Apr9

Sports physicals for students to be available at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus once again is providing sports physicals for students of Fort Larned USD 495 and Pawnee Heights USD 496 school districts. Family medicine specialists will offer sports exams for boys on May 20 and for girls on May 21. Hours are 2-4:45 p.m. Physicals are $10 and the cost will be donated to the athletic department of your school.

If your child has already received a well-child exam in the past 12 months, parents may still schedule a sports physical and insurance will not be billed since a comprehensive exam has already been conducted.

If your child has not received a well-child exam in the past year, the family medicine team encourages people to schedule their child for this type of appointment. These exams, which include a sports physical, begin May 1. Parents or guardians can call the family medicine team at 620-804-6007 to schedule their child for a comprehensive wellness exam. In addition to sports needs, the exam will address any necessary vaccinations and other medical issues.

Most insurance companies recognize the importance of annual well-child exams as a preventive health service and will provide coverage for these visits. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers well-child exams. If your child does not have wellness benefits or you need financial assistance, notify the family medicine care team when you schedule the appointment.

Complete the sports physical form before your appointment. Get the form here: kshsaa.org/public/pdf/form-ppe.pdf

For immunization requirements in Kansas schools, visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website.

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Mar25

00

Pawnee Valley Medical Associates now offers after-hours appointments

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

Anyone who wants to schedule a medial appointment after regular business hours has a new opportunity to do so at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, 713 W. 11^th in Larned.

The medical practice is now open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays; its allergy clinic is available until 6 p.m., also on Tuesdays. Regular weekday hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m.

“We heard many positive comments from patients even before the new hours actually went into effect on March 23,” said Jewel Davis, clinic manager. ”They were looking forward to having the option to see our providers outside of the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.”

Clinic services include: family medicine; colon-cancer consultations; many types of physical exams; health and wellness checks; pediatric care and immunizations; women’s health; cosmetic injections; and minor on-site procedures.

Providers are Christian Whittington, MD; Crystal Hill, MD; Susan Aistrup and Haley Gleason, advanced practice registered nurses; and Heather Holaday, doctor of nursing practice. Nicci Srna, APRN, fills in when needed

“The new extended hours are just one more example of how our providers listen to their patients,” Davis commented. “Many patients expressed the need for after-hours appointments because it is often difficult to miss work. This is a great solution for these families.”

“Our providers are dedicated to making a difference in our community and offering the best possible care for their patients,” Davis continued. “By extending our Tuesday hours, they are demonstrating their commitment to the health and well-being of local and area families.”

Mar25

00

Associate of the Quarter award honors three at Pawnee Valley Campus

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

When three co-workers heard about a patient’s final wish, they teamed up to make his dream come true at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

Because of their teamwork, all three recently were recognized with the Associate of the Quarter award at the hospital.

Recipients were Tina Gladow, social work case manager; Deb McAlister, charge nurse; and Kate Reid, former patient care technician.

The hospital associates collaborated with local businesses and a church to grant the patient’s final wish.

“All of us are grateful for this great community support,” Gladow commented. “Local and area residents have a long history of lending a hand in a wide variety of ways. We are gratified to know that our community supports our wonderful hospital.

“I also am thankful to be part of a nursing team that always considers the whole patient,” she continued. “Our nurses take care of patients’ medical needs but provide much-needed emotional and spiritual support too.”

Gladow added that she and her colleagues appreciate the Associate of the Quarter award. “It is always humbling to be recognized by your peers,” she said. “This award means a lot to all three of us.”

Feb24

00

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus is Hosting a Virtual Community Town Hall

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

The hospital will be hosting a virtual Town Hall Meeting for the 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) via Zoom on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 11:30 – 1pm.

This virtual meeting will consist of reviewing the community health indicators and gathering your feedback and opinions on key community health needs. We hope you find the time to join us for this discussion.

If you would like to participate, please RSVP by Monday, March 15. You can register for the meeting by clicking on the link below. Once you have registered, you will be sent information on how to attend virtually three days prior to the meeting.

RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PawneeValley_CHNA2021_RSVP

Feb11

00

Jewel Davis welcomed as new clinic manager at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

The new clinic manager at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates, on The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, is passionate about providing healthcare services, especially in the Larned community for professional, as well as personal reasons.

Jewel Davis was recently appointed to the managerial position to oversee all clinic operations.

“The goal of the clinic is to provide the best patient experience for everyone who seeks healthcare here,” Davis said. “My focus is on building the highest level of professionalism and compassion, along with supporting the highest level of patient care.

“In addition, we want to ensure the clinic is the best place to work for our employees.”

The clinic manager’s responsibilities include: performing many administrative functions; ensuring regulatory compliance; helping with scheduling; and keeping the lines of communication open with patients and families.

On a personal note, Davis and her family have relied on The University of Kansas Health System through its Pawnee Valley Campus, HaysMed Campus and other health system facilities in Kansas City.

