Patients who need to make payment on their accounts or patrons paying for a fitness center membership at Grinnell Regional Medical Center now have a new option. GRMC is now accepting payments via PayPal. PayPal allows payment with a credit card, debit card, or have a payment taken directly from a bank account safely and securely online.
“It’s also very convenient,” says Angie Spriggs, GRMC cashier/patient service representative. “It saves time, postage, and the payment is made immediately. We are seeing an increase in the number of patients who are using this online system to pay on their accounts with GRMC.”
Patients do not need to be a member of PayPal in order to use the system for payments made to GRMC.
“Right now we can accept credit cards and debit cards through PayPal,” Spriggs says. “We are looking into the option of accepting flexible medical account cards to see if that is something we can offer online, too.”
Accessing PayPal is easy. Visit the GRMC website, www.grmc.us. To pay a hospital bill, click on the link, “Pay Your Hospital Bill Online.” To pay a fitness center membership, click on the Health and Wellness tab on the GRMC website, and then click on Wellness Services to find the link to pay for a fitness center membership.
For any questions about hospital billing, accounts, or PayPal, please call 641-236-2483. For questions about wellness services, please call 641-236-2999.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Volunteers Needed for Medical Reserve Corps
Community-wide emergencies arise without advance warning and in those cases medical support for residents is crucial. Grinnell Regional Public Health received a grant to develop a Medical Reserve Corps in Poweshiek County.
The Medical Reserve Corps is community-based volunteer group that can respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. The mission is to engage community volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resiliency in Poweshiek County. MRC volunteers can include medical and public health professionals. Many community members can fill key support roles.
The MRC was founded nationally in 2002 as a way for individuals and organizations to volunteer in support of their communities. It is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security.
“We are looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to help prepare and protect our community,” explains Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “We welcome anyone, especially those with medical background or training, who would not be required to work in other areas during a community emergency.”
To form this very important organization we need medical and non-medical personnel. We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 PM in the Light Center. At this meeting, interested individuals will learn about the MRC roles and responsibilities, training available, time commitment, and examples of how MRCs provide support in communities.
For more information or to sign up, call the Grinnell Regional Public Health office at 641-236-2385.
The Medical Reserve Corps is community-based volunteer group that can respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. The mission is to engage community volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response, and community resiliency in Poweshiek County. MRC volunteers can include medical and public health professionals. Many community members can fill key support roles.
The MRC was founded nationally in 2002 as a way for individuals and organizations to volunteer in support of their communities. It is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security.
“We are looking for residents who are interested in volunteering to help prepare and protect our community,” explains Patty Hinrichs, Grinnell Regional Public Health director. “We welcome anyone, especially those with medical background or training, who would not be required to work in other areas during a community emergency.”
To form this very important organization we need medical and non-medical personnel. We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 PM in the Light Center. At this meeting, interested individuals will learn about the MRC roles and responsibilities, training available, time commitment, and examples of how MRCs provide support in communities.
For more information or to sign up, call the Grinnell Regional Public Health office at 641-236-2385.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
GRMC 2010 Annual Fund Drive a Success
Grinnell Regional Medical Center announced this week that its 2010 annual fund drive raised almost $264,000 from 765 donors. GRMC simultaneously raised more than $322,000 from 436 donors to upgrade the hospital’s magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) services. Giving to both efforts totaled $586,113—topping last year’s annual fund drive total of $364,366.
“Time and again, the community supports the projects and programs at the medical center. This amazing support allows the medical center to fulfill its mission of serving the community and working daily to care for those in their time of need,” says Todd Reding, chair of GRMC’s foundation board and president and CEO of ASI Signs, Inc.
From $5 to $10,000, individuals in the community have contributed to the annual fund drive, which enhances the medical center’s operating budget by making certain programs possible. It also allows GRMC to purchase important equipment and support daily operations.
“We are so grateful to the many people who supported these two really important fund-raising efforts. What this shows is that people are committed to GRMC. Despite the fact that it is a tough economy out there, people believe in and choose to invest in GRMC,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.
Both the annual fund drive and the MRI campaign benefited from several donors who matched gifts to the campaigns through challenge grants. Because of these challenge grants, every gift had a greater impact.
