Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding recovery times.
Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is committed to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.
Data from the Michigan Hospital Stroke Program (MiSP) demonstrates the excellent care that we provide for our stroke patients. Our thrombectomy program continues to work diligently to provide the high- quality care for our stroke patients.
View the most recent performance report for Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland below.
Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland patient Kylie Ossege had the unique opportunity to participate in a fan experience, courtesy of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and the Detroit Red Wings. Kylie enjoyed a night out recently at Little Caesars Arena (LCA) with friends and family, where she got to take in a game between her hometown team and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
During the night, Kylie received a Dylan Larkin jersey, gift card and a Red Wings goodie bag. She had her photo taken near the St. Joe’s Bench, located inside LCA, and rode the team Zamboni. She even appeared on the LCA jumbotron during the game.
Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland patient Kylie Ossege was photographed above on the Little Caesars Area jumbotron
Following what has been a very challenging year for her, the evening’s activities offered Kylie and her family a reprieve and a chance to create shared memories.
Since arriving to Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland on Nov. 30, with injuries sustained from the Oxford school shooting, Kylie has made a tremendous recovery. In the months following her admission to the hospital, Kylie was cared for by many hospital colleagues from across different units and different medical disciplines.
“We are forever grateful to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and their incredible staff for their amazing dedication and care for Kylie,” said her mother, Marita Ossege. “From our friends in the ICU to the rehab team, you all have touched our lives in a manner we will never forget.”
Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland is a verified trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, which means it can provide first responders, patients and the community with increased access to highly specialized care during emergency situations. The verification ensures that patients with severe injuries receive priority access to the full spectrum of resources, including in-house coverage for trauma surgery, anesthesia, critical care and radiology, as well as cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, vascular and thoracic care.
Fabian Fregoli, MD, chief medical officer of Trinity Health St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, met with Kylie and her family several times during her stay in the hospital.
“Witnessing Kylie and her family’s courage has been an inspiration to me and our entire team” said Dr. Fregoli. “To recall where she was when she arrived through our doors and compare that to how well she is doing now, she’s had a truly remarkable recovery and I couldn’t be happier. She is thriving and we’re all rooting for her.”
Our team of expert OB/GYNs meet the changing needs of women from adolescence to mature adulthood. We provide specialized care, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for every woman at every stage of her life.
What services does an OB/GN typically provide?
Our services include:
Routine well woman care Pelvic Medicine Abnormal pap smear evaluation and treatment Hormonal problems, including perimenopause and menopause Natural Family Planning Urinary incontinence treatment Endometriosis diagnosis and treatment Chronic pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment Laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries Infertility evaluation Diagnosis and treatment of breast conditions and disorders Correction of bladder and rectal prolapse Surgical services such as colposcopy, and in-office endometrial ablations Ovarian cyst management OB/GYNs also deliver babies and can perform caesarean sections.
At what age should a woman first see an OB/GYN? We encourage patients to come see us when they are ready and feel comfortable doing so. We serve women from their teens into their 80s and 90s. At what age should a woman first have a pelvic exam? It is recommended to have a pelvic exam annually beginning at age 21, or sooner if you are sexually active..
At what age should a woman have her first a pap smear? The newest recommendations is to have a pap smear the age of 21, whether sexually active or not, and every third year following, if the test results are normal.
Can a primary care physician (PCP) do a pelvic exam and pap smear? PCPs, such as Internal Medicine specialists and Family Practice physicians, often perform these exams and tests.
When should you have your annual exam completed by an OB/GYN rather than a PCP? Patients can choose who they see for annual exams. Many women who are considering pregnancy in the near future choose to see us. Following a pregnancy, patients will frequently come to us for their yearly exams. We make sure our patients understand that if anything abnormal comes up on routine screening, we will send them back to their PCP for management. If they have co-morbidities, they should make sure to see us and their PCP.
