Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/996776
" When you practice individually, you practice in isolation. But there is wisdom in collaborating and in talking about cases with your colleagues. It's important to be able to bounce ideas off each other." — WILLIAM E. SCHU, MD, GENERAL SURGEON AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF BREAST CARE PARTNERS BREAST CARE PARTNERS: A SPECIALTY CENTER WITHOUT BORDERS As physicians in a multi-specialty practice delve further into areas of specialization, they face unique challenges in the way delivery of care is typica lly set up, and in response, they 're creating exciting solutions. Breast Care Partners offers a range of services typically associated with a university medical center breast cancer program, including imaging, medical oncology, radiation oncolog y, nurse navigation, and of course surgery. To create this unique program, Centra l New York Surgica l Physicians has built on alliances with Crouse Health and other medical groups. "We've developed close working relationships with radiologists at Crouse and other practices in town," Dr. Congelli says. "We collaborate with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists to form a multidisciplinary group that isn't housed under one roof, hospital or practice. We're nationa lly accredited under the strict requirements of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. We have a nurse navigator and a multidisciplinary tumor board that meets weekly within the system. From the moment the patient walks through the door, everyone is on board and communicating about her case. We navigate patients through the system very smoothly, so all they have to worry about is showing up for appointments." Making scheduling and coordination of care even easier for patients, Central New York Surgical Physicians is located in the same building as the breast care center where imaging is performed and directly across from the hospital. Patients are able to have a biopsy and see their surgeon on the same day, while physicians from within the partnership can conveniently discuss patient care and management. A PROMISING FUTURE Medicine is developing rapidly, Dr. Sartori notes, and the partner- ship between Crouse and Central New York Surgical Physicians has adapted nimbly to the changing times. From electronic medical records to technological advances, Central New York Surgical Physicians continues to adopt those developments that best help patients attain swift, high-qua lity care and rapid recovery. "Technology is advancing on a daily basis, and we are keeping abreast of the techniques and the different ways of approaching the disease process," Dr. Sartori says. "There is big centralization of medical care; records, referrals, ED notes and imaging studies are all online. We're using these tools to create more continuity of care. Now we can see the patient for his or her initial visit with the information we need on hand to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan." The practice is also adding new skill sets and building rela- tionships. For instance, Dr. Sadowitz says, Central New York Surgica l Physicians is expanding its offerings in bariatric surgery. In partnership with Crouse, they are also expanding their capabilities in gastrointestinal surgery. "Crouse just acquired an advanced endoscopist to supplement our work, so we are now taking pancreatic cases," Dr. Sadowitz says. "We are looking to build a center for digestive disorders within the next three to five years." "City wide, the days of the large surgery groups are over," Dr. Schu says. "We are unique to have a private practice in general surgery. That allows for the friendships and collaboration that are lost when surgeons are individually purchased by hospitals. This collegiality is an asset to our group. It's incredibly beneficial to consult with a partner rather than to feel it is competing against you. We have something special, and we are trying to hold onto that." To learn more, visit cnysurgical.com and crouse.org. n M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C E N T R A L N E W Y O R K ■ 2 018 0 9