Tag Archive for: hays

HaysMed OB Nurse Receives National Certification

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Hays, KS – Kalin LaBarge, BSN, RNC-OB, has recently achieved a significant professional milestone by earning her certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) in inpatient obstetric nursing. This esteemed credential recognizes her exemplary knowledge, skills, and expertise in providing exceptional care to expectant mothers and their newborns.

To obtain the inpatient obstetric nursing certification, LaBarge underwent a rigorous examination process administered by the NCC. The examination evaluated her proficiency across various essential areas of obstetric nursing practice, including fetal monitoring, maternal complications, intrapartum and postpartum care, high-risk obstetrics, and newborn assessment and care. This comprehensive assessment ensures that certified inpatient obstetric nurses possess the necessary knowledge and competence to deliver specialized care throughout the entire perinatal period.

The NCC credential signifies her dedication to staying updated with the latest evidence-based practices and the highest standards of care in the field. This achievement highlights her strong clinical expertise, critical thinking skills, and passion for providing optimal care to women and their infants during one of life’s most pivotal moments.

In addition to their technical skills, certified inpatient obstetric nurses like LaBarge are skilled in fostering effective communication, empathy, and compassion to create a positive birthing experience. They work collaboratively with the healthcare team to identify and address any potential complications that may arise during labor and delivery. These nurses are also knowledgeable about breastfeeding support, postpartum care, and newborn care, ensuring a smooth transition into the postpartum period.

HaysMed CEO Recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review

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Hays, KS – Eddie Herrman, President and CEO of HaysMed was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of its 2023 Community Hospital CEOS to Know. This is the second year in a row that Herrman has been recognized for this distinction. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and has been with HaysMed since 2017.

Community hospitals are often the unsung heroes in healthcare, and CEOs are tasked with delivering coordinated and affordable care to local patients. Beyond just acute care, many community hospital CEOs also ensure that patients can access primary care, rehabilitation, public health services and other resources.

The leaders featured on this list shape workforce culture, plan for the future, broaden hospital
offerings and sustain financial wellness for their community hospitals.

The list honors CEOs for their dedication to improving community health. Becker’s Healthcare is
thrilled to feature the accomplishments of these leaders, who are critical to the successes of their respective organizations.

Becker’s Hospital Review is a monthly publication that offers up-to-date business and legal news as well as analysis related to hospitals. Content is geared toward high-level hospital leaders such as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CMOs, and CIOs. It publishes hospital and health system news, best practices, and legal guidance specifically for these decision-makers.

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the great work of CEOs from community hospitals across the nation.

HaysMed Opens Pain Center

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HaysMed Opens Pain Center

Hays, KS – HaysMed has recently opened a Pain Center.  Dr. Keith Green, Anesthesiologist will be providing services in a clinic located at 2500 Canterbury, Suite 206.  While Green has been providing pain management for over 25 years in the hospital setting this will be the first time that a dedicated clinic area will be utilized.

“Dr. Green is very well known in Hays and the surrounding area” said Bryan Brady, Vice President of Physician Practice Administration and Ancillary Services.  “We are excited to expand the availability of pain control for patients in western Kansas.”

Services provided for interventional pain management include trigger point injections, nerve blocks, ablations, kyphoplasty, spinal column stimulator and epidural steroid injections.

Conditions that Green will treat are baclofen pump management for spasticity disorders, neurolytic blocks for cancer associated pain, chronic pain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy and complex regional pain syndrome.

Green also conducts an outreach clinic at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) on a regular basis.

As an anesthesiologist Green can offer a higher level of solutions for complex pain management.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Green’s expertise in the area of pain management.” Noted Brady.  “There are many people who can benefit from these specialized services offered at both HaysMed and PVCH.”

To schedule an appointment in Hays call 785-623-5940.  Appointments at PVCH can be made by calling 620-285-8870.

Recommendations for getting your first screening mammogram

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HAYS, KS – Mammograms help save lives by detecting breast cancer early. They can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%.

HaysMed, along with the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend women get an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40 or earlier if you are having symptoms or have a family history.

Your first mammogram is your baseline mammogram.  It establishes what is normal for your breasts and then future mammograms can be compared to your baseline to look for changes.

Even though most patients are aware of the benefits of a mammogram, they may still be nervous about getting one.  Breast Care Navigator Sarah Fischer says most patients are “pleasantly surprised” after getting their first mammogram.  “They find it wasn’t near as uncomfortable as they had worried it might be,” she added.

Preparing for a mammogram

Before a mammogram, patients should avoid deodorant or powder. If you have any breast tenderness, you may want to consider scheduling your appointment during a time of the month when they are less tender.

What should patients expect during the mammogram?

The receptionist greets the patient before the patient goes to a changing area. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a special gown that opens in the front.  You will then step into the exam room.   You and the female mammography technologist will be the only ones in the room.

