Tri Valley Health System adds Telestroke/Acute Neurology Services
Tri Valley Health System is expanding services, providing local, around-the- clock treatment for stroke patients through telemedicine. Telestroke/Acute Neurology services will be available for patients starting Monday, August 8.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke hits someone in the United States every 40 seconds, and early action is critical. Patients who receive appropriate care within three hours have a greater survival rate. They also suffer from less disability – such as loss of mobility – three months after the stroke than those who received delayed care.
“This cooperative program will be a great benefit to stroke patients because timing is critical, when you are in a rural area, every second counts for treatments as there is a certain window of time in which we can activate treatments to improve blood flow to the brain. Plus, with telemedicine specialists at our side, we can rely on care that would be diminished if we had to transport to a larger hospital,” explains Tri Valley Health System Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan.
The expansion of telemedicine services allows Tri Valley Health System to provide around-the-clock affordable, convenient, and trusted neurology and stroke care. “Our specialists are available right in the patient’s room when they’re most needed,” says Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine President and CEO Brian J. Bossard, MD. “Patients at Tri Valley Health System can receive the same state-of- the-art care as someone in Lincoln or Omaha, because they have immediate access to some of the top specialists in the country.”
Jordan would also like to remind people that understanding the signs of stroke is the first step to getting the treatment they need. Remembering to act F.A.S.T. can help them reduce the effects of stroke to the brain. “F.A.S.T. is Face. Arms. Speech. Time,” says Jordan. “If you notice someone’s face droop on one side, one arm drifting downward, or slurred speech, that means it’s time to dial 911 and get to the emergency room right away. At Tri Valley Health System we are now even more prepared to provide comprehensive care through our ER staff and telemedicine specialists.”
Learn more about the services Tri Valley Health System offers at www.trivalleyhealth.com or call us at 308-697-3329.
Tri Valley Health System is expanding services, providing local, around-the- clock treatment for stroke patients through telemedicine. Telestroke/Acute Neurology services will be available for patients starting Monday, August 8.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a stroke hits someone in the United States every 40 seconds, and early action is critical. Patients who receive appropriate care within three hours have a greater survival rate. They also suffer from less disability – such as loss of mobility – three months after the stroke than those who received delayed care.
“This cooperative program will be a great benefit to stroke patients because timing is critical, when you are in a rural area, every second counts for treatments as there is a certain window of time in which we can activate treatments to improve blood flow to the brain. Plus, with telemedicine specialists at our side, we can rely on care that would be diminished if we had to transport to a larger hospital,” explains Tri Valley Health System Chief Nursing Officer Clay Jordan.
The expansion of telemedicine services allows Tri Valley Health System to provide around-the-clock affordable, convenient, and trusted neurology and stroke care. “Our specialists are available right in the patient’s room when they’re most needed,” says Teledigm Health and Bryan Telemedicine President and CEO Brian J. Bossard, MD. “Patients at Tri Valley Health System can receive the same state-of- the-art care as someone in Lincoln or Omaha, because they have immediate access to some of the top specialists in the country.”
Jordan would also like to remind people that understanding the signs of stroke is the first step to getting the treatment they need. Remembering to act F.A.S.T. can help them reduce the effects of stroke to the brain. “F.A.S.T. is Face. Arms. Speech. Time,” says Jordan. “If you notice someone’s face droop on one side, one arm drifting downward, or slurred speech, that means it’s time to dial 911 and get to the emergency room right away. At Tri Valley Health System we are now even more prepared to provide comprehensive care through our ER staff and telemedicine specialists.”
Learn more about the services Tri Valley Health System offers at www.trivalleyhealth.com or call us at 308-697-3329.
Tri Valley Health System awarded American Heart Association grant for rural stroke care
The American Heart Association awarded two $42,500 grants to organizations with ideas to improve and advance care for rural stroke patients in Nebraska during it’s Nebraska Mission: Lifeline Stroke Advancing Stroke Care Summit on May 4. The 2022 Grant Winners are:
The Advancing Stroke Care Summit brought together stakeholders in stroke care from across the state to have collaborative discussions and foster relationships that will benefit the Nebraska Stroke Care system and drive much-needed resources towards advancements in rural stroke care.