What can a woman expect at her first appointment with an OB/GYN? Some women are anxious about their first appointment with an OB/GYN, so it is important to know that you do not have to be examined at a first meeting. You may prefer to have a general discussion about the female reproductive system or a consultation about a specific issue. If you are anxious about your first exam, we would encourage you to ask questions about how the exam is performed and why it is necessary. Then schedule an appointment when you are ready to have the exam. For support, some women ask a loved one attend the exam. Other patients prefer to visit alone for a private visit.
Are a pelvic exam and pap smear usually covered by medical insurance? What if during the exam a problem is discovered? Pap smears are a covered screening by insurance companies. If a problem is discovered, we will make sure we make an appropriate plan of care with you that you are comfortable with. This would also be covered by insurance.
At what age should a woman have her first mammogram? The answer depends on your risk factors, which include your personal and family health history. We recommend that you have a discussion with provider about risk factors before determining when to schedule a first mammogram. Typically, a woman’s first mammogram is between ages 40 and 50, and then annually or every other year thereafter.
How would a woman know if she is beginning menopause? Menopause transition is unique for each woman. The average age of menopause is age 51 but women can experience symptoms earlier, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. We are here to help women navigate that transition using both medical and natural remedies.
The best time to get a skin check is right now! The sooner skin cancer is identified and treated, the better. Lila Lazarus admits to waiting too long, but finally gets her skin checked with Dr. LaFond, MD Dermatology
Lila Lazarus visits Dr. LaFond
You may not be thinking about it, but right now is the best time to get a skin check. While sun damage may be associated with summer, it’s easier to identify suspicious lesions without the signs of sun exposure. The sooner skin cancer is identified and treated, the better. Also, where you get your checkup can make all the difference. Lila Lazarus admits to waiting far too long to get her skin checked, but finally gets her skin checked with Dr. LaFond, MD Dermatology.
Did you know that 1-5 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in their lifetime?
People at high risk of skin cancer include:
Fair skin
Red or blonde hair
History of severe sunburns
Exposure in tanning booths
Family history of skin cancer
Check your own skin once a month and be sure to tell your dermatologist if you notice anything has changed.
See some tips below to prevent skin cancer:
Wear a daily moisturizer with SPF 15+
Wear a hat when outdoors that covers your face an neck
Apply sunscreen frequently to exposed skin
Limit your time in the sun
You should get you skin checked every year by a dermatologist.
You should get you skin checked every year by a dermatologist.
This delicious frittata is loaded with heart-healthy, omega-3 enriched eggs and a medley of colorful vegetables. Start cooking the vegetables on the stove and finish them up in the oven with the egg mixture. To serve, top with avocado slices, grape tomatoes and a touch of sriracha.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an oven-going 10-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add sweet potato, sweet pepper and broccoli; cook and stir over medium 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt and black pepper. Pour mixture over vegetables in skillet. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on bottom and around edges. Using a spatula, lift egg mixture so uncooked portion flows underneath.
Transfer skillet to oven; cook 5 minutes or until egg mixture is set. Remove from oven. Let stand 2 minutes. Top servings with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle with sriracha.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:
1/4 frittata (3/4 cup)
Per Serving:
219 calories; protein 13.9g; carbohydrates 7.7g; dietary fiber 3.3g; sugars 2.2g; fat 15g; saturated fat 3.9g; cholesterol 372mg; vitamin a iu 2112.2IU; vitamin c 25mg; folate 90.8mcg; calcium 70.7mg; iron 2.2mg; magnesium 30.2mg; potassium 455.8mg; sodium 226mg.
We know how many gallons it takes to fill our cars… But when it comes to our bodies, we don’t know our numbers.
Nearly half of the adult American population has high blood pressure and most don’t even know it or the health risks of not knowing.
DeAngelo Banks, 46, admits he didn’t know his numbers. He had no symptoms. He thought he was completely healthy. The truth is, he was walking around with hypertension—a major cause of premature death. That didn’t surprise him as his father had hypertension. But it was worse than that. Only after he finally reached out to a doctor did he find out he was in dire straits. He had no idea. He was caught completely off guard. DeAngelo was at risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other life-threatening complications. By the time he got to the emergency department at St. Mary Mercy Livonia, he found out he needed immediate surgery to repair his heart. His numbers indicated he didn’t have long to live. During recovery from his life-saving surgery, DeAngelo and the St. Mary Mercy Livonia Cardiac Rehab team worked together to get him feeling healthy again. Today, he’s feeling great and much younger than his actual age.
