JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

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2023 Another Successful Year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2023 on Thursday, Jan. 25. Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

Two board members were re-elected to continue service on the board. Ross Boeckner, Fairbury, was elected for his second term. Dallas Christ, Plymouth, was elected for his first full term after completing the unexpired term of the late Dr. Jeff Johnson. 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 noted JCH&L was named for several honors and awards in 2023, including being named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, an award we have received 8 out of the last 10 years.  We were also recognized with a Chartis Performance Leadership Award for patient perspective and quality improvement.

“It’s obvious that Jefferson Community Health & Life continues to be a leader in health care, while continuing to strive for the mission of providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time,” Steinmeyer said.

Highlights in the CEO’s annual report to the membership from CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, included the Performance Leadership Award and Nebraska Quality Award. JCH&L received the 2023 OnCon Icon awards for “Top 10 Executive Teams” and “Top 50 Operations Teams” in October 2023 (fiscal 2024.)

Leta Mau, nutrition services dining room assistant, was named JCHL’s Caring Kind employee the fall of 2023. Wayne Franzen, Gardenside day activities coordinator, was named JCH&Ls Caring Kind employee in the fall of 2022 (fiscal 2023.)

Dr. Kline earned his Masters in Business Administration from Bellevue University. He was named in Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know.” He also received an ACHE Service Award in October 2022.

Kim Francis, RN, was named infection preventionist/employee health coordinator in June and in August also became housekeeping and laundry supervisor. Amber Brunow was hired as Laboratory Manager. A new position handling prior authorizations was added and Kayla Young was hired to fill the position. A new Fairbury Clinic Health Coach position was created and Deb Sutton, RN, was hired. Carly Berkenmeier, RN, joined JCH&L as an oncology nurse and earned her ONS/ONC Chemotherapy Immunothrapy certificate. Brittany Filipi was hired in radiology to do ultrasounds and we added vascular equipment so she could do vascular studies. Speech therapist Kristin Banahan, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Occupational therapist Taylor Zimmerman, MOT, OTR/L, joined the Sports Medicine and Rehab Services pediatric team. Anne Itzen, RN, WCC, renewed her Wound Care Certification through the National Alliance of sound Care and Ostomy. Jenn Mau, RN, BSN, passed the Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional Course. Erin Starr, RN, earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Laura DeBoer, RN, Gardenside Director of Nursing, earned her social worker designee certification. Laura DeBoer, RN, Kelli Doty, RN, Kim Francis, RN, and Patrick Hoins completed a Water Management Training course. Jenn Mau, RN, was elected to the Fairbury Chamber of Commerce board. Kelli Pohlmann and Mary Feldkamp became Social Worker Designees. Wayne Franzen received an activities certification. Teresa Kroll earned her medical assistant certificate. Ashley Norden, LPN, and Jenn Mau, RN, completed the Nebraska Hospital Association Leadership Academy in October 2023.

New services added included a new Dexa Scanner (bone density screening), Men’s Health Clinic days, expanded occupational health services, cosmetic and therapeutic aesthetics, and vascular screenings in house, rather than by contracted services.

Major projects included updating in Gardenside, remodeling laboratory, implementing  a new appointment reminder system for Fairbury Clinic patients, utilizing new wound care software, implementing new software allowing patients to estimate the cost of a service, and a number of other capital projects.

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 gross revenues increased to just under $43 million in the current year. After bad debt and contractual adjustments of $11 million and expenses of $31.5 million, this left JCH&L with $500,000 of operating loss which equated to a 1.45% operating loss. We recognized gains on investments and grants of roughly $5.3 million for a total increase in net assets of $4.8 million.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2024. Officers are: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Ross Boeckner, vice chairman; and Glenda Austin, secretary-treasurer.

JCH&L Women’s Health Day Offers Convenience

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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 during one visit to Jefferson Community Health & Life. Women’s Health Day is a complete wellness experience designed to make women’s health easy. JCH&L has recently updated the program, and it is now easier than ever for women to schedule.

The program is available at the Jefferson Community Health & Life Health Center and Fairbury Clinic. Women can scheduled with their preferred primary care provider for an annual exam, and then other screenings are scheduled to coordinate with the appointment.

The Women’s Health Day experience 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 will be available before participants leave for the day; mammogram results may be available or may be mailed; Pap test results will be provided later by mail)

* Complimentary coupon for a meal in the JCH&L cafeteria

* 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, in one visit to JCH&L.”

All major insurance plans are accepted for screening and exams (coverage is subject to individual policy terms).

