Staffed with Korean-American nurses who speak fluent Korean, the new Korean Pavilion also offers Korean cuisine, Korean TV channels and Korean signage throughout the unit.  Special designers were brought in to ensure the unit was culturally sensitive to the Korean-American population, ensuring proper “feng shui.”

St. Vincent Medical Center has seen the number of Korean-American patients it treats grow commensurately as the overall Korean population in Los Angeles surged during the last decade.  The hospital currently has more than 80 Korean physicians on staff, and Korean patients today make up a significant percentage of the hospital’s patient base.

Mutual communication is the cornerstone to ensure high quality patient care, say hospital officials, a challenge of many hospitals which serve multi-ethnic patients.

“Hospitals like ours are seeing more patients with different languages, cultural sensitivities and religions that can at times overwhelm caregivers,” said Cathy Fickes, president and CEO of St. Vincent Medical Center. “As a downtown Los Angeles hospital serving a very diverse patient population, we have learned to effectively communicate in their languages and accommodate the cultural needs of our patients to make sure we provide the best possible care. The Korean Pavilion underscores how serious we take the cultural needs in caring for our patients. ”

The hospital’s Korean-American physicians championed the development of the new dedicated unit.

“The new Korean Pavilion allows us to provide integrated inpatient care for our patients with highly sensitized nurses, staff members and caregivers who understand the cultural needs and can speak their language,” said Sam Lee, M.D.  “We worked hand in hand with the hospital to create an environment that provides ease and comfort for our patients and their families during their time of healing.”

St. Vincent Medical Center is located at 2131 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057.  For more information, call (213) 484-7111. To learn more about the Korean Pavilion, visit www.stvincentmedicalcenterkorean.org.

Free Screenings: Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Carotid Screening and Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening

Lecture:

“Heart Disease Risk Factors – What you NEED to Know”

Dr. Marc Girsky, Medical Director

Electrophysiology Specialist

“Save a Leg – Save a Life, Peripheral Vascular Disease”

Dr. Harry Balian, Medical Director

Peripheral Vascular Disease Specialist

“Nutrition Strategies for Big Impact on Your Heart’s Health”

Mei-lene Mak, Nutritionist

When: Saturday, April 6

Time: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Location:

St. VincentMedicalCenter – Seton Hall Auditorium

Parking at 201 South Alvarado Street (parking validation provided)

Los Angeles,CA90057

Tour: After screening and lecture, patients will tour Cardiac Care Institute.

To make a reservation for a screening call: 1-866-478-8462

Event sponsored by: Boston Scientific

The DCHS Medical Foundation is expanding its footprint along the California coast. The DCHS Medical Foundation, a statewide medical foundation established by Daughters of Charity Health System and headquartered in San Jose, CA, was formed in April 2012.

The Family Medicine Associates of San Jose (FMASJ), consisting of 12 physicians, joined the DCHS Medical Foundation on December 28, 2012. The board-certified family physicians at FMASJ have provided medical care to South Bay residents since 1977. The group also serves as the teaching faculty for the O’Connor Hospital Family Medicine Residency program, which is affiliated with Stanford University.

“We are excited to be part of DCHS Medical Foundation,” says Robert Norman, MD, FMASJ president and director of the residency program. “This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a medical home to our patients while providing fully integrated continuity of care.” More than 10,000 patients receive a full spectrum of medical services at their San Jose location.

The FMASJ practice includes preventive health visits for all ages; acute care; management of chronic diseases; minor surgical procedures; maternity care, coordination of subspecialist care, and more. Areas of expertise include women’s health and obstetrics, newborn and pediatric care, sports medicine, and treatment of headaches, depression, HIV/AIDS and geriatrics.

Also partnering with the DCHS Medical Foundation are George Smith, MD, of Active Medical Group of Northern California in Daly City, and W. Brian Joyce, MD, of Morgan Hill Medical Associates in Morgan Hill. Dr. Smith is board certified in internal medicine and pain medicine. Dr. Joyce is also board certified in internal medicine.

