Charles Regional now has latest prostate imaging, biopsy tech
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UMCRMC) now has a powerful, new MRI solution for secondary evaluation, planning and targeted biopsy of the prostate. The UroNav Fusion Biopsy System fuses MRI and ultrasound images to help physicians see suspicious tumors in real-time, which allows for a more exact diagnosis in cases where initial tests warrant further investigation.
UMCRMC is one of the first hospitals in the area to offer UroNav, which brings the power of MRI-guided biopsy to diagnosing prostate cancer, and is available at the new outpatient Imaging Center in La Plata, according to a hospital new release. Through this advanced technology, physicians are now able to go beyond standard tests as needed to target specific areas of the prostate that show potential tumors. This more precise tool can help physicians find areas of a tumor that may escape detection with primary diagnostic techniques. By targeting tumors that otherwise would be missed, UroNav has improved the detection and differentiation of high- and low-risk prostate cancers.
After a patient undergoes an outpatient prostate MRI, the images are sent electronically to the University of Mar yland Medical Center in Baltimore where faculty radiologists use DynaCAD. The DynaCAD software allows images to be transferred directly from the MRI into the system to quickly visualize and evaluate suspicious tumors. The UroNav fusion biopsy system uses this critical diagnostic information to provide urologists with a precisely targeted approach to prostate biopsy.
For more information, call 301-539-0345 or go to www.CharlesRegionalImaging.com.
SMECO refunds capital credits to members
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is issuing capital credit refunds totaling nearly $5.6 million. Of that total, a general refund of approximately $3.7 million will be issued in July. Active eligible members will receive credits on their bills and checks will be issued to eligible former members. Special refunds of about $1.9 million will be paid throughout the year to estates of deceased members and unpaid final bills, according to a SMECO news release.
“When SMECO issues a refund to members, we’re making good on a cooperative promise,” said Austin J. Slater Jr., SMECO president and CEO, in the release. “Whether you have a residential account or a large commercial account, you realize one of the benefits of being an electric cooperative member when you receive a portion of SMECO’s margins. Passing savings on to members demonstrates electric cooperative values and shows how we’re different from other utilities.”
SMECO’s margins for 2017 totaled more than $23 million. SMECO uses margins — revenue minus expenses — as working capital for system improvements and construction. Slater explained in the release that SMECO’s members invest in the cooperative ever y time they pay their bill, but they also share in its rewards.
At the end of each year, SMECO’s margins are allocated to members’ capital credit accounts. Capital credits are refunded to members when SMECO’s Board of Directors determines that the cooperative’s financial conditions can be met.
Each member’s share of the cooperative’s margins is based on how much electricity the member purchased and the rate at which the account was billed. All eligible active members will receive a credit on the bill for their primary account. If members wish to contact SMECO to designate their primary account, they may call 1-888-440-3311. Inactive eligible members will receive a full refund of the balance in their capital credit account if the balance is $50 or less. Capital credits may also be used to pay any amount due if a member had an unpaid final bill for electric service.
Summer camp opportunities available
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is offering camp programs to give kids and teens an adventurous, active and healthy summer.
Online registration is available at www. CharlesCountyParks. com. From day camps and aquatics to special needs and sports, there is a camp that is perfect for every child. Highlighted camps include:
• Swim the Bases Camp: The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs and Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center have teamed up to allow campers to participate in group games and activities at Regency Furniture Stadium in the morning, then walk over to Donald M. Wade Aquatic Center for an afternoon of swimming.
• Kayak Skills and Nature Workshop: Young nature enthusiast will build lifelong kayaking and team building skills while exploring their passion for science and Charles County’s waterways. Each day will provide a wide array of new experiences, such as hands-on science activities, investigating wildlife and developing new kayaking skills.
• FORCE Inspiration Star Wars Camp: Children will use the force of creativity and imagination through drawing their favorite characters, acting out their favorite Star Wars scenes, developing skills to spin light sabers and more.
• WHIPS/TRI-CITY F.C. High School Prep Soccer Camp: Join former professional and college soccer instructors for training this summer. Instructors have adapted their training to prepare players for the next level of competition. The instructors have trained and played on a national and international level, bringing current training techniques and drills to players of all levels to prepare them for success during the upcoming season.
For a complete list of summer camps, dates and times go to http:// bit.ly/2mMLgIO. To register, visit the spring GUIDE at www. CharlesCountyParks. com or call 301-932-3470.