Year: 2017

Davis County Hospital & ClinicsNews2017

DCH Now Offering 3-D Mammography Exams

Beginning December 14, Davis County Hospital is excited to offer a new 3-D Mammography exam option that could improve early detection of breast cancer. Designed from the ground up with the input from women, the GE Senographe Pristina 3-D Technology, is the first mammography system to provide women with the “three Cs”: comfort, confidence, and clarity. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology (also known as 3-D Mammography), these exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while also decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing (compared to 2-D mammography).

“Davis County Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer. Bringing this new technology to our patients will help us diagnose breast cancer even earlier, increasing the chances of good outcomes” states Kirby Johnson, CEO of Davis County Hospital.  “Our investment in this 3-D Mammography technology, allows us to provide the most cutting edge technology for our community, keeping people close to home for their medical needs.”

3-D Mammography exams create multiple images or “slices” that step through the breast tissue. This allows the radiologist to see more clearly and helps reduce the impact of overlapping breast tissue. The process is performed at the same time as a traditional 2D mammogram, on the same machine with no noticeable difference in the experience or time expended for the patient.

“All women may benefit from a 3-D Mammography exam; however, there is an increased benefit to women with dense breast tissue because dense breast tissue may look similar to cancer tissue. 2-D mammography can’t always differentiate between cancer and dense breast tissue” says Susan Haskell, Manager of Medical Imaging Services at DCH. “For example, if a 2-D mammogram detects an area of concern, the radiologists may want to further investigate with a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy. Looking at the same breast tissue in 3-D, the radiologist may now see that the tissue is in fact normal breast tissue. In this scenario, the patient likely avoided a callback for an additional mammogram, giving patients a greater peace of mind.”

Not only does this system offer patients a greater peace of mind, it delivers the superior diagnostic accuracy at the same low dose as a 2-D mammography exam, the lowest patient dose of all FDA-approved 3-D mammography systems.

“We are excited to offer our patients this procedure, and we believe it’s important to broaden our geographic reach so that women across Southeast Iowa, have the option of choosing the lowest dosage exposure as possible, while receiving accurate results,” said Haskell.

If you’re interested in a 3-D Mammography exam at Davis County Hospital, please contact your primary care provider as well as your insurance to verify coverage of 3-D exam services. 3-D Mammography exams are offered at Davis County Hospital, located at 509 N Madison in Bloomfield, five days a week. Patients are able to be seen for Mammography appointments within two days of scheduling at Davis County Hospital.

 

DCH Welcomes Certified Diabetes Educator

Davis County Hospital is pleased to welcome Kathy Ayers, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), to the Davis County Hospital Medical Associates clinic provider group.

Kathy is a Certified Diabetes Educator who will practice at Davis County Hospital on two Wednesdays each month. She is available to see patients for Diabetes Management, and will work with them to:

  • Teach basic information about diabetes and its management
  • Understand diabetes devices, such as blood glucose meters, insulin pens, insulin pumps
  • Adopt healthy eating habits through nutrition education
  • Monitor blood glucose and learn how to interpret and respond to results
  • Understand their medications

“If you have diabetes, you know how challenging it can be to manage your disease,” stated Kathy Ayers, ARNP. “Between healthy eating, physical activity, taking medication, and monitoring your condition, it becomes overwhelming very easily. I am here to work side by side with you to help you manage your diabetes for a healthy lifestyle.”

“We are excited to have Kathy join our team at Davis County Medical Associates,” said Carleena Brown, Clinic Director. “Her unique skill set in diabetes management, is an essential support piece that we can now offer our patients. Managing diabetes can be difficult, and we’re thrilled to be able to now offer this additional resource to our patients.”

To schedule an appointment with Kathy at Davis County Medical Associates clinic, please call 641-664-3832. A doctor referral is not required.

Davis County Medical Associates to Host Open House to Welcome New Primary Care Physician and Showcase Newly Remodeled Clinic

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital invites you to join them for an Open House to be held on Wednesday, October 4th from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic located within Davis County Hospital at 509 N Madison. Tours will be given of the department highlighting the newly expanded and remodeled clinic space. There will also be an opportunity to meet their newest physician addition, Christian Sanchez, MD. Everyone is welcome to attend to enjoy refreshments, tour the remodeled space, and help them welcome Dr. Sanchez.

Dr. Sanchez is currently working in the DCH Medical Associates primary care clinic, the hospital, as well as local nursing facilities. He began his clinical practice at DCH on Tuesday, September 5th. Dr. Sanchez graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry. He received his medical degree in Guadalajara, Mexico and completed his residency at Cook County-Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. In June, Dr. Sanchez completed a Geriatric Fellowship also at Cook County-Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of the elderly population.

“We are incredibly excited to showcase the new and upgraded clinic space to our community,” stated Kirby Johnson, CEO. “We take much pride in advancing primary care services for our customers. There is no better way to improve on what we’ve already built than to add a wonderful physician like Dr. Sanchez. He symbolizes why we do this every day. I have already seen his infectious personality and talents capture the patients he’s had the opportunity to help.”

“In our ongoing efforts to serve the needs of the Davis County community and beyond, Davis County Hospital is excited to announce the opening of our newly expanded and remodeled Medical Associates Clinic. We encourage community members to stop by the open house to see the new space, and to welcome Dr. Christian Sanchez, to the community,” said Carleena Brown, Clinic Director.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanchez, call 641-664-3832. The Davis County Medical Associates Clinic is located within Davis County Hospital at 509 N Madison in Bloomfield.

