JCH&L Staff Certified in Prior Authorization

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Jefferson Community Health and Life staff members Kayla Young, Tiff Bartels and Jasmine Schwisow are now certified authorization specialists, through Accreditation Council For Medical Affairs (ACMA), The Prior Authorization Certified Specialist (PACS) Program.

Schwisow, patient access manager, said the education will be an asset for JCH&L and its patients.

“The training will help us to ensure that we are getting services covered and approved from insurance so everyone can have a peace of mind,” Schwisow said.

The 12-module program covered:

Prior Authorization Understanding

What prior authorization is and how it came to be utilized across the industry

Insurance Policies and Payment

A comprehensive understanding of health insurance for federal, state, and commercial plans as well as pricing, drug tiering and copay assistance

Compliance

Compliance standards relevant to any professional working in reimbursement and access

Processes

Important functional areas within Medical Affairs, such as compliant publication practices, advisory boards, continuing medical education, investigator sponsored research, and post-marketing studies

Barriers to Access

Essential resources and education to develop the skills needed to handle denials and work towards claim resolution

“This program gave us a lot of great material and knowledge we have not learned before. This course explained not just the ‘why’ of the process, but the importance of all the pieces that make up the why,” Schwisow said.

Anyone with questions about prior authorization of services can contact Schwisow at 402-729-3351, extension 4611.

JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

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2024 was a successful, busy year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2024 on Thursday, Jan. 16. Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

Two new board members were elected to serve on the board: Father Justin Fulton and Kendall Schlake. Trevor Steinmeyer was presented a plaque for his eight years of service on board and four years serving as board chairman. Glenda Austin was given a token of appreciation for four years of service on the board. 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 exceptional care at the highest level to patients. He thanked Bill Welch for serving as interim CEO as JCH&L conducted a search for a new CEO after the resignation of Dr. Burke Kline. He welcomed Holly Wolff, who started on Jan. 6.

“We are thrilled to welcome Holly Wolff as our new CEO. Holly brings exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in rural healthcare, and we are confident her expertise and vision will greatly benefit our organization,” Steinmeyer said.

He said 2024 helped prepared JCH&L for the future.

“This year laid important building blocks for the future, as we completed a strategic plan to invest in new equipment and services while working on a master plan for future facility updates,” Steinmeyer said.

Highlights in the CEO’s annual report to the membership from Bill Welch, interim CEO, included being named again as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, the Performance Leadership Award and Nebraska Quality Award.

Sarah Bauer, surgery manager, was named JCHL’s Caring Kind employee the fall of 2024 (fiscal 2025.) Leta Mau, nutrition services dining room assistant, was named JCH&Ls Caring Kind employee in the fall of 2023 (fiscal 2024.)

There were a number of staffing additions in fiscal 2024. Deb Sutton, RN, NHA, was named administrator for Gardenside long-term care. Rick Blum, PA-C, joined Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic in May. He cares for patients in JCH&L Fairbury Clinic and in the Emergency Room. JCH&L added six part-time as needed providers for emergency room coverage in fiscal 2024: James White, NP; Matthew Gatlin, PA-C; Isaac Mattis, DO; Evelyn Causgrove, PA-C; Richard Blum, PA-C; Derek Peckham, DO; and Larissa Hoffman, NP.

Several staff also completed training for additional certifications. Deb Sutton, RN, NHA, and Lori Ohlde, RN, were trained to be counselors in the Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program. They helped area residents review their Medicare D plans in the fall as a free service to the community. Speech therapist Kristen Banahan, M.S., CCC-SLP, was licensed to be a provider in the Parkinson’s Voice Project’s SPEAKOUT!  Therapy Program. This program offers voice and swallowing assistance to those with Parkinson’s. Occupational therapist Taylor Zimmerman, MOT, OTR/L, was certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician, and attended the Safe Travel for All Children course to serve children with special needs. Travis Kostal, PT, DPT, became board certified as a Clinical Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy by the American Physical Therapy Association. Kim Francis, RN, and Patrick Hoins completed the Water Management Training Course. Ashley Norden, LPN, and Jenn Mau, RN, completed the Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Academy. Tara Sasse, RN, completed her AAPACN RAC Certification for MDS. Certification helps Tara help Gardenside provide quality care, accurate assessments and care management for residents. Megan Knutson, FNP-C, and Kensly Williams, PA-C, were certified through The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy in the fall of 2024 (fiscal 2025.) Lisa Edeal, RDN, LMNT, and Deb Sutton, RN, NHA, began providing diabetes education after diabetes educator Bekah Kimberlin left JCH&L in July.

JCH&L began partnering with Five Nines to manage and support IT needs in 2024. Five Nines is a Nebraska-based managed services provider with one of the largest IT teams in the state. Nichole Seibolt accepted a position with Five Nines and continues to work at JCH&L as a Five Nines employee.

