McKenzie-Willamette Heart Center is a state-of-the-art, one-stop care facility for open heart surgery and comprehensive cardiac care.

Some seven million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. “By opening this Heart Center,” says Dr. Phoebe Ashley, “McKenzie-Willamette is providing our community with an additional option for complete cardiac care.”

The Heart Center features a 600-square-foot cardiovascular operating room (CVOR) with the latest technology and equipment. The CVOR supplements the hospital’s six existing operating rooms. Patients will recover in the new cardiovascular intensive care unit directly adjacent to the CVOR. Whether here for surgery or other cardiac treatments, patients of the Heart Center will be able to stay in one room from admission through discharge.

“Staff comes to the patient, rather than moving the patient around floor-to-floor to various units,” says CVOR/CVU manager Becky Bellingham.  “You have more consistent communication among medical staff, less stress for the patient, and enhanced, ongoing interaction between staff, patient and family.”

McKenzie-Willamette Heart Center is one of a growing number of programs across the nation offering the One-Stop Care approach for cardiac treatments and surgeries, which greatly enhances the continuity of comprehensive patient care.

Local cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists (physicians who specialize in critical care) will provide both scheduled and emergency care 24/7 in the new Heart Center, located inside the hospital’s current facility at 1460 G Street.

New Heart Center provides a wide range of cardiac treatments, including:

•  stent placement (placement of a small, self-expanding, stainless steel mesh tube within an artery to keep the vessel open)

• heart attack treatment

• pacemaker implants

• implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs)

• diagnostic angiograms (heart imaging)

• angioplasty (A medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels of the heart. It is not considered a type of surgery.)

McKenzie-Willamette offers open heart surgeries*, including:

• coronary artery (blood vessels to the heart) bypass

• heart valve replacements and repair

• thoracic-aortic (chest/heart) surgery

• aneurism repair (An aneurism is a dilation or swelling of a blood vessel, where part of the vein or artery inflates like a balloon. The wall of the aneurism stretches and is thinner and weaker than the rest of the artery wall. Because of its likelihood to burst, it poses a serious health risk.)

*Open-heart surgery is any surgical procedure that requires an incision into the heart, exposing one or more of the cardiac chambers. The most common open-heart operations are for repair of valvular disease and for correction of congenital heart defects, chiefly septal and valve defects. Open-heart surgery has also been used in the treatment of severe coronary-artery disease.

A full range of noninvasive procedures and tests, such as EKGs and stress tests will continue to be offered at McKenzie-Willamette.

One-Stop Environment

Background

McKenzie-Willamette launched new cardiac services when it opened a diagnostic cardiac catheterization (cath) lab in December 2004. Within weeks, the hospital was providing much-needed diagnostic services to cardiac patients throughout central Lane County.

In 2006 the hospital took cardiac services to the next level with the introduction of open-heart surgery and cardiac interventions, such as balloon angioplasty and stents. Area cardiologists and other physicians have long encouraged McKenzie-Willamette to expand cardiac services in order to provide more comprehensive care for patients.

In December 2006 the hospital opened a dedicated cardiovascular operating room and a post-op care unit. McKenzie-Willamette combined the operating room and post-operative care unit in one area of the hospital's first floor -- not far from the cardiac catheterization lab.

According to Becky Bellingham, nurse manager and project coordinator, this co-location will be an improvement for patient care: "We will be providing focused cardiovascular care, including open heart surgery by specially trained cardiovascular staff in a one-stop model where patients are admitted, treated, recovered and discharged from the same unit." This reflects best practice for providing continuity of care and results in improved efficiency and improved patient, family and staff satisfaction.

Hospitalist Program

What is a hospitalist? During your hospital stay, a physician called a hospitalist may be part of your health care team. A hospitalist is a specialist in the field of internal medicine who cares only for hospitalized patients. Many family physicians and general practitioners refer their patients to a hospitalist when patients require hospitalization.

At McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, hospitalist services are provided by Apogee Medical Group and Oregon Medical Group.

Why isn’t my doctor seeing me in the hospital? The increasing complexities of modern medicine do not allow any single physician to have expert knowledge in all areas, and as such, your doctor has probably referred you to a specialist at one time or another. Since no physician can be in more than one place at one time, your doctor has chosen to refer you to a hospitalist. 

What are the benefits to me as a patient of being cared for by a hospitalist? If you are hospitalized, your illness is very serious. Hospitalist physicians are skilled in the latest diagnostics and treatments for hospital medicine. They will talk with families following a procedure, taking the time to explain results and providing information in a caring way. They can also visit with hospital patients before and after surgeries, or during longer-term stays to ensure the patient's greatest comfort. They interact with other physician specialists and hospital technicians, acting as the liaison for the family and patients when necessary.  

