Newman Memorial Hospital News Room
Community Flu Shot Clinic Dates
Blood Drive
Shattuck Community Blood Drive
Wednesday, July 15th from Noon-6pm
Chamber of Commerce - 115 South Main
Each Donor receives a free T-Shirt and 2 Zoo passes (while supplies last)
Hospital Registration Has Moved
Q- Where do I register?
A- If you are coming through the ER you register in the ER.
If you are coming for a regular clinic visit, please see the Newman Healthcare Associates registration.
If you are coming for any services, hospital admission, or specialty clinic visits please use the main registration located at the lab window.
Please see the hospital maps for more information, or give us a call at 580-938-2551.
Hospital_Maps
Additional Town Hall Meetings
Newman Memorial Hospital will be hosting three additional meetings about the transition to Critical Access Hospital (CHA) designation in Gage and Arnett. Each meeting will cover the same topics as the Shattuck meeting and leave time at the end for questions and answers. Meetings will be held from 5pm-6:30pm. Please see the Events Calendar for dates and locations.
Newman Memorial Hospital To Transition To Critical Access Hospital Designation As Early As October 1, 2015
During a May 21, 2015 town hall meeting, Jeff Shelton, CEO of Newman Memorial Hospital announced the board of director's decision to seek changing the Medicare designation of the hospital from the current perspective payment system to critical accesses hospital (CAH). Shelton added that this decision came after a lengthy assessment of the hospital financial performance over the last seven years noting that significant changes within population demographics, payor mix, and reimbursement forced the hospital to consider all options in an effort to remain financially viable.
"Critical Access Hospital" is a designation given to certain rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This designation was created by Congress in the 1997 Balanced Budget Act in response to a string of hospital closures in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The CAH designation is designed to reduce the financial vulnerability of rural hospitals and improve access to healthcare by keeping essential services in rural communities. This is accomplished through cost-based Medicare reimbursement.
Some benefits of CAH status include:
Cost-based reimbursement from Medicare, which has the potential to increase revenues. As of January 1, 2004, CAHs are eligible for allowable cost plus 1% reimbursement.
Cost-based reimbursement from Medicare, which has the potential to increase revenues. As of January 1, 2004, CAHs are eligible for allowable cost plus 1% reimbursement.CAHs must network with an acute care hospital, which can provide support to the CAH and receive transfers of more acute patients.
Flexible staffing and services, to the extent that state licensure laws permit.
Capital improvement costs included in allowable costs for determining Medicare reimbursement.
Access to Flex Program educational resources, technical assistance and/or grants.
To ensure that CAHs deliver services to improve access to rural areas that need it most, restrictions exist concerning what types of hospitals are eligible for the CAH designation. The primary eligibility requirements for CAHs are:
A CAH must have 25 or fewer acute care inpatient beds.
It must be located more than 15 miles using secondary roads from another hospital.
It must maintain an annual average length of stay of 96 hours or less for acute care patients.
It must provide 24/7 emergency care services.
Today, the percentage of services provided to Medicare recipients is 54%. This percentage is considered very low and would traditionally not be beneficial for a hospital to transition to CAH designation, but due to recent changes within operations, the percentage of care provided to Medicare recipients is expected to increase to near 70% resulting in a financial advantage for the hospital to transition to CAH designation.
"We are working long hours to ensure that all regulatory requirements are being addressed to allow the hospital to transition to CAH designation by the deadline of October 1, 2015." Said Shelton, "Today, the hospital meets all of the core requirements for this designation change, the most challenging aspects of the conversion is the completion of a 59 page CMS application and the performance of the qualifying site and regulatory compliance survey." Shelton ended by saying, "I am confident in the knowledge and skills of our front-line and management team to ensure the survey is a complete success, meeting out deadlines without delay."
Hospital Update
Newman Memorial Hospital located in Shattuck Oklahoma will no longer provide birthing and surgical services beginning May 27, 2015."After lengthy deliberation with our medical providers, review of the state/federal regulatory mandates and uncontrollable influences within the current healthcare environment, on Thursday May 14, 2015, the NMH Board of Directors arrived at the undesirable decision to discontinue offering birthing and general surgical services," stated Jeff Shelton, CEO.
