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Our Unique Approach

The Institute for Weight Loss at RBMC features a comprehensive, personalized approach to overcoming obesity. Our multidisciplinary team, which includes experienced bariatric surgeons, guides patients through each step of the weight loss journey, from choosing the best treatment options to nutrition education, lifestyle counseling, and ongoing support.

Our specialists will explain the benefits and risks of each bariatric procedure, along with more conservative weight loss options.  Together, we’ll develop an individualized program that combines medical intervention with a lifetime commitment to healthy eating, exercise and follow-up care.

Ready to take the First Step?

To learn more about bariatric surgery, join us for a free informational program at RBMC’s Institute for Weight Loss. To register for an upcoming session or to schedule a
consultation with a bariatric surgeon, call 855-TIME-4-ME (855.846.3463).

What to Expect

Depending on your procedure, you may be discharged the same day or spend one or two nights in one of the Institute’s private patient rooms.  Upon returning home you will benefit from monthly support groups and continued guidance from our dedicated staff. With motivation and commitment, most patients lose 100 pounds or more within two years of surgery.

Surgical Options

Most bariatric procedures are now performed with tiny incisions, resulting in less pain after surgery and faster recoveries. Patients are generally back on their feet in a few days and may resume all activities within three weeks. 

The most commonly performed procedures include:

• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass – The surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, bypasses a section of small intestines and then attaches the lower part of the small intestines directly to the pouch.  This technique restricts food intake while the body absorbs fewer calories. 
• Adjustable Gastric Banding – A band is placed around the upper stomach to create a smaller pouch, restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold without interfering with the digestive process.  The band can be adjusted or removed over time.
• Gastric Sleeve – The surgeon removes about 85 percent of the stomach and shapes the remaining portion into a tube.  Food consumption is restricted while absorption is unaffected.

Am I Candidate for Surgery?

Candiates for weight loss surgery should meet the following guidelines:

• You are an adult with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or a BMI above 35 with a serious obesity-related medical problem such as diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea.
• You have been unable to lose weight through non-surgical alternatives, including diet, exercise and medication.

Institue for Weight Loss
Raritan Bay Medical Center
3 Hospital Plaza
Suite 206
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
855.TIME-4-ME (855.846.3463)

Exceptional Standards of Care

Raritan Bay medical Center is accredited by the Joint commission (TJC), licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and approved by Medicare, Medicaid and most major medical insurance providers.  With locations in Perth Amboy and Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center is a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Health Network, a major clinical affiliate of UMDNJ Robert Wood Jonson Medical School, and an affiliate of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

Outpatient Services

A wide range of outpatient mental health programs are offered through Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Perth Amboy location and at the hospital’s Bay Family Medicine practice in Old Bridge. This expanding service provides comprehensive assessment, counseling and medication management for individuals with any type of psychiatric disorder, including those associated with older adults. Additionally, both sites host support groups for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Inpatient Care

In some cases, mental illness may require hospitalization. Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Perth Amboy location maintains a dedicated, 26-bed inpatient unit for adults with acute psychiatric needs. Based on a biopsychosocial model of care, our clinical team provides thorough evaluation, diagnosis and individualized treatment for all major behavioral health conditions, including geriatric patients with dementia and those suffering from severe depression, anxiety and other disorders. Individual, group and recreational therapies are utilized to help patients achieve their highest level of functioning and resume their roles in the community.  Additionally, board certified/board eligible general and geriatric psychiatrists are available around-the-clock to assist patients in the hospital’s medical/surgical units who may have underlying or emerging mental health conditions.

Crisis Stabilization

Raritan Bay Medical Center is fully prepared to handle psychiatric emergencies through its Crisis Stabilization Unit located at Perth Amboy. Housed within the emergency department, the area is uniquely designed to care for adults and children experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Experienced crisis counselors and trained psychiatric nurses are available 24 hours a day for onsite evaluation, and through consultation with on call psychiatrists, can make immediate treatment recommendations to resolve the crisis situation.

Crisis Hotline

If you or someone you love is suffering from a serious mental health problem, please call Raritan Bay Medical Center’s crisis hotline to speak with an experienced mental health counselor. This free, confidential service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 732.442.3794.

