Adult Services, Medical Group

January 2023 Norton Medical Group new providers

Carl Christie, D.O. Gynecologic Oncology Kevin A. Graham, M.D. Cardiothoracic Surgery Afshan Kashif, M.D. Hospital Medicine Kenneth G. Pugh, M.D. Neurology Li Zhou M.D., Ph.D. Cardiology Jessica Cain, PA-C Neurology William C. Coulter, PA-C Electrophysiology Amber Fortuna, PA-C Hospital Medicine Olivia N. Benzing, APRN Pulmonology Ruby R. Fralick, APRN Obstetrics and Gynecology Anne Marie Koch,…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

CT-FFR analysis shows patient’s level of cardiac obstruction and location, guiding treatment

The patient In July 2022, a 45-year-old male with a six-year history of chest pain went to the emergency room complaining of chest discomfort and shortness of breath over the previous two weeks. He was evaluated by Jacqueline Gray, APRN, and no markers of heart attack were found. Previously, nuclear stress single-photon emission computerized tomography…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Advances in hyperlipidemia medications put cholesterol goals in reach for more patients

Diet and exercise many times are not enough to lower the risk of hyperlipidemia (HLD). As we’ve learned over the years, genetics can play the biggest role. Fortunately, we now have treatments we didn’t have only a few years ago, giving options for patients who previously had none. At Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Lipid…

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Adult Services, Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

$15 million gift allows Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute to expand care, support and research

A $15 million gift from the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation will expand and elevate the diabetes care we offer and help ease the burden of living with diabetes for children and adults across the region. With the transformative gift, Norton Healthcare is expanding diabetes education, outreach, programming and research with the creation of…

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Adult Services, Obstetrics

Pelvic health physical therapy can be a first step before urogynecology referral

Pelvic health physical therapy can alleviate pain and improve the strength and function of pelvic floor muscles — enhancing quality of life, hygiene, safety and independence. Sometimes therapy is all that’s needed to address pelvic-health-related conditions such as bladder or bowel control, stool or urine leakage, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. Physical therapy can…

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Adult Services, Neuroscience

Normal cognitive aging or dementia? Know the signs and when to refer

Distinguishing normal aging from early dementia can be difficult, but there are clues that can help. Neurologist Gregory E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D., chief of adult neurology and director of the Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center, answers the most commonly asked questions. What are the differences between normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia?According to…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Advanced Heart Failure Referral Guidelines

When symptoms of heart failure begin progressing or patients start decompensating, there is a brief opportunity for referral to an advanced heart failure center. The American Heart Association calls this the “golden window.” Primary care providers and others should consider referring a patient to the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Neurohormonal blockade in heart failure

Newly diagnosed heart failure patients have a three-month window of care crucial to their likelihood of recovery. The difference can be returning to a normal life versus awaiting a heart transplant or mechanical circulatory support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In that three-month window, the heart can respond well to a neurohormonal blockade,…

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Adult Services, Obstetrics

Two factors are key to a correct polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility, affecting from 8% to 20% of U.S. women of reproductive age, according to research. It is treatable but often difficult to diagnose, especially outside of the gynecologist or OB/GYN setting. Diagnosing and treating PCOS early can help control symptoms and prevent long-term issues from developing,…

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Adult Services, Weight Management

Accreditation increases likelihood of insurance coverage for weight loss surgery

The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) has accredited Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, increasing the likelihood that patients’ insurance will cover weight loss surgery. While many factors play into an insurer’s decision, having the procedure at an accredited program and facility is a common requirement. Refer a patient To refer a patient…

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Adult Services, Pediatric Services, Research

Essentials of clinical trials

Clinical trials and studies, which are essential to the development of new drugs and treatments, need to be conducted under strict ethical, clinical and investigational structures. The most common are investigational trials with new medications or new devices. There are also studies involving outcome measurements and those looking at how people most effectively manage disease….

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Lauren R. Albers, M.D., joins Norton Heart & Vascular Institute to focus on women’s cardiology

Lauren R. Albers, M.D., has joined Norton Heart & Vascular Institute to focus on women’s cardiology. Dr. Albers, who completed her fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the UofL School of Medicine, joins the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program. The program, formed in 1995, is dedicated to addressing the high risk of heart…

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