His message: Talk to your doctor. Find out what your numbers are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your health. Even the embarrassing questions.
Looking for a Doctor?
Find a St. Joe’s doctor near you and take control of your health.
This delicious frittata is loaded with heart-healthy, omega-3 enriched eggs and a medley of colorful vegetables. Start cooking the vegetables on the stove and finish them up in the oven with the egg mixture. To serve, top with avocado slices, grape tomatoes and a touch of sriracha.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat an oven-going 10-inch nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add sweet potato, sweet pepper and broccoli; cook and stir over medium 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt and black pepper. Pour mixture over vegetables in skillet. Cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on bottom and around edges. Using a spatula, lift egg mixture so uncooked portion flows underneath.
Transfer skillet to oven; cook 5 minutes or until egg mixture is set. Remove from oven. Let stand 2 minutes. Top servings with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle with sriracha.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:
1/4 frittata (3/4 cup)
Per Serving:
219 calories; protein 13.9g; carbohydrates 7.7g; dietary fiber 3.3g; sugars 2.2g; fat 15g; saturated fat 3.9g; cholesterol 372mg; vitamin a iu 2112.2IU; vitamin c 25mg; folate 90.8mcg; calcium 70.7mg; iron 2.2mg; magnesium 30.2mg; potassium 455.8mg; sodium 226mg.
Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows that it’s a commitment to a lifestyle change. Altering habits can be difficult and many people struggle to stick with a new routine. Having a goal can provide focus, like qualifying for a needed surgery or going on a vacation pain free.
The good news is, if you want to lose weight and begin working towards your best self you don’t have to do it alone. With so many weight loss programs to choose from, how do you know what program is right for you?
In order to choose the best option for you, ask yourself these three questions:
Are you ready to start changing your lifestyle habits?
Would you prefer to have a support group you can lean on? Or would you prefer to forge your own path and do it by yourself?
Do you like to cook/be in the kitchen? Or does a structured, pre-packaged meal plan sound better to you?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, the HMR Medical Weight Loss program might be right for you.
What is medical weight loss?
Medical weight loss is the process of losing weight with the support, coaching, and guidance of a healthcare professional, like a doctor.
The HMR Medical Weight Loss Program uses experienced health educators that focus on teaching you the behavioral skills needed to manage your weight, for life. Our team uses their knowledge and medical experience to create an individualized and realistic plan that meets your unique circumstances.
What are the meal plans like?
The program offers two meal plans to choose from, the Decision-Free Plan and the Healthy Solutions Plan. The Decision-Free Plan is very structured; participants are medically supervised and only use the HMR prepared meals and shakes. The Healthy Solutions Plan is more flexible, allowing participants to use both the HMR prepared foods as well as some fresh fruits and vegetables. (This plan is not medically supervised.)
Decision-Free Plan
HMR Foods Only
Medically Supervised
NO Grocery Store Foods
Daily Calories = 800
Choose from a nutrition plan of 5 shakes daily or 3 shakes and 2 entrées daily.
Healthy Solutions Plan
HMR Foods + Fruits & Vegetables
NOT Medically Supervised
Daily Calories = 1,200
Nutritional plan includes 3 shakes, 2 entrées, and a total of 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables daily.
Participants have benefited from this program not only losing weight but many are able to stop taking certain medications and get back to living life. Read what our participants have to say about the program:
“I have removed all my diabetes and blood pressure medications, controlling both conditions with diet and exercise. There have been many positive benefits that I have enjoyed with the HMR program. The staff understands the struggles that come along at different times during your journey, and they have strategies to help you through. I would highly recommend the HMR Program to anyone who is committed to making this the time they lose the weight for good!”
