JCH&L Recognizes Lab During Laboratory Professionals Week

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Laboratory professionals are an important part of the health care picture – but much of their work is behind the scenes.

Medical laboratory professionals provide up to 70 percent of the data providers need to make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment plans.

The part of a lab professional’s work which is more visible is when they are taking your blood or other specimens for analysis. Once specimens are obtained, medical laboratory professionals conduct complex and important work on those specimens. Medical laboratory professionals do testing  that provides clues that are key in diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury.

“The behind the scenes work is largely invisible to patients – but the behind the scenes work may very well save your life,” said Cari Wise, JCH&L laboratory manager.

Some of the important tests conducted by laboratory professions include:

  • prioritizing and performing complex, rapid molecular testing during outbreaks like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The JCH&L lab includes services for inpatients, outpatients and Fairbury Clinic patients. The lab has 8 staff members who cover all laboratory needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There is always a laboratory professional on call to take care of whatever laboratory needs providers might have for their patients.

Many laboratory tests are run in the lab at JCH&L, giving providers results in minutes or hours, depending on the nature of the test. Some more complex texts must be sent out to other larger laboratories, giving results in days or week, depending on the nature of the test.

The JCH&L laboratory has recently begun offering Wellness Wednesdays and Fasting Fridays, which allow patients to request certain common blood tests without a doctor’s order. The screenings are not billed to insurance and must be paid at the time of service. Appointments are required at least 24 hours in advance. These tests are available on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. More information can be found at
JCHealthandLife.org/ /care-services/laboratory/ or call 402-729-3351 and ask for a brochure.

The laboratory also works with local businesses who need drug screens for employees.

Sports, School Physicals Important for Students’ Health

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The Nebraska School Activities Association requires that a physical evaluation be completed each year before an athlete can participate in sports. The state of Nebraska requires students entering Kindergarten and Seventh grade have school physicals.

“A sports physical is completed to evaluate the overall health of an athlete to ensure they can safely do the sport they are enrolled in,” said Brett Wergin MD, family medicine provider at Jefferson Community Health & Life.

By having your Primary Care Provider such as a Medical Doctor, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner complete a physical exam once per year they will be able to check the appearance of the athlete including musculoskeletal, check for conditions that would be exacerbated by exertion including asthma, cardiac conditions including the presence of a heart murmur.  During the sports physical the medical provider will do an exam, listen to heart and lungs, evaluate ears, nose and throat. The provider will also ask you about your family history which would put the athlete at risk for serious cardiac conditions or sudden death.

For school physicals, students entering Kindergarten and seventh grade are required to have physicals. These include a urine screening for blood or glucose which can be a sign of an underlying condition.

It is important that your athlete sees someone they are comfortable speaking with because important preventative and safety measures will be discussed including smoking, vaping and a youth risk behavior survey as well as some depression screening questions.

The forms for school and sports physicals required by Fairbury Public Schools and the NSAA are on the JCH&L website on the JCH&L Fairbury Clinic page. Forms can also generally be picked up at your school. Forms should be filled out before a student arrives for a school or sports physical.

Typically Kindergarten and seventh grade physicals are required to be complete before school starts, and immunizations must be up to date. Immunizations in Jefferson County are offered by Blue Valley Community Action at Jefferson Community Health & Life. Sports physicals are generally required before the first sports conditioning or practice of the new school year.

At JCH&L Fairbury Clinic, school and sports physicals may be billed to insurance, and may be combined with a well child check if the child has not had a well child check in the last 12 months. Most insurances to not require well child checks to go toward the deductible. JCH&L Fairbury Clinic has also scheduled 3 evenings for sports physical appointments this summer, in addition to regular daytime appointments.

To make an appointment with one of our family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners or physician assistant’s, please call 402-729-3361.