For screenings and exam, we accept all major insurance plans. Coverage is subject to individual policy terms. Please note not all lab work is considered screening dependent upon your insurance plan and your personal health conditions. Deductibles may apply. Please check with your insurer.

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 402-587-5218.

Aesthetics Available at JCH&L

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Aesthetic treatments are available at Jefferson Community Health & Life, with services provided by Kirisha Afuh, FNP-C. JCH&L is now accepting appointments Feb. 2 and March 7.

JCH&L offers both cosmetic and therapeutic injections. To make an appointment for a cosmetic injection, please call 402-729-6851. To make an appointment to discuss possible medical treatment, please call 402-729-3361, option 1.

Cosmetic neurotoxin injections (such as Botox® and Xeomin®) can relax the muscles on areas of the face and neck which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions or facial pain. Treatment with neurotoxins can cause facial expression lines or wrinkles to be less noticeable. Areas most frequently treated are around the eyes, forehead and lips.

Cosmetic injections (removing or reducing wrinkles) are typically not covered by insurance. For cosmetic injections, payment is required the day of treatment. JCH&L offers a Cosmetic Neurotoxin Loyalty card program.  Free consultations are offered for cosmetic services. At your consultation, you can discuss your needs, procedure recommendations and costs.

Therapeutic neurotoxin injections may be covered by some insurances for 1) TMJ dysfunction; 2) Bruxism (teeth grinding); 3) types of orofacial pain including headaches and migraines; or 4) Excessive sweating.  Therapeutic neurotoxin injections for medical purposes will typically be referred by a health care provider.

Therapeutic neurotoxins are diluted to a very controlled solution. When the solution is injected into the muscles with a very thin needle it is almost painless. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation during the injection. The procedure takes about 15- 20 minutes. Results are not permanent, but may last up to three months.

Treatment with dermal fillers can smooth out facial folds and wrinkles, add volume to the lips, and contour facial features that have lost their volume and fullness due to aging, sun exposure, illness, etc. Facial rejuvenation can be carried out with minimal complications. These dermal fillers are injected under the skin with a very fine needle. This lifts and smooths wrinkles and folds. Results may be seen immediately. Dermal filler treatments are not covered by insurance, and payment is required on the day of the treatment.

If you have questions for a medical professional trained in Aesthetics, Afuh can help. Afuh received certificates through Aesthetics Medical Educators Training and the American Academy of Facial Aesthetics. Her training included hands-on work with patients.

Next Men’s Health Clinics Scheduled at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic

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Men’s Health Clinic days have been scheduled at JCH&L Fairbury Clinic for Feb. 22 and March 14. Bryce Taylor, PA-C, offers a wide variety of men’s health services at the Men’s Health Clinic. Appointments can be made by calling 402-729-3361 and asking for a Men’s Health consultation. You don’t need to give a reason.

Men’s Health consultations may cover a wide variety of men’s topics, including but not limited to: low libido (sex drive), insomnia, depression/anxiety, erectile disfunction, male pattern hair loss, enlarged prostate, weight loss, fatigue (low energy), smoking cessation, scrotal pain/mass, urinary incontinence, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, alcoholism, and infertility.

Privacy is the top priority. The scheduler does not need to know the specific reason for the appointment.

These consultations are covered by most insurances, similar to other routine office visit appointments. Copays and deductibles may apply depending on your insurance carrier. Lab services may also be subject to deductibles.

Men who have questions should schedule their Men’s Health Clinic visit today. Call 402-729-3361. Select option 1 for scheduling.

Caregiver Support Group to Meet Feb. 8

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The Caregivers Support Group offered by the Alzheimer’s Association will meet on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 4:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Community Health & Life Clinic Conference Room. The program will be a video “Caregiver Training: Agitation an Anxiety” from the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program.

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.

JCH&L Christmas Project Raises Funds

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Each year Jefferson Community Health & Life asks the community’s help in completing a special project for patients, residents, and visitors. This year, JCH&L is seeking donations for three special projects which will benefit our community—a renovation of the JCH&L Gardenside long-term care dayroom, new lights for the helicopter pad, and a new elliptical trainer for the JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center. We hope to raise at least $41,000 for these three worthwhile projects.

Renovation of the Gardenside dayroom is much needed. An estimated $20,000 will allow JCH&L Gardenside to reconfigure the area to make it the most useful and comfortable for residents. The project will include replacing carpet, paint, and some furnishings. JCH&L Gardenside residents and their families spend a lot of quality time in the day room and it should be comfortable and convenient for them.

