Year: 2019

Davis County Hospital & ClinicsNews2019

A More Comfortable Mammography Experience for Women Now at DCHC

An industry first, patient-assisted compression device now available at Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC).

(DCHC) can now offer patients access to Senographe’s Pristina Dueta, an innovative patient-assisted compression device for mammography, that allows women to manage their own compression during the exam.

In traditional mammography, the technologist performing the exam compresses the patient’s breast, often causing discomfort. The Pristina Dueta is a patient-assisted compression device for mammography designed to empower the patient for a more enjoyable experience. This new, innovative self-compression feature enables the patient, under technologist supervision, to set the compression that feels right for her – helping to reduce discomfort and addressing one of the main concerns women have for avoiding mammography screening.

“Mammograms can be uncomfortable or even painful for some women,” said DCHC Medical Imaging Manager, Susan Haskell. “With the creation of this patient-assisted compression device, it has the potential to decrease pain associated with the exam, improve the patient experience and increase outcomes for breast cancer screening which we know saves lives.”

How does the self-compression tool work? After the breast is properly positioned by the technologist, the patient can use a handheld wireless remote control to command the mammography machine to adjust the compression paddle based on the patient’s comfort level.

Regular mammograms are an important tool in detecting breast cancer. In fact, evidence shows that finding breast cancer early reduces a woman’s risk of dying from the disease by 25-30 percent or more. Any patient who has ever had a mammogram knows that mammograms are often viewed as not being comfortable. And one in four women avoid getting mammograms because of the fear and anxiety from the potential result and exam discomfort. The choice can delay a breast cancer diagnosis and impact their long-term prognosis.

“No woman should miss out on the potentially life-saving benefits of mammograms out of fear or anxiety of discomfort,” commented Haskell. “The self-compression tool humanizes the mammography experience by increasing comfort and reducing patient anxiety. The system’s potential to help increase the number of annual screening exams is a critical advancement in women’s healthcare. When patients are relaxed, we can get better images and better images lead to a more confident diagnosis. The hope is that increasing comfort during the exam and giving patients the option of working with the technologist to set their own compression will increase compliance, enable early detection and improve outcomes.”

Patients having their 3-D Mammogram at Davis County Hospital & Clinics will be offered the self-compression tool usage prior to their mammography exam. Ask your doctor today about having your mammography completed at Davis County Hospital & Clinics.

 

DCHC Provides Community Benefit

$2,326,953 in Uncompensated Care and Health Care Services Given Annually

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital & Clinics provides $2,326,953 in community benefits to Davis County, according to a recently completed assessment of those programs and services. That amount, based on 2018 figures, includes $663,593 in uncompensated care and $1,663,360 in free or discounted community benefits that Davis County Hospital & Clinics specifically implemented to help Davis County residents.

Community benefits are activities designed to improve health status and increase access to health care. Along with uncompensated care (which includes both charity care and bad debt), community benefits include such services and programs as health screenings, support groups, counseling, immunizations, nutritional services and transportation programs.

The results for Davis County Hospital are included in a statewide report by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) that shows Iowa hospitals provided community benefits in 2018 valued at more than $954 million, including more than $253 million in charity care.

“This data demonstrates Davis County Hospital & Clinics’ commitment to making our community healthier,” stated CEO, Veronica Fuhs. “We will continue to provide healthcare services to our community to help those who need it and to ensure that we are working towards improved health and access to care in Davis County.”

The programs and services accounted for in the survey were implemented in direct response to the needs of communities, counties and regions.  Many of these programs and services would not exist without hospital support and leadership.

Uncompensated care and charity care also play roles in the community benefit for services provided by hospitals. Total uncompensated care in 2018 was valued at $537 million in Iowa.  The survey also showed total Medicare and Medicaid losses (at cost) of $232 million.

More patients have been able to obtain services due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), but many of the plans have high deductibles and as patients have services, we see an increase in Charity Care and Bad Debt expense. The ACA changes has provided insurance to thousands of individuals who are now able to seek health care.

“Davis County Hospital experienced a $34,418 decrease in Charity Care and a $17,009 increase in Bad Debt expense from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2018,” commented Kendra Warning, Chief Financial Officer.  “Our gross patient revenue remained fairly consistent from fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2018, with only a 0.07% increase.  As patients elect plans with higher deductibles, which lower premiums but increase the patient’s out-of-pocket expense for services, we may see increases from year to year in Charity Care and Bad Debt expense.”

Iowa hospitals, which employ more than 76,000 people, continue implement strategies that increase value to their patients and communities by offering high-quality care to individuals, addressing the health needs of communities and implementing process improvements that bend the cost curve. By seeking out ways to raise quality, reduce waste and increase safety, Iowa hospitals have become value leaders, as shown in multiple studies by the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, the Commonwealth Fund and others.