“My family members have suffered serious illnesses and received care and treatment through the health system,” Davis explained. “I have witnessed the many sides of healthcare through these experiences.

“I quickly learned the health system offers the best care in the state and I am thrilled to be part of it. I want to make a difference in the lives of patients and in my community. The support my family has received in the last five years is unbelievable. I am blessed to be working here.”

Clinic services include: family medicine; colon-cancer screenings; many types of physical exams; health and wellness checks; pediatric and prenatal care; women’s health; and minor on-site procedures.

Providers are Christian Whittington, MD; Crystal Hill, MD; Susan Aistrup and Haley Gleason, both advanced practice registered nurses; and Heather Holaday, doctor of nursing practice.

Davis has always lived in the area and currently resides in Larned. She attended grade school and high school in Macksville and studied office administration and business management at Pratt Community College.

Previous employers include Simmons & Simmons accounting firm and Dwight Shank Chevrolet, where she was business manager. Davis also served as controller at Roth Equipment/Straub International in Larned and corporate office manager/controller at Straub’s Great Bend office. Next, she was an accountant at Francis Companies in Great Bend.

Davis and her husband, Joel, have two sons, Wyatt and Wesley.

Feb11

00

Pawnee Valley Campus offers comprehensive customer-service training

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

Since the focus at the hospital in Larned is on patients and their families, each new hire and current employee participates in customer-service training.

The Five Star Customer Service sessions started last year at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll Ave. The first round of classes is wrapping up.

In addition to hospital and Pawnee Valley Medical Associates employees, class participants also include members of the medical staff and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary.

The instructor is Julie Bugner-Smith, director of the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation. Bugner-Smith earned her credentials through specialized training.

“We want to be the best of the best when it comes to customer service at our hospital,” Bugner-Smith said. “Even though we strive to attain this goal every day, it benefits all of us to zero in on customer service through this class.

“Our current employees benefit from a refresher course and newcomers learn that we highly value treating your family like we would treat our families,” she added. “We won’t settle for anything less than excellence. Local and area residents are the reason we are here and we take their care seriously.”

Bugner-Smith also noted she is hearing positive feedback from class participants. “Everyone appreciates the topics we cover and will use the information to support patients and families.”

Highlights of the all-day class include: the needs of heart and mind; diversity and inclusion; and consistency and reliability.

“It is important to make great customer service a habit,” Bugner-Smith commented. “Everyone in the class pledges their commitment to do their part each day.”

Class size was limited to about eight people because of COVID-19 protocols. “We practice physical distancing and everyone wears a mask,” Bugner-Smith noted.

The Customer Service Team will participate in quarterly refresher exercises. In addition to Bugner-Smith, team members are Angela Meitner, Nishka McKenzie, Leslie Presley and Megan Donecker.

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said customer service is “always a top priority here. All of us strive to be professional and compassionate. These classes help us keep this philosophy at the front of our minds as we interact with patients and families.

“We understand they are going through a difficult time and want to help in any way we can,” Urban continued. “The community can be assured that we will provide the best in medical care and tend to their emotional needs too.”

Feb1

00

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

We know you’re eager to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. We are eager for you to get it. But we at Pawnee Valley Campus do not currently have vaccine doses available to provide to those in Phase 2 of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s distribution plan.

It is our understanding that all doses will be allocated to county health departments. We encourage all patients and their family members who would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccination to contact the Pawnee County Health Department at 620-285-6963 or 1-800-211-4401 to get on the list.

We have requested additional doses for both our hospital at Pawnee Valley Campus and our Pawnee Valley Medical Associates office. If we receive vaccines to offer, we will share updates and instructions on our website.

Thank you for your patience as we work to share information as quickly as we receive it.

Jan21

00

The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus Seeks Public Input for 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment Update

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

LARNED, Kansas – Over the next three months, Pawnee Valley Campus will be working with other community providers to update the 2018 Pawnee County (KS) Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, Kansas has been retained again to conduct this countywide research.

ACA legislation requires all tax-exempt hospitals to submit a CHNA to the IRS every three years, regardless of hospital affiliation.

“While healthcare is front and center right now due to the coronavirus, we hope you find the time to help us learn how we are doing in providing healthcare in general to our community and what concerns or suggestions you have for us going forward,” comments Melanie Urban, Administrator. “We urge all Pawnee county residents to participate.”

Every three years, the hospital and health department complete an assessment, which begins with a review of local health data and collecting online community feedback.

The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress in addressing community health needs cited in the 2018 CHNA report and to collect up-to-date community health perceptions. To accomplish this work, a short online survey has been developed.

The survey can be accessed by going to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CHNA2021_PawneeCo and the link will open by default. The link is also available on the Pawnee Valley Campus website in the News section and Facebook page.

All community residents are encouraged to complete the 2021 CHNA online survey by Friday, March 5, 2021.

If you have any questions about the CHNA survey, please call 785-623-2300.