Education & Outreach

As part of our commitment to behavioral health, Raritan Bay Medical Center offers a diverse array of educational programs for area residents and the medical community.

Our mental health professionals provide free lectures, workshops and screenings for depression and other disorders in various public venues along with training for fellow practitioners. All outreach services aim to increase awareness about mental illness as well as access to effective, high quality treatment.

Do you suffer from anxiety, depression, memory loss or another mental health problem? Do you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia? We can help.

We’re all aware of the impact that cancer, diabetes and other diseases can have on one’s health. Many don’t realize, however, that mental illnesses play an equally significant role in total wellness. And they’re just as common. An estimated 57.7 million Americans, or one in four adults, has some type of behavioral health disorder. They affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, triggering physical as well as psychological symptoms, and represent the leading cause of disability in the United States for young adults.

Nevertheless, there is reason for great hope. With professional treatment, most people with mental illness can enjoy a better quality of life.  Our goal is to help patients manage their conditions to achieve optimal health, renewed independence and the freedom to live full, productive lives.

Over the past 30 years, Raritan Bay Medical Center has led the way for hundreds of community residents through its behavioral health services. This vital and growing component of the hospital’s continuum of care offers an integrated approach to healing, recovery and wellness for those facing mental health challenges. Our broad spectrum of services includes inpatient, outpatient and crisis intervention programs provided by a compassionate, multi-disciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers and other specialized professionals.

Understanding Mental Illness

Mental illnesses are true medical conditions that affect an individual’s thinking, feeling, mood, relationships and daily functioning. Left untreated, these disorders can be debilitating and trigger such problems as substance abuse, unemployment, isolation and additional impairments.  Some common mental illnesses include dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.  While behavioral health problems are prevalent, up to 90 percent of those afflicted can recover with professional intervention.

For More Information

To learn more about Raritan Bay Medical Center’s behavioral health services or to schedule an assessment with one of our psychiatrists, call 732.324.5199.

The Medical Pavilion at Woodbridge, located at 740 Route 1 North, Iselin, provides high-quality, urgent non-emergency care, obstetrical/gynecological and physical therapy services.

Urgent care, provided by a physician or nurse practitioner, is available with or without an appointment Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays and holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Urgent services include care for common illnesses; colds, sore throat, cuts (including providing stitches and their removal), eye, ear and sinus infections and chronic conditions; asthma, allergies, digestive disorders and more.

Clinicians are able to refer patients for on-site diagnostic imaging services and preventative health screenings, such as physicals, blood pressure, cholesterol, allergy and diabetes testing and vaccinations. As an added benefit they may refer patients who need specialty care, advanced diagnostic testing or surgery to RBMC physicians, providing continuity of care with a full service hospital known for high-quality outcomes.

Bay Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians provide personal, high-quality care for women of any age including pre- and post-natal care, family planning, laser hair and tattoo removal, treatment for urinary incontinence and more. Physical therapy includes care for children and adults with various disabilities, injuries or diseases associated with the neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Ob/Gyn and physical therapy services are available by appointment. Medicare and most insurance plans accepted.

Urgent care centers are designed to treat minor injury and illness when you can’t wait to see your regular doctor. You’ll generally get in much faster and pay less than you would in the ER for some of the same services. But keep in mind that urgent care centers are only for urgent, non-emergent health needs. If you or someone else has a true emergency, the ER is still the best place to go.

For the following conditions, urgent care may be faster, easier and less expensive:

• Sinus or ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Minor cuts
• Animal bite
• Sprains or broken bones
• General not-feeling-so-well aches and pains

A visit to the ER is needed for the following:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Sudden dizziness or weakness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unstoppable bleeding
• Change in vision
• Severe or persistent vomiting blood

Medical Pavilion at Woodbridge Phone Numbers:

Urgent Care: 732.726.0011

Bay Obstetrics and Gynecology: 732.362.3840

Physical Therapy: 732.362.3860

The Center for Sleep Medicine is a state of the art facility, which provides diagnosis and treatment for a variety of sleep disorders and ailments.  We specialize in children and adults aged 4 and up.  A sleep study is a non invasive test which records 16 different channels of information including sleep pattern, heart rate, brain waves, oxygen level and muscle tone while you sleep overnight or during the day in a private hotel like room. Evening studies are conducted at 9:15 pm and 9:30 pm Monday thru Saturday evenings.  Daytime study times are on a case by case basis.  The Center for Sleep Medicine is one of only a few sleep centers in the state accredited by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Types of Studies

