Clinic News
 
Mammograms - A “Second Look” 
We are excited to announce the addition of a new “computer aided detection” (CAD) system that acts as a “second opinion” for all mammography studies.  The new technology is available through iCAD  Second Look System.  After the radiologist interprets your mammogram films, they are put thru a computerized detection system which detects up to 68% more cancers in the early stages.  The radiologist can then review any additional finding to determine if further studies are needed.  Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest  stages…the addition of iCAD Second Look  System is another way for Webster City Medical Clinic ensures that we are providing the most up to date technology for your continued good health. Mammograms and the CAD interpretations, either screening or diagnostic are covered by most insurances.!!

 
50% Off Medilux-Extended to April 30th
The 50% discount off of Medilux has been extended through April!! Now you can still schedule your hair removal, brown spot treatment and rosacea treatment before the summer sun time.  Medilux procedures are scheduled on Tuesday and Friday.

 
New Tool to Evaluate  Bloating & Gas…..Breath Methane Study
Patients who suffer from abdominal bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome know the discomfort and embarrassment that these problems cause.  Studies have found that in these patients, bacteria may have invaded the small bowel (where bacteria are not normally present) causing the unpleasant symptoms.   When food is eaten, especially sugar or starch, and moves to the small bowel for digestion, the bacteria attack the sugars and give off hydrogen and methane gas, thus causing pain and bloating associated with these conditions.

Webster City Medical Clinic providers have introduced a new technology by Quintron called Breath Hydrogen and Methane Studies to detect this presence of the bacteria in the small bowel. The newly approved test detects abnormal gas levels through a series of consecutive breath tests following intake of a sugar based liquid. If hydrogen or methane gas is detected, confirming the presence of bacteria,  providers are then able to prescribe a short term antibiotic treatment that kills the bacteria, thus alleviating the problems. This simple series of tests takes approximately 90 minutes and is a covered service by health plans.

 
No worry, no check, no stamp!!  
As of April 1st, a new payment option will be available to you.  You will be able to authorize monthly payments on your Clinic account directly from your checking or savings account.  This new service, called Direct Debit Payment will save you time, worry, interest charges on your VISA and stamps.  It is an easy way to pay off your account or to make regular monthly payments without having to drive to the clinic or sending a payment in the mail.  The Direct Debit Payment  is not designed to take the place of co-payments, it is a convenient way to pay down your account. If you would like to set up payments in this manner, please stop at our Patient Accounts Window for more information!

Expanded Hours for Pediatrician
Due to the request for more scheduling times, Dr. Sushma Sahai, is expanding her schedule for pediatric appointments and ADHD consultations to add Wednesday morning hours.  Dr. Sue, our pediatrician who performs ADHD evaluations in addition to developmental evaluations and Well Baby exams is also here on MT Th F afternoons.

Outpatient Hospital vs. Office Service
A new MRI patient recently commented, “I did not have to meet my deductible for this service!!  The last time I this done in a hospital, I had to pay for my deductible before insurance paid!”  This is something we hear frequently. 
What exactly is the difference of having an “office based service” versus an  “outpatient based service”?  For most people the difference is simple...it’s the money!!  If you have a service performed as a hospital outpatient, such as an MRI, a mammogram, etc., your insurance will cover the payment AFTER your deductible has been met.   In contrast, if you have the same service performed in a clinic setting, for most insurances, you pay only your office co-pay.  This could be a large amount if you need an MRI.  Would you prefer to pay your office co-pay or your full deductible?  You decide!

New Massage Therapist joins WCMC
Elizabeth Scott has joined the Massage Therapy staff at Webster City Medical Clinic starting April 3rd 2006.  Elizabeth has been trained in Swedish relaxation massage; deep tissue massage and special body massage work for injuries and athletes.  Elizabeth has expanded massage hours in afternoon and early evening and will be available each Saturday morning for appointments. Consider a massage gift certificate with either Elizabeth Scott or Rita Gourley… a great idea for a Mothers Day or graduation.

New larger size...Turmeric
We are now stocking Turmeric in a larger size in response to requests from our patients.  The new size is  a 120 capsule bottle priced at $35.00. This is a $5 savings compared to the price of two smaller bottles.

