Category: Sponsored

Selecting a health insurance plan? Here are 3 factors you should consider

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Colette Doudin - Health, Sponsored

When selecting a health insurance plan, determining if your doctor or specialist is in network is key.

This year the federal deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan is Dec. 15, with new health care coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Faced with the coming deadline, many people feel challenged when trying to decide the best coverage for their needs.

AmeriHealth New Jersey understands that sorting through the complexities of health care can be a daunting task, and the company is committed to simplifying the process, said Mike Munoz, market president of AmeriHealth New Jersey.

Mike Munoz, market president of AmeriHealth New Jersey

What to Consider

In order to decide what health insurance plan best fits your needs, there are three important criteria to consider:

Affordability: “Understanding the cost to buy versus the cost to use your health insurance plan is key,” said Munoz. For 2019, New Jersey residents can choose from 10 different AmeriHealth New Jersey health plans across the bronze, silver and gold metallic levels on the federal marketplace. There are 13 plans available off exchange, including three health plans in the Select Suite that provide a 10 percent savings compared to their similar on-exchange counterparts. Off-exchange health plans are not subsidy eligible.
Network of physicians: Determining if your doctor or specialist is in network is important. “This will enable you to maintain those relationships and limit out-of-pocket costs down the road,” said Munoz. AmeriHealth New Jersey has one of the largest networks in the state, he added.
Resources: Residents should also consider what resources are available through their health insurance company. On the web or via mobile devices, AmeriHealth New Jersey helps its members find providers, schedule appointments, and learn about wellness resources such as its Baby FootSteps^® Program for expectant mothers.

“We provide our members with information about programs to help them live a healthier lifestyle, including health risk assessments and health coaches who can help navigate chronic conditions more effectively,” Munoz said.

The selection process

For more than 25 years, AmeriHealth New Jersey “has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people in our communities,” Munoz said. Part of that dedication includes making it easier for people to understand their health care options — “while providing optimal choice and affordability,” he said.

AmeriHealth New Jersey offers an online Subsidy Estimator Tool in which residents can enter their financial information “to see if they qualify for a subsidy,” Munoz said. It can be found at amerihealthnj.com, ahnj4u.com, or download the free AHNJ On the Go app.

Licensed sales agents are also available by phone at (888) 879-5331. The agents will make sure the caller “is fully informed about the available health plans, how they work, what the potential premiums are, and more,” Munoz said.

This is the seventh consecutive year AmeriHealth New Jersey has participated in the federal marketplace. “Despite uncertainties, we have remained committed to our community and the individual market,” Munoz said.

About AmeriHealth New Jersey

For 25 years AmeriHealth New Jersey* has been dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve. Our members are at the center of everything we do. Since the onset of the Affordable Care Act, we have been committed to offering health plans on the Individual Marketplace, which has expanded access to coverage for New Jersey residents. We are exclusively focused on New Jersey with plans designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, small- and mid-sized businesses, municipalities and boards of education across the state. We also provide administrative services to self-funded groups. Named one of the Best Places to Work for the past eight years, and ranked 11^th in 2019, AmeriHealth New Jersey is in Cranbury, N.J. For more information visit amerihealthnj.com.

*AmeriHealth Insurance Company of New Jersey | AmeriHealth HMO Inc.

Renovations, decor and more: Here’s what’s hot in home design

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Home, Sponsored

Whatever home improvements you decide on need to reflect your lifestyle and preferences, regardless of what’s trendy now.

“The final decision is what your (space) will look like,” said David Earl, owner of Merit Kitchens and Hunterdon Kitchens. “I can’t tell you what will be in style three or four years from now. Nobody knows. A while ago yellow was big in kitchens — for about six months — and then it was out again. So, design for yourselves and your taste and not for some future person who might buy that home. Because if you decorate to your taste, somebody else will feel the love that was put into it.”

Homeowners are spending more on renovations and decor, according to the home improvement resource site, HomeAdvisor.

From baby boomers enhancing their investment to millennials getting their fixer-upper up to speed, homeowners are making the most of their space.

