Jefferson Community Health & Life introduces a new CT scanner at its facility, offering patients the ability to receive standard CT procedures as well as cardiac imaging and other advanced examinations in Fairbury.

Jefferson Community Health & Life (JCH&L) is dedicated to providing local residents with unmatched quality and service. Recent evidence of this commitment comes from the new computed tomography (CT) system in the radiology department, replacing a previous system that was nearly 15 years old.

The radiology team is installing the SOMATOM go.Up CT system from Siemens Healthineers, bringing a new level of diagnostic confidence to CT exams. The CT scanner has a number of benefits that made it the ideal choice for JCH&L staff, who were looking to improve the quality of care and provide a comfortable, comprehensive radiology experience.

“The main thing we look at when evaluating our diagnostic tools is trust,” said Nikole Marschman, radiology director at JCH&L. “Our patients trust us with their health, and that means we have to be able to trust our imaging systems to provide not just an accurate image, but a great patient experience. The SOMATOM go.Up CT scanner from Siemens Healthineers checks off all the boxes, and we believe it’s the right choice for the overall wellbeing of families in our community.”

The CT system provides a number of benefits for physicians and patients.

• Low-dose – Patients can count on a low radiation dose that emphasizes safety.
• Clinical capabilities – In addition to standard CT procedures, the SOMATOM go.Up CT enables fast and efficient angiographic, abdominal and neurological imaging examinations in a relaxed environment comfortable for patients of multiple body types.
• Image quality – The new system delivers up to 64 reconstructed slices allowing for fast scanning, short breath holds and few motion artifacts—which help to improve image quality, so doctors can make a more confident diagnosis.
• Mobility – The new technology uses tablet & remote-based operation that can keep JCH&L team members at patients’ sides for longer periods of time than older-model CTs.

“This is a game-changer for Jefferson Community Health & Life,” said Nikole. “I can’t wait to start showing patients and our local physicians what we’re able to achieve right here in Fairbury with this new scanner. In so many ways, we’re providing those we serve with peace of mind when it comes to their health.”

In addition to CT services, JCH&L remains committed to providing an exceptional level of care for all other diagnostic exams, including:

• Digital Mammography
• Echocardiography
• Fluoroscopy
• MRI
• Nuclear Medicine
• PET-CT
• Portable Electrocardiography
• Routine X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Vascular Ultrasound

Residents interested in scheduling their next CT or other radiologic test at Jefferson Community Health & Life can contact their physician for a referral. Physicians can call 402-729-6841 to set up referrals for their patients, and patients can call to learn more about the JCH&L team, new diagnostic offerings and anything else they have questions about.

The statements by Siemens Healthineers’ customers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting.  Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g. hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic Administrator Ashley Norden, LPN, has been selected for the Nebraska Action Coalition’s 40 under 40 emerging nurse leader award.

Last year, Norden became a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional.

Norden, who has been clinic administrator since 2020, has been with JCH&L since 2009. She is committed to helping our rural family medicine clinic continue to grow and improve and provide excellent customer service.

JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services therapist Callie Engler, PT, DPT, CMPT, has been certified in manual physical therapy. She received her certification through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. A NAIOMT trained CMPT excels at obtaining an accurate functional diagnosis while employing an eclectic approach to management, through all types of manual therapy and exercise.

A Certified Manual Physical Therapist focuses on hands-on techniques used to mobilize muscles, joints, connective tissue and nerves to facilitate healing and restore function. Certification in manual therapy is a distinction for physical therapists who complete post-graduate education and specializing in a safe, effective, quadrant-integrated, hands-on treatment approach. It allows Engler to treat more complex patients with an integrative approach.

“It’s another tool allowing me to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based and patient-centered care,” Engler said.

Megan Knutson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, joined the Jefferson Community Health & Life team on June 7.

Knutson is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, and passed her boards in May. Knutson is board certified in family practice through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

“My medical care will focus on prevention, getting to know people, and treating patients and families as a whole,” Knutson said.

Knutson graduated from Kearney Catholic High School, and received her bachelor of science in nursing from Nebraska Methodist College. She said she had started toward a degree in physical therapy, but decided nursing was where she was meant to be. After working as a nurse, she was ready for growth and additional challenges in her field, and chose to pursue the nurse practitioner degree.

JCH&L’s CEO Burke Kline, DHA, CHFP, FACHE, said JCH&L is excited to add a new mid-level practitioner, and is also pleased to be adding its first Nurse Practitioner.

“Our current goal to best serve our community is to have 4 physicians and 6 mid-level practitioners, which may be certified physician assistants or board certified nurse practitioners. We are pleased to add Megan to our excellent team of providers,” Kline said.

Once she completes her orientation to JCH&L, Knutson will offer both clinic appointments and ER coverage.

JCH&L recently lost Tyler and Kelsey Maguire, both certified physician assistants, who took positions in their hometown area of Columbus, Ne. Doug Ruzicka, PA-C, retired early in 2021 after 35 years of service to JCH&L, and 40 years of service in Fairbury.

“We were sorry to lose Tyler and Kelsey, but understand their desire to be closer to family. We were also sorry to lose Doug, but know how much he deserves his retirement,” Kline said. “We are currently working to bring our mid-level staffing up to our goal.”

Knutson and her husband, Travis, have two daughters: Emerson, 4, and Quinn, 2. Travis works for FivServe as an implementations analyst, and works from home.

Outside of work, Knutson said the family enjoys parks and swimming.

“I look forward to getting to know people and getting to know the community,” Knutson said.

With the addition of Knutson, JCH&L’s medical providers will include three board-certified family medicine physicians and three certified mid-level practitioners (PAs and Nurse Practitioner) with one shared goal: supporting you and your family’s health for life. Our team includes: Dr. Craig Shumard, Dr. Rebecca Stroklund, Dr. Brett Wergin (all board-certified family medicine providers); certified physician assistants Jessica Borrenpohl PA-C, and Kensly Williams PA-C; and Nurse Practitioner Megan Knutson APRN.

JCH&L Fairbury Clinic is accepting new patients.

For appointments with Knutson or the other JCH&L Fairbury Clinical family medicine providers, call 402-729-3361, option 1.

Swallowing disorders – formally known as dysphagia – are estimated to affect nearly 510 million people worldwide. Swallowing problems may be the result of many medical conditions, and may affect people of any age.

Some common symptoms could include:

• difficulty moving food from the front to the back of the mouth,
• difficulty chewing,
• food getting stuck in the mouth,
• difficulty swallowing certain foods/drinks,
• coughing or throat clearing while eating/drinking,
• feeling like foods/pills are getting stuck, and/or
• a wet vocal quality (e.g., a gurgling sound) after eating/drinking.

In order to diagnose dysphagia, a patient may have a modified barium swallow study – the patient eats or drinks food or liquid with barium in it and the swallowing process is viewed on an x-ray; or an endoscopy assessment – using a lighted scope inserted through the nose, the swallow can be viewed on a screen.

Amanda Carlson, M.S. CCC-SLP, does modified barium swallow studies at JCH&L with a radiologist.

If dysphagia is diagnosed, treatment may include exercises, generally with a speech therapist; education about strategies to reduce the risk of aspiration (including postural or positioning techniques, behavioral interventions or special equipment or utensils); and diet modifications.

“Swallowing is such an important part of our health and our life,” Carlson said. “If you have any concerns about your swallowing, contact your primary care physician.”