"For over a century, area consumers have enjoyed the value and comfort of having birthing and general surgical services available within their rural community. NMH has had a long tradition of offering quality obstetrical and surgical services, as well as an enviable record of maternal and neonatal safety," stated Shelton. "The satisfaction of bringing new life into the world, and the benefits these services have provided to our community makes it that much more difficult to reach this point in the history of our hospital."
These decisions were influenced by changes within state/federal regulations, declines in service-line utilization and a devastating reimbursement model. The OB service-line alone has experienced declines in utilization of over 48% since its peak of 350 deliveries in 2009. In addition, due to the limitations of the surgical procedures that can be safely and efficiently performed at the hospital, this service has dwindled to where the operational cost far outweighs any reimbursement for the services being rendered. Historically, the hospital has subsidized those services that were deemed critical to the community by leaning on the revenues of other service-lines, but this is no longer an option as today's healthcare climate has driven all service-lines to be operational losses.
"The NMH Board of Directors, medical staff, administrative team and front-line care providers are committed to ensuring that the proper steps are taken to continue to have access to health care within our community," said Shelton. He went on to say, "This commitment requires the organization and its staff to make many difficult decisions, while maintaining a common focus on stabilizing overall operations that may result in the need for further service-line closures to achieve this goal."
During the same May 14, 2015 special meeting of the NMH Board of Directors, acting on a recommendation by the hospital's administration, the Board voted to transition the hospital's current Medicare designation from the Perspective Payment Program to a Critical Access Hospital. This reimbursement model is expected to assist the hospital in stabilizing its financial condition allowing for the facility to methodically reintroduce those service-lines desired by our community, but can remain viable within today's rural healthcare environment.
Concerned consumers are invited to attend a public town hall meeting scheduled by the hospital this Thursday May 21, 2015 at 6 P.M. at the Shattuck Chamber of Commerce Building located at 115 S Main Street Decater, Shattuck, OK 73858.
Department of Transportation Exams
We are now offering DOT exams for $85. Contract pricing is available. Call (580) 938-5400 to schedule.VA Approved Doctor in Shattuck
The new Choice Program for eligible veterans began on November 5, 2014. This program was implemented to remedy healthcare access issues for veterans who either have long waiting times for medical appointments, or who live in areas where proximity to VA facilities may cause a barrier to healthcare. Situations that may qualify veterans for this program are wait times of 30 days or more from your preferred date of appointments or having a current residence located more than 40 miles from the closest VA health facility. Based on location data, veterans may have received a letter and a Choice Card in the mail with details about this program. For more information about the Choice Program visit www.va.gov or call (866) 606-8198 to set an appointment with an approved non-VA provider. Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck, OK now has a VA approved provider, Dr. Smith, who is seeing veterans who qualify for this program. Appointments are first authorized by the VA by calling the number above. By seeing a local physician for healthcare needs, veterans can save time and money associated with long travel distances to VA health facilities. Help spread the word to our veterans that healthcare is accessible in our local community.Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries can cause more than just physical pain. When it comes to the risk of injury, we often focus on the physical injuries many people sustain: broken bones, scrapes and bruising that are visible to the naked eye. But every year an estimated 1.7 million Americans sustain some form of brain injury, such as a concussion. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, but sports injuries, vehicle-related collisions, and violence including child abuse are common as well. If you or a loved one receives a blow to the head or body that worries you or causes behavioral changes, do not wait! Find emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of a brain injury, including changes in mood, irritability, and confusion. To diagnose a brain injury, doctors can use many kinds of tests to assess how your brain is functioning. Additionally, images of the brain can be taken using a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for different purposes at different times during the diagnosis process. Different problems can arise depending on the area of the brain that is damaged. In most cases, people can return to living independently, working and driving, but they may find mental and physical activities require more effort. For some injuries, like concussions, treatment focuses on resting the brain and then gradually building your brain's workload back up to where it was prior to the injury. For more serious injuries, including bleeding in the brain, various kinds of medications such as pain relievers and anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed. Cognitive and physical rehabilitation may also be a part of the treatment process depending on the injury and any resulting complications. As with many other injuries and medical conditions, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to brain injury. Make sure you are properly protecting yourself and your family by buckling up in the car, wearing helmets when you are out riding bicycles, and paying special attention to fall hazards in and around your home.Colorectal Cancer
