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The state has rejected a local doctor's plan for a virtual colonoscopy service Date published: 12/23/2009
BY JIM HALL Virginia residents who want their colonoscopies done by CT scan in a doctor's office will have to travel elsewhere for it or wait for the state to change its mind about the idea. Dr. Karen Remley, state health commissioner, has rejected plans for three such integrated virtual colonoscopy centers, including one in Fredericksburg. Remley described the projects as costly, ineffective and unneeded. She rejected proposals from physician groups in Manassas and Loudoun County, in addition to the one in Fredericksburg. Dr. Frank DeTrane had proposed a $924,000 expansion of his Gastroenterology Associates of Fredericksburg practice. "It was just not meant to be at this time," DeTrane said last week, in reaction to Remley's decision. "Maybe in the future things will change." The state requires that developers who propose major health care projects get a permit. In this case, an analysis done for Remley by Douglas Harris, adjudication officer, concedes that CT colonoscopy done in a gastroenterologist's office would be convenient for patients. "But comfort and convenience comes at a price," Harris wrote. His report also says: It makes no sense to buy additional CT scanners when all three localities already have machines with unused capacity that could do the job. DeTrane's claim that his proposal would result Virtual colonoscopy is no more sensitive than traditional colonoscopy at detecting suspicious polyps. "Less costly and more reasonable alternatives to the projects exist," Harris concluded. DeTrane proposed a partnership with Dr. Mark Baumel, who owns a similar integrated virtual colonoscopy center in Delaware. Their idea was to buy a CT scanner and remodel DeTrane's office near Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg to add a virtual option to the traditional colonoscopies that he does there. Patients would be offered both types. If the patient chose a virtual colonoscopy, and it identified a polyp, the patient would have to have a traditional colonoscopy in the same location on the same day. About 20 percent of patients would fall in this category, according to the state's findings. The two types of colonoscopies are comparable at identifying cancers or pre-cancerous polyps on the walls of the colon. Both techniques also require a day-before cleansing of the bowel. The CT version exposes patients to radiation and is done every five years, rather than 10 years for traditional colonoscopy. It does not involve a sedative or an internal exam. Officials of Mary Washington Hospital opposed DeTrane's plan, saying it was a violation of the non-compete agreement he signed when he bought the land for his office. Local radiologists also opposed him, saying that they already offer a similar service. Baumel, DeTrane's partner, said last week that he remains convinced that an integrated service combining both types of screening in one location is a good idea. He said, "We hope that Virginia comes to realize that saving lives is more important than blocking another CT scanner from entering the state." Jim Hall: 540/374-5433
problem here in Fredericksburg really is - and why it is this
way - and what needs to be done to fix it - and who in our
General Assembly and our Gov is willing to take this one -
then at least we'd have some honestly in the discussion
instead of using this as a flimsy excuse to continue to bang
on the President.
which is purely a State issue but the anti-Obama folks can't
even admit that.. they have to tie this to Obama. That's not
only not fair.. it's really corrupt as a philosophy... in my
view.
The problem in Va was there before Obama.. it was not
caused by him. It is emblematic of the kinds of issues that
health care has that needs to be reformed. And no
Republicans - have done anything about it except
complain now that someone else is actually pursuing
changes. The opposition lacks integrity.
He supports reforms to the current system. It takes a whole
bunch of people in both houses of congress to agree on
what to present to him for his signature.
Saying that all of the folks are kowtowing to Obama to
produce Obama Care demonstrates the mindset of those
opposed.
They are as much opposed to his Presidency as anything
that comes from Congress and it don't matter that he kept
Gates, appointed Clinton, sends more troops to Afghanistan.. he's the enemy.. the anti-Bush to be gotten
rid of. truth.
don't want Obamacare - that's it! Very simple! If some people don't have insurance - but want it - take care of them! Some don't have problems with insurance. And, yes, I will have insurance next year - this year my premiums went down, not up. There is a lot of padding in the numbers because Obama's cronies want control. So, be careful what you wish for because you might regret it.
the Bush-loving Republicans did when they were in charge.
Where were all of you complainers when Bush and the
Republicans did NOTHING? People complaining that the
Dems didn't deal with tort reform and insurance across state
lines... WHERE were the Republicans when they could
have made these changes?
I think it is pretty hypocritical to yammer on and on about
"Obama-care" when not a peep was heard from you when
the Republicans were in charge.
That's what I call the ultimate in hypocrisy.
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