GOVERNOR CUOMO’S INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO BREAST CANCER SCREENING AMONG THE MOST AGGRESSIVE IN THE NATION
Good news for women in WNY and across the state. Governor Cuomo, the Senate and Assembly have agreed to one of the most aggressive actions in the nation to improve access to breast cancer screening. Groundbreaking initiatives under S08093/A10679 will help more women access the breast cancer screening services they need and deserve. The new law will eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic imaging for breast cancer, including diagnostic mammograms, and breast ultrasounds, as well as breast MRIs for those women at high risk for breast cancer. As a result, women in need of tests other than standard mammograms will not have to pay any additional out-of-pocket expenses for these most common diagnostic tests. Many of us at Windsong are heartened to hear of this new law which will assist so many of our patients who have seen their covered screening mammogram transition to an uncovered diagnostic mammogram because of a concerning pain or lump. Insurance will no longer be able to deny coverage of these life saving diagnostic exams.
According to the new law, beginning January 1, 2017 screening and diagnostic imaging for the detection of breast cancer is covered under the policy and shall not be subject to annual deductibles or coinsurance. Copays will apply. Windsong is pleased to see the state’s commitment to giving women the resources they need to live a long and healthy life.
PROSTATE MRI, A GAME CHANGER FOR PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Other than lung cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates 180,890 new cases and 26, 120 deaths from prostate cancer each year. Fortunately, screening and early detection of prostate cancer is saving lives.
Patients can now benefit from a more sensitive and targeted screening approach with a 3T MRI. “Prostate MRI has revolutionized how we diagnose prostate cancer,” says Dr. Raja Cheruvu, who oversees the prostate cancer detection team at Windsong. “It enables us to find disease earlier than today’s conventional ultrasound guided tests, and is a noninvasive way to rule out cancer and relieve anxiety for many men who have an elevated PSA.”
Prostate MRI is a game changer. It allows radiologists to better visualize the prostate gland and determine if a biopsy is needed. Windsong is the first to offer this technology, which is essentially the male version of the mammogram. 3T MRI is non-invasive, painless, and procures high resolution images of the prostate gland. It offers increased sensitivity and improved accuracy in localizing prostate cancer. It is appropriate for patients with an elevated or rising PSA level, as well as those who have had benign TRUS biopsies.
These exams are available at Windsong’s Williamsville location.
HEADACHE RELIEF THAT LASTS
Millions of Americans experience migraines. An innovative noninvasive treatment at Windsong has shown remarkable results. Dr. Dana Dunleavy, Director of Windsong Interventional Radiology Services said, “Over 1000 SPG blocks have been performed at Windsong, with preliminary data showing that the vast majority of patients have significant symptom relief from their migraines after only one treatment.”
Treatment is administered through the nasal cavities using image guidance to assure appropriate medication delivery. This non-invasive procedure has minimal risks and is covered by most insurances when deemed appropriate following an office consultation.
WINDSONG AFFILIATE ADDS GENETIC COUNSELOR
Windsong’s comprehensive and integrated care model is now further enhanced with the addition of Laura Fisher, MS, CGC, a Certified Genetic Counselor who has joined its affiliate, Windsong Medical Alliance, PLLC. This addition strengthens the nationally accredited Windsong Breast Care Program, a first of its kind collaborative program in WNY, designed to assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through coordinated care and ultimately improved outcomes.
Laura received a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling from Boston University and has most recently provided genetic counseling at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Laura join us. She is enthusiastic about her new role with Windsong and the breast care program. She is a dedicated and intelligent counselor committed to offering a compassionate, informative environment for patients seeking genetic counseling,” said Dr. Thomas Summers, President of Windsong, PC.
BENEFITS OF GENETIC COUNSELING AND TESTING
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, genetic counseling and testing can help individuals better understand their risks for certain types of cancer.
Laura Fisher, MS, CGC, a Certified Genetic Counselor with Windsong’s affiliate, Windsong Medical Alliance, PLLC, says, “Genetic testing has changed immensely in recent years. Even patients who had genetic testing just a few years ago may be eligible for additional testing of newly recognized genes.”
