Prepare to Care Graduates

 (from left) Rebecca Crady, Danette Johnson, Deb Morton and Nancy Klein. Not shown Steffanie Crady.

Patients of Grinnell Regional Home Care have another assurance of quality care as five home care aids have completed the Prepare to Care core training.

“Completion of this program recognizes our front line staff as professionals. Our staff has completed this advanced training in patient-specific areas such as communication, cultural differences, and lifting so they can do the very best work for clients,” say Carla Doane, Grinnell Regional Home Care manager.

Prepare to Care is a state recognized educational program, administered by Iowa Department of Public Health, and promoted by the Iowa Care Givers to ensure direct patient care staff are well trained to give quality care to patients. Each year, Grinnell Regional home care aids complete classes to ensure they are trained in the best practices.

“Across our staff, we have more than 50 years of service at GRMC. The longevity of our home care staff is excellent and one reason is that we support our staff. For the patient this ensures stability, knowledge, and experience in caring and meeting their needs,”

Doane says. 

OB/GYN Specialist and Surgeons to Offer Clinic at Deer Creek

Elizabeth Tigges, DO, obstetrics and gynecology specialist, and Mathew Severidt, DO, general surgeon, will accept appointments for surgical consults, obstetrical care, and gynecological needs at Deer Creek Health Center, 401 First Ave., Toledo.

Tigges joined Severidt and the surgeons with Surgical Associates of Grinnell in April and has expanded her clinic outreach to Tama, Toledo, and Meskwaki residents.

The clinic in Toledo will increase access for individuals with surgical and ob-gyn needs. Tigges plans to work with area primary care providers for obstetrical care, cesarean births, and gynecological care.

“A healthy child begins with the mother and good prenatal care. I want to support women in the area during their pregnancies,” says Tigges. “I also believe there is a large underserved group of women with gynecological and sexual health concerns. My training and experience can assist all women.”

Tigges spent the last four years providing obstetrical and gynecological care to patients, performing pelvic surgeries, and specializing in women’s sexual health, a niche area. She previously practiced at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center Obstetrics and Gynecology,  as well as in Memphis, Tenn. 

Tigges began her medical journey at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Aultman Hospital, Northeast Ohio College of Medicine in Canton, Ohio. She is board-certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and aspires to cover the full spectrum of women’s health needs.

Severidt began holding office hours at Deer Creek Health Center in May. Severidt will consult with patients for a range of general surgery services including abdominal, hernia, and endocrine surgeries as well as oncology, obstetrical, and bariatric procedures. His residency included training in advanced laparoscopy, allowing Severidt to offer his patients a minimally invasive solution to complex surgical problems.

He received his training at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines after earning his medical degree at A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Mo. He graduated from Central College in Pella.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Tigges or Severidt, please call Surgical Associates at 641-236-4323.

New SHIIP Counselor Offering Medicare Information in Grinnell

Where can I go to find answers about the Medicare prescription drug plans?  Are mammograms covered by Medicare Part B?  What is a Medicare Advantage plan? I’m turning 65—who can help me understand Medicare?  My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these questions can be found by meeting with a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Now, three volunteers are available to assist residents in the GRMC service area. 

Kathy Szary from Grinnell completed the extensive training program conducted by the State of Iowa Insurance Division. She worked at GRMC for more than 30 years and retired this past year.

Szary joins Maralee Kruse and Montie Redenius as a SHIIP counselor. People wishing to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP counselor should call 641-236-2588.

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, was created in 1990 in response to the statewide need for senior health insurance information.  SHIIP provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with questions and problems related to Medicare benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare and insurance claims, and other related issues.  SHIIP does not recommend insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help Iowans on Medicare make well-informed decisions.

Demystifying the Debatable Definition of Art

One may say “art is in the eye of the beholder” and yet, that is debatable since one person’s opinion is only as good as the information it is based on. Monday, July 25, Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education Program will welcome Dale Fisher the Curator of Education at the University of Iowa Museum of Art. Fisher will discuss the debate regarding the definition of art and the perplexing part it plays in education and everyday life. He will cover the major constants and variables that are inherent to the spiritual, social, and historical function of art throughout human history.

