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Bear Lake Memorial Hospital recently asked the community its thoughts on the Hospital and their healthcare. A total of 455 respondents from Montpelier and several outlying communities gave frank assessments of the Hospital's progress and their families' needs. This survey encompasses a very broad sampling of the Bear Lake population.
The last survey conducted by the Hospital was in 2006. Since then, the number of respondents with no health insurance rose from 5% to 8%. Of the total survey respondents, 66% used Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's services in the past 2 years, and 72% of those came through the Emergency Room. The two highest use services of the hospital were the ER and outpatient services. Outpatient services include such services as the lab, x-ray, physical therapy.
A strong majority of respondents, 88%, believe it is very important to have a hospital in the community and 87% said if they needed to use a hospital, they would very likely choose Bear Lake Memorial.
79% of survey respondents use local physicians, but only 41% said we have enough physicians to serve the needs of the community. Named as the top choices of physicians to recruit for the community were another Family Practice physician, a Dermatologist and a Pediatrician, in that order.
Several questions were asked about the quality and cost of Bear Lake Memorial's patient services. While most agreed health care costs in general are too high, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital service costs and quality were listed as the same as other hospitals by a large majority. The Skilled Nursing Facility was rated as having higher quality than the competition. 62% felt local physician's fees are the same as or lower than physicians in other areas.
The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board reviewed the surveys at its annual strategic planning meeting. All individual comments written on the surveys were categorized and given to the board unedited. The survey results and suggested community needs were incorporated in the creation of Hospital goals and guidelines for the next several years. The goals determined by the Board include:
- Keeping costs in check by increasing the productivity of the existing staff and by continuing to seek community support through the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation and the Auxiliary.
- Investigate becoming a preferred provider for new and existing businesses in the surrounding area.
- Improve and maintain the hospital as a community asset by refreshing and refurbishing the acute care portion of the building. It has been 10 years since the hospital wing was remodeled and much work is being done now to improve the overall appearance of patient rooms and update patient bathrooms.
- The Board committed to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and working on areas that need improvement.
- The Board approved conducting a study to determine the cost and feasibility of providing physician's services on Saturday or an Insta-care Center.
- Bear Lake Memorial Hospital has two hospitalists, Dr. Jack Clark and Dr. Vashu Thakur, that share patient care duties at BLMH. A hospitalist is a physician responsible for the care of hospitalized patients. In order to provide the best support for these physicians, the board approved sending key nursing personnel for additional training in Intensive Care and other acute care procedures. The Board will also increase staff training for general surgeon Joseph Podany, MD. Dr. Podany has had over 20 years experience in trauma surgery and continues to be a tremendous asset to the Valley's health care.
- BLMH Department Heads will receive annual training in communication and relationship-building skills to better serve their staff. Recognizing the role of the Hospital's employees as ambassadors to the community, emphasis will be placed on keeping the staff informed of Hospital information, facts and initiatives.
- The Board committed to strengthening the Hospital's 'Grow Our Own' program and encouraging employees to increase their skills and abilities by using the Hospital's education benefits.
- The Board has asked the Hospital to broaden its vision on where we should provide services and what type of services, with emphasis on prevention and wellness. The Hospital should maintain our strong ties with Idaho while making BLMH health care services more accessible to residents of Utah and Wyoming. The Hospital has been asked to partner with the Southeast District Health Department, our schools and other health care providers in an effort to improve the overall health of those we serve.
- The Hospital and Board will seek to recruit an additional Family Practitioner and work toward retaining the services of a visiting Dermatologist.
- Patient billing procedures will be evaluated and the computer programs used to produce the bills will be reviewed for possible improvements.
The Board of Directors sincerely appreciates those who took the time to complete the survey and wants the community to know your comments and concerns were given the highest priority in focusing the Hospital's resources on health care in the community.
The
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital
and Bear Lake Physicians teamed up to provide free health screenings
for 450 Bear Lake Valley senior citizens at their April 3rd Senior
Citizens' Health Fair held at the Bear Lake Senior Citizens'
Center. This annual event is a tribute to the community's commitment
to accessible health care for its senior citizens. Estimated
savings to the Senior Citizens who attend is approximately $800
per person, depending upon the number of screenings they receive
with a cumulative value of as much as $350,000.
The Foundation raises money to provide free blood profiles for every participant by hosting an annual Golf 'Fore' Health fundraiser. Many local businesses and individuals contribute through the golf outing to make the free screenings available to Valley seniors. Bear Lake Memorial provides staff and materials and local physicians and others give their services at no charge for the event.
The Senior Health Fair has a proven history of identifying potential health problems in their early stages. Treatments usually have better outcomes when illnesses and conditions are diagnosed before symptoms appear. Free screenings included the combination blood profile with the addition of a PSA for men, bone density, varicose vein screening, glaucoma screening, skin lesion check, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level and a drug interaction checkup.