In Southern California, All Care Medical Group and Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group, both located in Huntington Park, are also now affiliated with the DCHS Medical Foundation. All Care is a multi-specialty medical group initiated in 1948 consisting of approximately 25 physicians, employees and independent contractors representing specialties including internal medicine, dermatology, urology, general surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics and more. Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group is the Independent Physician Association (IPA) of All Care and was started in 1984.

Craig Kaner, currently CEO of All Care Medical Group and Allied Healthcare Providers Medical Group, has also taken on the role of the DCHS Medical Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer for Southern California. Kaner has served as administrator for All Care and Allied Healthcare Providers since 1982. Kaner is a seasoned executive with experience in operations, financial management, human resources, team building, and business development. He received his MPA in Health Services Administration from the University of Southern California.

According to Ernie Wallerstein, President and CEO of DCHS Medical Foundation, all of the new members fit into their vision of facilities who provide person-centered care. “We are seeking physician partners who provide quality care and share our values and deep-rooted commitment to serving the diverse communities where the Daughters of Charity sponsor hospitals.” offers Wallerstein. “We have found those values and level of commitment in the physicians comprising our newest affiliations.”

Benefits to physicians joining the foundation are far-reaching, according to Wallerstein. “As a new and exciting venture, the DCHS Medical Foundation offers physicians an opportunity to create the organization from the ground up. They have a voice in how we will accomplish our shared goals of achieving optimal patient outcomes while achieving cost-savings and true integration.”

“We are pleased to be moving forward in our relationship with Ascension Health,” said Robert Issai, President and Chief Executive Officer, Daughters of Charity Health System. “This affiliation agreement will create significant opportunities for us to work with Ascension Health and benefit from their strategic expertise in many areas.”

DCHS is sponsored by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Province of the West. Four other Provinces of the Daughters of Charity, together with what is now the Congregation of St. Joseph, were the original Sponsors of Ascension Health when the health system was formed in 1999. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Alexian Brothers also now participate in Sponsorship of Ascension Health Alliance.

“Daughters of Charity Health System and Ascension Health have a common commitment to serve all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable,” said Robert J. Henkel, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Health and Executive Vice President, Ascension Health Alliance. “This agreement will strengthen Catholic healthcare through our shared Mission.”

A Joint Advisory Committee will be formed consisting of representatives from both organizations. According to Issai, this committee will provide a platform for ongoing dialogue and strategic planning to enhance delivery of quality inpatient and outpatient care throughout California. “An affiliation agreement provides the necessary structure for DCHS to form collaborative relationships to create more efficient person-centered care for the people in our California communities,” he added.

Specific terms of the affiliation agreement are confidential.

About Ascension Health Alliance:
Ascension Health Alliance (www.ascensionhealthalliance.org) is the nation’s largest Catholic and nonprofit health system. Ascension Health Alliance is transforming healthcare by providing the highest quality care to all with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable. Last year Ascension Health Alliance, through its subsidiary Ascension Health, provided more than $1.3 billion in care of persons living in poverty and community benefit programs. Its Mission-focused Health Ministries employ more than 122,000 associates serving in more than 1,400 locations in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Other Ascension Health Alliance subsidiaries focus on a wide range of service areas, including treasury management services, venture capital investing, global mission support and medical engineering services.

About Daughters of Charity Health System:
Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) is a regional health system spanning the California coast from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles. Its hospitals include: Seton Medical Center, Daly City; Seton Coastside, MossBeach; O’Connor Hospital, San Jose; Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gilroy; St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles; and St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood. DCHS was formed in response to the healthcare needs of the people of California. Every day, more than 8,000 associates and physicians serve patients and their loved ones, providing quality, compassionate care – body, mind and spirit. For more information on DCHS, please visit http://www.dochs.org/.

“It all started with a Walking Club and a Stairs Club in September 2011,” offers Gail Watts, director of Human Resources who oversees the program. “We gave out pedometers to all associates and now more than 70 associates participate in the Walking Club.”

