Send2Press Newswire

Harvard Doctor Offers Peace of Mind to Florence and Tuscany Travelers

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:11:32 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., Sept. 24 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Navigate Health International, an innovator in international medical assistance services, announces its first service line, Florence Medical Assistance. Florence Medical Assistance is a service providing coordinated access to medical care for internationals living in or visiting Florence, Italy, and the nearby Tuscan countryside. This service, with its high level of in-person client assistance, will be the first of its kind in the travel industry.

The Medical Director and CEO, Kevin M. Ban, MD, has been working in Tuscany for the last five years as the Director of the Tuscan Emergency Medical Initiative, a collaboration among Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, the three university hospitals in Tuscany, and the Tuscan regional government. He is currently serving as Director of the Meyer Pediatric Trauma Center in Florence, in addition to continuing his role as Assistant Clinical Professor at Harvard Medical School.

According to Kevin M. Ban, MD, "Throughout my stay in Tuscany, I have witnessed a disconnect between the Italian health care system and the non-Italian-speaking patient. While medical care in Italy is quite good, the health care system is complex and difficult to navigate for the non-Italian. This, along with language and cultural barriers, often leads to variable care provided to the English-speaking patient. My hope is to help internationals living in or traveling through Tuscany to find the superior care that exists in this region."

While there are many travel insurance and high-end concierge medical service companies that offer medical assistance for travelers via telephone, Navigate is the first company to offer in-person, concierge-level coordinated care to international travelers. Navigate's doctors all work within the Italian system, speak the language, and understand Italian medical culture and practices. The team is led by an American physician, board-certified in the U.S., and a member of Harvard Medical School's teaching faculty.

Navigate's expertise in both the Italian and American health care systems is the key to its service. What is Navigate's promise to clients? Navigate guarantees that, with its in-person expert assistance, internationals living in or traveling through Florence will be guided to the best care that exists in the region.

Navigate Health International, founded in 2008, offers coordinated access to medical care for internationals living in or visiting Florence, Italy.

Its website, www.Navigate-Italy.com offers a variety of service plans for students, travelers, and foreign residents of Tuscany.

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Kevin Ban, please call Meaghan Cussen, Director of Business Development, at (USA) 866-377-3848 or e-mail mcussen@Navigate-Italy.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Navigate Health International, Tuscany medical assistance services

Southwest Ohio's First and Largest Outpatient Pain Clinic Continues to Grow Despite Weak Economy

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:03:07 GMT

CENTERVILLE, Ohio, Aug. 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Richard Donnini, President and Founder of the Pain Evaluation & Management Center of Ohio has recently announced that Dr. Mark Thomas, one of the most renowned addiction and pain medicine specialists in the State of Ohio, has joined the team at PEMCO. This outpatient pain clinic is unique in many ways, as it was the very first outpatient comprehensive pain center in all of southwest Ohio and continues to be a leader in what is considered to be the most appropriate treatment for chronic pain patients.

The American Pain Society has indicated that the most appropriate pain referral for a chronic pain patient is to a comprehensive pain clinic. PEMCO is the most comprehensive pain clinic in all of southwest Ohio and provides the widest variety and most comprehensive care for chronic pain patients. They have done so for 17 years, have over 40 years combined experience, and 40,000 procedures.

In addition to the most advanced interventional procedures that include spinal stimulators, vertebroplasty, radio frequency, and spinal pump treatment, the clinic has a physical therapy department with the most advanced equipment. The clinic provides medical management of patients using a variety of different medicines when other alternative treatments including interventional procedures have failed to provide a patient with appropriate pain relief. Additionally, the clinic has acupuncture, massage therapy, three nurse practitioners, and supplies a variety of durable medical goods that help provide patients improved functioning and pain control.

The clinic has a full-time psychologist on staff: Dr. Thomas Heitkemper, who is renowned as a pain psychologist and former head of the inpatient pain center at Jewish Hospital.

When asked about the addition of Dr. Thomas, Dr. Donnini replied, "We are one of the largest outpatient pain centers in Ohio, but we are not concerned with being the largest, only the best. Our growth has been selective and we choose to associate with the best of the best in order to give our patients top quality pain care. Dr. Thomas reflects that quality and will only improve on what we already offer."

