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LiveWell Patient Story: Advanced Spinal Fusions
“It hit me that quick, and then it stuck with me. From that moment on, I had pain every day,” Janet said.
Janet spent months trying non-invasive techniques, like steroid treatments, stretching and anti-inflammatory medication, but the pain subsided only briefly. After receiving the non-invasive treatments at the Genesis Interventional Pain Management Clinic, she was referred to Yasu Harasaki, M.D. Specializing in spine surgery, Dr. Harasaki is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon with the Genesis Neurosurgery Group.
“Janet’s pain was getting in the way of everyday life – going up and down stairs or sitting in a car was painful. The pain also woke her up at night. She needed a long-term solution,” Dr. Harasaki said. After reviewing images of her lower spine, Dr. Harasaki identified a slipped disc pinching several nerves in a very tight space. He considered Janet’s overall health and situation and recommended minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery.
“The longer we’re off our feet, the quicker we become deconditioned and weak – that’s especially true as we age. With that in mind, I knew Janet would benefit greatly from the advanced technique that would only have a minimal disruption to her daily life. A lateral lumbar spinal fusion would be her best option,” Dr. Harasaki said.
Minimally invasive techniques connect patients with faster recoveries, less pain
Traditional spinal fusion involves an incision on the back and manipulating the muscles to access the surgical site. With the minimally invasive technique, lateral lumbar fusion, surgeons make a smaller incision on the side of the waist. This entry point offers patients less pain with the same desired results. “With a lateral entry, I can get to the structures without irritating back muscles as you do with traditional spinal fusion surgery. That’s why patients experience significantly less pain and faster recoveries with lateral lumbar fusion,” Dr. Harasaki explained. During Janet’s procedure, Dr. Harasaki carefully removed Janet’s damaged disc and replaced it with a titanium spacer. Then, using an advanced computer navigation system, he precisely placed screws and rods through 1 ½-inch incisions in the back to fuse the bones around the spine. “After a major back surgery, I was expecting some pain – but I did not have any pain,” Janet said.
Specialized physicians bring advanced care to our community
Muscle-sparing minimally invasive procedures like lateral lumbar fusions require specially trained physicians. For example, Dr. Harasaki completed a neurosurgery residency, followed by an extra year of fellowship training in complex spinal surgeries that focused on minimally invasive techniques. “In Central and Southeastern Ohio, not many surgeons perform the lateral lumbar surgical technique,” Dr. Harasaki said. “I feel fortunate to be able to bring this opportunity to our community. Minimally invasive spinal fusions are especially beneficial for patients with other medical problems, like diabetes, and also for our older population. In fact, most of my patients having this surgery are 70 years old or older.”
Compassionate healthcare teams bond with patients and families
Janet appreciated Dr. Harasaki’s expertise and taking the time to explain the procedure to her. For instance, after listening to Dr. Harasaki’s detailed explanation of the procedure, Janet mentioned talking with her adult daughters before deciding on
the surgery. “When I said that, Dr. Harasaki asked for their phone numbers. He was going to call them right then and tell them all about it. I could tell he was sincere. We were very impressed, and we continue to be impressed,” Janet said. Janet also appreciated the caregiver teams who helped her feel at ease during the decision-making process, surgery and recovery. The Genesis physicians and healthcare teams are known for communicating and connecting with patients and family members. “I often hear our patients say they’re treated as people here, and they feel listened to,” Dr. Harasaki said. “I think it’s wonderful that we can combine a welcoming feeling with advanced treatments and care for our community.”
Minimally invasive, major benefits
Advantages of lateral lumbar spinal fusions
When it comes to spinal fusion, a minimally invasive lateral lumbar
approach offers patients a bundle of benefits, including:
• Faster recovery
• Less pain
• Smaller incisions
• Less damage to muscles
• Lower risk of infection
• Decreased use of pain medication
• Shorter hospital stays
Nothing traumatic happened. At 81 years old, nothing traumatic needs to happen. As Janet Doyle routinely descended the steps from her bedroom one morning, an unexpected pain shot into her hip and traveled down her left leg.