The SVMC cafeteria is the Fit-Friendly hub, where associates can learn about nutrition and healthy food choices, which are highlighted with a wellness symbol. A Grain of the Month is introduced into the cafeteria menus. “We put healthy food into the vending machines and associates can push a button to get caloric content of their purchase,”Watts adds. “We also created a Wellness Center in the cafeteria where associates receive information on smoking cessation, diabetes, 24 Hour Fitness discounted gym memberships, and a Weight Watchers class held onsite,” she adds. Associates are encouraged to take a Wellness Assessment annually to raise awareness of their health factors, and incentives are available for those who walk, bike or take mass transit to work. In-house gym equipment is available for associates who want to exercise after work.

The AHA reports heart disease is the No. 1 killer in theUS, and physical inactivity doubles the risk. Poor diet and lack of exercise are now responsible for at least 25% of healthcare costs incurred by working adults. Their research shows for every $1 invested in corporate wellness, companies can receive up to $3 in return.

In order to reach Gold status, participating organizations must ensure 25 employees are taking part in the program. As a Fit-Friendly Worksite, SVMC receives recognition on the AMA website (http://startwalkingnow.org/), recognition at local events sponsored by the AMA and also in communication materials supporting the program. SVMC has also been given the right to use the Fit-Friendly Worksite Gold seal on internal and external communications. SVMC carries the recognition for one year, at which time they may reapply.

AMA offers the following suggestions for organizations and companies who want to build an employee wellness program:

1. Sign up for National Walking Day sponsored by AHA on the first Wednesday in April annually. (April 3, 2013).
2. Offer employees smart food choices in meetings and in the cafeteria.
3. Utilize the AMA tools such as the free, online Activity Tracker, which allows employees to post and keep track of their physical activities throughout the day.
4. Provide walking routes within a close proximity to company buildings for before, noontime and after work activity.

According to SVMC President & CEO Cathy Fickes, this partnership with AHA has provided encouragement for SVMC associates.  “Working together with AHA on this project has spurred our associates to get busy and get well,” she says. “When our caregivers take good care of themselves they are better equipped to care for others. Being named a Fit-Friendly Worksite is a win-win situation for everyone.”

About St. Vincent Medical Center: With three consecutive years of awards for quality healthcare services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Vincent Medical Center has been ranked fifth among Best Hospitals in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area for 2011-2012, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Providing compassionate healthcare and serving the sick poor has been the mission of St. Vincent Medical Center for more than 155 years. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent is a world-renowned, 366-bed facility, offering comprehensive medical services, including ear surgery and neurosurgery, general orthopaedics, spine care, joint replacement, cancer treatment, cardiovascular services, thoracic surgery, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and multi-organ transplantation.

St. Vincent Medical Center is part of the Daughters of Charity Health System, a nonprofit Catholic health system spanning the California coast.

ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER WINS SILVER-LEVEL RECOGNITION FOR

PATIENT ACCESS TO KIDNEY-PANCREAS ORGAN TRANSPLANT

LOS ANGELES (October 8, 2012) – With the highest kidney-pancreas transplant rate and shortest wait time of any kidney-pancreas program in the state, St. Vincent Medical Center’s Multi-Organ Transplant Center has achieved Silver-level status for 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

St. Vincent Medical Center President/CEO Cathy Fickes confirmed that the wait time for a kidney-pancreas double-organ transplant is actually lowest at SVMC compared to other transplant centers in California. She credits both a great transplant team and a supportive donor community. “The patient experience is at the center of everything we do at St. Vincent’s,” said Fickes. “Our clinical care and support for end-stage renal disease patients is something we are consistently proud to provide. Our organ transplant team is first rate and over the last year has achieved the level of service that makes us a Silver-level transplant center.”

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at HHS supports the Donation and Transplantation Community of Practice, which brings together donation and transplantation professionals, hospital staff, and other professionals involved in the donation process to identify and share best practices.

“I applaud these award winners for bringing the ‘gift of life’ to so many,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H.  “Their tireless efforts to make improvements in the donation and transplantation field will continue to help save lives.”

