In the emergency room at Peachtree Regional Hospital, an elderly woman nervously awaits stitches to sew up the delicate skin of her hand, cut in a household accident. To her surprise (and relief) instead of stitches, she receives a painless application of Dermabond^®, a remarkable new adhesive that can work as well as stitches on certain wounds. Peachtree Regional Hospital was first in the area to offer Dermabond.

Richard Sobel, M.D., Board-certified Emergency Medicine specialist, says, "Dermabond brushes on virtually painlessly, and immediately forms a clear, flexible bond." Dr. Sobel continues, "It protects the wound while it heals, then simply sloughs off." According to the patient, "It didn't hurt a bit!"

Cardiologists at Peachtree Regional are pleased with Vasoseal - a new sealant for use in arterial procedures. Well-known cardiologist Robert Whipple, M.D., commented, "I wish we'd had Vasoseal a long time ago; it reduces patient discomfort following cardiac catheterization, because the patient doesn't have to wait six hours to get up and about."

Another breakthrough is the most accurate test of bone strength ever developed. Known as QCT, for Quantitative Computed Tomography, it alerts physicians to the possibility of osteoporosis, which affects half of women over age 55 and a third of men over 75. The test is quick, painless and inexpensive. QCT is Medicare-reimbursable and available through Peachtree Regional's Radiology department.

Physicians prefer patient care to record-keeping, yet they require an accurate and complete update on each patient's condition and treatment. To meet both needs, Peachtree Regional has installed CPCS, an electronic system which physicians can access from any location to get up-to-the minute reports on lab tests and other developments in their patients' condition.

Surgeon Garnet Craddock, M.D., praises CPCS: "I was skeptical at first, but the convenience and efficiency of instant, electronic reports free up time I prefer to spend with my patients."

Recently, the hospital added Speech Therapy to its extensive Physical Therapy program. Adults and children with speech or swallowing disorders now have convenient, outpatient access to a speech language pathologist.

Peachtree Regional Hospital, a community-focused, 143-bed hospital housing the area's largest emergency room and exclusive newborn delivery services, recently announced a joint venture agreement with renowned Emory Healthcare.

Linda Jubinsky, CEO of Peachtree Regional, said, "Naturally we are honored and pleased to be affiliated with so universally respected a medical center. Of all the advances we have recently introduced, none more clearly addresses our highest priority: excellence in health care, close to home."

Back to the Top of the PageBack to the HealthWise Home Page