Don't miss out on the latest edition of our patient newsletter, Be Well! 

Dive into the articles uncovering other important aspects of a dental exam, meet some of our dedicated Physician Assistants sharing why they choose to work in community health, and gain valuable knowledge from our associate medical director on colorectal cancer screening options. Plus, get an exclusive look behind the scenes as we introduce you to the talented artist behind the stunning revamp of our dental suites! 

Stay informed, stay inspired, and stay connected with Be Well.

Patient Newsletter, Be Well - Vol 2, Issue 1

On April 12, 2024, staff from all departments and locations will gather for professional development. Please see the schedule below for each location and service:

Beverly Health Center
Medical: 12:50 pm - 4:30 pm 
Dental: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm 
Pharmacy: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Showers: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Melrose Family Health Center
Medical: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm 
Pharmacy: 1:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Dental: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Hollywood Health Center
Showers: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Virgil Family Health Center
Medical: 12:50 pm - 4:30 pm
Dental: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Need your prescription sooner? Saban patients can have their prescriptions delivered for free. To use this service, call 323-653-1990 and press 1 for Pharmacy.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Early Detection Saves Lives - Screening for Colorectal Cancer
Dr. Seyed Parham Khalili, Associate Medical Director

Colorectal cancer affects about 1 in 24 individuals during their lifetime. National guidelines have recently changed to emphasize timely screening starting at the age of 45 for persons at average lifetime risk to improve treatment outcomes. Consult your provider to determine the best option based on your medical history, family history, estimated level of risk, and personal preferences. 

There are two types of screening tests, and the most common examples are:
Stool-based tests 

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): A highly evidence-based yearly stool sample test that detects traces of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye. If the test is positive (abnormal), a colonoscopy is typically recommended to identify the source of the possible bleeding. 

FIT DNA Test: a stool test that detects traces of blood and/or abnormal DNA. It is completed every 3 years, and if abnormal a colonoscopy is typically recommended as well. 

Colonoscopy: a gold-standard test, performed by a provider using a camera to directly examine the entire colon. It is recommended every 10 years, with earlier intervals sometimes recommended for closer monitoring of polyps (clump of cells that can grow on the lining of the colon) or other increased risk factors.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Also a test performed by a provider using a camera, in this case, to examine the left side of the colon (the sigmoid region). It is recommended every 5 years and might be done with or without a yearly FIT test.

 CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy)*: This radiology study uses Computed Tomography (CT) scanning to image the colon every 5 years. If there are abnormal findings the usual recommendation is to undergo a colonoscopy.

Cancer screenings, including for colorectal cancer, are covered by insurance. For assistance with health coverage enrollment, certified counselors can guide you through Medi-Cal, Medicare, or Covered California.

The most important thing is simply to be screened, regardless of which test you choose with your provider. Schedule an appointment with a provider to learn more:
- Use the "Chat with us" option in the bottom right corner
- Call 323-653-1990
- Send a message using MyChart

La detección temprana salva vidas: detección del cáncer colorectal
Dr. Seyed Parham Khalili  

El cáncer colorrectal afecta aproximadamente a 1 de cada 24 personas durante su vida. Las pautas nacionales han cambiado recientemente para enfatizar la detección oportuna a partir de los 45 años de edad para personas con un riesgo promedio de por vida para mejorar los resultados del tratamiento. Consulte a su proveedor para determinar la mejor opción según su historial médico individual, antecedentes familiares, nivel estimado de riesgo y preferencias personales. 

Hay dos tipos de pruebas de detección y los ejemplos más comunes son:
Pruebas basadas en heces:

Prueba inmunoquímica fecal (FIT): Una prueba anual de muestra de heces altamente basada en evidencia que detecta rastros de sangre que pueden no ser visibles a simple vista. Si la prueba es positiva (anormal), generalmente se recomienda una colonoscopia para identificar la fuente del posible sangrado. 

Prueba FIT de ADN: una prueba de heces que detecta rastros de sangre y/o ADN anormal. Se completa cada 3 años y, si es anormal, también se recomienda una colonoscopia. 

Colonoscopia: una prueba de referencia, realizada por un proveedor que utiliza una cámara para examinar directamente todo el colon. Se recomienda cada 10 años, y a veces se recomiendan intervalos más tempranos para un seguimiento más estrecho de los pólipos (grupos de células que pueden crecer en el revestimiento del colon) u otros factores de riesgo aumentados.

Sigmoidoscopia flexible: también prueba realizada por un proveedor usando una cámara, en este caso para examinar el lado izquierdo del colon (la región sigmoidea). Se recomienda cada 5 años y puede realizarse con o sin una prueba FIT anual.

Los exámenes de detección de cáncer, incluido el cáncer colorrectal, están cubiertos por el seguro. Para obtener ayuda con la inscripción a la cobertura médica, los asesores certificados pueden guiarlo a través de Medi-Cal, Medicare o Covered California.

Lo más importante es simplemente hacerse la prueba, independientemente de la prueba que elija con su proveedor. Programe una cita con el proveedor para obtener más información:
- Chatee con nosotros
 - Llame al 323.653.1990
- Envíenos un mensaje en MyChart

Early Detection Saves Lives - Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Health Equity in Action | Read the 2023 Impact Report

A letter from the Chief Executive Officer

One thing that has always guided Saban Community Clinic is our respect for our shared humanity. We see every patient for who they are, not just their diagnosis or the numbers on their chart. We listen to their story. We seek to understand their lives. And, together, we focus on their individual health goals. 

The care we provide comes from a place of compassion and kindness. Expanding health equity is at the heart of our work. We want to improve the quality of life of every person we encounter by meeting them where they are and giving them the personalized care they deserve. From our prenatal services and LGBTQ+ care to our groundbreaking Holistic Approach Pain Intervention (HAPI) clinic, we are delivering health services that transform lives. 

Over the past year, we have strengthened our services and deepened our commitment to the work we do. Finding innovative solutions to the challenges our patients face is our priority. As we prepare to expand our services and the communities we support in the coming years, we have spent this year ensuring we have the staff, systems, and infrastructure in place for growth. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding caliber of our staff and the solid foundation we have built for the future. With your continued support, we are ready for what’s next. 

With gratitude, 
Muriel Nouwezem 
Chief Executive Officer
she/her

Patient Newsletter, Be Well - Vol 2, Issue 1

Don't miss out on the latest edition of our patient newsletter, Be Well!

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Early Detection Saves Lives - Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Impact Report

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