May4

FREE KidsQuest Summer Program for Kids

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

HAYS, Kan.– The Center for Health Improvement and the HaysMed Foundation are sponsoring the annual FREE KidsQuest this summer. Kids will be encouraged to log 60 miles of fitness by running, walking, biking, swimming or completing the Kid’s Quest exercises. Participants will be figuratively traveling through Kansas. As they reach a destination, they will become eligible to earn prizes (coupons) from local business sponsors.

KidsQuest is recommended for children Pre-K through 8^th grade.

KidsQuest will begin on Tuesday, June 1^st and conclude on Sunday, August 15^th. T-shirt and coupon pick up will be offered Wednesday, August 11^th from 11:30a.m.-1:00p.m. and 4:30-6:30p.m. at The Center gazebo (located east of The Center). Prizes picked up after August 11^th will be available at The Center for Health Improvement front desk and can be picked up during normal business hours.

You can register your child at www.thecenter.haysmed.com/kidsquest . If you register by May 31^st you will receive a free t-shirt.

Apr29

HaysMed Recognized for Higher Quality and Cost-Efficiency in Maternity Care

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News,OB-GYN,Women-Infant Services

Hays, KS – HaysMed is proud to be recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

Racial and ethnic disparities are persistent and widespread across maternal healthcare, primarily drive by socioeconomic status, geographic location, and simplicity provider bias. Compared to similarly developed countries such as Canada, Germany and Australia, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate (MMR), at approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, with the MMR steadily increasingly since 2000¹.According to the CDC, non-Hispanic Black women are two to three times more likely to die from preventable or treatable pregnancy-related complications compared to white owmen¹.

To help address these gaps in care and to help ensure the better health of mothers, The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association enhanced its quality evaluation for the Maternity Care program to address key factors driving the United Sates’ maternal health crisis, such as preventable or treatable pregnancy-related conditions, high utilization of Caesarean sections, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal healthcare.

Overall, cost of care for vaginal and caesarean births at BDC+ facilities are 20% less than those at non-Blue Distinction Centers+ facilities. The rates of Episiotomies were 49% less those at Blue Distinct Center (BDC and BDC+). In 2018, BDC/BDC+ facilities across the country cared for more than 40% of Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercially insured women giving birth.

HaysMed is proud to be recognized by BCBSKS for meeting the rigorous Blue Distinction Canter+ quality selection criteria for maternity care set by the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.

“Our staff has put a lot of work into achieving this goal,” said Terry Siek, RN, Vice President for Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Mothers can feel confident that they are receiving the best maternity care available for themselves and their babies when they are at HaysMed.”

In 2020, the Blue Distinction Centers for Material Care Program was expanded beyond traditional outcome measures to include assessments of internal quality improvement, data collection and dissemination, and internal protocols that better addresses clinical quality and equity issues in maternity care. New in the evaluation cycle, facilities must collect race ethnicity data, have a maternal quality improvement program, commence drills and simulations for adverse events, and have dedicated protocols and procedures for the management of hypertension and hemorrhage. In additional, they must meet clinical outcome metrics at a higher standard than required previously. Specifically, the rate for low risk first time cesarean sections (NTSV c-section rate, PC-02) has been aligned with the revised Health People 2020 goals. Facilities eligible for the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity care show statistically significant differences in key clinic outcomes compare to their peers.

Quality is key: only those health care facilities that first meet Blue Distinction’s nationally established, objective quality measures will be considered for designation as a Blue Distinct Center+.

“We are committed to give our members access to the best in healthcare. We are excited that HaysMed is doing such truly great work,” said Matt All, president/CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “Each facility recognized as a Blue Distinction Center is meeting rigorous quality metrics in all phases of their maternity care programs and, in doing so, delivering better care for our members and all Kansans.”

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacement, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professional to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that, compared to other providers, those designed as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients.