“Rural stroke care needs innovation and evolution, and the Rural Stroke Grant is the first step,” said Beth Malina, Director of Quality and System Improvement and Mission: Lifeline Stroke Nebraska for the American Heart Association. “Through this summit, the American Heart Association brought together great thinkers in the world of science, industry, academia and investment to drive the next phase of stroke rehabilitation and outcome improvement in rural Nebraska.”
In addition to the two winning grant proposals, attendees at the Summit heard from three other worthy grant applicants, including:
For more information on grant applicants and winners, visit www.heart.org/NEStrokeGrant.
The American Heart Association awarded two $42,500 grants to organizations with ideas to improve and advance care for rural stroke patients in Nebraska during it’s Nebraska Mission: Lifeline Stroke Advancing Stroke Care Summit on May 4. The 2022 Grant Winners are:
- Nebraska Stroke Association: Nebraska Stroke Association will develop and facilitate Nebraska-centered virtual support groups for both stroke survivors and their caregivers. To assure quality, NSA will have experts in the various topic areas available at the support groups to provide accurate and timely information. To achieve this mission, NSA has begun developing a stroke survivor registry so that stroke survivors and their caregivers are aware of stroke-related resources, including this support group.
- Cambridge Memorial Hospital: Cambridge Memorial hospital is in a rural southwest Nebraska community. They recognize that in the acute phase of caring for a stroke patient it can take hours to contact a Neurologist. With use of grant funds, Cambridge Memorial Hospital will implement the Acute Neurology and Stroke program through a partnership with Bryan Telemedicine. This will include engagement of the staff, education and IT support as they work to implement this project. The patients in southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas with potential neurological issues will benefit greatly from this program, as they will be able to get the care they need when they need it.
The Advancing Stroke Care Summit brought together stakeholders in stroke care from across the state to have collaborative discussions and foster relationships that will benefit the Nebraska Stroke Care system and drive much-needed resources towards advancements in rural stroke care.
“Rural stroke care needs innovation and evolution, and the Rural Stroke Grant is the first step,” said Beth Malina, Director of Quality and System Improvement and Mission: Lifeline Stroke Nebraska for the American Heart Association. “Through this summit, the American Heart Association brought together great thinkers in the world of science, industry, academia and investment to drive the next phase of stroke rehabilitation and outcome improvement in rural Nebraska.”
In addition to the two winning grant proposals, attendees at the Summit heard from three other worthy grant applicants, including:
- Mary Lanning Healthcare: The Mary Lanning Healthcare stroke program submitted a grant to expand their existing multi-disciplinary outpatient stroke clinic model to coordinate tele-health follow-up appointments with area providers, clinics, and long-term care facilities, while providing support to outpatient rehab services for stroke patients.
- University of Nebraska Speech and Language Department: Two new technologies, GALILEO Somatosensory system and ForceWIN, developed at the University of Nebraska, aim to apply the principle of repetitive somatosensory stimulation to improve fine motor control in patients that have a had a stroke. These technologies would involve daily 30-minute stimulation sessions of the affected hand/face for 10 days.
- CHI Health of Nebraska: Evidence has shown that early thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke improves patient outcomes. To expedite treatment of stroke going straight from the ambulance to the cat scan is best practice. In doing this there are challenges in obtaining accurate patient weights. CHI Health was seeking funding that would allow them to put patient transfer scales in their hospitals from Omaha to Grant Island. These patient transfer scales would be utilized as the patient is moved from the EMS stretcher to the cat scan machine, thus allowing them to get accurate weights need for appropriate treatment.
For more information on grant applicants and winners, visit www.heart.org/NEStrokeGrant.