New services included a monthly outpatient pain clinic by Dr. J. Paul Meyer, free Medicare D reviews, a new wound clinic scheduled to begin in January 2025, and a new fitness center class, Circl. Andrea Um, MD, is the new vascular surgeon seeing patients through Bryan Heart at JCH&L Specialty services. JCH&L was re-accredited for sleep lab services and home sleep studies by the Accrediting Commission for Health Care in fiscal 2024. The accreditation is through October 2026. In October JCH&L began working toward Trauma Designation through the State of Nebraska.

Major projects included implementing Cerner as the new electronic health record for Gardenside, concrete and parking lot work, a new Wandergard system for Gardenside, and boiler replacement and rooftop units.

JCH&L remained active in community collaboration and events.

Chance Klasek, CFO, presented a report containing a comparison of financial data over the past five years. Chance noted that our gross revenues increased to just under $48 million in the current year. After bad debt and contractual adjustments of $13 million and expenses of $33.3 million, this left us with $1,000,000 of operating income which equated to a 1.5 percent operating margin. We recognized gains on investments and grants of roughly $2.2 million for a total increase in net assets of $3.2 million.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2025. Officers are: Ross Boeckner, chairman; Steve Snyder, vice chairman; and Diane Wellsandt, secretary-treasurer.

New Wound Clinic Offered at JCH&L Specialty Services

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is offering a new wound clinic through Outpatient Services. Megan Knutson, FNP-C, and Kensly Williams, PA-C, have been certified through The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy.

Wound Clinics will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month through JCH&L Specialty Services. For more information, an appointment, or other available dates, please call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

The clinic can help with pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, new and chronic wounds, arterial wounds, venous wounds, and burns (less than 10 percent of body surface area.)  Treatments may include compression therapy, topical antimicrobial therapy, wound debridement, and a variety of dressing options.

“We know many people struggle with wounds, and help is now available here at JCH&L with two Wound Care Certified advanced practice providers,” said Erin Smith, CNO.

For more information or an appointment, call JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851, or ask your primary care provider if the Wound Clinic would be helpful for you.

Nebraska Community Bloodbank Visits Feb. 10

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The next Nebraska Community Bloodbank blood drive will be held on Monday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mobile unit in the parking lot of JCH&L’s North Building, 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.

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

JCH&L Now In Network with BlueCross BlueShield Blueprint Plan

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is now in network with BlueCross BlueShield’s Blueprint health insurance plan. The Blueprint Health network features CHI Health and other providers and facilities in Nebraska and Iowa.

“We have recently had some patients insured as part of the BlueCross BlueShield Blueprint Healthcare plan and are happy to announce that we are now in network,” said Kim Shadduck, business office manager.

Shadduck encourages everyone to know their health insurance plan – and check carefully into what coverage is available when choosing a plan.

“We are seeing more patients recently being disappointed because JCH&L is not in the network for their health insurance plan,” Shadduck said. “Often the issue is that we are a provider for the company but not their particular plan.”

Shadduck said that every carrier has a wide variety of plans available. Some plans are “narrow network” plans, meaning they cover only a specific hospital or providers – and those providers may not even be in our state. Some are specific to virtual visits with specific providers.  She said when considering plans, be sure to ask which health care facilities and providers are covered as a part of the plan, and whether you can continue to use your chosen health care provider and home town clinic and hospital services. She said sometimes a plan may cover only Emergency Room visits when out of network, and the patient may or may not have to meet a deductible or pay a copay on that.

While policy names may be confusing, always take a look at whether a hospital name, such as CHI, is included in the name, she said. Then be ready to ask questions or do more on line research about what that means. If shopping on the healthcare.gov market place, check on whether the facilities and providers you may want to use are covered as part of the plan.

The JCH&L business office welcomes calls and questions about whether we are “in-network” for specific plans – but please be sure to ask about the specific plan. JCH&L may be in network with the company, but not every plan the company sells, Shadduck said.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Feb. 13

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on “Making Visits Valuable – Part 5” by Teepa Snow.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”

The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.

The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.  The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Caregivers Support Group to Meet Jan. 9, 2025

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video on “Making Visits Valuable – Part 5” by Teepa Snow.

Easiest access will be by parking in the H Street parking and entering through the JCH&L Main Entrance. Follow the signage to “Caregiver’s Support.”

The Caregiver’s Support Group is a program of the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month in the JCH&L Clinic Conference Room.

The support group is designed for those who are caregivers and family members of those who have Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.  The group provide an opportunity anyone interested to share their experiences with Alzheimer’s Disease and learn from other’s experiences. There is no cost, and no pre-registration required.