In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Newman Memorial Hospital would like to increase awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Oklahoma in the highest category for deaths from colorectal cancer in the Nation. There are often no signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer, which is why screening is essential. People over age 50 have the highest risk of colorectal cancer. You may also be at higher risk if you are African American, smoke, or have a family history of colorectal cancer. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly starting at age 50. You should also quit smoking and/or stay away from secondhand smoke, get plenty of physical activity, and eat healthy.Heart Health - Part 4
This is the last week of Heart Health Awareness Month, but hopefully you can take the information you have learned this month and apply it all year long. There are several risk factors related to heart disease that are not under your control, but multiple others that are. From Dr. Smith's Million Hearts talk that was presented both at the senior center and Newman Memorial Hospital last week, remember your ABCS. "A" stands for the appropriate use of Aspirin Therapy, which should be discussed with your healthcare provider. "B" is for blood pressure control. Blood pressure monitoring can be done at many stores, at your healthcare provider's office, and even at home. If your blood pressure is consistently higher than 140/90, then talk with your doctor about what lifestyle changes and medications may be right for you. "C" stands for cholesterol management and includes monitoring your LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol levels. A simple blood test can tell if your cholesterol levels are considered normal or high. Finally, "S" is for smoking cessation. If you are having trouble quitting smoking you can talk with your doctor or call 1-800- QUIT-NOW for help. Awareness is the first step, but you need to take action. A few healthy lifestyle changes could make a huge difference in your heart health.Heart Health - Part 3
American Heart Heath Month is dedicated to awareness and education about heart disease and the many contributing factors. When it comes to heart disease and heart attacks, there are some notable differences between men and women. Chest tightness or pain is a very common symptom among men with heart attacks. Women, however, are less likely to have the typical chest tightness, but instead may present with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or indigestion. These symptoms can sometimes result in a misdiagnosis. Men begin having heart attacks about 10 years before women, but by their 50s women have caught up, and in their 60s women actually have them more often. Recommended treatments for heart disease are the same for men and women, but for unclear reasons, women are often treated less aggressively, whether it's with medicines, stents, or bypass surgery. It also is true that women tend to take medicines less faithfully than men, perhaps because of side effects, often minor ones. Be sure to discuss side effects with your doctor before stopping any medicines.Risk factors for developing coronary artery heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight, diabetes, and family history (a close relative who's experienced coronary artery disease before age 65.) Everyone should know his/her risk factors by age 30. Some risks can be eliminated (smoking) or effectively treated with medicine and life style changes, and the earlier, the better. Start walking at least 30 minutes each day and practice eating a heart healthy diet, by choosing lean proteins, eating whole grains, limiting unhealthy fats and cholesterol, reducing sodium intake and eating more fruits and vegetables. There is one bonus for women. When women with heart disease take on a healthier lifestyle, with more exercise and a better diet, their risk for future heart problems decreases more than men. That's one action item you can start right now. While lifestyle changes are the first step in reducing heart disease, sometimes they're not enough. In this case, your doctor may prescribe medication in addition to lifestyle changes. Talk to your healthcare provider about what's right for you.
Heart Health - Part 2
Mark your calendars! In honor of American Heart Health Month, Newman Memorial Hospital is hosting a free lecture for the public on heart health. The talk will be led by Dr. Smith and light refreshments will be provided. The event will be held in the Newman Memorial Hospital meeting room on the lower level by the cafeteria on Wednesday, February 18th, from 6-7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!American Heart Heath Month is dedicated to awareness and education about heart disease and the many contributing factors. Heart disease is an umbrella term for many problems related to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, also known as "hardening of the arteries" occurs when plaque builds up on the inside of the artery walls causing a narrowing of the arteries which inhibits blood flow. This is what ultimately causes the risk for a heart attack or stroke. Heart disease can also include heart failure, heart valve problems, and some types of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). There are a number of health issues that are contributing factors to heart disease, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure. Many times high blood pressure has no symptoms, so you may not be aware that your arteries, heart and other organs are being damaged. Blood pressure tests are a simple and effective monitoring tool, and can be done with your healthcare provider, at many pharmacy locations and even at home with the right equipment.