Davis County Hospital Named One of Iowa’s Top Workplaces in 2017

The Des Moines Register named Davis County Hospital (DCH) as one of Iowa’s Top Places to Work in 2017 during a ceremony held in Des Moines on Thursday, September 14th.

The Des Moines Register’s Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies based on employee opinions about company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits. The selection process was based on employees’ responses to a survey.

“Being recognized as a top workplace in Iowa is a true testament to the remarkable culture that Davis County Hospital’s employees and leaders have built,” said Kirby Johnson, CEO at DCH. “At Davis County Hospital, we take pride in our people. It’s those people that build a strong culture that drives our mission of delivering high quality, patient centered care with integrity and trust.”

Dr. Christian Sanchez

Davis County Hospital Welcomes New Primary Care Physician- Dr. Christian Sanchez

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital (DCH) is excited to welcome Dr. Christian Sanchez, MD to their medical staff. Dr. Sanchez is working in the DCH Medical Associates primary care clinic, the hospital, as well as local nursing facilities. He began his clinical practice at DCH on Tuesday, September 5th.

Dr. Sanchez graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry. He received his medical degree in Guadalajara, Mexico and completed his residency at Cook County-Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. In June, Dr. Sanchez completed a Geriatric Fellowship also at Cook County-Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of the elderly population. “Dr. Sanchez’s geriatric expertise will allow us to continue to care for patients during all stages of their life.

“I believe that wanting to become of service to people in my community was my biggest encouragement to practice medicine. The satisfaction of being able to provide a special treatment to them has become the greatest drive for my enduring decision.,” said Dr. Sanchez. “When caring for patients, my immediate goal is to serve them and my future community as I would care for my own family. My ultimate goal is to improve their wellness as we treat diseases not only as they come about, but by preventing them, as we figure out together individualized strategies for healthier lives.”

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sanchez to Davis County Hospital and to the Bloomfield community,” said Kirby Johnson, CEO. “Dr. Sanchez will provide additional primary care expertise we need to continue to strive for better health among all ages here in Davis County.  Dr. Sanchez’s addition plays a large part in our goal to expand and improve access to primary care to meet the needs of our customers.”

“I started a family not too long ago and now my home is Bloomfield. We are very excited to start this journey, and we know that there is a plan and a home for us in this community,” stated Sanchez.

Dr. Sanchez and his wife, Karen have two children, Carol and Saul. In his spare time, Dr. Sanchez enjoys playing tennis as well as swimming. He also likes to dance, sing, and listen to good music. However, what he enjoys most, is spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Sanchez is now available for immediate appointments. Call DCH Medical Associates at 641-664-3832 to schedule an appointment today.

Davis County Hospital Welcomes New IT Director

Davis County Hospital (DCH) is pleased to announce the addition of Christopher Hickie to their Information Technology (IT) Department, serving as the new Director of Information Technology.

“Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team,” said Kirby Johnson, CEO. “We are excited to welcome him to our IT Department and organization.”

Christopher comes to Davis County Hospital with 18 years of extensive and diverse experience in the IT field, most recently from Mahaska Health Partnership in Oskaloosa where he has worked as the Director of Information Technology for the past three years and a Systems Analyst since 2008.

“I’m eager to officially get started at Davis County Hospital to learn more about the various healthcare service lines and community initiatives that DCH has to offer,” said Christopher. “I look forward to meeting the team of healthcare professionals and support staff that make our work so meaningful. My passion continues to be providing new and enhancing existing technology for our providers, clinicians and the entire organization so that we can provide compassionate, quality healthcare for our patients right here at home.”

Christopher, his wife Dr. Lori Hickie, and 4-year-old daughter Amber are residents of Ottumwa. When he isn’t working, Christopher is a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ as a four time co-champion of the 25 Men Who Can Cook competition held annually in Ottumwa, does pro-am photography, still learns to play golf, and enjoys spending time with his small family.

Christopher will be joining the Davis County Hospital team on September 5th, 2017.

Kincart Physical Therapy Welcomes New Physical Therapist

Bloomfield, IA – Kincart Physical Therapy Services invites you to join them for an Open House to be held on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at Kincart Physical Therapy Services located within Davis County Hospital at 509 N Madison. Tours will be given of the department highlighting the new occupational therapy rehab space as well as the rehab pool. Everyone is welcome to attend to enjoy refreshments, learn about the new programs being offered, and help them welcome a new addition to their team- Jacqueline Wells, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
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2017 Davis County Walk for Life

Plans are being made for the 2017 Davis County Walk for Life Event and 5k Color Splash Run! This Year’s walk will be held on Saturday, May 6th at the Davis County Courtyard in Bloomfield with registration starting at 9:30 a.m.  This event provides funding for mammograms for individuals who are under-insured or un-insured in Davis County.

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What’s Scarier: A Colonoscopy or Cancer?

What’s Scarier: A Colonoscopy or Cancer?

Some people hear the word colonoscopy and run the other direction. It doesn’t have to be a scary thing. It’s a common procedure that is important because it is a potentially life-saving procedure that can prevent the development of colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, yet is one of the most preventable types of cancer.
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