In summary, Dr. Donnini continued, "Additionally, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive multidisciplinary environment, which clearly offers the best option for a patient's chronic pain condition."

More Information about the Pain Evaluation & Management Center of Ohio (PEMCO), is available at www.daytonpain.com or by calling 937-439-4949.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Pain Evaluation and Management Center of Ohio, Doctor Mark Thomas

O.C. Foot Surgeon Receives International Recognition

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:32:33 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Calif., July 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Orange County foot surgeon Dr. Richard Moy is widely recognized as the developer of "virtually pain-free" bunion surgery. Normally, bunion surgeries are painful and require lengthy recovery time. But signed patient affidavits (compiled since July of 2005) confirm that 97% of Dr. Moy's patients describe their surgery and recovery as virtually pain free.

Since Dr. Moy began his practice in 1992, he has performed over 3,000 bunion surgeries, making him a world leader in the field. In 2007, Dr. Moy performed over 500 operations, or an average of 44 surgeries per month, more than any other known foot surgeon in the United States.

A bunion is a bone protrusion near the big toe that affects nearly 2% of Americans or an estimated 5.2 million people of all ages (source: National Health Interview Survey, U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1995). Bunions can make it difficult to walk normally, participate in sports or wear high-heeled shoes. Left untreated, bunions generally continue to grow and become more painful.

Following the launch of a video-enhanced website about two years ago, Dr. Moy experienced a significant increase in the number patients traveling from outside California for surgery.

Since 2006, patients have traveled from 38 of the 50 United States, and from countries as distant as Egypt, to experience Dr. Moy's unique form of surgery. Out-of-state patients now account for approximately 25% of the doctor's surgical patients.

"I saved for five years to be able to come and do this surgery," said Nancy Farid, from Cairo, Egypt. "I explored options in India, Costa Rica, the U.K., and New York, but Dr. Moy was the only surgeon who was confident he could do what I needed. I was able to walk immediately after surgery. I had stitches, I had bones removed, and I was able to walk," said Farid.

Dr. Moy is a past President of the Orange County Podiatric Medical Association, a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

For more information about Dr. Moy's surgical techniques, contact his office at (949) 837-3338, ext. 100 or visit www.DrMoy.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, pain free bunion surgery, Doctor Richard Moy

Affinity Healthcare LLC Launches Travel Medicine Services

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:50:36 GMT

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., July 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Affinity Healthcare LLC, a medical group practice with northwest Chicago suburban offices located in Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, and Arlington Heights, announces new Travel Medicine services offered at the 1538 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL office. This international travel consultation and inoculation service is open to established patients of Affinity Healthcare LLC, as well as the general public (14 years of age and older).

Infectious Disease Specialist Heads Travel Medicine Program: Dr. C. David Bakken, who earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, Chicago, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, completed his Residency in Internal Medicine and his Fellowship in Infectious Disease at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL.

In private practice since 1974, Dr. Bakken is Board Certified in the specialties of Internal Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medicine. He has extensive experience in the field of Travel Medicine.

According to Michael Hartke, CEO of Affinity Healthcare LLC, "We are pleased to offer patients convenient access to an Infectious Disease Specialist of Dr. Bakken's caliber. He offers the benefit of his expertise to ensure the highest quality travel medicine program. Affinity Healthcare LLC patients can be confident that the advice and treatment they receive will help prevent travel-related infectious diseases."

To schedule a Travel Medicine appointment telephone: 847-253-6464, ext. 5405. For more information regarding Affinity Healthcare LLC, visit our website: www.affinitydocs.com. Media: To arrange an interview, please contact: Jacqueline Speckin, Chief Marketing Officer, Affinity Healthcare LLC, Email: jspeckin@affinitydocs.com or phone: 847-847-7457, cell: 847-567-4575.

About Affinity Healthcare
Established in 2007, Affinity Healthcare LLC was created by the merger of the Northwest Chicago Suburban medical practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists, and Adult Care Specialists. Affinity Healthcare LLC offers Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Gastroenterology, Diagnostic Imaging, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Counseling, Podiatry, and Travel Medicine by appointment, and Immediate Care walk-in care at our office located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights.

Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL. Our mission: To continuously evolve, applying leading edge innovation, and placing our patients' needs first and foremost at every level of Affinity Healthcare. We are dedicated to delivering unique, high quality, and convenient healthcare services based on this patient-focused approach.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Travel Medicine services, Affinity Healthcare LLC

Internationally Renowned Fertility Educator and Patient Advocate Partners with Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:12:07 GMT

Pamela Madsen, Founder of American Fertility Association Joins One of the Nation's Largest Infertility Care Networks

LAS VEGAS, Nev., June 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine(R) announced today that Pamela Madsen has been named as Director of Client/Practice Relations to service its 15 offices across the United States. Additionally, Ms. Madsen will be representing ReproCure, a reproductive genetics laboratory, to help promote its mission of providing fertility preservation (egg freezing/banking) services to fertility clinics.

Ms. Madsen is the founder and former Executive Director of the American Fertility Association (AFA), one of the world's premier patient advocacy organizations for education and support surrounding fertility, infertility treatments, adoption, and surrogacy.

"We are thrilled to partner with Pamela and we have great confidence in her commitment to the field of fertility education and patient advocacy," said Dr. Geoffrey Sher, co-founder and Executive Medical Director of the Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine. "She will be a great asset to our organization."

Ms. Madsen's work with the Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine will focus on launching an innovative, new program promoting continuity of care between the Ob/Gyn and the Reproductive Endocrinologist (fertility specialist). The "Circle of Care" is the first program of its kind in the country aimed at strengthening relationships and increasing communication and cooperation between local Ob/Gyns and SIRM's physicians, who specialize in fertility care. "I hope that we will be creating a new model for others across the country that will ultimately support the patient during an unusually difficult time in their lives," continued Ms. Madsen. "Servicing the SIRM national network of fertility programs is allowing me to continue my work in educating patients about the importance of getting care early."

ReproCure has recently been in the news for their development of groundbreaking technology in the field of human egg freezing. The new technology has demonstrated remarkably high pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF with frozen/thawed eggs, and holds the potential to make a major contribution to the arena of fertility preservation.

Ms. Madsen's focus with ReproCure will be to bring this unique technology into the mainstream. "In my more than 14 years experience as a patient advocate in the field of fertility, the need to educate women about their biological clocks has been overwhelming. Egg freezing, while it remains controversial, may be the single most important breakthrough in reproductive medicine in many years. ReproCure's breakthrough egg freezing technology allows us to offer women an opportunity to really manage their own reproductive life cycle, without having to worry about the proverbial biological clock."

More About Pamela Madsen
Ms. Madsen's professional experience includes more than 14 years as a patient advocate for people facing reproductive disease. She has participated in more than 1,500 interviews with national and international print, broadcast and online media, including appearances on Oprah, Dateline NBC, the Today Show and 60 Minutes.

As an internationally recognized patient advocate, Ms. Madsen has advised healthcare professionals, related industry and legislative bodies regarding the concerns and needs of the infertile. She has represented patient issues in meetings with leaders from the National Institute of Health, FDA, National Conference of State Legislators, and the President's Council on Bioethics. She has spoken at the annual conferences for American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), International Consumer Support for Infertility (iCSi) and ESHRE.

About The Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine (SIRM)
SIRM is one of the nation's largest networks of infertility medical practices in the country. Founded in 1998 by Drs. Geoffrey Sher and Ghanima Maassarani, the Sher Institute family of practices has since grown to include 15 offices across the United States. Dr. Sher founded the first private (non-university affiliated) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) clinic in the U.S. in 1982. The SIRM philosophy is centered on individualized patient care, backed by ongoing scientific and technological breakthroughs.

