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 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.

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 Diagnostic Radiology department meets the highest standards of care, including accreditation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensure by the New Jersey Department of Health. The medical center’s Mammography Unit is also accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Food & Drug Administration.

Convenient Hours

Outpatient radiology services are conveniently available for day, evening and weekend appointments. For more information or to schedule an appointment at Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Perth Amboy or Old Bridge location, please call 732.324.5270.

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Diagnostic Radiology department offers a full complement of outpatient services aimed at detecting, staging and sometimes treating a broad range of diseases. These include:

Computed Tomography/ Positron Emission Tomography (CT/PET) Scanning, Old Bridge – Combining the capabilities of two scanning devices, this cutting edge equipment is used to identify cancer as well as early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The technology measures the metabolic activity of cancer cells while pinpointing their location in the body, offering a complete and precise diagnosis.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning – Multi-detector scanning provides vivid, three dimensional imaging for diagnosing numerous medical conditions. The technology is especially helpful for angiography, or vascular studies, allowing many patients to avoid more invasive diagnostic procedures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This premier diagnostic tool provides detailed, high-resolution images of the head, chest, extremities and other areas.

Mammography/Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy – Combined with Raritan Bay Medical Center’s “double read” protocol, whereby two radiologists independently review test results.  These technologies ensure thorough, accurate diagnoses of breast cancer and breast abnormalities.

DEXA Scanner, Old Bridge – Bone densitometry measures bone mass to assist in the detection of osteoporosis.

X-rays – Digital, low-radiation X-ray equipment provides routine imaging of the head, neck, chest, spine, pelvis, extremities and abdomen.

Ultrasound – Advanced ultrasound utilizes sound waves to create visualizations of the chest, breast, abdomen, pelvis and blood vessels.

Angiography, Perth Amboy – This interventional modality reveals blockages and malformations of the vascular system.

Vertabroplasty – Representing a breakthrough treatment for osteoporosis, this minimally invasive procedure alleviates pain from compression spinal fractures.

Healing Starts Here

The first step on the road to recovery is knowing where to begin.  That’s why Raritan Bay Medical Center’s department of Diagnostic radiology ensures patients have access to the latest advances for diagnosing illness and injury, so they have the best possible starts in their treatment programs.

Our state-of-the-art outpatient facilities, located on both Perth Amboy and Old Bridge locations, are equipped with the most sophisticated tools and imaging technologies, as well as a growing array of therapeutic and interventional modalities to facilitate the healing process.

The department also features a picture archival and communications system (PACS) that allows physicians to review test results the moment they’re available form virtually any location with computer access.  No waiting form films.  No waiting to get to the hospital.  This digital system promotes quicker diagnoses, quicker treatment and more promising outcomes – which is the goal behind everything we do.

Furthermore, Raritan May Medical Center’s breakthrough technologies are matched by an equally impressive team of experience, board-certified radiologist and licensed technologists.  Our team performs more than 135,000 studies each year, putting on the right paths to better health.

Just for You

RBMC’s Center for Women is dedicated to the special needs of women, offering a comprehensive approach to breast health, wellness and disease prevention.  With locations in Old Bridge and Perth Amboy, our newly renovated facilities combine the highest quality imaging technology with comfortable, spa-like surroundings and a uniquely personalized level of care. 

We make it easy and convenient for women to receive state-of-the-art testing, including mammography, ultrasound, breast MRI, image-guided biopsy and bone densitometry, along with   various other women’s health services, from holistic medicine to lymphedema therapy.

At RBMC’s Center for Women, you’ll find a compassionate group of professionals devoted to your well-being. Because we understand the value of a little more help… and a little less to worry about.

Schedule an Appointment

RBMC’s Center for Women has two outpatient locations including our longstanding Old Bridge office and a newly opened Women’s Imaging suite in Perth Amboy. Both offer a host of amenities for optimal privacy, comfort and convenience, including free parking and easy access to all hospital services.

Old Bridge:  3 Hospital Plaza, Suite 302 (Medical Arts Building)
Perth Amboy:  530 New Brunswick Avenue, 1st Floor Blue Wing (enter from Lawrie Street)

To schedule an appointment, please call 732.324.5270.

