Radiology
The Radiology department is moving toward a totally digital environment, yielding significantly faster evaluation of images and easier retrieval of studies. The Department of Radiology's services encompass Computed Tomography (both CT Fluoro and CT Angio), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (including MR Angiography and Cholangio-Pancreatography), Interventional Radiology, Interventional Neuroradiology and Digital Radiography.
The Interventional Radiology (IR) section continues to be a leader in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroid tumors, with embolization of the fibroid as an outpatient procedure and with preservation of the uterus (known as uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE). UFE is a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy (selective removal of uterine fibroids without removing the entire uterus). Piedmont has performed the largest number of UFEs in the southeast and is the third-most experienced facility in the country. IR staff donates its services in Legs for Life, a national community screening program designed to identify patients at risk for peripheral vascular disease.
Piedmont's Outpatient Diagnostic Center recently added a fourth ultrasound unit and general radiographic room, a second bone densitometry unit, a state-of-the-art Lightspeed unit and a second CT Scanner.

Women's Services
The Women's Center at Piedmont Hospital serves women at all stages of life - before, during and after childbearing years, including comprehensive diagnostics and gynecological care. Women's Services provide traditional surgical approaches and minimally invasive procedures (such as laparoscopy), complete nutrition counseling and weight management, comprehensive exercise and fitness programs through the Piedmont Hospital Health and Fitness Club, and numerous support groups and educational programs. Community services include bone density screening for osteoporosis.
Piedmont's maternity program offers classes and programs for all family members, the services of a perinatologist and neonatologist, and full antepartum care. Fiscal year 2001 saw 4,560 newborn deliveries.

Breast Health
The FDA-approved Breast Health Center performs more than 24,000 procedures annually. The Center offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of breast disease, including mammography accredited by the American College of Radiology, surgical procedures, as well as educational and support groups. Screening mammograms are available at two offsite locations, as well.

The Fuqua Heart Center of Atlanta
Established in 1994, the 138-bed Fuqua Heart Center of Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital is a regional leader in cardiovascular care. The Heart Center's staff comprises over 100 cardiologists, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons, plus a support staff of 500 cardiovascular professionals. Last year, the Fuqua Heart Center performed 2,800 interventional procedures, 600 electrophysiological procedures, 600 defibrillator implants and pacemakers, 1,663 open-heart/thoracic surgical procedures, and over 600 peripheral vascular diagnostic and interventional procedures. Yet the Center's high patient volume does not dilute Piedmont's legacy: peerless quality of care and personal attention.
In 2000, the Fuqua Chair of Interventional Cardiology was established to develop and expand clinical and basic research opportunities for the Center. Spencer B. King III, M.D., cardiologist, a pioneer in the development of the angioplasty procedure, was named to this chair.
Piedmont's cardiovascular research efforts currently involve 24 research trials, ranging from pharmaceutical to devices and radiation trials. The Center was the United States' third-largest participant in the SIRIUS Study, which examined whether coating a stent with an immunosuppressive drug would prevent events that can lead to restenosis after stent placement.
The Heart Center is known for its patient representative program - these individuals offer assistance and compassion to heart patients and their families. The Center's Patient/Family Education Program gives patients and loved ones background information about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart disease, serving approximately 2,000 individuals each month.
Piedmont Hospital is one of 15 not-for-profit VHA hospitals nationwide - and the only hospital in Georgia - to promote Women's Heart Advantage, an ongoing initiative to raise awareness of the incidence, symptoms and risk factors of heart disease in women.

Emergency Services
The Hospital's 25-bed, 22,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED) accommodated 52,000 patients in fiscal year 2001. The ED's Biosite Diagnostic System provides testing for cardiac markers at the bedside within 15 minutes. EMSTAT, the ED's documentation and tracking system, is integrated with the Hospital Laboratory's Cerner system and with radiology reports, optimizing Lab turn-around times and patient wait times.

Endoscopy
Piedmont Hospital's seven-room Endoscopy Lab is among the busiest in Georgia, with almost 1,000 cases performed monthly. Recent expansions include a specially trained manometry staff, to meet dramatically increased case volume. Advanced technological procedures include Endocinch, Manometry and Cryotherapy in Bronchoscopy.

