Adult Services, Obstetrics

Helping patients talk about their menopause symptoms

Women in their 40s and 50s who are starting to experience symptoms of menopause and perimenopause frequently don’t know what to expect, and they are often reticent about bringing up symptoms during visits with their primary care providers. By asking questions and explaining symptoms, providers can normalize symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and put patients…

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Adult Services, Oncology/Hematology, Pulmonology

Lung cancer screening guidelines

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its lung cancer screening guidelines in 2021 to include younger patients and those who smoked less than the previous recommendation. The current USPSTF lung cancer screening guidelines are for adults between ages 50 and 80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within…

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Medical Group, Pediatric Services

January 2024 Norton Children’s Medical Group New Providers

Mary E. Dedman, M.D. Pediatrics Thomas E. McCormick, M.D. ­ Pediatrics Leigh A. Nieto, M.D. ­ Pediatrics Lorraine A. Rust-Killeen, M.D. Pediatrics Kerby D. Albert, APRN Neonatology Amy M. Barry, APRN Neonatology Emily A. Hickerson, APRN Neonatology

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Adult Services, Medical Group

January 2024 Norton Medical Group new providers

Laura R. Feder, D.O. Urgent Care Sarah E. Lainhart, M.D. Family Medicine Shawn C. McCarty, M.D. Emergency Medicine Monica H. Vetter, M.D. Gynecologic Oncology Amy K. Wise, M.D. Colon and Rectal Surgery Carter Hahn, PA-C Cardiology Gretchen E. Miller Carolan, APRN Infectious Diseases Morgan D. Hack, APRN Medical Oncology Carly E. Kessinger, APRN Family Medicine…

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Adult Services, Gynecology

Steven J. Radtke, M.D., FACOG, FMIGS, specialist in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, joins Norton Urogynecology Center.

Steven J. Radtke, M.D., FACOG, FMIGS, specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and has joined Norton Urogynecology Center. He earned his medical degree from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Mexico and completed his OB/GYN residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. Dr. Radtke completed a fellowship in minimally…

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Adult Services, Behavioral and Mental Health

Primary care physicians are sometimes the first ones to diagnose and begin treating bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder commonly is seen first in primary care settings, although it is a relatively rare condition — only about 1% of people will struggle with it in their lifetime. The treatment of bipolar disorder often is supervised by patients’ primary care physicians and not a psychiatric specialist. “Bipolar disorder is a severe but manageable…

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Adult Services, Neuroscience

Diagnosis and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia

The initial evaluation for trigeminal neuralgia is typically in primary care, but patients frequently also present to dental and ear, nose and throat settings, according to Brian M. Plato, D.O., a neurologist and headache specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. The uncommon condition is characterized by facial pain within the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Abigail…

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Adult Services, Health Equity, Oncology/Hematology

Late-stage lung cancer diagnoses weigh heavily on the socially disadvantaged

As a medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute, I’ve seen remarkable advances in how we treat lung cancer. Lung cancers caught early can now often be successfully treated. Unfortunately, Kentucky has a massive lung cancer problem. We have the highest rate of lung cancer in the nation, and we rank 45th among the 49 states…

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Adult Services, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Pediatric Services

Staying at the forefront of insulin administration capabilities and glucose monitoring

Insulin administration has advanced well beyond the “old school” delivery with a vial and syringe. Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus cared for at Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute, a part of Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, are often prescribed a prefilled insulin pen with a choice of dosing…

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Adult Services, Diabetes, Spine

Putting patients on the fast track to better blood sugar control before surgery

Studies have shown patients with diabetes who have poorly controlled blood sugar are more likely to have more adverse outcomes after elective surgery. At the same time, patients do not want to wait for spine surgery. Waiting means prolonging their pain, disability and immobility — and results in significant patient dissatisfaction. To improve surgical outcomes…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Evaluating chest pain with anatomic or functional testing: New guidance for decision making

A heavyset, 51-year-old truck driver with a history of hypertension presented at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute with four months of intermittent, sharp, substernal chest pain that was exacerbated by activity and becoming increasingly frequent. Should he be evaluated with anatomic or functional testing? Updated clinical practice guidelines offer guidance on whether to choose coronary…

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Adult Services, Cardiovascular

Managing atrial fibrillation in the primary care setting

Atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, is an increasingly common chronic condition seen in the primary care setting. Management is multifaceted and requires a team-based approach. Risk for A-fib increases with age and is greater if there is a family history. Modifiable risk factors for A-fib are obesity, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and excessive caffeine or alcohol…

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