N ews aN d H e altH I N for matIoN from su m m It m edIc al G rou pSummer 2010www.summitmedicalgroup.com N ews aN d H e altH I N for matIoN from su m m It m edIc al G rou p

taking high tech to Heart page 3

healthyconnections

wHeN blushing

means

rosacea

surGery restores

HearING

Summit medical Group ServiceS At our state-of-the-art medical campus, patients of our multispecialty practice have ready access

to compassionate care from more than 100 outstanding physicians, surgeons, and clinicians.

2 healthy connections SUMMER 2010

Adolescent MedicineAllergy

Ambulatory SurgeryAnesthesiology

AudiologyBehavioral Health Center

CardiologyChiropractic Medicine

Colon and Rectal SurgeryCommunity Health Lectures

Complementary MedicineCorporate HealthCoumadin Clinic

DermatologyDiabetes Live Well Program

Emergency MedicineEndocrinology

ENTEvening Primary Care

Executive HealthFacial Esthetics

Family MedicineGastroenterologyGeneral Surgery

Genetic CounselingGynecologyHematologyHospitalists

ImagingImmunology

Infectious DiseaseIntegrative Medicine

Internal MedicineLaboratory Services

Laparoscopic SurgeryLASIK

Male InfertilityMedical SpaNephrologyNeurosurgeryNeurotologyNutritionObstetricsOccupational HealthOncologyOphthalmologyOrthopedicsOtologyPediatricsPediatric Weight ManagementPharmacyPhysiatryPhysical TherapyPlastic SurgeryPodiatryPreventive Medicine ProgramProctologyPulmonologyRheumatologySleep Disorders CenterSpeech TherapySports MedicineSurgical OncologyTherapeutic MassageThoracic SurgeryTravel MedicineUrgent Care CenterUrologyVascular ScreeningsVascular SurgeryVein Care CenterWeight Management

}} Take a look at what we have to offer—you may be surprised! Visit our website, www.summitmedicalgroup.com, for more information on our services and related links.

Keep up with the latest health news from Summit Medical Group on Twitter. Follow

@SummitMedicalNJ for timely tweets on breaking health news, new physicians, new

services, events, links to videos, and more. Visit www.twitter.com/summitmedicalnj.

Follow Summit medical Group on Twitter

Tell us Your Story and Win a Target Gift Card!Tell us how Healthy Connections and

Summit Medical Group are helping you

live well and stay well, and you will be

eligible to win a $200 gift card to Target.

In your letter, tell us which articles are

most helpful or which of our doctors has

gone above and beyond for you. E-mail

us at mbennett@smgnj.com or write to:

Summit Medical Group

Healthy Connections c/o Marketing Dept.

1 Diamond Hill Road

Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

You must be at least eighteen years old to

enter. Summit Medical Group employees

and their immediate families are not eligible

for the drawing. Healthy Connections welcomes your comments and sugges-

tions. Any correspondence to the newslet-

ter may be reproduced in part or whole.

Jeffrey Le Benger, MD

Chairman of the Board

Summit Medical Group

A message from the ChairmanOur hearts are one of our body’s most

complicated organs, so it stands to reason

that diagnosis and treatment of heart

problems requires advanced technology.

On page 3, learn about the role high-tech

plays in cardiology services at Summit

Medical Group. For more stories with

“heart,” read page 4 and see how collab-

orative care helped one little boy recover

his hearing and speech. On page 6, our

chief medical officer shares details on his

medical mission to Haiti’s bush country.

Every issue includes information on

insurance and billing, to help you manage

the financial aspects of your healthcare.

See the blue portion of page 4 for details,

and don’t forget to check out our calendar

on page 7 for upcoming free events and

classes. Summer is a great time to enjoy

life and Summit Medical Group is here to

help you live well and stay well!

Yours in good health,

www.summitmedicalgroup.com 3

H e a rt H e a lt H

When it comes to heart prob-

lems, an accurate diagnosis is vital to developing the best treatment plan. That’s why Summit Medical Group offers a wide array of advanced diagnostic cardiology services.

“Diagnostic testing can play a big part in

preventing heart disease and related problems,” says cardiologist Avinash Kothavale, MD. “By identifying problems in patients with symptoms or high-risk factors, we can treat them proactively before a heart attack or other major event occurs.”

Cardiologists at Summit Medical Group use the least invasive testing possible to safely and accurately diag-nose patients. Some noninvasive tests offered are:• Calcium scoring uses computed

tomography (CT) scan technology—a combination of special X-ray equip-ment and state-of-the-art computers—to identify and measure calcium in the heart’s arteries. A high calcium score is an independent risk factor for heart disease and can help determine a patient’s level of risk.

