Nov29

HaysMed Pharmacist Earns Board Certification as an Oncology Pharmacist

Hays, KS – Kathy Reed, PharmD at HaysMed, recently earned her Board Certification as an Oncology Pharmacist, BCOP, from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS), the premier post-license certification organization serving the pharmacy profession. She is 1 of only 44 pharmacists in Kansas that have this certification.

BPS Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) have the advanced knowledge and expertise to deal with an increasing number and complexity of drug therapies for treating and preventing cancer and managing cancer-related and drug-related adverse events or clinical situations not encountered in other disease states. BCOP can optimize outcomes for patients with malignant diseases by:

recommending, designing, implementing, monitoring and modifying pharmacotherapeutic plans
reducing medication errors
recognizing and responding to adverse physical and emotional issues that may arise during treatment and when providing education and counseling.

Reed joins Shawn Giess, PharmD, also a BCOP, providing care for patients in the Dreiling-Schmidt Cancer Institute. Obtaining and maintaining this certification reflects a dedication to provide optimal care for patients.

Nov28

00

HaysMed Unveils the Most Up-to-Date MRI Technology in the Region

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Imaging,Orthopedic Institute News

Hays, KS – The latest in MRI scanning is now available at HaysMed. The GE Signa Artist 70 cm bore was installed over a two-month period and began operating in late October. HaysMed is the first in Western Kansas to offer patients this leading-edge technology.

The equipment combines the latest advancement in MRI with sophisticated engineering of a 1.5T wide bore system. The wide bore system is more spacious providing more head room with plenty of space between the machine and your body even for larger patients. Many people who are claustrophobic and feel uncomfortable in traditional MRI machines feel much more comfortable in the wide bore machine.

“It is truly a versatile system built with the patient in mind.” Said Lisa Dinkel, Director of Imaging. “It redefines the imaging experience with feet-first comfort options and scan capabilities that continue to push the conventional limits of MRI.”

New features include shorter scan times, less noise for a quieter environment, a more comfortable bed and improved sharpness and detail in the finished images. The HaysMed Foundation purchased a new Cinema Vision system which new features such as Roku TV, streaming music and Bluetooth pairing for patients’ entertainment during certain MRI exams.

MRI uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body, helping providers diagnose disease and injury and begin the most effective course of treatment. MRI is the gold standard, particularly for investigating conditions that affect soft tissue.

The new MRI enhances the ability to diagnose and begin treatment on breast and prostate cancer earlier. Diffusion technology improves the accuracy of identifying acute ischemic brain lesions in patients who experienced a stroke.

The new system also features magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) vascular imaging which gives the ability to specifically look at the body’s blood vessels and is used to diagnose and evaluate conditions such as aneurysms. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) that can incorporate IV contrast dye to visualize the veins is also a component of the new MRI. MRV assesses blood flow and detects detrimental abnormalities such as blood clots. Additional conditions this imaging technique could uncover are structural vein abnormalities, blood flow issues in the brain, and deep thrombosis in the veins.

In addition to the new system at the hospital, the MRI at Hays Orthopedic Institute has been upgraded with new advanced features that will enhance images and allow for faster scan times.

“This all an investment in our community,” Dinkel said. “The new state-of-the-art MRI machine will make it easier for people to get high-quality scans close to home and get their results faster. Ensuring that our patients have access to high-quality medical imaging is essential to getting people the care they need when they need it.”

Nov28

00

HaysMed Opens Pain Center

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News

HaysMed Opens Pain Center

Hays, KS – HaysMed has recently opened a Pain Center. Dr. Keith Green, Anesthesiologist will be providing services in a clinic located at 2500 Canterbury, Suite 206. While Green has been providing pain management for over 25 years in the hospital setting this will be the first time that a dedicated clinic area will be utilized.

“Dr. Green is very well known in Hays and the surrounding area” said Bryan Brady, Vice President of Physician Practice Administration and Ancillary Services. “We are excited to expand the availability of pain control for patients in western Kansas.”

Services provided for interventional pain management include trigger point injections, nerve blocks, ablations, kyphoplasty, spinal column stimulator and epidural steroid injections.

Conditions that Green will treat are baclofen pump management for spasticity disorders, neurolytic blocks for cancer associated pain, chronic pain, cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy and complex regional pain syndrome.

Green also conducts an outreach clinic at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) on a regular basis.

As an anesthesiologist Green can offer a higher level of solutions for complex pain management.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Green’s expertise in the area of pain management.” Noted Brady. “There are many people who can benefit from these specialized services offered at both HaysMed and PVCH.”

