System

Norton Healthcare recognized as Leader in Healthcare Equality

At Norton Healthcare, respect for every person means providing all those we serve with quality health care. It also means creating a positive work culture for our employees. Because of this, we are proud to announce we’ve been named a Leader in Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality…

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Infectious Disease

New clinic established to treat hepatitis C patients

Our region’s new diagnoses for hepatitis C are higher than the national average reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Within Norton Healthcare alone, approximately 100 patients a week are diagnosed with hepatitis C. We have developed aggressive screening guidelines to properly care for patients who are at risk for the disease…

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Diagnostics, Oncology/Hematology

Lung cancer screening program among best in nation

Kentucky is ranked eighth in the U.S. in logging the most lung screening exams. Norton Healthcare’s Center of Excellence Lung Cancer Screening Program has experienced success in usage and appropriateness. 2016 screening program statistics Norton Healthcare performed 28 percent of Kentucky’s lung cancer screenings and 1.5 percent of those in the U.S. Appropriateness rate is…

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Neuroscience

Norton hospitals beat national door-to-needle times in stroke

Norton Healthcare hospitals achieved a door-to-needle time of 60 minutes or less 89 percent of the time, and less than 45 minutes 58 percent  of the time, compared with the national average of 66 percent and 40 percent, respectively. When it comes to treating stroke patients, there’s a saying: “Time saved is brain saved.” “For every…

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Obstetrics

Urogynecology practice experiences growth with addition of new physician

Norton Urogynecology Center, dedicated to providing the latest treatments for a variety of pelvic disorders, has added a fellowship-trained urogynecologist and two advanced practice registered nurses to its staff. Marjorie L. Pilkinton, M.D., joined the practice on Oct. 1, 2017, after completing her female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship with Northwell Health North Shore…

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Pediatric Services

Norton Children’s Hospital to use MRI-guided laser treatment for epilepsy and brain tumor surgery

Norton Children’s Hospital is now offering MRI-guided laser ablation for epilepsy, uncontrollable seizures and deep brain tumors. This new surgical approach is less invasive and can have a much shorter recovery time than a craniotomy. Visualase is the manufacturer. The system makes surgery possible for more high-risk patients with deep brain lesions because the laser probe traces a…

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Neuroscience

Multidisciplinary care pathway helps reduce risk of recurrent stroke in cryptogenic stroke patients

Identifying A-fib and starting anticoagulation greatly decreases the risk of recurrent stroke, thereby decreasing the risk of further disability or even death.  Cardiology and neurology specialists at Norton Healthcare knew there was a growing body of evidence suggesting that the underlying cause for many cryptogenic strokes is atrial fibrillation (A-fib). However, many A-fib patients do…

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Pediatric Services

Pediatric migraine management

Five percent of all children and 10 percent of teenagers experience migraines, missing twice as much school as their peers. Good sleep hygiene and adequate hydration can help reduce migraines, but that may not be enough, said Elizabeth S. Doll, M.D., pediatric neurologist with Norton Children’s Hospital and University of Louisville Physicians – Child Neurology. Controlling stress might mean…

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Pulmonology

Pulmonary embolism protocols in place

Norton Healthcare has established uniform protocols for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE). The move is intended to improve patient outcomes for the life-threatening condition that claims tens of thousands of lives each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our goal was to create a systemwide approach with the same agreed-upon…

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Diagnostics

Competitive pricing set for diagnostic imaging

On Jan. 1, Norton Healthcare set a new competitive pricing strategy for MRI/CT diagnostic imaging procedures at all of our locations. The change in pricing keeps Norton Healthcare competitive with the area’s free-standing facilities. Insurers, such as Anthem and Humana, use software systems to target scheduled procedures, such as MRIs and CTs, based on price…

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Obstetrics

New labor and delivery options for expectant mothers

Norton Women’s Care provides pregnant women who deliver at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital with multiple labor and delivery choices. Some women choose an epidural and limited movement, while others prefer more natural alternatives to achieve an unmedicated birth. We continue to strive to provide options for our patients, including a birthing ball, a birthing…

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Research

Research program offers clinicians opportunities

Norton Healthcare offers a wide range of research opportunities for clinicians and their practice groups, as well as clinicians partnering from other entities. More than 850 studies were active or pending through mid-December 2017. “Norton Healthcare’s research support infrastructure makes a difference in both physician recruitment and retention,” said Stephen W. Wyatt, DMD, MPH, chief…

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