Jefferson Opens New Thyroid Treatment Center

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital opened a new thyroid treatment center on July 1. The center, unique in the Philadelphia area, is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of Jefferson physicians specializing in the expert treatment of thyroid disorders. The center's projected goal is that the majority of patients will be given a plan of care in just one visit.

Jeffrey Miller, MD, clinical professor of medicine and clinical director, division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, directs the center and helps devise treatment strategies for each patient. "The center provides streamlined service highlighted by quick turnaround to patients who previously would have had to wait days or weeks for test results and treatment options," explains Dr. Miller. "Now, patients with suspicious lumps or bumps can undergo a biopsy and receive results and a plan for treatment including a surgical opinion in one visit."

When patients arrive at the center, they will first meet with an endocrinologist who will review their individual cases and possibly suggest further tests and/or needle biopsies. Once the tests are conducted and results received, the multidisciplinary team, including endocrinologists, thyroid surgeons, nuclear medicine specialists, cytopathologists and researchers, will meet to determine diagnoses and treatment strategies which will be discussed with patients by the day's end.

"The rapid service the center will provide will help reduce patients' anxiety regarding their condition and give them a jump-start on their treatment," says Dr. Miller. Thyroid disease currently affects 10 to 15 million people nationwide, or five percent of the population. In Philadelphia alone, it is estimated that perhaps an excess of 100,000 people have thyroid disorders.