While genetic testing is not appropriate for everyone, individuals with a personal history or strong family history of cancer may be candidates. Two of the most common genes that cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2; however, we now know of nearly 50 genes that can cause increased risks of cancer.
Fisher explains that mutations in hereditary cancer genes can be inherited from either your mother or your father. Furthermore, cancer gene mutations can be passed on to both daughters and sons. “There is a misconception that ‘breast cancer genes’ will only affect female relatives. However, many genes that put an individual at an increased risk of breast cancer can also increase the risk of other cancer types, such as colon or thyroid cancer, which can occur in both men and women.”
Patients being counseled are asked a number of questions about their medical and family histories, both of which contribute to the risk for an inherited predisposition to cancer. Fisher says, “Certified genetic counselors are trained to interpret medical and family histories, assess risk, and educate patients about testing options, management, and prevention.” Genetic counselors are also acutely aware of the implications genetic testing may have on other family members. “Genetics is a family affair. It can be difficult information to receive, but sometimes even more difficult to share with family members.” Fisher emphasizes that the goal is for this information to be empowering.
Testing is often performed on a blood or saliva sample. Fisher says, “It’s important to note that even if a hereditary cancer gene mutation is present in your family, you will not automatically inherit the mutation. Similarly, having a mutation is not a guarantee that you will develop cancer in your lifetime.”
We encourage our patients to speak with their doctors about the consideration of genetic testing and whether or not they may be a candidate for genetic testing. Patients interested in counseling can call (716) 626-6300.
NEUROQUANT® MRI ASSISTS WITH DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS
Windsong’s neuroradiologist, Dr. Igor Mikityansky, utilizes a breakthrough software - the age-related atrophy report provided by NeuroQuant®- which automatically segments and measures volumes of brain structures and compares them to a unique normative database. These valuable measurements are a part of a routine brain MRI exam for patients with related symptoms and aid in the assessment of neurodegenerative conditions. This is done with no added cost to the patient.
The use of this cutting edge technology, along with the Mesial Temporal Volume evaluation for seizure patients and multiple sclerosis plaque analysis at Windsong, have aided diagnoses of many Western New York patients and their doctors who have come to rely on Windsong’s diagnostic excellence.
WINDSONG RADIOLOGY GROUP RECEIVES REACCREDITATION FOR AMBULATORY SURGERY FACILITIES
Windsong, PC recently received re-accreditation from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Windsong’s AAAASF inspector again provided high marks for attention to detail in adherence to AAAASF requirements and found no deficiencies in the Interventional Radiology Department located at 55 Spindrift Drive in Williamsville, NY.
The three year re-accreditation through AAAASF is a strong symbol of quality. “Windsong continues to set the highest standards for interventional procedures requiring conscious sedation,” says Dr. Dana Dunleavy, Director of Interventional Services at Windsong.“ Interventional services have grown significantly over the last few years, and Windsong believes the certification is extremely important to ensure the very best care for our patients.
This re-accreditation allows patients to undergo procedures such as kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation), ovarian vein embolization, and uterine artery embolization under conscious sedation in a comfortable out-patient setting. This certification provides the same standards and benefits of sedation in the hospital, but in an atmosphere focused on quality, comfort, and convenience.
“In addition to the high standards, it’s typically at a much lower cost than the same procedure performed in a hospital setting,” says Dr. Thomas Summers, President of Windsong. “Having the ability to offer these services provides tremendous value to our patients.”
WINDSONG OFFERS REVOLUTIONARY VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENTS
Dr. J. Dana Dunleavy, Director of Windsong’s Interventional Radiology Minimally Invasive Procedure Suite (MIPS), has been offering the most advanced varicose vein treatments.
VenaSealTM requires only a single needle stick (unlike the multiple needles required for other vein interventions). This treatment does not require any anesthesia, and symptomatic improvement can be noticeable immediately following this office based procedure. Individuals are able to resume work and exercise much sooner than other treatments.
Dr. Dunleavy and his team offer all aspects of vein care for both painful varicose veins in the legs and pain/achiness/bloating in the pelvis. “Many people have pain without visible signs of bulging veins,” said Dr. Dunleavy.