New “Sick Kids Clinic”

Have you heard about our new Kids Clinic?? It gives you a peace of mind about your child’s health before you go off to work. If your child wakes up not feeling quite right, let us take a look before sending him off to school or daycare. Cori Fogle, our new certified Physician Assistant, or one of our other providers, will be available from at 8 am to 9 am Monday through Friday, with no appointment necessary. She can tell you whether it is okay to continue on to day care or school or if they need a day at home to rest.

 
State-of-the-Art MRI Now Open

The newest addition to the onsite service at Webster City Medical Campus is the Philips MRI Enterprise. This is a state of the art, ultra-short bore 1.5 Tesla MRI, the highest magnet strength available for diagnostic clinics. This provides you with the convenience of daily MRI appointments, right here in Webster City. Results are usually available within hours of your exam. We also perform onsite sedation for those who have difficulty relaxing or are claustrophobic. Because the MRI is located in our office, most of major insurers (Wellmark, Coventry, United Health Care, First Health) pay the MRI cost as an office service, meaning all you pay is your office co-pay……no huge deductible to pay. Please check your insurance policy to determine your individual coverage. Referrals from any physician are accepted.
 
Hair Removal and Skin Brown Spot Removal…Prices reduced 25%!!

Now is the time to get yourself ready for the summer season with our fast and easy Medilux treatments. The Medilux is a multi-function intense pulsed light technology that permanently treats unwanted facial and body hair, age spots, and facial red veins in both men and women. It is similar to a laser treatment but faster, far less expensive and without the pain. Medilux clinics are available for appointments on Tuesday and Friday. Call us to obtain pricing and for more appointment information.

New Meningitis Vaccine for Ages 11-25

A new meningococcal vaccine is now being recommended for all middle school, high school and college age individuals. This once per lifetime vaccine will protect against the deadly meningococcal meningitis that has seen an increase in high schools and college dorms in recent years. Our physicians and staff will now be including this vaccine during middle school, high school and college physicals.

“Welcome to Medicare” Physical Exam

For people choosing Medicare after January 1 2005, the Medicare program would like you to obtain a comprehensive “Welcome to Medicare” preventative physical exam that it will pay for. The physical will include a thorough review of your health and social history, modifiable disease & risk factor detection, a physical exam including an EKG and referral for screening for other diseases that are covered by Medicare. A new Medicare participant is eligible for this wellness exam during the first six months of enrollment. Like most other Medicare services, you (or your supplemental insurance) will be responsible for the 20%. Contact us for your appointment.

Skin Cancer Screening

Malignant melanoma causes 90,000 new cases of skin cancer every year. The frequency of this type of cancer has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Many insurers are now stressing the importance of annual screening and monitoring of moles and other skin changes. Darin Eklund, PA-C now performs a head-to-toe evaluation on Tuesdays or Fridays, using a derma scope, a device that allows close examination of skin details not otherwise visible to the naked eye.
If you have a family history of skin cancer or have noticed that you have numerous “funny looking” moles, or any moles that have been changing, contact us to schedule a screening exam.

Eyelid Plastic Surgery now Available

In addition to his ENT & Sinus Surgery practice, Dr. F. Edward Gonzalez, M.D., is now performing eyelid surgery in both his Fort Dodge and Webster City Medical Clinic offices. This simple 45 minute procedure removes excess, upper eyelid skin and may be covered by insurance if “hooding” is severe enough to impair peripheral vision. Whether you have a problem or just want to look better, call his office 1-800-360-4442 to obtain appointment or fee information.
Schedule School Physical Early!!

If your child is entering daycare, kindergarten, middle school or going off to college, a complete physical will be needed prior to the start of the Fall semester. Plan ahead and schedule the physical early in the summer!! August is our busiest month of the year and we have trouble fitting in all of the physicals that are requested. So..plan ahead..and schedule early.

