The new electronic medical record (EMR) system at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates (PVMA) provides for more coordinated care and improved communication.

MEDITECH is the same EMR system in place at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and HaysMed.

“This high-quality system changes everything for our patients,” said Jewel Davis, clinic office manager. “All departments at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and HaysMed have patient medical information instantly.”

For example, if a clinic patient visits the Emergency Department at one of these hospitals, medical records are available to the provider.

“This enhances patient care tremendously,” Davis noted. “Medical history is a great resource when deciding on a treatment plan.”

In addition, “when patients leave our clinic, they have access to a discharge summary that lists upcoming appointments, orders for after-care and educational information from their providers,” Davis outlined.

The convenience of readily available medical records isn’t the only plus to this new system; patients also have access to new services.

“Patients can now sign up for our Patient Portal, which gives easy access to all their medical records, including lab tests, medical imaging, prescriptions, vaccinations, provider referrals and more in one convenient location,” Davis noted. “When you check in for your next appointment, let the front office know if you’d like to participate.”

For more Patient Portal information, call 785-623-5151.

Patients also have access to a new automatic service that reminds them of upcoming clinic appointments. They are contacted by phone and/or text a few days before.

“This new EMR system is a big plus for our providers too,” Davis said. “They can have their patients’ medical records at their fingertips.”

Davis appreciates everyone at the clinic and hospitals who contributed to this project.

“We are fortunate to have a large support team, with years of MEDITECH experience,” she commented. “PVMA has made an enormous effort to keep up with the latest technology, with the support of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and HaysMed.

“This new EMR system is just another illustration of our devotion and commitment to the local community.”

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, noted “the transition of our family-medicine clinic to MEDITECH is a significant milestone for our organization because it builds on our commitment to patient safety and patient engagement.

“This bridges the entire patient medical record between all departments at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and HaysMed, including clinics, emergency rooms, and inpatient and outpatient services.”

Additionally, Urban commented, “patients will experience a higher level of access to their health information, enabling them to better guide their own care and the care of their loved ones.”

Those who suffer with anxiety and/or depression oftentimes discover that the stress of trying to cope with their condition just adds to the burden.

As a nurse practitioner at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, which is part of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Heather Holaday understands that these situations can seem overwhelming and offers guidance about treatments and lifestyle changes.

Holaday wanted to share her information during April, which is Stress Awareness Month.

“When patients come to us with concerns about anxiety and depression, we recommend a healthy diet and exercise as a starting point for their stress management,” Holaday said. “For example, an average of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise can be very helpful.

“It is important to choose a routine that is achievable and sustainable.”

In addition, treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, which usually is completed with a mental-health counselor.

“If necessary, we also offer treatment with medications to help with mood, stress and anxiety management,” Holaday noted. “This medical treatment can supplement the positive lifestyle changes.”

The recommendations are even more important today because the pandemic increased the number of patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Stress can filter into all parts of daily life because of “financial concerns, fear of the unknown about COVID-19, loss of family and friends to the virus, job layoffs, and fewer interactions and activities outside the house,” the nurse practitioner said.

According to the American Psychological Association, stress affects all bodily systems when it becomes severe or chronic.

“Your mind and body are one; our mental health significantly impacts our physical health,” Holaday said. “Our bodies can withstand normal, intermittent stress. However, chronic stress can negatively impact our overall health. Stress management is just one way to help decrease the negative effects.

“Recognizing that you are struggling mentally is not a weakness,” she emphasized “It is a strength that could potentially improve your overall well-being.”

Most important, she added, if stress becomes so overwhelming that a patient experiences negative self-talk or thoughts of self-harm “it is vital to share this with your healthcare provider. We care about you and are here to help provide the resources and treatments that you need.”

Holaday is part of the family-medicine team at the clinic and hospital.

The new sleep technologist at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is using her education and experience to perform sleep studies and care for patients at the facility’s Sleep & Diagnostic Center.

Caitlan Stice, who recently moved to Larned, is a registered polysomnographic technologist. She helps specialists who study, document and analyze sleep patterns, providing positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies when indicated.

“There are a number of situations in which you should consider an appointment for a sleep study,” Stice said. “If you feel unrefreshed in the morning, tired throughout the day and/or wake up multiple times a night, a sleep study might be in order.”