Dr. Dunleavy’s specialization in endovascular procedures with fellowship training from Johns Hopkins Hospital and Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ), enables him to perform the VenaSealTM procedure. He also has extensive experience in performing radiofrequency ablation, laser, and sclerotherapy, as well as other embolization procedures including pelvic / vulvar varicose veins. To schedule a consultation, or to learn more, please call (716) 929-9484 or go to www.windsonginterventional.com
WINDSONG RADIOLOGY OFFERS NEW PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENT
Windsong is excited to announce that it is now offering a new treatment for prostate cancer patients. The drug used is Xofigo® (Ra 223 dichloride), a new therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastatic disease. Dr. Thomas Summers, president of Windsong said, “We are proud to be a new site for this treatment, which up until this point was only available at Roswell Park.”
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. This year alone, nearly 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and nearly 29,500 will die from the disease in the U.S. If prostate cancer starts to spread to other areas of the body, it most commonly goes to the bones which results in rapid tumor growth. The alpha particle-emitting isotope radium-223, which is an active ingredient in Xofigo®, mimics calcium and forms complexes at areas of increased bone turnover, such as bone metastases, hence limiting the damage to surrounding normal tissue. This cutting edge treatment option is just one more demonstration of Windsong’s commitment to bringing the latest medicines to patients. For more information, please contact Laurie Fuller at 716.631.2500, ext. 2152 or go to xofigo-us.com
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO PRACTICES USING OLD WEB AMBASSADOR TO ACCESS REPORTS
As of 2017 the Web Ambassador will be discontinued. We are providing a significant buffer for practices to switch to the Zero Download Application (ZDA) portion of our Picture Archiving System (PACS) which allows significant flexibility for our referring providers.
The ZDA application does not require our referring providers to install any software. They simply need to have a user name to access the application from our webpage. The link can be found on the home page at the top of the screen. Simply click on “PACS login” and using the username and password received from Windsong, referring providers can easily access their patient’s records. PACS has resolved our challenges to expand our practice capabilities to interface with physicians across the continuum of care in a manner that is HIPAA compliant and nonintrusive to their practices. The Web Ambassador passwords will work with the ZDA. However, if you are in need of a password, please email Janiene Lurz at jlurz@windsongradiology.com or call her at 716.631.2500 ext. 2249.
DAVID STOUT, MD, PHD JOINS WINDSONG RADIOLOGY GROUP’S INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY TEAM
Windsong is proud to announce that interventional radiologist, David P. Stout, MD, PhD, has joined the practice. Dr. Stout has over two decades of experience in Interventional and Vascular Radiology. He recently served as chairman of the department of radiology at Elyria Regional Medical Center in Elyria, Ohio. He received his medical degree from highly respected Brown University Program in Medicine and his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Stout join our team,” said Dr. Thomas Summers, president of Windsong. “His expertise broadens the capacity of our Interventional and Vascular Radiology clinic which has seen a growing demand for outpatient noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments.” Dr. Stout’s additional diagnostic radiology skills include CT of the brain and body, ultrasound of the vascular system and body, MRI of the brain and spine, diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine, as well as general radiology.
According to Dr. Dana Dunleavy, who directs the clinic, the addition of Dr. Stout bolsters the ability of the clinic to meet the needs of patients that can benefit from migraine treatments, vertebral augmentation, varicose vein ablations, image guided biopsies and drainage procedures. The clinic has gained a reputation for offering a number of state of the art treatment options that have demonstrated improved outcomes. The diagnostic and clinical experience of the interventional team allows Windsong to treat many conditions which once required surgery to be treated less invasively in the clinic.
The comprehensive outpatient Interventional and Vascular Radiology clinic is located at 55 Spindrift Drive in Williamsville, NY. For more information, see the website at windsonginterventional.com or call (716) 929-9484
DAY SUITE AVAILABLE AT 55 SPINDRIFT DRIVE IN WILLIAMSVILLE
Windsong’s newly created day suite is now available for lease at 55 Spindrift Drive location in Williamsville. This Class A medical space allows providers the opportunity to lease space which includes three exam rooms in a flexible manner without the added overhead of another full time location. Providers can choose to lease the space for one day, multiple days or even half-days. For more information, call Gerry Nannen at (716) 817-7199
