Direct Access Lab Testing Offers Ongoing Health Support in Pawnee County

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While Pawnee Valley Community Hospital hosts two community health fairs each year, residents do not have to wait for a fair to access affordable lab testing. Through direct access lab services offered here in Larned, residents of Pawnee County and the surrounding areas can take advantage of discounted lab testing throughout the year.

PVCH Lab Associates offer direct access lab testing at the Pawnee County Health Department every fourth Tuesday of the month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Direct access lab testing allows individuals to independently access select laboratory tests without a physician’s order, offering a convenient way to stay informed about personal health while still encouraging follow‑up with a healthcare provider when needed.

“We know that not everyone has the time or comfort level to schedule frequent doctor visits,” said Kristi Engle, PVCH Lab Manager. “Direct access lab testing removes that barrier and allows members of our community to access important health information quickly and affordably.”

The same low, discounted pricing available during PVCH’s twice‑yearly hospital health fairs is also offered during these monthly clinics, helping make routine lab testing accessible and affordable year round.

Available tests include Hemogram; Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP); Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH); Lipid Panel for triglycerides, cholesterol, and direct HDL; Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA); Hemoglobin A1c; Free T4; Iron; and Vitamin D.

A key benefit of PVCH’s community health fairs and direct access lab testing is affordability, particularly for individuals whose insurance may not cover certain laboratory tests. These services provide a self‑pay option that allows patients to access commonly requested screenings at a reduced cost and stay proactive about their health.

Lab results are mailed directly to the patient and are also available through a secure online patient portal. Results are not automatically sent to healthcare providers, and patients are encouraged to share results with their provider if follow‑up care or medical guidance is needed.

Appointments are required for direct access lab testing and can be scheduled by calling the Pawnee County Health Department at 620‑285‑6963. For additional information or questions about lab testing services, individuals may contact the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Laboratory at 620‑285‑8612 or visit pawneevalleyhospital.com/services/laboratory-services/.

Gove County Medical Center, a HaysMed Partner

GCMC and HaysMed Partnership Implementation Begins Today

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Gove County Medical Center, a HaysMed Partner

We’re excited to share some great news from our HaysMed partners. Today marks the official implementation of HaysMed’s new partnership with Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, KS. Pawnee Valley Community Hospital has long been an important part of this collaborative network, and we’re pleased to see that same spirit of partnership expanding to include GCMC.

At a time when many rural hospitals face unprecedented challenges, this collaboration helps preserve local access to care, strengthen the workforce, and keep healthcare resources within the communities that depend on them.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic Shares Joy Through “Baby’s Welcome Bag”

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Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most precious moments, but for some families, it can also bring unexpected financial challenges. To help ease that burden, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine Clinic has launched a heartfelt initiative called “Baby’s Welcome Bag” for newborns establishing care in our clinic. These bags are filled with baby essentials, giving mothers a little extra support as they begin their journey into parenthood.

The idea was brought to life by Jewel Davis, Director of Clinic Operations, whose vision was to ensure that every mother, regardless of circumstance, feels cared for, encouraged, and celebrated. Davis witnessed firsthand the needs of many new moms and wanted to create something that would provide comfort, practical help, and information about local and state resources.

“We wanted every mother who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported and empowered-especially during those early weeks of motherhood,” Davis shared. “That includes nursing mothers who may need extra encouragement or guidance as they care for their babies. These bags are a small reminder that they’re not alone; the clinic, along with our community, is committed to supporting both mother and baby as they begin this new chapter.”

Thanks to the generous contributions from the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary and the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation, the clinic is able to keep these bags stocked and ready for distribution. Their support highlights the strength of community partnerships and the impact they can have when working together to uplift families.

“Our Auxiliary loves finding meaningful ways to support our community through our hospital,” said Catherine Clapham, Auxiliary President. “Being part of this program focused on caring and kindness is something we’re truly proud of.”

“These bags are a reminder that our community stands behind its mothers,” shared Kyle Beckwith, Foundation Chair. “The program has already touched lives, with mothers expressing deep gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.”

The very first “Baby’s Welcome Bag” was given to Drew Smith, whose reaction captured the spirit of the program.

“This new initiative is such a great help to new moms like me. Having those essentials right when you need them makes such a difference, and I am extremely grateful to the clinic and everyone who made this possible.”

The Family Medicine Clinic looks forward to continuing the program and bringing joy, comfort, and the convenience of pediatric and well-child visits close to home. With multiple compassionate providers to choose from, each deeply committed to caring for children and families. Parents can feel confident they’re receiving personalized, heartfelt care without the need to travel.

Happy Kansas Day!

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At Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, we’re proud to celebrate Kansas Day with the Larned community and all our surrounding neighbors. As we honor the day Kansas became the 34th star on the flag back in 1861, we’re reminded how grateful we are to care for and serve the people of this region and our great state.

 To add a little extra fun to your celebration, enjoy a new, free printable coloring page at the link below. Take a moment to get creative and show your Kansas pride!

