Feb14

HaysMed Adds Electrophysiologists – Electricians for your Heart

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has expanded services to their cardiac program recently. Drs. Rhea Pimentel and Madhu Reddy have been seeing patients for several months at the Debakey Heart Institute. Both physicians are electrophysiologists, cardiologists who specialize in the electrical functions of the heart.

“Our affiliation with The University of Kansas Health System has made it possible to bring these much needed services available locally,” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer at HaysMed. “We were able to make arrangements for these physicians to come to Hays on a regular basis to see patients in our heart clinic. The addition of the two electrophysiologists will help strengthen the cardiac services available at HaysMed.”

Dr. Pimentel graduated completed medical school at Northwestern University. She did here residency at the University Hospital of Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Reddy completed medical school at the Armed Forces medical College and did a residency and fellowship at Creighton University and a fellowship at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

While cardiologists typically evaluate and treat patients with heart-related symptoms, including a fast or slow heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness and other symptoms, electrophysiologists deal with the diagnosis and management of irregular heart rhythm. In most cases, when a cardiologist suspects a patient has an arrhythmia, they refer that patient to an electrophysiologist for further care.

Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm, whether that is too fast, too slow or erratically. When the heart is unable to beat properly, it can affect blood flow, which can cause damage to or even shut down the brain, lungs and other organs. Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can be life-threatening.

One of the most common arrhythmias that electrophysiologists treat is atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib. AFib occurs when the heart’s upper chambers—the atria—contract irregularly. AFib is the most common type of heart arrhythmia in the U.S., and it is a leading cause of blood clots that can result in a deadly stroke.

The number of people with arrhythmias is increasing and as the population ages, that number will continue to go up.

“We are excited to be able to help patients in this region with their electrophysiology needs so they can have the convenience of receiving this type of care closer to home.” Said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, Cardiologist and Administrative Director of the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

“We’re fortunate that being part of the system has given us the opportunity to have access to additional cardiologists to focus on our patients with heart rhythm problems. Any time we can partner and offer additional services for our patients it is a win-win situation. It is definitely a benefit of being part of The University of Kansas Health System”

For more information please call 888-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Feb5

HaysMed Adds Audiologist and Advance Practice Provider to ENT Clinic

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

Hays, KS– The Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, welcomes Lindsey Stephenson, Audiologist and Rhonda Schenk-Pitts, APRN, FNP-BC to their staff. They join Dr(s). Douglas E. Barnes, Justin R. Bond, MD, FACS, Michael Franklin, Matthew D. Glynn, Tyler Grindal, Scot Hirschi, Robert V. Lane and Jason A. Meyers at the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic at HaysMed.

Stephenson graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center with a doctorate in audiology.

“We are very happy to be able to add audiology services to our ENT clinic.” Said Jay Moore, Executive Director of Clinics. “The clinic has been very successful and we are always pleased when we can expand and provide a much needed service to our patients.”

Schenk-Pitts completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and also her Master of Science in Nursing at Fort Hays State University. She specialized in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration.

“We are pleased to have Schenk-Pitts join the ENT staff.” Said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer at HaysMed. “This will allow us to see more patients on a regular basis in the clinic.”

The ENT clinic is accepting new patients. Please call 785-650-2880 or go to haysmed.com/ent

Jan30

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

(Hays, KS) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, FACC, FSCAI, FESC, FACP, Cardiologist to the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

Seshadri completed medical school at Mysore Medical College, University of Mysore, Mysore, India. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland and interventional cardiology at Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess medical Center in Boston. Dr. Seshadri is board certified in interventional cardiology.

“We are excited to have Dr. Seshadri join the cardiology team,” said Dr. Jeffery Curtis, cardiologist and Administrative Director of Cardiology. “His skills and expertise will allow us to build upon the specialized services we currently offer patients.”

In addition to general cardiology services Dr. Seshadri will be providing procedures including pacemaker implants, radial heart cathertizations done through the wrist, will be active in the vein clinic as well as the evaluation and treatment of peripheral artery blockage disease.

“Dr. Seshadri has worked with us at HaysMed for the past year,” added Curtis. “He is an excellent and experienced interventional cardiologist, and we are excited to have him join us on a more permanent basis.”

To make an appointment call 785-623-6544 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/

Jan29

Member of the Month February 2019

By Gayla Wichman - The Center News

Name: Tyler and Kate McCutcheon
Member Since: November 2018

What are your fitness goals for 2019?

Kate:

To become “fit” for the first time in my life
Continue to improve my health
Complete a 10k

Tyler:

To train for and complete the 2019 Xterra Lory Triathlon
Become healthier overall

What is your weekly workout routine?

