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MHC establishes higher level of heart care in Medford

Nov 4, 2009

Aspirus Heart & Vascular Institute develops first regional satellite

Memorial Health Center in Medford
MEDFORD, Wis. – Memorial Health Center’s affiliation with Aspirus has given residents of Medford and surrounding communities convenient access to a broad range of services from one of the nation’s top heart programs.

Building upon their strong partnership, Aspirus and Memorial Health Center have created the Aspirus Heart & Vascular Institute’s (AHVI) first regional satellite location at Memorial Health Center in Medford.

 

“We wanted to improve access to a wider range of high-quality cardiovascular services in the region,” said Paul Luetmer, M.D., AHVI Medical Director. “High-end inpatient services, such as treating congestive heart failure and heart attacks, are now available right in Medford.”

Aspirus specialists work closely with Memorial Health Center physicians to support the Memorial’s existing cardiovascular services. The collaboration also has improved diagnostic, inpatient, outpatient and rehabilitation services.

To become an AHVI satellite, Memorial Health Center expanded or added the following services:

  • Device clinic – Follow-up and checks on pacemakers and other implantable cardiac devices.

  • Diagnostic studies – Echocardiography, stress testing and nuclear cardiology help tell how well a patient’s heart is functioning.

  • Vascular services – An Aspirus vascular surgeon offers medical therapy, and performs specialized procedures for patients with problems of the veins or arteries.

  • Level 1 – Streamlined diagnosis, transfer and treatment of heart attack patients gives them the best possible outcomes. In August, Aspirus MedEvac stationed an Interfacility Transport Vehicle, an Advanced Life Saving Intercept and a paramedic at Memorial Health Center. The paramedic is the only one in Taylor County.

  • Anticoagulation clinic – Closely manages and monitors patients who take anti-clotting medications.

“We are excited about this relationship because it is beneficial to our entire service area,” said Kaaron Keene, Vice President of Patient Care Services at Memorial Health Center. “We are proud to be able to bring world-class heart care to Medford and the surrounding communities.”

Contact: Greg Aune, 715.847.0479