Participating health care providers for the event were Dr. Noall Wolff, Dr. Terry Sanderson, Joseph Podany, MD, Pharmacist Lynette Williams, Bear Lake Home Health, the Hospital Lab, Steve Hill's medical careers class, the Hospital Imaging Department, Hospital Nutritionist Bonnie Caywood and BLMH Risk Manager, RN Karen Podany.
Vendors providing health information were Home Care Medical, Pocatello Cardiology, Senior's Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA), SouthEastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA), Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center (EIRMC) and the Southeastern Idaho Health Department. The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary sold quilt raffle tickets to benefit the Janet K. Skinner Memorial Nursing Education Fund.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Librarian Kim Hulme chaired the event on behalf of the Hospital and Foundation with invaluable help from Director of Volunteer Services, Judy VanDeren. Foundation Board President Bob Miller was host.
Many volunteers from the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Board and volunteers from the Bear Lake Senior Center help keep the event running smoothly. Several local cub scouts assisted with set-up responsibilities.
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation President Bob Miller and the Foundation Board of Directors were pleased to see so many Senior Citizens take advantage of the free services offered at the health fair. A mission of the Foundation is to help seniors 'live better longer' and the health fair is one of many ways the Foundation works to fulfill its mission in the Bear Lake Valley.
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Photograph: Front Row - Foundation Execcutive Director Craig Thomas, Fronter's Caroline Ford, Hospital Board Chairperson Mary Batemen, Hospital Administrator Rod Jacobson and Frontier's David Squire. Back Row - Bear Lake County Commissioner Vaughn Rasmussen, Montpelier Mayor Reed Peterson and Hospital Board Member Steve Allred. Bear Lake Memorial receives the "innovations in economic development" award from the National Center for Frontier Communities. Frontier's board president Caroline Ford and treasurer David Squire presented the award. Rod Jacobson accepted the award on behalf of the hospital. Joyce McRoberts representing Idaho Governor Butch Otter read a letter congratulating the hospital. To see a full color award flyer about the hospital's award, click here. To read the article in the Idaho State Journal,
click
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Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's patients and their family members can stay connected to the Internet for free thanks to the Hospital's Information Systems Director, Jordan Passey. Passey received several requests from Hospital guests to have access to the Internet as patients or when visiting family and friends at BLMH. Due to confidentially restrictions, Passey could not allow the public to access the Internet through the Hospital's servers, so he established a Wi fi connection through ICS of Idaho. Now anyone with a laptop or other Internet device can keep up with emails and web surf while in certain areas of the Hospital.
Passey says, "The Wi fi is set up for the public; you can access it in all the patient rooms on the acute (hospital) side of the building, also in the cafeteria, and Physical Therapy waiting room. There is no security on it so anyone can access it. It is not tied in with our hospital network what so ever." Because the Wi fi access is not secure, Passey recommends not sending confidential, sensitive, or financial information through the Wi fi. The Hospital is not responsible for loss of personal information sent from the hotspot.
On Monday, December 10 Rod Jacobson the administrator of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital met with Bear Lake County Commissioners at their regular monthly meeting. Mr. Jacobson, under the direction of the Hospital's Board of Trustees, informed the Commissioners that the Hospital is returning the 2008 years tax funds of approximately $110,000 normally budgeted by the County for hospital use. In the meeting he stated that the Hospital anticipates that they will likely not be asking for any tax support in the future years either.
In returning the funds, Rod Jacobson urged the Commissioners to use the funds for health care purposes and he specifically mentioned having the funds go to meet increased needs of the Bear Lake County Ambulance Service.
When asked why the Hospital board made this decision, Rod Jacobson replied, "The decision to return the tax money to the County is based on two issues; First, the hospital has grown from a $5 million budget to nearly $20 million annually in the last 10 years. The tax support has gone from being about 2% of our budget to about ½% of our budget. Secondly, its obvious that the county's budget is stretched to the breaking point and it seemed to the Hospital Board that the $110,000 the Hospital normally receives is more urgently needed for County needs."
CFO Cameron Marlowe reported to the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board that the Hospital would end the year with a positive net income. He presented gross revenues for the month of October of $1.9 million with collections at $1.6 million. These are both highs for the hospital.
Cristy Transtrum was warmly welcomed back. The Board expressed appreciation for her commitment and wished her success in her new duties as Director of Clinical Services.
The Bear Lake County Ambulance Service president attended the meeting to discuss ongoing issues with daytime patient transfers. It was agreed that individuals from the board, Hospital staff and members of the ambulance service would meet to identify solutions.
