Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Offers New Technology to Treat Prostate Cancer
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the first hospital in the state of Florida to partner with Vituro Health to offer FDA-approved technology for prostate cancer treatment. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to eradicate prostate cancer with reduced side effects. Traditional treatment options like surgery or radiation often come with unwanted side effects, namely erectile dysfunction and incontinence. HIFU therapy helps to maintain patient quality of life by drastically reducing these unwanted side effects through highly targeted tissue ablation. The outpatient procedure allows patients to return to regular activity within a week and typically requires no opioid treatment for recovery.
Steve Scionti, MD, Vituro Health’s Medical Director and lead physician at the Scionti Prostate Center in Sarasota, Florida, performed the first HIFU procedure at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in May, 2018. Dr. Scionti is globally recognized for his work in advanced prostate cancer diagnostics and minimally invasive prostate cancer therapy. He has worked extensively with HIFU, having performed over 1,000 successful procedures, and is considered one of world’s most experienced HIFU surgeons.
“We are excited to offer HIFU and work in partnership with Vituro Health and Dr. Steve Scionti to offer this innovative procedure,” said Andy Guz, CEO, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. “HIFU is one of several new cutting-edge procedures we have recently brought to the hospital.”
With the recent Medicare reimbursement that covers the facility costs of HIFU, more patients will be able to access HIFU treatment. The Vituro healthcare team assists patients in locating the most experienced HIFU physicians in regions where Medicare reimbursement is possible, ensuring the lowest out-of-pocket costs to the patient. Through the recently announced Medicare Elite Access Program, Vituro Health is providing a larger percentage of men with treatment options that are less invasive, radiation free and without life altering side effects.
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