT assessment and is glad she has that data for future reference.
“There has been so much information on TV and sports shows regarding the effects concussions can have on these young athletes,” she says. “The ImPACT test gives them a way to measure the effect of the concussion and when kids can return to the field.”
It’s just another way Utah Valley Sports Medicine, a TOSH affiliate, watches out for athletes.

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Handled With Care

gbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:21 +0000

An estimated 72 percent of American women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins symptoms by their 60s. Right now, 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux disease, the main culprit for painful, swollen and ugly varicose veins.
“Some people think varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but they can be much more serious than that,” says Jon Woozley, PA-C, with Utah Valley Vein Clinic, a service of Utah Valley Heart and Lung Surgical Associates. “If left untreated, the condition can lead to more serious health concerns.”
A patient suffering from varicose veins — or who thinks they might be — can visit Utah Valley Vein Clinic and receive a comprehensive diagnostic examination that includes ultrasound testing.
“We clearly identify the problem,” Jon says. “The ultrasound enables us to determine the cause of superficial issues and also informs us of any deeper issues. This gives us the best chance to successfully treat the problem.”
Varicose veins can appear in any vein, but are most commonly found in the legs. They appear more often in women but do occur regularly among men. Women who have had more than one pregnancy have a higher likelihood of suffering from them. In fact, while the Utah Valley Vein Clinic won’t perform the procedure on women who are currently pregnant, Jon points out that women don’t have to be done having children to treat varicose veins.
“A lot of people think they have to be all done with having kids,” he says. “That’s simply not true. Between pregnancies is a great time to have the procedure because it will improve vein problems in subsequent pregnancies.”
Other increased risk factors include being overweight, a family history of varicose veins and working in a job where you’re frequently on your feet (teacher, flight attendant, grocery store clerk).
The Utah Valley Vein Clinic offers comprehensive vein care including sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance, endovenous ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy. The clinic uses radiofrequency (RF) endovenous ablation, which is a minimally invasive treatment procedure that uses radiofrequency to heat and seal diseased veins.
“The RF treatment has fewer complications than lasers and completely avoids general anesthesia and hospitalization, unlike prior varicose vein treatments such as vein stripping,” Jon says. “It’s still a heat-based procedure, but the RF treatment operates at about 120 degrees Celsius, while the laser treatment heats to 700 C.”
Lower heat means less bruising and quicker recovery. In fact, the treatment is usually done with only local anesthesia, and patients can often resume everyday function immediately.
The Utah Valley Vein Clinic’s association with Intermountain Heart and Lung Surgical Associates means the professionals at the clinic use the finest in equipment, have vast experience in vein surgery and couple this with a friendly staff committed to extraordinary care.
“We’re used to harvesting veins for bypass surgeries,” Jon says. “Frankly, ablating a vein is much easier than harvesting one to attach to a heart.
“The best part of this is that we’re helping our neighbors,” Jon says. “We live and work in Utah Valley and we like seeing the joy this brings to patients. Some of these people have been suffering from varicose veins for way too long.”
The clinic is supervised by John Mitchell, M.D., a heart surgeon with Intermountain Utah Valley Heart and Lung Surgical Associates.

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Medical Transparency allows a ‘price check’ on health services

contributor — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:08:05 +0000

Wise consumers look at the price before buying a pair of shoes, a dinner entree or a new car. Merchants set the prices, which allows them to know they’ll receive the money listed on the price tag and be able to stay in business.

That’s not the case in the medical industry. A fee is initially set for services, but insurance companies negotiate price cuts and adjust claims with healthcare providers.

Often the patient and provider are unaware of pricing until they receive an explanation of benefits from their insurance company.

To add further complication, Medicare is another story. The government, with a laundry list of stipulations, sets what the healthcare provider receives in cost reimbursements. The medical provider is left out of the loop in negotiating reimbursement.

Most people agree changes need to be made in healthcare.

One step in this direction is for patients to know up front what the doctor is charging and receiving for tests and services.

“Our doctors and staff strongly believe patients need to be involved in medical choices that affect them — whether it’s their health or their pocketbook,” says Scott Barlow, Central Utah Clinic CEO. “We as a healthcare system want to help.”

That’s where the term “medical transparency” comes into play.

What is Medical Transparency?
Medical Transparency is a term used to describe information available to the public that shows data relating to costs, value and quality outcomes of medical services.

How Can Medical Transparency Benefit Me?
We live in an amazing time where medical testing provides insight into diagnosis and ultimately better treatment options. With medical transparency, a patient can examine fees beforehand and consult with his or her physician to determine what services are necessary and prudent in quality healthcare and what services are secondary.

“Medical transparency helps patients become active decision-makers with their physicians rather than passive consumers,” Scott says.

Where Can I Find a List of Medical Costs and Quality Outcomes?
Central Utah Clinic is taking a progressive step by posting a list of average costs and quality indicators by the end of 2009 at www.centralutahclinic.com.

English philosopher Sir Frances Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.”

The more knowledge patients have concerning medical care including costs and quality, the more power they have in making wise choices.

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40 Years In The Making

contributor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:58:39 +0000

Central Utah Clinic celebrates 4 decades of service

Amid July’s fireworks and celebrations, Central Utah Clinic is kicking off its own festivities. On July 30, Central Utah Clinic enters its 40th year of offering value enhanced care.

And that’s something to cheer about.

Forty years ago three internal medicine specialists — Drs. Nimer, Parker and Gardner — consolidated their practices to meet growing healthcare needs.

The group first known as Central Utah Medical Clinic practiced out of a home until 1962 when its growing patient base and addition of new physicians necessitated a move to a larger building.

In July 1969, the Clinic incorporated and moved to its current main campus location at 1055 North 500 West, Provo.

By the early ‘80s, the clinic had grown to include 15 physicians practicing in five specialties. The building was remodeled over the years but was eventually demolished to make way for the current updated facility.

In 2004, the clinic changed its name to a simpler Central Utah Clinic. The tag line “Your Health, Your Choice” was added to reflect the clinic’s mission statement:

Central Utah Clinic values first and foremost the quality of care patients receive and their right to participate with their physician in treatment decisions. We treat patients with compassion, dignity and respect regardless of the ability to pay.

The clinic that at one time operated out of a home is now Utah’s premier independent physician group with 88 doctors specializing in adult and adolescent medicine, medical and radiation oncology, cardiology, colon and rectal surgery, critical care, dermatology and skin cancer, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), endocrinology, family medicine, gastroenterology, radiology, infectious disease, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, plastic and reconstructive surgery, pulmonary medicine and urology.

In addition to the main campus in Provo, Central Utah Clinic has offices in Orem, American Fork, Lehi, Payson, Salt Lake and outreach offices in several central Utah cities.
The clinic has seen amazing advances in healthcare over the past 40 years, yet with all the “bells and whistles” of modern medical technology, the doctors and staff at Central Utah Clinic don’t forget what really matters — the people who trust them with their care.

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