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A New Option

Last spring, Thompson Hospital became the first in the Finger

Lakes to offer single-site gallbladder surgery, performed with the

breakthrough technology offered by the hospital’s robotic-assisted
surgical system, already in use for a variety of other procedures.

Following a small incision in the navel, the surgeon uses 3-D,

high-definition visuals to remove the gallbladder with smaller,
more precise movements. For the patient, this can mean minimal

pain and a quick recovery, as well as virtually no scar.

Close to Home, When it Matters Most

Access to UR Medicine specialists means Thompson is now able

to offer inpatient dialysis. Previously, inpatients requiring this

blood-cleansing treatment for kidney failure had to travel to other
hospitals with dialysis services in order to receive treatments

during their hospitalizations. Provided in a newly remodeled area
equipped with flat-screen TVs for each patient, these services are

complemented by referral-based nephrology consultations for both

inpatients and outpatients dealing with kidney disease. Also new to
Thompson, these consultative services are offered in order to ensure A Place to Turn

patients can receive the high-quality care they need, close to home.
For many years, Thompson Health associates have helped

individuals and families apply for Child Health Plus and other
Empowering Patients‚
low- or no-cost insurance options available through New York State.

With the Oct. 1 opening of the state’s insurance marketplace –

With diabetes affecting an estimated 8 percent of the population, in accordance with the federal Affordable Care Act – Thompson
Thompson Health in 2013 began offering self-management classes remained the place to turn. Thanks to a grant, the health system

on a monthly basis. Facilitated by a registered dietitian and a is the lead agency for the In-Person Assistance/Navigator Program
in Ontario and Wayne counties. From the time the exchange
registered nurse certified as a diabetes educator, the group classes
cover everything from the basics of healthy eating, to coping with opened through the end of 2013, Thompson's three certified

stress, to managing blood glucose. This puts the patient squarely navigators had already helped more than 400 members of the
community obtain insurance.
in the driver’s seat, enabling him to take control and remain an
active participant in his care with regard to this potentially life-

threatening disease.
Collaboration Yields Convenience

Through a partnership with Thompson, Highland Hospital – the

region’s leading provider of bariatric surgery – recently expanded
its bariatric services to the Finger Lakes region. Now, patients

preparing for weight loss surgery are able to complete their

nutrition counseling sessions and medical testing/lab work at
Thompson Hospital rather than at Highland in Rochester. They

save time, effort and travel dollars while receiving the same level

of services in a familiar setting. It’s an appealing arrangement, if
attendance is any indication. The first Thompson session – held

in October – attracted nearly 30 pre-screened individuals.

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