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Francescon, John
Doctor ID
5211
Client ID
3075
John Francescon, DO
First Name
John
Last Name
Francescon
Professional Titles
DO
Year Joined Staff
2021
Gender
Office Phone
Emergency Medicine
2951 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
NPI
1447756630
Medical Education
2014 - 2018 Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
2018 - 2021 Akron General Medical Center
Board Certifications
Emergency Medical Services
Accepting New Patients
FALSE
Is Referral Required
FALSE
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Off
Genesis Emergency Physicians
Online Scheduling
Off
Genesis Medical Group
On
5211
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Off
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No
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Provider Type
Emergency Medicine
Bouhara, Mohamed A.
Doctor ID
5180
Client ID
4553
Mohamed A. Bouhara, MD
First Name
Mohamed
Middle Name
A.
Last Name
Bouhara
Professional Titles
MD
Year Joined Staff
2021
Year Began Practicing
2017
Gender
Office Phone
Anesthesiology
2951 Maple Avenue
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
NPI
1316473242
Medical Education
2013 - 2017 The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Internship
2017 - 2018 New York-Presbyterian Queens
Residency
2018 - 2021 Rutgers Medical School
Accepting New Patients
FALSE
Is Referral Required
FALSE
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Genesis Anesthesia Physicians
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Genesis Medical Group
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5180
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Anesthesiology
Johnson, Elston
Doctor ID
5179
Client ID
4399
Elston Johnson, DO
First Name
Elston
Last Name
Johnson
Professional Titles
DO
Year Joined Staff
2021
Gender
Office Phone
Cardiology
Invasive Cardiology
Nuclear Cardiology
955 Bethesda Drive
1st Floor
Zanesville, OH 43701
United States
NPI
1568854065
Fellowship
2018 - 2021 Doctors Hospital
Medical Education
2011 - 2015 West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
2015 - 2018 Doctors Hospital
Board Certifications
Cardiovascular Disease,Echocardiography,Internal Medicine
Accepting New Patients
FALSE
Is Referral Required
FALSE
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Off
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Nuclear Cardiology
LiveWell Patient Story: Bouncing Back to Health
Laura Walker eagerly made her first attempt jumping on a trampoline at age 29. Unfortunately, she tumbled out of control, severely injuring her knee. As a result, Laura spent two decades in agonizing pain.
Then a chance encounter and recommendation for Corey Jackson, D.O., changed her life. Dr. Jackson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with the Genesis Orthopedic Group.
Knee injury worsens
“It was my first time on a trampoline and my last time off,” Laura said. As years passed, arthritis aggravated the injury, and she suffered from an excruciating two-inch bone spur. Laura relied on her other knee for support, which eventually resulted in arthritis as well. Ultimately, the pain was too great for Laura to continue an 18-year career at a local restaurant in Cambridge, Ohio, her hometown. She is presently a contract driver for a local transport agency serving non-emergency medical patients.
“I learned to live with the pain,” said Laura, now in her late 40s. “I spoke with several surgeons who insisted I was too young for the surgery.” One day, Laura mentioned her situation to a transport patient experiencing similar symptoms. The patient enthusiastically recommended Dr. Jackson. “I called his office that day,” Laura said.
Dr. Jackson to the rescue
“Admittedly, Laura is much younger than most patients who require such an extensive surgery,” Dr. Jackson said. “The combination of the injury and time caused her to have a severely afflicted knee with severe osteoarthritis.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for knee replacement surgery. Arthritis causes the cartilage to wear away, exposing the bone in the joint, resulting in extreme pain.
“Our technologically advanced knee surgery is a solution for patients suffering from osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Jackson. The total joint replacement surgery involves removing a small amount of the bone and resurfacing it so patients can be pain-free. “Total joint replacement surgery has proven to be an incredible medical breakthrough,” Dr. Jackson said.
Genesis offers the latest in technology to provide the best in joint replacement surgery regionally. “Our specially trained surgeons and advanced providers provide expertise for patients like Laura to get them back to enjoying life,” Dr. Jackson said. “Plus, our advanced minimally invasive technologies help patients recover faster.”
“I had confidence in Dr. Jackson,” Laura said. “He explained every part of the surgery and recovery clearly and made me feel at ease.”
Life-changing surgery
“The principle goal of this surgery is for patients to walk pain-free,” Dr. Jackson said. “Laura was in misery. She couldn’t
straighten her knee, and every step caused discomfort. Now she is pain-free.”
Laura appreciates Dr. Jackson’s compassionate care that enables her to walk, run and sleep at night without pain. “The knee replacement surgery has been life-changing. I am so fortunate that I found Dr. Jackson.”