JCH&L Women’s Health Day Scheduled for May 24

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Wellness Experience Offers Women a Convenient Way to Take Control of Their Health

In just about three hours women from Jefferson County and beyond can complete their annual health checks and receive a well-deserved indulgence at the same time. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. Jefferson Community Health & Life is now scheduling for the experience on Tuesday, May 24.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic on select days every month, and includes:

* Personalized guidance from an on-site Women’s Health Day navigator

* Important health screenings, including fasting lab tests, a screening mammogram and a routine annual exam to assess overall and gynecological health (lab test and mammogram results will be available before participants leave for the day, while Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary breakfast and a relaxing indulgence—such as an express manicure or hand massage, for example. Offerings may vary.

* Reserved parking

“It’s so important for women to make time for their own health, but we know life sometimes gets in the way,” said Erin Starr, Chief Nursing Officer. “That’s why we created Women’s Health Day—to provide a convenient way for women to get their essential health screenings all at once, while also taking time to unwind.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms). JCH&L Fairbury Clinic accepts new patients.

Appointments for the Women’s Health Day experience start as early as 6:30 a.m. To schedule, call 402.729.6841.

Newest Specialty Service at JCH&L is Interventional Radiology

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The newest specialty service added at JCH&L is Interventional Radiology provided by Advanced Medical Imaging of Lincoln on the first Tuesday of each month.

Interventional Radiology offers a number of services which may benefit patients:

  • Joint injections
  • Back injections for pain relief
  • Migraine & headache treatment
  • Some imaging guided biopsy procedures

Radiologists who will be providing services will include Eric Vander Woude, MD, RPVI, DABVLM; ; Rahul Razdan, MD; and Quinton Kelly, MD, who are all

Vander Woude

vascular and interventional radiologists.

Injections can be given by an interventional radiologist for a number of joints, including shoulder, hip and sacroiliac. Guided imagery using radiology means the injection goes to the right spot to give the most pain relief. Back injections can also provide pain relief. An SPG block/Neuromodulation can be performed for migraine and other headache treatment. It is a non-invasive outpatient treatment performed in seconds. When performed with precision imaging guidance, 80-90 percent of patients get relief from headaches. Most patients are headache free for 3-6 months between treatments. It is a very low-risk procedure, even in pregnant women and children. The procedure can be used effectively for migraine headaches, occipital neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia and

cluster headaches. Some imaging guided biopsy procedures can also be performed at JCH&L. Using guided imagery biopsies may be taken of the thyroid, bone marrow, liver, kidneys, or pelvic area. The

Kelly

interventional radiologists will review the case and needs and determine if the biopsy can be safely and appropriately performed at JCH&L.

In addition, Dr. Vander Woude is a vascular specialist and is a registered physician in vascular interpretation. He can treat a variety of venous diseases, including peripheral arterial disease, lipodermatosclerosis, and chronic venous insufficiency.

“Having interventional radiology added to our lineup of specialties is a great addition,” said Erin Starr,

JCH&L CNO. “Interventional radiology can work hand-in-hand with our primary care physicians and other specialists, and in many cases will be able to take care of our patients’ needs close to home.”

Talk to your primary care physician about whether interventional radiology might be beneficial for you

Razdan

and your health.

Gardenside, Cedarwood Update Visitation Guidelines

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As Jefferson County COVID numbers remain low, visitation guidelines have been updated at Gardenside and Cedarwood. Both Gardenside and Cedarwood continue to work with ICAP and DHHS to keep policies and practices compliant and COVID-appropriate.

All visitors to Gardenside and Cedarwood must still be screened. Gardenside visitors should enter at Door 31 (in the breezeway between Gardenside and Cedarwood.) Cedarwood visitors should enter at the main doors of Cedarwood.

The latest update is at Gardenside’s entrance at Door 31. Door 31 is now unlocked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The interior doors to Gardenside and Cedarwood are now locked at all times. Visitors to Gardenside should come into the breezeway and screen on the kiosk inside the breezeway. Once you pass the screening, use the doorbell (located on the west wall) to tell Gardenside staff you have arrived so they can unlock the door for you. Please mask and use hand sanitizer before entering Gardenside. A mask is required for the entire visit. Please use hand sanitizer before entering, during the visit and prior to leaving, and any time you touch your face mask. During your visit, please maintain 6 feet of distance between yourself and any staff or residents. Visitors who do not comply with regulations will be asked to leave.