Dec3

00

A sleep study can benefit your health

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

A new home-based sleep test for those concerned about obstructive sleep apnea is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

This was made possible because of new equipment and software at the hospital’s Sleep and Diagnostic Center, which is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Sleep apnea is a general term for breathing problems that occur during sleep, including breathing cessation many times during the night.

Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, restless sleep, difficulty concentrating, depression, irritability, morning headaches, high blood pressure and frequent awakenings.

“We encourage anyone who has questions about these symptoms to contact their healthcare provider,” said Megan Donecker, sleep lab director and registered polysomnographer. “If a home sleep test is ordered, we will supply the information and equipment.”

During the apnea test, the patient wears a device called WatchPat on a wrist in the comfort of their own home. The device is disposable.

“This new equipment is more accurate than other devices because we can now see stages of sleep,” Donecker noted. “The only thing we need from the patient is a doctor’s referral.”

The hospital’s sleep lab offers in-house tests for sleep apnea, as well as a host of other conditions. These include insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, to name a few, Donecker said.

“Sleep apnea is the most common disorder we see at the lab, but we are here for many other concerns,” Donecker noted. “Our two sleep rooms are comparable to hotel suites. Patients are often impressed with the whole atmosphere, which offers many comforts of home.”

Amenities in each room include a queen-size, pillow-top mattress, large recliner chair, large bathroom with spacious shower, television and safe for personal belongings.

The home test for apnea is a good choice for many people but the “sleep-center setting offers many other services too,” the director commented. “We can look for more than 80 sleep disorders at the lab – not just apnea.”

To illustrate the importance of treating sleep apnea, Donecker said it is a risk factor that can contribute to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, daytime sleeping, depression, impotency, traffic accidents and increased mortality.

“Sleep is a huge factor in healing,” Donecker said. “If you aren’t getting good quality sleep, then you increase the risk for many health issues. Our bodies will compensate in amazing ways – until it just can’t.

“We understand it may be difficult to notice sleep-related red flags that our bodies are telling us about, especially when we self-treat with caffeine. I encourage everyone to start listening to what their bodies tell them and speak with a doctor when questions arise. Quality sleep makes for a better quality of life.”

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said the new home apnea test is “a great example of how the hospital continues to stay innovative and continues to expand services. Having an accredited sleep lab is unique to smaller, rural hospitals. This demonstrates our commitment to provide as many local options as possible.”

The sleep lab sees about 15 patients per month, with the potential for more. Dr. Son Truong is the medical director.

Dec3

00

Latest 3D Mammography Technology Now Available in Larned

By Gayla Wichman - Pawnee Valley Campus Hospital News

3D mammography, considered the most significant improvement in mammography in the past 30 years, is now available at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

The imaging team at Pawnee Valley Campus encourages women over 40, or those who are overdue for a mammogram, to make an appointment for their 3D mammogram.

“3D has become the standard of care in mammography,” said Shelly Stanton, director of imaging. “It is so gratifying to offer this state-of-the-art technology to this wonderful community. Patients no longer need to travel to another town for a 3D mammogram. These screenings are quick and normally only take 10 to 15 minutes.”

An appointment can be made by calling the scheduling team at 785-623-6565. Specify that you prefer your appointment take place at Pawnee Valley Campus.

“You do not have to be a current Pawnee Valley Campus patient to receive this service,” Stanton said. “Everyone is welcome. All we need is an order for the mammogram from your healthcare provider so we know where to send the results.”

“I tell all women that I recommend screening mammograms starting at age 40, and I recommend that every woman continues screening mammograms each year,” said Crystal Hill, MD, family medicine. “Research shows that this screening regimen saves the most lives. Women need to know that breast cancer screening is so important because it’s the most common type of cancer in women and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death. We know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States. I encourage women to schedule their mammograms today.”

Those who have been getting 2D mammograms over the years “may want to consider this enhanced technology,” Stanton said. “3D takes approximately 300 image slices of tissue in the same amount of time as the 2D, which takes only four slices.”

The increased volume minimizes the overlapping of breast tissue, which can either hide or mimic cancer.

“More images results in fewer false alarms and greatly improves the screening’s accuracy, especially in patients with dense breast tissue,” Stanton said.

3D mammography has been clinically proven and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It can detect from 20 to 65 percent more invasive cancers than 2D. “It also has been shown to be superior for women with dense breast tissue,” Stanton added.

The new equipment was delivered Nov. 2 and installed with electrical and internet connections that communicate with electronic medical records and ordering systems.

“The new machine was tested by our radiation physicist to ensure it meets all stringent safety and imaging quality standards,” Stanton said, noting in-house training started Nov. 10.

The local community and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation made this possible, Stanton said. The fundraising goal was realized in less than a year.

“We are so blessed to live in our generous community and have the Foundation’s support,” Stanton said. “Pawnee Valley Campus wouldn’t be here without our neighbors and patients, as well as the many benefactors who donate time and money.”

Those who have questions about mammography or other services are encouraged to call the Pawnee Valley Campus imaging team directly at 620-285-8691.