These efforts, along with IHA’s ongoing advocacy to create fairer payment methodologies from Medicare and Medicaid, help ensure the financial stability of hospitals, making it possible for them to provide the services and programs most needed by their communities.

MyDCHC Portal

DCHC Launches New Patient Portal System

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new integrated, secure online patient portal system available to patients; MyDCHC Portal.

Through the new online MyDCHC Portal, customers will be able to:

  • View lab results,
  • Securely message their provider team,
  • Request and view appointments,
  • Request medication refills, and
  • Pay their bill.

“When DCHC implemented a new integrated electronic health record (EHR) system on April 15, 2019, it provided us the opportunity to offer our patients a new, more user-friendly patient portal,” said DCHC IT Director, Christopher Hickie. “DCHC is committed to providing tools to our patients and families that will enhance access to care and make communication more convenient for our patients. Early studies are continuing to link improved health outcomes with those patients that are using their portals provided by clinics and hospital organizations, especially for those patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure for example.”

Patients that have been seen at DCHC since April 15, 2019 and have not yet registered for a patient portal account, can sign-up online at www.DCHC.org, under the Patient Portal tab using personalized information, as well as their Medial Record Number. If a patient hasn’t been seen since April 15, 2019, they can provide their email address to the DCHC registration staff at their next visit and an invitation link will then be sent.

“After patients enroll in their MyDCHC Portal, they can access their portal using their mobile device’s browser or via free, easy-to-use applications on their mobile device,” commented Hickie. “The “Coral Health” app can be downloaded for both Apple and Android phone users, and Apple iOS users can also connect through their ‘Apple Health’ app.”

Specific questions about the MyDCHC Portal, can be directed to the DCHC portal support team at 641-664-7135, Monday – Friday 7am – 5pm.

Davis County Hospital & Clinics

Davis County Hospital Announces Davis County Hospital & Clinics as new name and brand

September 27, 2019 – Davis County Hospital revealed a new logo and branding to the public on Friday, September 27th, 2019. The announcement coincides with the Davis County Board of Trustees’ decision earlier this year to make the change to Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC).

DCHC’s new branding will have a more updated look and feel, and reflect the organization’s mission to deliver high quality, patient-centered care with integrity and trust to the community. DCHC will share the new branding on their website www.DCHC.org and on their Facebook page www.Facebook.com/DavisCountyHospital.

“We’re excited to announce that Davis County Hospital & Clinics will be the official new name for our hospital,” said DCHC CEO, Veronica Fuhs. “It’s a name that is sensitive to our rich history, yet an evolution in terms of being considered more than just a hospital and better reflects the wide spectrum of care provided at DCHC through our medical clinic and array of specialty clinics.”

Continuing its push into more of a health and wellness focus, Davis County Hospital & Clinics will become the unified brand that connects the entire continuum of care services. The rebranding process began earlier this year when MercyOne, previously Mercy Health Network, announced their new logo and branding. DCHC has an affiliate partnership with MercyOne which provides many benefits to the local facility. MercyOne’s branding changes included a requirement to add “An Affiliate of MercyOne” to all affiliate partners’ logos. Leadership at Davis County Hospital & Clinics determined this was an ideal opportunity to update their branding as well.

“When considering the new branding, feedback was gathered from community stakeholders and focus groups,” commented Devyn Pitlick, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator. “The goal was to create a new brand that inspired both employees and the community, while better reflecting our ever-evolving healthcare facility and the services we can provide.”

DCH Top Workplace 2019

DCH Named One of Iowa’s Top Workplaces for Third Year

Davis County Hospital was awarded an Iowa Top Workplace honor for the third consecutive year by the Des Moines Register during a ceremony held in Des Moines on Thursday, September 12th.

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 an anonymous survey administered by Energage, LLC; a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools.

“I am extremely proud of DCH for being named as a Top 150 Workplace in Iowa, for the third year in a row,” commented Veronica Fuhs, CEO at Davis County Hospital. “I am proud of the dedication of every employee for their commitment to the high-quality care of our patients – moving our organization forward. DCH is an amazing place to work, and a special place for our patients to receive care!”

Logo Senior Life Solutions

SLS Raising Awareness During Suicide Prevention Month

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program Raising Awareness During National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

Bloomfield, IA –  September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is working to raise awareness.  According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an average of 129 deaths by suicide occur per day and there are an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts per year. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

To raise awareness during national suicide prevention and awareness month, the Davis County Hospital Senior Life Solutions program is hosting a balloon release on Thursday, September 12th at 12:30 pm outside the Senior Life Solutions building located at 505 N Madison (just South of Davis County Hospital). The balloon release will kick off with Mayor Dan Wiegand giving a Proclamation to proclaim September 2019 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Bloomfield, Iowa. All community members are invited to attend the ceremony and participate in the balloon release. Community members will be provided a balloon to include a personal message in recognition of suicide prevention awareness.

