SALISBURY — Novant Health Rowan Medical Center has opened a new center that could make surgery easier for patients.
The Internal Medicine Preoperative Assessment, Consultation and Treatment Center, or IMPACT, aims to streamline the pre-operative process for patients and reduce complications for people with pre-existing risk factors.
According to Dr. Sean Malone, internist and medical director for the IMPACT Center, about half of the 6,000 patients prescheduled for surgery at Rowan Medical may be referred to IMPACT for screening.
Patients are referred to IMPACT because questions or concerns were raised during a telephone pre-screening with an anesthesia nurse or visit with the surgeon.
The new program is a convenient, one-stop shop for patients, Malone said.
“We have a dedicated space at the medical center where surgical patients can come in for further evaluation,” he said. “Not only do they get to speak with a nurse, but we can also perform blood tests and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to screen for any concerns.
“So with one appointment, patients can receive any additional tests they need and either be deemed safe for surgery or referred back to their primary care doctor for further treatment.”
Malone has published several articles and book chapters on the evaluation and management of patients before and after surgery and served as co-director of the IMPACT Center at the Ohio State University.
Patients referred to IMPACT come to the Wilson L. Smith Outpatient Center before surgery for registration, paperwork, a meeting with the anesthesia staff and instruction about what to expect the day of surgery.
The patient is evaluated by anesthesia and may be seen by the IMPACT provider, all at one appointment.
“Novant Health Rowan Medical Center is recognized nationally for having some of the highest quality and safety scores in the hospital industry,” President Dari Caldwell said. “The IMPACT program is another step to assure the best for our patients.”
Two new physicians have joined Novant Health Pinnacle Orthopedics. Dr. Cullan Reilly, a podiatrist/foot and ankle surgeon, and Dr. Michael Getter, a spine surgeon, join the practice at 810 Mitchell Ave. in Salisbury, just off Lincolnton Road.
Both physicians will perform surgeries at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.
Reilly graduated from medical school and completed his residency program, where he was elected chief resident, in Chicago. His lifelong involvement in athletics, including football and hockey, fueled his drive to become a foot and ankle surgeon. He specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, and minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopy and ultrasound guided procedures.
Getter graduated from Medical College of Virginia and completed his residency at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center and Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in spine surgery. He most recently practiced in Statesville. His practice covers diagnosing and treating general back injuries, cervical herniated discs and cervical spine disorders. He specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Novant Health Pinnacle Orthopedics is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 704-216-5633.