Kate:

I participate in a variety of group fitness classes as well as use weights and cardio machines

Tyler:

A mixture of running, swimming, and biking plus some strength training

What keeps you motivated?

Kate:

Becoming healthier together

Tyler:

Having an awesome partner to workout with

Do you have a success story to share?

Together we have lost 50+ pounds and have totally changed our lifestyle. We’re looking forward to more milestones in 2019!

Jan29

Member of the Month January 2019

By Gayla Wichman - The Center News

Name: Brianna Casey & Cody Lee
Member Since: January 2018

What are your fitness goals for 2019?

Brianna:

Continue staying consistent with my workout routine and eating habits
gain more strength by weight lifting

Cody:

Implement more cardio into my weekly routine
Be consistent with healthy eating habits

What is your weekly workout routine?

The majority of our routine is based off weight training.

Monday: Chest & Triceps | 10-25 minutes of HIIT/LISS
Tuesday: Back & Biceps | 15-25 minutes of HIIT | AB/Core workout
Wednesday: Shoulders | 10-30 minutes of cardio
Thursday: Legs | 10-15minutes of HIIT finisher | Ab/Core workout
Friday: Biceps & Triceps
Saturday: Cardio or Total Body Workout
Sunday: Rest Day

What keeps you motivated?

Brianna:

I would say that becoming stronger and seeing real results that I work so hard for definitely keeps me motivated! I also stay motivated because I love to lift weights and that makes my workouts so much more enjoyable!

Cody:

Seeing that I have gained strength from week to week from the goals that I set. I also like the feeling of accomplishment that I have after every workout.

Do you have a success story to share?

Brianna:

I have recently lost over 50 pounds with weight training and proper nutrition. I’m just learning to enjoy the process and I look forward to reaching some new goals for this year!

Jan22

HaysMed Earns Blue Distinction® Centers+ Designation for Cardiac Care

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, Kansas – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has recognized HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Cardiac Care as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated providers that show expertise in delivering improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA),[1] cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is expected to claim more than 23.6 million lives annually by 2030. Blue Distinction Centers+ for Cardiac Care seek to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care.

To receive a Blue Distinction Center+ designation, HaysMed demonstrated expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) episodes of care. Additionally, HaysMed also demonstrated better cost-efficiency compared to their peers.

Only those hospitals that first meet nationally established quality measures for Blue Distinction Centers are considered for designation as a Blue Distinction Center+.

“HaysMed has always been committed to providing cardiology services to people in western Kansas.” said Jeff Curtis, Cardiology and Administrative Director of HaysMed Debakey Heart. “Twenty years ago we were the first and are still the only cardiology program in western Kansas to provide cardiology services including heart surgery. This Distinction is recognition for the commitment we have made to making cardiology services available to all patients.”

Hospitals recognized with this designation are assessed using a combination of quality information supplied by hospitals and third party data registries, and cost measures derived from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ medical claims.

Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality specialty care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, and transplants, while encouraging health care professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that compared to other providers, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. On average, Blue Distinction Centers+ are also 20 percent more cost-efficient than non-Blue Distinction Center+ designated providers.

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

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

For more than 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has built a reputation of trust with its members and contracting providers by providing outstanding customer service while quickly and accurately processing claims; fairly administering benefit plans and contracts; offering programs, services and tools to help members improve or maintain their health; and operating under the highest ethical standards while being good stewards of premium dollars. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and is the state’s largest insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information, visit bcbsks.com.

All trademarks listed above are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purposes only, and are in no way associated or affiliated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Use of these trademarks does not imply endorsement.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report^® series and the national BCBS Health Index^SM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter.

About Blue Distinction Centers

Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for providers located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers’ need for affordable healthcare. Each provider’s cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Providers in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans’ areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider’s in-network status or your own policy’s coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers.

[1]American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/-/media/data-import/downloadables/heart-disease-and-stroke-statistics-2018—at-a-glance-ucm_498848.pdf

Jan16

HaysMed Welcomes Radiation Oncologist

By Gayla Wichman - Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,HaysMed News

Hays, KS– Lyle M. Harrison, MD, has joined medical staff of HaysMed at the Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. Harrison has been seeing patients on a part time basis and has moved to full time status.

Dr. Harrison completed medical school and a residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine, in Salt Lake.

He joins the cancer team of Anthony Accurso, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, Babu Prasad, MD, Radiation Oncologist and Robert Rodriguez, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist.

Dr. Harrison is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment please call 785-623-5774.

Jan15

Rave Reviews December 2018

By Mark Brungardt - Rave Reviews

CPCU

I was in HaysMed for several weeks and while here I had a number of nurses and HaysMed employees taking care of me during this time period. They were very professional and knowledgeable about their jobs. I’m sorry I cannot remember specific names.

