Upstate University Hospital Emergency Departments using new portable ultrasounds

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SYRACUSE — Upstate University Hospital is equipping its emergency departments (ED) with new portable machines that will allow staff to “better diagnose and treat patients.” The new MindRay TE X portable ultrasound machines feature better images, the ability to make calculations health-care professionals previously had to do manually, an interface with patient records in EPIC, […]

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SYRACUSE — Upstate University Hospital is equipping its emergency departments (ED) with new portable machines that will allow staff to “better diagnose and treat patients.”

The new MindRay TE X portable ultrasound machines feature better images, the ability to make calculations health-care professionals previously had to do manually, an interface with patient records in EPIC, and an artificial-intelligence component used strictly for educational purposes, Upstate Medical University said in its online announcement.

The downtown ED has two new machines, and “plans are in the works” for Upstate Community Hospital and the pediatric EDs to get new ones as well, Upstate Medical noted.

Dr. Matthew Camara, assistant professor of emergency medicine (EM), said previous machines used in the downtown, Community, and pediatric emergency departments are “out of date.”

“We wanted to have machines that not only the residents and faculty could use to perform bedside ultrasound but that had the functionality and the capabilities to really bring point of care ultrasound to the next level,” said Camara, who is also the assistant residency program director of emergency medicine.

Portable ultrasound machines have been a “mainstay” in the emergency department for more than 30 years, Upstate Medical said. They were first used on trauma patients, but since then, their usage has expanded to help diagnose everything from an injured tendon to abdominal pain to shortness of breath.

Now, they’re in use round-the-clock, on average 20 times in a 24-hour period, Canara said. As the technology has evolved, so too has the use of the machines.

“Anyone with chest pain, anyone with shortness of breath, anyone that has concern for a kidney stone, gallstone, those are all bedside ultrasounds,” he said. “Abdominal pain from kidney stones, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, cellulitis, are all diagnosis that can be made with ultrasound to name a few. We use the ultrasounds during procedures to increase patient safety and decrease the risk of complications.”

Ultrasound usage

Emergency-medicine physicians who have trained at an EM residency, or who are board certified in EM, are able to perform ultrasounds without a special certification since ultrasound training is part of the required curriculum, Upstate Medical said. Resident physicians can also perform an ultrasound but need attending oversight in real time or with image review for educational studies.

Advanced-practice practitioners can also perform bedside ultrasound with attending oversight, or independently, if they have demonstrated expertise on par with EM residency-trained physicians.

A provider rolls the ultrasound machine to the bedside, enters the patient information, and performs the ultrasound exam. The provider goes onto the web-based middleware (Butterfly Inc.) and signs the study, which then then transfers the images and report to the patient chart, Upstate said.

The new machines, which were rolled out back in July, offer a “much sharper and clearer” image than the old machines, allowing doctors to detect smaller, more nuanced findings, Camara said. For example, on a FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma) exam for a trauma patient which evaluates spaces where free fluid can accumulate, the improved image makes it easier to identify that free fluid, for example in a case of intra-abdominal bleeding.

“The improved image quality allows us to see smaller details, which improves earlier recognition of pathologic processes at the bedside,” he said.

The machine also allows for “more comprehensive” cardiac exams by measuring volumes and velocities — elements doctors previously had to do manually — and it provides a look at diastolic heart function, something the previous ultrasounds “could not reliably perform.”

The new machines also upload images to a patient’s digital chart, allowing other doctors to review them in real time, and thereby improving the ED’s workflow, Camara noted.

At the same time, the machines include an artificial intelligence (AI) function used for teaching purposes. The machines have built-in reference images that residents can pull up for help. Camara said if a resident is looking at the heart for example, but the image is missing a chamber, the machine can show them they are not getting the right view so they can adjust. Camara stressed the AI is “purely for educational purposes at this time.”

Centralus Health is born from Cayuga Health, Arnot Health affiliation

Health Care, Employee Benefits & Human Resources, Insurance & Financial Services, New York News, Nonprofits, Southern Tier, Subscriber Only

ITHACA, N.Y. — It was on April 14, 2023 that Ithaca–based Cayuga Health and Arnot Health of Elmira announced plans to explore a collaborative relationship. Since then, both health-care organizations conducted evaluations; held extensive discussions; and gathered feedback from stakeholders including patients, staff, and community leaders. On Jan. 7, the two Southern Tier health systems

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ITHACA, N.Y. — It was on April 14, 2023 that Ithaca–based Cayuga Health and Arnot Health of Elmira announced plans to explore a collaborative relationship.

Since then, both health-care organizations conducted evaluations; held extensive discussions; and gathered feedback from stakeholders including patients, staff, and community leaders.

On Jan. 7, the two Southern Tier health systems formally announced their new affiliation, which will now operate under the name Centralus Health.

The organizations made separate announcements about the move, both in Ithaca and in Elmira. The announcements at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca and Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira were part of the “partnership’s vision for transforming healthcare delivery across the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions,” per a joint statement.

The organizations didn’t include any financial terms of their affiliation agreement.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality care for the communities we serve,” Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health and CEO of Centralus Health, said in the announcement. “Together, we are strengthening our ability to offer a wider array of services, reach underserved populations, and invest in the future of healthcare delivery — locally. We are already planning for increased access to primary care in Chemung and Tompkins counties, while preparing for the upcoming launch of EPIC and MyChart to enhance patient care through technology.”

Centralus Health has 6,500 employees combined and facilitates $1 billion in annual medical services; 1,800 births per year; 15,600 hospital visits annually; 86,400 emergency room visits annually; and 847,000 outpatient appointments annually.

EPIC rollout

The rollout of EPIC, an electronic health-record system, will begin in March, Centralus Health said.

EPIC’s integration across Arnot Health and Cayuga Health locations “promises enhanced patient and workforce experiences.” Additionally, MyChart, the patient portal powered by EPIC, will allow patients to manage appointments, communicate with health-care providers, and “engage more effectively” in their care, Centralus Health said.

The health systems contend that the affiliation will open new opportunities for advanced, expanded health-care service offerings.

“Our collaboration isn’t just about joining forces — it’s about reimagining how we can best serve our communities,” Tom LiVigne, chairman of the board of directors of Cayuga Health, said in the announcement. “This partnership is rooted in shared values, a deep commitment to local communities, and unwavering focus on delivering superior healthcare. Together, we’re ensuring better access to the critical medical services our patients need.”

The combination also seeks to generate operational cost savings and optimize workforce resources.

“As health systems face increasing financial and workforce challenges, this partnership enables us to leverage shared resources, increase efficiencies, and ultimately lower operational costs,” Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health and executive VP of Centralus Health, said in the announcement. “Centralus Health will continue to focus on deepening community connections and setting a higher standard for personalized care in every service we provide.”

Centralus Health says it is committed to investing in capital improvements across its facilities and workforce. The partnership will expand access to a full spectrum of services, including specialized care that may have been challenging to provide independently. These services encompass emergency care, critical cardiac care, cancer care, labor and delivery, NICU, outpatient care, behavioral health, substance use rehabilitation, long-term care, home nursing, durable medical equipment, and emergency transportation.

“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to deliver even more value to our communities,” said Jan van den Blink, chairman of the board of directors of Arnot Health. “The combined strengths and complementary expertise of both organizations position Centralus Health to better meet the needs of our patients while enhancing the care we provide.”

St. Joseph’s Health inks new contracts with Excellus, Aetna

Health Care, Insurance & Financial Services, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — St. Joseph’s Health has new contractual agreements in place with both Rochester–based Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) and Aetna. Excellus BCBS and St. Joseph’s Health reached a multi-year contract agreement that went into effect Jan. 1, 2025, and will keep St. Joseph’s Health in the Excellus BCBS provider network. In addition, St. Joseph’s

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Paige’s Butterfly Run boosts Upstate pediatric cancer care with latest donation

Health Care, Nonprofits, Sports, Entertainment & Tourism, Subscriber Only

Charity gives $215,000 for care, research SYRACUSE — Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital will use a $215,000 donation from the charity Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. for cancer care and research. Paige’s Butterfly Run donated the funding to the Upstate Foundation. Upstate Medical University referred to it as the charity’s “traditional holiday gift donation,” according to its

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Charity gives $215,000 for care, research

SYRACUSE — Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital will use a $215,000 donation from the charity Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. for cancer care and research.

Paige’s Butterfly Run donated the funding to the Upstate Foundation.

Upstate Medical University referred to it as the charity’s “traditional holiday gift donation,” according to its online announcement.

Paige’s Butterfly Run officials presented the check to foundation and hospital officials in a brief ceremony held Dec. 20 in the Kinney Performance Center of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

“We cannot thank Chris Arnold, the Paige’s Butterfly Run team, and all their community supporters enough for continuing to work in support of our patients and their families,” Toni Gary, assistant VP for development & community relations for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, said in the announcement.

Since 1997, Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. has raised almost $5 million in support of pediatric cancer care at Upstate Medical University, the health system said.

“Paige’s Butterfly Run aims to make the difficult journey of a child’s cancer diagnosis a little easier,” said Dr. Melanie Comito, the Paige Yeomans Arnold Endowed Professor in Pediatric Oncology and division chief of the Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate.

The donation will provide financial support to families to cover everything from food and gas expenses to medical costs and other services, Upstate said.

The charity honors Paige Yeomans Arnold, a student at Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville who was diagnosed with leukemia in 1993 when she was age 6. She died a year later from complications from a bone-marrow transplant in an effort to cure her leukemia at Boston Children’s Hospital, according to Upstate.

The namesake charity raises money through a variety of events throughout the year, such as Paige’s Butterfly Run, an annual running race and walk that is held in June.

Cayuga Health System adds Arleo Eye Associates

Health Care, Subscriber Only

LANSING — Cayuga Health System has added Arleo Eye Associates, which is based in the village of Lansing, in a deal that took effect Jan. 1. The ophthalmology practice, which has served the community for more than 30 years, is “transitioning to ensure continuous quality eye care for the community,” per the Jan. 2 Cayuga

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New HIPAA rule tightens scope of health-information sharing

Health Care, Law, Accounting & Taxes, Subscriber Only

A new final federal rule modifying the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule is now in effect, changing the way reproductive health-care information is handled, according to a health care law expert. The main part of the new rule went into effect on Dec. 23 and prohibits the use or

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The main part of the new rule went into effect on Dec. 23 and prohibits the use or disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to conduct a criminal, civil, or administrative investigation into or to impose liability on any person for the act of seeking, obtaining, providing, or facilitating reproductive health care where such care is lawful or identifying any person for the purpose of conducting such investigation or imposing such liability.

The prohibitions apply where the care is lawful in the state in which the care was provided or is otherwise protected by federal law when it comes to reproductive health care.

“Their definition of reproductive health care is pretty concise,” says Brigid Maloney, a partner and co-team leader of the health-care practice at Lippes Mathias, a Buffalo–based law firm with additional New York offices in Albany, Melville, New York City, Rochester, Saratoga Springs, and a Syracuse office that opened last June.

Simply put, reproductive health care is all health-care matters related to the reproductive system. And now information related to that care is specifically protected by HIPAA.

Previously, the information fell into a category where the information “may” be disclosed without consent, Maloney notes. Now, entities may not disclose the information without the patient’s consent. Specifically, the information may not be disclosed to someone conducting an investigation, nor can the name of the provider be released — not even to law enforcement, she adds.

The new rule aligns with the main tenet of HIPAA, which, along with digitizing and modernizing health records, was designed to build trust in health care, she says. The premise is that in order for health care to be effective, patients need to trust their providers enough to share confidential health information.

The new rule also comes with a new component when it comes to requesting reproductive health care.

“There is a new attestation requirement,” Maloney says. That means if someone requests such information, they need to provide an attestation to the covered entity they are requesting it from, stating they won’t use the information for prohibited purposes including an investigation or identifying a provider.

“This even applies to subpoenas,” Maloney adds.

Hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other covered entities should take some steps to make sure they are complying with the new rule, she says. That includes updating internal policies and procedures and training their workforce on when to obtain attestations.

Organizations have until February 2026 to update their notice of privacy practices.

Maloney recommends organizations consult their legal counsel to ensure compliance. They can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website (www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/reproductive-health/index.html) for more information and resources.

Crouse Health adds Brackens to board

Health Care, Nonprofits, Subscriber Only

SYRACUSE — Crouse Health recently announced the appointment of Vicki Brackens, president of her own financial-services firm, to the health system’s board of directors. President of Brackens Financial Solutions Network, Brackens has more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur working in the area of financial education and financial services. She was co-host of

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SYRACUSE — Crouse Health recently announced the appointment of Vicki Brackens, president of her own financial-services firm, to the health system’s board of directors.

President of Brackens Financial Solutions Network, Brackens has more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur working in the area of financial education and financial services. She was co-host of the TV show “Financial Fitness” on PBS affiliate WCNY in Syracuse for a number of years. A chartered financial consultant, Brackens can be heard providing strategic financial advice weekly on the “Inspiration for the Nation” program, hosted by George Kilpatrick.

Brackens is an active community leader, having served as board member and on the Finance and Development Committees of the Central New York Community Foundation, as a foundation board member of the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, a member of The Raymond von Dran IDEA board of advisors (RvD IDEA), and as a member of the Syracuse Area Salvation Army advisory board. She also continues to serve as a member of the board of directors and Investment Committee chair of CenterState CEO.

In 2020, to address the need for greater diversity in the financial-services industry, Brackens co-founded Heritage Financial Partners (HFP). As a management company, HFP provides individual advisors and firms, particularly those founded by African American and Latino practitioners, affiliation under one entity to provide the scale and support needed to consistently serve their marketplace.

“Vicki is an accomplished, highly regarded community leader. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community aligns perfectly with Crouse Health’s mission. We are pleased to welcome her expertise and passion to the board and look forward to her contributions,” Crouse Health Board of Directors Chair Patrick A. Mannion said in a December announcement.

Crouse Health says it is the only locally governed community hospital system in Central New York. It has 507 beds, more than 800 physicians, and 3,500 employees with locations throughout the area. The Crouse board of directors, comprised of 17 local community leaders, provides all governance over the organization.

Donation supports meal program for Bassett cancer patients

Health Care, Mohawk Valley, Nonprofits

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — The Lucky Duck Foundation recently made a $5,000 donation to a program that provides medically tailored food to Bassett Healthcare Network cancer

VIEWPOINT: Building One Upstate

Business Mentors, Subscriber Only

The keys to a healthier, more connected CNY In the 18 months since joining the team at SUNY Upstate Medical University, I continue to be impressed by our community’s sense of connection and shared responsibility. I have observed that Central New Yorkers are committed to looking out for one another. At SUNY Upstate, we take

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The keys to a healthier, more connected CNY

In the 18 months since joining the team at SUNY Upstate Medical University, I continue to be impressed by our community’s sense of connection and shared responsibility. I have observed that Central New Yorkers are committed to looking out for one another.

At SUNY Upstate, we take this responsibility seriously. Our core mission is to improve the health of our community by training health-care professionals and providing exceptional care. And, as the region’s largest employer with nearly 12,000 employees, we take pride in setting the example for how neighbors should care for one another.

The roots of SUNY Upstate run deep with a service region spanning from the Canadian border to the New York–Pennsylvania line. Our employees represent 30 upstate New York counties — translating to more than $700,000 in payroll that gets pumped back into our region. Factoring in research and clinical operations, it’s estimated that SUNY Upstate provides $2.3 billion in economic impact to Central New York.

We have a history of stepping up to meet the needs of our community. Though our expertise is in health care, research, and education, the strategies we have implemented can be applied to any industry or field. A cornerstone of our approach is meeting people where they are — whether it’s students, employees, or patients.

As Central New York’s only public academic medical center, we offer flexible pathways to success knowing that every student’s academic journey is different. Our 3+3 partnerships with local institutions including Le Moyne College and Syracuse University, and fellow SUNYs including SUNY ESF, SUNY Oswego, and SUNY Brockport — plus a new partnership with SUNY Oneonta — help make careers in health care more accessible and affordable by allowing students to complete three years at one of these schools before earning their doctorates in physical therapy in our College of Health Professions. In the fall, we secured a 4 + 3 partnership with SUNY Potsdam to help make graduate degrees more accessible to neighbors living in the North Country.

Our commitment also includes supporting veterans as they advance their education and careers. In November, our Norton College of Medicine became a partner with the Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM), an organization that assists U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans and active-duty service members applying to medical school. While admission is not guaranteed, this partnership provides applicants with an interview and valuable coaching and research opportunities. Veterans bring exceptional skills like teamwork, reliability, dependability, critical thinking, and service orientation, which are especially valuable in health care. We look forward to welcoming our SOFtoSOM scholars in 2025.

Building partnerships — whether academic or the newly-established relationship with SOFtoSOM — also helps us strengthen the pipeline of health-care professionals committed to our community. SUNY Upstate graduates overwhelmingly continue to work in our area after graduation.

Answering the call to power Central New York’s workforce is a task we do not take lightly. In this post-pandemic world, the current challenges that providers face in terms of recruiting and retaining staff are burdens felt nationwide among medical centers — particularly hospitals. In Syracuse, the challenges are compounded with demands to keep up with new infrastructure, as our community is charged with ramping up resources ahead of the anticipated Micron groundbreaking.

To help fill the significant shortage in health-care staff, it’s critical that we look within our organizations to understand what we can be doing differently to take care of our people.

According to the Center for Health Workforce Studies, Central New York experienced a 28 percent decline in new RNs from 2019-2023, during the height of the pandemic and immediately following. Then, there’s the ‘BSN in 10’ law in New York State requiring full-time registered nurses to obtain bachelor’s degrees within 10 years of initial licensure. While researchers are cautiously optimistic that RN numbers are stabilizing, it’s critical that academic centers maintain a strong pipeline to train our future care providers.