Another risk factor for heart disease is high cholesterol, or more specifically too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulating in the blood. Cholesterol can form plaque in the arteries, which we know can cause diminished blood flow to the heart and brain. Checking your cholesterol levels requires a simple blood test. If you find that you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider can help you follow a plan to lower it that may include lifestyle changes and in some cases medication. People with type 2 diabetes often have too much bad cholesterol and are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. If you have type 2 diabetes, please talk with your healthcare provider about your risks for heart disease, and the appropriate steps you can take to protect your heart.
Heart Health Awareness Month
February is American Heart Month, and Newman Memorial Hospital would like you to participate. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for BOTH men and women in the United States. Luckily, preventative measures can reduce your risk of heart disease. This is especially important in Ellis County, because the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports our county in the highest category for risk of preventable death from heart disease and stroke, along with many other counties in the southern part of the U.S. This means that we can save lives here in our region; our family, friends and neighbors. How can you participate in saving lives? First, start by eating a healthy diet and staying active. Be sure to stay away from smoking and if you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Next, spread the word about these simple preventative steps to everyone around you. It is that simple. Show your support for Heart Health Awareness by wearing red on Friday, February 6th and follow Newman Memorial Hospital on Facebook for additional health tips.Health Topic
What is small, shaped like a butterfly, located in your throat, and when impaired causes undiagnosed problems in an estimated 15 million Americans? Yes, today we are talking about your thyroid gland. Grabbing iodine from your bloodstream as fuel, your thyroid produces two thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). For such a tiny gland, your thyroid has a big effect on most of your major organs. Your pituitary gland, located in your brain, produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates thyroid hormone production. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low the pituitary releases more TSH, and when high it decreases TSH production. If this feedback system is malfunctioning and your thyroid continually produces too much or too little of the thyroid hormones, your metabolism, brain development, breathing, heart and nervous system functions, body temperature, muscle strength, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight, and cholesterol levels could be affected. Simple blood tests performed by your healthcare provider can determine if your thyroid function is normal. Treatment for the several known thyroid disorders will vary, and should be closely managed by your family physician and/or your endocrinologist (hormone specialist).Thyroid Function and Pregnancy
Normal thyroid function is crucial for fertility, maintaining a pregnancy, and healthy fetus development. Maintaining normal thyroid hormone levels is critical for the development of the baby's brain and nervous system, and during the first trimester, the fetus depends solely on the mother's supply of thyroid hormones. It is not until around 12 weeks that the baby's thyroid begins to function on its own. Women with thyroid dysfunction can have a healthy pregnancy by understanding the relationship between thyroid function and pregnancy, keeping current on their thyroid function testing, and following a management plan that is laid out by their physician. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to discuss any thyroid concerns with your healthcare provider.http://www.thyroidawareness.com/
New Year's Baby
First time parents Rachael and Brian Pearson of Woodward are presented with three gift baskets at Newman Memorial Hospital. Born January 6th, Cameron Raelyn is the first baby born at the hospital in 2015, earning her the title of New Year's Baby. Rachael was all smiles, as she said "I was so excited to have my baby here (Newman Memorial Hospital). Dr. Stuart was great and her nurse was so helpful." Donations for the gift baskets were made by Newman Memorial Hospital, Dr. Stuart, SNB Bank, Medic Pharmacy, Gustos, Deals and Dazzel, Newman Pharmacy, Purgason Tire, Venture, Ed's Café and other generous donors. The gift baskets included necessities for the new baby, snacks and gifts for the parents, and gift cards.