Taking HigH TecH to Heart

• Nuclear stress testing uses radiation tech-nology to help assess blood flow to the heart. The test is performed by taking images of the heart during rest and then comparing them to those taken during stress, typically after exercise. It’s often used to diagnose coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain or high risk factors.

• CT angiography is a noninvasive alternative to cardiac catheterization. It can help identify plaque buildup or blockages in the coronary arteries. A CT angiogram is performed using a 64-slice scanner, which provides detailed images of the coronary arteries.

• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging test that gives accurate, in-depth infor-mation about the heart’s structure and function. It’s often used to study

Avinash

Kothavale, MD,

Cardiologist

Summit Medical Group is celebrating 80 years of serving its community. For a special project on the founding and history of the

Group, we are looking for your input. If you have letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, or other articles of interest pertaining to

Summit Medical Group’s founding and history, please contact the Marketing Department at 908-277-8840.

patients with weak heart function, valve disease, irregular heart rhythms, and other problems. “In addition to offering the latest

cardiac imaging technology, Summit Medical Group also has an outstanding team of technicians and physicians performing and interpreting the studies,” says Dr. Kothavale. “The people involved with these services are just as important as the technology.”

The Summit medical History Project Wants You

To keep yourself on a healthy track, make an appointment with your Summit medical Group physician. If you are looking for a physician, visit summitmedicalgroup.com and click on the “Practitioners” tab.

www.summitmedicalgroup.com 3

f a m i ly H e a lt H

Three-year-old Sean Hansberry is now a smiling little boy. At age 18

months, he contracted a serious child-hood illness—meningitis—and lost all hearing. This was a critical time in Sean’s life for two reasons: As a reac-tion to the meningitis infection, the ears’ cochlea can ossify, or fill with bone, making implant surgery much more difficult or impossible. A second reason is that the first two years of a child’s life are crucial to normal speech and language development and are also a critical part of a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive devel-opment. Even a mild or partial hear-ing loss can put those development milestones in jeopardy. And identify-ing and correcting hearing loss, espe-cially after a serious illness such as meningitis, is extremely important.

Jed Kwartler, MD, Summit Medical Group otologist/neurotologist, implanted cochlear implants in both of Sean’s ears. Sean did well with the implants, but developed a staph infection in his right ear. Because of the infection, the thinness of Sean’s scalp, and the slight pressure from the external processor magnet, he developed some skin break-down and the implant became exposed.

Dr. Kwartler first tried to close this over with a skin flap, but the implant again became exposed. Then, with the

help of Reza Momeni, MD, SMG plastic surgeon, Sean was taken back to the operating room several times to try to clean the area and get it to heal on its own. Unfortunately, this did not work, and the right implant had to be taken out.

Dr. Kwartler took out the implant, but because he wanted to preserve the pathway for a future implant, he left the implant lead in the cochlea. Sean’s delicate scalp was split into two layers, and with the under-layer Dr. Momeni

reconstructed the area. In addition, Dr. Momeni grafted skin from Sean’s groin over the area so that the new tissue would be protected and heal normally.

Drs. Kwartler and Momeni waited approximately six months to let Sean heal completely. During this time, he was treated by SMG infectious disease specialists with broad spectrum antibiot-ics to ward off further infection. When both doctors were satisfied that the area had healed properly, Sean was scheduled to have his right ear reimplanted. Using the soft tissue pocket Dr. Momeni had created, Dr. Kwartler was able to locate the old lead from the first implant, remove it, and replace it with the new implant.

“He is an amazingly resilient little guy, always smiling,” says Dr. Kwartler. “It is amazing how well his speech and hearing are recovering.” Dr. Momeni adds, “Sean had no problems with any of his surgeries.”

Both physicians cite the ability to work as a team at SMG as a major factor in Sean’s good outcome. In treating Sean, Dr. Kwartler had at his disposal the physician experts needed to deal expeditiously with his problems as they arose—including plastic surgeons and infectious disease specialists. “Trying to coordinate this between multiple practices would be much more difficult,” says Dr. Kwartler. “This team approach is what makes SMG unique.”

Boy’s Hearing, speecH recovering

after CompliCated Surgery

Call your Summit medical Group pediatr ician to f ind out more about pain relief strategies for your children.