The Board heard a report on a physician looking to set up a part-time Orthopedic Services clinic. The physician's request for an application for hospital privileges will be referred to the board's credentialing committee for their opinion.
The Board approved scholarships for nursing students Richelle Morris, Taylor Lloyd, Emily Spencer, Jesse King and Melanie Child at a rate of 75% of school tuition costs.
The board approved active hospital privileges for Dr. Joe Podany along with provisional privileges to perform a new varicose vein procedure for 10 patients. This procedure uses radio frequency energy to heat the wall of the vein to shrink and close it. The procedure is quick and nearly pain free. It is performed on an outpatient basis. Additional information on the procedure and its benefits will be released to the public soon.
In further action, the Board granted approval for a Christmas bonus for all employees calculated based on the number of quarters worked throughout the year.
The board received a report from Administrator Rod Jacobson on physician recruiting efforts for a new family practice physician. A prospective candidate and his family will be visiting the hospital and community in the coming week.
Lannie Wilkes figured he was just helping
out a local hospital when he purchased tickets to the Bear Lake
Valley Health Care Foundation ATV raffle at Raspberry Days. Little
did he suspect that a few weeks later, he would be driving home
the grand prize, 2 Polaris 800 ATVs and a trailer. "I'm
still speechless," Lannie said as he got his first look
at both ATVs together when he picked them up at the Hospital.
Tanna Wilkes said he rarely uses his cell phone, but gave up
a lot of minutes to let friends
in on his good news. Lannie is thrilled with the win - excited
that the first time he won something, it was a big win.
The Dr. W. C. Swanson and Family Foundation of Ogden, Utah donated the ATVs, and tickets were sold most of the summer in and around the Bear Lake Valley. Bear Lake Outfitters donated toward the trailer costs again this year. The raffle raised over $21,000, which will be used to help purchase equipment and services at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. Last year, ATV raffle proceeds purchased a C-arm for the surgical suite and pain management.
Foundation Executive Director, Craig Thomas
expressed thanks on behalf of the Foundation: "The Foundation
is excited for Lannie. The funds will be used to update the equipment
and services so all of the people who select Bear Lake Memorial
Hospital for their health care services win because of the raffle."
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation expressed its thanks
to everyone who supported them this year by buying raffle tickets,
and to the Dr. W. C. Swanson Foundation and Bear Lake Outfitters
for their continued support of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital.
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Helping county youth learn good health habits was one goal of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's Community Health Fair held Saturday, September 15th. A bounce house, Wii video game, dance mat gave youth participants a good fitness workout Saturday morning. 30 adults and youth also participated in the Fun Run/Walk organized by Dr. Timothy, DDS. Face painting, a fishpond and ping-pong drop were just for fun. Over 150 children were screened for juvenile diabetes with the help of Operation Diabetes and their team of students from the ISU Pharmacy School. Youth who participated in these events and stopped to get health information at several booths including Dr. Hammond's dental hygiene booth and the Dairy Council's free yogurt give-away, received a ticket on a chance to win a Wii or sledding hill season passes donated by the Mayor's office. Besides participating at the fair, many area youth volunteered their time to help set up and clean up and other chores. Health fair chairman, Kim Hulme said, "The young people in our area are so happy to volunteer and they do a great job. They're capable of doing anything we ask them and we greatly appreciated their help in making the health fair a success."
Adults
who attended the event received free and very low-cost health
screenings. The blood profile/PSA test continues to be the most
popular screening. Vendors and service organizations were on
hand to provide information on women's health, weight loss, sleep
apnea, dental hygiene, proper food preparation, senior citizens
issues, heart health and other health concerns. The vendors always
bring good information and fun give-aways that add greatly to
the festivities, and they're available to answer questions one-on-one.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation
contributed to the health fair in two significant ways this year.
They purchased the Wii grand prize and are also offering an incentive
to valley residents to have colonoscopies. Any valley resident
who has a colonoscopy performed at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital
between now and December 31, 2007 will receive a coupon redeemable
for a $50 Bear Lake Chamber gift certificate. The gift certificate
is good for merchandise and services at a number of local businesses.
Anyone can take advantage of this incentive, even if they did
not participate at the health fair. Coupons are available at
the Hospital front desk and proof of service must be presented
at the Foundation office to redeem the coupon for a gift certificate.
Health fair chairman Kim Hulme and the Hospital expressed appreciation
to all the volunteers, vendors for making the event a success,
and also thank the community members who come and take advantage
of the services provided at the Hospital during the health fair.
Kim stated, "I appreciate everyone who is pro-active about
their health and their children's health. Getting regular screenings
that identify health concerns before symptoms show up can make
a big difference in having the best outcomes. I hope more and
more people come every year."
The Hospital encourages anyone who's screenings indicate a health concern to contact their regular physician for follow-up.