For more information, contact Lana Likens at Jefferson Community Health & Life at 402-729-6855.

Wolff Named Next CEO of Jefferson Community Health & Life

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Holly Wolff, MHA, has been selected as the next CEO of Jefferson Community Health and Life. Wolff follows Bill Welch who has served as interim CEO since September.

Wolff most recently served as administrator at Mount Edgecumbe Medical Center/SEARHC, in Sitka, Alaska. She was previously chief executive officer at Roundup Memorial Healthcare in Roundup, Montana, and Ashley Medical Center in Ashley, North Dakota, and Family Practice Center and Family Medicine Residency Administrator at the Northeast Iowa Medical Education Foundation in Waterloo, Iowa. She said she loves rural health care, and the communities they serve.

“The intersection between rural communities and local healthcare is where we can be dynamic in our approach to addressing specific needs and create a gold standard of care that surrounds the whole person’s well-being,” Wolff said. “Growing up rural made a lasting impression on my love of small towns and commitment to serve the community.“

She has more than 10 years of experience in balancing strategic decisions and financial discipline with a hands-on approach to leadership. She has experience in several areas of health care, including long-term care. She said she strives for excellent employee, customer and provider satisfaction.

“Our staff, clinical and non-clinical alike, are the cornerstone of a strong foundation in the organization.  When staff are supported and valued, patients will be on the receiving end of amazing care.  My leadership approach is centered on being accessible and visible, to really create a workplace that is second to none,” she said.

She said she is excited to learn about JCH&L’s strategic initiatives and current programs, as well as the community JCH&L serves.

“My focus in the early days at JCH&L will be to listen and learn so I can continue the strong initiatives that are already in place,” Wolff said. “I want to empower  the staff and providers to help me understand the opportunities and challenges, creating  strong communication channels.  Living and volunteering  in the local community, through civic engagement, is important to me so I can support the greater initiatives in the region. When I came to visit, the first impression of Fairbury and JCH&L was of a stellar community that takes a lot of pride in the town and its healthcare organization.  It’s a privilege to accept this role and I am eager to join the JCH&L team.”

Wolff was chosen by the JCH&L board of directors from among more than 100 applicants for the position. Four candidates brought to Fairbury for on-site interviews.

“The board sought a CEO with exceptional leadership skills and a strong background in rural healthcare, and we are thrilled to welcome Holly to our community and to JCH&L,” said Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman of the JCH&L board of directors. “We were also pleased to have four excellent candidates interview on site for the CEO position, and we are confident Holly’s expertise and vision will greatly benefit our organization.”

Wolff will begin her role at JCH&L in early January.

She has two sons, Tripp, 17, a high school junior, and Finn, 15, a high school freshman. Both will be students at Fairbury High School.

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors announced Wolff’s selection to JCH&L staff on Dec. 4.

Jefferson Community Health & Life began serving residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area in September 1963. Wolff will be the tenth CEO to lead JCH&L since it opened.

JCH&L Working With UnitedHealthCare on Provider Issue

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Jefferson Community Health & Life is currently working with UnitedHealthcare on an issue which has resulted in patients receiving notice that Brett Wergin, MD, will no longer be covered under their plan as of Dec. 5. Wergin has been a family medicine physician at JCH&L since 2018.

“We have been in contact with United Health Care and the issue is being resolved and all services will be covered appropriately,” said Kim Shadduck, JCH&L business office manager. “If anyone has received denials or letters from UHC regarding services from any of our providers, please reach out to us with any questions. If you receive notification from UHC that your services received here at JCH&L have been processed Out of Network, please contact us as soon as possible.”

JCH&L is a participating provider with UnitedHealthcare and all providers at JCH&L are included. JCH&L providers include: Craig Shumard, MD; Rebecca Stroklund, DO; Brett Wergin, MD; Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C; Rick Blum, PA-C; Megan Knutson, FNP-C; Kensly Williams, PA-C; and Keegan Williams, FNP-C.

Kids Cooking Class Offers January Session

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Children will have an opportunity to learn about healthy eating and the importance of working together to plan and prepare healthy meals during a Cooking Class for Kids to be offered Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Jefferson Community Health & Life. The program is open to kids in grades 3-6 and their adult partners. During the class, participants will prepare a simple healthy meal together and then enjoy the meal as a group. The class is sponsored by Jefferson Community Health & Life and Nebraska Extension – Jefferson County.

The Friday, Jan. 3, class will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The registration fee is $20 per team. Pre-registration with payment is required by Monday, Dec. 30.

Aprons will be available for the children to wear during the class, and available for them to purchase after the class if they choose for an additional $5.

For more information or a registration form, call Lisa Edeal, RDN, LMNT, at 402-729-6846.

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