Back Row: Natasha Burns, RN; Danna Stuart, MD; Jeff Shelton, CEO
Front Row: Brian Pearson; Rachael Pearson; Cameron Raelyn Pearson
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Common symptoms of a cold include: nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headache, coughing and sneezing. Colds can and should be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids, and typically last 7-10 days. To alleviate nasal congestion you can take a steamy shower, use saline nasal sprays or nasal irrigation, sleep with an extra pillow, and drink hot beverages like herbal tea. Also, be sure to blow your nose often. Common flu symptoms are similar to cold symptoms, but usually worse. You may have a fever of 100 degrees or more, sore throat, headaches and/or body aches, nausea or diarrhea. Only a test from the doctor can determine if you have the flu. Flu immunizations are a popular and effective way to prevent getting the flu. Please seek emergency medical attention if you find that you are suddenly dizzy or confused, have pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or persistent vomiting. Complications from the flu, especially in the elderly, young, and health compromised populations can lead to hospitalizations and even death. If you think you may have the flu contact your healthcare provider or call Newman Memorial Hospital at (580) 938-2551.Save the Date
Mark your calendars! In honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness month, Newman Memorial Hospital is hosting a free lecture for the public on cervical health. The talk will be led by Dr. Smith and light refreshments will be provided. The event will be held in the Newman Memorial Hospital meeting room on the lower level by the cafeteria on Thursday, January 29, from 6-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome!Did You Know?
Flu season typically peaks between January and February. The flu is a contagious virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. It is spread when a contagious person coughs, sneezes or even talks, allowing tiny droplets filled with germs to land on the mouth or nose of someone else. Alternatively, you can catch the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Children younger than 2 years of age, seniors over the age of 65, and those with chronic illness are more susceptible to complications from the flu, including hospitalization and in some cases death. There are steps that can be taken to help prevent getting and spreading the flu virus. Make it a point to wash your hands, especially after you or someone around you is coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If you have to cough or sneeze, you should cover your mouth with a tissue or use your arm as a shield. One of the best ways to prevent the flu, however, is the flu vaccine. Formulated each year to protect you against the most likely strains of the flu virus, the flu vaccine is a shot or nasal spray that can greatly reduce your chances of getting the flu. To find out if the flu vaccine is right for you contact your healthcare provider, or Newman Memorial Hospital at (580) 938-2551.Preventing Cervical Cancer - By Kirk Smith, MD
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and Newman Memorial Hospital wants you to know that there's a lot you can do to decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer. Nearly 12,000 women in the United States each year are diagnosed with new cases of cervical cancer, many of which could have been prevented through vaccination and regular screening examinations. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infections with high risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Cancer studies have identified high risk HPV in 99.7% of cervical cancers; it is also identified in 90% of anal cancers, 40% of vulvar and penile cancers, 3% of oral cancers, and 12% of oropharyngeal cancers.The good news is cervical cancer is a slow developing condition. Regular screening women's health examinations with a provider performing the Pap test beginning at age 21 as well as routine testing for HPV beginning at age 30 can help identify precancerous changes that can be treated prior to the development of actual cervical cancer. Vaccines are also available, which can prevent high risk HPV transmission if they are given prior to initial HPV exposure.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys to help prevent the risk of future cervical and penile cancers. It is routinely given at the 11 year old well child exam along with the Meningitis vaccine and a booster dose of the Tdap (tetanus) vaccine. However, HPV vaccination can be given from ages 9-26. HPV infection is acquired through sexual contact; over 80% of people have exposure to HPV within 12 months following their first sexual experience. The HPV vaccine is most effective if given prior to exposure to HPV and thus recommended to be given routinely at age 11 prior to first sexual contact.
Dr. Smith is a Board Certified Physician in Family Medicine and fellowship trained in Advanced Obstetrics. He is a former clinical faculty member at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Smith is currently in private practice and seeing patients at Newman Healthcare Associates in Shattuck, OK.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, Newman Memorial Hospital encourages you to follow these guidelines:
Women are recommended to start getting regular Pap tests at age 21
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women ages 9-26
Parents are recommended to get their pre-teens the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12
Check with your insurance company, you and your family members may be able to get these services at no cost to you.
http://www.nccc-online.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/cervicalcancer/
Newman Memorial Hospital Is On-Line
Newman Memorial Hospital has recently developed a web site and is providing many sources for health information and programming. As you can see this is something that will be very useful to our patients, their families and those who may want to know what kinds of services or facilities we have. There are also many other features we hope you will explore. You can look up medications in the drug search, find interesting health information or ask the FastNurse Research Correspondent a question and get a reply to your own personal question. This is a valuable resource and we hope that you will take full advantage of it.Check Out Our New Features
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