Livingston wins DAISY Award
Tri Valley Health System would like to congratulate DAISY nominee Kinsley Pearson and DAISY award winner Taylor Livingston. The DAISY award recognizes nurses that provide extraordinary care for patients and families. Taylor's nomination letter from a patient's family read "My mom had a stroke on 4/5/2022. And Taylor Livingston was one of the nurses helping my parents. It's was a very traumatic experience obviously for my mom, but for my dad as well being the only person there for her at the time. We've know Taylor all our lives, and she is one of the nicest people in the world. She went out of her way to show my dad that she would help in any way possible and be there if needed. She is an amazing person, and an absolutely exceptional nurse. She helped so much in such a trying time. She deserves all the love and praise possible. Thank you so much Taylor, you have no idea just how grateful we are for you." Tri Valley Health System would like to thank the nominator who nominated Taylor; this award does not happen unless people take the time to submit a nomination story. Congratulations Kinsley and Taylor!
Tri Valley Health System would like to congratulate DAISY nominee Kinsley Pearson and DAISY award winner Taylor Livingston. The DAISY award recognizes nurses that provide extraordinary care for patients and families. Taylor's nomination letter from a patient's family read "My mom had a stroke on 4/5/2022. And Taylor Livingston was one of the nurses helping my parents. It's was a very traumatic experience obviously for my mom, but for my dad as well being the only person there for her at the time. We've know Taylor all our lives, and she is one of the nicest people in the world. She went out of her way to show my dad that she would help in any way possible and be there if needed. She is an amazing person, and an absolutely exceptional nurse. She helped so much in such a trying time. She deserves all the love and praise possible. Thank you so much Taylor, you have no idea just how grateful we are for you." Tri Valley Health System would like to thank the nominator who nominated Taylor; this award does not happen unless people take the time to submit a nomination story. Congratulations Kinsley and Taylor!
Tri Valley Health System begins medication safety initiative
Tri Valley Health System has started a medication safety initiative to ensure patients are safely taking the correct prescribed and over the counter medications. Tri Valley Health System will be giving out medication bags at rural health clinic appointments. Tri Valley Health System will be educating patients about bringing in all of their medications to their appointments.
Tri Valley Health System wants to ensure that we have a correct list of all the medications that you take, including the dosage and instructions for use and to help you understand why and how to take your medications. Prescription and over the counter medications are used frequently to treat thousands of unique health issues, but many times, patients are not openly communicating with their primary care provider about all the medications they are taking. Patients may assume that their primary care doctor is aware of medications prescribed by specialists or other providers, but that is not always the case. Therefore, it is vital that patients bring in their medication bottles or have a detailed, accurate list of all medications they are taking.
Your pharmacist is our medication ally. Your pharmacist can be a helpful resource for patients who have questions or concerns about medications they are prescribed or may be purchasing.
This initiative will help to ensure that you and your primary care provider have a good understanding and that your health needs are being addressed in the best possible way.
Tri Valley Health System has started a medication safety initiative to ensure patients are safely taking the correct prescribed and over the counter medications. Tri Valley Health System will be giving out medication bags at rural health clinic appointments. Tri Valley Health System will be educating patients about bringing in all of their medications to their appointments.
Tri Valley Health System wants to ensure that we have a correct list of all the medications that you take, including the dosage and instructions for use and to help you understand why and how to take your medications. Prescription and over the counter medications are used frequently to treat thousands of unique health issues, but many times, patients are not openly communicating with their primary care provider about all the medications they are taking. Patients may assume that their primary care doctor is aware of medications prescribed by specialists or other providers, but that is not always the case. Therefore, it is vital that patients bring in their medication bottles or have a detailed, accurate list of all medications they are taking.
Your pharmacist is our medication ally. Your pharmacist can be a helpful resource for patients who have questions or concerns about medications they are prescribed or may be purchasing.
This initiative will help to ensure that you and your primary care provider have a good understanding and that your health needs are being addressed in the best possible way.