Projects that improve a home’s look and value should top the list, and kitchen remodeling, siding, replacement windows and architectural stone are sound investments that make bold design statements. Homeowners will recoup nearly the entire cost of these projects when they’re ready to sell, according to HGTV.com and construction industry source, Remodeling magazine.

High-quality siding keeps its appearance for decades. “Once you install siding, you’ll enjoy it for as long as you’re in your house,” said Neil Sciacca, president of Randolph-based New Jersey Siding & Windows. “And when you’re ready to sell, you’re selling a maintenance-free house.”

Today’s homeowners are choosing wood or wood-composite siding for that old-fashioned wood look, Sciacca said. And compared with vinyl and other traditional sidings, wood-based siding comes in wider panels, so homeowners get greater exposure per panel and a more seamless look.

Replacement windows also can revamp a house’s look while improving energy efficiency, Sciacca said. Windows with industrial black frames are in, and they artfully complement or contrast the house’s overall color themes.

Stone adds both charm and value. As homeowners favor contiguous, larger spaces over traditional, separated rooms, stonework can be used to create a common theme that flows throughout the home.

“Our lives today are about moving easily from one setting to another. Our homes should reflect and accommodate that reality,” said Heidi Arpacilar, executive vice president of Carlstadt-based Marmiro Stones. As such, she urges clients to view their home “from the inside out” when considering stone design options.

“For example, if we’re using stone to create a focal wall in a great room that faces a pool area, the stone that defines the walkway to the pool or the pool’s perimeter will complement the color and texture of that focal wall,” Arpacilar said.

Homeowners also recoup between 40 percent and 83 percent of the cost of interior room restoration when they sell their house, according to HGTV.com. The decor experts at Speedwell Design Center in Morristown note that vinyl plank flooring — once considered a “cheap” alternative to premium flooring options — is now an increasingly popular style statement. Thanks to advances in flooring technology, today’s vinyl plank flooring offers a more genuine-looking, wood-like appearance that lends a touch of warmth to the living room, rec room, bedroom or family room.

Vinyl plank flooring is simple to install, easy to mop and maintain, resists dirt and water, and is durable and scratch-resistant. It comes in a range of wood styles and, best of all, its inviting look lasts for decades.

Think Five is revolutionizing the treatment of prostate cancer

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

From left, Chad DeYoung, MD, co-director of radiation oncology; Thomas Kole, MD, Ph.D., radiation oncologist; and Michael Wesson, MD, co-director of radiation oncology.

Think Five. It takes less time, has fewer side effects and is equally effective in treating prostate cancer.

In this new approach to prostate cancer treatment, physicians deliver five precise high-dose radiation treatments to the prostate, rather than the standard course of up to 45 treatments, meaning patients can complete their entire treatment in as little as one week, often with fewer side effects.

“For years and years, radiation treatment for prostate cancer required daily radiation treatments five days a week for upward of nine weeks,’’ said Dr. Thomas Kole, a radiation oncologist with Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, part of Valley Health System. “While that treatment works very well, it’s obviously quite a burden for someone to have to come for radiation treatments for that duration of time.’’

Over many years, scientific research and clinical trials were conducted that led to the development of Think Five. Essentially, the protocol uses higher daily doses of radiation to shorten the duration of the treatment.

“The key is that we can now do this safely,’’ Dr. Kole explained. “We now have the technology and expertise to perform a very precise delivery of high doses of radiation to the prostate,’’ without damaging surrounding organs.

Dr. Thomas Kole, radiation oncologist, Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care.

“As our technology got better and better, we are able to deliver radiation more accurately,’’ he added. “This cuts down on the amount of normal tissue that is affected.’’

Not only do the higher doses shorten treatment time, they are also more effective, Dr. Kole said.

“We’ve found that prostate cancer is very sensitive to how much radiation is given during one treatment,’’ he said. “If you double the radiation dose you actually get more than double the effect. That means you can really shorten the overall treatment by giving fewer high-dose treatments.’’

Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, located in Paramus, is one of the few centers in northern New Jersey offering this treatment, said Dr. Kole, who trained in the protocol at Georgetown University, a pioneer of this approach.

“It has yet to become the standard treatment,’’ he said. “It has taken time for everyone to get up to speed and acquire the technology and expertise to deliver such treatment. When I came to Valley Hospital about three-and-one-half-years ago, my primary focus was developing the ability for us to provide this treatment.’’