Gardenside does not limit the frequency or length of visits. Because of space limitations and the need to distance visitors and residents, it is recommended that no more than 3 visitors come to visit a resident at a time. If a larger group is needed, please visit with social services or the director of nursing.

Gardenside continues to recommend appointments to help Gardenside staff accommodate visits and maintain the core principals of infection prevention for COVID-19. Appointments can be made by calling Gardenside at 402-729-5220. Please wait for the prompt and select option 1. Appointments are not required.

Visits may be held in the resident’s room if they have a private room or a semi-private room with no roommate. Otherwise, visits will be scheduled in visitation rooms.

Please do not visit if you are ill, have a recent positive COVID-19 test, or have been asked to isolate or quarantine.

Residents are allowed to go out of the facility for outings with family at any time. We encourage them to avoid large gatherings. Staff appreciates a 24-hour notice to ensure proper paperwork is completed. Please contact social services at 402-729-6849 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to schedule outings.

Cedarwood asks that all visitors enter through the main entrance. There is a kiosk in the entry way for screening. Please screen, and upon a successful screening  please push the button on the west wall and the door will be unlocked for you.  If you have trouble with the screening, please pick up the phone and a staff member will assist you.

Visitors are required to use hand sanitizer and mask when they enter the facility. No appointments are needed. Visitors may go the tenant’s apartment to visit. Those who are coming to provide entertainment will receive instructions about where to go and protocol they must follow.

Tenants are free to come and go as they wish. We just ask that the tenant sign out at the front desk in case of emergency.

Mau graduate of NHA QI Residency Program

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Jen Mau, RN, BSN, graduated from the Nebraska Hospital Association QI Residency Program in March.  The program was developed as a result of the Rural Quality Improvement Steering Committee. The objective is to provide a collaborative learning environment focused on mentoring and networking for hospital quality personnel to develop empowered statewide leaders. The program was designed to be a one-year program, but because of COVID it became a two-year program.

Participants who take the course are expected to articulate the definition of quality and performance improvement and explain how quality fits in the bigger picture of rural hospitals; adapt learning on surveys and accreditation to prepare and lead a hospital through a successful inspection; complete mandatory external reporting requirements; describe best practices related to determining and driving quality and performance improvement; recognize and differentiate good health care data; analyze, abstract and evaluate health care data; list compare and adapt patient safety tools; employ and exercise risk management techniques; and select and employ patient and family engagement and emergency management tools and techniques.; describe the role of quality and performance improvement specific to medical staff functions; distinguish and adapt quality infection prevention plans; articulate population health promotion and continuum of care activities needed to help a hospital adapt to changing health care reimbursement structures.

 

Kline Named Admiral in Nebraska Navy

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JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, has been named an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. With the honor he has been invited to join the Nebraska Admiral’s Association.

The title of Admiral in the Nebraska Navy may be conferred by the governor on any worthy Nebraskan, who must nominated by a Nebraskan. The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska was created in 1930 by Lt. Gov. T.W. Metcalfe. The governor’s website states: “Admirals in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska are individuals who have contributed in some way to the state, promote the Good Life in Nebraska, and warrant recognition as determined by the governor.”

The certificate Kline receives reads: “and knowing you to be a good person and a loyal friend and counselor, I have nominated and do appoint you an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.” The certificate is signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts.

Among the goals of the Nebraska Admiral’s Association is to continue efforts to have U.S. Navy ships named after Nebraska, its people and places. There have been 40 so far. Other goals include promoting tourism and products, to promote education, to enhance agriculture, and to build Nebraska pride.

Dr. Kline said he does not know who nominated him for the Admiralship, but is grateful for the honor.

“I’m proud to now be an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska,” Dr. Kline said.

Lung Cancer Screening Program Criteria Updated

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New criteria are now in place for lung cancer screening available at Jefferson Community Health & Life. The program now uses CT scanning to screen men and women ages 50-80 with a 20-pack-year history of smoking who meet certain criteria.

