CMH News

Pictured: Felecia Jinwala, MD, performs vascular surgery at Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

 The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) opened in May of 2003 at the Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) campus, to bring skilled medical specialists and innovative treatments to the people of central Maine and beyond, including rural areas where residents previously had limited access to high-quality care.

The motto for the institute, when it opened, was “For the heart, from the heart,” and with its focus on individualized care for each patient, that same spirit prevails today.

Services range from conservative medical care and rehabilitation to surgery for common, and sometimes complex, heart and vascular conditions. The institute also focuses heavily on educating the community and preventing disease before it develops. Outpatient care is delivered from CMHVI’s Lewiston offices and at other locations throughout central and western Maine.

“The skill set among our surgeons and interventionalists is on par with top cardiovascular programs in the country,” said Michael Berlowitz, MD, MBA, FACC, chief of Cardiology, Central Maine Healthcare. “We have outstanding doctors who chose to come to Maine to live and work and have found a home right here at CMHVI.”

CMHVI was recently reaccredited for its stroke treatment and prevention programs. It has also been recognized by The American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain, the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for echo lab and vascular lab. The department has also been accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Administration.

Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital, and their healthcare professionals will become Tier 1 providers in Anthem’s Maine HMO Tiered Options Plans effective June 1, which ensures quality and affordability. Anthem’s Maine HMO Tiered Options Plans are available to members in individual, small group, and large group health plans and offer access to care at lower cost shares.

“We are committed to doing all we can to provide access to high-quality, affordable healthcare, and our growing partnership with Central Maine Healthcare will do just that,” said Denise McDonough, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. “Central Maine Healthcare is a key partner, and we are pleased to work with them to expand affordable care options to Mainers in the central part of the state.”

Under Anthem’s Maine HMO Tiered Options Plans, Anthem members have access to healthcare professionals and hospitals with lower-cost options and incentives. By selecting a healthcare professional or hospital in Tier 1, members could see significant savings in cost shares for healthcare services – such as lower copays for primary care physician and specialist office visits, lower coinsurance costs, and up to $3,000 in savings on deductibles, depending on the plan.

“Patients are going to be the big winners here,” said Steve Littleson, DBA, FACHE, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare. “We are pleased that Anthem customers under these plans can now come to our hospitals and physicians and get top tier benefits and lower out-of-pocket expenses. We look forward to our continued relationship with Anthem and providing access to the best care possible for the communities we serve together.”

 

A message from Steve Littleson, DBA, FACHE, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare

I am extraordinarily sad to share the news that we have lost a beloved member of the Central Maine Healthcare family.

Thomas Bosma, MD, who worked at Central Maine Family Practice, died on May 3rd following a vehicle accident that occurred when he was on his way to work.

Understandably, our fellow team members at Family Practice have been especially hard-hit by this news. It is a sad day for all of us.

Dr. Bosma was with Central Maine Healthcare for more than two decades. He completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center before joining the Mechanic Falls Family Practice. After briefly working at Martin’s Point Health Care, he returned to CMH in 2019.

According to his colleagues at Family Practice, Dr. Bosma was highly sought-after and held in very high esteem by his patients. He was also very well-liked by his fellow team members who remember his playful sense of humor and many routines, such as bringing his own home-baked bread to share at the office every Monday.

Dr. Bosma leaves behind his wife, Tracy, as well as a son and a daughter. I know all of you will join me in expressing my deepest condolences to his family and those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

If you would like to make a donation to the Central Maine Family Medicine Scholarship fund in memory of Dr. Bosma, click here.

 

Pictured: Ted Mcgillicuddy, MD, vascular surgeon, Central Maine Medical Center

Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) is observing Stroke Awareness Month in May by raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke, as well as the importance of getting prompt treatment.

 

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Maine, stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of long-term disability.

 

Ted Mcgillicuddy, MD, is a vascular surgeon at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. He says when it comes to minimizing stroke damage, timing is everything. “Time is of the essence, and you should seek medical attention if any stroke symptoms occur.

 

“If you recognize and treat it promptly, it really allows you to increase your quality and quantity of life,” Dr. Mcgillicuddy said.

 

Doctor Mcgillicuddy also said the acronym “B.E.F.A.S.T.” is helpful in identifying signs of a stroke:

 

B: loss of balance

E: blurred vision in your eyes

F: one side of face is drooping

A: weakness in arms or legs

S: speech difficulties

T: time to call an ambulance immediately

 

 

The risk of stroke can be lessened through healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not using tobacco and managing chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.