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JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

January 31, 2022/by Lana Likens

2021 Successful Year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2021 on Thursday, Jan. 20.

Three board members were elected to serve on the board: Steve Snyder, Carolyn Scherbarth and Dallas Christ. Steve Snyder is a certified public accountant and farmer, and served two terms on the board in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This is the first time on the board for both Scherbarth, owner of Scherbarth Ace Hardware in Fairbury, and Christ, of Plymouth Irrigation, Plymouth. Snyder and Scherbarth fill positions left by Brian Blobaum and Linda Bauer, each served two terms on the board. Christ fills the unexpired term of Dr. Jeff Johnson, who passed away in November. Johnson’s term goes through 2023. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Trevor Steinmeyer, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for continuing to be excellent and providing such a great asset close to home in Jefferson County. He pointed out that JCH&L was named among the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for the seventh time in eight years in 2021. JCH&L was also recognized in the top 10 Nebraska Hospitals for Rural Provider Excellence in quality.

“JCH&L has quickly learned to transform and change when necessary to meet the new demands of the industry, while continuing to strive for the mission of providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time,” Steinmeyer said.

Steinmeyer said 2022 looks to be an exciting year, as the brand new state-of-the-art clinic addition will be opening.

Highlights included JCH&L being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for the seventh time in eight years; being recognized for a Performance Leadership award; being recognized as one of the Top 10 Nebraska Hospitals for quality; and having Gardenside recognized as a 5-Star facility. In staff news, Rebecca Stroklund, D.O., joined the staff in January 2021; Megan Knutson, FNP-C, joined the staff in June 2021; Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C, joined the staff in June; Keegan Williams, FNP-C, joined the staff in July; Bryce Taylor, PA-C, joined the staff in September; and Carolyn Ferguson, FNP-C, joined the staff in October. Marci Gillham was named Health Information Services coordinator in July; Jen Johnson was named Burkley Fitness Center manager in November; Cari Wise was named laboratory manager in September; Kim Shadduck was named business office manager in the spring; Dr. Burke Kline became Gardenside long-term care administrator in November; Becky Bruce was named Cedarwood administrator in November; Megan Corbin was named infection preventionist in November. New services included the addition of neurosurgeon Dr. Jeremy Hosein and colonscopy and endoscopy services by Dr. Clark Antonson and Dr. Matthew Hrnicek.  Cardiology specialty services expanded with the addition of Dr. Mathue Baker.

Chance Klasek, CFO, presented a report containing a comparison of financial data over the past five years. Chance noted that JCH&L’s gross revenues increased to just more than $35 million in the current year. After contractual adjustments of just under $7 million and expenses of $26 million, this left $1.2 million of operating income which equated to a 4.38% operating margin. JCH&L recognized more than $2.2 million of CARES Act Provider Relief Funds as income during the year and $2.3 million of PPP loan forgiveness.

Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2022. Officers are: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Ross Boeckner, vice chairman; and Sheri Schultis, secretary-treasurer.

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png 0 0 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-31 15:58:512022-01-31 15:58:51JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

At-Home COVID Test Kits Available

January 25, 2022/by Lana Likens

At-Home COVID-19 tests will now be offered at Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic to our patients seen for COVID symptoms.  If a patient is seen for COVID symptoms and needs a COVID-19 test sent home for repeat testing for themselves or for testing for others in their household, their healthcare provider can provide at-home test kits at no cost to the patient.

When a COVID-19 home test is performed correctly, a positive test is valid.  The optimal testing time should be 3-5 days after symptom onset. It is recommended that if a person has symptoms and tests negative, they should test again a day or two later. If a person tests positive with an at-home test kit (whether they have symptoms or not) they should isolate for at least five days and then follow strict masking protocols around people for another five days.

JCH&L will not perform additional testing to confirm a positive at-home COVID-19 test result. Businesses may want to ask employees to take a photo of the at-home test result and share it with their employer. JCH&L will not do testing at the end of isolation to provide a negative test for return to work purposes. If an employer wants a negative test for return to work purposes JCH&L recommends an at-home test, as well.

JCH&L is currently not offering testing for those who are asymptomatic, and recommends at-home tests for those who may have had an exposure and would like to test.

At this time, these test kits are only available to patients that have an appointment through the clinic or are seen in the ER.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic currently has a supply of at-home test kits provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration. These test kits have been supplied to Rural Health Clinics.

Every home in the United States is currently eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID tests by going to covidtests.gov. In addition, those with health insurance can have the cost of at-home tests kits purchased at a pharmacy reimbursed. Some insurance plans allow for direct coverage (meaning the cost is directly covered at the pharmacy.)

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/thumbnail_image.png 252 700 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-25 16:36:062022-01-25 17:07:56At-Home COVID Test Kits Available

Ferguson Offers Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Relief

January 24, 2022/by Lana Likens

Carolyn Ferguson, FNP-C, now offers Battlefield Acupuncture at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic as a treatment for pain relief.