Fisher received his BS in Art Education and a BFA in painting, from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received his MFA from Arizona State University. After completing the MFA program, Fisher worked as a museum educator at the University of Missouri-Columbia Museum of Art and Archaeology where he served on the faculty of the School of Fine Arts. He is currently curator of education at the UI Museum of Art, and lecturer in the UI Museum Studies and Art Education programs.

Fisher’s intent for this presentation is to get the audience to look beyond their personal tastes when considering what art is.

“My goal is as ambitious as opening up a whole new way of seeing for some, or for others, as simple as facilitating the viewer of art to look a little closer than perhaps they otherwise would have prior to the discussion,” explains Fisher. “It is an ongoing challenge that depends on the audience having an open mind, a judicious temperament, and a willingness to explore ideas.”

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program.

Brody Hala Joins Deer Creek Management Team

When you want the best from your local healthcare center, know that Brody Hala, MHA, 2010 South Tama County High School graduate, will be on your team. Hala began serving as the Grinnell Regional Medical Center outlying clinic supervisor on July 1.

Hala’s role will be to oversee the day-to-day operations at Deer Creek Family Care and Victor Health Center. He will be responsible for scheduling providers, tracking financial metrics, achieving high patient satisfaction, and assuring the clinics follow best practices for quality patient care.

He comes to the Deer Creek Family Care clinic from the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics as well as Athletico Physical Therapy in Urbandale. He also worked as a student athletic trainer at the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Training center in Cedar Falls while earning his BA in athletic training. He will earn a master’s in healthcare administration from Des Moines University this coming winter.

“We plan to grow the GRMC clinics and are fortunate to welcome Brody to lead our outlying clinics in these activities,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “The addition of a dedicated clinic supervisor will help assure patients receive the best care, especially with the addition of Daryl Allison in July and Dr. Polly Hineman in August, to the Deer Creek Family Care team with Sherry Parks, PA-C. Brody has the hometown knowledge and the training to match patients’ needs with expanded services in the clinic.”

Hala grew up in Toledo and his family lives in the community. He enjoys playing and watching sports, as well as outside activities and traveling. 

GRMC Golf Outing Breaks Record with $25,000 for ER Renovations

GRMC’s emergency department renovations received a power drive as golfers from around the area raised $25,000 during the 2016 Grinnell Regional Medical Center Golf Outing. The sponsorships, contests, and golf registrations raised a record-breaking amount from the one-day event with morning and afternoon tee times. GRMC welcomed 140 golfers on 35 teams to the Grinnell College Golf Course on Friday, June 17, for the annual fundraiser and friend raiser to support GRMC’s Moving at the Speed of Life campaign.

“We’re tremendously thrilled with the support from sponsors, community members, and business partners for this event. The $25,000 was designated for the emergency department renovations, which leaves just $157,000 more to raise before we can start construction,” says Todd C. Linden, GRMC president and CEO. “I want to say thank you to all involved in this day to support an excellent cause. Based on the scores, we had a great day of golfing, socializing, and fundraising for GRMC.”

With this 9-hole course, par score of 70, GRMC’s outing offered four flights of three teams in each flight. All winning flight teams receive $100 in either cash or gift cards. This year’s top team was Wes Finch Auto Plaza, scoring 56, with members Jeff Finch, Alex Olson, Hugh German, and John German. The second team in the first flight was Dr. Nick Kuiper, Dr. Mathew Severidt, Dr. Scott Collings, and Shane Hart. They scored 11 under par with a 59. The third top flight team went to KGRN, which consisted of Kent Baarda, Brad Zegers, Ben Zylstra, and Tim Zylstra. They scored 60, which was a four way tie.

The second flight included three teams all with a score of 64, with card back determining the order. First in the flight is the Brown Medical Imaging with Tom Mellon, Sr., Tom Mellon, Jr., Matt Byrd, and Jon Osborn. Second in the second flight was the Priority Plastics team with Jesse Hopkins, Randy Masterson, Krystal Smith, and Jamie Wang. Third in the second flight went to Associated Computer Systems team with Andy Bice, Tony Foth, Heidi Thompson, and Jaime Ridgway.