The ABCs of Surgery Center BillingIf you’ve had a procedure at Summit Medical Group’s Ambulatory Surgery Center, you may wonder why you have received more than

one bill. It may help to understand a little more about the process. Services performed in this center at Summit Medical Group are

divided into professional fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. These services are further separated into two billing areas. The profes-

sional and anesthesia claims and the facility claims are billed separately. This means patients will receive two different statements

related to their surgery. Likewise, there are two billing hotlines for questions regarding your surgery.

• Professional and anesthesia inquiries: 908-790-6500

• Facility inquiries: 908-790-6565

If your physician has found that you are a good candidate for surgery in the Ambulatory Surgery Center, our financial counselors are avail-

able to assist you. They are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our goal is to help individuals and families make

effective financial decisions about their impending surgery. If you are planning surgery and require assistance, please call 908-277-8957.

4 healthy connections SUMMER 2010

JoHN KolIopoulos, do, urGeNt careDr. Koliopoulos earned his BS in biol-ogy from Saint Peter’s College, Jersey City, N.J. He earned his Doctor of

Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Koliopoulos completed his internship in general medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Union Hospital, Union, N.J. He com-pleted his emergency medicine residen-cy at Saint Barnabas Health Care System/NYIT. Dr. Koliopoulos also works in the emergency room at Overlook Hospital, and he is board certified in emergency medicine.

rIcHard t. parIs, md, prImary careDr. Paris earned his BA with honors at Rutgers University College of Arts and Sciences in Newark, and his MD at the University of Medicine

and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, both in New Jersey. After graduating, he completed his residency at Overlook Family Practice in Summit, N.J., where he was designated chief resident. Before joining Summit Medical Group Evening Primary Care, Dr. Paris was chief medical officer, director of family medicine, and director of graduate medical education at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville,

N.J. His previous positions include associate director of medical affairs at Somerset Medical Center, director of the family medicine residency program at Mountainside Family Practice in Verona, N.J., and chairman of family practice at Somerset Medical Center, respectively. Dr. Paris has also been a family physician in private practice in Green Brook and Millburn, N.J.

stacey c. tavel, md, pedIatrIcsDr. Tavel earned her BA in the biological basis of behavior magna cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After

graduating, she earned her MD at New York University School of Medicine, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her residency in pediatrics at New York–Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital under the auspices of Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.Before joining Summit Medical Group, Dr. Tavel was a pediatrician in private practice at Westcare Medical Group in New York City. She has also been a member of the medical staff at St. Luke’s–Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City.An advocate for children and parents, Dr. Tavel has given community lectures and presentations concerning healthy sleep habits and optimizing development in

children. At Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, she was involved in a breast-feeding support project and chaired a committee to develop baby-friendly hospital policies. Dr. Tavel is a recipient of the Rosa Lee Neminar Award for her outstanding performance in pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine. She is board certified in pediatrics.

allIsoN Gurey wassersteIN, md, pedIatrIcs Dr. Wasserstein received her BA in the biological basis of behavior cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania in

Philadelphia. She earned her MD at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway and Camden, N.J. She completed her intern-ship and residency in pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, N.Y. Before joining Summit Medical Group Pediatrics, Dr. Wasserstein was a pediatrician in private practice in West Orange, N.J., and an attending pediatri-cian at Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in New York City. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

To f ind out more about these and all of our dist inguished physicians, v isit w w w.summitmedicalgroup.com.

m e e t o u r n e w d o c t o r s

The on-site laboratory at Summit Medical Group collects specimens for and performs all tests that SMG physicians order. Our licensed,

certified, state-of-the-art laboratory is at our Berkeley Heights campus, but patients can have their blood drawn at any SMG location. Our

services include:

• Special hematology testing for our oncology center patients

• Anatomic pathology testing

• Cytology testing (for gynecological patients and others)

• Phlebotomy services Monday through Friday at our Berkeley Heights, Watchung, Short Hills, and Westfield locations (limited weekend

appointments are also available at the Berkeley Heights campus)

Our laboratory is accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA) and recognized by the New Jersey Department of

Health as an Advanced Sentinel Lab, qualified to respond to bioterrorism events, should the need arise.

Need Lab Work Done? We’ve Got You Covered

www.summitmedicalgroup.com 5

i n t H e n e w s

medical Director makes medical mission Trip to HaitiWhile families gathered for Passover and

Easter, Robert W. Brenner, MD, chief medi-

cal officer for Summit Medical Group, left

on April 2 for a week-long medical mission

to Haiti with members of the Church Out-

reach to Youth (COTY) project. The mission

trip was on behalf of COTY’s Haiti Plunge

program. Though the trips have been taking

place for nearly three decades, this year’s

trek was a first for Dr. Brenner.

