Medicare Procedure and Patient Information
2021 Medicare Procedure Volume
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO for Medicare patients.
35 |
Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO is a vascular surgeon in Akron, OH specializing in vascular surgery. Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO is affiliated with Akron General, Cleveland Clinic, Akron General and PARTNERS PHYSICIAN GROUP.
1 Akron General Avenue Mail Code, Suite 3500
Akron, OH 44307
Angiogram (Angiography)
Angiography is the use of x-rays to examine blood vessels, especially in order to identify any blocked or misshapen vessels that may cause problems. The test itself is called an angiogram. Some of the disorders that angiograms can be used to diagnose include:
During an angiogram, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through an opening in the groin or arm. The catheter is threaded through the body to the site of the suspected problem, where a small amount of dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken. The dye makes the surrounding blood vessels visible via x-ray.
If necessary, certain procedures can be performed after an angiogram while the catheter is in place. Angioplasty is the use of a catheter to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. Stents are like tiny coiled springs that hold blood vessels open, and they can be placed during a catheterization. Damaged heart valves can also be repaired or replaced.
A typical angiogram takes about an hour to perform, but it may be longer if the catheterization is used to perform procedures on the blood vessels. It may be uncomfortable at times but is usually not painful. Afterwards, patients may be monitored for up to six hours to make sure any bleeding from the insertion site has stopped. They are given fluids to help flush the dye from their body. For a day or two after an angiogram it is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids and keep strenuous activity to a minimum.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a common, minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow in arteries and veins that have become narrowed or blocked. Age or illness can cause plaque to build up at certain spots within the veins and arteries, and if enough collects, it can restrict the flow of blood. Angioplasty uses a tiny balloon at the end of a small, flexible tube to inflate within the narrowed section and open it up again.
Angioplasty may be performed in several different areas of the body and for a variety of reasons, most often:
During angioplasty, a patient is given a sedative while lying on a table under an x-ray machine. A catheter (a thin, flexible, and hollow tube) is inserted into the patient's skin in the arm or groin and guided into the blocked artery. Dye is injected via the catheter, and x-rays are used to position the tip of the catheter exactly at the blockage. The tiny balloon is guided through the catheter and inflated with saline. It pushes the plaque out of the way, squishing it against the walls of the artery. The balloon may be inflated and deflated several times to let blood pass by. A stent, a tiny tube of metal mesh like a spring, may be inserted to help keep the artery open. Then the x-ray is used again to check that blood is flowing properly, the catheter is removed, and the tiny incision is bandaged.
There are no nerves within veins and arteries, so an angioplasty is generally not painful. However, there may be some discomfort at the site of the incision and when the balloon is inflated. Overall, angioplasty is a very effective and low-risk procedure, useful for helping patients avoid more difficult bypass surgery.
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.
Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.
Risk factors for stroke include:
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.
Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:
-Disorientation or confusion
-Difficulty speaking
-Difficulty walking
-Impaired vision
-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms
-Severe headaches
When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment begins generally immediately if a stroke is detected.
Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.
Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.
Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO for Medicare patients.
doctor visit | 35 |
---|
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO for Medicare patients.
doctor visit | 35 |
---|
She completed residency at Cleveland Clinic. She is certified by the Vascular Surgery and has a state license in Ohio.
Residency: Cleveland Clinic (2021)
Board Certification: Vascular Surgery
Licensed In: Ohio
Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO has a high overall rating with an average of 4.38 out of 5 stars based on 8 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO from all over the web to help you find the right in Akron, OH.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Cassandra Beck, DO. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Medtronic Vascular, Inc. |
$508
Aptus Heli-FX $30 |
Endurant $16 |
$462 |
|
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Abbott Laboratories |
$117
Armada 35 percutaneous catheter $94 |
Supera peripheral stent system $23 |
||
CORDIS US CORP. |
$67
S.M.A.R.T. CONTROL $67 |
|||
The Spectranetics Corporation |
$48
CVX-300CVX-300P $48 |
|||
Penumbra, Inc. |
$45
Indigo System $45 |
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Other |
$77
C3 Delivery System $26 |
V.A.C. VERAFLO $20 |
Angiojet $15 |
EKOSONIC $15 |
Education | $462 |
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Food and Beverage | $400 |
Dr. Cassandra Beck is a medical specialist in vascular surgery. Her areas of expertise include the following: thoracic outlet syndrome, renal angioplasty, and amputation. She is professionally affiliated with Akron General. Dr. Beck's medical residency was performed at Cleveland Clinic. She is rated 4.5 stars (out of 5) by her patients.