The technologist will then place your breast on a platform and apply compression before taking at least two images of each breast.

“We always go slow and check to make sure they are doing OK,” said mammography supervisor Leah Rhoades “Compression is essential in order to obtain the high-quality images that detect early cancers. The mammogram should feel “tight but tolerable.”

HaysMed uses 3D imaging of the breast which can detect finer details of the breast itself.  While your breast is compressed the x-ray arm makes a quick arc over the breast taking a series of images at several angles.  It takes approximately 10-15 seconds to acquire each image.

The entire process from the time you arrive to when you leave is between 10 and 20 minutes.

After the mammogram

You will be taken back to your dressing room where you can change your clothes,  and then you are free to leave.

A radiologist will review your mammogram and issue a report to your provider.

Results will be available in your Meditech MHealth Patient Portal and mailed to you within 24-48 hours. At the end of each report, there is an assessment and recommendation.

We have several ways you can schedule a mammogram.

  1. You can call 785-623-6565
  2. If you have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can log in and schedule an appointment. https://rb.gy/cfjfhj
  3. If you don’t have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can create one and then schedule your mammogram.
    https://rb.gy/cfjfhj

If you have questions about mammograms, please call the Breast Care Center at 623-5114, talk with your healthcare provider or go to haysmed.com/breastcarecenter.

HaysMed Welcomes New Providers

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HAYS, KS – HaysMed recently welcomed three new providers to the medical staff.

Sam Elzay, PA and Ethan Fort, PA both began seeing patients at the Orthopedic Institute.

Elzay has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotions from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming.  He has a Masters of Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies, from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Buies Creek, North Carolina.  Elzay will be working with Dr. Tim Wright, Orthopedic Surgeon.

Fort received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas.  He has a Masters of Physician Assistant from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.

Fort, a Hays native, will be assisting Dr. Max DeCarvalho, Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon.

Appointments can be made by calling 785-261-7699 or going to haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute.

Christy Moeder, APRN joined the Convenient Care Clinic.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s degree from The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

HaysMed Recognizes Customer Care Representative of the Year

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Hays, KS – Haili Leiker was recently recognized with the 2022 Debra Boeken Customer Care Representative (CCR) of the Year award.

A CCR is a vital part of the patient care team and serves as the right hand of the unit’s Charge Nurse and as an asset to every member of the team.  CCRs do whatever is needed in order to help patients and visitors be comfortable on the unit; make available whatever supplies that are needed but that are not currently on the unit; and be carry out a myriad of tasks that are needed to help make the shift run very smoothly.

Leiker works on the surgery floor at HaysMed.

HaysMed offers pre-season concussion exams for area athletes as part of their sports medicine program.

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Hays, KS – HaysMed offers pre-season concussion exams for area athletes as part of their sports medicine program.  The exams are given at the schools covered by the HaysMed Athletic Trainers and include Ellis, Lacrosse, Hays High, Thomas Moore Prep-Marian Junior/Senior High School and Victoria.

Baseline concussion testing is a pre-season exam that assesses an athlete’s balance and brain function. This includes learning and memory skills, the ability to pay attention or concentrate, how quickly he or she thinks and solves problems, as well as for the presence of any concussion symptoms.

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may result in a bad headache with altered levels of alertness, or even unconsciousness. A concussion temporarily interferes with the way your brain works. Concussion can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, coordination and even sleep patterns.

According to the Kansas State High School Activities Association Concussion Reporting Summary the year average number of reported concussions was 1,584 from 2018 – 2021.

“After a concussion occurs, it is important to measure how well your brain functions post-injury and compare that to the brain function prior to the injury.”  Said Dr. Wally Walstrom, board-certified sports medicine physician at HaysMed. “A valid baseline concussion test is key in a comprehensive approach to concussion management.”

The baseline tests are typically taken in the pre-season.  Baseline tests are assessments that measure reaction time, memory capacity, speed of mental processing, concentration, and balance.  Results from the baseline tests can be used and compared to a similar exam conducted if an athlete has a suspected concussion.  “The idea is that if we know how an individual athlete “normally” functions on such a test, after a concussion, the post-concussion scores can be one tool to help determine when they have sufficiently recovered from the concussion to safely return to play.” Noted Shawn Landers, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.

HaysMed uses the C3 Logix concussion baseline testing program.  It provides clinicians with a comprehensive concussion evaluation system.  It includes a computerized neurocognitive exam. In addition, C3 Logix tracks a patient’s dynamic vision reflexes and ability to visually focus on moving objects. The tool features a battery of tests that effectively measure motor skills and balance through a unique iPad application.

When the iPad is strapped to a patient’s back, the app collects accelerometer and gyroscopic data to assess postural stability while the patient attempts various stances on both firm and soft surfaces.

“Each concussion is unique, so it is important to treat individuals on a case-by-case basis.” Said Dylan Moore, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.

