Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is happy to announce that gynecologist and obstetrician, Larry Seals, DO will become a full-time member of the hospital’s medical staff beginning September 27th. His clinic will be located on the second floor of the south tower at 800 S. Ash Street in Nevada, in the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic. Dr. Seals is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.
With the closing of Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott at the end of 2018, Dr. Seals shifted the delivery of his patients’ babies to either NRMC or Via Christi in Pittsburg, Ks. Since January of 2019 Dr. Seals has been dividing his time between his practice at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and his procedural and newborn delivery work at NRMC. Going forward, all of Dr. Seals’ obstetric and gynecological services will be performed at NRMC.
“Dr. Seals has always received a lot of positive feedback from our staff, employees, and community,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “He is well known for his excellent caring attitude for his patients. We are very excited about him making NRMC his home.”
Dr. Seals attended medical school at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated in 1993, earning his doctorate. He completed a traditional rotating internship at Michiana Community Hospital in South Bend, Indiana in 1994 and an obstetrical and gynecology residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. in 1998.
Dr. Seals is accepting new patients and can be contacted at NRMC’s Professional Practice Clinic at 417-448-2121.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is pleased to welcome family nurse practitioner, Katelyn (Triplett) Erwin to Primary Care Center, located at 627 S. Ash in Nevada and at NowCare Clinic at 345 S. Barrett as needed.
A graduate of Nevada High School, Erwin earned her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Ks. In May of this year, she completed her Doctorate, also from PSU. For the past four years Erwin has worked part-time on the Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Units at NRMC. Much of her clinical education hours were spent at NRMC alongside Dr. Amanda Turner, Dr. Jacqueline Youtsos, Sonja Albright, DNP, and Dr. Dan Barnes.
“In primary care you see people through the lifespan,” says Erwin. “That’s what I like – that there’s a little bit of everything. I’ll be seeing OB patients prior to delivery and then their babies for their well-child visits, helping manage chronic conditions and making sure my patients stay healthy and out of the hospital.”
Recently married, Katelyn is a new stepmother to three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, including traveling and outdoor activities. Her favorite hobbies include refinishing old furniture as well and reading, although she laughingly says, she would prefer it not be a textbook.
“Katelyn is a welcome addition to our clinics,” says Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Having the extra health provider opens up possibilities for extending clinic hours which we know would benefit our community.”
To become an FNP, one must first pass the NCLEX-RN to become a licensed RN. During years spent as an RN, crucial experience is gained. From there, most FNP hopefuls will work toward a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in family practice, a post graduate degree specific to FNP preparation, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as Erwin did.
FNPs have advanced clinical training and possess a graduate-level education, qualifying them to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. They can perform a wide variety of duties that include but are not limited to development of treatment plans, education, and guidance for disease prevention and healthy living, health examinations, performing diagnostic tests and screenings, and prescribing medicine.
To schedule an appointment with Katelyn Erwin, call Nevada Regional Primary Care Center at (417) 448-3600 or visit the Patient Portal at www.nrmchealth.com.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
NRMC Foundation Hosts Virtual Race in Support of Women’s Health
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Foundation recently unveiled an effort to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle by hosting a Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run. Proceeds from the race will be used to provide mammography screenings at no cost to uninsured and underinsured women in October.
Those interested in contributing to the cause without entering the race can visit the event website to make a donation or purchase a t-shirt. Those who wish to enter the race, whether competitively or not, may choose to enter a 5K or 10K for $15. All race participants will earn an event t-shirt as well as a finisher medal and commemorative race bib. The deadline to enter is Saturday, October 3.
To maintain social distancing, NRMC is encouraging online registration for the race. Once registered, participants may run or walk the distance on their own. Individuals may log their race time on the event website to compare scores on the leaderboard.
With the continuing concern about COVID-19 and its spread, it has never been more important for everyone to make health a top priority. While all people are susceptible to the disease, those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues should exercise special caution at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. While that may sound like a long time, spreading the time over several days makes it an achievable goal. Simply walking 30 minutes a day for 5 days does the job. Others may prefer to exercise for 15 minutes twice daily for 5 days.
In conjunction with the virtual race NRMC Diagnostic Imagining will host a Ladies Night with extended mammography screening hours on Thursday evening, October 1st. During this time, underinsured and uninsured women may utilize grant funding from the NRMC Foundation, covering any self-pay portions of the screening they may incur.
Though breast cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, advances in diagnosis have improved the outlook in recent years. NRMC uses the latest 3D ultrasound mammography screening that is proven to help detect more cancer, sooner. If found early breast cancer can be treated and cured, often with less invasive procedures. The American Medical Association, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society all recommend that women begin getting regular mammograms by the age of 40.