The treatment is indicated for patients with localized prostate cancer, meaning the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Patients must also have a low or intermediate disease risk, which is calculated using a number of clinical factors, including the aggressiveness of the cancer.

While Think Five is revolutionizing prostate cancer treatment, it is just one of many treatment options offered at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care.

“At Valley, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis,’’ Dr. Kole said. “All of a patient’s unique features are examined to determine the best treatment for that patient. We look at not only the type of prostate cancer a patient presents with, but other medical issues, as well.’’

To ensure a seamless continuum of care, Valley’s physicians conduct a multidisciplinary urologic oncology clinic in which patients with prostate cancer meet with the three key treatment team members: the radiation oncologist, the medical oncologist and the urologist.

“We conduct a complete evaluation and have a thorough discussion about all the treatment options,’’ Dr. Kole said. “Some patients may not need treatment. It may be just monitoring. With the multidisciplinary clinic, we are able to get everyone in the room and have those discussions.’’

Another new development that is making prostate cancer radiation therapy safer, with fewer complications, is SpaceOAR® hydrogel. This gel-like material temporarily moves the rectal wall away from the prostate during radiation therapy to reduce the risk of damage to the rectum, Dr. Kole said.

“Two main organs – the bladder above the prostate and the rectum behind the prostate – are most at risk of damage during radiation treatment for prostate cancer,’’ he said. “This temporary gel is injected behind the prostate, which moves the rectum further away from the prostate and reduces the radiation dose the rectum receives.’’

This, in turn, decreases the risk of complications resulting from the radiation and speeds recovery.

All of this adds up to good news for prostate cancer patients.

“We are seeing excellent results in terms of disease control with very low risks of long-term treatment-related side effects,’’ Dr. Kole said. “Prostate cancer patients have excellent long-term survival rates when the cancer is caught early and treated effectively.’’

Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care, is located at 1 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 201-634-5403.

Physical therapy can be key to avoiding a pain in the neck — literally

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Although an estimated 10% to 20% of Americans report incidents of neck pain, physical therapy can prove a safe and effective antidote to neck pain. For employees, ergonomic assessments also can prove beneficial.

Are you one of the many people suffering from a literal pain in the neck? According to the National Institutes of Health, neck pain ranks among the top five disorders in the U.S., with an estimated 10% to 20% of Americans — some 30 million to 65 million people — reporting incidents of neck pain.

“Cervical pain and stiffness associated with conditions of the neck or cervical spine as well as related symptoms that radiate down into the shoulders, arms and fingers are very common, and are becoming an increasing issue in our world today,” said John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT and CEO of Woodbridge, N.J.-based JAG-ONE Physical Therapy. “Thanks to our society’s excessive use of laptop computers, smart phones and other handheld electronic devices as well as the proclivity for young people to play video games, we spend long periods of time hunched over computers and in a constant flexed or rotated position to access the screen,” he said. “This static position of our musculature causes muscles to tense up, fatigue and go into spasm, which results in the cervical pain we feel.”

Gallucci said that pain in the neck and/or shoulder area, often the result of muscle fatigue and strain, can manifest itself in such symptoms as stiffness and decreased range of motion; by contrast, neck pain that radiates elsewhere — resulting in arm weakness, tingling and numbness in the arms down to the fingers, and even headaches — could be caused by cervical disc herniation, a common cause of neck pain that occurs when one or more spinal discs in the neck region is pressing on a nerve root. “If the disc herniation is advanced enough, it could cause permanent damage to the nerve, so it’s important to address this promptly,” Gallucci said.

Happily, physical therapy can prove a safe and effective antidote to neck pain.

For neck issues caused by muscle strain, “a trained physical therapist will work a patient through corrective biomechanical exercises such as neck rotations and both flexion and retraction exercises as well as hands-on mobilization and massage,” Gallucci said. “As patients are healing and returning to full functionality, the physical therapist also will introduce exercises to help their muscles perform activities of daily living (ADL). Performance of range-of-motion exercises to the fullest extent of the region will definitely reduce the incidence of spasm, but strengthening exercises will still be critical to restoring them to full and pain-free functionality,” he said.