PT/OT/Speech In Patient

PT & OT were very beneficial to me. I had a knee replacement and I know the exercises are very important in my recovery. I was glad to have four sessions with PT and 3 with OT. Everything was fully explained and I will be able to continue with the exercises at home.

ICU

No complaints. Nurse Robin and Dr. Hemphill – very caring…communicated well.
We were very impressed with the expert care all of the nursing and support staff gave to our dad and husband. Nurses Heidi, Eric, Kelsey, Christy, Autumn, Tina, Nick and many others helped him get better every day. Drs. Hemphill, Atkinson, Ko, Thapa, Thomas and Durham and Dr. Bed worked hard to bring him back to us. Support staff Veronica, Madison, Eric, Riley and others I don’t know kept us updated and prepared for what came next.

Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer

Rhonda – she worked diligently on getting the proper paperwork completed on my treatments. She is a very caring employee. HaysMed is fortunate to have her.
Dr. Hill is a very caring doctor. He is very persistent on making sure the patient gets the treatment they want and need and does not want his patients in pain. We highly recommend Dr. Hill.

Imaging – Mammography

Brandy was excellent in the care she provided. The front office staff was courteous and helpful.

Imaging – Nuclear Medicine

Phyllis did my testing today and she is excellent at what she does. She is very informative, makes the patient feel very relaxed and lets you know step by step what is going on. I think she is a great asset to HaysMed.

Ambulatory Care

Kudos to these people on staff who were just fantastic. Brian F, Carol L., Kierra, Marc P, Gary S, Dr. Green, Abby, Connie Linenberger. Fantastic Care. Thank you.
The hospital staff in registration, surgery and Western Urology are always on top of everything.

Women’s Center – OB

I had 3 staff members stick out to me during my stay in OB. First, it was Emily, working 7am – 7pm. She helped take care of my every need while in labor and was super kind through it all. Very sweet! Also, Dr. Fort, he is kind and always makes you feel comfortable with his jokes. Made me feel less stressed/worried! Lastly, Molly, that took care of me/baby during postpartum care. She was kind and hardworking and never made me feel like I was being annoying, even though I felt like I was.
Thank you! I really appreciate everything you guys did for us – wouldn’t have made it without you!
Please give everyone in OB a “High 5” from us. Everyone did an amazing job taking care of us! Thank you.
I was definitely pleased with my experience here and liked everyone that I met here. All the nurses and doctors were great and very friendly from the moment I arrived! Special thanks to nurse Mary Jo for all her help about breast feeding and being understanding. Also big thanks to nurse Dionne and Dr. Powell for their frequent check ups and friendly explanations and help with the baby! Overall, thank you to the whole staff for everything! They were great, friendly and wonderful at helping me with my questions and needs! Thank you.
All the nurses and staff were really great!
Nurses and Dr. Sloan did a great job for me, my husband and kids.
Emily and Susan were both super in L&D. They were both so encouraging and informative – made for a great experience! Nicole, Patti and Carolyn were all awesome after L&D. They did a great job tending to my and the baby’s needs. I have had all 3 of my babies at HMC and have had great experiences each and every time!
Kelly and Molly were extremely helpful, patient and understanding during my delivery despite me being ready to quit. All of the follow up nurses and PCTs I had throughout my stay were exceptional. Such a great Team.
Molly in OB was amazing! Thank you so much for all your help! Lisa in NICU was so helpful and reassuring. Thank you! All staff was great! Very good experience!
You have been doing and always done a wonderful job. Thank you guys for all you are and will do while I am here.
You all were helpful and very nice and took very good care of us both. And attended to everything that me and my son’s need. And the doctors were great too.

Sleep Center

Russell & Jeremy were very respectful and courteous. I appreciated their explanation of each procedure. KUDOS also to Brian, RN for taking the time to explain the results of the sleep study the following morning.
Russell was outstanding! His cure was thorough and concise. He was attentive, compassionate, and kind. He cared about the removal of equipment and whether it was a discomfort for me. He also provided comprehensive instructions and made sure I knew the next steps after the study. Excellent staff person!! The facility was well maintained also. The other guy was professional and caring. My interaction with him was limited.
Very good care.
Thank you HaysMed for hiring such efficient and caring employees as Russell and Jeremy. These men were a pleasure and an inspiration to meet. They made my stay a complete success.
I got excellent care. I didn’t know what to expect but have no complaints. Russell and Jeremy were very pleasant and explained what they why they were doing certain things.
The staff made me feel very comfortable. They explained everything to me.
I received very good care at the sleep center. Everything was explained before so I knew what was taking place. Had a very good sleep that night. Jeremy and Russell were very helpful.
I was very pleased with the services Russell and Jeremy gave to me as a patient. Very friendly and caring. Thanks for your services.
Russell and Jeremy took very good care of me. Were right there when I needed something. Very pleasant and knowledgeable about the study.
Russell and Jeremy were supportive and informative. They were the best part of the process.
Very good.