To register for the Women’s Health Virtual Walk/Run, visit the event registration website at www.nrmchealth.com/race.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
Governor Laura Kelly Announces $200,000 Empowering Health Grant for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a $200,000 Empowering Health Grant from UnitedHealthcare for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas in Pittsburg. Governor Kelly was joined by Kansas Secretary of Health and Environment Dr. Lee Norman, and State Representative Monica Murnan.
“I want to thank the team at UnitedHealthcare for their generosity, which will benefit the Pittsburg community and Southeast Kansas for years to come,” Governor Kelly said. “The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas performs life-saving work in the Pittsburg community. My administration is committed to working with our local and federal partners to provide Kansans access to affordable, quality health care.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas staff are on the front lines of public health’s response,” Dr. Norman said. “This grant will increase their capacity to improve the health of Kansans.”
The Empowering Health grant will be used by the health center to support its Community Health Action Team with a behavioral health nurse and social worker, so it can better address social isolation and behavioral health needs among existing and new patients with low incomes in its service area.
“By giving more Kansans access to health insurance, our community partners like Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas would no longer have to cover the cost of care for uninsured individuals,” State Representative Monica Murnan said. “This would free up funds to increase patient care, add new services, extend community outreach, and bolster the local economy.”
Governor Kelly said during the ceremony that her administration is committed to supporting local health care organizations across the state by fighting for quality, affordable health care for more than 150,000 Kansans by expanding Medicaid.
About Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas:
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas has been a pillar in its community since it opened its doors in 1997. Today, over 400 employees care for more than 55,000 patients every year, providing medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and support services in southeast Kansas.
NRMC Sleep Center Staff with their most recent accreditation certificate. L-R: Andrea Miller, RT, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC, and Amber Brundridge, RT. Submitted photo.
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) proudly announces its approval of accreditation status by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for the NRMC Sleep Center.
“Our Sleep Center provides a consistently high level of service for our area that is comparable to larger hospitals,” said Steve Branstetter, Chief Executive Officer at NRMC. “Since opening, our staff have worked hard to repeatedly earn this accreditation.”
Every two years the ACHC surveys the Sleep Center to determine whether or not NRMC demonstrates compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.
“Our accreditation is proof of our commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare to our community,” says Andrea Miller, Cardiopulmonary Supervisor at NRMC. “Through accurate sleep monitoring, we are able to help our patients determine the specific sleep disorder they may have, and take corrective measures to drastically improve quality of life.”
Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) is proud to welcome Justin S. Ogden, MD to its medical staff. Dr. Ogden is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Ogden was born in Joplin and is a lifelong Missouri resident. After graduating high school in Lockwood and undergraduate school at Missouri State University, he earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo in 2001 and went on to complete his internship and residency in orthopedic surgery with the University of Louisville, Kentucky.
After working as an orthopedic surgeon at the Ferrell-Duncan clinic for four years in 2010, he began working full time at Cox Barton County Hospital (CBCH – formerly Barton County Memorial) where he will still work part-time. He also serves at the Medical Director of Physical Therapy at CBCH, a position he has held since 2011.
“QUOTE FROM OGDEN”
Dr. Ogden is scheduled two days each week at NRMC beginning September 2 in the Professional Practice Clinic located on the second floor of the south tower at 800 S. Ash Street in Nevada. He is accepting new patients and no referral is needed. Initially, he will see all ages for office visits and outpatient surgery with plans to develop an inpatient and total joint surgery program.
Currently, Dr. Ogden serves as Vice President of the Lamar R-1 School District Board of Education, where he has been a board member since 2014. In the fall, Dr. Ogden spends many hours working with high school youth, serving as the Lamar High School Football Team Physician for the past ten years.
“The extent of orthopedic services that Dr. Ogden will provide has been a big need in our area for many years,” says Steve Branstetter, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with him to offer excellent orthopedic care again.”
To schedule a visit with Dr. Justin Ogden, call the NRMC Professional Practice Clinic at (417) 448-2121.
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About Nevada Regional Medical Center Serving a six-county area since 1937, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
” Bourbon County has received a number of presumptive cases lately,” Rebecca Johnson, the administrator said. “I have changed current positive cases to current active cases, so the active case count is understood.”
There is a current surge of COVID-19 in the world and in Bourbon County. Those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms have several options to choose from for testing for the disease.
Fortscott.biz contacted five area medical agencies to look at their requirements and costs for testing.
Requirements are very similar, and most costs are covered by insurance, the government CARES Act or other means.
The return time to receive the results back varies in each facility.