To schedule an appointment in Hays call 785-623-5940. Appointments at PVCH can be made by calling 620-285-8870.

Nov10

00

HaysMed Offers Cementless Total Knee Replacement

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

HAYS, Kansas – Hays, Kansas – HaysMed now provides cementless total knee replacements in appropriate patients. Fellowship trained and board-certified joint replacement orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Oluwaseun Akinbo MD, has recently incorporated this newer mode of implanting knee replacement components to his practice.

The cementless knee replacement surgery is an option for anyone that is a candidate for total knee replacement and without significant osteoporosis/osteopenia. It is especially beneficial for younger patients as it allows biologic ingrowth, decreasing the risk of loosening.

Cementless total knee replacement can also be aided with the use of real time computer navigation system. This ensures improved precision with implant positioning and restoration of appropriate ligament balance to the knee, said Akinbo.

When your knee replacement components are well aligned and positioned, it decreases the risk of some complications like instability, loosening, and excessive wear. “Computer navigated knee replacement is one of the most technologically advanced methods of performing your knee replacement today. The longevity of your knee replacement is dependent upon a degree of precision that computer navigation affords.” Added Akinbo.

With this, HaysMed continues to add to its suite of modern and less invasive total joint replacement options for patients to include patient specific shoulder replacement, direct anterior hip replacement with computer navigation, and minimally/less invasive posterior hip replacement. “Our offerings rival the best that can be offered to our patients in the country and certainly in the state of Kansas.” Added Akinbo.

To make an appointment go to https://www.haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute/ or call 785-261-7599.

Nov9

00

HaysMed Celebrates Forensic Nurses Week

By Gayla Wichman - Emergency Department News,HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays, KS – HaysMed is celebrating Forensic Nurses Week (November 6-12, 2022). Forensic Nurses Week is designated to recognize the dedicated nurses who provide exceptional care to patients impacted by violence, abuse, and trauma.

Forensic nurses have the knowledge and expertise to decrease the healthcare consequences of violence, improve patient recovery and lower healthcare costs. As the fastest growing nursing specialty, forensic nursing serves to ensure that patients who are affected by violence receive expert, compassionate, and comprehensive care.

HaysMed is proud to have a team of six specially trained forensic nurses to serve Ellis County and surrounding communities. The Forensic Program provides a vital resource to ensure patients impacted by violence receive the specialized care they deserve. In 2021, HaysMed added 2 new nurses to their team and provided care to over 80 patients.

Communities that promote forensic nursing arm themselves with the vital resources to combat the short- and long- term health consequences of violence and abuse, launch effective prevention efforts, and ensure the administration of justice.

To learn more about HaysMed Forensic Nurses please contact Cammie Townley at cammie.townley@haysmed.com

Oct27

00

HaysMed Nurse Recognized with Daisy Award

By Gayla Wichman - Daisy Award Winner,HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays, KS –Anna Partida, RN, Special Nursing Services, was recently recognized as a Daisy Award winner at HaysMed. This award is presented to a nurse in deep appreciation of all that they do, who they are, and the incredible meaningful difference that they have made in the lives of so many people. Bowers was nominated by a patient’s family member.

Partida was selected from a group of blinded nominations voted on by the HaysMed Practice Committee. The Practice Committee consists of nursing staff, supervisors, and directors from HaysMed. Nominations are received from patients and family members, physicians, volunteers, and Associates for nurses in inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings.

“We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Terry Siek, VP of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at HaysMed. “Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides another way for us to do that.”

The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. HaysMed is proud to be a DAISY Award Hospital Partner, recognizing one of our nurses with this special honor every quarter.

To nominate a HaysMed nurse for the DAISY Award online, go to www.haysmed.com/daisyaward. If you have questions, you can call 785.623.2365.

Oct12

00

Recommendations for getting your first screening mammogram

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,HaysMed News

HAYS, KS – Mammograms help save lives by detecting breast cancer early. They can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%.

HaysMed, along with the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend women get an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40 or earlier if you are having symptoms or have a family history.

Your first mammogram is your baseline mammogram. It establishes what is normal for your breasts and then future mammograms can be compared to your baseline to look for changes.

Even though most patients are aware of the benefits of a mammogram, they may still be nervous about getting one. Breast Care Navigator Sarah Fischer says most patients are “pleasantly surprised” after getting their first mammogram. “They find it wasn’t near as uncomfortable as they had worried it might be,” she added.