Tri Valley Health System schedules four area health fairs
Tri Valley Health System will be offering four area health fairs this summer. They will be held June 17, 2022 from 7-9 a.m. at the Cambridge Community Building, July 1 from 7-9 a.m. at the Ella Missing Center in Arapahoe, July 15 from 7-9 a.m. at the Beaver City Community Building, and August 12 from 7-9 a.m. at the St. Catherine's Parish Hall in Indianola. Tests included will be the complete blood count, prostate specific antigen test, hemoglobin A1C test, and thyroid stimulating hormone screening. There is no need to pre-register for the health fairs. For any more questions call 308-697-3329 or email info@trivalleyhealth.com.
Tri Valley Health System will be offering four area health fairs this summer. They will be held June 17, 2022 from 7-9 a.m. at the Cambridge Community Building, July 1 from 7-9 a.m. at the Ella Missing Center in Arapahoe, July 15 from 7-9 a.m. at the Beaver City Community Building, and August 12 from 7-9 a.m. at the St. Catherine's Parish Hall in Indianola. Tests included will be the complete blood count, prostate specific antigen test, hemoglobin A1C test, and thyroid stimulating hormone screening. There is no need to pre-register for the health fairs. For any more questions call 308-697-3329 or email info@trivalleyhealth.com.
Tri Valley Health System welcomes Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Carr
Tri Valley Health System would like to welcome orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Carr. Dr. Carr is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in disorders of the shoulder, hip, and knee. Procedures he performs include joint replacement, advanced arthroscopic reconstruction surgery, and fracture management. Dr. Carr received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School and completed his surgical residency in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University of Illinois. Prior to practicing in Denver, he was team physician for both professional and high school sports teams. In 2014, Dr. Carr was awarded the Vernon L. Nickel Research Award from the Orthopedic Research Association. When he is not in the office, he enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife, two children, and great dane. Dr. Carr will begin seeing patients at Tri Valley Health System on May 9 and will be here on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carr call 308-697-1172.
Tri Valley Health System would like to welcome orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Carr. Dr. Carr is a board-certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in disorders of the shoulder, hip, and knee. Procedures he performs include joint replacement, advanced arthroscopic reconstruction surgery, and fracture management. Dr. Carr received his medical degree from Chicago Medical School and completed his surgical residency in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at University of Illinois. Prior to practicing in Denver, he was team physician for both professional and high school sports teams. In 2014, Dr. Carr was awarded the Vernon L. Nickel Research Award from the Orthopedic Research Association. When he is not in the office, he enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with his wife, two children, and great dane. Dr. Carr will begin seeing patients at Tri Valley Health System on May 9 and will be here on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carr call 308-697-1172.
Tri Valley Health System welcomes Pulmonologist Provider Melissa Hoferer
Melissa Hoferer, APRN from CHI Health Clinic Pulmonary Medicine is providing pulmonary medicine at Tri Valley Health System starting on April 26. Melissa has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat respiratory concerns and will provide patients a customized treatment plan. Melissa specializes in bronchoscopy, asthma, chronic cough, difficulty breathing, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, bronchoscopic and pleural interventions, pulmonary function test, and pulmonary hypertension. Melissa will be here one day a month. Call 308-697-1172 to schedule an appointment.
Melissa Hoferer, APRN from CHI Health Clinic Pulmonary Medicine is providing pulmonary medicine at Tri Valley Health System starting on April 26. Melissa has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat respiratory concerns and will provide patients a customized treatment plan. Melissa specializes in bronchoscopy, asthma, chronic cough, difficulty breathing, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pleural effusion, interstitial lung disease, bronchoscopic and pleural interventions, pulmonary function test, and pulmonary hypertension. Melissa will be here one day a month. Call 308-697-1172 to schedule an appointment.
Tri Valley Health System welcomes Urologist Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz
Tri Valley Health System welcomes urologist Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz
Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz is a fellowship-trained, board certified Urologic surgeon who will see male and female patients at Tri Valley Health System on the first and third Fridays of the month. Dr. Santa-Cruz specializes in minimally invasive techniques that treat male and female urologic cancers, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Santa-Cruz received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Urologic Surgery from Duke University Medical Center and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology & Laprascopy from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Santa-Cruz is a 20 year plus member of the American Urology Association and the Society of Robotic Surgery.