Here are the results:
SEK Urgent Care, Pittsburg
From Angie Andrew, administrative assistant for Dr. Brent Cosens and PA Michele Cosens.
Requirements: call the Bourbon County Health Department
Cost: $125
How long for results?
One-half hour
Girard Medical Center
From Girard Medical Center’s CEO Ruth Duling:
Requirements:
* a physician’s order to be tested for COVID-19.
*a call to their laboratory for an appointment.
How long for results?
* within 24 hours.
Cost?
* most health plans cover the COVID-19 test.
“We will make every concession possible for an uninsured patient,” Duling said.
Community Health Center
From Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas Communications and Marketing Manager Robert Poole:
Requirements:
* individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms,
*those who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19.
“A close contact is defined as any individual who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated,” Poole said. “It is recommended for persons with close contact exposure to wait five to seven days following their exposure to be tested, for improved test accuracy.”
* $140, however, the cost of patient testing is being covered by the CARES act, currently.
How long for results?
* 14 days, “with the number now decreasing.”
On the horizon for CHC:
“In another two weeks, we expect to be doing in-house molecular testing using Abbott ID Now testing equipment which delivers results in 30 minutes or less, with a capacity of up to 1000 tests per week, system-wide. We ordered this equipment very early in the pandemic and have been waiting since for it to arrive.”
Why do results take a while?
“Across the country, the very high demand for Covid-19 tests exhausted many lab’s physical capacity, (manpower, equipment, logistics) as well as their abilities to obtain raw testing supplies,” according to the CHC press release. “That issue continues, see the latest from Quest Diagnostics, who has processed more than 100 million tests to date. https://newsroom.questdiagnostics.com/COVIDTestingUpdates”
“General tips:
For people with medical conditions and older adults
Older adults and people of any age with medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 and should seek care as soon as symptoms start.
Separate yourself from other people in your home.
Stay in a specific room away from others and use a separate bathroom if you can. Do not share personal household items. Wear a mask and maintain 6ft. distance if you need to interact with others.
Stay home except to get medical care.
People who are mildly ill are able to isolate at home. Rest, stay hydrated andmonitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, seek medical care. Call before you go to prevent others from being exposed.
Wash your hands often & avoid touching your face.
Wash frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face.
Designate someone to clean high-touch surfaces every day.
Clean counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, phones, keyboards and bedside tables. Use diluted bleach solutions (4 teaspoons per quart of water), alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol or most common EPA-registered household disinfectants.”
Nevada Regional Medical Center
Holly Bush, Chief Quality Officer, Quality and Compliance at NRMC, Nevada MO provided the following:
Requirements:
* a doctor’s order sent to NRMC lab or
*participate in workplace screening if workplace has made the decision to screen.
Cost?
*”No cost…insurance or if uninsured, through…. recent legislative acts.”
How long for results?
* 3-5 days, in a few instances up to 8 days.
“Right now … within 48 hours but there is not a guarantee of this. If you sign up for the patient portal, you will get your results at the moment we have them.”
How long are the results good for?
“That is a good question with a long answer.
The CDC states if you test negative for COVID 19 by a viral test, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected.
However, that does not mean you will not get sick.
The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.
You might test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness.
You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then.
Technically a negative test ONLY means you aren’t actively shedding virus at the time you were swabbed. It’s possible you were infected but not far enough into the infection to be shedding virus, which is why guidelines for asymptomatic patients call for waiting at least 72 hours after known exposures before testing.
And of course, any exposure after being tested means you could be infected.”
From Kayla Stewart, RN, Manager of Ascension Via Christi Emergency Department in Fort Scott.
Requirements:
* a physician’s order
Testing dates and times are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10-11 a.m. The order for testing must be received before 9:30 a.m. to get tested the same day.
Cost?
*insurance
How long before test results?
* 24-72 hours. “Most of ours have been coming back within a day.”
While waiting for the results what are people to do?
“POST EXPOSURE to COVID-19 TESTING
If you have been tested for COVID-19 because you were directly exposed to someone with COVID-19 you will need to continue to quarantine for the 14 days from last exposure even if your initial test is negative. (Definition to Quarantine is below) Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative.
COVID-19 TESTING NO KNOWN EXPOSURE
If you have not been exposed and have not traveled to an area that is a high risk according to CDC.gov and you are negative you will not need to continue to quarantine. This however does not mean you cannot get COVID-19 and you will still need to take precautions against this illness. See cdc.gov for how to prevent COVID-19. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative
COVID-19 TESTING POST TRAVEL EXPOSURE
If you travel to an area that is a high risk for COVID-19 per cdc.gov listing and you are an essential employee, you may go to work only per your workplace regulation and with a mask on and monitoring symptoms per KDHE recommendations. (these recommendations are subject to change) If you are not an essential employee a 14-day quarantine after a return is required by KDHE. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative.
