ECU Neurology confirmed as leader in MS care
ECU Physicians Neurology, a leading provider of care for people living with multiple sclerosis in eastern North Carolina, has been recognized as an official Partner in MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
This formal designation honors the practice’s commitment to providing exceptional MS care, and to working closely with the society to address the challenges of people affected by the disease. ECU first received the Partner in MS Care designation in 2013, and the renewal reflects the practice’s continued efforts to provide the highest quality care.
“This renewal of Partner in MS Care really is an extraordinary demonstration of the partnership that ECU has had with the National MS Society,” said Kristina Fransel, president of the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “We renew it to make sure you’re dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s, but also that we’re fulfilling our end of the bargain as a partner to you in delivering the best quality health care to people with multiple sclerosis, which is the highest priority for the National MS Society.”
ECU Physicians Neurology received a renewal of its Partner in MS Care designation from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Pictured from left are Kristina Fransel, president of the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society; Dr. Robert Frere, clinical associate professor, ECU Physicians Neurology; Lovie Powers, RN; and Paige Dalton, development and programs coordinator, Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
Fransel recognized Dr. Robert Frere, medical director for ECU Physicians Neurology, for his efforts, which have resulted in doubling the number of patients with multiple sclerosis served by the practice. In addition to providing top-notch clinical care, she said, the Partner in MS Care designation recognizes the practice’s work in fundraising and advocacy for MS patients.
Joseph Hodges, clinical administrative manager for ECU Physicians Neurology, said the practice is committed to providing services across the continuum of care for patients with MS, having a medical director (Frere) with certification in treating patients with MS, and coordinating patient services with other providers including hospital services, urology and psychology.
MS is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system in which the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, disrupting the flow of information between the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body.
Symptoms can range from relatively benign to disabling and include blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, memory and concentration problems, paralysis and blindness. It is estimated that more than 2.3 million people worldwide are affected by MS.
ECU Physicians Neurology is the largest and most comprehensive neurological medical practice in eastern North Carolina. Frere, who is board-certified in neurology and psychiatry, holds a specialty certification in neurophysiology.
The practice provides MS diagnosis, neuropsychological or cognitive evaluation and treatment, ongoing MS medical and symptom management, pain management, and patient and family education. The clinic also participates in MS clinical trials and research.
ECU Physicians Neurology is located at 2280 Hemby Lane in Greenville. For an appointment, call (252) 744-9400, or toll-free 1-800-775-4840. For more information about the practice visit ecu.edu/ecuphysicians.
-by Jules Norwood, ECU News Services