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital: Your Guide to Better Health

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As a state-of-the-art critical access hospital dedicated to healthcare excellence in the local community, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital has a long history of caring for the patient population of Larned and Pawnee County, Kan. They pride themselves on providing the best possible clinical care, and through their strong personal connections to the people they serve, the hospital and its family medicine clinic are the go-to guides for better health.

“As a team, we focus on keeping healthcare local and treating patients one individual at a time, so we can make a positive community impact that ensures our patients are both healthier and happier,” says Melanie Urban, Administrator of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. “We serve as a beacon of health in our community, connecting everyone in Pawnee County to high-quality healthcare that includes both primary and specialty care. Our patients are in great hands here.”

The 25-bed hospital provides 24/7 emergency care, surgical procedures, high-tech imaging, laboratory testing, cardiopulmonary rehab, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, wound care, a pain clinic, and a sleep and diagnostics center. The hospital’s expertise in acute, skilled and specialized nursing enhances each of these services.

Additionally, the family medicine clinic offers a full range of services for primary care and women’s health, including 3-D mammography. With the goal to help patients avoid health concerns before they occur, instead of treating them afterward, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital encourages people to see their providers routinely for preventive care, such as immunizations and screening tests.

Through its partnership with HaysMed, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital connects patients to the full continuum of care needed for long-term health, well-being and quality of life. This includes tertiary and high-acuity specialty care, with one point of contact and sharable patient records for streamlined care navigation.

As one cohesive team, the hospital and its partners fulfill the unique expectations and needs of those in the Pawnee County community. “Sharing the common purpose of bringing our patients the best healthcare possible is critical to leading rural health in our local community,” Urban says. “When you consider everything we have to offer in helping our patients achieve long-term health and wellness, right here at home, we’re giving you every reason to choose Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”

 

About Pawnee Valley Community Hospital

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is a 25-bed facility offering emergency care (24/7), surgery, high-tech imaging and laboratory tests, rehabilitation, and a sleep and diagnostic center, as well as acute, skilled, and specialized nursing, wound care, and more. Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Family Medicine provides a full range of primary care services for all ages, as well as women’s health services.

For specialty care and to ensure a full continuum of care, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital is a HaysMed partner, and its hospital and family medicine physicians collaborate closely with HaysMed specialists.

Dr. Herwich now seeing patients at Larned hospital and clinic

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A family-medicine physician, who recently moved to Larned, has started seeing patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and its clinic, Pawnee Valley Medical Associates.

Kurtis Herwich, DO, is caring for and treating patients of all ages, offering the full range of primary-care services. His office is at the clinic.

“I have been interested in a smaller community ever since I started medical school,” Dr. Herwich said. “There are many challenges in rural areas but Larned has an excellent balance. It provides many services found in larger cities, as well as those offered in collaboration with HaysMed.

“The facilities are very impressive and it is obvious that this community cares deeply for their hospital,” he added. “Everyone has been welcoming and I hope they are as excited about working with me as I am about working with them.”

Dr. Herwich treats the whole gamut of family-medicine conditions – from anemia to zinc deficiency.

“Most days there is a mix of sore throats, runny noses, itchy eyes and sports injuries, as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and high blood pressure.

“We also encourage health maintenance and management through yearly check-ups and offer advice about healthy lifestyles,” he noted. “It is easier to establish good habits to prevent disease than it is to treat a condition once it has developed.”

Dr. Herwich has specialized training in Wilderness Medicine, which focuses on patients in austere environments where an Emergency Department is not readily available.

“This includes treatment for injuries, lightning strikes, elevation sickness and snake bites,” he explained. “I also have training in advanced wound care.”

In addition, Dr. Herwich has a personal understanding of the challenges that patients and their families encounter.

“My personal health experiences have given me valuable insight into the medical system, teaching me empathy and perseverance.

“I always try to treat my patients with the same dignity and respect that I would expect for myself. I empower patients to be involved in decision-making to optimize their outcomes.”

The physician offered a definition of a DO, doctor of osteopathic medicine, who receives the same training as an MD, medical doctor. “But there is also additional training for DOs in hands-on techniques for muscle, joint and spine concerns.”

Dr. Herwich earned his DO degree in 2010 at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. His family-practice residency was performed at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in Niagara Falls, N.Y., from 2011 to 2015.

Previous employers include Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Hillsboro Community Hospital and Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care, Kansas City, Ks.

Prior to medical school, Dr. Herwich earned a bachelor’s in mass communications/radio & TV at Kansas State University in 1994. He worked in video and film production, mostly as a sound recordist, for about 14 years. This included extensive national and international travel.

Today, his traveling companion around town and other destinations is Buster Bleu, a rescue cat.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Herwich to our family-medicine team,” said Melanie Urban, Administrator of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. “His passion for patients, listening to their stories and empowering their active role in their own care make him an excellent addition to our hospital and community.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. The Pawnee Valley Medical Associates clinic, 713 W. 11th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.

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923 Carroll Avenue
Larned, KS 67550

620-285-3161

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