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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a job with the Catholic Health System?

We ask that you apply for open positions within the Catholic Health System online. To search for and apply for open positions:

• Click here, then:
• Using the categories listed, search for the job you'd like to apply for.
• When you find a job you'd like to apply for, click the box to the left of the job listing, and then click "View Selected Job(s)."
• When the job description pops up, click "Click Here to Apply Online" and continue to follow the instructions.

What is the role of surgery for obesity?

For patients with severe (morbid) obesity who have failed attempts at lasting weight reduction by diet, medication, exercise, and behavior modification, surgery for obesity (bariatric surgery) can be can an effective method of permanent weight loss.

Are all patients who have been unsuccessful in losing weight by traditional methods candidates for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery?

No. In order to be considered a candidate for bariatric surgery, a patient must be at least 100 pounds over his/her ideal weight or have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than 40, be at least 18 years of age, have no significant heart disease or other medical condition which would make surgery risky, and be free from any serious psychiatric problems, including drug or alcohol dependence.

Are there different types of surgery performed for obesity?

There are several different operations currently being performed around the world to treat obesity. The one that is gaining more popularity is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). This operation seems the best for several reasons:

• There is more experience with this operation for obesity, which is similar to the type of stomach surgery that has been done for decades for tumors or ulcers of the stomach.
• Weigth loss is significant and weight gain after a number of years seems minimal.
• The metabolic abnormalities, which result, are not serious and can be controlled by vitamin and mineral replacement.

Can I speak with patients who have had Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery before I decide to have the surgery?

We have a support group that consists of patients who have had the surgery and patients waiting to have the surgery. These meetings can be very helpful in answering your questions and sharing real-life experiences with RYGB. We suggest that you try to attend at least one meeting prior to your first office appointment.

Can people eat sweets after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Surgery?

After RYGB, many patients will experience the "dumping syndrome" after eating foods high in sugar, such as ice cream, pies, cakes, soft drinks, and candy. This is because the body produces more insulin than needed in response to the sugar load, and a person's blood sugar level will fall quite low. The patient will feel nausea, lightheadedness, and may have diarrhea. These effects can be countered by drinking orange juice, although such a response is a good reminder to avoid these foods next time.

Can someone eat normal food after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Surgery?

Within the first 4-6 weeks after RYGB, a patient will be able to eat only liquids or pureed foods. After that, regular table food is introduced, although it must be eaten slowly and chewed well. Red meats are usually the most difficult foods to digest.

Does my health insurance cover the cost of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery?

Coverage varies from plan to plan. It is a good idea to check with your carrier. If your plan is not a participating provider, you may be responsible for obtaining reimbursement from your insurance provider.

How does Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) cause weight loss?

Weight loss results from three main aspects of the operation:

• The stomach, which can normally hold a quart of food or liquid, is divided with staples so that the part, which can receive food, is much smaller (about the size of a shot glass). When food stretches this small stomach pouch, the person feels satisfied and eats fewer calories.
• The opening of the stomach to the small intestine, where digestion takes place, is quite small. This makes food take longer to pass out of the stomach, also making the person feel more satisfied with just a small portion of food.
• A portion of the small intestine is bypassed, which causes some food not to be absorbed.

How much weight do people lose with Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Surgery?

Initial weight loss of 15-20 pounds per month is common during the first 12-18 months after surgery. After that time, weight stabilizes. Patients generally lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight (the amount over their ideal body weight).

I believe I am a candidate for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. What should I do?

You should first discuss it with your primary medical doctor. If your doctor agrees that you are an appropriate candidate, you will receive a referral to see Dr. Joseph Caruana. An appointment can then be scheduled by calling Dr. Caruana's office at (716) 565-3990.

Is the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery permanent?

The surgery should be considered permanent.

What is BMI?

The BMI is the Body Mass Index which is often used to determine the severity of a patient's weight problem. It is the patient's weight divided by height times a mathematical factor. A BMI greater than 40 is considered severe obesity.

What is ideal body weight?

According to the Metropolitan Life Tables (1983) for an:

• Adult female: 5' = 119 lbs.; for each additional inch, add 3 lbs.
• Adult male: 5'3" = 135 lbs; for each additional inch, add 3 lbs.

Decrease or increase result by 10% for small or large frame.

What are the mailing/street addresses for your facilities?

The addresses for our facilities are listed with each facility. Please see Facilities for a complete listing of services, addresses, and phone numbers.

How do I apply for a job online?

Click on Career Center and then Apply Online from the top navigation bar. Simply follow the instructions and complete the form to apply online.

How do I find out information about an adoption?

In order to provide any information about the birth mother, we require the birth mother patient authorization. Those who were born at a hospital and adopted out would need to provide to us the name they were born under in order to provide access to their birth records. Without the birth mother patient authorization, birth mother's name and all information about her will be carefully blocked on all correspondence and records.

How do I find out what community education classes are offered?

Through Catholic Health System's HealthConnection, we offer many classes and support groups.

How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?

Click here or see the link at the left.

How do I obtain a copy of my medical records?

Click here or see the link at the left.

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care refers to a variety of services that help people with health or personal needs and activities of daily living over a period of time. Long-term care is different from traditional medical care. For example, someone with a long physical illness, a disability, or a memory or thought problem (such as Alzheimer’s) often needs long-term care.

Choosing long-term care is a very hard decision to make, and it is important to think about it before you need it or before a crisis occurs. To make the best choice, you need to consider what kind of care you may need, how your needs may change, what long-term care choices you have, and how you will pay for your care. Speak with your doctor about your health and any problems you may be having. Talk with your family about the kind of long-term services you think you might need someday, how much they would cost, and how you would pay for them.

What else should you do? Think about the kinds of long-term care you may need. Learn about the different types of long-term care choices. Find out what choices are available where you live. Find out how these programs and services rate in quality. Visit the facilities or programs you are considering. For help, call our Care Connection line at (716) 706-2382.

What are my payment options for Long-Term Care?

For many people, finding ways to pay for nursing home care is a major concern. There are several payment methods to consider:

• Medicare
  Under certain limited conditions, Medicare will pay some nursing home costs for Medicare beneficiaries who require skilled nursing or rehabilitation services. To be covered, you must receive the services from a Medicare certified skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay. A qualifying hospital stay is the amount of time spent in a hospital just prior to entering a nursing home. This is at least three (3) days. To learn more about Medicare payment for skilled nursing facility costs, call New York State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-541-2831.
• Medicaid
  Medicaid is a state and federal program that will pay most nursing home costs for people with limited income and assets. To find out more about eligibility requirements, call the New York State Medicaid Hotline at 1-800-541-2831.
• Personal Resources
  About half of all nursing home residents pay nursing home costs out of their own savings. After these savings and other resources are spent, many people who stay in nursing homes for long periods may become eligible for Medicaid.
• Managed Care Plans
  A managed care plan will help pay for care if the nursing home has a contract with the plan. If the home is approved by your plan, learn if the plan also monitors the home for quality of nursing care.
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance
  This is private insurance. It is often called Medigap, because it helps pay for gaps in Medicare coverage such as deductibles and co-pays. Most Medigap plans will help pay for skilled nursing care, but only when Medicare covers that care. Some people use employer group health plans or long-term care insurance to help cover nursing home costs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance
  This type of insurance policy can help pay for many types of long-term care including skilled and non-skilled care, and such services as adult day care centers, assisted living, medical equipment and informal home care.Coverage can vary widely, and can be expensive, depending on your age and health status when you buy the policy as well as how much coverage you want. It is better to buy long-term care insurance when you are younger because premiums are lower, but you may buy long-term care insurance at any age. Make sure you buy from a reliable company that is licensed by New York State to sell long-term care insurance.

What are my rights in a Long-Term Care facility?

• You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• You must be informed in writing about services and fees before you enter the facility.
• You have the right to manage your own money or to choose someone else you trust to do this for you.
• You have the right to privacy and to keep and use your personal belongings and property as long as they don’t interfere with the rights, health, or safety of others.
• You have the right to be informed about your medical condition, your medications, and to see your own doctor. You also have the right to refuse medications and treatments (but this could be harmful to your health).
• Activities - You have the right to spend day-to-day time in a way that means something to you.

If you believe your long-term care facility is not giving you or your loved one good quality care, you should speak to the facility staff about your concerns. Other resources include:

• Long-Term Care Ombudsman program which may be reached by calling 1-800-342-9871
• IPRO, the quality improvement organization for New York State, which may be reached at 1-800-331-7767
• You may also make a complaint with the New York State Survey Agency at 1-888-201-4563

What are some other resources for information about Long Term Care?

• Many free booklets may be ordered from Medicare. Call 1-800-MEDI-CARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov.
• The New York State Department of Health offers information for consumers on assisted living facilities as well as choosing a nursing home. Visit www.health.state.ny.us for more information.
• The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has brochures and other information on long-term care and housing options for older people. Visit www.aarp.org or call 1-800-424-3410.

What quality-of-care questions should I be asking regarding Nursing Home Care?

Whether you are visiting a nursing home for the first time, you are the resident of a nursing home or you have a loved one in a facility, there are quality of care issues you should consider such as:

• Are the residents clean and properly dressed?
• Does the staff respond quickly to calls for help?
• Do the administrator and staff seem comfortable with each other and with the residents?
• Do the residents have the same caregivers on a daily basis?
• Is there enough staff at night and on the weekends and holidays to care for each resident?

What Services are offered by CHS Senior Services?

• Skilled Nursing/Long-Term Care
  CHS provides comprehensive skilled nursing services and assistance with activities of daily living in safe, caring and supportive environments. Long-term care includes an extensive array of social and recreational activities to help residents live as active, dignified and independently as possible. Skilled nursing care is provided at most CHS Senior Services facilities.
• Subacute/Short-Term Care
  Subacute care is primarily for patients who have recently been hospitalized and need a transitional care setting between their hospital stay and their return to home. The goal is to help people coping with a medical condition achieve their highest possible level of function and self-sufficiency before returning to their homes and communities. Subacute care is provided at Father Baker Manor, McAuley Residence, St. Catherine Labouré Health Care Center, St. Francis of Buffalo and St. Francis of Williamsville.
• Assisted Living
  St. Elizabeth’s of Lancaster and St. Vincent’s of Dunkirk are licensed by the New York State Department of Health to provide adult assisted living care, including 24-hour supervision and assistance with medications and activities of daily living provided by licensed and trained staff.
• Medical Adult Day Health Care
  St. Francis of Buffalo provides medical adult day health care, a community-based program that provides comprehensive healthcare services in a group day setting. Services provided include physical, occupational and speech therapy; nursing care and audiology services; nutritional counseling; social services/case management; daily activities; and pastoral/spiritual care services.

Where do I go for a mammogram and to get information on mammography?

Imaging/Radiology Services offers a list of sites that provide mammography services. For more information on mammography and other women's health issues, please see Expressly For Women.