Acute Care Unit

I liked them all. Every one of the staff from check in to check out were great. Nurses, CNAs. All of them. They went out of their way to make sure everything was good including wheeling me to the hallway where my radio would pick up the Hoisington football game that night. They all need a pat on the back or a raise if you prefer.
Kristin – the greatest; Jessica – the best; Kilie – great; Doctors and everyone – the best team I have. Every one served me with my health needs. They are all excellent. Thank you.
Really enjoyed my stay here. Amanda and Dr. Rodriguez made it more enjoyable and made sure to help me any way they could.
I had a great stay. My nurses were so caring and nice. Ashley Adams, Brooke Pfannenstiel, Riley and Emily…I am so pleased with their assistance.
Everyone was friendly and extremely diligent during my stay. Response time was quick and efficient. My stay was short, so I didn’t have contact with many employees of HaysMed, but those I encountered were very good at what they did. Loved my doctor (Dr. Grove) and hospitalist (Brenda Weese). I have been attended by Brenda before and felt well taken care of.
I had a very good surgery and stay at HaysMed. I want to thank Dr. Grove and his team on a great job. It was very nice to have Dr. Grove come to check on me and talk to me twice in my room. Thanks!! Also Sarah and Ashley were wonderful!! Dorothy Gideon was a wonderful help with learning about the colostomy bag. Thanks.
Very satisfied. The nurses were knowledgeable and compassionate. Did their work politely and very well. They surgeon explained everything so we weren’t in the dark about the program.
I had overnight stay at the hospital. I got the best care. Everyone at the hospital was very polite, courteous and helpful. I would recommend this hospital to anyone. Thanks for the great care.

PT/OR/Speech – Inpatient

I had a very pleasant stay and surgery at HaysMed. The staff were all very pleasing and polite and room was comfortable. Physical Therapy was very helpful and shaved me. Everything I needed to know on how to get around safely.

Jan15

HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiology Providers

By Gayla Wichman - DeBakey Heart Institute News,HaysMed News

Hays, KS) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is pleased to welcome Dr. Patricia D. Crawley, Cardiologist and Megan F. Homolka, BSN, MSN, RN, APNP to the DeBakey Heart Clinic.

“We are always pleased to add additional providers to our cardiac team,” said Bryce Young, Chief Operating Officer. “The need for heart care in western Kansas remains steady and we are committed to having the specialty services available locally.”

Dr. Crawley graudated from medical school at The University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita and a fellowship in cardiology at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine in Knoxville. She is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.

Homolka completed a bachelor of science in nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing, Arlington, and a master of science in nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her area of focus is cardiovascular care.

“We are committed to caring for the cardiology needs of patients in western Kansas,” said Shae Veach, Vice President for Regional Operations. “As part of the region’s premier academic health system, we will continue to offer access to specialists and resources to ensure the continued good health of the communities we serve.”

For more information call 785-623-6544 or go to haysmed.com/debakeyheart

Jan11

HaysMed Honors Nurses Completing the RN Residency Program

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Nursing News

HAYS, Kansas – Two registered nurses at HaysMed were honored recently at a recognition ceremony and luncheon. They completed the yearlong RN Residency Program offered at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System.

The program began a year ago in February 2018 and the nurses spent the first 3 weeks in a classroom setting. The remainder of training focused on clinical experience, one on one mentorship with their preceptor, high-fidelity simulations and on the job training. Additionally, nurses received training from professionals in several departments, such as radiology, pharmacy, cardiac care, peri-op and others.

The RN Residency class included Brandell Hecker, RN and Kristen Jones, RN.

The RN Residency Program at HaysMed is one of only two in the state and has been offered since 2008. Shari Hertel, RN heads the program and has oversight of all the training. HaysMed also works closely with critical access hospitals in the region through a rural residency program to provide training to nurses practicing in the rural setting.

“It is so important for new nursing graduates to have a group of peers and mentors who assist them in enhancing their skills and becoming comfortable with the challenges of practice,” said Hertel. “Our program is evidence based, with positive clinical outcomes that will help not only the participating nurses, but also our patients.”

Currently there are 5 nurses scheduled in the next program which begins February 5. The program is open to newly graduated RNs and RNs that have less than one year of acute care experience.

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