For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

Apr23

HaysMed Associate Awarded Honors at Kansas Health Information Management Association Annual Meeting

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays – Deloris Farthing, RHIA, CHPS, CHDA, CHTS-TR, Regional Director of Health Information Management with The University of Kansas Health System for HaysMed, Great Bend Campus and Pawnee Valley Campus was awarded the 2021 Champion Award from the Kansas Health Information Management Association during the virtual KHIMA Annual meeting that was held on April 8-9, 2021.

The Champion award was given to recognize Deloris for advancing and demonstrating outstanding volunteer leadership in the KHIMA organization at the national and state level by demonstrating distinctive leadership qualities and contributed to leading KHIMA to significant accomplishments that advance the health information management field.

Deloris has served as KHIMA’s President, Director, Secretary/Treasurer and has held several committee chairperson roles in the past. Deloris has previously been awarded the Achievement Award in 2005 and the Outstanding Member Award in 2009

Apr19

The Center for Health Improvement Earns Medical Fitness Facility Recertification

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, KS – Date: The Center for Health Improvement (CHI) at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System is pleased to announce today that it has achieved its third recertification by the Medical Fitness Association, the country’s leading organization dedicated solely to medically integrated wellness and fitness facilities. This recertification represents a significant commitment, on the part of The Center for Health Improvement, to offer the highest standards of professional expertise and quality programming. The Center is here to help members develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle that minimizes the risk of illness and disease and promote overall wellness.

“We are very proud that we have achieved this significant milestone with MFA accreditation,” said Stephanie Howie, Fitness Director of CHI. “It is so gratifying to see the results people achieve in improving their health and knowing our programs, classes and professional staff contribute to their success.”

The Medical Fitness Association’s Facility Certification is the first and only certification offered specifically to facilities in the medical fitness industry—an industry that serves over four million members worldwide. Based on the Association’s internationally recognized Standards and Guidelines for Medical Fitness Facilities, the certification process involves an in-depth, on-site review of a facility’s adherence to a set of prescribed standards and guidelines. The certification process is an integral part of ensuring that facilities provide a high level of quality and safety in the programs and services they deliver in order for them to become fully integrated into the local continuum of healthcare. The Medical Fitness Association Facility Certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the health and wellness industry.

“As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, the need for medical fitness facilities to offer a high standard of programming for the communities they serve is more important than ever,” said David Flench, FACHE, FMFA, Board Chair of the Medical Fitness Association. “Studies have shown that when people maintain an active lifestyle, especially in a safe environment, they reduce the risk of illness down the road. The Center for Health Improvement has taken an important step in providing this extraordinary level of care.”

Read more about a woman’s story and how CHI contributed to changing her life. https://www.haysmed.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Claudia-Engel-success-story-2021.pdf

Apr6

HAYSMED OFFERS SUMMER SESSION OF ATHLETIC EDGE

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,The Center News

Hays, Kansas – The Summer Session of Athletic Edge at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will run from June 1 through July 29. This program is designed for ages 10 – 18 to increase their skills in a fun, positive environment.

We will be offering small group sessions held 4 times per week on Monday through Thursdays. Sessions will be 1 – 1.5 hours each day and include 1 hour of speed, agility, plyometrics, injury prevention training and conditioning. Participants will also have the option for 2 – 30-minute weight training sessions per week on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday immediately following the 1-hour gym session.

One on one sessions are also available. Any athletes interested in individual sessions should contact Shawn Landers at 785-623-8635 or slanders2@kumc.edu

Due to the safety measures in place for the COVID virus and to help decrease spread of the virus the following plans will be followed for the Athletic Edge for this summer.

Sessions will be kept smaller (10-12 kids maximum in a group)
Weight training groups limited to 5-6 kids per session and alternating lifting days
Temperatures will be taken at the entrance to The Center
Masks should be worn at all times in the facility (not while exercising)
Athletes should bring their own water bottles each session
All equipment will be disinfected frequently throughout the day as it is used

For more information go to Athletic Edge – Hays Medical Center

Apr6

HaysMed Receives High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier Recognition

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News,OB-GYN

Hays, KS – HaysMed has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.

