Pancreatic Cancer Awareness: Know the Warning Signs
Often referred to as ‘the silent disease,’ pancreatic cancer affects roughly 64,000 Americans annually. Of those diagnosed, only 9% survive five years beyond diagnosis. Because there are no routine screenings for pancreatic cancer like there are for breast and colon cancer, it’s especially important to be alert to early signs of the disease.
The topic of death and mortality is often seen as taboo in our society, making a simple conversation feel daunting. Overcoming these feelings of discomfort to have an honest discussion can have a profound impact in our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
Caring for the Caregivers: Support & Resources Available
If you've ever found yourself in the role of providing consistent care for a beloved family member facing a chronic illness or disability, you understand the immense difficulty and relentless challenges that come with it. It often means putting your personal life and needs on pause as you channel all your energy and focus into ensuring your loved one's survival. Read More
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SVMC Primary Care Offices Recognized for Patient-Centered Care
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Five primary care sites of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, have achieved national recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient care.
The following medical practices, located in Vermont, have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA):
SVMC Northshire Campus
Deerfield Valley Health Center
Pownal Campus
SVMC Internal Medicine
SVMC Pediatrics
The national designation recognizes SVMC's practice sites for providing comprehensive care and follow-up, in addition to a number of preventative and wellness screenings.
"Each of SVMC's practice sites follow a stringent set of guidelines that allows our staff to meet the criteria and ensures our providers, clinical and support staff give every primary care patient the care and follow-up they need, as well as options and appropriate screenings for a multitude of concerns," said Tina Gallant, CMPE, director of SVMC's Primary Care Medical Practices. "It's also a testament to the importance of our Community Health Team members who provide our patients with nurse case management, certified diabetic education and mental health and social services."
According to NCQA, research shows that PCMHs improve quality and the patient experience, and increase staff satisfaction—while reducing health care costs. The PCMH program identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians. A team of doctors, nurses, and other allied health providers oversees each patient's care, ensuring health needs are coordinated across the health care system.
Practices must resubmit for consideration every year. SVMC's Twin Rivers Medical office, located in New York, falls under a different evaluation system, separate from the NCQA guidelines.
"National recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home is an outstanding accomplishment by the staff, doctors, and advanced practice providers at our primary care practices," said Trey Dobson, MD, SVMC Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. "As we continue to focus on primary care provider recruitment and expanding access to our rural communities, this and similar awards demonstrate SVMC's commitment to exceptional health care."
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