Several types of sleep studies can be conducted at The Center for Sleep Medicine.  Some of the most common disorders that may be studied include sleep apnea, leg movements, night terrors and Narcolepsy. Once diagnosed, patients may be prescribed medication or respiratory adjuncts.  In rare cases, surgery may be needed to correct a condition. All aspects of the testing process are handled at the center, and test results are forwarded to the patients referring physician to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

Comfort & Convenience

The Center for Sleep Medicine appears to be anything but a clinical experience.  Four private rooms boast extra long beds, TV’s and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.  Caregivers or a parent may stay overnight if the patient requires assistance or is a minor.  Private showers make it convenient for those patients that need to be up early and prepare for work.  With an evening snack and a continental breakfast provided all efforts have been made to make the patient’s experience as comfortable and home-like as possible.

Arranging for a Sleep Study

Patients can be referred by their physician or they can call us for a physician referral.  You must have a prescription from a physician to have a sleep study.

Sleep studies are usually covered by insurance, but it is recommended that all patients check with their insurance carrier for coverage details.  The Center for Sleep Medicine will check with your insurance carrier and notify you about a referral, if needed.

For more information, call 732.360.4255 or visit www.rbmcsleepcenter.org.

The New Standard of Care

Progress is not only achieved by moving forward, but also looking back.

Indeed, state-of-the-art health care has been redefined by combining the latest medical advances with ancient modes of therapy. Called integrative medicine, this approach to healthcare is rapidly becoming the new standard for Raritan Bay Medical Center and other hospitals on the cutting edge.  How so?  It introduces broader possibilities for healing and nurturing the body, mind and spirit.

Over the last 15 years, Western doctors have recognized a true connection between traditional care that focuses on the body, such as surgery and medicines, and techniques geared toward emotional, psychological and spiritual wellness. The idea is to treat the whole person, not just the disease.  And as more health care providers climb on board, the results are beginning to shine.

Researchers affirm the positive impact of many complementary therapies that have been around for centuries, including acupuncture, guided imagery and massage. Studies conclude that an integrated philosophy of care can boost one’s immune system, alleviate stress and anxiety, reduce pain, and help individuals fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses.

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Division of Integrative Medicine joins hospitals around the country, and the world, in offering a host of new options for balancing the science and art of medical practice – and achieving optimal health.

A Growing Trend

Once outside the accepted boundaries of care, integrative medicine has gained increased respect as a vital, valuable component of health services – by practitioners and patients alike. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, was established to research the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), while major universities and medical schools are training physicians in CAM therapies.

Today nearly three-fourths of the U.S. population has expressed an interest in complementary medicine.  Accordingly, the American Hospital Association (AHA) reports that the percentage of U.S. hospitals providing such services has more than doubled in less than a decade. Hospitals have recognized their role in the healing process and have given patients more opportunities to participate in their care and enrich their health and well-being.

The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Clinical studies support the mind-body-spirit connection, demonstrating numerous benefits associated with integrative medicine.  Complementary modalities are linked to such outcomes as:

• pain control
• improved emotional state, which helps the body ward off disease and infection
• reduced nausea, fatigue, muscle tension and other physiological symptoms
• less stress and anxiety, which can lower blood pressure and enhance immune system
• smoking cessation
• improved mood and outlook
• better quality of life

Additional research is exploring the potential of integrative medicine in managing, preventing and even reversing certain diseases.

A Range of Treatments

Raritan Bay Medical Center offers a wide array of integrative treatments to patients, the community and staff.  All services are provided under the guidance of a board certified physician and administered by qualified, credentialed practitioners trained in various realms of expertise.  Inpatient and outpatient programs are available free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Options include the following energy-based, manipulative and mind-body methods:

• Acupuncture – a group of procedures designed to restore the body’s natural balance through the stimulation of certain points on the body, usually accomplished with very thin needles that penetrate the skin or by using heat, massage, or electrical means.  Raritan Bay Medical Center is one of the few medical centers in New Jersey with a  physician acupuncturist on staff.
• Massage – a method of applying slow, firm or gentle strokes to the skin and muscles to relieve tension, restore function and alleviate pain.  Practitioners specialize in rejuvenating massage, Swedish massage, sports massage and other techniques.
• Energy Medicine (W.I.S.E. method) – a practice that uses gentle hand placements to balance subtle energies in the body.  This helps strengthen the immune system and supports health and healing.
• Reflexology – a system of applying pressure and massage to various points on the hands and feet to relieve pain and stress while restoring the body’s natural balance and well-being.
• Reiki – a technique originated in Japan based on the concept of optimizing the body’s “universal life force energy” to promote relaxation, healing and well-being.
• Tai Chi/Qigong – a system of gentle exercises practiced slowly and evenly for wonderful wellness benefits. This method can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age, sex, or fitness level.
• Guided Imagery – a practice of listening to recordings of music and words to create calm, peaceful images that promote relaxation, ease pain and reduce stress.  This can be achieved through CDs and/or instructors.

Additionally, Raritan Bay Medical Center offers many complementary services and amenities that support an integrated approach to care, such as:

• nutrition counseling and classes
• hand massage
• music therapy
• scented lotions and flavored teas
• wellness programs
• pet therapy (through the hospital’s volunteer services dept.)

Discover the Benefits Yourself

To learn more about the Raritan Bay Medical Center’s integrative medicine programs, schedule an appointment, or obtain an upcoming calendar of events, please call the Division of Integrative Medicine at 732.442.3700, ext. 5861.

Our Mission

The mission of the Division of Integrative Medicine at Raritan Bay Medical Center is to provide holistic treatment to patients who desire an integrative approach to their health care.  We offer a variety of traditional and complementary therapies to assist patients in accessing their self-healing abilities and to promote optimal wellness of mind-body-spirit.

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Stroke Center – Your partner in Stroke Prevention, Treatment and Recovery

Raritan Bay Medical Center is a state-designated Primary Stroke Center promoting a comprehensive approach to stoke care.  With a full continuum of preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative  services, the center provides dedicated, highly skilled stroke specialists – including emergency medicine physicians and staff neurologists, radiologists, internists, nurses, speech pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacies and social workers.

Eighty percent of strokes are preventable, AND most strokes are treatable.

A majority of stroke victims can experience a complete recovery when treated within three hours of the stroke’s onset.

Know all the facts about stroke before one occurs.  This may save your life or the life of a loved one.

What is stroke?

A stroke, or “brain attack,” occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures. This prevents the brain from getting the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die. When that happens, individuals may suffer irreversible brain damage, including paralysis and mental impairment. The stroke’s impact will depend on such factors as the precise location of the clot or rupture, how much of the brain has been damaged, and how quickly treatment is administered. There are two primary types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. About 80 percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blocked brain vessel. Less common are hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a vessel ruptures and bleeds into surrounding areas of the brain.

Some individuals suffer from a TIA (transient ischemic attack), also known as a “mini stroke.” During this condition, a blood clot obstructs the flow of blood to the brain for a short period of time and resolves itself. Although symptoms disappear quickly, if left untreated a TIA will put you at ten times the risk for stroke.

What are the signs of stroke?

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately or get to the closest hospital emergency room. Every second counts because time lost is brain lost.

Why is treatment urgent?

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

When stroke occurs, nearly two million brain cells are lost with each passing minute. That’s why it is critical for victims to recognize the early warning signs and receive rapid medical intervention. Left to run its natural course, a stroke can destroy 1.2 billion cells resulting in permanent brain damage.

More than 80 percent of strokes can be effectively treated with the FDA-approved, clot-busting drug known as TPA (tissue plasminogen activator). When administered within three hours of stroke symptoms, this medication stops a stroke in its tracks by dissolving the blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain. It can mean the difference between permanent disability and a full recovery. There is a three-hour window for successfully treating stroke with TPA making it essential that individuals arrive at the hospital within one hour of experiencing stroke symptoms. Other therapeutic options may include surgery, endovascular procedures and rehabilitative therapies.

Am I at risk for stroke?

There are several risk factors that increase your chances of suffering a stroke. Some are related to hereditary or conditions beyond your control, while others can be changed or managed through healthier lifestyles and medical intervention.