PRE-SURGICAL TESTING
If you were tested for COVID-19 Pre-op you will Quarantine up to your surgery day to prepare for surgery and limit the risk of exposure to COVID prior to surgery. If you are positive you will be notified, and all non-emergent surgeries may be postponed until COVID-19 is cleared. Those with symptoms and are tested, they should isolate for 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and fever free for 72 hours without fever-reducing medication even if their test is negative and let your provider know.
Testing can take up to 2-3 days for completion or longer depending on lab volumes.”
For more informationon how to care at home and clean:
Rebecca Johnson, administrator of Bourbon County Health Department sent the following info.
To clarify terms:
Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick.
Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.
“WHEN SHOULD I STAY HOME?
After you have been tested for COVID-19, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
If you have been in close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, until told otherwise by the County Health Department
If you are feeling sick
If your Doctor or the County Health Department has instructed you to do so
WHEN SHOULD I GO BACK OUT IN PUBLIC AFTER ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE?
When you have been instructed to do so by your County Health Department
HOW LONG COULD MY ISOLATION OR QUARANTINE LAST?
If you are in isolation because you were tested POSITIVE for COVID-19, your isolation time is a minimum of 10 days after onset of symptoms or testing date (if onset unclear or asymptomatic). You can be released from isolation after fever free and asymptomatic for at least 72 hours. Release from isolation is up to the County Health Department.
If you are a household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for a minimum of 24 days. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.
If you are a non-household contact of a positive COVID-19 case, you must quarantine for 14 days from the date of last contact with the positive case. Release from quarantine is up to the County Health Department.
You may contact your County Health Department by calling:
It is with our deepest regret that we need to announce the loss of a resident of Bourbon County, KS (elderly female), due to COVID-19. We would like to extend our sympathy to the family and friends of this individual during this difficult time and encourage the public to do the same as her family and friends mourn her loss.
The individual had been hospitalized and the contact investigations have been completed. If you have not been contacted, your risk of exposure from this individual is minimal.
The overwhelming opinion of medical professionals across the country is that we MUST all do our part to help reduce the spread of this virus. Even though many will only experience mild symptoms, the higher risk/elderly population and those with underlying health issues could experience more severe symptoms.
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that everyone stay home if you are ill, utilize social distancing, use frequent hand hygiene, cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow, wear a mask when applicable, and disinfect highly touched surfaces.
If you feel you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) please call your clinic first. If you are experiencing life threatening symptoms, please call 911!
If you have questions, the Bourbon County Health Department will answer your call at (620)223-4464. Due to the volume of calls, we are not answering messages via Facebook or Messenger.
You can also visit Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments on Facebook for local updates regarding COVID-19 or our website www.sekmchd.com.
We appreciate everyone’s efforts to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Please continue this effort.
FORT SCOTT, Ks. – A Fort Scott Presbyterian Village non-direct resident care employee tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday, August 1. The employee is in isolation and quarantined at home.
The employee, who does not work directly with residents, passed employee screening for their shift on July 30 and wore personal protective equipment as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The employee began to feel ill, left the building and sought COVID-19 testing. The employee has not been back in the building since. The campus was notified that the employee was positive for COVID-19 Saturday evening.
“Our top priority is the safety of our residents and staff members,” said Jeanne Gerstenkorn, PMMA’s infection preventionist and vice president for health and wellness.
The Bourbon County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Epidemiology Hotline have been notified. Health department guidelines will be followed for quarantining and testing of employees and residents. Through contact tracing seven campus employees and two residents have been identified as having close contact with the positive employee. The health department recommends placing all 9 people in isolation until testing can be completed later this week, and monitoring them for fever and signs and symptoms for 14 days.
At this time, no residents or employees are showing signs or symptoms of respiratory illness or COVID-19.
Families have been called to alert them to the potential exposure, and all state and county mandatory required reporting agencies have been notified.
All employees are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and best practices as these are continually updated. The community regularly reinforces with all staff that an employee should not report to work if he or she is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness or are not feeling well.
The employee is recuperating at home and must be COVID-19-free before returning to work. We follow CDC and KDHE guidelines in determining when an employee may return to work. Under the current guidelines, the employee may return to work when at least 72 hours have passed since resolution of the employee’s fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and the employee’s symptoms have improved and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Upon the employee’s return to work, we will follow CDC recommendations related to work practices and restrictions.
For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian Village’s response, go to PMMA’s (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s) website, Presbyterianmanors.org/Media- room.
