The City of Lawrenceburg, in cooperation with Lawrenceburg's Fall Fest and the Vascular Center of Dearborn County Hospital, is helping to offset the cost of three life-saving vascular screenings for its citizens.

Lawrenceburg residents will be able to receive screenings for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Carotid Artery Stenosis (stroke risk) and Peripheral Arterial Disease for one low-cost fee of $30.  The City will provide the balance of the fee, $35, to cover the $65 screening charge.  This incentive to have the screening performed will be available to the first 350 residents of Lawrenceburg who call the DCH Vascular Center, Monday through Friday, during the week of and the week following Fall Fest (September 24 through October 5) and schedule an appointment.

“DCH’s Vascular Center is initiating a new outpatient Vascular Screening Program that will offer all three of these screenings for one low-cost fee.  All of these screenings are pain-free and noninvasive, yet, they have the potential to save a life or spare an individual from long term disability,” stated Roger Howard, DCH President/CEO.  “Currently, screenings such as these are periodically offered throughout the region by private companies who utilize senior centers, churches and other facilities.  Many of these private companies charge in excess of $100 for their combination of screenings.

“Our goal is to make these important screenings affordable for the general public.  While our price of $65 is less than that of other providers, the City of Lawrenceburg has also volunteered to provide a $35 incentive for its residents to receive the screenings,” explained Mr. Howard.  “The City’s enthusiastic support of this project is greatly appreciated by the hospital and provides an outstanding example of their sincere concern for the long term health and well being of their residents.”   

This special incentive offer is available only to those individuals residing within the Lawrenceburg city limits and who call within the designated period of time to schedule their appointment.  Participants are responsible for paying their portion of the screening fee, $30, by cash, check or credit card at the time the screening is performed. Individuals who do not reside within the city limits may participate in the screening program by paying the full $65.  Non-residents may schedule an appointment at any time.

The guidelines for the program are as follows:

• Open to all adult residents who are 18 years of age or older, however, screenings are most beneficial for those 50 years of age or older and/or those with a family history of vascular disease.
• Individuals will need to confirm their residency by showing a copy of their Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities bill with Lawrenceburg address at the time of their screening.
• Residents will need to call 537-8354 or 800/676-5572, ext. 8354, for an appointment weekdays during Fall Fest Week or the week immediately following Fall Fest to receive the incentive from the City.  (September 24 through October 5, 2012)
• Appointments will be scheduled at the participant’s convenience, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  A screening will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.  Participants who call to reserve an appointment during the September 24 through October 5 time period will be scheduled at their convenience from September 25 through December 28, 2012, based on availability.
• All screenings will be performed at Dearborn County Hospital in cooperation with Midwest Ultrasound.  Screening results will be sent to both the participant and their primary care physician for follow-up.  Screening results will become a part of the patient’s permanent medical record at Dearborn County Hospital.
• A physician’s order is not required, however, all participants must have a primary care physician (internal medicine, family medicine or general practice). Those without a primary care physician will be provided information on area physicians accepting new patients.
• Participants will be requested to follow guidelines regarding food and beverage consumption to enhance screening accuracy.
• A maximum of 350 screening appointments will be available during this time frame.
• City residents who do not call within the designated time period (September 24 through October 5) to schedule their appointment will be responsible for paying the entire $65 for their screenings.

For more information, please call the Vascular Center at Dearborn County Hospital at 812/537-8354 or 800/676-5572, ext. 8354.