Challenge fund donors to the annual fund were the Brownell Family Foundation, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust. Challenge fund donors to the MRI campaign were the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Iowa Radiology, and Grinnell College.
Another success this year came in the form of online giving to the medical center. In August, GRMC began using PayPal to handle its online donations, offering donors a secure and convenient way to support GRMC. The addition increased the number of hits to the medical center’s development website and helped GRMC raise almost $1,400 online—the largest in online gifts in the hospital’s history. The online giving page can be accessed at www.grmc.us.
“Even though the hospital is not tax supported, it is truly a property of the community. As a nonprofit hospital, these donations make a major difference in the lives of our patients on a daily basis. We truly appreciate the generosity of everyone in the GRMC service area,” Lamphier says.
For additional information about GRMC’s annual fund or development program, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.
“Time and again, the community supports the projects and programs at the medical center. This amazing support allows the medical center to fulfill its mission of serving the community and working daily to care for those in their time of need,” says Todd Reding, chair of GRMC’s foundation board and president and CEO of ASI Signs, Inc.
From $5 to $10,000, individuals in the community have contributed to the annual fund drive, which enhances the medical center’s operating budget by making certain programs possible. It also allows GRMC to purchase important equipment and support daily operations.
“We are so grateful to the many people who supported these two really important fund-raising efforts. What this shows is that people are committed to GRMC. Despite the fact that it is a tough economy out there, people believe in and choose to invest in GRMC,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development.
Both the annual fund drive and the MRI campaign benefited from several donors who matched gifts to the campaigns through challenge grants. Because of these challenge grants, every gift had a greater impact.
Challenge fund donors to the annual fund were the Brownell Family Foundation, the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, and the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust. Challenge fund donors to the MRI campaign were the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Iowa Radiology, and Grinnell College.
Another success this year came in the form of online giving to the medical center. In August, GRMC began using PayPal to handle its online donations, offering donors a secure and convenient way to support GRMC. The addition increased the number of hits to the medical center’s development website and helped GRMC raise almost $1,400 online—the largest in online gifts in the hospital’s history. The online giving page can be accessed at www.grmc.us.
“Even though the hospital is not tax supported, it is truly a property of the community. As a nonprofit hospital, these donations make a major difference in the lives of our patients on a daily basis. We truly appreciate the generosity of everyone in the GRMC service area,” Lamphier says.
For additional information about GRMC’s annual fund or development program, contact Lamphier at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Stork’s Nest Moves to Light Center
The Stork’s Nest office and store will move on Tuesday, Feb. 1, to the Light Center for Community Health, 306 4th Ave., Grinnell. The Stork’s Nest works with qualified pregnant women and new mothers to encourage and support healthy behaviors. This incentive program provides classes related to pregnancy, child birth, infant care, and parenting topics.
A significant benefit to the women is the Stork’s Nest store. This move allows staff to open the store for additional hours. Previously the Stork’s Nest was located on the second floor of Postels Community Health Park. Public health staff operate the incentive program along with volunteers in the community.
“We work closely with staff from Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, Maternal Health, WIC, and MICA to identify low income women who can benefit from this incentive program. Being in close proximity to these departments will assist us in serving our clients,” explains Amanda Bergman, Stork’s Nest coordinator. “Having the store in the Light Center, where women often bring their children for immunizations and WIC services, will be more convenient for the women we serve.”
Participants earn points for various healthy behaviors and attending classes. These points are redeemed at the store for infant and child-related merchandise. The Stork’s Nest store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. After the move, the store will be open the third and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to maintain these additional hours.
For more information on the Stork’s Nest or volunteering with the program, please call 641-236-2385.
A significant benefit to the women is the Stork’s Nest store. This move allows staff to open the store for additional hours. Previously the Stork’s Nest was located on the second floor of Postels Community Health Park. Public health staff operate the incentive program along with volunteers in the community.
“We work closely with staff from Kintzinger Women’s Health Center, Maternal Health, WIC, and MICA to identify low income women who can benefit from this incentive program. Being in close proximity to these departments will assist us in serving our clients,” explains Amanda Bergman, Stork’s Nest coordinator. “Having the store in the Light Center, where women often bring their children for immunizations and WIC services, will be more convenient for the women we serve.”