Risk factors include:

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Personal or family history of stroke or heart disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity/poor diet (diets high in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium)
• Physical inactivity
• Age (After age 55, your stroke risk doubles with every decade)
• Gender (Stroke is more common in men than women)
• Race (African Americans are twice as likely to die from stroke than Caucasians)

How can I prevent a stroke?

You can prevent a stroke by controlling as many risk factors as possible. Protect yourself with the following measures:

• Watch your cholesterol and blood pressure, and modify them if necessary
• Manage such medical conditions as diabetes and heart disease
• Don’t smoke
• Practice good nutrition by choosing healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products
• Exercise regularly, with permission and guidance from your physician

For more information about Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Stroke Center, call 732.324.4970.

To schedule a stroke awareness presentation or health screening for your community organization, call 732.324.5315. For referral to a physician, call 1-800 DOCTORS or 800.362.8677.

Exceptional Standards of Care

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Cardiology Diagnostic & Treatment Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. The medical center is a designated teaching institution for therapists and maintains affiliations with several major universities and colleges, including University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Seton Hall University, Columbia University, Boston University, Quinnipiac University, Syracuse University, City University of NY-Hunter College, Widener University, Newmann College, Union County College and Essex County College.

Emergency Care

When someone is experiencing chest pain or cardiac arrest, medical care often begins before the patient reaches the hospital. Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit responds to thousands of 911 calls in Middlesex County. The fleet’s certified paramedics are trained to administer electrical defibrillation, intravenous therapy and other procedures at the scene of an emergency, while working with physicians to expedite hospital treatment, including cardiac catheterizations and angioplasty.

Patients exhibiting warning signs of heart attack are promptly triaged to the Emergency Department’s Chest Pain Center, where they are closely monitored and assessed by a team of board-certified emergency physicians, cardiologists and registered nurses. Under the hospital’s stringent protocols, potential heart attack victims receive priority for surgical and non-invasive diagnostic testing to facilitate treatment and ultimately prevent irreparable heart muscle damage.

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

The cornerstone of Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Cardiology and Diagnostic Treatment Center is its full service Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Housed on the Perth Amboy location, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging technology that allows physicians to view the heart’s blood flow and vessels so they can accurately diagnose coronary artery disease, valve disease and congenital heart anomalies. The Lab is available around-the-clock and is expertly run by a highly experienced team of interventional cardiologists, registered nurses and cardiovascular technologists. Over 1,000 cases are performed annually.

Angioplasty

Raritan Bay Medical Center is among a select group of New Jersey hospitals approved by the State Health Commissioner to perform both primary and elective angioplasty. Primary angioplasty, regarded as the gold standard, most effective intervention for heart attacks, is used to open clogged arteries and restore blood flow within 90 minutes of a patient’s arrival at the hospital. This is accomplished by inserting a balloon into the blocked arteries followed by a stent, in some cases, to keep the arteries clear. The technique halts or prevents the potentially deadly consequences of heart attack while facilitating the best possible patient outcomes.

Non-Invasive Diagnostic Tools

Raritan Bay Medical Center employs a vast range of non-invasive diagnostic tools for detecting and managing heart disease. It is one of only a few hospitals in the country to use three-dimensional echocardiography ensuring the most vivid, accurate images for cardiovascular studies. The facility performs over 20,000 procedures annually, with a full complement of tests that include:

• electrocardiograms
• echocardiograms
• cardiac stress tests
• holter monitoring
• nuclear stress tests
• signal-average electrocardiograms
• transesophogeal echocardiograms
• ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
• cardiac event recording

CCU/ICU/ACU

Cardiac patients requiring hospitalization are transferred to the Medical Center’s Critical Care Unit or dedicated Angioplasty Care Unit, where they remain under the watchful eye of registered nurses who are specially trained and credentialed in cardiovascular care.

Exceptional Care a Heartbeat Away

Know the early warning signs of heart attack

When it comes to a heart attack, time lost is muscle lost. Recognize the early warning signs to avoid irreparable heart damage:

• Chest discomfort that lasts several minutes or occurs intermittently. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, lightheadedness or a cold sweat.

If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1.