HRSA is also in the midst of a National Hospital Organ Donation Campaign, which enlists the help of hospitals across the country in increasing the number of people who enroll as future donors on their state donor registry.  Today, 56 OPOs and Donate Life affiliates, 15 state hospital associations, and 653 hospitals and transplant centers were recognized for their leadership in this national campaign.

]]> http://www.stvincentmedicalcenter.com/2012/10/st-vincent-medical-center-achieves-silver-level-honors-from-hhs/feed/ 0 http://www.stvincentmedicalcenter.com/2012/10/8-latest-hospital-cardiovascular-expansions/ http://www.stvincentmedicalcenter.com/2012/10/8-latest-hospital-cardiovascular-expansions/#comments Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:46:43 +0000 St. Vincent Staff http://www.stvincentmedicalcenter.com/?p=2144 http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-key-specialties/8-latest-hospital-cardiovascular-expansions-102.html

Here is a list of eight cardiovascular facility expansions at hospitals from the past two-and-a-half months, beginning with the most recent announcement.

1. St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles opened its Cardiac Care Institute.

2. St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus in Coaldale, Pa., opened its new Heart & Vascular Center, sleep lab and outpatient lab service site.

3. Saint Thomas Heart at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville, Tenn., opened the Saint Thomas Heart Valve Center.

4. Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque (Iowa) opened its $13 million new intensive care and cardiovascular units.

5. Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., opened its Ron and Carol Cope Heart Center.

6. Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Mo., opened a new heart center.

7. Wilkes-Barre (Pa.) General Hospital, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health in Northeastern Pennsylvania, completed its new $53 million heart and vascular institute tower and emergency department.

8. Biggs-Gridley (Calif.) Memorial Hospital added a new cardiovascular lab to its Medical Specialty Center.

www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-key-specialties/st-vincent-medical-center-in-los-angeles-opens-cardiac-care-institute.html

St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles announced the opening of its Cardiac Care Institute.

The facility offers inpatient and outpatient cardiac care from one location. Services include diagnostic testing, minimally invasive interventions, health education and lifestyle modification and medication management, among others.

“Our new Cardiac Care Institute will allow the hospital to provide integrated inpatient and outpatient care for our patients who suffer from congestive heart failure, heart rhythm abnormalities or other chronic cardiac problems,” offers Cathy Fickes, SVMC president & CEO.  “The clinic will provide the full spectrum of cardiac assessment tools and a full roster of physicians whose specialty is heart disease.”  Their newly-compiled roster includes cardiologists, vascular specialists, electrophysiologists, heart surgeons and a highly-trained team of nurses. 

Electrophysiologist Marc J. Girsky, MD, medical director of Cardiology Section at SVMC, said: “St. Vincent Medical Center, with its legacy of innovative cardiac care, will continue to provide a wide range of services to our community as well as cutting-edge therapies.”

With access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, SVMC specialists will offer patients the convenience of comprehensive, integrated cardiovascular care ranging from diagnostic testing and minimally invasive interventions to health education and lifestyle modification, as well as managing medications. If intervention is necessary, all procedures can be performed onsite.

Along with common diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, treadmill testing and electrocardiography (EKG), the Cardiac Care Institute offers patients an online station where patients can learn more about cardiovascular health. The Cardiac Catheterization Lab is the next stop if additional testing or procedures need to be performed such as pacemaker implant, angiography with or without vascular stenting, electrophysiology study or radio frequency ablation.

“The Cardiac Care Institute focuses on prevention and wellness, providing a medical home for cardiac patients through the full continuum of care,” said Fickes.

According to the American Heart Association (AMA), one in three adult Americans has some form of cardiovascular disease, often undetected.  SVMC Cardiac Care Institute physician Harry Balian, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a specialist in Interventional Cardiology, recommends prevention as the best medicine against heart disease. “I believe primary prevention is crucial in ensuring that patients take care of their health before they develop their first heart attack or significant vascular catastrophe,” he cites. “Healthy eating, exercising and risk factor modification should be incorporated in everyone’s lifestyle.” 

The AMA agrees. Their Life’s Simple 7 provides a roadmap to a healthier heart and cardio-vascular system.