To get the community involved further, DCH Senior Life Solution’s is partnering with Neebz Graphix to sell a Suicide Prevention Awareness t-shirt that is available for purchase. To place an order, please call Neebz Graphix no later than September 3rd, 2019, or visit: . T-shirts range in price from $15-$22 depending on size and t-shirt brand. All money raised will go towards the local Davis County Dollars for Scholars program.

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging.  The Senior Life Solutions program staff is trained in the use of standardized, evidence-based tools for screening patients at risk of suicide. In addition, the staff assists the patient to create a plan to prevent future suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts.

Following an individual assessment, patients meet up to three times per week in a supportive, encouraging group setting. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed social workers, a registered nurse, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the emotional well-being of the seniors in our community.

Kayla Miller, DCH Senior Life Solutions Program Director said, “Raising awareness for suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility – we have to look out for each other, whether parents, siblings, coworkers, or friends. Recognize the signs and encourage loved ones to seek the necessary care.”

Patients may benefit from the Senior Life Solutions program if they recently experienced a traumatic event, are grieving the loss of a loved one, have experienced changes in sleep, appetite, or mood, or have lost interest in previously enjoyed activities. Referrals to the program can be made by anyone, including a patient’s physician, family member, self-referral, or another healthcare professional.

For more information, call the Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program at 641-664-3851.

DCH Volunteer Receives Governor’s Volunteer Award

Bloomfield, IA – Sylvia Schlarbaum of Bloomfield received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg during a special recognition ceremony held August 21, 2019 in Ottumwa at the Bridge View Center.

Sylvia Schlarbaum was honored with an individual Governor’s Volunteer award, nominated by Davis County Hospital (DCH) in honor of her long-standing dedication to volunteering with the Davis County Hospital Foundation Board, the Davis County Hospital Auxiliary, as well as the Davis County Hospital Board of Trustees.

“Davis County Hospital is honored to nominate Sylvia as a recipient of the Iowa Volunteer Award,” commented Devyn Pitlick, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator at DCH. “Throughout her career at Davis County Hospital (DCH) and throughout her personal life in Davis County, Sylvia has displayed the compassion and care for those she works with, as well as those she has come in contact with throughout her lifetime whether they be family members, peers or those she had served in her medical profession. Sylvia has lived an unselfish and courageous life throughout her years in Davis County and continues to showcase her willingness to help.”

Pitlick said, “Since retiring from DCH in 2010, Sylvia has jumped right into volunteering her time and efforts to continue to support healthcare in our community. Sylvia provides support through her active work on the DCH Foundation Board, the DCH Auxiliary, and the DCH Board of Trustees. Sylvia is genuine in her support and work for the hospital and the community. She has continued to display compassion and warmth in her roles on all three organization boards. Whether as a child, student, parent, family member, employee at DCH, or as a volunteer on the DCH Foundation, Auxiliary, and Hospital Boards, Sylvia has demonstrated an excellence of service over the years.”

“Sylvia is not only a leader but the kind of leader that gets involved hands on,” said Tierre Chickering, DCH Auxiliary Coordinator. “Leading by a lifestyle of willingness to work to achieve the goal.  She is always there with her understanding and unassuming way. She has a special knack of being involved without having to be the center of attention-a quality that cannot be underestimated. Sylvia is committed to helping Davis County thrive.”

“Neighbor helping neighbor is as Iowan as a pork tenderloin at the county fair — we’ve seen it time and time again,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “Volunteerism is who we are as Iowans. I’m honored to recognize those who continue to give back and help their fellow Iowans.”

More than 540 awards are being presented this year during ceremonies held at several locations around the state. It is estimated that more than 27,000 hours of service, with an economic impact of more than $693,000, were contributed by this year’s honorees during the past twelve months.

“Volunteering of your time and talents has a positive impact on our communities and the people being helped,” said Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. “The dedication of volunteers often encourages others to get involved, which is why Iowa continues to be a top state in volunteerism.”

Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, the Governor’s Volunteer Award program—now in its 36th year—provides an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers with a prestigious, state-level award. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.

Davis County Continues to Monitor Whooping Cough Outbreak

PRESS RELEASE
June 28, 2019

Davis County Continues to Monitor Whooping Cough Outbreak

Bloomfield, IA – The Davis County Public Health Department continues to monitor and track cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Pertussis is a very contagious disease caused by a bacterium. Although it can be prevented through vaccination, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring diseases in the U.S. The disease begins like a common cold, with runny nose or congestion, and maybe a mild cough or fever. After one to two weeks, however, pertussis can evolve into a series of coughing fits that continue for weeks.