Tri Valley Health System welcomes urologist Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz
Dr. Robert Santa-Cruz is a fellowship-trained, board certified Urologic surgeon who will see male and female patients at Tri Valley Health System on the first and third Fridays of the month. Dr. Santa-Cruz specializes in minimally invasive techniques that treat male and female urologic cancers, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Santa-Cruz received his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Urologic Surgery from Duke University Medical Center and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology & Laprascopy from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Santa-Cruz is a 20 year plus member of the American Urology Association and the Society of Robotic Surgery.
Tri Valley Health System re-designated as Basic Level Trauma Center
Tri Valley Health System is pleased to announce that the hospital was re-designated as a Basic Level Trauma Center by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Tri Valley Health System completed a survey in November and is fulfilling the current standards related to the Basic Level Trauma Designation.
The Nebraska Statewide Trauma System offers a well-coordinated system to provide appropriate and adequate trauma care. The system offers optimal care for trauma patients, conducts trauma prevention activities, prevents unnecessary death and disability from trauma, and reduces costs. Fifty-one hospitals in Nebraska are trauma designated.
Tri Valley Health System has demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center. It provides evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients. Elements of Basic Level Trauma Centers include:
Tri Valley Health System is pleased to announce that the hospital was re-designated as a Basic Level Trauma Center by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Tri Valley Health System completed a survey in November and is fulfilling the current standards related to the Basic Level Trauma Designation.
The Nebraska Statewide Trauma System offers a well-coordinated system to provide appropriate and adequate trauma care. The system offers optimal care for trauma patients, conducts trauma prevention activities, prevents unnecessary death and disability from trauma, and reduces costs. Fifty-one hospitals in Nebraska are trauma designated.
Tri Valley Health System has demonstrated an ability to provide advanced trauma life support (ATLS) prior to transfer of patients to a higher-level trauma center. It provides evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic capabilities for injured patients. Elements of Basic Level Trauma Centers include:
- Basic emergency department facilities to implement ATLS protocols and 24-hour laboratory coverage. Available trauma nurse(s) and physicians available upon patient arrival.
- May provide surgery and critical-care services if available.
- Has developed transfer agreements for patients requiring more comprehensive care at a Level I or Level II Trauma Center.
- Incorporates a comprehensive quality assessment program.
- Involved with prevention efforts and must have an active outreach program for its referring communities.
- Greater benefits to the community as we can treat more trauma patients.
- Better education – part of being a trauma center is educating the community on safety and how to avoid trauma.
- Better care for our patients as we have benchmarks that must be met in order to improve patient outcomes.
Tri Valley Health System has positive impact on the area economy
Tri Valley Health System does more than provide health care services to the area. Tri Valley Health System also has a positive economic impact on the overall fiscal health of the area. Through a combination of traditional health care services, fitness and wellness programs, telehealth technology, and community partnerships, Tri Valley Health System’s commitment to health extends far beyond the hospital walls.
A study conducted by Heartland Health Alliance that utilized 2019 Tri Valley Health System data showed that Tri Valley Health System creates 132.4 direct jobs, creates $22,196,379 in direct revenue, and directly generates $256,164 in state or local taxes. After taking into consideration indirect impact and induced impact, the total impact that Tri Valley Health System creates is 264.2 jobs, $42,972,159 in revenue, and $2,419.984 in state or local taxes.
"Tri Valley Health System is one of the largest employers in the area. We offer great employment opportunities with benefits. We also recruit professionals to live, raise families, and spend money in our communities. Tri Valley Health System is extremely proud to be able to support the area’s economy in such a positive way. We also recognize the fact that a thriving economy takes an entire effort among individuals and businesses; Tri Valley Health System only thrives with the support of everyone," said Jessica Fisher, Tri Valley Health System CEO.
Tri Valley Health System does more than provide health care services to the area. Tri Valley Health System also has a positive economic impact on the overall fiscal health of the area. Through a combination of traditional health care services, fitness and wellness programs, telehealth technology, and community partnerships, Tri Valley Health System’s commitment to health extends far beyond the hospital walls.