The JCH&L helicopter pad has been used an average of more than 19 times a year for the past four years for emergency air transport. It is and is literally a lifesaver in some emergency situations. Flight staff are well trained and provide critical care when in transit to a trauma center. Star Care 5 provides air ambulance service to JCH&L. The pad needs some updating, including new lights, which is anticipated to cost about $15,000.

The JCH&L Burkley Fitness Center provides fitness opportunities for our area residents. The elliptical training machines are very popular, and one is in need of replacement. The Precore elliptical is a provides excellent cardio exercise with less stress on joints than a treadmill and it inclines to work even more muscle groups than other ellipticals. This popular machine will cost about $6,00o.

Donations of all amounts are welcome and will make our project successful. All contributions will be recognized in the fiscal 2024 annual report for Jefferson Community Health & Life and the Jefferson Health Care Fund. Contributions may be made in honor of someone living or in memory of someone who has passed away.  Memorial gifts are recognized each year in a newspaper ad prior to Memorial Day. All donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized with a plaque on the Wall of Honor, and contributions of any amount are counted toward cumulative recognition.

Those who would like more information should contact Lana Likens at 402-729-6855, or by emailing lana.likens@jchealthandlife.org.

Flor, Ferguson Leaving JCH&L

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Dr. Sean Flor will be leaving JCH&L in December, and Carolyn Ferguson’s last day was Nov. 27.

Dr. Flor’s last day will be Dec. 21. He will be employed at another Nebraska clinic.

Ferguson’s last day was Nov. 27. She is going to the west coast to be closer to family and the ocean.

“We encourage those who considered either Dr. Flor or Carolyn their primary care provider to choose another Fairbury Clinic provider for their care,” said Ashley Norden, clinic administrator.

She said care will still be readily available.

“We remain positioned to be able to offer our patients same-day appointments when needed,” Norden said. “We will still have 4 physicians, 3 nurse practitioners and 2 PAs ready and able to serve your needs.”

JCH&L is currently recruiting for both another physician and another Advanced Practice Provider.

“While we are sorry to lose both of these excellent family medicine providers, we wish them the best in their new endeavors,” said Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, MBA, CHFP, FACHE.

JCH&L Among Top 10 Nebraska Hospitals For Rural Provider Excellence in Quality

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Jefferson Community Health & Life was named among the Top 10 Nebraska hospitals for Rural Provider Excellence in Quality by the Chartis Center for Rural Health and the Nebraska Department of Health. Presented at this year’s Nebraska Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics Conference on Quality, the Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award honors Top 10 overall performance in quality among the state’s Critical Access Hospitals.

“Quality is of utmost importance to all of us at Jefferson Community Health and Life,” said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, MBA, CHFP, FACHE. “We are pleased to be honored among the top rural health facilities in Nebraska for our quality.”

This is the sixth year JCH&L has received the recognition since it began in 2018.

The Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award utilizes the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s Hospital Strength INDEX® framework to analyze Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project (MBQIP) measures for all Critical Access Hospitals in Nebraska. The analysis percentile-ranks performance for each facility across 22 equally weighted, core MBQIP metrics. Hospitals with the 10 highest scores are recognized with the Rural Provider Excellence in Quality Award.

“Each year, Critical Access Hospitals in Nebraska are among the nation’s top performers across multiple facets of the INDEX,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to partner with the Nebraska Department of Health on this unique program and recognize outstanding performance in quality among the state’s Critical Access Hospitals.”

A subsidiary of The Chartis Group, iVantage Health Analytics (iVantage) is a leading provider of healthcare analytic and performance management analytic tools. Health system and hospital leadership teams across the country rely on the company’s software and services to deliver customized insights on clinical and financial performance, strategic planning, market assessment and payment optimization. iVantage’s analytics are the basis of continuing thought leadership and insight in the areas of healthcare policy and research.

The Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project is a quality improvement activity under the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) grant program of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Office of Rural Health policy. The goal is to improve the quality of care in Critical Access Hospitals by increasing quality data reporting and driving quality improvement activities based on the data.

JCH&L Receives Award from Chartis Center for Rural Health

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Performance Leadership Award Recognizes Quality and Patient Perspective

FAIRBURY, NE – As part of the National Rural Health Day celebration, Jefferson Community Health & Life announced it has been recognized with a 2023 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (e.g., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspective.

“This recognition affirms the work and care of JCH&L’s staff, physicians and board, and the support of the community,” said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, MHA, DHA, CHFP, FACHE. “JCH&L’s mission is to inspire healthy living by providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time. This recognition recognizes our commitment to our patients for quality and excellence in care.”