The Cardiac Care Institute is located at 201 S. Alvarado Street, Suite 321in Los Angeles. To learn more, go to www.stvincentheart.com or call (213) 484-7800.

About St. Vincent Medical Center: With three consecutive years of awards for quality healthcare services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Vincent Medical Center has been ranked fifth among Best Hospitals in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area for 2011-2012, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Providing compassionate healthcare and serving the sick poor has been the mission of St. Vincent Medical Center for more than 155 years. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent is a world-renowned, 366-bed facility, offering comprehensive medical services, including ear surgery and neurosurgery, general orthopaedics, spine care, joint replacement, cancer treatment, cardiovascular services, thoracic surgery, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and multi-organ transplantation.

St. Vincent Medical Center is part of the Daughters of Charity Health System, a nonprofit Catholic health system spanning the California coast.

Clinicians will be on hand at the fair, 2222 Ocean View Ave. (across the 3rd Street bridge from St. Vincent Medical Center), to provide mammography screening, flu shots, cholesterol screening, vision and hearing examination, dental screening, glucose/diabetes screening, ultrasound screening, hepatitis B screening, information about free or low-cost health insurance (Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, CalFresh and more), pap smear screening referral, anemia screening, scoliosis screening, lung capacity screening, HIV/STD screening, blood pressure screening, body fat screening.

Physicians will be available for “Ask the Doctors” information about cancer information, nutrition, diabetes and heart disease.

Other support services will include after-school program information and enrollment, limited haircut services, limited car seat and toys for children. All services will be provided are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The major sponsor is Daughters of Charity Health Foundation, and other sponsors include: Avon Foundation for Women, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, UniHealth Foundation, Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation, Aetna, and L.A. City Councilman Ed Reyes – Dist. 1.

About St. Vincent Medical Center

With three consecutive years of awards for quality healthcare services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), St. Vincent Medical Center has been ranked fifth among Best Hospitals in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area for 2011-2012, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Providing compassionate healthcare and serving the sick poor has been the mission of St. Vincent Medical Center for more than 155 years. Established in downtown Los Angeles in 1856 by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Vincent is a world-renowned, 366-bed facility, offering comprehensive medical services, including ear surgery and neurosurgery, general orthopaedics, spine care, joint replacement, cancer treatment, cardiovascular services, thoracic surgery, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and multi-organ transplantation.

St. Vincent Medical Center is part of the Daughters of Charity Health System, a nonprofit Catholic health system spanning the California coast.

ER physician Sanjeev Seth, MD talks to KNX and describes the incubation period and symptoms of the disease that people can contract from mouse droppings in wilderness areas like national parks.

House Clinic neurotologist William Luxford, MD explains why it’s so important for people 50 and older to get regular hearing screenings despite a contrary and controversial new recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Fhealth%2Fyour_health&id=8776806

St. Vincent Spine Institute specialist Jennifer K. Sohal, MD talks to the anchors at KCAL-Ch. 9 about back pain and provides suggestions about how to deal with it.

STUDIO CITY (CBS)— Back pain doesn’t always mean surgery.

Dr. Jennifer Sohal an orthopedic surgeon of St. Vincent Spine Institute stopped by KCAL 9 studios on Friday to discuss back pain, myths and ways to cure the problems surrounding your back problems.

Some tips Sohal offered for back pain include:

· When sitting for long periods, use proper back support and stretch often

· Stretch before sports activities

· Poor posture, stress, improper shoes, smoking, and risky work habits can lead to back pain.

· Too much bed rest may stiffen & weaken muscles and worsen pain.

· When recovering, use a heating pad and do light exercises to strengthen the back

· Most back pain will ease with exercise

· Back pain with shooting pain down the legs can be serious, see a physician.

Sohal also debunked some myths involving back pain, which is said to affects 4 out of 5 adults in their lifetime.

Myth: Physical laborers are at high risk for back pain.

