admin, Author at Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

Feb 17 Comments Off

Serving our patients better – SRSS healthcare staff earning CCMA certification

Posted by admin

Aida Nieves (left) and Jenni Bellesfield (right), medical assistants at Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists, are currently attending Reading Area Community College to earn their Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential. Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists is fully sponsoring Aida and Jenni in their studies.

The intensive training is offered to multi-skilled healthcare providers and certifies their readiness to perform tasks such as interviewing patients, measure and record vital signs, prepare exam rooms, clean and sterilize medical equipment, administer injections, perform venipuncture and assist with EKG’s, all under the physician supervision. The CCMA certification is in addition to Aida’s and Jenni’s previously earned Medical Assistant credential.

As they began their classes, Aida and Jenni were thrilled and surprised to be told by their instructor that Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists is the first local healthcare employer to sponsor employees in achieving the CCMA credential through RACC. Says Aida, “It was really nice to be in class and hear that SRSS is doing something no other healthcare provider is doing yet. That’s really great news for our patients.”

Please join us in congratulating Aida and Jenni on their CCMA training and certification!

Jan 29 Comments Off

Hernia Repair – Today’s Surgical Advancements

Posted by admin

Hernia Repair – Much Easier Now Than in the Past

Decades ago, a hernia diagnosis meant the need for open surgery, resulting in large incisions and scaring, a typical postoperative hospital stay of several days and an uncomfortable recovery period of up to several weeks. These conditions meant patients were not able to return to work quickly as desired, as well as a lengthy timeframe of limited physical activities. Understandably, patients were often reluctant to seek surgical treatment for hernia repair knowing what would likely lie ahead. Oh, how times have changed!

Today’s Hernia Repair Surgery – Definitely Not Your Father’s Hernia Surgery

With the development of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery specifically addressing hernias in the 1990’s, surgical repair of the condition became much more accessible, manageable and above all, presented faster recovery periods for patients. This is attributable to laparoscopic surgery’s small “keyhole” incisions, placed strategically on the abdomen to both maximize access to the affected area as well as minimize recovery periods due to smaller incisions. In fact, in most cases patients can walk out of the hospital the same day as their procedure, experience much less postoperative pain and can be back to work in just a week or two. Unfortunately, however, the perception persists that hernia surgery means patients have to put life on hold for weeks. This is simply no longer the case.

By the Numbers

It is estimated that approximately 10 percent of the population is confronted by some type of hernia issue throughout their lives. Hernias impact all age groups, including infants, children, teenagers and adults. Each year, approximately 500,000 hernia surgeries are performed in the United States, but it is suspected that an even larger number of patients suffering from hernias delay treatment hoping the issue will go away on its own. The reality is, however, hernias do not repair themselves and if left untreated, severe cases can progress to the point where patients can find themselves in the emergency room.

Getting Back to an Active Life

The good news is that proper treatment and recovery from hernias is very achievable when discussed with a primary care physician or surgeon upon discovery of possible hernia-related abdominal pain or bulging. After a typically brief postoperative recovery period, it is common for patients to feel like themselves in just a couple weeks.

Dr. Thomas Beetel and Dr. Robert Howard of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists specialize in laparoscopic hernia repair. If you have questions and wish to request an appointment online, CLICK HERE.

Jan 21 Comments Off

When to have a colonoscopy

Posted by admin

A Preventative Measure at Milestone Birthdays

As we age, our self-care regimen needs to grow along with us. Beginning at age 50, what can help keep us healthy is a steady diet of preventative testing to diagnose and treat emerging health concerns.

Among such health care concerns is colorectal cancer, one of the most common forms of cancers among men and women in the United States today. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, not including skin cancers. In total, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20. At the same time, colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through the use of regular colonoscopies.

Early Action is Key

Providing a suggested timeframe for screenings to detect polyps, the American Cancer Society recommends men and women at average risk for cancer receive colonoscopies every 10 years starting at age 50. Essentially, as a milestone birthday is celebrated starting at age 50, it can serve as a timely reminder to have a screening. Very generally speaking, the earlier screenings occur to detect the presence the potentially cancerous polyps, the better chances are to successfully treat the polyps by surgical removal. Of course, if symptoms such as bleeding or pain are experienced at any time it is important to see a qualified medical provider experienced in colon care as soon as possible.

What to Expect

As mentioned in one of our previous posts “Have questions about endoscopy?”, preparing for a colonoscopy requires patients to follow pre-operative preparation instructions provided by their surgeon prior to the brief surgical procedure. To maximize patient comfort, sedating medication is used during the procedure. Best of all, patients are typically discharged less than an hour after the procedure is performed.

If a biopsy is performed during the colonoscopy, patients of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists can expect to receive test results within just a few days, if not sooner, as well as a thorough follow up discussion with their surgeon.

Where Will My Procedure Occur?

Dr. Joseph Levan, Dr. Thomas Beetel and Dr. Robert Howard perform colonoscopies at Surgical Institute of Reading, Reading Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center, depending on patient preference, scheduling availability and insurance requirements.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Levan, Dr. Beetel or Dr. Howard, request an appointment online by CLICKING HERE.

Nov 21 Comments Off

What does “F.A.C.S.” mean?

Posted by admin

If your surgeon’s name is followed by “F.A.C.S.”, according to the American College of Surgeons website, “it indicates the surgeon’s education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.”

Simply put, “F.A.C.S.” is an earned credential indicating surgeons committed to care excellence. Surgeons who earn this important credential are therefore members of the American College of Surgeons and known as “Fellows” of the American College of Surgeons, thus “F.A.C.S.”

Why this is good news for you

Again according to The American College of Surgeons website, the organization “was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.” The College is the largest organization of surgeons in the world, with approximately 80,000 members. What this means for patients is a F.A.C.S.-credentialed surgeon has not only demonstrated commitment to care excellence but also has a large community of peers from which to maintain knowledge of the latest surgical developments. When searching for highly qualified and experienced surgeons, be sure to ask a surgeon if he or she has obtained the F.A.C.S. credential.

Dr. Levan, Dr. Beetel and Dr. Howard of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists have all earned their F.A.C.S. credential, so you can be sure you are receiving care committed to excellence. Read each surgeon’s bio by CLICKING HERE.

Nov 19 Comments Off

Meet Dr. Thomas Beetel

Posted by admin

Meet surgeon Dr. Thomas Beetel of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists by CLICKING HERE to read his full bio, areas of expertise including minimally invasive surgery, and his specific patient care philosophy.

Nov 13 Comments Off

Have questions about endoscopy?

Posted by admin

To help patients better understand endoscopy, Dr. Howard, Dr. Levan and Dr. Beetel (left to right) present the following information.

What is endoscopy?

Endoscopy is an umbrella term referring to the process of diagnosing gastrointestinal tract issues. Surgeons utilize an endoscope, which is a long, narrow, flexible operative instrument containing a very small video camera outfitted with a high-powered light to help detect abnormalities.

For gastrointestinal problems of the esophagus, stomach and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine), an upper GI endoscopy is performed to detect and diagnose ulcers, gastritis, polyps, causes of bleeding or pain, and cancer.

For problems related to the colon, such as inflammation, bleeding or pain, and for colon cancer screening, a lower GI endoscopy is performed. When the entire colon requires examination, the procedure is referred to as a colonoscopy. When a partial examination occurs, such as the rectum and the sigmoid colon (first part of the colon) only, the procedure is called a sigmoidoscopy.

What to expect

Endoscopic procedures require patients to follow pre-operative preparation instructions provided by their surgeon prior to surgery such as limiting food and drink intake a day or two before surgery as well as use of colon cleansing kits. In most procedures, sedating medication is used to maximize patient comfort. A minimally invasive surgery, endoscopic procedures typically allow patients to be discharged less than an hour after the endoscopy is performed.

If a biopsy is performed during endoscopy, patients of Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists can expect to receive test results within just a few days of the procedure, if not sooner, as well as a thorough follow up discussion with their surgeon.

Where will my procedure occur?

