Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 04:02
PM ET
Imagine not being able to go to a
doctor's office because you can't be lifted from a wheelchair to an examination
table. Breaking such barriers is the focus of a unique new service now
being offered by Magee Women's Hospital.
Jorgene Selelyo, 55, says getting
to the doctor was a challenge -- until now.
Jorgene Selelyo, Home Visit Patient Under the program, a visiting nurse/midwife
Cathy Caton and UMPC's clinical nurse Margie O'Leary, work together to
do breast, gynecological and physical exams inside the home.
Cathy Caton, Visiting Nurse/Midwife For more information on the program,
call 1-800-544-5250, e-mail Anne Mageras, or log on to the following links:
Additional Resources
KDKA
"What is more difficult
is getting onto an examination table because I can't stand or get out of
the chair myself and there have been no facilities and no health programs
that were able to do it at home."
Through Magee's new Home-Based Gynecological
and Breast Care Program, though, women with multiple sclerosis can get
the healthcare they need -- from breast cancer screenings to pelvic exams
-- in the comfort of their homes.
"Most of the women I see
have not had a pap test or a breast exam anywhere from five to fifteen
years. They have such severe disability, it is so difficult for them to
get out of their home and get to a physician's office -- and because most
physician offices don't have people there who can help lift them or undress
them."
The home visits are covered by
insurance -- and are free for those without coverage who can't afford the
exams.
© 2001, CBS Worldwide Inc.