In SUNY Upstate’s quest to ensure our region is at an advantage, we are proud to introduce the Upstate Edge — a program designed specifically for our full-time nursing staff.. The program is a flexible way for our nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. All costs associated with the program — including tuition, fees, books, and access to academic resources — are covered, a value of about $20,000. The Upstate Edge reflects SUNY Upstate’s deep commitment to serve our community and prioritize exceptional care. Investing in our students and staff is an investment in our community’s future from people-centered and economic perspectives.

The program was designed with nurses’ busy schedules in mind and eligibility begins on day one of full-time employment with an efficient enrollment process. The program includes tracks ranging from 16 to 22 months, and offers a range of supportive resources, including a dedicated student-success specialist, access to a writing center, and all Upstate College of Nursing resources.

Following the success of an inaugural cohort in fall 2024, we will soon be accepting applications for an upcoming 8-week introductory course beginning in early March, with program enrollment starting this summer. The introductory course is designed to allow nurses to learn more about the Upstate Edge before formally enrolling in the program.

Our goal is to empower everyone: our nurses, patients, and the broader Central New York health-care system. Nurses benefit because B.S. degrees open more opportunities for leadership positions, specialized roles, and increased future earnings. Patients benefit when they experience optimal outcomes from receiving high quality, evidence-based care provided by highly educated and trained nurses. Ultimately, this is good for everyone because a thriving health-care environment gives neighbors the best chance to improve their health.

By investing in our students, staff, and our patients, we are demonstrating our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in ensuring your loved ones receive the best possible care. I’ve come to think of this as building “One Upstate.” This philosophy reflects our belief that taking care of each other is the key to a healthier, more connected Central New York.

Robert Ruiz is the interim VP for educational services and dean of student affairs at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

OPINION: New Yorkers Deserve Real, Lasting Affordability Solutions

Opinion, Subscriber Only

Every corner of our state is affected by the affordability crisis, which has only grown more severe in recent years. Inflation and rising costs have put an unprecedented strain on families, making it harder to make ends meet. With the 2025 legislative session [getting going] Assembly Republicans remain committed to advancing practical solutions to ease

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A recent Siena Poll showed two-thirds of voters feel the cost of living should be a top priority — and they’re absolutely right. For many people, money simply does not go as far as it once did. The average New York family pays a staggering $266 on groceries every week, contributing to household bills that are 24 percent higher than the national average. New York ranks the seventh-most expensive state in the nation for household costs with the average New York household paying $2,627 per month — totaling $31,528 annually on bills alone.

Aside from public polling and financial reports, the state’s staggering outmigration numbers reinforce the significance of our cost-of-living crisis. Since 2020, New York state lost more than 800,000 residents to other states, the largest decline in population share of any state. It’s been painfully obvious for years, the financial pressures caused by high taxes, oppressive prices, housing costs, and utility bills have driven families and businesses to seek more affordable options.

Recently, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her “Inflation Refund Plan,” proposing to send one-time checks ranging from $300 to $500 per family. Essentially, the plan pays New Yorkers with their own money, returning a sliver of what taxpayers have paid into the system. Although I support giving money back to New Yorkers, this type of gimmick fails to address ongoing financial challenges. It’s worth noting the governor’s “refund” scheme was presented immediately after she imposed a controversial $9 commuter tax on drivers going into New York City.

Assembly Republicans have called for comprehensive proposals to tackle affordability. My “Inflation Relief Reduction Act” eliminates the sales tax for two years on purchases of everyday items such as cleaning products, paper goods, takeaway food, and gasoline. Our “A Blueprint for Childcare” Plan creates tax incentives to put more money into the hands of parents and improve access to an increasingly expensive necessity. We have also proposed legislation to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the state’s energy mandates to show the true financial impact on consumers’ utility bills.

Over the past five years alone, state spending has surged by an alarming $67 billion, pushing us further from fiscal responsibility. This unchecked spending spree has placed an unbearable burden on New York’s hardworking families. The reality is that when government spending grows unchecked, it leads to a rising cost of living for everyone. Making matters worse, Gov. Hochul recently vetoed a bill that would improve state-spending transparency. At a time when New Yorkers are feeling the weight of rising costs, this veto sends a message that those in power are unwilling to make the government more accountable to the people it serves.

To address the affordability crisis, we must take decisive action to find permanent solutions that bring state spending down to sustainable levels, focus on lowering taxes, and make government more transparent. New Yorkers deserve a government responsive to their needs, one that spends within its means, and doesn’t pass the cost of poor financial management onto the taxpayers.

William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.

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