Gasping or snoring also can be a concern, while hyperactivity in children may be a sign of sleep-disordered breathing, she added.

Stice outlined some additional information: during sleep, cycles go from light to deep; in the deep-sleep stage, organs are repaired; and if the airway is obstructed, the brain will tell the body to move to allow taking a full breath, which can lead to a change in cycles.

“Getting the proper rest is so important to our daily living,” Stice commented. “In addition, sleep disorders can result in health issues such as diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

“I look forward to providing care and education to patients, while performing high-quality sleep studies to help prevent some of these problems.”

Stice said that even though she has been at PVCH only a short time, she already knows that “patient care is the top priority in the sleep lab and all other areas of the hospital. I also have been very impressed with the personnel and equipment in the sleep lab, which offers top-of-the-line care and treatment.”

The technologist began her sleep-medicine education at OIT in Klamath Falls, Ore., and earned an applied science degree with a certification in polysomnography in 2013.

She has worked in sleep labs in Aurora, Co., Portland, Ore., several towns in Wyoming, and Billings, Mt. Stice has worked with all ages at varying levels of complexity. She was born and raised in Aurora, Co.

Stice was familiar with Kansas because she visited her grandmother in Peabody during the summers. “I have received a warm welcome here and I love this lifestyle,” she said. “I want to raise my child in a smaller town with friendly people. This is very important to me.”

Megan Donecker, Sleep & Diagnostic Center director, said “all of us are excited that Caitlan came from Montana to create a new home in this great community and provide excellent care to our sleep-deprived patients. Her education and years of experience are assets to our sleep lab and the community.”

Even though most people know that the early detection of cancer is crucial to a patient’s prognosis, Brandon Cunningham, MD, also realizes it is important to give the community a reminder now and then.

Because of this, Dr. Cunningham wants to share information during March, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Cunningham is a general surgeon who visits Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), 923 Carroll in Larned, every other week to perform colonoscopies.

“The staff here at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is great to work with,” Dr. Cunningham said. “They are professionals who genuinely care for their patients. It’s nice to travel to Larned to make life a little easier for those who are scheduled for colonoscopies.”

His main office is at Southwind Surgical at HaysMed.

“A colonoscopy is not only diagnostic it can also prevent colon cancer,” Dr. Cunningham noted. “If polyps are detected during this screening, they are removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer.”

The surgeon understands that patients may be a bit apprehensive about a colonoscopy but assures them “it is a very safe procedure. And since patients are sedated, they do not experience any pain.”

The day before the colonoscopy, the patient consumes prescribed amounts of MiraLAX, Gatorade and magnesium citrate.

“It is important to note that colon cancer often doesn’t result in symptoms,” Dr. Cunningham said. “Nevertheless, in some cases there can be bleeding and/or an obstruction.”

According to the American Cancer Society website, the estimated number of new colon cancer diagnoses in the United States this year will be 106,180. New cases of rectal cancer are estimated at 44,850.

“With this in mind, we encourage people who have a family history of colon cancer to talk with their physician about when to have their first screening,” Dr. Cunningham advised. “Other risk factors are smoking and inflammatory bowel disease.”

In addition to colonoscopies, he performs endoscopies and procedures associated with skin lesions at PVCH.

Dr. Cunningham graduated from The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City where he also completed his residency. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, said “it is important to provide preventive surgical services in our community and we are pleased to have such an experienced and talented surgeon as Dr. Cunningham.”

As a long-time resident of Larned, Leonard Herrman had been watching the growth of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital from the sidelines.

But now, he is serving in a position that allows him to have a hand in the day-to-day operation of the hospital and its clinic.

Herrman is the new Human Resources (HR) director at the hospital, 923 Carroll, and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, 713 W. 11^th.

“I have seen the evolution of these facilities from conception through construction,” Herrman said. “I also have witnessed the tremendous community support along the way.

“Now that I am here, the energy displayed by hospital and clinic employees really stands out; this is difficult to find in other organizations. I see this HR opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting, progressive organization.”

Herrman’s responsibilities include overseeing HR programs such as: compensation, benefits and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.

As Herrman takes on these duties, his “first impressions have been wonderful. I have a unique opportunity to work with the team here and our business partners at HaysMed. I am learning so much from my associates in Larned and Hays.”

