Introducing Vascular, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons of CNY

Cardiac and vascular surgeon groups combine in a practice to be known as Vascular, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons of Central New York, PLLC

April 6, 2016 (Syracuse, NY) – Effective April 1, 2016, the physicians of Cardiac Surgery Associates, P.C. and Vascular Surgeons of Central New York, PLLC, have joined together in an independent medical practice to be known as Vascular, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons of Central New York, PLLC. The combined practice and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center have formed a strategic alliance to provide outstanding quality and patient satisfaction at the lowest cost while maintaining the independence of the practice.

Effective April 1, 2016, the physicians of Cardiac Surgery Associates, P.C. and Vascular Surgeons of Central New York, PLLC, have joined together in an independent medical practice to be known as Vascular, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons of Central New York, PLLC. The combined practice and St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center have formed a strategic alliance to provide outstanding quality and patient satisfaction at the lowest cost while maintaining the independence of the practice.

"This alliance with the cardiac and vascular surgeons provides an opportunity for continued growth in cardiac surgery and vascular patient services throughout the region," said Kathryn Ruscitto, President and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health. "This new alliance will allow the physicians to work more closely with the Hospital to gain efficiencies and improve outcomes while maintaining the outstanding quality and low costs they have already achieved."

The combined practice will provide patients with the region’s most comprehensive range of cardiac and vascular surgical services across a seamless continuum of care from health promotion, to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons will collaborate among each other and with administration to advance the already high quality of service while striving to achieve the industry’s highest level of overall patient experience and satisfaction.

Syed Zaman, M.D., speaking for the vascular surgeons, cited the move as a way to leverage the strengths of both existing practice areas for the benefit of patients and the Hospital. "Our vascular surgeons look forward to continuing to serve the entire Central New York community and being part of a group poised for regional growth," Zaman said.

"This alliance will promote a greater level of collaboration among the cardiac surgeons and vascular surgeons to expand the scope our collective services in relation to access, quality, patient satisfaction and efficiency," said Randall Green, M.D., speaking on behalf of the cardiac surgeons.




Lawrence Semel, M.D., also speaking for the vascular surgeons, and Green both stressed that existing patients and referring physicians from both practices will see no change in service.

St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center holds a dozen different accreditations, certifications, and recognitions for cardiovascular care. St. Joseph’s is the only hospital in Central New York to have earned:

1. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care

2. 2016 Women’s Choice Award® America’s Best Hospitals: Heart Care

3. Consumer Reports top 15 heart surgery centers in the U.S.

4. U.S. News & World Report #12 hospital in New York, and Top 100 in the U.S. for heart surgery

5. Becker’s 100 Hospitals with Great Heart Programs

6. Number 1 hospital for vascular surgery in New York State, and among the top five percent in the nation by HealthGrades® for vascular surgery, with 5 Star Rating for Valve Replacement Surgery

7. Chest Pain with PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care

8. Heart Failure Accreditation from Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care

9. ACE Accreditation for Cardiac Catheterization from Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence

10. Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation re-certification

11. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses "Gold level" Beacon Award for excellence in critical care nursing for the Surgical Intensive Care Unit

12. The only Magnet-designated hospital in the region

About St. Joseph’s Health

St. Joseph’s Health is a non-profit regional health care system based in Syracuse, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York and northern Pennsylvania. From primary to specialty to home care, to our Magnet-recognized hospital, and in collaboration with our community partners, St. Joseph's Health is advancing the health of the communities we serve through an expanding range of healthcare services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. Ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, U.S. News "Best Regional Hospital" and a 15-time winner of the National Research Corporation Consumer Choice award, St. Joseph’s is widely recognized for quality, value and delivering the highest patient satisfaction. St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s Physicians and is a part of Trinity Health.