According to Gallucci, neck pain driven by cervical disc herniation is typically diagnosed based on the symptoms of severe pain, radiation and decreased range of motion and is usually confirmed by a physician through an X-ray, MRI or other imaging tool. “Treatment by a physical therapist would include a combination of range-of-motion exercises, hands-on manual traction, and hands-on range-of-motion activities to help reduce the radiating symptoms,” he said. “Once the symptoms are alleviated, physical therapy will then focus on strengthening activities to stabilize the disc as well as a return-to-ADL protocol that includes strengthening exercises for the cervical spine and upper extremities.”

Top Tips to Resolve Neck Pain

Following, Gallucci shares top tips to help prevent neck pain and/or safely and effectively treat it if it occurs:

Be Attentive to Ergonomics — For the best biomechanics, “it’s important to work at a computer where your screen is at eye level and to avoid keeping your neck in a flexed or rotated position continuously,” Gallucci said. “JAG-ONE can provide an ergonomic assessment at your company to ensure that the work site is ergonomically positive for employees.”
Don’t Ignore Radiating Symptoms — “If you’re experiencing any radiating symptoms such as pain, numbness or tingling down the arm or in the fingers, seek medical attention as soon as possible, because this can lead to long-term effects like loss of strength and decreased range of motion in the upper extremities if it’s left untreated,” Gallucci said. “The good news is that research shows that herniations that are treated early enough and addressed appropriately can be fully resolved within eight to 10 weeks of onset.”
Pursue Physical Therapy — “Treat neck stiffness and pain right away with a qualified physical therapist, such as the specialists at JAG-ONE,” Gallucci said. “The targeted treatment will enable you to work and play pain-free and get you back to the life you love.”

For More Information

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is a comprehensive physical and occupational therapy company with 56 locations throughout New Jersey, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Westchester, Manhattan, Long Island and Pennsylvania. The company’s multispecialty staff has been serving the tri-state area for more than 20 years and has developed a unique, care-first model of rehabilitation delivering high quality clinical outcomes for its patients. For more information, visit www.jagonept.com and visit on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

New Jersey Spine Specialists use cutting-edge techniques to treat a variety of spine disorders

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Dr. Mitchell Reiter, Dr. Heidi Hullinger and Dr. Mark Drzala provide patients with life-changing options at New Jersey Spine Specialists.

Using the most modern, clinically proven treatments available, Dr. Mark Drzala, Dr. Mitchell Reiter and Dr. Heidi Hullinger are elite spinal surgeons who provide patients with life-changing options to effectively treat chronic neck and back disorders.

Board certified in orthopaedic surgery with spine fellowship training, and highly conservative by nature, they each have more than 16 years of surgical experience and offer the gold standard to patients with spinal disorders. Drs. Drzala and Reiter have recently been named to the list of Castle Connolly Medical’s Top Doctors 2019.

A proud addition to the New Jersey Spine Specialists team, Dr. Hullinger completed an orthopaedic residency as well as fellowship training in spinal surgery with special emphasis on the management of complex spinal tumors and deformities.

“Exciting new technology using live X-ray and neurologic monitoring allows for more complete decompression of pinched nerves through much smaller incisions,” said Dr. Drzala, a clinical assistant professor at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “We use cutting-edge techniques, including disc replacement, that speed recovery and preserve motion in the spine.”

Dr. Drzala graduated cum laude from Rutgers University. He received a medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School, where he also completed a residency in orthopedic surgery and was elected Orthopedic Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Drzala acquired comprehensive experience with the complete spectrum of spinal disorders during his spine fellowship at St. Mary’s Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco (presently affiliated with Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, Calif.).

Dr. Reiter’s training consisted of attending the accelerated six-year combined BS/MD Honors Program in medical education at the University of Miami. He then underwent five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery at the University of Miami – Jackson Memorial Hospital, followed by a year of fellowship training in spinal surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Reiter has been elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. Dr. Reiter has published numerous journal articles and book chapters in the field of spine surgery. His research interests include studies on techniques to reduce scar tissue formation that occurs following spinal operations, biologic adjuncts to improve spinal fusion, appropriate use of pain medications for spinal disorders and the biomechanics of spinal fixation.