High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.

To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten of the evidence-based practices:

Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support
All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling
Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
Practice “rooming in” -allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge

“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates HaysMed’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.

Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility, HaysMed also receives on-going education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.

“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Terry Siek, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President of Patient Care/Chief Nursing Officer.

For more information on High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, contact Gwen Whittit, Program Coordinator: coordinator@high5kansas.org, or visit the web site at https://www.high5kansas.org/.

Apr6

HaysMed Emergency Room Nurse Receives Certification

By Gayla Wichman - Emergency Department News,HaysMed News

HAYS, Kan.–Allison Jones, RN, recently passed the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) examination administered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.

The CEN credential represents a commitment of the individual nurse, as well as the emergency department that supports CEN credentialing, to quality state-of-the-art emergency care. Emergency nursing incorporates a wide spectrum of patient care that requires highly specialized skills and extensive knowledge, as well as the unique ability to care for all ages of patients that have illnesses or injuries ranging from the very minor to extremely critical. The CEN examination evaluates the nurse’s knowledge in the areas of clinical pathophysiology, patient care management, and professional issues, environment, toxicology, shock, trauma, and medical emergency care.

Allison is a member of the hospital’s emergency services team that is increasingly recognized for its professional growth and clinical excellence. She has been an Associate of HaysMed since 2010.

Mar31

One Year Since First COVID-19 Patient at HaysMed

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

April 1, 2021

Hays, Kan. — HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, admitted its first hospital patient with COVID-19 on April 1, 2020. Because the novel coronavirus pandemic had already been raging in other parts of the world and in U.S. cities like New York, we were as prepared as we could have been. Since that time, we’ve seen COVID-19 patients every day – admitting some, discharging some and losing others.

Today, the pandemic continues. As devastating as this is, we are better equipped to battle the illness in many ways. And every day we’ve shared with our community what we have learned about keeping people safe and well.

Though we are frustrated that the pandemic persists, we are also far more optimistic than we were 1 year ago. We see an end in sight. Yet we remain sharply focused on caring for our patients – no matter what their illness – caring for our physicians and staff and caring for our community, who also cares for us through their tremendous support.

We are extremely grateful to our community who generously supported us from day 1 and continues to do so with each passing day. This support happens in many ways, including:

Abundant donations of food for our care teams as well as countless gestures of gratitude for our entire staff, including motivating messages, letters, cards, signs, posts and “likes” in social media.
Collaboration with community leaders and healthcare providers across the region to share information, manage resources and essential supplies, minimize infection spread and safely care for patients.
Providing access on our Facebook page to the system’s morning media updates to learn the latest on COVID-19 and infection prevention and control measures – and then sharing the information with your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Generous donations of funds for services and supplies
Gifts of time and skill including handmade cloth masks for patients and visitors
Heartfelt messages of thanks and inspiration from local groups, churches, businesses, and individuals
While we know the end is in sight, we cannot relax our efforts in fighting coronavirus in our community. Your continued support will make a difference.

Mar17

Nurse, Physician and Associate of the Year Awards Presented During HaysMed Annual Service Awards Celebration

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

HAYS, Kansas The annual HaysMed Service Awards celebration was held last night in Hays. Due to COVID-19 a drive thru event was held at the hospital honoring the Associates who have reached milestones in their service at HaysMed.

The highlight of the celebration is the presentation of the Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award, the Sister Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award and the Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award. These awards are the highest level of recognition that an associate of HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, can receive.

The Norman W. Jeter Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual’s human kindness and dedication to medical excellence. The award was presented to Theresa Roe, Physical Therapist. Roe is the Director of Rehabilitation Services at the hospital.