With the hiring of Dr. Vashu Thakur, the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board approved plans to provide cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation for its cardiac patients at the September 11 meeting. The hospital has prepared a location in the hospital to provide space for rehab patients. Plans are progressing toward the opening of the rehab service for the community.
The Board also approved privileges for Dr. Noal Wolff, MD, Gary Griffin, CRNA, Bradley Strupp, CRNA and Dr. William Neal, MD.
Hospital Administrator introduced Karen Podany, RN as the new Risk Manager for BLMH. Her background includes serving on a Risk Management Committee and she is also a legal nurse consultant. Karen will strengthen the Hospital's current pro-active patient care quality assurance initiatives.
Melissa Smith reports BLMH quality improvement measures to the Idaho Hospital Association and Blue Cross of Idaho. She presented this data in graph form to the board.
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Executive Director Craig Thomas reported on the Foundation's activities. The grant/loan for implementing Electronic Medical Records at the Hospital has been approved and the process to convert to Electronic Medical Records has begun. The ATV raffle netted $21,764. The Golf 'FORE' Health tournament raised over $18,000 and Pink's has committed to being the Tourney Sponsor next year. Preparations are being made for the September 15th Community Health Fair. Bob Miller will begin his term as Foundation President on October 1, 2007. The Foundation retreat is scheduled for September 28-29 in Idaho Falls. The 'We're Grateful' banquet will be held in October.
CFO Cameron Marlowe gave the Hospital's financial report. Gross Revenues were $1.6 million; collections $1.3 million; expenditures 959,000; total funds $2.7 mission; average daily revenue $50,000.
New Director of Volunteer Services, Judy VanDeren was commended for the tremendous job she is doing. Morale has never been better!
The October Hospital Board meeting has been canceled as many members will attend the IHA convention. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 13th.
August
10, Senator Mike Crapo visited Bear Lake Memorial Hospital to
congratulate the hospital on its successful 'Grow Our Own' Program
as a highlight of success in rural health care. Mayor Reed Petersen,
Commissioner Vaughn Rasmussen, Hospital Board President Mary
Bateman, Foundation Board President Gay Burdick, Hospital CFO
Cameron Marlowe, Director of Volunteer Services, Judy VanDeren
and Foundation Executive Director Craig Thomas joined the senator
for the hospital tour.
For many years, the Hospital has recruited various community
members, assisted with their education through scholarships,
time off to study, and providing as much education on campus
as possible to help insure cost-effective, quality health care
is available locally. These and other helps such as a pilot 'nurse
stipend' program have virtually eliminated nursing shortages
in the Valley. Hospital Administrator Rod Jacobson recently noted
the hospital has not had to hire a traveling nurse for over a
year.
Senator Crapo was impressed with the effectiveness of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and its employees. During his visit, he toured the new Skilled Nursing Facility, Dialysis Center and the Distance Education Annex and Thrift Store. He said he 'had no idea' we had accomplished so much. He praised the auxiliary and the Thrift Store as a great community supporter of the hospital.
Senator Crapo also talked with Hospital Librarian, Kim Hulme, about Medicare D and Patient Assistance Program success. He was impressed with her expertise with Medicare D and how much money she has saved area residents on prescription costs.
The Senator's visit was a great opportunity
to showcase the Hospital and for the Hospital to express its
appreciation for our exceptional community support to the senator.
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The Laura C. Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. has awarded the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation a $35,000 grant toward the purchase of the Hospital's new surgical C-arm.
Marty Farmer, Director of Radiology explains the project: 'We have purchased a 2007 Ziehm Quantum C-Arm to replace our failing 1992 OEC. In recent surgeries, the OEC has not worked and the images are getting less optimal. This C-arm will aid in surgeries by giving the doctors the ability to see with real-time x-ray. The majority of the surgeries performed at BLMH are orthopedic. The orthopedist needs a c-arm for pinning, plates, rods, screws and hip replacements. Also, the C-arm will allow BLMH to expand its pain management service as it will help insure the needle used for injections is in the proper place. In the past, we have used the C-arm in the ER for foreign body removal, bone fracture reduction and casting.'
The Laura C. Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. gift, and other grants like it, help the hospital keep patient costs down. The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation seeks granting partners throughout the year for a variety of projects that allow the hospital to stay progressive and cost effective.
The Hospital and Foundation express their thanks to the Laura C. Moore Cunningham Foundation, Inc. for their partnership through this generous grant.
Dear Rod,
The death of a loved one is hard on a family, watching that person
suffer and slowly slip away is even harder, but your staff helped
to make the whole ordeal a lot easier. At this time our family
would personally like to thank the staff at Bear Lake Memorial
Hospital for the wonderful care that not only our husband and
father received, but for the outstanding care that our family
received during the last few weeks of his life. They not only
treated the patient, they treated his hurting family also.