Participants earn points for various healthy behaviors and attending classes. These points are redeemed at the store for infant and child-related merchandise. The Stork’s Nest store is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. After the move, the store will be open the third and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to maintain these additional hours.
For more information on the Stork’s Nest or volunteering with the program, please call 641-236-2385.
MRI Ready for Open House on Feb. 7
Grinnell Regional Medical Center recently installed its first fixed-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit in January. With testing completed during the final weeks of January, the community and donors who helped fund the new equipment will get a chance to view it first hand.
GRMC will host an open house on Monday, Feb. 7, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will gather in the Tomasek Conference Center on the first floor of GRMC. The radiology staff will lead tours of the new MRI suite, answer questions, and provide information about the technology and equipment.
The Hitachi Echelon 1.5T brings expanded MR imaging options to the physicians and surgeons serving area residents as well as added patient comforts and benefits. The significant enhancements include the location inside GRMC’s radiology, feet-first entry positioning for many tests, faster speeds of computers and scanning, additional testing options for the abdominal area, and a wider hole and shorter bore for greater comfort.
During the tours, Iowa Radiology’s Marvin Walker, MD, will be available for questions. Refreshments will be served. No RSVP required. For more information on the open house, call the office of communication and development at 641-236-2590.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Healthcare Day at the State Capitol
The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to participate in the annual Iowa Hospital Association’s Legislative Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 23. Legislative Day allows area residents to voice their opinion at the state capitol about the government’s role in healthcare policy and funding.
IHA Legislative Day, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual gathering of hospital advocates. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The mission is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 individuals attending in recent years.
“With a new governor and change in House majority, funding for Medicare to hospitals and healthcare providers will be scrutinized,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must be a priority for state government.”
The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current health related topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health delivery system, healthcare data mandates, and state-level health insurance reform related to standardized claims and payment and operations.
The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a bus to transport area residents to Legislative Day that will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. The event, at the Polk County Convention Complex, begins with lunch followed by presentations. This year’s keynote speaker will be quite different. Ben Franklin Live!, portrayed by Christopher Lowell, will address the Legislative Day participants. Franklin will share his insights on both current and historical issues. In addition, IHA Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2011 legislative agenda.
At 1:15 p.m., the GRMC group plans to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.
To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Tuesday, Feb. 15.
IHA Legislative Day, now in its 17th year, is the largest annual gathering of hospital advocates. The event, sponsored by Iowa Hospital Association, is free to all hospital supporters across the state. The mission is to give hospital advocates the tools and skills needed to directly address issues facing Iowa hospitals, healthcare providers, and citizens with their legislators at the Iowa Statehouse. Grinnell Regional Medical Center has been a leader in this program with an average of 40 individuals attending in recent years.
“With a new governor and change in House majority, funding for Medicare to hospitals and healthcare providers will be scrutinized,” explains Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “Preserving Iowa’s Medicaid program – both in terms of services to beneficiaries and payments to healthcare providers – must be a priority for state government.”
The IHA provides legislative papers explaining current health related topics. Issues under consideration include behavioral health delivery system, healthcare data mandates, and state-level health insurance reform related to standardized claims and payment and operations.
The GRMC Auxiliary has reserved a bus to transport area residents to Legislative Day that will leave Grinnell at 10 a.m. The event, at the Polk County Convention Complex, begins with lunch followed by presentations. This year’s keynote speaker will be quite different. Ben Franklin Live!, portrayed by Christopher Lowell, will address the Legislative Day participants. Franklin will share his insights on both current and historical issues. In addition, IHA Greg Boattenhamer, IHA government relations senior vice president, will discuss the 2011 legislative agenda.
At 1:15 p.m., the GRMC group plans to meet with State Senator Tom Rielly and State Representative Guy Vander Linden.
To sign up for this free event, please call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588, or email at kolson@grmc.us, by Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First Baby of 2011
Kelley Davison OldBear, son of Elaine Youngbear and Zachary OldBear of Tama, was the first baby born in 2011 in the Kintzinger Women’s Health Center at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Kelley was born at 12:29 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, weighing 6.14 pounds and measured 20 inches in length, delivered by Michelle S. Rebelsky, MD, FAAFP.
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