How will my doctor know what happened in the hospital? When you are well enough to leave the hospital, a complete summary of your hospitalization will be transmitted directly to your doctor’s office. Hospitalists are available to you and your doctor to answer any questions regarding your care in the hospital. 

More about Apogee Medical Group Hospitalists

General Surgery & Short Stay

The hospital is preparing to spend just under $6 million for construction of a dedicated open-heart operating room, perfusion room, procedure room, and renovation of existing facilities and equipment to accommodate post-op and cardiac-care units. Please revisit our website often for updates on our progress. Expanded cardiac services will be available by July 2006.

Outpatient/Short Stay Surgery

Thanks to technological advances, many surgeries and medical treatments that previously required overnight hospitalizations can now be performed on an outpatient basis. McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center’s Short Stay Unit provide patients and their loved ones with the same extraordinary care that they would receive in overnight units, with the added convenience of same-day services, and in some cases substantial cost savings.

Our outpatient services include, but are not limited to:

• arthroscopic knee repair
• bladder and prostate tumor removal (cystoscopy) breast biopsy including stereotactic biopsy
• carpel tunnel repair (endoscopic)
• cataract removal
• prostate surgery using da Vinci robotics
• deviated septum correction
• eardrum repair (tympanoplasty)
• gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
• hernia repair
• hysteroscopy
• kidney stone removal (ureteroscopy)         
• orthopedic surgery including knee and shoulder arthroscopy
• sinus surgery (endoscopic)
• tonsillectomy
• vein ligation and stripping

Inpatient Surgery

We also offer a comprehensive range of inpatient surgical services, including:

• abdominal exploration
• appendectomy
• colon/bowel resection
• fractured bone repair
• hand repair (for fingers, joints)
• hysterectomy and general gynecological surgery
• total joint replacement
• vascular surgery including repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

 If you are facing surgery, ask your surgeon about hospitalization at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.

Intensive Care Unit

Unstable, critically ill and/or injured patients are cared for in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. Our ICU medical staff and physicians have extensive, specialized training and clinical experience. Although at times blinking lights and bleeping monitors can be bewildering to visitors and patients, the medical technology on ICU is designed to provide the highest quality of healing and care. Medical staff welcomes questions and the opportunity to explain to patients and visitors about our equipment and patient safeguards.

While there are no set visiting hours, to better accommodate a healing environment, staff may at times ask family/friends to limit the length of visits.

Laboratory Services/Infection Control

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center’s Laboratory is a full service, 24/7 laboratory, licensed and certified by CLIA,* CAP** and the Oregon State Health Department in hematology, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, parasitology, hematology, urinalysis, immunohematology, and surgical pathology.

*The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, or CLIA, resulted from a Congressional examination of lab practices. CLIA sets standards designed to improve quality in all laboratory testing and includes specifications for quality control, quality assurance, patient test management, personnel and proficiency testing. 

**The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Accreditation Program is granted deemed authority for all laboratory specialties and subspecialties defined by CLIA and awarded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CAP is also recognized by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as an equivalent program in JCAHO-accredited institutions, such as McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.

Language Interpretation Services

Foreign language interpretation services and communication support are available 24/7 for non-English speaking patients and others with special communication needs.

Medicaid Eligibility Program

The hospital has a Medicaid Eligibility staff member on-site to refer individuals who may qualify for state assistance programs. The Social Security Administration determines Medicaid eligibility for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SS1), while the Department of Human Services (DHS) determines eligibility for everyone else. The Medicaid Eligibility staff member together with McKenzie-Willamette's Care Management can provide assistance for patient applicants in the completion of all necessary financial applications to help the individual qualify for the state assistance.

Medicaid interviews are scheduled and are conducted on-site at the DHS offices of the county in which the party resides. DHS makes the final determination as to the individual being approved for Medicaid coverage.

For more information, call 744-8460.

Medical Records

Medical Records Services maintains patient-specific data and information to assist in the patient care process, to facilitate continuity of care, and to serve as the financial and legal record of treatment. You can view a copy of McKenzie-Willamette’s patient information privacy practices by clicking here.

Patient Accounts & Insurance

1621 Centennial Boulevard, Springfield, 726-4441

All patients should familiarize themselves with the terms of their insurance coverage. This will help you understand the hospital’s billing procedures and charges.

If there is a question about your insurance coverage, a member of the Patient Accounting Department will contact you or a member of your family while you are here. Information is needed in order to process your claims.

For questions, call Patient Financial Services, 726-4411, or stop by their offices at 1621 Centennial Boulevard, Springfield.