The HR director also noted he is “impressed with the many services provided right here at home. It is incredible to have a hospital with critical-care access and a wide variety of services in our own backyard.”

Herrman earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Baker University and a master’s in public administration from Wichita State University.

His professional background includes serving as HR director at Larned State Hospital where he: was instrumental in developing the Licensed Mental Health Technician program; started a work-study program with Fort Hays State University; and collaborated with local government officials to create a digital recruiting campaign that demonstrated a 30 percent improvement over earlier recruiting efforts.

In addition, past employment includes patrol officer at the Larned Police Department; Sergeant First Class with the Kansas Army National Guard in Manhattan; and fire chief at the Larned Volunteer Fire Department.

“I want to bring the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years to this position,” he commented. “Since we want to find the best way forward from an HR perspective, I will work closely with my colleagues to bring strategies that will lead us into the future.”

Herrman grew up in Topeka and moved to Larned in 1996.

The extensive new lighting project, which is nearing completion, will result in many benefits at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, said Rex Meek, facilities maintenance director.

“All inside and outside lighting is being changed to LED,” Meek said. “This lighting is very efficient and will save thousands of dollars per year in electricity costs. It is the lighting of the future.”

The project began last September and as of few weeks ago, it was about 95 percent complete. It has entailed the installation of some new electrical wiring and removal of hundreds of fluorescent fixtures.

“This state-of-the-art LED lighting needs very little maintenance,” Meek said. “We will no longer be replacing unreliable fluorescent bulbs and ballasts. This will lower our maintenance costs tremendously.”

Haynes Electric, a local contractor, “provided its expertise and handled all the installation for the project,” Meek said. “Our maintenance team offered advice on the types of fixtures and dimmers to use in all areas. It has been great working with Haynes.”

Because of all the savings, Meek noted, “there will be a very short-term payback time for the cost of the new lighting. This project is great for our hospital and clinic, which in turn, means it is great for our patients and families. You can’t beat saving money, while enjoying more reliability.”

Melanie Urban, PVCH administrator, anticipates the savings will come to approximately $23,000 a year.

“The cost and energy savings will help our hospital and clinic become more efficient for our patients, families and staff,” Urban said. “We appreciate Rex Meek and his colleagues who have been working closely with Haynes Electric to prevent any disruptions in our services. The teamwork has been tremendous.”

Crystal Hill, MD, understands the value of seeking medical advice and treatment while trying to lose those extra pounds.

And now that it’s make-or-break time for New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Hill wanted to share information about physician-assisted weight loss, which is one of her special interests.

Dr. Hill cares for and treats patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll, and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, 713 W. 11^th, both in Larned.

“I had a weight problem in the past,” Dr. Hill said. “I now enjoy helping others learn how to be healthier and lose weight.”

As part of her weight-loss regimen, Dr. Hill followed a physician-prescribed diet and took prescribed medications. “I eventually lost and kept off 100 pounds.”

The start of a new year is a “very popular time to make a resolution to lose weight,” she commented. “When someone is trying to shed those unwanted pounds, it is always easier if there is accountability.

“For example, we see our patients once a month to keep them accountable for sticking to the diet and exercise plan, as well as taking the prescribed medications.”

Dr. Hill’s weight-loss services are for men and women who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. The BMI number is 27 for those with chronic medical problems such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension or heart disease.

Anyone interested in physician-assisted weight loss can ask about it at their next appointment or wellness check, or schedule an initial consultation.

“We will perform a general exam and possibly order some lab work,” Dr. Hill noted. “There also would be a discussion about diet and exercise, and the possibility of medications and a dietary consultation.”

Weight-loss medications can be prescribed for various reasons, including appetite suppression, metabolism issues and insulin regulation.

“Some medications help in more than one of these areas; some focus on brain chemicals,” Dr. Hill commented. “Some medications are short-term, around 90 days, and some are used long-term. We will find the right medicine for each individual.”

Dr. Hill collaborates with a HaysMed dietician who comes to Larned regularly.

She also consults with medical professionals who offer bariatric surgery at various locations.

“While every patient is different, our collaboration can lead to the right mix of diet, exercise and treatments,” Dr. Hill summarized. “Those with weight issues don’t have to fight the battle alone.”