Dr. Hullinger graduated magna cum laude from Duke University and was selected for membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the academic honor society. She then received a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. She went on to complete her residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – New Jersey Medical School, now Rutgers. During her orthopedic spine surgery training in the University of Texas-Houston/Texas Medical Center fellowship, Dr. Hullinger gained experience in a variety of spinal disorders, ranging from complex deformities and malalignment to spinal trauma and tumors, as well as non-operative techniques such as spinal injections.

“We include patients in the decision-making process and consider surgery only as a last resort,” said Dr. Reiter, a clinical assistant professor at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he served for 10 years as chief of orthopaedic spine surgery. He recently served as president of the New Jersey Orthopaedic Society, and now serves as vice president of The New Jersey Spine Surgery Society, and is chairman of the Professional Compliance Panel of the North American Spine Society.

The physicians at New Jersey Spine Specialists treat the full spectrum of spine disorders: disc degeneration and herniations, deformities, trauma, tumors and infections. They are affiliated with Overlook Medical Center in Summit and Hackensack Meridian Health – Mountainside Medical Center.

Offices for New Jersey Spine Specialists are located at 33 Upper Overlook Road, Suite 305, in Summit and at Hackensack Meridian Health – Mountainside Medical Center Harries Pavilion, second floor, 1 Bay Ave., in Montclair.

For information, call Dr. Reiter at (908) 608-9620, Dr. Drzala at (908) 608-9610 and Dr. Hullinger at (908) 376-1530.

The Pediatric Orthopedic Center’s personalized local care continues to set the gold standard

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Drs. Mark Rieger, David Lin, Joshua Strassberg and Tamir Bloom continue to set the gold standard for adolescent and pediatric orthopaedics. They treat bone and muscle problems including sports injuries, fractures, scoliosis, hip dysplasia and clubfoot; always using the most innovative, nonoperative, minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgical techniques available to restore their patients’ health and get them back to the activities they enjoy.

From left to right, Drs. David Lin, Mark Rieger, Joshua Strassberg and Tamir Bloom.

On the cutting edge of medical technology, The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is the only practice in northern New Jersey to have the EOS low-dose X-ray machine, which uses 10-50 times less radiation and can create extensive 30 images of the spine and lower extremities. This enhances the diagnosis and treatment of patients with scoliosis and limb issues. “It obtains more information with less radiation, vastly improving our evaluation and clinical decisions, thus improving patient care,” Dr. Rieger said.

With four offices and affiliations with Goryeb Children’s Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center, the physicians at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center can provide excellent care locally and at a world-class center for pediatric orthopaedics for more complex cases. It is this combination of personalized local care and access to world-class orthopaedic care that sets The Pediatric Orthopedic Center apart from all other orthopaedic practices in the tri-state area.

It is a privilege to be able to take care of children of all ages from newborns to young adults,” Dr. Rieger said. “My philosophy is to treat my patients as I would want my family treated.”

The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is also the first practice to introduce several advanced treatments to New Jersey, including hip ultrasound to diagnose hip disorders, growth plate sparing ACL knee reconstructions, Ponseti nonoperative treatment of clubfoot and minimally invasive scoliosis surgery, and they continue to explore ways to bring the latest and best treatments to the children they treat. “It’s exciting to work with children; they definitely keep me young at heart and I love their resilience, said Dr. Lin.

Known throughout the state as the “go-to” doctors for all aspects of pediatric and adolescent orthopaedics, Drs. Rieger, Lin, Strassberg, Bloom and their partners have the bedside manner that patients want. “I enjoy having the opportunity to relate to kids and help make them feel at ease,” said Dr. Strassberg. The team at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center knows how to make young children, who are often in pain and frightened, feel comfortable with their lighthearted demeanors and compassionate bedside manners.

“I approach each patient as a unique Individual, taking the time to understand them and their family’s needs.” Dr. Bloom said. “My goal is to provide high-quality care and get them back into the action, safely, as soon as possible. As a two-time Olympian who competed with an injury, I can empathize with the unique mental and physical challenges of sports-related injuries.”

When asked how they earned their stellar reputation, Dr. Rieger said that his mentor, the world-renowned pediatric orthopaedist, Dr. John Hall, taught him: “Treat your patients like family and make sure you are the most knowledgeable in your field, and you won’t have to seek a reputation — your reputation will find you.”

Visit one of the Center’s four locations:

-218 Ridgedale Ave., Suite 104, in Cedar Knolls

-609 Morris Ave., 2nd fl., in Springfield

-246 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 304, in Wayne

-377 Jersey Ave., Suite 280A, in Jersey City

Or call (973) 538-7700 for more information.

Hudson Surgical Group’s Dr. Patrick McGovern Jr. recognized as Top Doctor in vascular surgery

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Highly rated in patient surveys, Dr. McGovern has been nominated to Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in the New York metropolitan area for over 18 years.

A specialist in vascular surgery, treating conditions ranging from aortic aneurysms to cancer, Dr. Patrick J. McGovern Jr., maintains a core philosophy: “best that can be done.” He has maintained a practice in Jersey City, Hudson Surgical Group, for over 35 years. He has served as chief of Vascular Surgery at Christ Hospital for the past 12 years. He is also affiliated with Jersey City Medical Center.

Highly rated in patient surveys, Dr. McGovern has been nominated to Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in the New York metropolitan area for over 18 years.

The most common condition Dr. McGovern treats is renal failure, including placement of temporary and permanent dialysis catheters.

Over 90% of his patients are managed with an arterial venous fistula as the initial permanent procedure. Dr. McGovern also treats carotid artery disease and peripheral vascular disease except within the brain and chest. Aortic aneurysms and atherosclerotic diseases of the lower extremities are also treated including percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) under local anesthesia. Second opinions on management and treatment are welcome.

Dr. McGovern’s office is located at 142 Palisade Ave., Suite 101, in Jersey City.

Kayal Orthopaedic Center: Providing world-class care and a range of treatments

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

The experts at Kayal Orthopaedic Center use minimally invasive techniques when possible because these procedures offer patients the best outcomes with the least inconvenience.

Robert A. Kayal, MD, is the founder, president and CEO of Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC.

He wakes up every day feeling honored and blessed that he is able to help improve the lives of his patients. Dr. Kayal is particularly excited to offer robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery using the Stryker MAKO robotic arm.

He has grown the practice’s footprint to include Paramus, Paterson, Garfield, North Bergen, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock and Westwood and Stony Point, N.Y. In 2020, Dr. Kayal will open a location in Montvale, bringing the number of offices to nine.

Dr. Kayal’s roots are firmly planted in the area, having grown up in Bergen County and graduated from Ramapo Regional High School in Franklin Lakes. Dr. Kayal, his wife and six children reside in Bergen County.

Robert A. Kayal, MD, is the founder, president and CEO of Kayal Orthopaedic Center, PC.

In addition to undergoing specialized training to perform robotic-assisted surgery for partial- and total-knee replacement surgery, his expertise in knee surgery also includes complex primary and revision knee-replacement surgery and sports medicine and arthroscopy of the knee. Dr. Kayal also specializes in total hip replacement surgery, utilizing the minimally invasive direct anterior approach (DAA), minimally invasive surgery, cartilage transplantation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy, bone density testing and the treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

The experts at Kayal Orthopaedic Center use minimally invasive techniques when possible because these procedures offer patients the best outcomes with the least inconvenience. There are numerous advantages to minimally invasive surgery, including less postoperative pain and reduced scar tissue buildup. The tinier incisions result in smaller scars, minor blood loss and quicker recovery times. Patients who undergo these procedures experience other life-changing benefits, such as pain-free movement, improved joint stability, greater range of motion, speedier return to work and renewed enjoyment of activities.

Dr. Kayal recently expanded his practice to include Kayal Medical Imaging, Kayal Physical Therapy & Chiropractic and Kayal Robotic Joint Replacement Center.

His practice also includes Kayal Pain & Spine Center, Rheumatology Center, Osteoporosis Center, Osteoarthritis & Orthobiologics Center and Laser Treatment Center.

Dr. Kayal will continue to grow his practice to provide the widest range of orthopaedic treatments and therapies close to the community and the people he loves.

Office locations include:

784 Franklin Ave., Suite 250, Franklin Lakes
266 Harristown Road, Suite 107, Glen Rock
260 Old Hook Road, Suite 401 Westwood
185 Route 17 South, Paramus
680 Broadway, Suite 507, Paterson
96 Manner Ave., Garfield
9226 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen
Montvale (Opening in 2020)
11 Holt Drive, Stony Point, N.Y.

For information or to schedule an appointment, call (844) 281-1783.

Atlantic Medical Imaging’s Dr. McManus named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for excellence in medical care and practice

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Stephen McManus, MD, has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the fifth consecutive year in the specialty of Diagnostic Radiology for his excellence in medical care and practice. Dr. McManus is a partner and medical director at Atlantic Medical lmaging’s (AMI) Wall location.

Stephen McManus, MD, is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology.

Dr. McManus is a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and received his fellowship training in Cross Sectional Imaging from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology. His clinical areas of expertise include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Coronary CT Angiography (Coronary CTA) and Ultrasound.

For more than 50 years, AMI has been providing state-of-the-art medical imaging services throughout Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Ocean and Monmouth counties. The goal of the practice is to serve the community by combining sensitive patient care with the delivery of the most rapid, accurate diagnostic imaging services.

AMI offers a full range of exams from plain radiography to Coronary CT Angiography on superior equipment and on multiple modalities, offering comprehensive imaging in one location. Whether it’s a routine X-ray, CT scan, PET with CT Fusion, MRI, Coronary CT Angiography or Women’s Imaging, AMI is equipped with the most technologically current systems available.

With 53 board-certified radiologists, 510 staff members and 14 office locations, AMI is committed to clinical excellence by providing innovative service and compassionate care that exceeds expectations. AMI is one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of imaging services in central and southeastern New Jersey.

In 2003, AMI established The AMI Foundation as its philanthropic arm. The foundation’s mission is to identify and develop opportunities to enhance the quality of life and improve the level of health care for community residents through education and programs directed at these goals, as well as through financial support of charitable organizations with similar objectives.

Dr. Lowenstein’s minimally invasive approach to treating spinal disorders creates better outcomes

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Hunter Hulbert - Health, Sponsored

Dr. Lowenstein specializes in complex revision surgery for patients who have had previous spine surgery and have associated failed back syndrome, and is a regional referral source for patients who have had spine surgery and require re-operation.

Dr. Jason E. Lowenstein is a spine and scoliosis surgeon. He practices at The Advanced Spine Center, along with his partners Dr. Charles A. Gatto and Dr. George S. Naseef. He is a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon, and serves as the director of Scoliosis and Spinal Deformity at Morristown Medical Center.

Standing, from left, are Jason E. Lowenstein, MD; Charles A. Gatto, MD; and George S. Naseef, MD.

He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor; honored by Inside Jersey magazine as a Top Doctor. Top Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon and Top Doctor for Children’s Health; voted Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly magazine, and received the NJ’s Favorite Kids Doc Award by New Jersey Family magazine.

Dr. Lowenstein specializes in the treatment of spinal deformity, including scoliosis, kyphosis and spondylolisthesis. He believes in exploring all avenues of treatment for patients with spinal disorders, and will formulate an individualized plan for each patient, which may include observation, bracing, physical therapy including Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises, and potentially surgery. When planning for surgical intervention, he utilizes the latest and most advanced surgical techniques for treatment.

“I choose the least invasive approach whenever possible,” he said. “Using the latest technology, including 3D image-guided intraoperative navigation, we are able to offer minimally invasive options for even some of our most complicated and challenging cases. This allows for faster recovery times for our patients and overall better outcomes.

Dr. Lowenstein has significant experience in treating disc herniations and stenosis of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine. He specializes in complex revision surgery for patients who have had previous spine surgery and have associated failed back syndrome, and is a regional referral source for patients who have had spine surgery and require re-operation.

He has a particular interest in spinal motion preservation, and will perform artificial disc replacement and posterior cervical laminoplasty to maintain motion when clinically indicated. Dr. Lowenstein also has expertise in the treatment of spinal trauma and fractures, as well as tumors of the spine.