The group traveled via bush vehicle

north on the coastal route out of Port-au-

Prince for 58 miles into the Cabaret region.

They turned up a 6-mile dirt road into the

“Haiti bush” to a nine-village mountain

cooperative. The volunteers stayed in the

village of Desab, the hub of the cooperative,

where there was a schoolhouse, bakery,

and health clinic. There was no electricity

or running water. Families live in wood-

framed mud huts with thatched roofs.

Dr. Brenner spent most of his time in the

village clinic treating infections, respiratory

illnesses, and skin infections. Dr. Brenner

and his team also distributed water, sup-

plies, and medical care to a camp for peo-

ple displaced by the earthquake. Conditions

there were “absolutely heartbreaking,” he

says. “While I was only able to help a small

percentage of the people in the camp, I

did what I could. Something is better than

nothing.” Dr. Brenner adds that the Haitians

seemed to appreciate the help.

Upon his return, Dr. Brenner gave a talk

and showed video and photos from his trip

(available at www.summitmedicalgroup.

com.) For more on the COTY Project, visit

www.cotyproject.org.

6 healthy connections SUMMER 2010

Dr. Brenner, chief medical officer for Summit Medical Group, attends to a sick child in the Desab Clinic in Haiti.

WHen BlusHing Means roSaCeaAt first blush, a few pimples and

redness on the face may not seem worrisome. But for people who suffer from rosacea, these symptoms can be tough to ignore.

watcH for tHese sKIN cHaNGesRosacea can strike at any age. However, it usually first appears between the ages of 35 and 50. It is more common among women, particularly around menopause. While it can occur in people with any skin color, it most frequently affects those who have fair skin.

In people with rosacea, the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin may become red and dotted with pimples. Skin on the face may burn or sting and appear bumpy, dry, and rough. Tiny blood vessels may appear near the nose and cheeks.

In severe rosacea, the skin turns very red and thick. Some people with advanced rosacea, especially men, may develop an enlarged, red nose.

avoId wHat aIls youCertain triggers can cause rosacea to worsen, although these vary from person to person. Hot beverages, extreme weather, strenuous exercise, and alcohol are common triggers. Other potential troublemakers include spicy dishes, dairy products, chocolate, caffeine, certain household cleaners, soy sauce, and citrus fruits.

Steer clear of whatever seems to set off your flare-ups, and try these tips:

• Use a mild soap and moisturizer, and keep an eye out for skin-care prod-ucts that may cause problems. Products that contain alcohol, fra-grances, or witch hazel may irritate skin. Choose fragrance-free varieties when possible.

• Avoid the sun, when possible, because sunlight can aggravate rosacea. When outdoors, choose sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

• Do what you can to manage stress, which can worsen rosacea. If you feel tension mounting, take a few deep breaths to help calm down.

• When exercising, choose cool environ-ments, and drape a damp towel around your neck.If you’re self-conscious about your

skin, try a green-tinted makeup base under your other cosmetics to help mask the redness.

easING aN outbreaKWhile there is no cure, the outlook can still be rosy for people with rosacea. Prescription creams and gels, as well as pills, can help control the condition and clear up skin. Other options, such as laser treatment, may also help improve your skin’s appearance.

To f ind a doctor to treat your rosacea—or any other health problem— visit w w w.summitmedicalgroup.com and click on the “Pract it ioners” tab.

CLASSeSApogée classes are held in the Lawrence Pavilion on the third floor, right outside the elevator. Please bring your own mat and pay for all classes in advance at Apogée Spa. Your Pilates/yoga card will be initialed by the teacher at the end of each class. Call Apogée Spa at 908-277-8900 for more details.

FREE lEctuREs & EvEnts

#

www.summitmedicalgroup.com 7

clip & poSt&

All lectures will be held at Summit Medical Group, Education Center, 1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922, unless otherwise noted. Reservations required: 888-241-6981 or www.summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

my Feet Hurt: New Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis Thursday, September 23, 7 p.m. marco ucciferi, DPm, FACFAS Painful feet can make it difficult to get around, enjoy your day, and be productive. Learn common causes of foot pain, when foot pain can be a marker for other health conditions, and information about new treatment options.

