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Davis County Hospital & ClinicsNews
Virtual Visits

DCHC Launches Virtual Care

April 1, 2020 – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) announced today the implementation of Virtual Care (telehealth), to expand access to care for our patients in response to the coronavirus COVID-19. This rare opportunity gives our patients the chance to receive the medical care they need without having to come to our facility in this time of uncertainty.

DCHC is using a simple, secure video solution powered by Doxy.me. Simply click a link provided to you in an email and you’ll be checked in and ready to see your provider.

“Virtual Care will provide our patients, particularly those at high-risk of complications from the virus that causes the disease COVID-19, the care they need by letting them see our providers from the comfort and security of their own home,” said DCHC Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Fuhs. “We want to accommodate our community and region in every way we can to help keep our patients healthy while helping to contain the community spread of the virus.”

The virtual video visits – conducted via smartphone, or a computer equipped with a web camera – are suited to patients who may have flu-like symptoms and want to speak with a provider; or those experiencing other routine ailments but do not want to travel to the office for fear of a potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Virtual Care appointments at DCHC will be available for family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine, as well as a broad range of specialized care including general surgery and allergy/pulmonary visits.

“We are committed to helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and this will be a great benefit to patients in that effort”, said Fuhs. “With the emergence of the virus causing the disease COVID-19, there is an urgency for us to expand the use of technology to help people who need routine care, and keep vulnerable patients and patients with mild symptoms in their homes while maintaining access to the care they need.”

Patients can access Virtual Visit appointments with their physician or caregiver using a smartphone, iPad, desktop or laptop equipped with a web camera. Patient Virtual Care appointments will be scheduled through their doctor’s office and any patient needing an appointment should call their doctor’s office

Once a Virtual Care visit is scheduled, the doctor’s office will provide patients with an email invitation for their appointment time, along with detailed instructions on how to utilize the Virtual Visit program.

“If Virtual Care appointments will provide peace of mind and extended safety for our patients, then we are more than willing to add this service” said Fuhs. “In this time of uncertainty, we want to do what we can to help keep our patients and staff members safe and healthy by limiting exposure.”

The following DCHC providers will have access to Virtual Care:

  • Davis County Medical Associates:
    • Christian Sanchez
    • Mary Graeff
    • Robert Floyd
    • Trina Settles
    • Beverly Oliver, ARNP
    • Dianne Knapp, ARNP
    • Haleigh Skaggs, ARNP
  • General Surgery, Dr. John Harrington
  • Allergy & Pulmonary, Dr. Ron Graeff

For patients who prefer to see their provider in person, Davis County Hospital & Clinics is open and continues to see patients for appointments. The organization is closely monitoring COVID-19 and is following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and World Health Organization, and is working closely with local and state health departments in the care of patients.

For additional information on DCHC’s Virtual Care, Click Here.

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DCHC COVID-19 Precautions 3.16.20

Davis County Hospital & Clinics COVID-19 Precautions
Restricted Entrance Access, Cafeteria Closed, & Visitor Restrictions

3.16.20 – To continue to protect the health and well-being of our patients, their families, and of the communities we serve, Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is now moving forward with further precautions. In accordance with this, we are following the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 recommendations and are acting with an abundance of caution to ensure we do not elevate the risk of exposure to the virus for our colleagues, physicians, patients or community members. As the situation continues to evolve, so will our response. We will communicate as we are able to update our community.

Effective March 17th 2020, DCHC is instituting the following restrictions:

  • To limit exposures within our facility, outside entrances will be locked except for the South Main Entrance (b3), and the Emergency Room entrance. Patients will need to use one of these entrances to access the building for appointments or emergency care.
  • The DCHC Cafeteria is now closed to all general public until further notice.
  • Visitor restrictions include:
    • Emergency Room & Acute Care Inpatient
      • (1) healthy visitor per patient per day
    • Surgery
      • (1) healthy visitor allowed per patient
    • Outpatient, Specialty, & Medical Associates Clinic
      • (1) healthy visitor allowed per patient

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

At DCHC, we are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Department of Public Health to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as the patient’s travel history and exposure to those who have traveled.

If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.

IDPH posts statewide numbers of persons being monitored, persons being tested and test results on the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Visit this web page often for up-to-date information and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

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DCHC Implements Visitor Restrictions

3.13.20

To protect the health and well-being of our patients, their families, and of the communities we serve, Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is now restricting visitors. In accordance with this, we are following the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 recommendations and are acting with an abundance of caution to ensure we do not elevate the risk of exposure to the virus for our colleagues, physicians, patients or community members. Effective immediately, DCHC is instituting the following visitor restrictions: For the immediate future, only visits from immediate family members, loved ones or clergy who meet the following criteria will be permitted.

Visitor restrictions:

  • One visitor per patient at a time
  • No visitors under 16 years of age
  • Do not visit if you are sick

As a reminder, we encourage the community to follow the best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of all viruses:

  • Staying home if you are sick
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
  • Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • Thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Disinfecting surfaces and objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

At DCHC, we are following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Iowa Department of Public Health to screen patients for symptoms including fever and respiratory signs as well as the patient’s travel history and exposure to those who have traveled. If you have general questions on COVID-19, please dial 2-1-1. If you begin to experience symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, call your primary care provider before coming in.

IDPH posts statewide numbers of persons being monitored, persons being tested and test results on the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Visit this web page often for up-to-date information and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

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2020 Health Services Education Scholarship Application Period Open

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is excited to share the second year of a new scholarship opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field is now open for applications.

Davis County Hospital & Clinics will be awarding at least two $500 scholarships to two or more applicants in 2020.  The applicants are preferred to reside in Davis County but those living outside of Davis County will be considered as well. This scholarship is designed to assist individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field, which could include Nursing, Radiology, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Information Management etc.

A broad-based criterion is used in the selection process. The principle criterion is a demonstrated commitment to post-secondary education in a healthcare related field. An applicants’ academic record, communication skills, community involvement, and instructor recommendations are also considered.

The scholarship fund is made possible with funding provided by the Davis County Hospital Foundation and Davis County Hospital & Clinics Board of Trustees.

Anyone who feels they meet the criteria for eligibility are encouraged to apply. A copy of the application may be obtained from the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resources Department or online at www.DCHC.org.  Applications must be received or postmarked no later than March 16th, 2020 for the application and supporting materials to be considered by the committee. From all scholarships received, the scholarship committee will select the number of scholarships given. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply each year.

Questions about the scholarship opportunity should be directed to the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resource department at 641-664-2145.

If an individual is selected, they will be notified by DCHC Human Resources and arrangements can be made for the scholarship to be awarded. A list of scholarship recipients can be found on the DCHC website after June 1st.

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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.