Anyone with asthma, emphysema or other lung disease now has a new option for pulmonology treatment in Great Bend.
Roman Reznik, M.D., pulmonologist, recently paid his first visit to Great Bend Healthcare Center, 1400 Polk. His main office is at Hays Medical Center, and his Great Bend specialty clinic will move into St. Rose Health Center this summer.
HaysMed and Centura Health co-own St. Rose.
“As a pulmonologist, I treat a variety of lung diseases,” Dr. Reznik said. “In addition to asthma and emphysema, the most common conditions are lung cancer, cough and shortness of breath.
“And while it is not as common, we also see patients with inflammatory lung disease,” he added.
Pulmonary diagnostic and treatment options include x-rays, CAT scans and breathing tests. Dr. Reznik also performs a flexible bronchoscopy when necessary.
This procedure entails advancing a flexible bronchoscope through a patient’s mouth or nose into the windpipe. Further advancement helps the physician analyze the airways in each lung while checking for problems.
“Images from inside the lung are displayed on a video screen,” Dr. Reznik explained. “The scope has a channel at the tip, which enables the doctor to use small tools to perform other pulmonology procedures.”
For example, bronchoalveolar lavage is performed during a bronchoscopy. Sterile water is injected through the scope into a segment of the lung; this fluid is then suctioned out and tested.
“This can help us diagnose infections, cancer, bleeding and other conditions,” Dr. Reznik commented, noting the best way to prevent lung disease is to quit smoking. “Smoking is related to a majority of the patients we see. Family history and sleep apnea also can cause problems.
“It is helpful to exercise and maintain a healthy weight too,” the pulmonologist added. “In general, what is good for your overall health is good for your lungs, and what is bad for your overall health is bad for your lungs.”
A referral from another doctor, such as a general practitioner or surgeon, is required for an appointment with Dr. Reznik. He is in Great Bend on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month and anticipates seeing about a dozen patients each time.
“We are happy to provide a necessary service in this area,” he said. “I am impressed with St. Rose and my new patients. Everyone has been welcoming and I am excited about the opportunity to be here.”
Dr. Reznik completed medical school at New York University School of Medicine, where he also performed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology. In addition, he completed a residency in internal medicine at Lennox Hill Hospital; he also completed a fellowship at Lennox Hill in pulmonary medicine.
He is board certified in pulmonary medicine and critical care, and treats patients in the HaysMed intensive care unit.
St. Rose Administrator Leanne Irsik said Dr. Reznik’s clinic is just one example of the expanded specialty coverage by Hays Medical Group.
“Dr. Reznik is a welcome addition,” Irsik said. “He comes highly recommended and we are already hearing good things about him.”
When St. Rose primary-care providers refer patients to Dr. Reznik or other HaysMed specialists, all information is available immediately to all parties through an integrated electronic records system.
“This is a huge benefit,” Irsik noted. “It enhances health-care opportunities for central Kansans by allowing access to more services close to home with up-to-the-minute communication with primary providers and specialists.
“This continuity of care for chronic or sudden problems results in more effective treatment, and prevention of many costly and difficult long-term issues,” she added.
St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine & Urgent Care, Great Bend Internists, imaging, infusion clinic, WellnessWorks, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.