A study conducted by Heartland Health Alliance that utilized 2019 Tri Valley Health System data showed that Tri Valley Health System creates 132.4 direct jobs, creates $22,196,379 in direct revenue, and directly generates $256,164 in state or local taxes. After taking into consideration indirect impact and induced impact, the total impact that Tri Valley Health System creates is 264.2 jobs, $42,972,159 in revenue, and $2,419.984 in state or local taxes.
"Tri Valley Health System is one of the largest employers in the area. We offer great employment opportunities with benefits. We also recruit professionals to live, raise families, and spend money in our communities. Tri Valley Health System is extremely proud to be able to support the area’s economy in such a positive way. We also recognize the fact that a thriving economy takes an entire effort among individuals and businesses; Tri Valley Health System only thrives with the support of everyone," said Jessica Fisher, Tri Valley Health System CEO.
Tri Valley Health System offers a new approach to hip replacement with Dr. Chris Wilkinson
The Conformis Hip System, introduced in July 2018, is the only primary total hip replacement system on the market designed with 3D imaging technology to provide a stem and acetabular cup size that matches each patient’s specific anatomy. The implant system includes a single-piece stem with patient-specific neck, acetabular cup, iPoly XE® (highly crosslinked vitamin-e infused UHMWPE) polyethylene liner, and a choice of ceramic or cobalt chrome femoral head. 3D imaging technology is also used to create a pre-surgical plan, which accompanies a set of disposable patient-specific 3D printed jigs, to aid in implant positioning. Dr. Chris Wilkinson is able to perform this revolutionary hip replacement procedure at Tri Valley Health System. This system is also available for knee replacements as well. For more information on Conformis joint replacements at Tri Valley Health System call 308-697-1172.
The Conformis Hip System, introduced in July 2018, is the only primary total hip replacement system on the market designed with 3D imaging technology to provide a stem and acetabular cup size that matches each patient’s specific anatomy. The implant system includes a single-piece stem with patient-specific neck, acetabular cup, iPoly XE® (highly crosslinked vitamin-e infused UHMWPE) polyethylene liner, and a choice of ceramic or cobalt chrome femoral head. 3D imaging technology is also used to create a pre-surgical plan, which accompanies a set of disposable patient-specific 3D printed jigs, to aid in implant positioning. Dr. Chris Wilkinson is able to perform this revolutionary hip replacement procedure at Tri Valley Health System. This system is also available for knee replacements as well. For more information on Conformis joint replacements at Tri Valley Health System call 308-697-1172.
Tri Valley Health System offers cataract surgery with Dr. Thomas Clinch
Beginning in February, Dr. Thomas Clinch will begin offering cataract surgery at Tri Valley Health System. Tri Valley Health System CEO Jessica Fisher said, "We are extremely excited to be offering this line of service to our patients are are looking forward to partnering with Dr. Clinch and his team." Patients can schedule an appointment at 308-865-2760.
Beginning in February, Dr. Thomas Clinch will begin offering cataract surgery at Tri Valley Health System. Tri Valley Health System CEO Jessica Fisher said, "We are extremely excited to be offering this line of service to our patients are are looking forward to partnering with Dr. Clinch and his team." Patients can schedule an appointment at 308-865-2760.
Tri Valley Health System provides non-invasive treatment for kidney stones
Tri Valley Health System Specialist Dr. Kenneth McCalla is providing lithotripsy, a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. The non-invasive procedure, called shockwave lithotripsy, utilizes a special device called a lithotripter that generates controlled pressure waves or “shockwaves” outside of the body. Patients are carefully positioned on the lithotripter’s table so the shockwaves can be precisely directed at the patient’s kidney stones. Over the course of treatment the stones crumble to sand size pieces and these are eliminated naturally through the urine. A shockwave lithotripsy procedure for a single stone may take up to an hour and is performed by a urologist in the operating room under anesthesia. For most patients the procedure is done as an outpatient.