“The updated guidelines from the US Preventative Services Task Force are designed to help catch more lung cancers at earlier stages, which greatly increases the chances of survival,” said Erin Starr, JCH&L Chief Nursing Officer. “The newest research shows that those who are younger and have smoked less can benefit, too.”

Previous guidelines made the screening available to those 55-74 and who had a 30-pack-year smoking history. A pack year means smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for a year. A 20-pack-year history could be met by smoking 2 packs a day for 10 years, or 1 pack a day for 20 years.

A study by the National Cancer Institute showed CT scans reduced the number of deaths from lung cancer by 20 percent. JCH&L’s program uses Low-Dose CT to screen for lung cancer for patients meeting criteria.

To qualify for a CT lung cancer screen, a patient must:

*Be 50-80 years of age

*Have a 20-pack-year smoking history

*Have a quit date within the last 15 years if they have quit smoking

*Have no weight loss greater than 10 pounds in the last month

*Have had no chest CT scan in the last 12 months

*Have no signs or symptoms of lung cancer

Patients who are interested should schedule an appointment with their family medicine provider to discuss whether they meet the criteria. The family medicine provider will send an order to JCH&L radiology, and JCH&L radiology will call the patient to schedule an appointment time. Results are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist and sent to the ordering family medicine provider.

Most insurances cover the screening without a copay to those who meet the criteria. If a patient’s insurance does not cover the cost of the screening, the cost is $250, payable at the time of service.

Heather Parde Receives Oncology Certification

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Heather Parde RN has received her ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate. Parde has been the oncology nurse at Jefferson Community Health & Life since March 2021.

This certificate means Parde possesses knowledge in the subspecialty chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration.  This course equips her with the tools she needs to safely administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy to our patients with cancer, while providing the type of quality care demanded by JCH&L.

The course is intended for nurses who have knowledge of cancer basics and are in a position to regularly administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It builds on a foundation of cancer knowledge, with the learner earning a certificate of added qualification upon successful completion.

The certification is renewable every two years.

Dr. Joni Tilford, oncologist with Cancer Partners of Nebraska, comes to JCH&L monthly. Ancillary services available include lab, radiology, respiration therapy and surgery. JCH&L can take orders for services – including chemotherapy and ancillary services – from any physician or oncologist.

For more information, contact JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

Thomsen to Begin Eye Surgeries at JCHL

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Samuel L. Thomsen, M.D., will soon be performing eye surgeries at Jefferson Community Health & Life for  Eye Surgical Associates. Thomsen is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma, cataracts and laser vision correction.

Cataract surgeries are performed at JCH&L about every 8 weeks. The next date for cataract surgeries is April 14.

Dr. Samuel Thomsen

Dr. Thomsen has been with Eye Surgical Associates since August 2020. He is a Beatrice native and a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. He received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society. Dr. Thomsen completed his ophthalmology residency at the Mason Eye Institute at the University of Missouri. He went on to specialize in glaucoma be completing a fellowship at the Dean McGee Eye Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Thomsen is also with Sutton Linder & Sutton, performing LASIK and other refractive vision surgeries. He is a member of the American Glaucoma Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Lancaster County Medical Society.

Dr. Vince Sutton

Dr. Thomsen and his wife, Gaby, have a son Ezra. The family loves Husker sports, spending time outdoors, gardening, traveling to state and national parks, camping, hiking, skiing and other sporting activities. Through their strong faith and involvement in their church they have enjoyed medical missionary work to Nepal and Haiti. Dr. Thomsen is also runs marathons and has successfully climbed and summited Mt. Ranier. One of his dreams is to climb the “Seven Summits.”

Dr. Thomsen will continue to provide Jefferson County with the same excellent cataract services that Dr. Vince Sutton began in 1983.   Dr. Sutton has enjoyed caring for his patient’s vision needs at JCH&L for the past 39 years.  He will continue providing patient care for Cataracts, LASIK and refractive surgery in Lincoln, York and Marysville.

For more information on scheduling cataract surgery, contact Eye Surgical Associates at  800-742-2224 or 402-484-9000 and request JCH&L, 2200 H Street, Fairbury.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE