Saint Francis Accredited as Level 3 Epilepsy Center
The Saint Francis Healthcare System Neurosciences Institute Epilepsy Center received accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 3 Epilepsy Center.
Nearly 3.5 million people across the United States are affected by active epilepsy. Epilepsy is classified as a pathology of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures, and can come from different areas of the brain with multiple methods of treatment. Level 3 Epilepsy Centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level medical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
“This is a substantial achievement for the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center,” shared Mark E. Farrenburg, MD, neurologist and epileptologist at Saint Francis. “This accreditation really sets Saint Francis apart from other hospital systems in the area and is a testament to the high level of care our program provides.”
Level 3 is the highest level for centers who do not perform epilepsy surgery directly. As the only center between St. Louis and Memphis, the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center brings the capabilities and services usually reserved only for larger cities, including an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, ICU continuous EEG monitoring capabilities, routine and ambulatory EEG, 3T epilepsy protocol MRI, neuropsychology services and management of neuromodulary devices such as RNS, DBS and VNS. In cases of medication resistant epilepsy, the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center performs local epilepsy surgery evaluations and develops a joint surgical plan with outside surgery centers while remaining involved throughout the process.
“Receiving accreditation from the NAEC marks a significant milestone for the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center, distinguishing Saint Francis as a leader in epilepsy care,” stated Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Vice President of Regional Operations for Saint Francis. “This achievement reflects our dedication to expanding access to top-tier services and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional care to every patient we serve.”
“I hope this recognition helps us expand our reach and provide excellent care to every single epilepsy patient in the region,” said Farrenburg.
Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by our Mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, our priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion and joy. Serving nearly 713,000 people across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas, our focus is on patients' outcomes, experience and value.
Anchored by Saint Francis Medical Center, a 306-bed tertiary hospital, and supported by nearly 3,000 employees and more than 250 providers in ten communities, the Healthcare System is a driving economic force in the region. Major services include the Cancer Institute, Emergency and Level III Trauma Center, Family BirthPlace and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Heart Hospital, Neurosciences and Orthopedics.