Laura Walker severely injured her knee at age 29. She spent two decades in agonizing pain.
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Groundbreaking Held for the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center
Zanesville, Ohio (July 23, 2021) – Genesis HealthCare System held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 23, to kick off the construction of the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. The state-of-the-art facility will provide improved access to high-quality, advanced healthcare to Coshocton County residents. It will open in early 2023.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era of healthcare in the Coshocton area,” said Matthew Perry, President and CEO, Genesis HealthCare System. “This ceremony symbolizes the excitement that is building for the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center. Our new facility will combine superior clinical information technology, advanced clinical equipment, and the latest in healthcare facility design with the best physicians, nurses, technologists and support staff to create the optimum patient experience.”
Located at 48119 US 36, Coshocton, the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center will have 60,000 sq. ft. of floor space in a one-story structure that features a modern design with amenities to enhance the patient experience. Services available include an Emergency Department; Outpatient Surgery Center; overnight observation unit; imaging department; laboratory; pharmacy; cardiac diagnostics; respiratory therapy; physical, occupational and speech therapies; and a medical office building for physician specialists. The facility will be staffed by 200+ full-time employees.
The project is supported by the community through generous gifts from the Montgomery Foundation, the Coshocton Foundation and the Genesis HealthCare Foundation. Community members can watch construction progress via a live feed and time-lapse video at genesishcs.org/Coshocton.
Participating in the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center groundbreaking ceremony were (left to right) Gary Fischer, Coshocton County Commissioners; Don Wells, Tuscarawas Township Trustees; Mark Mills, Mayor of Coshocton; Tiffany Swigert, Coshocton Port Authority; Matt Perry, Genesis HealthCare System; Pat Nash, Genesis HealthCare System Board of Directors; Linda Scott, The Montgomery Foundation; Bob Pell, Coshocton Foundation; and Jerry Nolder, Genesis HealthCare Foundation.
Genesis HealthCare System held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, July 23, to kick off the construction of the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center.
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Genesis HealthCare System named winners in two national marketing competitions
Zanesville, Ohio (July 22, 2021) – Genesis HealthCare System is the recipient of three gold and a bronze from The Aster Awards, the nation’s most elite competition dedicated to recognizing the most talented healthcare marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising, marketing and communications. The four awards were selected from 25,000 entries.
Genesis is also the recipient of a gold, a silver and four merit awards in the 38th Annual Healthcare Advertising Awards competition, held by Healthcare Marketing Report. Genesis’ materials were among 4,400 entries judged by industry specialists.
Award winners include LiveWell magazine from the summer of 2020; #GenesisHeroes special video series; Sounds of Good Health podcast, “Lessons Learned from the Front-lines;” and the Genesis COVID-19 Community Communication commercial.
View the winning pieces:
Gold Winner
Podcast:
Lessons Learned from the Front-lines
Gold Winner
Gold Winner
Genesis COVID-19 Community Communication Commercial
Gold Winner
Genesis HealthCare System is the recipient of three gold and a bronze from The Aster Awards, the nation’s most elite competition dedicated to recognizing the most talented healthcare marketing professionals for outstanding excellence in advertising, marketing and communications.
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Genesis HealthCare System recognized nationally as one of the best places to work in IT
8th consecutive year to receive award
Zanesville, Ohio (July 21, 2021) – The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top 100 work environments for technology professionals in the U.S. This award, given by IDG’s Insider Pro and Computerworld, is an annual ranking of IT departments across all industries based on a comprehensive employee questionnaire. This is the 8th time the Genesis IT department has received this award.
“I am so very proud of the phenomenal job that our team of IT professionals does, day-in and day-out,” said Ed Romito, Chief Information Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “Despite the obstacles we faced throughout the pandemic, our team was able to stay flexible and agile, and adapt rapidly to the needs of our organization. We have the best team in the nation because they are genuinely committed to bringing the most innovative technologies that enable safe, high-quality care to our patients.”
For organizations to be selected, IT departments must value new and challenging projects; possess a corporate culture that emphasizes teamwork; invest in employees through training and career development initiatives; and have high employee retention. For more information and to see a complete list of recipients, visit idginsiderpro.com.
The Information Technology (IT) department at Genesis HealthCare System has been recognized as one of the top 100 work environments for technology professionals in the U.S.
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