Page 12 - Talk of Tequesta - September '23

Page 12, The Talk Of Tequesta

Medical MaTTers

Medicare Corner With Kathy O

It’s That Time Again To Ask – Am I On The Right Medicare Plan?

Me d i c a r e o p e n changes to their plan during what is known as the annual supplement anytime during the next 12 months.
enrollment is around the enrollment period (AEP) which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. How do I go about comparing plans? As a consumer,
corner from Oct. 15 to 7. Plans are effective January of the following year. there are two important lists you should have when
Dec. 7. If you are on an So, what do I do now and what are my options? If you comparing plans and making the best decision for you:
advantage plan, you will are on a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan 1) A list of your medical providers and 2) A list of your
receive a notice of change (PDP), you will receive an Annual Notice of Change that prescription drugs. You have several resources to assist
that explains the changes will explain any changes that are effective January 2024. your decision-making process for AEP. You can contact
for your current 2024 plan If you do not get this important document, contact your Medicare by phone at 800-MEDICARE or online at www.
mid-September. plan provider. If you are satisfied with your current plan medicare.gov or you can contact a local agent like me!
This is what you need to and the upcoming changes, you do not need to do anything. What about all those commercials? These ads are
know … The plan will automatically renew January 2024. If you do designed to generate the most incoming calls possible.
Insurance companies not like the coverage or are interested in seeing if there are They list all possible free benefits, but include a
are continuing to make improvements in benefits to their other options with more benefits or lower costs, contact a disclaimer that you may not qualify for these benefits. As
advantage plans to help members receive low-cost care and local agent like me! a local agent, I can help clarify which benefits you may
extra benefits beyond original Medicare. It is important For those on a Medicare supplement plan, you have or may not be qualified for and assist you in enrolling in
to annually review your plan and look at some other the option during AEP to change to a Medicare advantage a new plan.
options available in your area, because you may miss out plan that may have a $0 monthly premium. If you try For a no cost or obligation plan review, please call
on additional benefits and/or lower costs. the advantage plan, and in the first year want to switch me at (561) 212-7640. I conduct reviews in person and
Can I change my plan anytime I want? Every year back to your supplement, you have guarantee issue under on the phone. I speak Medicare.
all active Medicare A and B recipients are eligible to make “trial rights,” which means you can switch back to your

Renowned Surgeon Achieves Milestone In Robotic Surgery

Expert Oncologic Surgeon, Shanel Bhagwandin, D.O., FACS, MPH,

Completes 500th Robotic-Assisted Surgery

The leader in quality, Jupiter Medical Center, which boasts more than 35 surgeons In fall 2023, the health
safety and patient trained in this technology. Jupiter Medical Center was one of system’s highly anticipated,
experience, Jupiter the first 10 hospitals in the world to introduce the da Vinci 90,000-square-foot Johnny
Medical Center is pleased XI model. Bhagwandin has also pioneered the use of robotic and Terry Gray Surgical
to announce the milestone technology in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy Institute is slated to open,
500th da Vinci robotic- (HIPEC) procedures, for treatment of abdominal cancers meeting the needs of the
®
assisted surgery to treat that spread throughout the abdomen. Just last year, one of his growing community. The
rare forms of cancer patients made a full recovery and went on to hike the Inca institute will have 16
performed by Shanel Trail in Machu Pichu, Peru, following a HIPEC performed operating rooms; “smart”
Bhagwandin, D.O., by Bhagwandin at Jupiter Medical Center. rooms will accommodate
FACS, MPH, medical “Employing the most sophisticated technologies in the complex and robotic
director Gastrointestinal hands of our expert physicians is at the forefront of our mission surgeries, while the hybrid
Surgical Oncology to provide the best, most innovative care for our community,” suites will offer surgeons the ability to transition from a
Program, and program says Rogerio C. Lilenbaum, SVP and chief physician executive, minimally invasive surgery to an open procedure when
director of the National and director of The Anderson Family Cancer Institute (AFCI), necessary, providing patients and their families with more
Pancreas Foundation where Bhagwandin is based. “Bhagwandin’s 500th da Vinci options. The “operating rooms of the future” will use leading
(NPF) Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at Jupiter robotic surgery is a testament to his dedication to offering his edge technology that is digitally integrated, enabling the
Medical Center. patients specialized treatment for some of the most aggressive surgical team to send real-time updates to the patient’s family
Dr. Bhagwandin is the only board certified complex forms of cancer. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and or caregiver.
general surgical oncologist in Palm Beach, Martin, Brevard, indicative of the caliber of extraordinary physicians we are For more information about Jupiter Medical Center,
and Indian River counties, and one of fewer than 10 in recruiting to Jupiter Medical Center.” visit jupitermed.com, or follow Jupiter Medical Center on
Florida, that treats patients with specific types of cancer Bhagwandin’s approach is complemented by the team of Facebook and Instagram @jupitermedicalcenter. For a next
with a minimally invasive approach with the assistance of multidisciplinary experts at AFCI, which includes surgical day oncologist appointment call (561) 263-4400.
da Vinci technology. Board certified in both general surgery oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, About Jupiter Medical Center
and complex general surgical oncology, Bhagwandin treats diagnostic and interventional radiologists, genetic counselors Rated No. 1 in the region for quality, safety and patient
patients with malignancies of the gallbladder and bile duct, and patient navigators who are committed to providing experience, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination
colon and rectum, esophagus, liver, and pancreatic cancer. cancer care of the highest quality. AFCI offers the for world-class health care in Palm Beach County and
Cumulatively, Bhagwandin has performed over 1,500 community all aspects of oncology care and treatment in across the Treasure Coast. Jupiter Medical Center’s state-
cancer-related surgeries since arriving to the area in 2017 one location, allowing patients to complete a full schedule of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies enable
from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In addition to of appointments in as short as a day rather than sometimes its award-winning physicians to provide a comprehensive
the designation from the National Pancreas Foundation as a weeks at other hospitals where components of care can continuum of inpatient and outpatient health care services.
Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer in 2022 – just be geographically dispersed. Recently, AFCI’s Next Day Jupiter Medical Center’s specialty centers of excellence
one of seven centers in Florida to achieve this – the program Oncologist appointment program was launched, providing include: comprehensive cancer care, cardiovascular care,
was also named “high performing” in colon cancer surgery patients the opportunity to schedule their initial consultation orthopedics, neurosciences, and women’s and children’s
by U.S. News & World Report. Jupiter Medical Center is also within 24 hours of receiving a diagnosis, allowing them to services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center,
recognized as a referral center, and offers one of the most jump-start their journey to beat cancer. please call (561) 263-2200 or visit www.jupitermed.com.
experienced high-volume centers in the region for robotic
liver, pancreas, colorectal, and esophageal cancers.
“Robotic instruments are often used in minimally invasive
surgeries,” explains Bhagwandin. “A robotic-assisted
approach is generally associated with less pain, less blood
loss, shorter hospital stays, and shorter recovery times so
our cancer patients can focus on quality of life and recovery
following the surgery.” Bhagwandin also serves as the
vice-chief of surgery at Jupiter Medical Center, where he
has focused on improving the quality and outcomes of all
surgical specialties. “I am proud to work with patients and
their families to offer them the best surgical outcomes for
their cancer treatment with a focus on their quality of life,”
says Bhagwandin.
The da Vinci Robotic Surgical System is designed to 747-PALM
provide surgical assistance beyond the capabilities of human
hands; increases the surgeon’s view using high-definition 747-7256
3-D visualization; and is used in a number of areas including
gastrointestinal, thoracic, cardiac and general surgeries at