EvergreenHealth expands with two urogynecologists

EvergreenHealth has welcomed urogynecologists Dr. Lora Plaskon and Dr. Mia Swartz, and their existing urologynecology practice to the Kirkland-based health system’s network of specialty care practices.

The multidisciplinary urogynecologists were among the first in the Puget Sound region to become board-certified providers in the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) (broadly known as urogynecology) subspecialty, and remain two of the region’s thought leaders in this area of care. In 2011, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) officially recognized FPMRS as a board-certifiable subspecialty. In doing so, they acknowledged that care for women with complex pelvic floor disorders required subspecialty training and certification beyond that of a general obstetrician/gynecologist or urologist.

Both Plaskon and Swartz provide expert pelvic health care to women of all ages, with innovative approaches in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, urology and physical therapy. Dr. Swartz is the first urologist in the Pacific Northwest to complete an accredited fellowship in Female Urology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Plaskon, also board-certified, is dedicated to the ongoing evolution of improving women’s health care in research and advocacy at a national level, through her work with the American Urogynecologic Association and American Urology Association.

“It is our pleasure to welcome these skilled and innovative female-health specialists to the EvergreenHealth system and to offer their expertise to the patients we serve,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte. “Dr. Plaskon and Dr. Swartz are well-known for their dedicated, compassionate and expert approaches to some of today’s most critical conditions in women’s pelvic health.”

Drs. Plaskon and Swartz, both founders of the women’s urogynecology practice formerly known as Athena Women’s Health, will continue to care for patients out of their Issaquah-based location. The location will operate as an extension of the existing EvergreenHealth Urology Care practice, which will now be known as EvergreenHealth Urology & Urogynecology Care. The providers, including physical therapist Rebekah Ley, will also care for patients at the EvergreenHealth Kirkland campus, adding additional access for patients on the Eastside.

The services Drs. Plaskon and Swartz offer to women of all ages span beyond the scope of a general obstetrician, gynecologist or urologist to treat complex pelvic floor disorders, such as urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Drs. Plaskon and Swartz each bring a passion for female-health education and awareness, urogynecology, vaginal reconstruction and pelvic floor physical therapy.

As part of its comprehensive approach, EvergreenHealth Urology & Urogynecology Care attends to patients’ well-being and educational needs, from diagnosis to rehabilitative and curative care within specialized areas, including: stress incontinence; pelvic organ prolapse; painful intercourse; vaginal Botox and rehabilitation; urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment; neurogenic bladder treatment; vaginal mesh program; elder continence; overactive bladder; and other services focused on restoring female pelvic health and wellness.

The new practice will continue to see patients from its established location at 6520 226th Pl. SE, Suite 205, in Issaquah as well as its new location at EvergreenHealth Urology & Urogynecology Care at 12303 NE 130th Lane, Suite 450, Kirkland, WA 98034.

For more information about EvergreenHealth Urology & Urogynecology Care, visit www.evergreenhealth.com/urology-urogynecology-care or call 425-392-8611.