SIRM has offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Pleasanton, CA; New York City, Westchester and Long Island, New York; Bedminster, Fair Lawn, Shrewsbury and Phillipsburg, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; Peoria, Illinois; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

More information: www.haveababy.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ReproCure genetics laboratory, Sher Institutes for Reproductive Medicine

Affinity Healthcare LLC Receives Accreditation for CT and Ultrasound

Tue, 20 May 2008 13:16:27 GMT

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Affinity Healthcare LLC's diagnostic imaging practice located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL was recently awarded accreditation for Computed Tomography (CT), as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Affinity Imaging has also been awarded accreditation by the ACR for Nuclear Medicine and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high standards after a peer-review evaluation of the imaging practice. Board-certified physicians and medical physicists, experts in the field of diagnostic imaging, assess the qualification of the personnel and adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their finding to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which bases its decision on accreditation on the comprehensive report.

In May 2008, The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiograph Laboratories (ICAEL) recognized Affinity Imaging as an accredited site for ultrasound. ICAEL exists to ensure the quality of ultrasound facilities, their equipment, personnel and protocols.

According to Michael Hartke, CEO, Affinity Healthcare LLC, "Increasingly, these types of quality designations are becoming requirements for insurers both as a mark of quality and as a condition for reimbursement. We are very proud of these distinctions from the ACR and ICAEL. The entire staff of Affinity Imaging has worked very hard to achieve these accreditations."

For more information on the internal medicine, family practice, immediate care, physical therapy, and diagnostic imaging practices comprising Affinity Healthcare LLC, visit our website: www.affinitydocs.com. To arrange an interview, please contact: Jacqueline Speckin, Chief Marketing Officer, Affinity Healthcare LLC, Email: jspeckin@affinitydocs.com or phone: 847-847-7457, cell: 847-567-4575.

Established in 2002 (formerly named Rand Imaging Center), Affinity Healthcare LLC's diagnostic testing facility provides open MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and X-Ray services. Approximately 25,000 diagnostic tests are performed annually. The center holds the award of Accreditation for its MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and CT services, from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Ultrasound Accreditation from the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiograph Laboratories (ICAEL).

Highly qualified and compassionate diagnostic imaging professionals are dedicated to providing patients with high quality, convenient, and comfortable diagnostic testing, using advanced technology that produces rapid and precise results.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Affinity Healthcare LLC, diagnostic testing facility Illinois

Interim HealthCare Announces Conversion of Branches to Franchises in California

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:35:57 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla., and SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare, the nation's largest combined provider of home care and healthcare staffing services, announced the completion of conversions of the San Diego/Escondido, Fresno, Sacramento and Modesto/Stockton branches into franchise operations. Previously, operating under corporate ownership, the change reflects the continuous growth of the 42-year-old company and a strategic move to becoming an all franchise organization.

Under this branch to franchise conversion, the San Diego/Escondido offices' new franchise partner is Wendy Olayvar; the Fresno offices' franchise partners are Sarah Ahmed, Wayne Campbell and Samerah Campbell; the Sacramento offices' franchise partner is David Klaeser; and the Modesto/Stockton offices' franchise partners are Ron and Anita Murphy.

Paul Murphy, CEO of Interim HealthCare, Inc. commented, "It speaks volumes that all our new franchise partners were previously involved in their branches in some capacity. We are so proud to welcome these new franchisees to the Interim family and look forward to their continued growth."

Wendy Olayvar, Franchisee of Interim HealthCare of San Diego states, "We are excited to become Interim HealthCare franchisees. We also are very pleased to give California seniors the opportunity to remain independent at home by offering skilled and non-medical, supportive home care services."

About Interim HealthCare
Interim HealthCare, Inc. is the nation's leading provider of comprehensive home health and health care staffing services. Through a franchise network of more than 300 offices, the Company serves patients and clients across the United States.

Interim is a single source for skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy services; hospice services; non-medical home care assistance; occupational health; physician locum tenens and other related services. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, healthcare staffing services, Interim HealthCare franchises

Affinity Healthcare, LLC Adds New Physicians

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:34:31 GMT

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Affinity Healthcare, LLC is pleased to announce the recent addition of two new physicians to its Internal Medicine clinical staff. Nancy V. Koch, MD, and Robert J. Kapicka, MD, FACP. Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL.

Nancy V. Koch, MD
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Koch joined Affinity Healthcare at the beginning of 2008. In private practice since 1995, she earned her Doctor of Medicine from Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago in 1992. She performed her Internship in Internal Medicine at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge from 1992-1994, and her Residency in Internal Medicine at Loyola Foster McGaw Hospital, Maywood, 1994-1995. In addition to her native English language, Dr. Koch is also fluent in Spanish and Hungarian. Dr. Koch will treat patients at Affinity Healthcare's office located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL. and has staff privileges at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL.

