INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY SUITE OPENS
After several months of planning and preparation, Windsong recently received the Gold Seal of Approval of accreditation for its brand new Interventional Radiology Center from The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Surgeons, legislators, state and national health agencies and patients acknowledge that AAAASF stands alone in setting the “Gold Standard” for quality patient care.
The elite designation is awarded to facilities that voluntarily undergo a thorough evaluation by the AAAASF inspector, meeting the rigorous performance standards for delivering quality, safe care. Under the umbrella of the Interventional Radiology Center, Dr. Dana Dunleavy conducts a number of minimally invasive and non-invasive procedures including migraine and osteoporotic compression fracture treatment, varicose vein exams and radiofrequency ablation, and embolization for pelvic congestion syndrome.
The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. was established in 1980 to develop an accreditation program to standardize and improve the quality of medical and surgical care in ambulatory surgery facilities while assuring the public of high standards for patient care and safety in an accredited facility. To schedule a patient with Dr. Dunleavy’s team, please call the IR scheduling line at 929-9484
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
This Fall Windsong’s radiologists participated in community presentations about the importance of breast cancer screening. On Sep 21st Dr. Markus Holzhauer presented to the Salamanca Seneca Nation on What Every Women Needs to Know about Breast Health. Dr. Holzhauer gave an engaging and informative presentation that answered questions about the benefits of early detection and 3D mammography.
On October 13th, Dr. Cameron Saber presented on the same topic at the Breast Cancer Network at 3295 Walden Avenue in Depew. This presentation answered many questions about screening for breast cancer survivors and their family members. If you have a large group that is interested in learning more about breast health, please contact Gina Fedele at 716.631.2500 ext. 2240 or email HERE
NEW MAMMOGRAPHY GUIDELINES – WHAT YOUR PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW
The new American Cancer Society guidelines have caused some confusion for patients. It should be noted that these recommendations focus largely on making patients better informed about breast screening false positive statistics and age determined breast cancer risks. According to the recent report, women aged 40 to 44 years who choose to be screened should do so annually, and women 55 years and older should have the opportunity to continue annual screening.
Windsong supports the Society of Breast Imaging, The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American College of Radiology’s recommendations for women to get yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40. In 2014 alone, more than 200,000 American women were diagnosed with an invasive form of breast cancer and 20% were under the age of 50. “Windsong strongly encourages women aged 40 and older to obtain the maximum life saving benefits from mammography by continuing with an annual screening schedule,” stated Dr. Anna Chen, director of Women’s Imaging at Windsong. “We have seen firsthand how annual screening for women age 40 and older can lead to early detection.”
Windsong will continue its commitment to “personalized screening” which considers the breast density and risk of the patient. This screening method ensures the most advanced technology is offered to the patient based upon their personal history, which may include 3D tomosynthesis mammograms, ultrasound and/or MRI. To assist you with educating your patients, we recommend a video resource which can be found HERE
3D GUIDED BREAST BIOPSIES COMPLIMENT 3D MAMMOGRAPHY
Our Williamsville location is the only facility in the area to offer 3D breast biopsy to compliment our 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis). This upright biopsy unit allows our radiologists to locate and biopsy subtle areas identified only on the 3D mammogram and allows more improved access to areas closer to the chest wall. With its dual stereotactic and 3D biopsy capabilities, it allows for improved targeting which may shorten patient procedure time and reduce radiation dose due to fewer exposures.
EMR REFERRALS TO DR. DUNLEAVY
If your practice is experiencing issues referring to Dr. Dunleavy for Interventional and Vascular Radiology procedures, please ensure he is set up as an interventional radiologist in your EMR. If you have any issues with set up, please feel free to email Gina Fedele HERE or call 631-2500, ext. 2240
FREE MAMMO DAYS
This fall, Windsong offered Free Mammo Days at all its breast screening locations to those patients with little or no insurance on October 15th and November 19th.
Cancer Services Program of Erie County assists patients. For more information call 716.858.7376 or toll free at 866.442.2262 to schedule.
WINDSONG RADIOLOGY RECEIVES LUNG CANCER SCREENING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION
The Lung Cancer Alliance has recognized Windsong’s low dose lung cancer screening CT program as a national Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence.
Windsong is the only facility in this area to have two elite designations from both the American College of Radiology and the Lung Cancer Alliance. These elite distinctions recognize facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer.
BUFFALO IS NEW MAMMOGRAPHY LOCATION FOR WINDSONG RADIOLOGY
Windsong opened a screening mammography suite in downtown Buffalo this year. The suite is located in the William E. Mosher Health Center at 899 Main Street in Buffalo. Windsong provides both 2D and 3D mammography screening exams at this location. Dr. Anna Chen, Director of Women’s Imaging at Windsong announced that the Windsong team is committed to offering its state of the art technology to the underserved women of Buffalo. “We are working collaboratively with our partners in care to better inform women throughout the city about the importance of breast cancer screening,” stated Dr. Chen.
