Erlanger launches mobile heart screening center

Erlanger Health System announced today a partnership with HealthFair — a national testing provider that brings convenient and affordable health testing to community neighborhoods via its mobile health centers. Screenings will be offered throughout the region including areas north of Hamilton County and south into northern Georgia.

“Erlanger is fully committed to the prevention and early detection of diseases,” said Robert Brooks, FACHE, Chief Operating Officer of Erlanger Health System. “Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, our objective with these mobile health centers is to take heart screenings to convenient, public locations in an effort to prevent heart attacks and strokes, and improve the health of our communities.”

Starting Monday, August 25, the Erlanger mobile health center will begin offering residents screening tests to assess their risks of heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and some cancers. Participants are pre-screened and testing is tailored to the needs of the individual. Both basic and advanced packages are available depending on the amount of testing the participant requests.

In about an hour, six tests can be performed to determine the individual’s risk for heart attack or stroke. Ultrasound screenings of the heart and arteries include:

• Echocardiogram – Produces a video of the heart to detect enlargement of the heart, valve abnormalities, blood clots, and tumors.

• EKG – Provides a picture of the heart’s electrical activity, which may predict pending heart attack, irregular heart rhythms and other abnormalities.

• ASI – Measures the flexibility or hardening of the arteries.

• Carotid artery ultrasound – Examines the carotid arteries in the neck to detect the presence of plaque, one of the leading causes of stroke.

• Peripheral arterial disease test – Measures blood circulation to both the arms and legs. Poor circulation increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound – Checks for aneurysms in the abdomen. A four-hour fast is required.

Each test in the Erlanger mobile health center is performed by specially-trained staff, and the results are reviewed by board-certified physicians. Participants will receive their results by mail and have access to them through a secure online portal. Individuals determined to be at high risk will be contacted by Erlanger’s staff to discuss and facilitate appropriate next steps.

While insurance does not cover the screening tests, tests are potentially reimbursable from a health savings account, depending on the insurance coverage. Participants are encouraged to check with their insurance provider regarding reimbursement.

For more information, visit www.erlangerhealthfair.com or call 855-755-TEST (8378).