JCH&L was among 25 Nebraska hospitals recognized for quality, and among 25 Nebraska hospitals recognized for Patient Perspective.

The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted and relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“Wherever we go in rural America, we witness first-hand the commitment, determination, and compassion with which rural hospitals serve their communities. Rural healthcare truly is mission-driven,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This National Rural Health Day, let us recognize the efforts of this year’s Performance Leadership Award winners and all those driven to deliver high quality care throughout rural communities.”

Performance Leadership Award recipients are rural hospitals ranking in the 75th percentile or above in the INDEX performance pillars for Quality, Outcomes, or Patient Perspective.

Jefferson Community Health & Life has previously been recognized with the NOSORH/iVantage Performance Leadership award for quality and patient perspective in 2022, 2021; quality in 2020; for quality, outcomes and patient perspective in 2017, 2018 and 2019; the Performance Leadership award for financial strength and patient satisfaction in 2016; named as a Top 100 critical access hospital for 2023, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, and 2014; named as a Top 20 critical access hospital for quality in 2020 and Top 20 overall in 2018; and named a HEALTHSTRONG hospital in 2015.

National Rural Health Day Celebrates the Power of Rural

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FAIRBURY – Jefferson Community Health & Life celebrates the Power of Rural on National Rural Health Day on Thursday, Nov. 16.  The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day. Anyone in the JCH&L facility on Nov. 16 is encouraged to thank a healthcare worker for their dedication in keeping exceptional care close to home.

National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to “Celebrate the Power of Rural” by honoring the selfless, community-minded, “can do” spirit of that prevails in rural America. But it also provides an opportunity to bring to light the unique healthcare challenges that rural citizens face – and showcase the efforts of rural healthcare providers, State Offices of Rural Health and other rural stakeholders to address those challenges.

Jefferson Community Health & Life is one of more than 1,362 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, and 63 Critical Access Hospitals in the state of Nebraska. The Critical Access Hospital designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. Critical Access Hospitals receive cost-based Medicare reimbursement. Jefferson Community Health Center became a Critical Access Hospital in 2000.

“Being a Critical Access Hospital does not limit us in the services we can provide for our area residents. It helps us to offer services which might be less affordable because of fewer patients needing the services,” said JCH&L CEO Burke Kline, MHA, DHA, CHFP, FACHE.

Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic is one of 122 Rural Health Clinics in the state and 4,413 in the United States.

The Rural Health Clinic (RHC) program is intended to increase access to primary care services for patients in rural communities. They are required to use a team approach of physicians working with non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) to provide services.

Health care organizations are important for rural communities – not only for accessibility and availability of health care, but also for economic development. Jefferson Community Health & Life is one of many health care providers in Jefferson County, and is the largest health care employer, with more than 250 staff members. JCH&L is consistently one of the top three employers in Jefferson County. Each year JCH&L pays its staff more than $14.8 million in salary and provides more than $3.7 million in benefits.

“The jobs at JCH&L require a wide variety of skills, training and education,” Dr. Kline said. “We employ high school students who are just getting started with part-time jobs and on-the-job training, all the way through the spectrum of educational levels to those with advanced medical degrees.”

JCH&L’s primary service area is Jefferson County, with 7,176, residents as of 2021. Some patients also come from surrounding counties in Nebraska and Kansas.

Rural communities also have unique healthcare needs. Rural communities must address accessibility, provider shortages, the needs of an aging population, increasing chronic conditions, and largest percentages of uninsured and underinsured citizens, says the National Rural Health Association.

Jefferson Community Health & Life operates a 17-bed, acute-care Critical Access Hospital in Fairbury, Neb., offering inpatient and outpatient services, including surgery, therapy, screenings, and 24-hour emergency services. Jefferson Community Health & Life offers additional health and life services, including Fairbury Clinic (primary and family care), Burkley Fitness Center, Gardenside (long-term care), Home Health and Occupational Health services. In addition, Jefferson Community Health & Life supports numerous education programs and support groups. JCH&L has offered services to residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area since 1963, and continues to grow and change as the area’s needs change.

“We strive to fulfil our vision of being a trusted partner for a lifetime of health,” Dr. Kline said. “While JCHL can’t offer every healthcare service needed by our area residents, we are proud to offer a great many services which give area residents the opportunity to receive quality healthcare in a convenient location with professional and compassionate staff. Our area residents have much to celebrate on National Rural Health Day.”

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