Comparing post-injury test scores of an individual to their own baseline test scores is considered best practice.  Without a baseline test to use for comparison, an individual’s scores can only be compared to the general population.  Also, because baseline testing occurs in the pre-season, the very act of getting tested will raise concussion awareness for athletes, parents, and coaches.

“Cognitive testing should not be the sole basis of management decisions.” Said Jensen Scheele, Athletic Trainer at HaysMed.   “Rather, it is seen as an aid to the decision-making process in conjunction with a range of assessments and investigational results.”  The final determination regarding concussion diagnosis and/or return to play is a medical decision based on clinical judgment and final clearance will remain with the athlete’s physician.

When it comes to TBIs, you cannot always prevent the accidental blow to the head, a trip and fall, or the surprise hit. This means that concussions can and will happen in sports. All injuries, concussions included, are part of the inherent risks of playing sports. With that said, there is still a lot that can be done to minimize the frequency of concussions, as well as reduce the long-term negative outcomes.  Namely, education, awareness, and ensuring that medical coverage exists whenever sports are being played are the best tools for concussion prevention.

The goal is to minimize the risk of concussion. HaysMed provides concussion awareness and prevention education including:

  • the signs and symptoms of concussion
  • second impact syndrome
  • free baseline screenings
  • return-to-play guidelines
  • post-concussion treatment options

For concussion questions, to schedule an appointment, and or information on individual or group education and baseline testing call 785-623-5691.

HaysMed Receives ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI Reaccreditation HaysMed provides necessary care, resources to patients with heart attack symptoms

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Hays, KS — The American College of Cardiology has recognized HaysMed for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. HaysMed was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August based on rigorous onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 730,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms. Other heart attack symptoms include, but are not limited to, tingling or discomfort in one or both arms, back, shoulder, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn-like feeling, nausea or vomiting, sudden dizziness and fainting.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is also known as coronary angioplasty. It is a non-surgical procedure that opens narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with a balloon to relieve symptoms of heart disease or reduce heart damage during or after a heart attack.

Hospitals that have earned ACC Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI have proven exceptional competency in treating patients with heart attack symptoms and have primary PCI available 24/7 every day of the year. As required to meet the criteria of the accreditation designation, they comply with standard Chest Pain Center protocols. These facilities also maintain a “No Diversion Policy” for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.

“HaysMed has demonstrated its commitment to providing Western Kansas with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award HaysMed with Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI.”

Hospitals receiving Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the care of patients experiencing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education and improved patient outcomes.

“This reaccreditation validates that HaysMed is committed to the care of cardiovascular patients in Western Kansas.  Our multidisciplinary healthcare team is second to none”, said Brian Pfannenstiel, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care/Chest Pain Coordinator

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals like HaysMed access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including emergency treatment of heart attacks.

HaysMed DeBakey Heart Institute Offers Minimally Invasive TAVR Heart Valve Replacement

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Hays, KS – Patients who suffer from severe aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the heart’s aortic valve opening that restricts blood flow, now have a new option available at HaysMed. Dr. Niranjan Seshadri, Interventional Cardiologist, is performing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

TAVR is an advanced heart valve replacement procedure that offers new hope to patients who have aortic valve stenosis.

The TAVR procedure is a revolutionary new way to replace an aortic valve without open heart surgery or a large incision to the patient’s chest. Studies show patients who have received this new device not only live longer, but feel better, and significantly improve their quality of life.

“We are very pleased to offer this life saving procedure to replace a defective heart valve without our patient undergoing open-heart surgery.” said Steve Albright, Director of Cardiology, “We are the only hospital in Western Kansas to have the capability to perform this advanced procedure.”

During most procedures the team inserts a valve through a small cut in the patient’s upper leg. The valve is advanced on a balloon catheter through the artery toward the damaged valve where it is inflated.  The catheter is removed leaving the new aortic valve inside the old one.

“It’s very exciting for HaysMed to be able to offer this leading-edge cardiac care option and state-of-the-art technology to the community we serve,” said Albright. “We continue to grow our cardiac program and this milestone highlights our commitment to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services for our region.”

To learn more about the procedure or to make an appointment for a consultation please call 785-625-4699 or go to www.haysmed.com/debakey-heart-institute/schedule/

Western Kansas Urology Associates at HaysMed Welcomes New Provider

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HAYS, KS – Dr. Wally Curry has recently joined the Western Kansas Urology Associates clinic at HaysMed.

Dr. Curry received his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.  He completed his residency in urology at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City.

He is board certified in urology by the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Curry is accepting new patients.  Please call 785-628-6014 for an appointment.

ADDRESS

2220 Canterbury
Hays, KS 67601

855-429-7633

CONVENIENT CARE

3216 Vine, Suite 20
Hays, KS 67601

785-261-7065

NURSE HOTLINE

M-F 4:30PM – 8AM
Weekends & Holidays 24 hrs

1-855-Haysmed

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