In alliance with the American College of Radiology, Society for Breast Imaging and breast health experts, Windsong strongly recommends women begin ANNUAL screening mammograms at age 40; women with a family history of breast cancer should consult their physician about when to start mammography and discuss whether additional imaging is needed. To schedule an exam at the new location, patients can call 716) 631- 2500. Walk-ins are also welcome.
IT TAKES 2 CAMPAIGN WITH WGRZ
Windsong continues the exciting campaign with WGRZ (Ch. 2), called It Takes 2. The goal of this brainchild of Maryalice Demler is to encourage women to schedule their annual mammogram, and reinforce this with their friends and family members.
The program reminds women to take two minutes each month to call and schedule their appointment, and remember to remind two friends via text, Facebook or phone. Two minutes a month to save their lives & their friends’ lives. Remember ‘It Takes 2.”
WINDSONG RECEIVES AUTHORIZATION FOR BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD PATIENTS FOR LOW DOSE LUNG CANCER SCREENING CT
Effective 8/20/2015 Windsong may now obtain Low Dose Ct Scan authorizations (S8032) via phone for BCBS patients. Low dose lung cancer screening can detect the smallest of tumors so that doctors can treat lung cancer at its earliest stage. Adults aged 55 to 80 years who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years are eligible for this covered preventive screening. Patients need a script from their doctor before they call (716) 631- 2500 to schedule an appointment at Windsong’s Williamsville, Lancaster, Hamburg or West Amherst locations.
Independent Health does not recognize the S8032 code for low doses CT lung screening. Please use CPT code 75571.
LOW DOSE LUNG CANCER CT FOLLOW UP LETTERS
Patients referred to Windsong for low dose lung cancer screening CTs will receive a communication from our Patient Navigators within one month of the recommended follow up appointment date. As a courtesy to our referring providers, we will be sending a copy of this communication to our referring providers and request that your practice follow up with your patient to ensure they receive their recommended follow up screening.
MRI ACCREDITATION
It is with great pleasure to announce Windsong just received notification that it has passed and received Magnetic Resonance Imaging Accreditation from the American College of Radiology for a period of 3 years.
This distinction signifies our facility provides an essential service to our community at the highest standards of the radiology profession.
ICD-10 REMINDER
CMS is not requiring the ordering provider to rewrite the original order with the appropriate ICD-10 for lab, radiology services or any other services. For more information, please call our billing department at 716.631.2592
AND THE WINNER IS...
Dr. Fred McAdam was the winner of our physician survey drawing. Many thanks to all who took the time to respond.
MANAGEMENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION – IS IT RIGHT FOR YOUR PRACTICE?
In an era of constant change and uncertainty, today’s physicians face a multitude of challenges such as decreasing reimbursement, soaring overhead costs and diminishing compensation, not to mention unprecedented federal mandates.
Many physicians don’t have the resources to effectively manage the business side of their practice through all of these complex challenges.
In order to maintain their independence, a number of solo practitioners and small to mid-size practices are partnering with a Management Services Organization or MSO. We are pleased to present a new organization called Windsong Management Services, which leverages the Windsong management expertise and available resources used to build Windsong.
Windsong Management Services is an MSO organization that provides practice management and administrative support services to:
- Relieve physicians of business functions so that they can concentrate on the clinical aspects of their practice
- Provide cost savings through increased purchasing power and economies of scale
Windsong Management Services offers the following centralized services to WNY medical practices:
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Finance & Accounting Services
- Reporting, Analysis and Benchmarking
- Human Resources & Payroll Services
- Information Technology
- Business Management & PlanningInformation Technology
To learn more about Windsong Management Services and how it may benefit your practice, call Gerry Nannen at (716) 817-7199 or email him HERE
SOLID GASTRIC EMPTYING STUDIES NOW OFFERED IN WILLIAMSVILLE
Windsong’s Williamsville location is now offering gastric emptying studies. This nuclear medicine procedure is performed to determine how fast food leaves the stomach. The patient ingests a small amount of radioactivity mixed with oatmeal, and then the stomach is imaged for an average of 90 minutes. From this, computerized images are generated which can determine if there is a delayed emptying.
Doctors may order this study for adults and children who frequently vomit, feel bloated after eating, or complain of abdominal pain. In preparation for this study, patients should not eat or drink anything for four to six hours before they have the specially prepared food when they arrive for the study.
Patients will be asked for their medication list when scheduling, as some drugs affect the results of this exam. For more information, please call 716.631.2500
