Moore Monthly Richie Splitt Column - November

Richie Splitt, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, Norman Regional Health System

November is a time of thanksgiving. It's a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the things we are grateful for in our lives. Norman Regional Health System is thankful for many things including the opening of Norman Regional Moore and the opportunity to provide life-saving care to you and your family. In addition, we also offer preventative care and early detection screening options for many types of diseases. Early detection of life-threatening diseases and conditions such as certain types of cancer and heart disease is certainly technology for which we are all thankful.

One such early detection screening Norman Regional offers is a low-dose CT screening for lung cancer. A computed tomography scan, or CT scan, is a painless, noninvasive test and scan of the lungs or heart. It is a type of x-ray; however, a CT scan's pictures show much greater detail than a standard x-ray. This screening helps physicians identify pulmonary nodules, which could be an early form of cancer. The screening is primarily for individuals who have a high risk of developing lung cancer, such as former smokers, but who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. The screening does not require a physician referral. You can simply call 405-307-2290 to schedule a convenient time. The patient will undergo a short CT scan, which is read reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a complete report to the patient's primary care physician within 24 hours of the screening. A nurse who specializes in lung health will organize follow-up care if needed. The low-dose CT screening for lung cancer is available at all three of Norman Regional's campuses including the new Norman Regional Moore and is offered for only $79.

Another early detection screening offered at Norman Regional is known as a heart scan, or calcium scoring. A calcium score is an indicator for potential for cardiovascular disease. This is not a study for individuals with known cardiovascular disease such as those with stents, pacemakers or who have previously had bi-pass surgery. Just like the lung scan, the heart scan does not require a physician referral. You can simply call 405-307-2290 to schedule a convenient appointment. The heart scan utilizes a CT scan and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. The patient receives a calcium score report immediately after the study which outlines how their score relates to the potential for heart disease. Then a board certified radiologist will review and interpret the results and send a complete report to your primary care physician. This report will include both your calcium score and any other findings for the scan. Heart scans are performed at all three Norman Regional campuses including the new Norman Regional Moore and is offered for only $50.

So this Thanksgiving take the time to give thanks for health and wellbeing. Schedule today a lung or heart scan (or both) to gain a better understanding of your lung and heart health. This test could potentially be a life-saver and help your doctor intervene with treatments or advise behavioral changes that could minimize risk for you or your loved one. This is where the healing begins.