Preparing for a mammogram

Before a mammogram, patients should avoid deodorant or powder. If you have any breast tenderness, you may want to consider scheduling your appointment during a time of the month when they are less tender.

What should patients expect during the mammogram?

The receptionist greets the patient before the patient goes to a changing area. You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a special gown that opens in the front. You will then step into the exam room. You and the female mammography technologist will be the only ones in the room.

The technologist will then place your breast on a platform and apply compression before taking at least two images of each breast.

“We always go slow and check to make sure they are doing OK,” said mammography supervisor Leah Rhoades “Compression is essential in order to obtain the high-quality images that detect early cancers. The mammogram should feel “tight but tolerable.”

HaysMed uses 3D imaging of the breast which can detect finer details of the breast itself. While your breast is compressed the x-ray arm makes a quick arc over the breast taking a series of images at several angles. It takes approximately 10-15 seconds to acquire each image.

The entire process from the time you arrive to when you leave is between 10 and 20 minutes.

After the mammogram

You will be taken back to your dressing room where you can change your clothes, and then you are free to leave.

A radiologist will review your mammogram and issue a report to your provider.

Results will be available in your Meditech MHealth Patient Portal and mailed to you within 24-48 hours. At the end of each report, there is an assessment and recommendation.

We have several ways you can schedule a mammogram.

You can call 785-623-6565
If you have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can log in and schedule an appointment. https://rb.gy/cfjfhj
If you don’t have a Meditech MHealth patient portal account, you can create one and then schedule your mammogram.
https://rb.gy/cfjfhj

If you have questions about mammograms, please call the Breast Care Center at 623-5114, talk with your healthcare provider or go to haysmed.com/breastcarecenter.

Oct10

00

HaysMed Physician Named Preceptor of the Year

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,OB-GYN

Hays, KS – Dr. Joel Fort, Obstetrician/Gynecologist was recently named the 2022 Physician Preceptor of the Year by Wichita State University College of Health Professions, Department of Physician Assistant.

The Physician Assistant program at Wichita State relies on providers who serve as clinical rotation preceptors and mentors for their students. The students work closely with preceptors, progressively developing the skills and clinical judgment needed to become practicing PAs. Preceptors play a vital role in the education of students and mentoring future colleagues.

Dr. Fort is a newer perception for the program but has quickly made an impact on students.

“He put the utmost effort, care, and time into my clinical education experience in the time I spent with him, even going as far as to purchase our OB/GYN book and highlight it beforehand with things he felt most important that I know.” Commented a student. “ He invested time during his one afternoon off a week to sit down and go through topics with me, rather than spending time to catch up on things he needed to do himself. He trusted me to first assist in surgery, and I felt my skills improved so much in my time with him. He truly cares about his students.”

Dr. Fort has been with HaysMed since 1999 and practices in the Women’s Clinic.

Oct10

00

HaysMed Welcomes New Providers

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Orthopedic Institute News

HAYS, KS – HaysMed recently welcomed three new providers to the medical staff.

Sam Elzay, PA and Ethan Fort, PA both began seeing patients at the Orthopedic Institute.

Elzay has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotions from the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. He has a Masters of Public Health and Physician Assistant Studies, from Campbell University College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Buies Creek, North Carolina. Elzay will be working with Dr. Tim Wright, Orthopedic Surgeon.

Fort received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. He has a Masters of Physician Assistant from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.

Fort, a Hays native, will be assisting Dr. Max DeCarvalho, Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon.

Appointments can be made by calling 785-261-7699 or going to haysmed.com/orthopedic-institute.

Christy Moeder, APRN joined the Convenient Care Clinic. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University and a Master’s degree from The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.

Oct10

00

HaysMed Nurses Receive Certification

By Kyle Wisehart - HaysMed News,Nursing News

Hays, KS -Branson Sandoval and Jared VonFeldt, both critical care nurses in HaysMed’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), recently received certification as Critical Care Registered Nurses (CCRN) from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

CCRN certification is awarded to critical care nurses who have completed a strenuous exam process assessing their knowledge base and who also meet the eligibility requirements for hours of clinical practice in care of acutely and/or critically ill patients.

“Healthcare is becoming more complex,” said Sandy Gottschalk, Director of Professional Development at HaysMed. “It has become increasingly vital to assure our patients that healthcare professionals are highly skilled and competent. Receiving this certification validates a nurse’s mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities. Everyone in the healthcare equation – patients and families, employers and nurses – all benefit from CCRN certification as it is a mark of excellence.”