“Adults often have a milder version of pertussis, and don’t realize they are spreading the disease – this can have serious and even deadly consequences if a child who is too young to be vaccinated, or is not properly vaccinated is infected,” said Davis County Public Health Director Lynn Fellinger. “Pertussis can also result in serious consequences for adults with underlying lung conditions, like asthma. This is why pregnant women (during each pregnancy) should receive a pertussis vaccination to protect their newborn, and why teenagers and adults (especially those who are around infants) should check with their health care provider to ensure their vaccinations, including those for pertussis, are up-to-date.”

The most common symptoms of pertussis in children are fits of coughing, followed by vomiting, a ‘whooping’ sound as air is inhaled, and difficulty sleeping. In adults, however, only a lingering cough that can last months is often seen. This is why many adults do not realize they have pertussis. While treatment with antibiotics will prevent an individual from spreading the disease further after being diagnosed with pertussis, the cough may continue to last for weeks.

Davis County residents who believe they or a family member may have pertussis should contact their health care provider. Individuals who believe they may have been in contact with someone with whooping cough can contact the Davis County Public Health Department at 641-664-3629 for additional guidance.

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Beth Saner, LPN

Beth Saner, LPN Receives 2019 DAISY Award

Beth Saner, LPN has been named Davis County Hospital’s 2019 DAISY Award recipient. She was recognized along with other nurses from across Iowa at the MercyOne Central Iowa Affiliates DAISY Award Ceremony on June 14, 2019, in Des Moines.

Nominations for Davis County Hospital’s (DCH) Daisy Award were submitted by patients and their families, colleagues, managers, physicians and community members, and then DCH team members and community members voted to select the recipient.

Beth is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Medical Associates primary care clinic at Davis County Hospital.

Beth received three different nominations from patients, as well as internal DCH team members with numerous comments praising her hard work, as well as her commitment and passion for patient care. A comment from one anonymous customer, “Beth, you make coming to DCH worth every trip. I’m coming in thinking of all the bad news you have given me, but I smile at how comfortable I am discussing it with you. Thanks for everything you do!”

“Beth is incredibly deserving of the DAISY Award,” commented Carleena Brown, Director of the Davis County Medical Associates Clinic. “She is truly dedicated to her patients and it shows through her care. We are proud to have Beth on the Davis County Medical Associates team!”

A signature program of the DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes individual nurses throughout the year for their extraordinary, compassionate care. More than 3,600 health care facilities and nursing schools across the US and in 21 other countries participate every year.

“We saw an incredibly diverse group of nominees with strong dedication to their patients and to providing safe health care,” said MaryJane Hunt, RN, MBL, Network Nurse Executive – MercyOne Central Iowa. “These honorees demonstrate nursing skill and expertise matched by compassionate care, collegiality with peers, and a commitment to advancing their profession.”

About the DAISY Award

“The DAISY Awards were created to express gratitude to nurses around the world for their compassion,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Co-Founder and CEO of the DAISY Foundation. “This year’s honorees exemplify the professionalism and humanity that are hallmarks of outstanding nursing care.”

DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Award was established by the DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at 33 of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Barnes, so they created this international award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

For more information about the DAISY Award and Foundation, visit www.daisyfoundation.org

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Logo Senior Life Solutions

Senior Life Solutions Joining National Campaign for Mental Health

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program JOINING National Campaign to Raise Awareness during Mental Health Month

Bloomfield, IA –   When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.

May is Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by national organization, Mental Health America (MHA).  Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is joining this year’s national campaign to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone.

A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health. That is why in 2019 we are expanding upon last year’s theme of 4Mind4Body and taking it to the next level, as we explore the topics of animal companionship, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.

“It is important to really look at your overall health, both physically and mentally, to achieve wellness,” said Kayla Miller, RN BSN Program Director of Senior Life Solutions. “Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet, or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy – it’s all about finding the right balance to benefit both the mind and body.”

MHA has developed a series of fact sheets (available at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may) to help people understand how their lifestyle affects their health.

“We know that living a healthy lifestyle is not always easy, but it can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes,” concluded Miller. “Finding the balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health, can help you on the path towards focusing both 4Mind4Body.”

Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of older adults suffering from symptoms of anxiety and depression often related to aging. For more information, call the Davis County Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program at 641-664-3851.

For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit MHA’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.

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ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Founded in 2003, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) operates inpatient and outpatient programs located in rural communities across the country.  Founder and Chief Medical Officer, James A. Greene, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist, was born and raised in a rural community, which today hosts a rural hospital.  He developed PMC with the sole mission to improve the quality of life of older adults living in rural communities.  PMC, which operates the Senior Life Solutions outpatient program, is one of the largest geriatric mental health management companies within rural hospitals across the United States.