Mere words cannot describe the gratitude in
our hearts as we recount the acts of kindness shown to us by
the various departments, from the nurses right down to housekeeping.
The nurses were incredible. I don't know what we would have done
without their expertise and above all, their hugs. One cute C
N A even sent flowers that last week to show her love and support.
The kitchen staff surpassed any expectations we had in taking
care of our family's needs and wishes. With a family the size
of ours, this was no easy task. In return, we tried not to be
too demanding or difficult. Dr. Campbell's care and concern was
exceptional, also. Even the doctors in Salt Lake commented on
the good care and expertise Dr. Campbell gave.
The several weeks leading up to his death
found our mother and an average of five of his children, various
spouses and grandchildren camped out at the hospital every day.
The last few days of his life that number grew to eight children
and various other family members, keeping a 24-hour watch. Your
nursing staff handled it all in good stride, giving us ideas
as to where we could lay our tired heads and providing blankets
for us all. It was somewhat embarrassing on our part, but none
of us could bear to leave him, thinking that any moment could
be his last. One son even parked his house trailer at the bottom
end of the staff parking lot to help ease the hospital's load
and no one complained about all of the space it took up either.
During the course of his illness and stay
at Bear Lake Memorial, it was decided that he should be transferred
to the University of Utah for more tests and better expertise.
This decision split our family. Those who knew what BLMH was
capable of didn't want him transferred. Those that lived out
of the area figured bigger was better. It didn't take our entire
family long to learn that the better expertise and care was waiting
back at Bear Lake Memorial. Thanks goes out to Donna Andersen
who, with one phone call to her on a Friday night after she had
gone home for the night, arranged for him to be transferred back
to BLMH the following day. Those who helped with the transfer
on the U of U's end told it would be Monday or Tuesday before
they could get the necessary paperwork done in order to transfer
him. They were amazed that Donna got it done so quickly and efficiently.
Through this course of events of the past
month, our family learned that big hospitals are nice for treating
the patient, but they just don't hold a candle to Bear Lake Memorial
Hospital when it comes to treating the needs of the family also.
The love and concern shown to our family by BLMH went far above
and beyond our expectations. Clearly your staff has taken the
value statements to heart. When they repeat the words, 'I will
only promise what I can deliver and I will always deliver more
than I promise,' they mean them!
Sincerely, The Wayne Nye Family
Bear
Lake Memorial Mental Health Services has hired Richard 'Rich'
Bergman to provide Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services
in the community. PSR, a Medicaid service, offers intervention
therapy both at home and in the community for anyone aged 3 and
up, primarily serving youth.
PSR can help with moods, emotions and disorders, interacting with others, developing educational and vocational skills, learning how to accept rules and boundaries within the community, appropriate ways to interact in families learning respect, rules and boundaries and developing everyday living skills. PSR especially benefits those having difficulty staying on task, have trouble handling their emotions, need to learn how to express anger appropriately, find interpersonal interactions difficult, and other behavioral and emotional issues.
Bergman received his degree in Social Work from Idaho State University and has worked with children and adults with mental illnesses for the past six years. He began working in a group home with developmentally delayed adults. He then helped develop and implement training programs that helped increase client independence. For the past two years he has worked directly with Psycho Social Rehabilitation programs.
Bergman feels Psychosocial Rehabilitation is effective because he isn't limited to office visits. He can work with clients in their homes and in the community. He employs teaching coping skills with reinforcements for good behavior, redirection, modeling, role-playing, discussion, and informal forms of play therapy to help clients. Bergman says, 'I have helped my clients learn to deal with their illnesses; handle and express their emotions appropriately; become more independent; and adjust to living within social norms.'
Bergman and his wife and two children are moving to Bennington and hopes to be fully relocated by the end of May. His wife's family had strong ties to the valley. Her sister, Marie Crane owns the flower shop in Soda Springs. Bergman enjoys camping, traveling to sporting events, playing basketball, golfing and cooking.
Rod
Jacobson, Administrator of Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, announced
to his staff on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, that after nearly six
months of recruiting and interviewing several applicants for
the position of general surgeon at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital,
Dr. Joe Podany, a general and trauma surgeon currently working
in Idaho Falls has agreed to relocate his practice to Bear Lake
Memorial Hospital. Dr. Podany has worked for the past twenty
years at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and Mountain View
Hospital as a general, trauma, and bariatric surgeon. The Podanys'
plan to buy a home in Bennington, and Dr. Podany expects to be
practicing in both hospitals by June 1st.
