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BOGG nears completion with Harvard Pilgrim Pap smear grant project

March, 2010
BOGG is in the final stages of completing a six month project related to cervical cancer screenings and early detection of cervical cancer. In 2009, our practice was awarded a grant from Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare to outreach to patients (of any insurance carrier) who had not had a Pap smear within the previous three years. The purpose of the outreach effort was to educate patients about the importance of regular screenings for early detection of cervical cancer, as well as to increase compliance with the recommended screening regimens.

The results of the grant will help other practices form programs for increasing cervical screening rates among their eligible patients. We are proud to have been a part of this important initiative, working to support the long term health of our patients while providing important benchmarking in quality measures for cervical cancer screening.
 

H1N1 Committee Remains Vigilant
March, 2010
The 2009 - 2010 flu season received much media attention, particularly due to the existence of the new Novel H1N1 strain (swine flu). Now that we are heading into spring, our practice and H1N1 committee remain vigilant of new outbreaks with the goal of reducing illness. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide you with pertinent updates when necessary.
Looking back over the flu season, we are especially proud of our efforts to manage effectively the H1N1 outbreak in the fall of 2009. Shortly after we learned of the potentially series complications of this virus especially in the pregnant population, we mobilized an H1N1 committee who was responsible for researching the virus, establishing protocols for treatment of pregnant women, educating our staff, and disseminating real-time H1N1 information to employees and patients alike. We registered to be an H1N1 vaccination site and closely monitored the supply of vaccine; we established work flows with the purpose of dispensing the vaccine to our pregnant patients without delay. During the peak of the outbreaks and vaccine supply shortage period, we regularly maintained our webpage on H1N1, sometimes updating it multiple times per day with information about our vaccine supply and other important information and flu resources. We are now pleased to share that our supply of H1N1 vaccine is plentiful and we are able to offer the vaccine to any patient at Baystate Ob/Gyn Group. Please contact us if you would like to set up an appointment. Click here to visit our H1N1 resource page.
 

First CenteringPregnancy group at BOGG finishes with rave reviews.
February, 2010
We are excited to share that we have completed our first CenteringPregnancy group and all patients who attended reported that they were extremely pleased with the program. Our first group, led by Mary Barber, CNM and co-facilitated by Debbie (triage nurse from our midwifery suite) began in September of 2009 and had their final group prenatal session in February. Many more CenteringPregnancy groups have begun since September and the program is becoming a popular option for our pregnant patients who are looking for an alternative to traditional prenatal appointments through a supportive, nurturing group environment.

Our CenteringPregnancy program offers progressive prenatal care in a group setting. Click here for more information!
 

Cervical cancer screening with the Pap and HPV test
January, 2010
HPV is a very common virus that is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact; it is estimated that 80% of women get HPV by age 50. Although most cases of HPV resolve without further problems, certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

In response to advances in technology and cervical cancer research, we are now using the HPV test in conjunction with the Pap smear for women age 30 and over. For this population of women, the combination of both test results provides a better screening tool for cervical cancer and the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The Pap and the HPV test each screen for two different conditions. A Pap smear looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix that occur as a result of a persistent high-risk HPV infection, while the HPV test looks for the HPV infection itself, even if it hasn’t yet caused abnormal cells.

We use the HPV test in conjunction with the screening Pap test for women age 30 and over to assess more accurately the risk of cervical cancer. Women who test negative for high-risk HPV AND have a normal Pap test have virtually no risk of developing cervical cancer before their next scheduled visit. Historically the recommendation has been to have a Pap smear annually. However, the recent advances in technology and extensive research have allowed for changes in the need for follow up screening in some cases. Depending on your results, you may not need another screening until three years have passed. Knowing your HPV status in combination with your Pap results helps you and your practitioner determine how often you should be screened.

In patients age 29 and younger, the annual Pap smear remains the recommended screening test. Routine HPV testing isn’t necessary in this population because HPV infections in younger women usually go away on their own without causing problems. We invite you to discuss your questions about cervical cancer screening with your practitioner.
 

First single port laparascopic hysterectomy performed by Dr. Elliot Greenberg at Baystate Medical Center
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Dr. Kathleen Mahoney’s menopause seminar draws over 70 enrollments
December, 2009
Dr. Kathleen Mahoney received an overwhelming response to her menopause seminar sponsored by the Spirit of Women, drawing over 70 enrollments of women ready to learn about “all things menopause.” During the seminar, Dr. Mahoney covered menopause topics such as common symptoms (and what can be done about them), health advice for sustained well being, recommendations for medical screenings through the menopausal years, and information about hormone therapy. She kept the audience fully engaged with her own personal experiences and a sense of humor. Click here to visit Dr. Mahoney’s biography page.