Ferguson was certified in the technique in 2019. She said she has found it to be an effective treatment for pain.

“I have used this technique with many patients who suffer from pain, and have found it to be highly effective,” Ferguson said.

Battlefield Acupuncture is an acupuncture protocol where tiny needles are placed in the ear to reduce pain in the body. Up to five sterile needles are placed on each ear. Needles typically stay in for hours to days. They may fall out on their own or be removed manually. Most clients have immediate pain relief. The duration of pain relief differs from person to person.

After a treatment, the patient is encouraged to relax for 24 hours with no heavy exercise, yard work or house work. The patient should not consume alcohol for at least 6 hours. The patient may return to normal activity after 24 hours, and may bathe or shower with the needles in place. They must be careful not to pull the needles when washing or drying the ears.  The patient will also be asked to monitor their sleep, how they feel and their pain level during the time the needles are in place.

Battlefield Acupuncture is not for everyone. It should not be used by those who are pregnant or may be pregnant, those who are afraid of needles to the point of passing out, or those who have bleeding disorders or take certain medications.

Some insurances may cover acupuncture for certain conditions. Please check your insurance documents for further information.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic has the equipment in place. Call JCH&L Fairbury Clinic for more information or to make an appointment.

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Carolyn-Ferguson.jpg 599 743 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-24 11:14:422022-01-24 11:14:42Ferguson Offers Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Relief

Thorp Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist

January 13, 2022/by Lana Likens

Nichole Thorp, PT, DPT, is now a certified nutritional physical therapist. Thorp has been a therapist with JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services since 2015.

The certification allows Thorp to add nutrition education to therapy services to maximize patient rehabilitation with goals of increasing speed of recovery and enhancing outcomes. Thorp can assess patients’ diets and refer them on to additional nutritional counseling with more specific nutrition and dietary needs. The nutrition certification gives her the tools to provide evidence-based diet and food recommendations for select patients to optimize recovery, reduce pain, and alter inflammation. It also allows her to educate patients on the benefits and drawbacks to certain food choices and dietary plans.

“Quality nutrition is key to recovery and healing. I’m excited to be able to help patients with another level of healing through nutrition education,” Thorp said.

Those who are interested in seeing how nutrition can help their therapy needs should contact JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6840.

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Nichole-Thorp-PT-DPT_495x400.jpg 400 495 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-13 13:33:072022-01-17 13:01:46Thorp Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist

Medicare Advantage is different than Traditional Medicare

January 13, 2022/by Lana Likens

Those who are Medicare age or close often have questions about the difference between traditional Medicare with a supplement (often called Medigap), and Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is a bundled plan that private companies administer. The plans vary based on which medical services are available in a certain area, and people typically need to receive treatment from an approved network of healthcare professionals. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits, such as dental care or vision care.

Traditional Medicare is available in several parts that cover in-hospital treatments, medical care, and prescription drugs. However, out-of-pocket costs usually include deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare supplement plans, or Medigap plans, are available to help people fund these extra costs. People can enroll in them alongside traditional Medicare. Traditional Medicare with a supplement usually has fewer restrictions on what providers can be seen under the plan.

A person can’t be in Medicare Advantage and have a supplement plan.

When a person qualifies for Medicare at the age of 65 years and enrolls in Medicare Part B, they have a 6-month Medigap open enrollment period (OEP). During this time, an insurance company cannot deny a person Medigap coverage based on their age or any preexisting health conditions they have.

However, after this enrollment period ends, an insurance company does not have to sell a person a Medigap policy, and they may also charge more for a policy. For this reason, people may find that they can save money if they sign up for Medigap within the first 6 months of their Medicare benefits starting.

This also may make it more difficult for a person who decides Medicare Advantage isn’t working well for them to switch to traditional Medicare with a supplement.

If someone begins Original Medicare with a Supplement and decides to change to a Medicare Advantage Plan, they have 12 months to return to Original Medicare and still be able to get their original Supplement back.  After 12 months, they would need to be health screened and could be denied. In turn, if someone starts with Medicare Advantage and wants to get a supplement, they have 12 months to also get a supplement with no underwriting.  The 6-month window would apply to a beneficiary getting a Medigap the first time.

“If you have been on an Advantage plan and then switch to traditional Medicare, your chances may be less of getting covered by a supplemental plan. Supplement companies can deny coverage based on health status, age, and preexisting conditions,” said Kim Shadduck, business office manager at JCH&L.

When choosing a plan it’s important to look to the future, Shadduck said.

“Those looking at Medicare options need to consider not only their current health, but their future health. Look at family risk factors and possible future diagnoses, and consider what you may need in the future,” she said.

Those who need help considering possible plans can contact Nebraska SHIP at 1-800-234-7119. Nebraska SHIP educates people about Medicare and empowers them to make informed decisions about health insurance. SHIP does not sell insurance nor endorse any insurance company, product or agent.