Jacobson said the deal could not have happened without the cooperative efforts of John Hoopes, Administrator of Caribou Memorial Hospital and the blessing of the Board of Caribou Memorial Hospital. Both Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and Caribou Memorial Hospital recently lost the services of their long time general surgeons due to retirement. The decision to recruit one surgeon to cover both hospitals proved to be the necessary inducement to attract a surgeon of Dr. Podany's caliber. "It's a rather historic moment I believe", stated Administrator Jacobson. "I can't recall a time when the Montpelier and Soda Springs hospitals have combined forces to recruit medical staff. It's my hope that this venture is very successful and we can expand the effort to find other specialty physicians like an orthopaedic surgeon."
Dr. Roland Fleck, a general surgeon from Jackson, Wyoming, who provides urological services at Bear Lake Memorial knows Dr. Podany. He noted that Dr. Podany has a fine reputation in Idaho Falls and is a very good surgeon. He said we are very lucky to get him.
Dr. Podany is a Board Certified abdominal surgeon. He attended medical school at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition to his medical accomplishments, Dr. Podany played football for the University of Syracuse. He enjoys fishing, boating, flying radio controlled model airplanes and is a licensed aircraft pilot.
Dr. Podany's wife, Karen, is an RN who has had a career in Medical Risk Management and as legal advisor for medical/legal matters. She hopes to use her RN skills as a risk manager in one or both hospitals working part-time.
Karen, who is an outgoing, bubbly, positive individual admits to having some reservations about 'moving to the country.' She doesn't think she'll be a fish out of water, however. "I love walking and hiking, and as near as I can tell, our home in Bennington has much to offer in that department. While it is going to be hard to leave our home for the past twenty years in Idaho Falls, we are looking forward to meeting our new friends in Bear Lake and Caribou County.' Karen is also a member of the Toastmaster's speaking group, a group of individuals with the common interest of improving their public speaking skills.
Karen and Joe have three beautiful daughters; one is married and living in Idaho Falls, one lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and one is getting married this August and staying in Idaho Falls. When asked what role Dr. Podany was playing in the wedding plans, he said, "I was told to keep my mouth shut and my pocketbook open".
Regarding his career change, Dr. Podany said that while he loved Idaho Falls, and had a very successful practice there, the size and dynamics of Idaho Falls made it a far different place than it was when he started his practice there in 1987. "Frankly, I'm looking forward to a calmer life style, to fewer traffic jams, to reading a few more novels and smelling the roses. I'm not retiring, I'm not even semi-retiring, I'm just making a lifestyle change that I am convinced is going to be rewarding to myself and bring badly needed surgical services to two hospitals that have rolled out the red carpet to get us here."
The medical staff and hospital staff at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and Caribou Memorial Hospital are pleased to welcome the Podany's to their respective hospitals.
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Typically, a Bear Lake High School Student's day doesn't include drawing blood from a classmate. But for the eleven Bear Lake High School students enrolled in the Medical Careers Class sponsored by Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, it's the usual assignment. For one semester they experience a variety of hands-on lessons related to medical careers. Students have the opportunity to complete a Phlebotomy certification, visit medical professionals at work and accompany Bear Lake Memorial Hospital personnel on rounds. Prerequisite/co-requisite classes for the course are Physiology and online Health Occupations classes. A strong interest in exploring the health care industry is also necessary.
This year, Alyssa Eborn, Karen Packham, Natalie Wallentine, Ali Kunz, Tylin Thomas, Jackie Smith, Cody Humpherys, Cameron Crane, Keith Cook, Kallie Grunig and Kali Keetch are enrolled.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Med Tech Steve Hill, a former Bear Lake High School teacher is the instructor. He taught at BLHS for eight years teaching Physiology, Physics and Biology. Hill keeps his teaching certificate current so he can teach the Medical Careers Class. His is paid by the Hospital and volunteers time as well.
Having completed a five-week Phlebotomy Certification Class, the students are now in their final week of rotations with Bear Lake Memorial staff members, local physicians and other local health care professionals. Cody Humpherys, Tylin Thomas and Natalie Wallentine have spent two weeks in the lab at BLMH learning a variety of hands-on skills. They draw blood, complete blood banking assignments, grow bacteria from samples and are learning to differentiate between healthy blood cells and those showing illnesses. Later this week they will practice performing an EKG. Throughout the rotation, they learn to operate each of the lab machines. Thomas is currently employed as a C N A at the hospital and is planning to go into nursing. Wallentine plans to become a dental hygienist and says the class has helped her solidify her plans. Humphreys will study chiropractics.