Cori Fogle, PA-C joins WCMC
Cori Fogle, PA-C has joined our practice effective September 6, 2005.  Ms. Fogle  practiced for 4½ years in Keota, Iowa after graduating with honors from the University of Oklahoma Physicians Assistant Studies program.  In addition, she holds two Masters degrees, one in Preventative Medicine and Environmental Health and the other in Exercise Science. 
Cori specializes in Women’s Health as well as general care for all family members.  She is married with 1 child and three step children and recently bought a home in Webster City, with her husband Jeff. They are looking forward to being settled and starting a busy life in our community.
Cori Fogle PA-C replaces Lesli Kramer, PA-C who accepted a position in Minnesota to be nearer to her family.  Please welcome Cori Fogle to our practice!!

What’s all this about Turmeric???
You might have heard Dr. Subhash on “Dr. Dialogue” talking about the new cancer findings about a humble spice called turmeric.  Recent trial results from the famous M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Treatment Center at the University of Texas have proven that the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has extremely potent cancer inhibiting properties.  It has been shown to be an effective treatment in certain types of cancers, acts to prevent metastasis (spreading) of cancer and has antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.  A UCLA study published in 2005 concluded that curcumin may also help halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  Other notable studies have found curcuminoids to be effective in the treatment of arthritis, certain types of MS, in muscle regeneration and wound healing and in reducing serum lipid levels.  Is it for you??  You can be the judge…the cost of concentrated curcumin capsules is about $20/month and is available at the WCMC desk.  Talk to Dr. Subhash about how this inexpensive, simple herb may benefit you or your family member.

 
October is Breast Awareness Month
October is National Breast Awareness month, targeting awareness of the need for mammograms and monthly breast self- exams for both MEN AND WOMEN (yes, men can have breast cancer too!!).  Our mammography equipment is state of the art and FDA certified, offering screening, diagnostic and magnified views of the breast tissue. Our mammogram technicians are specially trained and certified in mammography studies and perform over 900 mammograms per year.  Their experience, combined with top of the line equipment and an onsite radiologist will help ensure a finely detailed diagnostic study.

 
Schedule Your Colonoscopy Now…
If you are over age 50 without risk factors, the American Cancer Society recommends a colonoscopy (comprehensive colon cancer screen) be done every five years.  If you have a personal history of polyps or cancer OR a family history of colon cancer, the colonoscopy should be performed more frequently, according to your personal physician.  Many of our patients schedule their colonoscopy during the last months of the year because their deductible has already been met. If you are due for a colonoscopy, schedule early!!

  
Flu Vaccine for 2005…..
Flu vaccine from three different vendors, ordered in early spring, should be in our clinic by mid October.  The CDC recommends flu vaccinations starting in late October in order for the vaccine to carry through the winter flu season. Hopefully, the availability of flu vaccine will be plentiful and cover vaccination for all age groups.

 
New Insurance Card??  New Number!!
If you have received a new insurance card, especially if you have coverage with either Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield or Coventry, PLEASE PRESENT THE CARD THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN THE CLINIC.  As of 2005, these insurers are assigning a non-Social Security number to all of their participants and removing the SS number as the patient ID number.  We need to have the new numbers in order for your services to be paid.    Thanks!!

New  Law- Pathology & Pap Billing
Effective July 1, 2005, the State Legislature passed a new bill that affects the billing of all pathology, including pap smears. This new law requires the pathologist who interprets the specimen to bill the patient or patient’s insurance directly.  In other words, Webster City Medical Clinic can longer bill for the pathology specimen taken during your visit. This has caused financial hardship for those with a deductible to meet or those without insurance since the pathology charges to the patient have been extremely high.  Unfortunately, this is the law. We have no control over this portion of your billing.  Please contact your legislator to voice your unhappiness with these charges.

Adult and Child ADHD
ADHD can be an issue for both children and adults, resulting in behavioral, discipline and relationship problems. In children, a teacher’s comment about inappropriate behavior, inability to stay on task may be the first notice to a parent that a child may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  In an adult, this may be characterized by the inability to finish a task, problems with job performance or retention, and problems maintaining relationships.  Both Drs. Sushma and Subhash Sahai are specially trained in the treatment of Child and Adult ADHD.  If you suspect that a family member may be troubled by this disorder, contact us for an appointment.

Oct 8th-Hispanic Care Meeting
The first Hispanic Health Care Meeting will be Saturday, October 8th in the lower level at Webster City Medical Clinic, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The topic will be on Mammography and Breast Health.  Refreshments will be served.