Help with Two Common GI problems: GerD and Celiac Disease Thursday, September 30, 7 p.m.Adam Barrison, mD, gastroenterologist Many people suffer from GERD, a potentially serious medical condition that causes frequent heartburn and acid indigestion. Celiac disease is a digestive disease characterized by a body’s inability to tolerate gluten, the protein found in wheat. Both conditions can adversely affect quality of life, but are manageable with the right interventions. Learn about these two common and related conditions, symptoms that may warrant further attention, and effective treatments.

AuGuSTStress reduction: A Two-Part Workshop Wednesdays, August 11 and 18, 7 to 9 p.m. James Korman, PsyD, ACT, director, Summit medical Group Center for Behavioral Health, and profession-als from Apogée Integrative medicine and SpaLearn the signs and physiological effects of stress and anxiety. Discover evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and other techniques that help reduce anxiety and stress. This two-part program will provide a new understanding and awareness of practical skills that can increase your energy and improve your daily well-being. Please indicate if you are registering for one or both sessions.

SePTemBerDisaster DudesThursday, September 16, 5:30 p.m.Summit medical Group, education Center, C1-100Presented by American red Cross, Colonial Crossroads ChapterBecome a Disaster Dude. Disaster Dudes is a disaster safety presentation that teaches children in kindergarten through fifth grade how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to a disaster in their homes, schools, or communities. Fee: $5 per child. For FEE and REGISTRATION information, contact American Red Cross at 908-273-2076 or www.ccnjredcross.org/class_schedule.

Summit medical Group is now enrolling patients in a number of different clinical trials. For a regularly updated list of clinical trial opportunities, go to www.summitmedicalgroup.com/service/clinical-trials or call Kelly ritter, clinical trials coordinator, at 888-504-5038 to learn more.

sAvE tHE DAtE: sunday, October 3

Mark October 3 on your fall 2010 calendar for an exciting, interactive community sports health event at Summit Medical Group. We’re making plans to bring you the best information and activities in sports health in this area. Watch our online event calendar for more details: www.summitmedicalgroup.com/events.

WHen BlusHing Means roSaCea

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDSummit

Medical Group

summit medical Group1 diamond Hill roadBerkeley Heights, nJ 07922

He ALT HY CONNeC T IONS Jeffrey Le Benger, MD, chairman of the board of directors. For more information or suggestions concerning this publication, please call the Marketing Department at 908-277-8834 or e-mail mbennett@smgnj.com. Healthy Connections is published by Summit Medical Group. The information within this publication is intended to educate readers about subjects pertinent to their health and is not meant to be a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. © 2010. Printed in U.S.A.

Postmaster: Please deliver within June 21-25

816M

“Evening and weekend hours brought our family to Summit Medical Group. Comprehensive care keeps us coming back.”

Multiple appointments in one day

8 convenient locations

On-site digital imaging/pharmacy/lab

55+ coordinated medical specialties

System-wide electronic health records

Your family’s medical care needs don’t always end at 5 p.m. That’s why we offer conveniences like expanded office hours, easy scheduling, and in-house diagnostics testing, along with a wide range of medical services, to make it easier to get the care your family needs. Come to Summit Medical Group and see how easy and complete your medical care can be.

Celebrating

Yearstwitter.com/

summitmedicalnj

Our Practice Locations:Berkeley Heights • Millburn • Morristown • Short Hills

Summit • Warren • Westfield

summitmedicalgroup.com

Healthy_Conn_3.625x7_mech.indd 1 5/13/10 3:17 PM

Are You At risk for Harmful Blood Clots?

Does air travel figure into your summer vacation plans? Walk or stretch often during your flight. Any flight last-

ing more than an hour may increase your risk for blood clots.Blood clots most often form in the lower leg or thigh. They

can then break off and travel to your lungs, creating a very dangerous condition.

Other risks factors include:• A stroke, an injury, or another condition that makes it

hard for you to move• Taking hormones, such as birth control• A family or personal history of clots• Being obese or older than age 65

Deep vein thrombosis occurs without symptoms about 50 percent of the time. When symptoms do occur, they may include:• Swelling in the leg• Red, discolored, or white skin• A cord in a leg vein that can be felt• Rapid heartbeat • Slight fever• Warm skin• More visible surface veins• A dull ache, tightness, tenderness, or pain in the leg (these

symptoms may only occur while walking or standing)Preventing deep vein thrombosis

caused by long periods of sitting or reclining involves moving the lower leg. Flexing (bending) the knees may be helpful. Also, wear loose-fitting clothing, and eat less salt.

at the Summit medical Group vein center, our expert, board certified vascular surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical tech-niques to ef fectively treat spider and varicose veins. learn more at w w w.summitmedicalgroup.com/ service/ vein-center.