Hill enjoys seeing how the class performs in clinical settings and during their rotations. Many graduates of the class have gone on to successful medical careers, something Hill finds very rewarding. Hill notes, 'Every year I get at least a few students who really get excited about a medical career due to the exposure they get to the various professions. This year is no different. Four will be enrolling in a Medical Technologist (lab tech) program this fall, which is nice to see since that is my area of expertise. BLMH employs several students from past years including a surgery technician, 2 radiology techs, and several nurses). I also know of a student who is a phlebotomist at Portneuf while he takes Med Tech classes, another who is a surg tech at Portneuf, and another who works at a plasma center. One former student started as a phlebotomist at a plasma center and moved up quickly to a management position, overseeing the establishment of plasma centers all over the country. These kids have made their own way in the world with just a little jump-start provided by this Medical Careers class, whether it be the phlebotomy portion of the class or the clinical rotations portion. I am glad to be able to play a part in their futures and would like to say thanks to those medical professionals in the valley who help make it possible.
The class gives local students a realistic look at future career choices. Bear Lake Memorial offers the class to encourage a new generation of health care professionals.
Dr. Clay I Campbell, Dr. Larry D. Bomsta and Dr. Robert Timothy, DDS were unanimously approved for a 2-year extension of practitioner's privileges at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital during the hospital board's regular meeting held May 8, 2007.
Hospital Pharmacist Lynette Williams conducted board education on practices to reduce medication errors. A plan to analyze errors and take corrective action is in place.
The board reviewed the results of their successful retreat where they developed the Hospital's 2007 Strategic Plan. The plan contains the following elements: Financial, Clinical and Business, Education and Growth, Community and Provider. The plan's primary focus is on medical staff recruiting including a surgeon, internist and others.
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Director Craig Thomas reported on fund-raising successes to date and introduced the Foundation's new 'Tribute Gifts" program that provides community members the opportunity to honor and remember family and friends through contributions to benefit the Hospital.
The board received information on the funding package the Foundation is pursuing to fund the federally mandated Electronic Medical Records program that will be implemented over the next 2-3 years.
The Board approved scholarships for three Bear Lake High School students and two Rich County High School students. Recipients will be notified of their scholarship awards at their respective schools.
In other business, the Hospital expects to open its sleep lab by June 1st. Hospital logo items were donated to the 'Move a Mile' obesity prevention program being incorporated in the elementary Field Day for 4th and 5th graders. The Rich Clinic office remodel is close to completion..
The next regular meeting of the Hospital Board
will be June 12, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
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The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is helping to energize Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's Type II Diabetes Prevention Program with a grant for $1,500. Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Librarian Kim Hulme and Dietician Bonnie Caywood will give presentations to local organizations, and create a coaching team to help people stay on track with healthy eating and exercise to prevent or delay the onset of Type II diabetes.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation wrote the grant proposal on behalf of the Hospital. The Foundation's partnership with BLMH helps generate resources for funding programs like the Diabetes Prevention Program. Rocky Mountain Power Foundation's gift will help many Valley residents stay healthy.
"We appreciate and are pleased to be able to support Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's efforts to help people learn what they can do to prevent or delay Type II Diabetes, through a grant from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation," said Glen Pond, Rocky Mountain Power customer and community manager. "The Foundation's mission through its charitable investments is to support the growth and vitality of communities within our service area."
The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation awards four cycles of grants annually in education, health and human services, arts and culture, civic and community betterment. The foundation is the charitable arm of Rocky Mountain Power, which provides electric service to more than 67,000 customers in southeastern Idaho. Information is available online at www.rockymtnpower.net/rmpfoundation.
If your group is interested in scheduling a Type II Diabetes program, please call Kim Hulme at 208-847-0949.
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Montpelier isn't known for being a college town, yet college education credits can be earned right here. Through partnerships with colleges like Idaho State University, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital has established distance learning opportunities for hospital employees and the community.
Bear Lake Memorial Hospital librarian, Kim Hulme, works with students and education centers to make the most of the distance learning program. These are some of the benefits Kim sees to having this program here in town:
'Classes are available to high school students and to community members. Distance learning eliminates the need for traveling outside the community. High school students receive a significant savings in tuition (65.00 per credit, which is less than 1/3 the normal cost of tuition) Not only is the savings realized in the price of tuition, but also in room and board, extra curricular expenses, etc. Students who have college credits before graduating from high school will graduate from college sooner and enter the workforce more quickly. Students who have had college level classes before leaving home adjust better to college academic expectations. High school students receive dual credits for the classes. The distance learning classes count as honors credits for high school and they also receive college credits.'
Offering college classes has met a wide variety of community needs. One student graduated high school with 12 college credits. BLMH and other nursing students can complete a large portion of their degree programs without having to drive long distances, giving them more family time. Community members can also complete college general education requirements without having to travel. Students seeking degrees in business and human resources have received credits through the center.
Another service Kim offers is if community members need to take a class that isn't offered, she will request the class and most of the time the college agrees to offer the program at our distance learning center. For some professors, it is a new experience but one they find they enjoy.
