February 27, 2004
Center For Digestive Health Holds Grand Opening
Outpatient Endoscopy Center Highlights New Genesis Campus
Bettendorf, IA - Responding to a rapid increase in digestive procedures, the $2.7 million Center for Digestive Health officially opened its doors this afternoon at the new 16-acre Genesis at Crow Valley campus in Bettendorf.
Several hundred people joined administrators, physicians and staff from Genesis Medical Center and Gastroenterology Associates, P.C., as members of the Bettendorf VFW held a ceremonial flag rising at the new 13,800-square-foot center at the northwest corner of 18th street and 53rd avenue. The new facility includes offices for Gastroenterology Associates, P.C., and an outpatient endoscopy procedure center.
Rapid growth
"Our practice has been experiencing rapid growth, and we want to expand access for our patients in the region," says William Davidson, III, M.D., of Gastroenterology Associates. "We are pleased to have worked with Genesis Medical Center to build this state-of-the-art facility, where we can continue to provide excellent patient care and improve access to our services."
The new facility illustrates how Genesis Health System is working to build relationships with a wide network of providers to improve access to health care in the region.
"From 1998 to 2003, endoscopy procedures at Genesis have experienced a 64 percent growth in volume, and we expect that growth to continue," says Leo Bressanelli, President and CEO of Genesis Health System. Part of that growth is due to the fact that Medicare Part B now covers a screening colonoscopy every 10 years for beneficiaries at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Those at high risk are eligible for a screening every two years. Medicare began covering this procedure in July 2001, and many insurance carriers are also extending a similar benefit at age 50.
Risk Factors
Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Age - The risk of colon cancer increases with age. Nearly 90 percent of colon cancer patients are over the age of 50.
- Race - African-American men and women are at greater risk for developing and dying from colon cancer than men and women of other racial and ethnic groups.
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or intestinal polyps
- People with a history of inflammatory bowel disease also may be at greater risk.
- Smoking or use of other tobacco products
- Physical inactivity
- Diet - A diet made up mostly of foods that are high in fat, especially from animal sources, can increase the risk of colon cancer.
The Center for Digestive Health is the first facility on the 16-acre site known as Genesis at Crow Valley Genesis is currently exploring several options to better serve the health care needs of the community. Possible options include more outpatient services and physician offices.
Genesis through its predecessors, St. Luke's and Mercy Hospitals, has been taking care of the community's health care needs for more than 133 years. It is the increase in these needs and the Health System's commitment to providing compassionate, quality health care to all those in need that has resulted in the development of the Genesis at Crow Valley Campus.
Currently, Genesis Health System (GHS), through its affiliates and divisions, owns an additional 43 acres in Bettendorf. Genesis FirstMed Clinic sits on 27 acres on Devils Glen. The Genesis Pain Management Center, Outpatient Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center, and three Genesis Health Group (GHG) physicians are located on 16 acres at the Genesis Plaza on Maplecrest. Other Genesis facilities in northeastern Scott County include the GHG corporate and physician offices, Psychology Associates and the GHS Information Technology department.
Genesis is also working on a joint project with the Scott County Family YMCA that will bring a new Y facility, a 12,000-square-foot Phase III cardiac rehabilitation program and a health and wellness center to the Devils Glen site.