Tri Valley Health System CEO Jessica Fisher says that “Tri Valley is very excited to be able to offer this innovative procedure for our patients for what can be one of the most painful conditions a person may experience. In the past patients have had to travel to larger medical centers if they wanted to have the lithotripsy treatment. This offers a new level of convenience and service to our community. This became possible with the recent addition of urologist Dr. Kenneth McCalla to our staff.”
This modern medical procedure comes to Tri Valley through the services of Roseville, Minnesota based Midwest Stone Management. The company brings a portable lithotripter and a highly skilled technologist to assist the doctor on a regular schedule to the hospital. Patients are evaluated for their kidney stones by their urologist and if they are appropriate candidates for the procedure they are scheduled to be treated on the next available visit.
Midwest Stone Management’s medical director, Dr. Roland R. Ugarte, says this treatment has been available in the United States since 1984. The company began in 1986 and since then has treated over 120,000 patients at hospitals and surgery centers in seven upper Midwestern states. He says this procedure is very well tolerated by most patients and is a standard procedure offered to appropriate candidates. Other procedures are available but have a greater level of invasiveness making lithotripsy one of the first choices for treating kidney stones.
Kidney stones are one of the most common urologic ailments, affecting 1 out of every 20 people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health. There are different types of stones and the causes can vary from patient to patient. For this reason a kidney stone patient may need to have an evaluation as to why they are forming stones, particularly if it is a recurrent problem. Dietary changes and other treatment recommendations may be suggested for the prevention of future kidney stones. Urologists specialize in this type of analysis and now this is available in the Tri Valley Health System service area adding a new level of convenience for local residents.
For more information about shockwave lithotripsy and other urologic services available at Tri Valley Health System please contact us at 308-697-3329.
Tri Valley Health System Specialist Dr. Kenneth McCalla is providing lithotripsy, a non-invasive treatment for kidney stones. The non-invasive procedure, called shockwave lithotripsy, utilizes a special device called a lithotripter that generates controlled pressure waves or “shockwaves” outside of the body. Patients are carefully positioned on the lithotripter’s table so the shockwaves can be precisely directed at the patient’s kidney stones. Over the course of treatment the stones crumble to sand size pieces and these are eliminated naturally through the urine. A shockwave lithotripsy procedure for a single stone may take up to an hour and is performed by a urologist in the operating room under anesthesia. For most patients the procedure is done as an outpatient.
Tri Valley Health System CEO Jessica Fisher says that “Tri Valley is very excited to be able to offer this innovative procedure for our patients for what can be one of the most painful conditions a person may experience. In the past patients have had to travel to larger medical centers if they wanted to have the lithotripsy treatment. This offers a new level of convenience and service to our community. This became possible with the recent addition of urologist Dr. Kenneth McCalla to our staff.”
This modern medical procedure comes to Tri Valley through the services of Roseville, Minnesota based Midwest Stone Management. The company brings a portable lithotripter and a highly skilled technologist to assist the doctor on a regular schedule to the hospital. Patients are evaluated for their kidney stones by their urologist and if they are appropriate candidates for the procedure they are scheduled to be treated on the next available visit.
Midwest Stone Management’s medical director, Dr. Roland R. Ugarte, says this treatment has been available in the United States since 1984. The company began in 1986 and since then has treated over 120,000 patients at hospitals and surgery centers in seven upper Midwestern states. He says this procedure is very well tolerated by most patients and is a standard procedure offered to appropriate candidates. Other procedures are available but have a greater level of invasiveness making lithotripsy one of the first choices for treating kidney stones.
Kidney stones are one of the most common urologic ailments, affecting 1 out of every 20 people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health. There are different types of stones and the causes can vary from patient to patient. For this reason a kidney stone patient may need to have an evaluation as to why they are forming stones, particularly if it is a recurrent problem. Dietary changes and other treatment recommendations may be suggested for the prevention of future kidney stones. Urologists specialize in this type of analysis and now this is available in the Tri Valley Health System service area adding a new level of convenience for local residents.
For more information about shockwave lithotripsy and other urologic services available at Tri Valley Health System please contact us at 308-697-3329.