The third flight teams all scored 68, two under par. First place went to the team of Great Western Bank and GRMC with Scott Herbers, Kevin Seney, Zach Weiderspon, and Tom Gallo. The second team in the flight was Duke/Vesely with James Duke, Mary Duke, Emily Vesely, and Jeremy Vesely. The third team in the third flight went to Ramsey Weeks, with Rick Ramsey, Kevin Kolbe, Mike Allen, and Alex Plate.

In the fourth flight, the first place team was Linden/Hatcher with Todd Linden, Dave Stoakes, and Ed Hatcher, with a 72 score. The second place team with a 73 was Duke/Sears, consisted of James Duke, Mary Duke, Kim Sears, and Derrick Sears. And the third place team in the fourth flight was the Double You Marketing team with Katy Wells, Julie West, Brent Isenberger, and Theresa Petersen. They had a 75.

GRMC held pin contests with prizes for men and women:

Hole 1/10: Closest to the pin in two strokes went to Jordan Sherwood and Tyler Beck, winning $50 gift cards from the HyVee in Grinnell.

Hole 2/11: Closest to the pin in one stroke went to Dodi Reilly and Andy Bice, winning $50 cash, sponsored by CI3.

Hole 3/12: Longest drive in the fairway went to Lisa Hart and John German, each winning $50 in cash sponsored by Double You Marketing, Inc.

Hole 4/13: Straightest drive/closest to the line went to Becky Froias and Jon Lacasse, winning a $50 gift certificate to Wine Styles and $50 gift certificate to Massage Heights.

Hole 5/14: Closest to the bedpan winners were Sue Vander Linden and Pete Boeke, each taking home $50 in cash sponsored by The 801 Group of Morgan Stanley.

Hole 6/15: Closest to the pin in one stroke went to Kay Cmelik and Tom Mellon, Sr., taking home $50 gift certificates to Michael’s Italian Restaurant.

Hole 7/16: Longest putt on the green went to Dodi Reilly and Tim Zylstra, each taking home a $50 gift certificate sponsored by Mary and James Duke.

Hole 8/17: Closest to the crutch winners were Jamie Wang and Mike Thorndike, each winning $50 in cash sponsored by Ramsey-Weeks, Inc.

Hole 9/18: Drawing for landing on the green went to Jeff Finch, who took home a YETI cooler, valued at $250.

A 50/50 raffle generated $410, which was split between the winner, John German, and GRMC.

The best dressed contest went to the Lang team who all dressed as a fan from different Iowa sports teams. Members were Sally Lang, Kay Cmelik, Sue Vander Linden, and Dodi Reilly.  

The most obnoxiously dressed award went to the Solera Wine team in their bib overall shorts and tiaras. Team members included Sam Cox, Sara Cox, Colleen Klainert, and Karen Richards.

 This event depends on sponsorships from business partners and community businesses. GRMC offered a Headliner sponsorship again. With a one-time donation, Ahrens Park Foundation, Grinnell College, and State Farm – Brent Nickel are recognized as a sponsor for the Golf Outing, the bike helmets, and for the auxiliary business membership.

The Eagle sponsors for 2016 were Associated Computer Services, Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc., Brown’s Medical Imaging, Graham Construction Company, Grinnell Convention and Visitors Bureau, Grinnell State Bank, and Manatt’s, Inc.

Birdie sponsors were ASI Signage Innovations, Great Western Bank, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Jeld-Wen Doors Division, Dr. Nicholas and Stacy Kuiper, Seim Johnson, LLP, and Wes Finch Auto Plaza.

The 19^th Hole sponsors were Electronic Engineering, Exile Brewing Company, Family Dentistry– Dr. David Smith, Dr. David Cunningham, Dr. Chris Roudabush, Dr. Matthew Miller, Dr. Jeff Millet; Todd and Angela Linden–Massage Heights and Wine Styles; Jensen Optometrists, PLLC, Kevin White Design, Pagliai’s Pizza, Priority Plastics, Dr. Mathew Severidt, Steel Erectors of Iowa, LLC;  and The Straub Corporation/PAW Marketing.