Robert J. Kapicka, MD, FACP
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Kapicka joined Affinity Healthcare on May 7, 2008. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1983, and completed his resident training at Loyola University Medical center, 1983-1986. An elected Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Kapicka has been in private practice in Arlington Heights since 1986. He will treat patients at Affinity Healthcare's office located at 1538 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, and has staff privileges at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL.

For more information on Affinity Healthcare, our medical providers, and services visit our website at: www.affinitydocs.com. For media interviews, contact Jacqueline Speckin, Chief Marketing Officer, Affinity Healthcare, LLC: Tel: 847-847-7457; Cell: 847-567-4575; Email: jspeckin @affinitydocs.com.

About Affinity Healthcare
Established in 2007, Affinity Healthcare, LLC was created by the merger of the Northwest Chicago Suburban medical practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists, and Adult Care Specialists. Affinity Healthcare offers internal medicine, family practice, gastroenterology, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and nutritional counseling by appointment, and Immediate Care walk-in care at our offices located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights.

Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL. Our mission: To continuously evolve, applying leading edge innovation, and placing our patients' needs first and foremost at every level of Affinity Healthcare. We are dedicated to delivering unique, high quality, and convenient healthcare services based on this patient-focused approach.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Chicago medical practices, Affinity Healthcare

Back Pain Treatment Proven 86-Percent Effective

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 09:30:49 GMT

STAMFORD, Conn., March 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Approximately 80 percent of Americans suffer from low back pain. Second to the common cold, low back pain is the number one reason for a visit to a primary care doctor. And it is the fifth most frequent cause of hospitalization. Dr. Scott Bender, D.C., of the Connecticut Spine & Health Center in Stamford, Connecticut, offers hope for those who suffer from the agonizing, oft-times debilitating pain of low back ailments.

"Many of the patients I see who are suffering from chronic back pain try other treatments and find little, if any, long term relief," Dr. Bender says. "I have patients who have tried spinal injections, acupuncture, physical therapy, and pain medication without relief. Many of these cases are faced with spinal surgery as a last resort."

There is another choice: Spinal Decompression Therapy. "Spinal Decompression is completely non-invasive, painless, and comfortable for patients," Bender says. "And it has proven to be extremely effective in over eighty six percent of cases."

Spinal Decompression is a non-surgical treatment for low back pain that has helped thousands of people return to a normal, pain free lifestyle. Bender says "Many patients notice immediate relief after their first session, and the relief improves with each succeeding treatment."

And the relief is not just temporary. The results of a four year follow up study have shown that 91 percent of patients treated with Spinal Decompression were still performing normal daily activities, and 87 percent of them were either still working or had retired without back pain as the cause.

For those who want to avoid painful, costly surgery, a prolonged hospital stay and weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, Spinal Decompression is the solution. Spinal Decompression is FDA-certified and clinically proven to effectively relieve low back pain.

For additional information and to schedule a free consultation, call Dr. Scott Bender at The Connecticut Spine & Health Center at 1-800-387-9952. "You don't have to suffer anymore," he adds.

Connecticut Spine & Health Center, 111 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905; Phone 203-967-8888; Fax 203-967-1111.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Connecticut Spine and Health Center, Spinal Decompression Therapy

Interim HealthCare Honors Social Workers During the Month of March

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:49:30 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla., Feb. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare, one of the nation's largest home care and health care staffing companies, proudly recognizes the important role Social Workers play in home care, hospice and hospitals throughout the year and during National Social Work Month.

This special month provides an opportunity for medical social workers to be recognized for the essential role they play in supporting mental and physical health through their intervention to support patients and their families cope with the challenges of chronic disease; a terminal diagnosis; the stressors associated with lifetime care of a disabled child or rehabilitation following an accident; or finding a way to keep a parent safely at home who lives hundreds of miles away.

As members of health care teams across the country, medical social workers work hand-in-hand with doctors, nurses and therapists to lessen the psychosocial burden of illness on patients and their family caregivers.