Anthony B., lost over 130 pounds
“In the 18 months I have continued in the program I have learned and practiced how to deal with the ups and downs of weight maintenance. I no longer take diabetes, high blood pressure, or cholesterol medications. Good health and weight control is a conscious decision. I will always work at maintaining my weight and health. HMR gave me the opportunity to start living in the same but new and improved version of me.”
Rebecca C., lost over 65 pounds
Our program accepts people age 18 and older and can support participants with complex medical issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure. A referral from your doctor isn’t required to join the program, however, they are accepted and encouraged.
HMR has received the US News World Report Badge for ‘The Fastest Weight Loss Program’ for the 7th year in a row.
Ready to begin your weight loss journey?
Connect with a health educator today and call 734-712-5540.
Easy make ahead breakfasts are very important to many people who do not have time to prepare a healthy breakfast every morning. With these easy and healthy overnight oats you to can plan your breakfast for the week. Whether you prefer Blueberry Overnight Oats, Chocolate & Banana Overnight Oats or Tropical flavors like Pina Colada Overnight Oats, here you will find your favorite flavors.
Blueberry Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
1/2 cup (45g) blueberries
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
1-2 teaspoons Maple syrup
1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
slivered almonds and blueberries for topping
Chocolate & Banana Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
1 tablespoon Cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
1-2 teaspoons Maple syrup, optional
1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
1/2 Banana
Chocolate shavings and banana slices for topping
Apple Pie Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
1/2 Apple, grated
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons Honey/maple syrup, optional
Walnuts
Pina Colada Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
2oz (60g) Pineapple
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
1-2 teaspoons Honey/Maple syrup *optional
1/2 cup (120ml) Coconut milk or any milk of your choice
1 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Pineapple chunks and desiccated coconut for topping
Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup (45g) Rolled oats
1 tablespoon Chia seeds
Pinch salt
1/4 cup (70g) Greek yogurt
1/2 cup (120ml) Almond milk or any milk of your choice
2 tablespoons Natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons Fruit jam of your choice
Crushed peanuts and natural peanut butter for topping
DIRECTIONS
1. Place all ingredients into a large glass container/bowl and mix until combined.
2. Transfer to a jar or a glass. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Taking time to schedule an annual visit with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) could be life-changing because prevention is often the key to living longer, healthier lives.
Even if seniors are feeling well or taking very few medications, getting an Annual Wellness Visit can help your PCP identify symptoms and conditions early.
Q: Does Medicare require patients to visit their PCP annually?
A: Medicare does not require patients to visit their PCP annually. However, they do encourage patients to schedule an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (“Welcome to Medicare Visit”) within the first 12 months of part B enrollment to review medical and social health histories as well as preventive services education.
Medicare also encourages an “Annual Wellness Visit” every 12 months to develop or update a personalized plan for prevention of illness and perform a health risk assessment. During an Annual Wellness Visit, vitals are obtained, but a complete physical exam is not performed.
Q: Are “annual physicals” covered by insurance providers, including Medicare?
A: Medicare covers the Welcome to Medicare Visit and the Annual Wellness Visit, with no co-pay or deductible, but Medicare does not cover routine annual physicals during which more detailed exams are performed and which often include routine lab and screening tests.
Some supplemental insurance plans may cover routine annual physicals, with applicable co-pays and deductibles. Medicare will cover services for specific diagnoses with necessary labs/testing, but co-pays and deductibles will apply.
Q: What tests are typically part of an annual physical?
A: Tests are determined based on a patient’s age, medical history, family history, risk factors and presenting complaints. Often, labs are ordered to monitor blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, blood counts, cholesterol, and thyroid function. Screening for osteoporosis, breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer are also discussed and ordered as appropriate.
Q: Are these tests usually covered by insurance?
A: Many preventive services are covered by health insurance plans; however, patients are encouraged to check with their insurance companies before completing any lab or testing to see if it is covered, and how much out-of-pocket cost there will be.
Q: For people who are looking for a PCP, is there a trusted online resource for checking to see how a physician is rated?
