Recently in Health care Category

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center has reduced the cost of mammogram screening, it announced this week.

Breast imaging is available for a cash price of $100, a drop of $150, the hospital said in a statement.

For the $100 fee a patient can have one of three types of breast imaging: a screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram or ultra sound service.

For no additional charge a radiologist will interpret the results of the tests.

Patients must have a doctor's order to take part in this program, said Tami Barto, spokeswoman for the hospital's Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center.

The results of the screening will be sent to the patient's physician.

The ongoing service is available to women without health insurance or those who have coverage but are unable to afford high co-payments.

"Last year between 25 and 30 percent of our patients did not have health insurance, whereas a couple years ago it was only 8 percent," said Jan Eggleton, supervisor of the hospital's Breast Health Center in the statement.

The hospital's Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center registered a considerable decrease in the number of patients scheduling annual breast exams in 2009, the statement said.

Postponing or foregoing an annual breast exam because the patient lacks insurance is risky behavior, the statement said.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 a quarter million new female breast cancer cases were detected, the statement said.

In addition, 95 percent of new female breast cancer cases and 97 percent of deaths occur in women ages 40 and older.

"Screening and diagnostic mammography is the gold standard for finding breast cancers early when they are treatable," Eggleton said.

"That is why we have this program for people who have lost their health insurance. We want to make it affordable.

Because there is is no sure-fire way to prevent breast cancer, regular mammograms are crucial to detecting the disease, treating and saving lives, the statement said.

To schedule a mammogram, call 909-469-9395 and ask for the $100 cash price.

The service will be offered at The Robert and Beverly Lewis Family Cancer Care Center, 1910 Royalty Drive, Pomona; at Pomona Valley Health Center at Chino Hills, 2140 Grand Ave., Chino Hills; and Pomona Valley Health Center at Claremont, 1601 Monte Vista Ave., Claremont.

For more information, call the Breast Health Center at 909-469-9472.

The third annual "Walk & Roll for Casa's Kids" will take place today on the grounds of Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation, 255 E. Bonita Ave.

The fund-raising event, which will benefit Casa Colina Children's Services, will include vendors, bounce houses, a children's art auction, music, and opportunity prizes. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free.

Central to the event will be the Walk & Roll Children's Parade designed to accommodate children with disabilities.

Casa Colina's Children's Services provide services to children ages 16 and under with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, genetic disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders and orthopedics problems.

During the event a ceremony will take place honoring the Paul and Emilie Barbault family who have been long-time supporters.

The family will be presented the "Friend of the Children Award" given to those who "exemplify giving, caring, and selflessness."

Information: www.casacolina.org

POMONA - Pomona Valley Workshop will hold an open house March 19 for its autism services program.

The open house, themed "Open the Door to One," will take place at the offices of Anthesis Autism Services from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 520 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite C, in Pomona.

The event is designed for those diagnosed with autism, particularly adults, and their families so that through the event they will learn about the services and resources available to them in the community.

Teachers, community leaders and professionals interested in learning about autism are also welcome to the event, a statement from the organization said.

Information will be offered on how individuals, organizations and businesses can create an environment where those with autism can reach their potential and lead productive lives.

For information on the open house e-mail program manager Marie Martinez at marie@pvwonline.org or call (909) 624-3108, ext 28.

POMONA - The treatment for multiple sclerosis and the value of physical therapy to improve balance will among the topics of discussion at a free seminar offered by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation.

The two hour seminar, designed for those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, will begin at 6 p.m. March 17 at the Tamkin Outpatient Center, Building 1D of the Casa Colina campus, 255 E. Bonita Ave. in Pomona.

Speaking at the event will be a team of health care professionals who provide treatment to patients at Casa Colina's Multiple Sclerosis Center. Among the presenters will be Dr. Richard Shubin, a neurologist who is also program medical director at Casa Colina's Multiple Sclerosis Center; nurse practitioner Gail Hartley and Kathy San Martino, a physical therapist who is certified as a neurological clinical specialist.

A National MS Society social worker will also be on hand to offer participants literature and other educational materials.

To reserve a seat call (866) 724-4132. Seating is limited.
 

POMONA - Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation announced this week the Casa Colina Hospital will now offer outpatient physical therapy treatment on Saturdays.

To better serve the needs of working families the hospital will offer outpatient physical therapy on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in addition to its regular weekday services offered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to a statement from the Centers.

Services are offered at the Casa Colina Tamkin Outpatient Center at 255 E. Bonita Ave.

For additional information on the outpatient therapy services or to schedule an appointment call the Casa Colina Tamkin Outpatient Center at (909) 596-7733, ext. 3500.

POMONA -- Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center has been ranked
in the top 5 percent of the nation's hospitals for patient
satisfaction.

"We take pride in the care we provide our patients, and we
are encouraged that the past experiences of our patients at PVHMC are
such that they have rated us so highly," said Richard Yochum, medical
center president, in a news release. "We intend to continue to
provide this level of patient care, or better, in the years to come."

POMONA - Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center will have its 11th annual tree lighting ceremony Wednesday evening.

The celebration will be in the patio of Pitzer Auditorium at the hospital, 1798 N. Garey Ave., Pomona.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with activities that include a chance for children to have their picture taken with Santa free of cost.