Women’s Imaging and Diagnostics

RBMC is lauded as a Pink Ribbon FacilityTM in recognition of superior imaging for early breast cancer detection and the advancement of women’s health. Our nationally recognized Center for Women offers a wide array of diagnostic services, including the latest technology and techniques: 

• Digital Mammography – Double Read Method – Every screening mammogram is carefully reviewed for abnormalities by two radiologists and checked again with a sophisticated, computer-aided detection system (CAD) for a third evaluation.  These three checks insure that you are getting the best care possible…three different checks, for three times the peace of mind.

Identifying abnormalities in breast tissue is very difficult.  Large research studies have shown that having two doctors perform a separate evaluation of each mammogram and then comparing their opinions significantly increases the likelihood of identifying cancer.  If the opinions of the two radiologists are different, a third physician will be consulted until a determination is reached.

• Image-guided Breast Biopsy –
    Options include:
  • Stereotactic core needle biopsy
  • MRI-guided biopsy
  • Ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Bone Densitometry

Treatment & Rehabilitation

The Center for Women works in partnership with several RBMC departments to provide a continuum of women’s health services, including the following:

Treatment for Urinary Incontinence – Professionals from the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation offer the newest treatments for incontinence, pelvic pain and other conditions to help women reclaim a full, active lifestyle.

Lymphedema Therapy – Certified physical therapists assist in the prevention and management of lymphedema, a medical complication associated with breast cancer treatment.

Holistic Medicine – Women can achieve optimal healing and wellness through a variety of holistic therapies offered in conjunction with RBMC’s Division of Integrative Medicine.  Acupuncture, massage, Reiki and Tai Chi are just a few of the services available.

Focus on Wellness

The Center for Women promotes healthy living through one-on-one counseling and a Resource Library filled with literature, videos, computer workstations and other tools to empower and educate women; from stress management, to nutrition, to illness prevention.  Each of our facilities offers this complimentary service to patients and the community.

Our Team Approach

Our experienced team of board certified physicians, registered nurses, licensed therapists and other women’s health specialists work with your doctor to develop a customized plan of care.  We even have a dedicated Nurse Navigator who will guide you through each step of the process, whether you’re here for a screening mammogram, a series of tests, or treatment for a chronic condition. 

Renovated and Expanded Emergency Department Opens at Perth Amboy

As a vitally important, bustling and life-saving component of the medical center, Raritan Bay Medical Center (RBMC) has made enhancing its emergency services a priority. To that end RBMC completed a $1 million renovation project to expand and refurbish its Perth Amboy emergency department in 2010, as part of the medical center’s ongoing growth and renewal program Vision 2011.

The medical center celebrated the 3,530 sq/ft. expansion’s opening December 2010, which includes 10 additional patient beds and private patient rooms, new state-of-the-art digital patient monitoring and “see-thru CPR” defibrillator equipment, an expanded Fast Track area (providing speedy care for less serious emergencies) and more physical space enhancing the comfort level for patients and their loved ones.

“I’m extremely proud of the work that went into enhancing our emergency services at Perth Amboy. The additional beds, amenities and cutting-edge equipment will enable our expert physicians and Magnet nurses to triage and care for our patients more efficiently and will streamline treatment processes to speed up care,” said Michael R. D’Agnes, president and CEO of Raritan Bay Medical Center. “Ultimately, our goal is to be the medical destination of choice for the community we serve.”

The new defibrillators may be used in conjunction with RBMC’s Thermosuits, inflatable cocoon-like non-invasive devices that reduce body temperature rapidly, allowing for an extremely effective resuscitation bundle, enhancing RBMC clinicians’ ability to save lives.

The expansion also includes a new emergency department-dedicated elevator allowing easy and rapid transfer of patients, to be admitted, to patient floors and to the medical center’s cardiac catheterization laboratories and stroke unit. The new bedside monitoring equipment standardizes patient data with all departments and, in the near future, will allow caregivers to acquire 12-lead EKG heart data and electronically share with the cardiology department, through the medical center’s computer-based Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), giving cardiologists the data more quickly.

In the coming months the Old Bridge emergency department’s Fast Track area will be expanded to match the already large waiting room and patient care accommodations.