Recipient of the Sr. Mary J. Mollison Nurse of the Year Award was Diane Scott, RN. This award honors a nurse who displays excellence in the areas of job knowledge and performance, quality improvements, self-development and participation in hospital and community affairs. Scott is a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit.

The Vic Eddy, MD, Physician of the Year Award was presented Dr. Shanon Custer, Internal Medicine, at HaysMed. The award recognizes a physician who displays a high level of clinical experience and an extraordinary dedication to improving healthcare delivery in the community. Custer is a physician in Medical Specialists.

45 Year

Nadine Gottschalk

40 Year

Robert Brungardt

35 Year

Susan Amrein

Robin Armbrister

30 Year
Nancy Kreutzer

Lois Koerner

Kathleen Sulzman

Martha Lambert

Michelle Jensen

Melissa Portenier

Lisa Dinkel

Justina Tuttle

25 Year

Linda Stefan

Amy Braun

Kristi Williams

Marjorie Dreiling

Rose Ann Dreiling

Sara Dunn

Rebecca Morris

Marilyn Pfannenstiel

Janice Tholen

James Mulkey

Robert Schumacher

Jane Soukup

Zita Klaus

Myron Applequist

Jennifer VonFeldt

Debora Cook

Teresa Heimann

Christy Markus

Robert McAnany

Angel Smith

Mary Sell

Bryan Noone

Tara Garcia

20 Year

Donna Legleiter

Laura Ellison

Shawn Landers

Susan Smith

Stacy Brown

Jessica Seib

Debbie Linenberger

Jane Geist

Christina Rohr

Gerald Sekavec

Patricia Kuhlmann

Alanna Zimmerman

Christine Wasinger

Zena Jacobs

Lindsey Dreiling

Leo Elms

Theresa Roe

Christine Haynes

Carol Young

Heidi Schlautman

Jennifer Bethel

15 Year

Denise DeBoer

Chanc Salmans

Kimberly Taylor

Teresa Rohr

Kinsey Post

Sharon Bittel

Annette Herman

Julie Robben

Alan Wamser

Kurt Rider

Shanon Custer

Trudy Alstatt

Kelli Delimont

Misty Flax

Cheryl Robben

Michelle Pope

Karen Wagner

Richard Peckham

Kelly Malleck

Cynthia Smith

Aaron Leuenberger

Katherine Teller

Susan Kohlrus

Heidi Gohl

10 Year
Lori Post

Shae Veach

Kandi Jackson

David Juenemann

Jason Williams

Crystal Mahan

Claudia Stremel

Rosie Hammerschmidt

Erin Hobbs

Trese Holle

Lori Frederking

Allison Jones

Jordan Petz

Fernando Guzman-Soto

Jayne Inlow

Andrea Sandoval

Carly Leiker

Devin Reed

Anissa Sonntag

Lisa McGrath

Carol Geist

Shana Rome

Riana Bates

Ashley Wellbrock

Ashley Adams

Christina Hoff

Autumn Robbins

Tyler Kaiser

David Arellano

Amber Irwin

Megan Richard

Christy Lemuz

Ardith Hurst

Jessica Albers

Brandon Cunningham

Kristi Thompson

5 Year

Marice Watson

Krista Dechant

Marc Polson

Patrick Marecic

Marjorie Straub

Arika Livesay

Andrea Hoffman

Rachel Ruder

Regina Darnall

Alyssa Wynn

Mary Fritz

Shelby Lynch

Melanie Zeller

Taylor Adams

Paul Arias

Jenna Scherrer

Nathan Smith

Derek Yarmer

Melisa Garrison

Reisa Rudman

Janis Mauck

Cathryn Preisner

Camille Suchy

Maribel Alvarez

Kaysha Weigel

Kimberly Leiker

Tonia Houghton

Michael Albrecht

Amanda McCall

Amber Thompson

Kathryn Sleigh

Eric Gaschler

Jeffery Rowlison

Colton Scoby

Lois Dinkel

Tina Ariano Kirton

Cassandra Armbruster

Robert Harvester

Christine Hoffman

Omelia Klein

Reaghan Davis

Kelsey Stum

Jared VonFeldt

Cory Weber

Timothy Hoskins

Courtney Bartling

Roberto Rodriguez

Taylor Albers

Andrew Heimann

Leah Houston

Brenda Soto-Cabral

Hali Trabert

Christina Daniels

Amayrani Cano

Rick Colmenero

Jason Stegman

Angela Jones

Kaleen Munsch

Elizabeth Scherbarth

Shelby Grieve

Jerod Grove

Laci Callis

Kenda Denison

Heather Darnell

Alexis Pfannenstiel

Luke Rios

Christina Schmidt

Ernesto Lopez-Corona

Deana Schwartzkopf

Mar16

HaysMed Hosts Orthopedic Symposium 2021

