SAGINAW -- MidMichigan hospitals, medical centers and insurance agencies are reviewing a study published by the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation which labels the Saginaw Valley with the highest amount of heart surgeries. The study breaks the state into regions with high levels of various medical conditions and examines the types of treatments received.
“We’ve skimmed the 34 page report but we haven’t had a chance to really dig into it,” said Kristin Knoll, public relations specialist with Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. The research also said the Saginaw region (which includes everything from Alpena to the Thumb in the study) ranks high in back pain treatment.
Other areas like West Michigan, including cities like Kalamazoo, rank high in children treated for hyperactivity disorders. Researchers behind the study tell NBC25 they don’t know why Saginaw is so high in heart issues but say the study is designed to get people talking about alternative treatment methods.
“We’re hoping that people really use the data as patients to become informed about what is happening and really start asking questions. Many of these diseases have approaches that can be used; less invasive than others.”
www.chrt.org