Flight sponsors who made this event possible include: Dan and Jo Becker, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Dayton Meat Products, Inc., Dr. Gene Gessner, Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, Julin Printing Company, Malcom Lumber, Leila Maring, Poweshiek Publications, Premier Printing, S&F Underground Inc., and T.L. Baker and Co., LLP

Pin sponsors were CI3, Double You Marketing, Inc., Mary and James Duke, Grinnell HyVee, GRMC, Todd and Angela Linden – Wine Styles, Michael’s Italian Restaurant, Ramsey-Weeks, Inc., Rees Vinyl Signs, and The 801 Group at Morgan Stanley.

Raffle prizes were donated by 1854 Deli, Anna Kayte's by Arnold Motor Supply, LLC, Automatic Door Group, Awards Unlimited, Ballyhoo In Ink, Bill's Jewelry, Casa Margarita, Cirks Financial Services, Colonial Life, Cory Hall Photography, CuVerro - Olin Brass, Dayton Meat Products, Inc., Double You Marketing, Inc., Mary and James Duke, Edward Jones - Kolpin & Kolpin, Exile Brewing Co., GRMC, Todd and Angela Linden/Wine Styles, Linder Tire Service, Montgomery's Sandwich Shop, The 801 Group at Morgan Stanley, The Glass Gift Box, Total Choice Shipping & Printing, Van Meter, Inc., and Vonda's Flowers & Gifts.

The GRMC golf outing is a best shot, four-person team format planned by a committee of community members and staff from the GRMC Office of Communications and Development. They are Jeanette Budding, Dr. Scott Collings, Mary Duke, Becky Froias, Jen Hawkins, Dr. Nick Kuiper, Dodi Reilly, Derrick Sears, Jan Veach, Emily Vesely, and Katy Wells.

SHIP Awareness June 2016

Let’s face it - Medicare is confusing. It’s even more confusing when changes in the law occur. Sometimes those changes are easy to understand. Other times laws are so hard to interpret that everyday Iowans throw their hands up in disgust without getting the answers they need.

Luckily, the Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program – better known as SHIIP – is available to provide free, unbiased information about how changes may affect people on Medicare. Recently, SHIIP counselors have been getting many calls regarding a change in Medicare law that will take place in 2020 regarding Medicare Supplement plans C and F.

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in traditional Medicare plans (Parts A and B). Medicare plans help pay for things like coinsurance, copayments or deductibles on Medicare-covered services.

If you own a Medicare Supplement C or F plan before January 1, 2020, there will be no need to replace it. You will be able to keep it after 2020. In fact, as long as you were eligible for or enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020, you can continue to purchase Medicare Supplement Plans C or F even beyond 2020. The change in law simply will take these two plan options off the table for those newly eligible for or enrolled in Medicare after January 1, 2020.

At the 18 Iowa Fraud Fighter events the Iowa Insurance Division held around the state, it was discussed that whenever there is a change in law, there is a certain amount of fear of the unknown. Whenever those changes occur, some individuals try to exploit that fear and make a profit by encouraging people to make a switch that may not be the right choice for the consumer.

SHIIP has been seeing items claiming that once 2020 hits, Medicare Supplement Plans C and F will become unaffordable so people should switch now. That is simply not the case. Medicare supplement plans have come and gone over the years but the Iowa Insurance Division has not seen rate spirals in the Medicare supplement market.

Medicare is confusing. Changes to Medicare are confusing. Don’t try to understand all the changes yourself. SHIIP has over 350 volunteers all over Iowa to help you get answers and assistance with your Medicare questions. SHIIP counselors do such a great job that they helped save Iowans over $20 million last year.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center is a host for the SHIIP program. To speak with a local counselor, call 641-236-2588 or email ckenkel@grmc.us. Residents may also call the state SHIIP office at 800-351-4664 or visit www.therightcalliowa.gov. They can answer your questions and even review your policies to make sure you are getting the most from your Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans.