AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report

A Patient’s Gift of Gratitude

Expanding Access to Pain Management

Setting a New Standard in Men’s Health Dr. Spence Marks 100th Aquablation ® Procedure AtlantiCare recently celebrated a remarkable milestone as Abraham Spence, MD, board-certified urologist, completed his 100th Aquablation therapy procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. In 2025, Dr. Spence performed more Aquablation procedures than any other physician across New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, making him the highest-volume Aquablation surgeon in the tri-state region. This achievement reinforces AtlantiCare’s leadership in men’s health and its commitment to advancing innovative, patient-centered urologic care.

When a doctor truly listens and refuses to stop searching for answers, it can make all the difference. One AtlantiCare patient experienced that firsthand and chose to give back in a deeply personal way. A Longport resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, came to AtlantiCare seeking care from Abraham Spence, MD. While Dr. Spence determined that the condition ultimately fell outside his own specialty, he did not stop searching for answers. Instead, he continued to advocate for his patient, ordering further testing and ensuring he was “I knew something was wrong, and I’m not sure many doctors would have dug as deep as Dr. Spence did,” the patient shared. After persistent evaluation and testing, Dr. Spence identified a far more serious condition than initially expected. The diagnosis, and the compassion shown throughout the process, inspired the patient to leave a $100,000 bequest to AtlantiCare. “I have always had very positive experiences with AtlantiCare,” he said. “The nurses are professional and caring. Couple that with superb physicians like Dr. Spence, and we are so fortunate to have an award-winning health system right in our backyard.” This patient’s generosity reflects more than appreciation. It’s a powerful testament to the impact that exceptional care and exceptional caregivers can have on a person’s life when physicians are steadfast advocates for their patients. connected with the appropriate specialists to fully evaluate the issue and determine the right course of treatment.

AtlantiCare’s Pain Management program is guided by a clear philosophy: combining cutting-edge procedures with comprehensive, patient- centered care that goes beyond prescriptions. The goal is to restore function and improve quality of life through safe, evidence- based, minimally invasive care. Re-established just two years ago under the leadership of AndrewWong, DO, the department

BPH is a common, non-cancerous condition that affects more than half of men over the age of 50. It occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination and disrupted sleep. While not life-threatening, untreated BPH can lead to bladder damage, kidney problems and long-term incontinence, significantly impacting quality of life and limiting daily activities. AtlantiCare introduced Aquablation therapy in late 2024 to give men more precise treatment options. Using a robotic waterjet guided by real-time ultrasound and camera imaging, Aquablation removes only the excess tissue causing the blockage, while protecting surrounding structures that control bladder function and sexual health. For patients, the results have been profound. Patients report sleeping through the night for the first time in years, traveling without worry and enjoying renewed freedom to stay active without constant discomfort. Partners and families also feel the difference, as routines are no longer disrupted by symptoms. Recovery is typically faster than with traditional surgery, and side effects are often reduced, allowing men to return to their normal routines sooner. Reaching this milestone in less than a year reflects the growing need for advanced prostate care, the positive results and the trust patients place in AtlantiCare’s expertise. With Dr. Spence leading the way, AtlantiCare continues to raise the standard for men’s health.

Dr. AndrewWong

has grown rapidly and is now fully integrated within the AtlantiCare Neurosciences Institute, collaborating closely with neurosurgery and neurology to deliver a coordinated, comprehensive approach to care. The heart of the program is focused on blending advanced diagnostic tools, targeted procedures, physical rehabilitation and lifestyle-guided therapy to address pain from every angle. Their approach emphasizes safe, opioid-sparing options—using precise interventions and nerve-targeting treatments to reduce reliance on long-term medications. Our Pain Management team also works closely with specialists across AtlantiCare, including neurosurgery, orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology, physical therapy, behavioral health and primary care. This coordinated model ensures that patients receive seamless, comprehensive individualized treatment plans that reflects the full picture of their health. The team is committed to educating patients and the community about common misconceptions surrounding pain management. “Many people assume pain management is just about writing prescriptions,” says Dr. Wong. “In reality, it’s a highly interventional field focused on addressing the root cause of pain and improving long-term function.” Looking ahead, AtlantiCare plans to expand its pain management services in 2026, with the addition of medical acupuncture and advanced procedures such as minimally invasive lumbar decompression and basivertebral nerve ablation. With its patient-centered philosophy and commitment to innovation, AtlantiCare’s Pain Management program is helping shape the future of this rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Abraham Spence

AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report 24

AtlantiCare 2025 Annual Report 25