Blood Screening Now Available Year-Round

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For many years, Jefferson Community Health & Life has offered reduced-price complete blood profiles to the community once a year. Now JCH&L offers reduced-price blood profiles – and a number of other patient-requested blood tests – year round.

Appointments are offered on alternating Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Appointments are required at least 24 hours before the testing time. Payment with cash or check is required at the time of testing. If you wish to use a credit card, please let the scheduler know. Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician.

The type of tests available is also increased. The complete blood profile, called a general health panel, is available for a cost of $75. It includes measures of electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and overall kidney and liver functions; complete blood count, lipid panel, and TSH (thyroid.) This is comparable to the complete blood profile which was previously offered annually for a reduced price. Fasting is required prior to this screening.

Other tests available separately include General Chemistry, $25; Lipid panel, $25; CBC, $20; TSH, $20; Hemoglobin A1C, $25; PSA, $25; Vitamin D, $60; Blood type, $25. Some of these screenings require fasting, others do not. All of these tests are available at patient request on Wellness Wednesdays (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and Fasting Fridays (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.)

These patient-requested blood tests are being offered for those who wish to have more frequent testing than your health insurance plan will cover, want to access and manage health status on a regular basis, or are uninsured or have a high deductible and want to take advantage of lower out-of-pocket expenses. These are made available at patient request at a reduced price without a physician order.   Results will be available on JCH&L patient portal. Patients can sign up for the portal when they have the screening if they don’t already have access. Results will not be shared with your provider.

To make an appointment, call 402-729-3351 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required at least 24 hours before desired test time. Check in at the Outpatient/ER entrance.

Since this is not a physician-ordered exam, it is not covered by Medicare or other insurance, and results are not sent to a physician. Payment will be collected at time of service. Cash and checks will be accepted for payment.

This screening is private pay only. If you want a complete blood profile which would be covered under an insurance preventative care option, you must have a physician-ordered screening.

The rates are a considerable savings to patients compared to the regular costs, said Erin Starr, JCH&L Chief Nursing Officer.

“We felt it was important to offer the various blood tests at a cost-savings to patients who wish to have more frequent testing than health insurance will cover or who are uninsured or have a high deductible,” Starr said. “We also felt it was important to offer this service year-round, rather than only once a year.”

Those who want to make appointments should call 402-729-3351 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kline Named “CEO to Know” by Becker’s

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Jefferson Community Health & Life CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, was named one of 67 Rural Hospital CEOs To Know by Becker’s Hospital Review in February.

Becker’s Hospital Review published the 2022 list of rural hospital CEOs to know for 2022 on Feb. 22. The article stated: “The executives featured in this list have put their heart and soul into ensuring their communities have access to the best healthcare services possible. While rural hospitals across the country have faced closure in recent years, these leaders have developed a model for not only surviving, but thriving.”

The story included Dr. Kline’s guidance to JCH&L in adding services including neurosurgery, vascular surgery and genetic counseling. It recognizes that he was awarded the Medical Group Management Association’s Extraordinary Leader Award in 2021, and the American College of Healthcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa Early Careerist Regent’s Award in 2020.

In addition to the honors named by Becker’s, Dr. Kline was named a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2021; Named to the board of directors of the American College of Helathcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa in 2021; Named to the ACHE Editorial Board in 2021; and Named a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) in 2021. He has previously been named in the Becker’s Hospital Review “70 CAH CEOs to Know” in 2019, “71 CAH CEOs to know” in 2018, and “Rising Star: 90 Healthcare Leaders Under 40” in 2018.

Dr. Kline was one of 7 Nebraska CEOs who made the Becker’s 2022 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know list. The full story and complete list may be found at: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/67-rural-hospital-ceos-to-know-2022.html.

JCH&L Offers Next Session of Smart Moves

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Lifestyle change program helps participants learn to live healthy

FAIRBURY — The next session of a successful lifestyle change program will be offered beginning in April at Jefferson Community Health & Life in Fairbury. The year-long program is designed for those who are at risk for diabetes and want to change their lifestyle to avoid getting diabetes. A free no-obligation introductory class will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22. Anyone who thinks they might be interested in Smart Moves is encouraged to attend this session. To sign up for the introductory class, call Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at 402-729-6846.

The year-long program will begin April 12. Classes will meet on Tuesdays at 4 p.m.

Lifestyle coaches who lead the program are JCH&L Dietitian Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT; Bekah Kimberlin, PharmD; and Jen Johnson, manager of JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center.

“This program has been successful in helping participants to make lifestyle changes which positively impact their health,” Edeal said.

JCH&L’s program has received Full Recognition from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). This designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the standards for CDC recognition.

Studies show that diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes risk can be lowered by losing weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking part in a lifestyle change program, such as Smart Moves. Smart Moves is a program of the National Diabetes Prevention Program. JCH&L is participating with the support of Public Health Solutions District Health Department.

For the first part of the program, participants meet in a small-group setting weekly for one-hour presentations. For the second portion of the program, participants will meet twice a month.

The program provides lifestyle coaching and group support, promotes healthier eating and weight loss, explores ways to be physically active, creates strategies to overcome barriers, and teaches participants how to apply coping skills to stay successful.

The cost of the program is $225 for the full year. This fee includes not only the program, but also a six-month membership to the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center (a $200 value.) Financial assistance is available for those who meet certain financial eligibility criteria.

Anyone interested in Smart Moves or the March 22 free introductory session is encouraged to contact Lisa Edeal RD, LMNT, at (402) 729-6846 or email lisa.edeal@jchealthandlife.org to register or for more information.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits April 4

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The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, April 4, 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.

Each donor will receive a free medium Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and have a chance to win free coffee for a year.

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

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

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Jefferson Community Health & Life has joined the annual statewide effort organized by the Nebraska Cancer Coalition and Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force to heighten awareness of lifesaving colon cancer screening during Colon Cancer Awareness month and Dress in Blue Day on Friday, March 4.

On Friday, March 4, JCH&L staff members will have the opportunity to wear denim for a $5 donation to the Nebraska Cancer Coalition. All staff are encouraged to wear blue that day to raise awareness for colon cancer screening.

Colon cancer is the second deadliest cancer. Incidences of colon cancer diagnosis and death remain higher in Nebraska compared to overall U.S. rates. Additionally, rates of colon cancer have increased in recent decades among individuals younger than 50. So much so that the official recommended age for colon cancer screening was recently reduced from 50 to 45.

“Colon cancer screening is critical, as symptoms often only become prevalent in later stages of the disease when it’s much more difficult to fight back. It’s important for Nebraskans ages 45 and older speak with their health care provider about screening as soon as possible, especially those who have postponed appointments because of the pandemic,” said NC2 President Dr. Alan Thorson. “Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable, but you don’t know if you don’t go.”

There are multiple safe, affordable options available for screening, including at-home test kits. Individuals are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to start a conversation about screening. Various screening opportunities are available, including colonoscopy, which is made available at JCH&L by Gastroenterology Specialties, PC, on a monthly basis.

Additionally, anyone wanting to support the statewide awareness effort is invited to wear blue on Friday, March 4 and share on social media platforms using the hashtags #DressInBlueNE and #FightBackNE.

Nebraska residents aged 45-75 years old who meet specific income guidelines may be eligible for free or low-cost colon cancer screening. For more information, visit the Nebraska Colon Cancer Screening Program website or call (800) 532-2227.

JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

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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.

At-Home COVID Test Kits Available

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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.)

Ferguson Offers Battlefield Acupuncture for Pain Relief

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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.

Thorp Certified Nutritional Physical Therapist

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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.

Medicare Advantage is different than Traditional Medicare

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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.”

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