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11/6/2009
Please join us as we celebrate the opening of our Breast Care Center.
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10/29/2009
Versatility of The Vancouver Clinic's new digital x-ray systems keeps patients comfortable while providing high-quality images.
When first looking at an X-ray system, flexibility and workflow enhancements may seem to be benefits for only the clinical staff. However, these efficiency improvements can impact the health and well being of the patients being imaged on the system, too.
The Optima XR640 from GE Healthcare helps clinicians at The Vancouver Clinic clearly see the
internal structure of their patients to view injuries and abnormalities and confidently prescribe the best treatment. The flexibility of the hardware components simplifies patient positioning. "Patients in wheelchairs or those with physical limitations will appreciate the speed at which we can position them for X-rays," says Dr. Howard Nelson, Department Chair for Imaging. He adds that the detector is moveable, and can be used with the wall stand or with the table, without interfering with patient positioning and comfort.
The Optima XR640 system is digital, capturing the X-ray images on a digital detector instead of on film. As with digital consumer cameras, digital X-rays are fast and provide almost instant, high-quality patient images. What's more, the radiation dose can be lower than on film-based X-ray systems, and it eliminates the use and disposal of processing film and chemicals thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Because it's computer driven, the digital X-ray has software tools that save doctor time and patient inconvenience while detailing anatomical structures clearly. For example, in a single sweep, it captures multiple images of long bones such as the legs or spine, and then combines them into one seamless image for easy viewing and diagnosis. Doctors find this tool useful for fracture analysis in the long bones or scoliosis studies of the spine.
The Optima XR640 is an incredible addition to the imaging services we can provide at The Vancouver Clinic. By speeding the examination process, we enhance the productivity of our staff and physicians, while maximizing the comfort and confidence of the patient.
Elise Skora
Manager, Imaging
360.397.3346
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10/27/2009
In just one day, we administered 1,506 adult flu immunizations.
The Vancouver Clinic held a series of Saturday and Wednesday flu shot clinics during September and October. During that time, we administered 8055 adult seasonal flu vaccines. We also admnistered almost as many pediatric flu vaccinations. Record numbers of people are getting their flu shots this year, making flu shot vaccine a precious commodity. We do not know if or when we will recieve more seasonal flu vaccine. H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine is being distributed as it becomes available so please check this web site daily for more information on availability.
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10/13/2009
Joan Wendel, RN, joins the Breast Care Center team as our Breast Care Navigator.
As part of our specialized team in our newly opened Breast Care Center, we are pleased to introduce our Breast Care Navigator, Joan Wendel, RN. Joan will guide our patients through the often confusing path of a breast cancer diagnosis and will provide the bridge to cancer services
for diagnosed patients and will be part of the comprehensive team we have assembled.
Ms. Wendel will also provide education for our patients regarding their breast health. She wants to ensure women understand their risk factors and what testing is appropriate for each individual. Ms. Wendel is available to speak to organizations in the community regarding breast health care.
Ms. Wendel comes to us from Manhattan Beach, CA where she was the Director of Clinical Operations for Vantage Oncology, Inc. She brings with her 13 years of experience in breast health care and a wealth of knowledge and resources.
Joan Wendel, RN
Breast Care Navigator
360.397.2532
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10/10/2009
Clark County's only mammography fellowhsip trained radiologist has joined the staff of The Vancouver Clinic's Breast Care Center
Dr. Jennifer Ochsner, the only fellowship trained breast imager in Clark County,
leads our Breast Care Center team. Dr. Ochsner is originally from Voorhees, New Jersey. She attended Boston University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. She earned her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and completed her internship in internal medicine and residency in diagnostic radiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She completed her fellowship in women's imaging at the University of Washington under the mentorship of nationally renowned women's imager Dr. Connie Lehman.
Dr. Ochsner has particular interest in breast MRI, interventional breast procedures and early detection of breast cancer. She knows that every patient is an individual with unique concerns. Dr. Ochsner is passionate in her commitment to provide the highest level of service and expertise that is available.
Elise Skora
Manager, Imaging
360.397.3346
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10/9/2009
From screening to diagnosis to treatment, we have you covered.
The Vancouver Clinic is pleased to announce the opening of our Breast Care Center under the leadership of Jennifer Ochsner, MD., Clark County's only fellowship trained mammographer.
It is our goal to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive breast health care services available. Our fully integrated services include digital mammography (with computer aided detection), breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stereotactic biopsy, surgical services, chemotherapy infusion, and radiation therapy. Our combination of highly trained specialists and the very latest technology provide you with the services you may need all under our roof. Our comprehensive services shorten the time between the scary "we've found something" and a diagnosis and treatment.
The health care professionals that make up The Vancouver Clinic's Breast Care Center team - radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, primary care providers,
obstetricians and gynecologists, mammographers, ultrasound technicians, medical assistants and patient services representatives - clearly exemplify the high standards of our center. We have taken breast care to the highest level by providing you with the area's most qualified and compassionate physicians and staff. Their superior level of training and experience gives you the expertise you deserve, which is exactly what you should expect from your healthcare partner.
We are proud to have a fellowship trained mammographer who has completed specialized training in breast imaging. All of our technologists are registered in their field, reflecting our commitment to quality care.
To schedule your screening mammogram, please call our Patient Service Center at 360 TVC-APPT (360.882.2778).
Joan Wendel
Breast Care Navigator
360.397.2532
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9/14/2009
The Vancovuer Clinic is proud to announce the addition of orthopedics to our comprehensive list of specialties.
The Vancovuer Clinic is proud to announce the addition of orthopedics to our comprehensive list of specialties. With the addition of this specialty, The Vancouver Clinic now has over 200
providers.
Joining the orthopedic department are Casey Cornelius, D.O., Jaideep Iyengar, M.D. and Taunya Fitzsimonds, PA-C.
The orthopedic department is located at our Salmon Creek location in suite 140. The newly opened department is located next to the imaging suite and was designed to specifically accomodate orthopedic patients. Orthopedic patients will access the imaging suite through a connection hallway. This will allow patients to be easily transported between the two
departments, when necessary.
To schedule an appointment, please call our Patient Service Center at TVC-APPT (360.882-2778).
Kathy Abramson
Manager, Salmon Creek Specialty Care
360.397.3885
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7/16/2009
Now it's easier and quicker than ever to schedule an appointment at The Vancouver Clinic.
"Imagine calling any organization and talking to a local person instead of a machine. Imagine getting the kind of service that makes you feel valued. That is the kind of quality medicine we at The Vancouver Clinic want to provide our patients. That is why we are now doing advanced access and soon will have centralized appointments. I would like to say "you asked and we listened" and we value you as our patient." Dr. Rob Riddle, Medical Director at The Vancouver Clinic.
The core principle of advanced access is that patients calling in to schedule a physician visit are
offered an appointment when they wish to be seen.
What it will mean at The Vancouver Clinic is that when you call in, you will be asked when you would like to be seen. Our goal is to schedule you with your provider within 72 hours. If your provider cannot accommodate you, we will offer you another provider within the department. If you wish to schedule further out, you will be scheduled on a date and time that works for you.
What is the time line for advanced access scheduling? Our primary care departments (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Pediatrics) began advanced access scheduling on July 13th. Our specialty care departments will be added later this year.
In coordination with the roll out of advanced access, we have created an enhanced patient service center that will, among other duties, schedule your appointments. This new service will allow you to call one number to schedule all your appointments. All of our primary care departments, Imaging and Physical Therapy are already being scheduled through the Patient Service Center. Specialty care departments will be added this fall.
What this will truly mean is that you will be able to call TVC-APPT (882-2778) and get in to see your provider when you want!
Kirsten Bracht
Manager, Operations Development
360.397.3218
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5/18/2009
The Vancouver Clinic received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the 736.9 hours Clinic staff members served at the Free Clinic of SW Washington.
The Vancouver Clinic received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for the 736.9 hours Clinic staff members served at the Free
Clinic of SW Washington in 2008. Of the 400 active volunteers at the Free Clinic, only fourteen individuals and one group qualified for this honor.
Dr. Gerald Bader has been a tireless advocate for the Free Clinic, recruiting the volunteer staffing for three basic health clinics every month.Thirty-nine individuals who volunteer their time will receive a silver service award pin.
About the Award
The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.
Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.
Melody Urban
Executive Assistant
360.397.3442
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4/28/2009
We provide the latest in mammography screening technology.
The Vancouver Clinic provides the latest in mammography screening technology. Selenia digital mammography incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp breast images. The images appear on the technologist’s monitor in a matter of seconds, there is no waiting for film to develop, which means less time in the breast imaging suite for patients.
The Vancouver Clinic is a certified Pink Ribbon Facility, a distinction awarded only to an
elite group of healthcare facilities. By offering women digital mammograms, the facility hopes to increase the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.
Selenia digital mammography offers a number of other practical advantages and patient conveniences. Because there is no waiting for film to be developed it significantly reduces the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films, which can be misfiled or lost in transit
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her life. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 97%.
The Vancouver Clinic is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering digital mammography, The Vancouver Clinic provides the latest in imaging quality. If you would like to schedule a mammogram or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please call TVC-APPT (882-2778).
Elise Skora
Manager, Imaging
360.397.3746
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4/28/2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported cases of the swine flu in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported cases of the swine flu in the United States. Cases have also been reported in other countries, including Mexico and Canada.
The swine flu virus is mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners also work well.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Swine flu is caused by a virus that infects the lungs of pigs. But under certain conditions, the virus can infect humans and spread from one person to another. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork.
Symptoms of the swine flu include a cough, sore throat, fever, body aches, chills, and extreme tiredness (fatigue). Some people have had vomiting and diarrhea. Most people have mild symptoms. But swine flu can lead to pneumonia in severe cases, and it may make other health problems worse. An infected person can infect others 1 day before symptoms start and for 7 days after getting sick. That means people can spread swine flu before they know they have it.
Doctors are using the antiviral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) to treat people with swine flu. These medicines can prevent serious problems from the flu and help a person get well faster. The medicines work best if a person with swine flu starts to take them within 2 days after symptoms start. If you do get sick with flu-like symptoms:
- Talk to your doctor. You may need to be tested.
- Stay home from school or work to avoid infecting other people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
For more information, go to the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
Wendy Lehner
Director, Medical Affairs and Quality
360.253-1258
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3/20/2009
Breast Center Coming to The Vancouver Clinic
Rob Riddle, M.D, Medical Director, Tom Sanchez, Director of Ancillary Services and Tom VanSweringen, Executive Director, recently returned from the 19th Annual National Interdisciplinary Breast Center Conference of the National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. (NCBC) which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The focus of the conference is to bring together professional involved with breast health care from across the nation to exchange ideas and to learn about advances and new techniques in providing breast health care to patients. Conference guests learned of various methods being used by centers across the country to provide quality care to their patients. In today's dynamic health care industry, breast centers are faced with providing quality care while simultaneously keeping costs under control. Centers must be familiar with the newest styles of patient care while keeping informed of new advances in technology. Various manufacturers were on hand to share information about their new products and product lines.
As today's women are taking a more active role in understanding their treatment options, speakers addressed advances in imaging and the need to better understand breast symptoms and treatment options. Attendees learned about the advantages of a multiple modality approach to enable optimal patient care; were presented discussion on the correlation between radiology and pathology regarding breast disease; were informed about scientific evidence to support early detection and treatment in early stage cancer; and heard panelists discuss the interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Digital mammography, MRI, controversies in screening; legal aspects of providing care; physician executives, genomic and proteomic research, breast biopsy techniques, breast center development, defining quality, delivering excellence, funding, billing, coding and economics were also part of the program.
