Expanding Cardiac Care in West Virginia
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in South Charleston is expanding its cardiac services beginning in February 2024 . The expansion will welcome several renowned cardiologists and vascular surgeons and feature an open-heart program at Thomas Memorial Hospital . Working with Camden Clark Medical Center ( CCMC ), an experienced provider of invasive cardiac and openheart services , Thomas Hospitals will develop the new services at Thomas Memorial to operate a joint cardiac surgery program with shared cardiac surgeons and policies for patients at both hospitals .
“ The needs of patients in Southern West Virginia are significant , and , over time , we are working to transform Thomas Memorial Hospital into a regional referral center for advanced cardiac care that is fully affiliated with the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute anchored in Morgantown ,” says Kishore Challa , M . D ., FACC , chief of cardiology at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals .
The joint program will provide increased access to care for patients , as well as more consistent coverage at both Thomas Memorial Hospital and CCMC . Expanded services will be available at Thomas Memorial Hospital later this year , subject to certain regulatory approvals .
Thomas Hospitals formed in 2007 , forging a partnership between two
community hospitals , Saint Francis and Thomas Memorial . Together , the two hospitals bring more than 170 years of service to the region . On January 1 , 2023 , Thomas became a full member of the WVU Medicine Health System . The partnership provides a unified health care delivery system committed to addressing comprehensive health care needs and improving the health of residents in Southern West Virginia .
to 2022 . During that time , he was one of the authors of the telemedicine bill that passed during the COVID-19 pandemic , allowing Medicare reimbursement on audio-only telemedicine visits .
“ We surveyed physicians throughout West Virginia and discovered that a majority did not have broadband access to support video telemedicine ,” Challa says . “ Prior to the bill , audio telemedicine visits were not permissible . I approached Senator Manchin and Senator Capito with a proposal that would allow Medicare payments to be made for audio-only telemedicine visits . The bill passed within 24 hours with bipartisan support , and every state in the country benefited .”
Former WVU football coach Don Nehlen referred to Challa as an angel from heaven after Challa saved his life 12 years ago when they were golfing . Nehlen began experiencing tightness in his chest on the golf course , and after examining him , Challa determined he needed heart surgery . Challa helped him get to Morgantown that day , and
Nehlen received heart surgery at Ruby Memorial Hospital .
He received the distinguished West Virginian award , given by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin , in 2013 and the Heart of Gold award from the American Heart Association in 2014 . Challa was also recognized by Manchin on the U . S . Senate floor in 2014 .
Challa mentors medical and physician assistant students from the University of Charleston and Marshall University .
“ It is a worthwhile investment because I remember being in their shoes . It ’ s important for us to pass down what we ’ ve learned ,” he says .
The success Challa has experienced throughout his career wouldn ’ t have been accomplished without the support of his wife , kids and partner at South Charleston Cardiology , Dr . Mohammad Yousaf .
“ The people and family values in the state have been exceptional ,” Challa says . “ West Virginia has been my home for the last 35 years , and it will be my home for the rest of my life .” •
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