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, KS – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will present an Orthopedic Symposium on Friday, April 9, 2021 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The program is jointly provided by HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System and The University of Kansas Medical Center Continuing Education and Professional Development and the Area Health Education Center – West.

Due to COVID-19 the program will be held both live and virtual. The live portion will be held at the Hadley Rooms at HaysMed, 2220 Canterbury, Hays, Kansas. The live portion is limited to 50 participants. Screening, masks, and physical distancing will be required. You can also register to the virtual program and you will receive an e-mail with information about joining the meeting.

Registration begins at 8:30 am The program runs from 8:15 am – 4:45 pm. Topics covered include: Management of Common Osteoarthritic Conditions, Pre-care, Prehab, Post Care, and Post Rehab with Joint Replacement Surgery, Complications of Hip Replacement and Hip Fractures, Case Studies, Splinting Fractures, Tips and Pitfalls, Concussions and Overtraining Injuries & Injury Prevention and Managing Shoulder Injuries.

Speakers for the program include: Caitlin Thornton, PA; Gulriaz A. Cheema, MD; Oluwaseun T. Akinbo, MD, PAAOS, FAAHKS; Janice Jones, RN; Rebecca Green, PA; Jared Reed, PA; Wally Walstrom, DO; and Tim Wright, MD;

The program is designed for Physicians, PAs, APRN’s, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers, PTs, OTs and other interested Healthcare Professionals.

All participants requesting continuing education credit must complete verification of attendance and evaluation form online. Instructions will be distributed at the time of sign-in.

Physician: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education and HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. The University of Kansas medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The KU Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM.Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of the participation in this activity.

CNE: Hays Medical Center is approved as a provider of continued nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The course offering is approved for 6.25 contact hours applicable for RN, or LPN re-licensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing Approved Provider Number: LT0021-1138.

Respiratory Therapy

The HaysMed Respiratory Care Continuing Education Evaluator on behalf of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has approved this program for 6.25 CRCE Hours. Providership No. 004

PT/OT

Paperwork will be provided to submit to KOTA and KPTA for credits.

ASRT

An application has been submitted to ASRT. Approval is pending.

The fees for the program are:

VIRTUAL Non-HaysMed providers $55

VIRTUAL Critical access hospitals $35

VIRTUAL HaysMed/Pawnee Valley/GB/St. RoseMedical Pavilion Associates $0

ONSITE Non-HaysMed providers on-site $55

ONSITE Critical access hospitals on-site $35

ONSITE HaysMed/Pawnee Valley/St. Rose Medical Pavilion Associates on-site $0

You can register online: Online Registration (haysmed.com) and click on professional education or registering by calling 785-623-5500. You may pay online with a valid credit card or may choose to be invoiced.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Refund of CE fees: Workshop fees will be refunded if notification of cancellation is made 24-hours prior to the workshop. Cancellation: HaysMed reserves the right to cancel any workshop that does not meet enrollment quota. All pre-registered attendees; will receive a full refund.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.

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