The Cardiac Club

The Cardiac Club at Raritan Bay Medical Center promotes cardiovascular health through monthly support and education meetings. The group is open to former cardiac patients and their families as well as members of the community, offering a valuable forum for sharing concerns and strategies for living with heart disease. The meetings are free of charge and held at the Perth Amboy location. For more information about The Cardiac Club, please call 732.324.5178.

Special Deliveries

As a Major Clinical Affiliate of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Raritan Bay Medical Center delivers an integrated maternal/child health program addressing the prenatal, birthing and postpartum needs of mothers and their newborns. The hospital’s beautifully appointed Dr. Sam Gordon Berkow Maternity Pavilion offers the highest standards of care and comfort. The unit is operated by an experienced team of clinicians, including board certified obstetrician/gynecologists, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, pediatricians and resident physicians along with nurses trained in maternal and pediatric specialties.

Whether this is your first baby or the next in your growing family, we understand that nine months of anticipation evoke a myriad of emotions, wonder and questions beyond “Pink or Blue?” Raritan Bay Medical Center’s full complement of services prepares expectant parents for the exciting journey to come while facilitating a healthy start.

Exceptional Standards of Care

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. A Major Clinical Affiliate of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the medical center is a teaching hospital and integral part of an established Obstetrics/Gynecology residency program. This educational status enhances the hospital’s maternal/child health services through on-site University faculty and residents.

Mothers with Special Needs

In partnership with UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Raritan Bay Medical Center offers perinatology care to women with high-risk pregnancies due to pre-existing medical conditions, multiple births or other complicating factors. Mothers have access to advanced diagnostic ultrasound, genetic counseling and other specialized consultations to help manage their prenatal needs. The hospital will soon expand this service so most appointments can be accommodated on the Raritan Bay Medical Center campus.

The medical center is also a member of the New Jersey Hospital Association Perinatal Collaborative, a forum for exchanging innovations and best practices in patient safety and care.

Maternity Pavilion

When that precious moment arrives, mothers and their families find comfort in the Dr. Sam. Gordon Berkow Maternity Pavilion. This completely renovated and refurbished facility provides the perfect setting for a memorable birthing experience. Enveloped within a warm, spacious, nurturing environment, the unit features 14 private and semi-private birthing suites that allow mothers to labor, deliver and recover in one place, as well as surgical suites, two newborn nurseries and a medically-equipped neonatal special care nursery.

The Maternity Pavilion has around-the-clock coverage by obstetricians, anesthesiologists, pediatricians and neonatologists along with 24-hour access to a full range of pain management options, including epidural, guided imagery and other techniques.

Importantly, state-of-the-art clinical capabilities and security are complemented by amenities that promote family bonding, such as sleeper beds for birthing partners and extended visiting hours. New mothers also rest easier with caring, personalized attention from the unit’s nursing staff as well as lactation specialists and consulting physicians involved in maternal or newborn care.

Integrative Medicine

The birthing experience is often enhanced through harmony of mind, body and spirit. Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Division of Integrative Medicine fosters this connection through a growing number of programs offered to maternity patients. Techniques such as massage therapy, Reiki, energy medicine, Tai Chi and Qigong may be explored before, during or after childbirth.

Upon admission to the Maternity Pavilion, laboring mothers are encouraged to discover the benefits of guided imagery. An audio system and meditation CDs, that may help alleviate stress and discomfort while inspiring confidence and relaxation, is available upon request in all birthing suites. For more information about the hospital’s Integrative Medicine programs, call 732.442.3700, ext. 5861.

Preparing for Childbirth

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s prenatal programs are designed to be a guide for the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. The hospital hosts a monthly Open House for expectant parents, featuring a tour of the Dr. Sam. Gordon Berkow Maternity Pavilion and Pediatric Unit, as well as a wealth of information regarding childbirth preparation classes, breastfeeding, car seat safety, mother/baby nutrition, integrative medicine, infant/child CPR and other aspects of family health.

Additionally, the hospital offers online childbirth classes, which cover a range of birthing and pediatric topics. Participants learn about labor and delivery, including Lamaze and other pain management options, as well as issues related to postpartum and infant care, such as feeding, bathing, immunizations and common newborn conditions. Parents may also be interested in the hospital’s CPR awareness program for instruction in adult, child and infant CPR as well as emergency procedures for choking. For more information regarding upcoming tours and birthing classes, call 732.324.5300. Those interested in CPR may call 732.324.5393.