"Illness is never experienced in isolation," said Barbara McCann, Chief Clinical Officer of Interim HealthCare Inc and a medical social worker. "Rather, it is experienced by an individual and their family and social network. Medical social workers facilitate critical support to the patient, family and their health care team to make rehabilitation, recovery, lifestyle changes and acceptance an achievable pathway to experience life to its fullest."

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary health care franchise organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a network of more than 300 offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse health care services including home care, medical staffing and occupational health. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Interim HealthCare medical staffing, National Social Work Month

Interim HealthCare Hospice of Rock Hill, S.C. Announces Their Medicare Certification

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:00:54 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla. and ROCK HILL, S.C. - Jan. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare Hospice of Rock Hill, South Carolina, provider of home health hospice care services is pleased to announce that they have recently received their Hospice Medicare certification. Interim HealthCare of Rock Hill is a locally-owned franchise which is part of a national home care and staffing company with nearly 300 offices throughout the United States.

With an impressive staff of Physicians RNs, LPNs, Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Aides, volunteers and other care professionals, Interim HealthCare Hospice provides end of life care services for people with life limiting illnesses. Congress's Medicare Hospice Benefit of 1983 was established to ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries could access high quality end of life care. As part of the new license the Interim Rock Hill Hospice will be able to help more people and their families in the community with end of life care. The Interim Rock Hill Hospice will serve York, Chester, Lancaster, Union and Fairfield Counties.

Margaret Webb, Chief Operating Officer, of the Interim HealthCare and Hospice Morris Group franchise states, "We look forward to continuing to provide our patients and their families with the high-quality care they have come to expect." The Morris Group franchise was opened in 1988 by John and Lisa Morris and in 2000 they entered a partnership with Margaret Webb and Terri Pilkington to open additional offices throughout North and South Carolina. Today, they own and operate 18 locations.

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a national network of more than 300 offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including home care, medical staffing and occupational health. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Announcing the Launch of Affinity Healthcare

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 08:37:00 GMT

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. - Dec. 4 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The internal medicine/family practice medical group practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists and Adult Care Specialists have merged to become Affinity Healthcare, LLC.

Twenty-six Internal Medicine physicians, a Family Practice physician, two Gastroenterologists, three Certified Physician Assistants, 44 RNs and Medical Assistants, a physician Medical Director of Radiology and staff of 15 radiology technicians, four Physical Therapists, and a Registered Dietician comprise the clinical staff of Affinity Healthcare. The administrative and support staff brings the total number of Affinity Healthcare employees to 178.

The mission of this new healthcare entity, projected to serve approximately 100,000 patients annually through offices located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 1538 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, 1300 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, and 201 E. Strong Avenue, Wheeling is:

To continuously evolve, applying leading edge innovation, and placing our patients' needs first and foremost at every level of Affinity Healthcare. We are dedicated to delivering unique, high quality, and convenient healthcare services based on this patient-focused approach.

The physicians chose the "Affinity Healthcare" name because it stands for dedication to developing close connections with patients to maintain their health, with the community to create an environment that enhances quality of life, and with healthcare co-workers and colleagues who a share patient-focused approach..

According to Affinity Healthcare's Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hartke, "Our vision for Affinity Healthcare will be achieved by applying the highest standards of healthcare quality and patient service, and continuously adding convenient new healthcare services, aligned with our patient-focused mission."

One example of this theory in action is the opening of Affinity Healthcare's Immediate Care center, located at 1051 W. Rand Road in Arlington Heights. This center is open 7 days a week, including holidays, with the exception of Christmas Day. Both established and non-affiliated patients of Affinity Healthcare have the opportunity to receive high quality walk-in care, at their convenience, for treatment of non-life threatening illnesses, as well as routine follow-up office visits for chronic conditions, physicals, and occupational health exams.

Mr. Hartke explains, "Internal Medicine physicians with extensive experience treating patients in the Immediate Care setting will see patients for the same cost and insurance co-payment as a primary care office visit, and we will submit claims for patients. To ensure quality and continuity of care, we will either provide information regarding the patient's visit directly to their Affinity Healthcare physician, or to the patient to give to their physician outside of Affinity Healthcare, for inclusion in the patient's medical record."