If You Have Health Insurance

We will need a copy of your identification card. We also may need the insurance forms, which are supplied by your employer or the insurance company. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital.

If You Are a Member of an HMO or PPO

Your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan’s requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.

If You Are Covered by Medicare

We will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some oral surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations and others. Deductibles and co-payments also are the responsibility of the patient.

If You Are Covered by Medicaid

We will need a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary. (See more at Medicaid Eligibility Program, above).

If You Have No Insurance

A representative from the Accounting Department will discuss financial arrangements with you. A hospital representative from Care Management/Discharge Planning Services is also available to assist you in applying for Medicaid or other government assistance programs.

Your Hospital Bill

The hospital will submit bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. But you should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company, and you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill. We have several payment options available to assist you in paying your bill.

Your bill reflects hospital services you receive during your stay. If you have certain tests or treatments in the hospital, you may receive bills from physicians you did not see in person. These bills are for professional services rendered by these doctors in diagnosing and interpreting test results while you were a patient. Pathologists, radiologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists perform these services and are required to submit separate bills. If you have questions about these bills, please call the number printed on the statement you receive from them.

Insurance Information

McKenzie-Willamette has direct contracts with the following insurance providers, but other insurers may offer coverage for our hospital services as well. Call your insurer, or our patient billing office, 726-4411, to find out if your plan covers services at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.

• America's Health Plan (AHP)
• BlueCross BlueShield (PAR, PPP)
• Confederated Tribes
• Employers Health Alliance
• First Health Network
• Galaxy Health Network
• Great-West Healthcare of Oregon (PO, POS)
• Healthcare Direct (LLC)
• HealthNet of Oregon
• Health Payor (HPO)
• Lifewise/PremeraFirst
• Managed HealthCare
• Multiplan
• National Provider Network
• Northwest/Caremark (PPOS)
• ODS (PPO, POS, HMO)
• PacificCare (All Plans)
• PacificSource Health Plans (All Plans)
• Private HealthCare Systems (PHCS)
• Providence Health Plans (All Plans)
• Samaritan Health Services
• Secure Horizons
• United Healthcare
• United Payors & Providers (Up & Up)
• Wilson & Paschall, Inc

Pharmacy

When requested by physicians, pharmacists assist in developing treatment regimens for specific patients based on the most up-to-date information available, taking into consideration cost and clinical efficacy. Pharmacists provide counseling for patients who may benefit from a better understanding of potential side effects and dosing information about medications. These patients can be identified by hospital staff, medical staff, or by a patient or caregiver requesting this service.

Rehabilitation Services

McKenzie-Willamette offers Rehabilitation Services at the following locations:

McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
1460 G Street
Springfield, OR 97477
541-744-8474

River Road Physical Therapy Clinic
2401 River Road
Eugene, OR 97404
541-461-3474

McKenzie-Willamette Hand Therapy Center
1460 G Street
Springfield, OR 97477
541-744-8474

At the hospital, Rehabilitation Services include physical, occupational, and speech therapies for inpatients seven days a week. Outpatients are seen on a scheduled basis at the hospital, and at the River Road Physical Therapy Clinic. McKenzie-Willamette has therapists offering a wide variety of skills, such as orthopedic, neuro and hand rehabilitation, lymphedema treatment, back care, manual therapy and sports rehabilitation.

Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care Services may include any of the following:

• Administration of medical gases, aerosols and humidification.
• Administration of pharmacological agents prescribed to treat respiratory disorders.
• Mechanical ventilation.
• Noninvasive, positive pressure ventilation.
• Bronchopulmonary hygiene.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Maintenance of natural and artificial airways.
• General patient treatment education, as well as education to help patients to stop smoking.
• Monthly support groups.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery: da Vinci® S™   A Breakthrough Approach to Female Surgeries

What used to be a multiday stay in the hospital and six weeks of recovery can now be an overnight in the hospital and just two weeks of downtime for women facing surgery for some gynecological conditions, thanks to McKenzie-Willamette's new da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery system.

Da Vinci® S™ robotic surgery is setting a new standard for the surgical treatment of a broad range of gynecologic conditions, such as:

• fibroid (noncancerous) tumors
• endometriosis (a painful condition in which the uterine lining moves and attaches to other pelvic organs)
• prolapsed (downward dropping) uterus

Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the da Vinci surgical system allows the surgeon’s hand movements to be translated into precise movements of micro-instruments within the operative site. Unlike standard laparoscopic instruments, which are straight and do not bend, da Vinci instruments articulate and rotate 360 degrees, allowing the surgeon unparalleled precision and flexibility.