Oncology
Last year over 700 patients received the most up-to-date cancer treatment available at both Piedmont Hospital and the Radiation Oncology Center at Howell Mill. New technology includes Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), for tumors of the head and neck, lungs, breast, and certain intra-abdominal sites (such as the prostate gland). IMRT enables physicians to deliver higher doses of radiation, and it yields higher cure rates without an increase in complications.
The Cancer Program at Piedmont Hospital has earned 12 years of continuous accreditation by the American College of Radiology. Piedmont is one of nine hospitals nationwide to achieve this level. The program has also earned continuous approval for over 25 years from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. (ACS)
Piedmont Hospital's 20-bed Medical Oncology Unit gives patients and their families comprehensive care and support throughout all phases of the disease process. The unit's philosophy is to treat patients holistically, identifying medical, emotional, social, and educational needs and concerns. Specialized nurses collaborate with Hospital chaplains, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and dietitians to coordinate care among the various disciplines, offering support and education for patients and families on what to expect from disease, treatments and post-discharge care.
Through affiliation with the Atlanta Regional Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP), under the auspices of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), patients benefit from the newest innovations and advances in cancer treatment. Piedmont physicians and patients have access to over 100 clinical trial protocols investigating new therapies for various types of cancer. The Hospital is one of 20 medical institutions in the U.S. to offer GliaSite® Radiation Therapy System, a promising new option for treating brain tumors. Community cancer-prevention trials for both breast and prostate cancer are ongoing, as well.

Neuroscience
The Neuroscience Department incorporates the services of neuroradiology, neurology, neuro-ophthalmology and neurosurgery, bringing together inpatient and outpatient services, resources and subspecialties. It provides comprehensive diagnostic testing and treatment for brain and spinal tumors, strokes and other vascular conditions affecting the brain, head and spinal injuries, herniated discs, surgical management of pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and a variety of other neurological conditions. Radiation therapy; pain management; and occupational, physical and speech therapies provide support services. Seven neurologists and six neurosurgeons serve on the active medical staff.
Piedmont is active in its efforts to educate the public about strokes, or "brain attacks"-particularly concerning the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when experiencing stroke symptoms. Considerable progress has been made in treating a stroke and the potential reversal of its effects, using "clotbusters" (such as TPA), as well as more sophisticated interventional procedures.
Piedmont was first in the Southeast to offer Gamma Knife™, an alternative for some patients with brain tumors, vascular malformations, tremors and other functional disorders that were previously often inoperable or presented unacceptable risks. The non-invasive Gamma Knife uses 201 precisely focused beams of cobalt-60 radiation to destroy deep-seated brain tumors without harming surrounding healthy tissue. Since 1989, nearly 1,500 patients have benefited from Gamma Knife treatment.
Piedmont's Neuroscience Department has pioneered endoscopic thoracic fusion, a surgical technique for treating thoracic back pain that is less invasive, less risky, and yields significantly shorter recovery time. Spinal disorders can be treated through minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for certain spinal conditions (endoscopic microdiscectomy) and deep-brain stimulation for disabling tremors.

Orthopedics
Piedmont Hospital has been named one of the "Top 100 Orthopedic Hospitals" in the U.S. - one of three in Georgia, according to an independent national study. The Reconstructive Joint Center of Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital is the second-busiest total joint center in Georgia, performing over 800 total joint replacements per year.
Since the early 1970s, Piedmont's orthopedic surgeons have been successfully reattaching severed extremities. The Hospital is also renown for treating hard-to-heal fractures, and complex pelvic fractures that are not treatable at other hospitals. Piedmont continues to lead the industry in spinal surgery, as well.
Since 1960, professional sports teams - including the Atlanta Braves, Falcons and Hawks - have depended on Piedmont physicians for their medical care. From rotator cuff shoulder repair to arthroscopic knee surgery, Piedmont Hospital is in the dugout, at the sidelines, and on the court.

Rehabilitation
The 15-bed Center for Rehabilitation Medicine offers intensive rehabilitation services to patients who have lost functional ability from illness or injury, specializing in caring for patients recovering from stroke. The Center's commitment to excellence is reflected in its outstanding outcome measures: Eighty-nine percent of patients return home.
Last year, for the second time since its establishment in 1994, the Center was accredited by CARF - the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission - for maintaining its delivery of "quality, coordinated, individualized and outcome-driven" rehabilitation services. This three-year award represents the highest level of accreditation achievable.

Community Outreach
Working with various organizations, Piedmont physicians and staff participate in numerous health education efforts and screenings, offer support activities for individuals living with serious or chronic health conditions, and provide early detection/disease-prevention screenings at no or low cost to the community. Ongoing support groups for people facing chronic or life-threatening health problems are also available, and the Hospital's website offers complete brochure texts on myriad topics. For several years, Piedmont's Sixty Plus Older Adult Services has provided low-cost computer and Internet classes for seniors.
Piedmont donates financial assistance, food, medical equipment and supplies to several charitable organizations. In addition, several staff physicians volunteer their services for those in need, both at home and abroad.

For nearly a century, generations of Atlantans have relied on Piedmont Hospital for their healthcare needs. Despite the challenges of soaring patient populations, ever-evolving technology, and the dramatic changes brought about by managed care, our mission remains the same: To provide superior healthcare and health-related services, delivered by a professional and compassionate staff, guided by physicians, and inspired by our patients, in a not-for-profit setting.