Distance learning is available to any community member interested in taking college classes. Classes are available all year. Time and financial savings make distance learning an attractive alternative for anyone seeking to further their education. The hospital's distance learning classroom is located in the basement of the annex, which also houses the thrift store and business office. For more information on distance learning, contact Kim Hulme at 847-0949.
The April meeting of the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Board of Directors was held April 10, 2007.
BLMH medical staff expressed strong interest in offering a sleep lab at the hospital. Hospital respiratory therapist, Jared Farmer, will direct the lab. After discussion, the board approved offering sleep lab services. The hospital will move toward opening the lab in the near future.
Hospital Administrator Rod Jacobson outlined nationwide obesity statistics. Obesity in the next generation will have an outcome of a shorter life expectancy. In response, Dr. Jack Clark is submitting a proposal to the School District recommending a 'mile run' in elementary schools.
A large portion of the meeting focused on the 2006 draft audit report. The independent auditing firm of Hansen, Barnett & Maxwell are completing the 2006 audit. The auditors stated they did not encounter any difficulties in performing the audit. It was noted that charity care amounted to $202,307 in 2006. The board expressed their appreciation to CFO Marlowe and Leslie Crane for their efficiency and preparedness for the audit.
CFO Cameron Marlowe reported on a comparison study of the 13 Skilled Nursing Facilities who are members of the Public Hospital Co-op, which includes BLMH. He reported all of the facilities are closely grouped in services and costs.
The board approved to continue offering Home
Health services in rich County Utah, with the primary service
area surrounding Bear Lake to Laketown. The board further decided
that the Home Health Service should not extend beyond Gem Valley
in Caribou County, with Fish Creek being its outlying boundary.
Patients who have been discharged from BLMH and need follow-up
Home Health care who reside out of these areas will be served.
Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation Executive Director Craig
Thomas noted the Senior Health Fair was larger than ever with
over 400 blood draws. Thomas was thanked for the great work he
does for the hospital and foundation.
CFO Marlowe presented financial and statistical reports. Gross revenue fell sharply while collections are slightly higher than cash expenditures. Total funds are $3 million with a net income of $116,000. Gross revenue and expenses are down, payroll expenses and overtime hours are down.
Administrator Rod Jacobson is continuing to
recruit a surgeon to fill the opening left by Dr. Decker's retirement.
The hospital is using recruiting agencies and other methods to
locate and secure a surgeon.
Over 400 Senior Citizens from the Bear Lake Valley and surrounding areas took advantage of the free health screenings offered at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital's Senior Health Fair. Hospital librarian, Kim Hulme chaired the event. Volunteers, local businesses, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation, the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Bear Lake Senior Center, Dr. Noall Wolff, Dr. Robert Jones and health information partners helped make the event possible. A "good health giveaway," this annual event lets seniors stay informed of health concerns and work toward treatment and cure with their own physicians.
The most popular screening is the Blood Profile-or at least it's as popular as a stick with a needle first thing in the morning can be. Each profile includes about 20 different tests. The regular cost per test for women is $266.50 and for men is $365.00. This means that the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation and Bear Lake Memorial Hospital gave away over $100,000 in free services to area seniors for the Blood Profile alone. Add on a glaucoma screening at $86, skin lesion test at $50, blood pressure, oxygen level, and pulse for $60, lung function testing at and the benefit only increases. The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation pays for each and every profile.
The Foundation pays for the profiles and other free screenings for several reasons. First, Medicare will not pay for many of the wellness screenings offered. A physician must provide orders with a probable diagnosis before Medicare will pay for certain tests. Offering these tests and screenings at no charge gives senior citizens a chance to find out about potential health concerns early, even before symptoms appear. The Foundation also knows Seniors over age 60 who are not yet on Medicare often have higher out-of-pocket health care expenses. Offering free screenings to people in this age range can significantly help reduce their out-of-pocket costs. The Foundation wants to help valley residents have the best possible outcomes and studies prove early detection is the best way to insure better outcomes.
During the year, members of the Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation hold fundraising events to cover the cost of the tests, which are provided at the cost of materials to the Foundation. The Foundation pays between $10,000 and $12,000 annually to give senior citizens the blood profile screening.
The Foundation's 'Golf FORE Health' is the primary sponsor of the Seniors' Health Fair. The Golf Tourney is supported by many local businesses who purchase hole sponsorships, other sponsorships, give prizes to raffle at the event and contribute gift bag and door prizes to the golfers - who also pay for the privilege of playing in the tournament.
Dr. Wolff and Dr. Jones volunteered their time at no charge to the hospital or Foundation. Hospital employees volunteer to give blood pressure and other checks.
The Bear Lake Valley Health Care Foundation, Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and chairman Kim Hulme extend their thanks to everyone who attended and volunteered to make this event "A Fair to Remember".
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