Finding a Doctor

Selecting the right physicians for mother and baby is the first step in ensuring a health pregnancy and the finest care for your newborn. Call Raritan Bay Medical Center’s free physician referral service. 1-800 DOCTORS or click here for our physician directory to locate an obstetrician/gynecologist, pediatrician or other specialists in your community.

Exceptional Standards of Care

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health. The medical center is a designated teaching institution for therapists and maintains affiliations with several major universities and colleges.

Appointments and Tours

Outpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation services are conveniently available days, evenings and weekends. For more information about various services or to schedule a facility tour, please call:

Perth Amboy: 732.324.5042
Old Bridge: 732.360.4013
Woodbridge(physical therapy only): 732.362.3860
Matawan (physical therapy only): 732.812.4900

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy provides evaluation and treatment for individuals with physical limitations, disabilities and pain. Some of the more common conditions for which physical therapists examine and provide intervention and treatment include:

• Orthopedic Conditions (low back pain, neck pain, headaches, osteoporosis)
• Joint and soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, hand injuries, fractures, dislocations, pre and post surgical conditions)
• Neurologic conditions (stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, peripheral nerve injury and Multiple Sclerosis)
• Integumentary Conditions (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Systemic Diseases (Cancer, AIDS/HIV infection)
• Workplace Injuries (carpal tunnel, cumulative trauma, stress disorders)
• Sports Injuries (overuse injuries and trauma in recreational and professional sports
• Cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions (congestive heart failure, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lymphedema, peripheral vascular disease (PVD))
• Patients who have developed physical impairment as the result of breast cancer

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is designed to help individuals develop or regain skills necessary to perform everyday activities so they can lead productive, fulfilling lives. Some of the health conditions that benefit form occupational therapy include:

• Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis and other serious chronic conditions
• Burns, spinal cord injuries, amputation
• Broken bones or other injuries from falls, sports injuries or accidents
• Cognitive problems associated with developmental delays or disabilities, brain tumors or stroke
• Mental health or behavioral problems (Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and post traumatic stress)
• Physical limitations following stroke, heart attack, traumatic brain injuries
• Problems that stem from substance abuse or eating disorders
• Work related injuries (low back problems, repetitive stress injuries)

Speech and Language Pathology

Raritan Bay Medical Center provides assessment and therapy for individuals with communication and language disorders, as well as those with swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists personalize treatment plans for developmentally delayed patients and those with neurological conditions or traumatic brain injuries, voice problems associated with head and neck/throat cancers, speech impediments and other communication difficulties. Interventions may include speech and language development, cognitive rehabilitation, voice therapy and vital stimulation for swallowing disorders.

Electrodiagnostic Procedures

Electrodiagnostic procedures are used to determine the underlying cause of nerve or muscle weakness, spasms, paralysis or pain. The Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation offers electrodiagnostic tests including:

• Electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity in muscles; and
• Nerve Conduction Studies, which evaluate nerve function

These tests are administered by board certified physiatrists.

Pelvic Rehabilitation

Pelvic rehabilitation is available to treat individuals with pelvic pain, bladder or bowel incontinence, or other forms of pelvic muscle dysfunction.

On the forefront of new technology, Raritan Bay Medical Center evaluates patients through video urodynamics, a painless procedure that utilizes imaging equipment to accurately diagnose disorders of the urinary tract system. Pictures and video provide physicians with detailed information about the bladder so they can identify abnormalities and recommend the best possible treatment.

Sometimes Getting Back on Your Feet Requires a Little Help.

Whether you’re recuperating from a fall, stroke or sports-related injury, your goal is a speedy and optimal recovery. You can rest assured that when you’re under the care of Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department, it’s our goal, too.

Raritan Bay Medical Center offers an expansive array of physical medicine and rehabilitation services aimed at promoting independence and improving quality of life. Our compassionate team of board certified physicians, physiatrists and licensed therapists bring up to 30 years clinical experience to provide care to adults and children diagnosed with various disabilities as well as injuries or disease associated with the neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or pulmonary systems.

Count on Raritan Bay Medical center to provide you and your family with first-class inpatient and outpatient services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, electrodiagnostic procedures and pelvic rehabilitation.