Those with questions may also call Jefferson Community Health & Life.

“While we can’t tell you which plan is best for you, we can help you consider things to think about in selecting a plan,” Shadduck said. “Our goal is to provide our area residents with the highest quality health care, and to help answer their questions about insurance and financial assistance for health care.”

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/image001.png 201 251 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-13 13:29:542022-01-21 11:16:03Medicare Advantage is different than Traditional Medicare

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Jan. 31

January 10, 2022/by Lana Likens

FAIRBURY –The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, 825 22nd St.

All types are needed. Giving blood is giving a gift of life. Nebraska Community Bloodbank is Jefferson Community Health & Life’s blood supplier, and the two organizations partner for blood drives in Fairbury to save lives.

Masks are required on the bloodmobile. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or visit NCBB.org/searchdrives and use sponsor code JCHC.

With iDonate you can save time by completing your health history on line ahead of your bloodmobile visit. To get started, visit mbc.org/iDonate

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Essential-Caregivers.jpg 562 749 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-10 11:46:552022-01-10 11:46:55Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Jan. 31

Some Medicare Plans Offer Assistance with Fitness Center Costs

January 4, 2022/by Lana Likens

Those on Medicare might want to check on their eligibility for assistance with the cost of participating at a fitness center. JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center is a partner with Renew Active, Silver and Fit and Silver Sneakers. All are fitness plans which are part of Medicare or Medicare Supplement plans.

Most of these programs pay the fitness center directly for the participant’s use of the facility. The participant must simply check in with they come to the facility, either to use equipment or take classes.

It is important to note that many of the plans which offer these programs are Medicare Advantage plans, which are different than original Medicare. But a few of the plans which offer these fitness programs are Medicare supplement plans.

If you are curious whether your plan covers any of these programs, you can talk to the staff at the Burkley Fitness Center. With your name, birthdate and insurance care, the staff can check whether you are eligible for the program.

“There are many factors in choosing an insurance plan which is right for your needs, and we don’t recommend choosing based on whether the plan provides fitness center membership. However, if the insurance plan that best suits your needs does cover fitness center membership, we encourage you to take advantage of that feature,” said Jen Johnson, JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center manager.

You can also ask your insurance provider if you qualify for fitness center benefits.
The fitness center offers annual and monthly rates, as well as punch cards for those who use the facility fewer times per month. All fees include group fitness classes. (Martial arts is a separate class which meets at the fitness center, so has its own fees. Burkley Fitness Center members receive a discount on martial arts classes.)

If you have questions about membership, fees or insurance coverage, please contact the Burkley Fitness Center at 402-729-6139.

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Senior-fitness.jpg 600 900 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-04 17:54:002022-01-05 10:40:32Some Medicare Plans Offer Assistance with Fitness Center Costs

Blood Drives Earn Donation for Fairbury Rural Fire Department

January 3, 2022/by Lana Likens

The Fairbury Rural Fire Department was awarded $750 for the community’s participation in this year’s Nebraska Community Blood Bank Hometown Heroes blood drive campaign. With 61 units collected over the summer, the drives at JCH&L earned Hometown Heroes funds to support the departments rescue equipment.

The department averages about 30 rescue calls a year.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank is JCH&L’s blood supplier. A bloodmobile comes to JCH&L’s campus about every eight weeks. The next drive is set for Monday, Jan. 31.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank offers Hometown Heroes donation dollars to communities outside Lincoln and Omaha which host blood drives. Awards are allocated based on the total collections combined. Communities can direct up to $1,200 to a charity in their community.

Any community outside Lincoln and Omaha city limits is eligible to participate by hosting a blood drive in support of the Hometown Heroes campaign. There is no limit to the number of blood drives your community can hold. Awards will be allocated based on the total collections combined. • Based on the success of your community’s blood drive(s), you’ll have the opportunity to direct up to $1,200 toward funding a charity in your community. Awards may not be directed to the organization sponsoring the drive, nor used for a general fund. To get started, email us at blooddrives@ncbb.org or call 402-486-9414. Or visit NCBB.ORG/HEROES to learn more.

Learn more about our Hometown Heroes campaign at ncbb.org/heroes, email blooddrives@ncbb.org, or call 402-486-9414.

Cutline: Jami Kassebaum, assistant manager of donor recruitment with Nebraska Community Bloodbank presents a check for the Hometown Heroes program to the Fairbury Rural Fire Department. Receiving the donation are, from left, Jeff Bargar, rescue lieutenant; Barry Schwab, assistant chief personnel safety and equipment; and Judd Stewart, assistant chief operations. The funds will go to the rescue fund. The department averages about 30 rescue calls a year.

https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Hometown-heroes-2021.jpg 567 850 Lana Likens https://www.jchealthandlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/JCHL_Logo_header_340x156.png Lana Likens2022-01-03 11:06:522022-01-03 11:06:52Blood Drives Earn Donation for Fairbury Rural Fire Department

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