For more information on the providers, locations, and services of Affinity Healthcare, visit our website at: www.affinitydocs.com, or to arrange for a media interview, please contact Jackie Speckin at 847-307-5911; Cell: 847-567-4575, or email: jspeckin@affinitydocs.com

About Affinity Healthcare: Established in 2007, Affinity Healthcare LLC was created by the merger of the Northwest Chicago Suburban medical practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists, and Adult Care Specialists. Affinity Healthcare offers Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Gastroenterology, Diagnostic Imaging, Physical Therapy, and Nutritional Counseling by appointment, and Immediate Care walk-in physician visits. The practice also frequently participates in Clinical Trial research studies. Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL.

For more information visit: www.affinitydocs.com

Home for the Holidays - It May Not Be as Joyful for Your Older Relatives

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:55:24 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla. - Nov. 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The holiday season is here. For some, plans are in motion to visit elderly family members. But if it has been a while since you last visited, you might be shocked at how much they have aged, concerned about their continued safety and well-being and motivated to do something about it, say the folks at Interim HealthCare.

First, try to remember the value of independence. Almost no one wants to be uprooted from his or her home. Getting help doesn't always mean moving. Many people can remain safe in their home with minimal help.

There are often signs of trouble that usually show up in several areas. By being observant, you may be able to identify problems before they become a crisis.

While you are visiting, consider the following:

* Are medications a problem? According to a recent survey, one out of every three seniors said they had trouble taking their medications correctly. If someone takes four or more medications daily, they are at significant risk.

* Is there difficulty with daily living activities? A variety of equipment can easily be used in the home to make it safer.

* Is the person depressed? Clinical depression is real and it affects thousands of people over 70 at home.

Through Interim HealthCare you can access a free online Independent Living Assessment at www.homestyleservices.com that lets you get involved and become informed about factors that limit a person's ability to live safe and independent in the comfort of his or her home. By taking a few moments of time, you can answer a series of questions to identify how well the individual can perform activities of daily living and other factors that impact his or her well-being.

The assessment results provide valuable information about next steps, including recommendations for checking with a physician when appropriate, situations in which home care might help, "red flags" about safety issues and general, useful information about conditions, what you should watch for and expect.

Interim HealthCare also offers comprehensive at home assessments through their local offices. These assessments are conducted by a qualified professional so you can make informed decision about the services needed. Once the assessment is completed, develop a customized plan is developed that fits each client's individual situation and supports his or her capabilities. Interim offers a variety of personal care services including companionship, homemaking, and meal preparation. These services are provided in the comfort of one's home, regardless of whether it's a private residence or a senior living facility.

About Interim HealthCare
Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through a national network of more than 300 offices, Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including home care, medical staffing and occupational health. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com

Local Interim HealthCare Wellness Clinic Saves Lives

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:21:50 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla. - Nov. 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The local Interim HealthCare office of Columbus, OH, frequently holds Wellness Clinics for the community. However, it is not everyday when a wellness screening can save a person's life. That is what happened to two lucky citizens this past Fall at Free Diabetes Clinics offered at two different Kroger stores in the Columbus area.

On September 12th two Interim HealthCare nurses, Kathy Arnett and Dorothy Knotts were performing free Diabetes screenings at the Kroger store on Cleveland Avenue. A woman came in for the free diabetes screening and left with information to try to convince her boy friend to go to the store for a screening. It took some convincing (he had not seen a doctor in 15 years) but he did come to the store for the screening. The Interim HealthCare nurses screened him and saw his blood sugar was 550 mg/dL and repeated it and he was 551. A normal non-fasting blood sugar level should be less than 139 mg/dL the nurses convinced him that he needed to go to the ER, immediately.

Upon reaching Riverside Hospital his Blood Sugar was 650, his Cholesterol was 800 and he was told he was having a heart attack at that time. He was admitted to the hospital and had open heart surgery two days later; he was started on insulin and discharged three days later. His girlfriend spoke with the Wellness Director and all she kept saying was "They saved his life!" Interim HealthCare nurses were able to draw on their expertise and educational skills to stress the severity of the situation to this man and convince him to go to the hospital. His girl friend has now decided to pursue an additional college degree in nursing.