Speakers emphasized the need for breast health care providers to remember that the patient is focus when providing services and care. Hundreds of breast health care professionals from across the country attended this conference.
The Clinic plans to open a full service Breast Center during the fall of 2009. The arrival of our fellowship trained/board certified breast imager in October, 2009 will be the catalyst for this new service. More information will be posted on this site as it becomes available.
Tom Sanchez
Director, Ancillary Services
360.397-5519
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1/12/2009
The Imaging Department at The Vancouver Cinic now has one number to call to schedule an imaging study.
As part of the Imaging Department's commitment to outstanding customer service, patients can now call TVC-APPT (882-2778) to schedule an imaging study. A team of dedicated professionals will be available to take your call for all imaging exams.
The Imaging Department at The Vancouver Clinic has expanded to be able to provide for your imaging needs. We provide a wide variety of imaging studies including PET/CT, MRI, Digital Radiography, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Densitometry.
The only exams that will not be scheduled through centralized imaging scheduling will be cardiac and non-cardiac nuclear medicine studies, which can be scheduled at 397-3177.
Tom Sanchez, MBA
Director, Ancillary Services
360.397.5519
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12/2/2008
PET/CT - The most advanced imaging device for cancer management.
No more waiting until the mobile PET/CT is in the area. The Vancouver Clinic introduces a stationary Siemens PET/CT scanner at our new 87th Avenue Clinic.
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image or map of functional processes in the body. PET and molecular imaging technology allow physicians to measure cell and molecular activity within the body to detect cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders.
Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging method employing digital geometry processing to generate a three-dimensional image of the inside of an object from a large series of two-dimensional X-ray images taken around a single axis of rotation.
PET/CT scanners combine the anatomical imaging supplied by CT with the confirmation of 
increased molecular and cellular activity, provided by PET, that may signal disease. By combining these two state of the art technologies, PET/CT scanners give physicians more diagnostic confidence while improving patient management. This scanner combines the most current PET and CT scanner technology to increase diagnostic confidence and improve patient management with faster scan times and higher-quality images. For patients this means more comfort and confidence in the treatment of their cancer and other disease states.
In oncology, PET/CT provides for early diagnosis, more accurate tumor detection and precise localization, improved biopsy sampling, and better assessment of patient responses to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. PET/CT is also used by cardiologists to detect certain types of heart disease and by neurologists for assessing disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
To schedule your PET/CT at a time convenient to you, please call us at 360-397-3166.
Tom Sanchez
Director, Ancillary Services
360.397.5519
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11/24/2008
The 87th Avenue Clinic moved into our new home and we welcomed over 700 guests at our Open House.
The 87th Avenue Clinic moved into its new home in October. In November, the community joined us at an Open House to celebrate.
"Click" here to review a copy of our "inaugural brochure." In addition, we produced a
"staff brochure" reminiscent of a similar bochure that was used to celebrate the opening of the original 87
th Avenue facility when six new physicians arrived to join the other 25 physcians on staff at that time.
Built next door to the previous Clinic, which opened in 1978, our new building is home to almost
100 providers and 21 departments. It also houses a branch of our pharmacy, an Imaging Suite (including our new PET/CT, MRI and digital radiography), physical therapy and a Special Procedures Suite. The previous building is
being demolished and recycled to allow for additional parking.
Upon entereing the new building, you will find an interactive directory. Simply touch the screen and follow the prompts to locate your provider or department.
Over 700 of our neighbors, associates, friends and family joined us as we celebrated the opening of our new 138,300 square foot facility. The Vancouver Clinic invites you and your family to experience high-quality, comprehensive medical care under one roof.
Melody Urban
Executive Assistant
360.397.3442
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6/15/2007
A Webcam is now available allowing 24 hour visual coverage of the construction at the 87th Ave location.