Dr. Levan, Dr. Beetel and Dr. Howard perform endoscopic procedures at Surgical Institute of Reading, Reading Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center, depending on patient preference, scheduling availability and insurance requirements.

If it has been recommended to you either by your primary care physician or other care provider that an endoscopy is warranted, rest assured Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists provides the expertise needed for a positive experience before, during and after surgery. To make an appointment to see Dr. Joseph Levan, Dr. Thomas Beetel or Dr. Robert Howard, you can request an appointment online by CLICKING HERE.

Nov 10 Comments Off

Have you met Dr. Robert Howard?

Posted by admin

Thank you to all those who read Dr. Robert Howard’s recent post, “The Latest on Breast Cancer Awareness.” To learn more about Dr. Howard, including his medical credentials and patient care philosophy, read his full bio by CLICKING HERE.

Nov 03 Comments Off

Meet Dr. Joseph Levan

Posted by admin

Read Dr. Levan’s bio to view his medical credentials, areas of expertise and why he is so dedicated to providing the very best care for his patients. CLICK HERE to read Dr. Levan’s bio now.

Oct 19 Comments Off

The Latest on Breast Cancer Awareness

Posted by admin

Post written by Dr. Robert J. Howard, D.O., F.A.C.S.
Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month and a good time to think about good breast health in general. Over the last 10 years there has been a significant increase in the amount of awareness in the general community. All you have to do is turn on the TV to see the pink spikes on NFL football players or watch the news reporting on one of the multiple runs or walks for the cure. These events coupled with some high profile celebrities discussing their own private battles with breast cancer have lead to more media coverage as well.

For the most part this has been very positive, however, there are still many misconceptions about breast care and breast cancer screening. In our office, we see many women come in with an “abnormal mammogram” and I am surprised how many are not aware that an abnormal mammogram DOES NOT necessarily mean you have breast cancer. In fact, less than 15% of women with an abnormal mammogram will be diagnosed with breast cancer. During a typical appointment we will review the mammogram images with our patients and present multiple options to make an accurate diagnosis in a minimally invasive manner. Sometimes that may even include performing an ultrasound guided needle biopsy on the day of the first appointment.

Over the past ten years the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer has improved significantly. With improved imaging we are able to diagnose smaller, early stage cancers and perform biopsies with a needle in a mostly painless manner. Often those biopsies can be performed during the initial consultation. With the advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy, we are now able to sample the lymph nodes with almost zero risk of a complication called lymphedema, or arm swelling which was very common and debilitating in the past. Improved radiation techniques mean less problems with skin irritation which was prominent in the past as well. Vast improvements in genetic testing and the implications of that testing allow us to make much more informed decisions about care and determine overall prognosis for the future.

There is still a long way to go, but significant progress has been made and the future is bright for continued improvements. As our knowledge of the genetic basis of breast cancer evolves, so do our chances of eliminating the disease completely. In the mean time, the best treatment is early detection. Monthly self breast exams and yearly mammograms when age appropriate will help identify most breast cancers. Then, evaluation by a physician with experience and knowledge of breast cancer is the key. At Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists we take pride in our ability to present the latest information about breast cancer in an easy to understand manner. Our job is to make sure our patients are informed so they have the ability to choose the treatment that makes them feel comfortable and confident. In conjunction with regional cancer centers, we provide the most advanced treatment options available. Hopefully you will never need our services, but if you do, you can rest assured you will be well informed and treated in a very caring and compassionate manner from diagnosis to cure.

– Spring Ridge Surgical Specialists –

If you have additional questions about breast cancer care would like to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Howard, you can request an appointment online by clicking here, or call our office at 610.375.0500.

Oct 02 Comments Off

Online appointments at SRSS!

Posted by admin

For the convenience of our patients, our new website features a “Request For Appointment” tab. Just input your desired appointment date, time, phone number and email address, and we will respond to you no later than 5pm the same business day the request is received. We will either confirm your appointment time or offer an alternative in the event the desired time is not available. If you need to see Dr. Levan, Dr. Beetel or Dr. Howard for a surgical consultation, click here.

Thank you!

All posts by admin