A: There is a lot of information available online, but the most reliable, trustworthy resources would be a patient’s insurance company review or local hospital websites. These sources have firsthand information about physicians who have gone through rigorous credentialing processes and are highly recommended.
A Glossary of Helpful Terms Regarding Medicare and Checkups
Annual Physical An annual physical exam is an assessment of your body’s overall health. The primary purpose is to look for health problems.
During the exam, your doctor uses his or her senses to evaluate how your body is performing. Based on the evaluation, your doctor may ask you to have tests to determine or rule out possible health problems.
The list below shows some actions your physician may take during a physical exam.
Visually check your body for signs of existing health issues
Look into your eyes, ears, nose, and throat for potential problems
Listen to your heart and lungs to detect irregular sounds
Touch parts of your body to feel for abnormalities
Test your motor function and reflexes
Complete pelvic and rectal exams
Measure your height, weight, and blood pressure
Medicare does not cover an annual physical. The exam and any tests your doctor orders are separate services, and you may have expenses related to these depending on your Medicare plan.
Annual Wellness Visit A Medicare Wellness Visit is an overall evaluation of your health and well-being. The primary purpose is prevention and involves either creating or updating your individual prevention plan. Medicare covers a Wellness Visit once every 12 months (11 full months must have passed since your last Wellness visit), and you are eligible for this benefit after having Medicare Part B for at least 12 months.
During the exam, your primary care provider combines information from the visit with your medical record to assess your risk for common preventable health problems, such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Based on the evaluation, your doctor creates your individual prevention plan with a checklist of screenings you need to have.
The list below shows actions your provider may perform during a wellness exam.
Review your health risk assessment (questions you answer about your health)
Confirm your medical and family history
Document your current prescriptions and providers
Measure and document your height, weight, and blood pressure
Look for signs of memory loss, dementia, or frailty
Record your health risk factors and treatment options
Provide personalized health advice
Develop a schedule for the preventive services recommended for you
Medicare Part B covers an annual wellness exam and several preventive screenings with no copay or deductible. However, you may have to pay a portion of the cost for some recommended tests or services.
Copay An amount you are required to pay as your share of the cost for a medical service or supply, like a doctor’s visit, hospital outpatient visit, or prescription medication. This is generally a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage.
Coinsurance An amount you are required to pay as your share of the cost for services after you pay any deductibles and is usually a percentage.
Deductible The amount you are required to pay for health care or prescriptions before Medicare, your prescription drug plan, or any other insurance will pay.
PreventiveServices Health care to prevent or detect illness at an early stage. Preventive services include pap tests, certain vaccines, and screening mammograms.
Routine Labs and Screenings Testing or services recommended by a health care provider that allow potential health problems to be prevented or addressed early enough for a better overall outcome of a patient’s health.
Supplemental Insurance Plan (also known as Medigap) refers to numerous private health insurance plans used to supplement Medicare. Medigap insurance provides coverage for many of the co-pays and some of the co-insurance related to Medicare covered services
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Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) A waiver that a physician or supplier should give a Medicare beneficiary when providing an item or service for which Medicare is expected to deny payment.
If you do not receive an ABN before you get the service from your physician or supplier, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you probably do not have to pay for it (unless it is a statutory exclusion).
If the physician or supplier does provide you an ABN that you sign prior to receiving the service, and Medicare does not pay for it, then you will have to pay your physician or supplier for it.
ABNs only apply if you have Traditional Medicare. They are not applicable if you are in a Medicare Managed Care Plan or Private Fee-for-Service Plan.
Coordination of Benefits (COB) Method for determining the responsibilities of two or more health plans that have some financial responsibility for a medical claim.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statement from your health insurance detailing what costs will be covered for medical care or services received. This generally will include the total cost of the care received as well as any out-of-pocket expenses that the patient may incur.
Statutory Exclusion Services or supplies never covered by Medicare. Some examples are dental services, routine foot care, and cosmetic surgery.
Schedule an annual visit with your primary care physician today
Looking for a Doctor?
Find a St. Joe’s doctor near you and take control of your health.
