DEBORAH recognized for excellence by AHA

For the third consecutive year, Deborah has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) for excellent performance, exceeding the benchmarks of the AHA’s Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease program. The Center also received a Sustained Performance Award from the AHA, making Deborah one of only a few hospitals in the country to have earned this distinction and the only hospital in New Jersey to be recognized for sustained performance under these guidelines for two consecutive years.
“This accomplishment is a tribute to the Center’s expertise and well-established process of care,” says Deborah Cardiology Chair Augustine Agocha, M.D.
The AHA award comes on the heels of Deborah being recognized as one of New Jersey’s top hospitals for managing heart attacks and heart failure. Moreover, Deborah has consistently ranked in the top percentile nationwide as a quality facility.

This free screening can save your life

Did you know that more than 200,000 people a year are diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), according to the Society of Vascular Surgery? Silent and symptomless, these aneurysms are quick killers, and 15,000 people each year die unexpectedly when a bulging AAA ruptures.
But now there’s hope: A new law passed by Congress states that when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, you may qualify for a free, one-time AAA ultrasound screening that can quickly, easily and painlessly detect this silent killer.
At Deborah’s South Jersey Aortic Center, we welcome Congress’ decision and urge everyone who qualifies to take advantage of this screening opportunity.
If you have a family history of AAA or if you’re a man who’s ever smoked—even just a few cigarettes—you’re eligible for a free screening as part of your welcome-to-Medicare physical.
You don’t have to have the ultrasound at the same time as your general physical; you can make a separate appointment.
At Deborah, you don’t need a referral for the ultrasound, nor do you have to see a vascular surgeon beforehand. Just call 1-800-555-1990 and ask for an appointment for your Medicare AAA screening.
Take the time. When detected early, these aneurysms can be safely treated. A simple ultrasound could save your life.

DEBORAH’s new Sleep Lab opens

In a major capital upgrade, Deborah has officially opened its brand-new, state-of-the-art Sleep Lab. Here, in a spacious, hotel-like setting with private baths, TVs, luxurious queen-sized beds and plush sleeper-recliners, patients can get comfortable and with minimal intrusion from electronic wiring, undergo a full sleep study recorded and analyzed by the latest computer technology. One night’s study can then pinpoint which of the more than 80 sleep disorders is keeping a patient from getting a good night’s sleep.
Sleep apnea, insomnia and narcolepsy are just a few of the many disorders Deborah’s sleep experts are trained to identify. If the study indicates an abnormality, the staff at Deborah’s Institute for Sleep Medicine can provide the appropriate treatment.
For almost 20 years Deborah has conducted sleep studies, making it one of the longest running programs in the state. The new Sleep Lab continues that tradition of excellence and greatly expands Deborah’s research capabilities.
Deborah’s Institute for Sleep Medicine Director Dana Supe, M.D., one of only a few doctors in Burlington County certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, points to the new Sleep Lab’s many benefits.
“We have a multidisciplinary approach to sleep disorders that includes collaboration with nutritionists; ear, nose and throat specialists with on-site surgery available if needed; pulmonologists; psychiatrists; and even bariatric surgeons on-call if needed,” she says.
In addition, since Deborah is a specialty heart, lung and vascular center, the Institute has a closely established collaboration with the hospital’s cardiology department, offering care when a sleep disorder is related to a heart condition.
“We now have the best of both worlds,” Dr. Supe adds, “an external setting off the hospital floors, for quiet and privacy, but located on a hospital campus, ideally suited to deal with any emergencies.”