On the Front Lines of Health Care

On average, every resident in our community will call for emergency assistance at least twice during his or her lifetime — whether a loved one is experiencing a heart attack, seriously ill, or facing traumatic injury. And in most of those cases, Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be there, administering immediate medical care to those without time or ability to get to the hospital. So we bring the hospital to them.

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s EMS has been serving Central New Jersey for more than 20 years, providing mobile intensive care, special transportation, training and other vital programs to area residents and health care professionals.

Directed by a board-certified emergency medical physician, our team is focused on one thing — saving lives. From responding to emergencies to preventing them in the first place, our highly skilled professionals work in cooperation with local ambulance squads, police and fire departments and other health care agencies to care for area families, keeping them as safe and healthy as possible.

EMS operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day — equipped and prepared to handle any type of medical emergency. Our staff is truly on the front lines of health care, bridging the gap from the community to the Emergency Room, and extending help when and where it’s needed most.

Mobile Intensive Care Unit

Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit responds to approximately 5,000 calls each year in Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, South Amboy, Old Bridge, Sayreville and surrounding communities. Our fleet of five state-of-the-art vehicles is staffed by certified paramedics trained in advanced life support, able to administer life-saving interventions such as electrical defibrillation, intravenous therapy and other procedures at the scene of an emergency. When necessary, paramedics use radios and telephones to work in tandem with physicians to expedite hospital treatment, including cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and surgery.

Specialty Care and Basic Life Support Transportation

The hospital’s Specialty Care Transport and Basic Life Support Transport offers inter-facility ambulance transportation for critically ill or injured patients as well as individuals who may require assistance traveling to a nursing home, assisted-living facility or another hospital.

Patients in critical condition are accompanied by a critical care nurse and paramedic, while others are escorted by two emergency medical technicians. This hospital-based service can also coordinate transportation needs for those who are unable to walk or drive to their doctor appointments, dialysis treatments, chemotherapy or other essential medical services. In most cases, transportation costs are covered by insurance. For more information about this service or to arrange for transportation, call 732. 324-5204.

Training & Education

Raritan Bay Medical Center provides Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) classes for the community and health care professionals. These courses are taught under the standards of the American Heart Association. Additionally, the hospital offers comprehensive training for emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Please call 732.324.5393 for information about upcoming classes.

Outreach

As part of our mission, Raritan Bay Medical Center’s EMS actively participates in community health and wellness activities as well as emergency preparedness initiatives. Our vehicles and staff maintain a visible presence at local events, health fairs, schools and other youth organizations — speaking to aspiring health professionals, administering first aid, and spreading important health and safety information.

EMS also serves on local emergency response teams, helping local counties and municipalities plan for various types of disasters or incidents requiring a coordinated emergency effort.

Standards of Excellence

Raritan Bay Medical Center is a major clinical affiliate of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, a member of the Robert Wood Johnson Health Network, an affiliate of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and a recipient of the National Magnet Award for Nursing Excellence. All paramedics are certified by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

In Case of Emergency
If you think you or someone you’re with is experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Calmly tell the dispatcher about what has happened. Explain the type of emergency, give your name and the phone number of the telephone you are using, and give the address of the emergency.
• Answer questions, and listen to the instructions provided.
• Don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to, and don’t leave the scene until help arrives.

Early Intervention Program: Comprehensive medical care program including medical care, case management and clinical care coordination.

Counseling & Testing: Free, confidential HIV testing program 732.324.5346 or 6082.

Prevention Projects: Services provided include:

• Outreach to Community
• Health Education & Risk-Reduction classes
• Single session Health Education programs
• Prevention Case Management

All staff is bilingual and services can be provided in English and Spanish.  For more information call 732.324.5082/6064.

Prevention with Positives: Intense prevention case management & risk-reduction program for individuals who are HIV+

AIDS Education/Training Unit: As part of the NY/NJ AIDS Education Project, RBMC offers professional education and clinical support to medical professionals caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS.  For more information call 732.324.5369.

Early Intervention Program

Individuals with HIV can receive comprehensive medical care and treatment, including specialized health education and case management services, through the medical center’s Early Intervention Program. Comprehensive HIV services include the AIDS Outreach & Support Program and free and confidential HIV counseling and testing.  For more information call 732.324.5022.