Eric Lebby, MD, is the latest to benefit from in-depth care provided by Executive Health Program
Eric Lebby, MD, Chief Orthopedic Surgery, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, is just like you. Pressed for time and wanting to take control of his health, Dr. Lebby sought a program designed to address both.
He found the answer with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s Executive Health Program. That’s because it provides anyone with a challenging schedule with a comprehensive, personalized, head-to-toe assessment of screenings and tests all in one day without sacrificing quality.
“I must admit, as a physician, I don’t always take the greatest care of myself, as we are always focused on taking care of others,” Dr. Lebby says. “I hadn’t seen a primary care physician for 10 to 12 years, and that was the impetus to say, ‘it’s time to do this.'”
As it turns out, the decision to get a thorough check-up was critical.
A full medical itinerary
For his appointment, Dr. Lebby was greeted by the program navigator at the Health Center at Palmer Township, located at 3701 Corriere Road in Easton. He met the primary care clinician, who reviewed the day’s itinerary. Then a medical assistant took his vital signs and escorted him to the diagnostic suite for a series of imaging studies. Then it was time for a light breakfast in his private suite.
“After that, I was off for more tests,” Dr. Lebby says. “I had a thorough cardiac exam, several ultrasound exams, a DEXA scan, which looks for osteoporosis, and a CT scan of my chest to measure my calcium score. I also had an echocardiogram stress test. It was all very thorough.”
The primary care clinician also conducted a medical history review, physical exam, vaccination review, and skin cancer screening. Dr. Lebby also met with a board-certified health and wellness coach, followed by a consultation with a registered dietitian. His day concluded with an in-depth review of all test results with physician Stacey Smith, MD, with Lehigh Valley Physician Group Internal Medicine, who placed the results in a binder for him to take home.
“He is a fantastic physician,” Dr. Lebby says. “He really took a lot of time with me.”
Comprehensive follow-through
While Dr. Lebby’s day was over, LVHN’s Executive Health Program’s strategy to help him improve his health and quality of life was just beginning. That’s because the program includes one year of unlimited health coaching sessions facilitated by a national board-certified health and wellness coach, who can create a customized plan based on a client’s health goals.
“Dr. Smith went over what I had to do for the next year and what things I have to stay up on,” Dr. Lebby says. “This encouraged me to get a primary care physician.”
In addition, all clients receive one year of follow-up care navigation. LVHN Executive Health Program care navigators assist with scheduling diagnostic testing, primary care follow-up, and specialist appointments.
Key finding: possible cancer
For many Executive Health Program clients, this is where the story ends. But this is not where Dr. Lebby’s story ends.
His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test revealed an elevated number.
“At first, we thought it might be an infection and I was prescribed antibiotics,” Dr. Lebby says. “But the PSA didn’t go down. So, I went to a urologist. I ended up with an MRI of the prostate and ultimately a biopsy.”
The biopsy revealed Eric Lebby had prostate cancer.
On March 1, 2023, Dr. Lebby had a robotic radical prostatectomy. One month after the procedure, he reflected on the episode.
“I feel great,” he says. “If it wasn’t for this Executive Health Program, I might not have seen a doctor for another five years. Then, five years later, it might have been a much different ending.”
Grateful for care
He’s grateful to Dr. Smith and urologist Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, Deputy Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, LVHN, and each staff member for their superior expertise, acumen, and, most importantly – care.
If you think this ordeal did not impact Dr. Lebby, think again.
“I essentially owe them my life,” he says. “Who knows what would have happened if I didn’t decide to do this Executive Health Program?”
Take it from someone who knows – LVHN’s Executive Health Program is for anyone and everyone.
“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this program,” Dr. Lebby says. “We all have the idea that ‘I’m going to do this, and everything is going to be fine.’ That’s what you hope. But there’s always that time when it’s not OK.”
Call the LVHN Executive Health Program manager at 484-225-9911 or visit LVHN.org/exechealth to complete an inquiry form.
More about LVHN’s Executive Health Program
Each LVHN Executive Health appointment is customized to the individual. For example, if the clinician determines there is a need for additional testing based on medical history or results from diagnostic tests that can be provided on the day of service, it will be performed.
The program is staffed by a dedicated team of highly experienced and skilled board-certified clinicians. Clinicians are hand-selected in cardiology and internal medicine to provide the best clinical fit and patient experience. These include the chief of internal medicine, specially trained diagnostic technicians, hand-selected obstetrician-gynecologists, and cardiologists trained explicitly in women’s health for female clients.