Fact: Actually, those who lead a sedentary life-style may be at equal risk. Truck drivers, office workers and others who sit for long periods of time may put stress on their backs. You can reduce the risk of injury by using a proper chair with back support, raising your feet slightly with a stool or phone book, and taking frequent stretch breaks. Sometimes high stress levels, job dissatisfaction and a lack of proper stretching before sports activity may also contribute to back pain.

Myth: Back pain is the result of injury to the spine.

Fact: There are many causes of back pain. Commonly, back pain results from the natural aging process of the discs, typically as we age. This is often genetically determined, like so many other medical conditions. Sudden twisting, bending, lifting or trauma can injure a disc’s surrounding muscles even in the young population. Aggravating the problem can be poor posture, stress, improper shoes, smoking and inappropriate work habits.

Myth: Long bed rest is the best treatment for back and spine pain.

Fact: Not true. Too much rest may stiffen and weaken muscles and joints and worsen the pain. It’s better to get active, take a hot shower or use a heating pad and initiate a gentle program of exercise to strengthen the back. Sometimes back pain can last for up to four to six weeks. Most of the time, it will diminish on its own accord if you exercise and use moderation. Mild medications and physical therapy may help. It’s best to consult a spinal specialist to help you determine what is causing your back pain and to help supervise your recovery progress.

Myth: Back pain means eventual surgery.

Fact: Not usually. For most of us, back pain is typically the result of a muscle strain, relieved by a few days of rest and perhaps some mild anti-inflammatory medication and exercises. Herniated or bulging discs can press against nerves, causing pain, often felt down the leg (called sciatica). Surgery is most often indicated when diagnostic tests reveal the center of the disc, a gel-like substance, has ruptured. Often, physical therapy may help. When pain is not relieved by those measures, then surgery may be indicated. For those with chronic back pain, it could mean arthritis, perhaps caused by wear and tear. An exercise program that emphasizes flexibility can help strengthen the back muscles.

Myth: Back surgery is dangerous.

Fact: Assuming tests revealed no abnormalities, surgery is only indicated when other conservative treatments, such as rest, medication and physical therapy, have been given ample time to work and the pain still persists or spreads, in most back surgeries, the spinal cord is not involved. And with new highly accurate imaging systems (CAT and MRI scans) and new microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques, we have a highly accurate picture and precise methods of surgery, which may speed recovery.

For more information on Dr. Jennifer Sohal and back pain visit, St. Vincent Spine Institute.

            The Supreme Court’s decision that the Affordable Care Act, including the individual mandate, is constitutional will help to ensure that all people living in California have access to health insurance coverage while curtailing the cost shifting that has plagued the healthcare system for decades.   

            “Living in a state with a significant number of people living below or near the poverty line, this decision is transformative and profoundly important for Californians,” said DCHS President & CEO Robert Issai. “The Affordable Care Act is the most significant advance in the provision of healthcare in the last 50 years, and we are grateful to President Obama and Leader Nancy Pelosi for demonstrating courageous leadership.”

            The ruling is critically important to efforts by Daughters of Charity Health System to find new ways of collaborating with community stakeholders in providing compassionate, quality care; reducing healthcare costs; and improving the patient experience. “We are working with other providers and community groups to help create comprehensive and coordinated systems of care to address chronic illnesses and disease early to promote wellness and keep people out of the hospital,” said DCHS Chief Public Policy Officer Conway Collis. “Working in this way to help implement the Affordable Care Act is at the heart of our mission.”

About Daughters of Charity Health System: Daughters of Charity Health System (DCHS) is a regional health system spanning the California coast from the San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles. DCHS hospitals include Seton Medical Center, Daly City; Seton Coastside, Moss Beach; O’Connor Hospital, San Jose; Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gilroy; St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood; and St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles. DCHS was formed in response to the health care needs of the people of California. Every day, more than 7,000 associates and physicians serve patients and their loved ones, providing quality, compassionate care – body, mind and spirit. For more information about DCHS, please visit www.dochs.org.

St. Vincent Spine Institute Neurosurgeon Fardad Mobin, MD, FAANS is quoted in Becker’s Spine Review on the topic of minimally invasive spine surgery.