Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic named 20th Certified Center of Excellence by ALS Association

The clinic, part of the Comprehensive NeuroService Program at the Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute, is a multidisciplinary clinic that brings together physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists; dietitians; social workers; nurses and physicians in a single setting for a 4-hour period to focus on an ALS patient and his or her needs and the needs of their caregivers.

"The designation of the Banner Good Samaritan ALS Clinic in Phoenix as a national ALSA Center is both a beginning and an end of a process," said medical director Todd Levine, M.D. "We have been working for several years to deliver the highest quality care to our patient population and this serves as outstanding recognition for the entire team's hard work. It also puts us in the company of other elite ALS Clinics and will allow us to move forward and facilitate more research and strive to find a cure for our patients."

The ALSA certification team conducted several site visits to Banner Good Samaritan and was very impressed with the level of care they found. "We enthusiastically support the certification of the ALS Clinic of Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., as a certified Center," said ALSA Patient Services Vice President Mary Lyon, who led the certification process.

"The atmosphere of the Clinic is positive and welcoming. The mood of staff is upbeat and interested. Patients and families are encouraged to ask questions and to discuss problems and concerns in an unhurried and interested manner. Overall, the ALS Clinic is well run and the staff is qualified, talented and relate well to patients and families."

ALS patients benefit from the multidisciplinary model of the ALS Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan.

"The fact that Banner Good Samaritan is now the 20th certified ALSA Center in the country is a tribute to its commitment to providing the highest quality care to patients and caregivers," said ALSA Arizona Chapter Executive Director Dan Fuchs, whose Chapter works closely with the Clinic. "We look forward to a continued partnership with Dr. Todd Levine and his multidisciplinary staff."

"The fact that Banner Good Samaritan is now the 20th certified ALSA Center in the country is a tribute to its commitment to providing the highest quality care to patients and caregivers," said ALSA Arizona Chapter Executive Director Dan Fuchs, whose Chapter works closely with the Clinic. "We look forward to a continued partnership with Dr. Todd Levine and his multidisciplinary staff."

The national ALS Association is promoting the multidiscipline clinic as the model for patient care. The Banner Good Samaritan ALS Clinic includes five examination rooms, an office and staff conference space. In addition, the ALS Clinic can take advantage of the hospital's Telemedicine technology to assess Arizona-based patients who cannot travel to the Phoenix area.

Patients can utilize the services of the Rehabilitation Institute, which features rehabilitation gym and therapy equipment. Outpatient therapists are located in the same building and wound care service adjacent to the clinic. Wheelchair access, adjacent parking and handicap restrooms for physically challenged visitors are all available.

Located in downtown Phoenix, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care since 1911, and is a flagship hospital within Banner Health. Licensed with over 625 inpatient beds, Banner Good Samaritan is a teaching hospital that trains more than 220 physicians annually. Today, nearly more than 1,700 physicians representing nearly 50 specialties work with Banner Good Samaritan staff to provide care to more than 35,000 inpatients each year.

For more information on the ALS Clinic at Banner Good Samaritan, please call (602) 239-6533.

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