The second incident occurred on Sept. 13, 2007 at another Kroger store in Columbus. Interim HealthCare's nurse, Jerrie Schwendeman screened a patient for diabetes and recorded a blood sugar of over 600. Marie Jones, another Interim Nurse, repeated the test and had the same results. The man refused to go to the hospital and was given instructions to check his blood sugar on a free meter that was provided by Bayer Healthcare (sponsor of the free diabetes clinics) and to call a physician as soon as possible. This young man was more concerned that his girl friend was due in the matter of days with the birth of their baby, he had recently started a new job and was concerned about insurance coverage and loosing time from a new job in order to take care of himself. He admitted to having blurred vision (a symptom of an elevated blood sugar) and was working as a construction worker at the top of a building.

Interim HealthCare's Debbie Panepinto (another nurse in the Columbus office) followed-up with him through several phone calls. On Sept. 27 she spoke with him and once again stressed the dangers of high blood sugars and provided him with other sources for financial help. He wanted to wait for his insurance to begin before going to the hospital. Debbie was very concerned and called him again on Sunday Sept. 30, 2007 and convinced him of the necessity to go to the hospital. He was admitted on Oct. 1. His girlfriend called the Columbus Wellness Director and kept saying "You saved his life!". He was hospitalized for three days prior to the birth of their baby. He is currently taking insulin and doing very well.

This year the Columbus Interim HealthCare Wellness nurses screened more than 1700 people at 57 Kroger stores during the month of September. Fran Vancalbergh , Wellness Director, said each year, our nurses identify about 11% of those screened as people needing additional treatment for their elevated blood sugars. Almost one hundred people received a courtesy phone call after the clinics to encourage them to see a physician based on their results at the various clinics. Many people were seen and diagnosed with Diabetes and started on medication. Their stories may not have been as dramatic as the two mentioned but are equally life saving events.

Founded in 1966, Interim HealthCare is the nation's oldest proprietary national organization providing health care personnel at all skill levels in all settings. Through one of the country's most comprehensive network of 300 offices (franchise and affiliates) Interim HealthCare provides diverse services including hospice, home care, medical staffing, occupational health and pharmaceutical support services. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com

Always Best Care Senior Services Expands into Santa Barbara

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:25:12 GMT

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Nov. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Always Best Care Senior Services has expanded into the Santa Barbara area. America's premier In-Home Care, Assisted Living Placement Service, and Personal Response Company, is proud to announce seniors in Santa Barbara can now rely on Always Best Care Senior Services for outstanding care.

For over a decade, a caring relationship has been the foundation of our work - a sincere concern for the betterment of life that goes beyond just doing what is required, but doing the most we can for the seniors entrusted to our care. This has been our core belief, and is at the heart of Always Best Care Senior Services. We have worked with thousands of case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families to provide a better quality of life for our seniors.

At Always Best Care Senior Services we can create a tailored In-Home Care package, customized for the senior's needs. Care can be provided on an hourly or daily basis, with services available including; companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation, laundry, recreational activities and more.

For seniors preferring to be in an assisted living environment, we will provide a no cost assessment performed by one care coordinators. Using Always Best Care Senior Services proprietary software we will search through the facilities in the desired area to find the best match for the seniors needs. Matches are based on the senior's level of care needed, financial resources and other preferences they may have. We drive the senior and/or their family to tour the facilities, meet with any attending medical staff and assist in gathering the necessary paperwork needed for the move into an assisted living facility. We only refer to facilities that are state licensed or that one of our team members have inspected and would recommend. Always Best Care Senior Services will be there at the senior's side throughout the transition process.

At Always Best Care Senior Services, we believe that no undertaking is more worthwhile than helping with you or your loved ones needs. Our team is unwavering in our commitment to excellence and looks forward to providing you with exceptional service.

Helping others making life rich - Always.

To learn more about how ABC can help you:
www.abc-seniors.com/93109

ABC SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORINA
Patrick Macmichael
pmacmichael@abc-seniors(.com)
1-805-452-4186