Community Memorial Receives Support from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
The Community Memorial (CMH) Center for Surgical Services has received a 2025 Health and Wellness Award from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in support of its newly launched Breast Biopsy Program.
Regional President of the Utica Market, Tony Vitagliano, presented CMH President and CEO Jeff Coakley with this award, as part of a program that supports initiatives that improve health and health outcomes associated with social determinants of health. CMH has expanded its General Surgery team, care locations and services to ensure patients have quicker access to compassionate and advanced care.
“The support from our partners at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is crucial for patient care, locally,” noted Coakley. “Their investment into our organization helps Community Memorial focus on continued advancements in vital services, like our breast biopsy program, keeping services in our community and addressing access problems for patients.”
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers an extensive Community Investments and Partnerships Funding Program, with a mission to address and improve health outcomes, access to health services, maternal health and chronic health issues, amongst others.
“Our mission as a nonprofit health plan is rooted in advancing the health of our community,” said Vitagliano. “We are proud to partner with Community Memorial to help ensure that women can receive proper testing and biopsies close to home.”
Dr. Nils-Tomas McBride lead the CMH service, and with his specialty care focusing on breast biopsies, McBride’s dedication has brought advancements to Hamilton for patients. “This new option is a huge advantage for patients in our region,” added Dr. McBride. “Our commitment to care with this vital procedure means faster procedure times, which lead to faster results and peace of mind sooner.”
Launched in 2025, the breast biopsy service entails several types of biopsies, including mammogram-guided, ultrasound-guided and a surgical biopsy. This expanded program offers increased access for patients to stay healthy, heal faster and avoid long wait times for essential care.
Dr. McBride came to CMH in 2024, with extensive training and experience in hernia repair, gallbladder issues and gastrointestinal care. With a strong commitment to improve access to quality healthcare in the region, CMH has dedicated considerable efforts to bolster its provider team and support staff. Additional locations allow CMH to care for more patients, offering care closer to home.
“Preventative care is vital, and at CMH, we understand that needing follow-up care following a mammogram can be an emotionally challenging time,” says Dr. McBride. “Our team is here to catch issues early and treat them quickly.”
Dr. McBride sees patients in Hamilton and Utica. Referring providers and patients looking to schedule with Dr. McBride are encouraged to call for fast and convenient appointments available in several office locations. Patients who visit the CMH Emergency Department at 150 Broad Street will have direct access to the General Surgery program. For a complete list of the locations for appointments, please visit www.communitymemorial.org/services/surgery/.
Community Memorial offers primary care in six locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, Sherrill and Waterville) and warmly welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care. Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the latest updates as services continue to expand.
To learn more about any of the Community Memorial services, visit www.communitymemorial.org.