JCH&L Encourages Everyone to Know Their Insurance Plan

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Jefferson Community Health & Life encourages everyone to know their health insurance plan – and check carefully into what coverage is available when choosing a plan.

“We are seeing more patients recently being disappointed because JCH&L is not in the network for their health insurance plan,” said Kim Shadduck, JCH&L business office manager. “Often the issue is that we are contracted with the company but not their particular plan.”

Shadduck said that every carrier has a wide variety of plans available. Some plans are “narrow network” plans, meaning they cover only a specific group of hospitals or providers – and those providers may not even be in our state. Some are specific to virtual visits with specific providers.  She said when considering plans, be sure to ask which health care facilities and providers are covered as a part of the plan, and whether you can continue to use your chosen health care provider and home town clinic and hospital services. She said sometimes a plan may cover only Emergency Room visits when out of network, and the patient may or may not have to meet a deductible or pay a copay on that.

Some things to pay extra attention to when shopping for new insurance are: Is this a new plan offered by the company? Does the plan name contain any key words that may indicate a narrow network, like the name of a hospital/group or words like Virtual or Region or the name of a state?  Then be ready to ask questions or do more online research about what that means. If shopping on the healthcare.gov market place, check on whether the facilities and providers you may want to use are covered as part of the plan.

The JCH&L business office welcomes calls and questions about whether we are “in-network” for specific plans – but please be sure to ask about the specific plan. JCH&L may be in network with the company, but not every plan the company sells, Shadduck said.

JCH&L Occupational Health Program Invites Businesses to Learning Opportunity

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JCH&L’s Occupational Health Program is inviting representatives of area businesses to come to a lunch program to learn about the services offered by the program. The lunch will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. Those interested are asked to call Director Lori Ohlde RN at 402-729-6857 or email Lori.Ohlde@JCHealthandLife.org to make reservations.

JCH&L’s Occupational Health program has expanded, and is located at JCH&L’s North Building, 825 22nd St. Occupational Health works with area employers to help them improve their employees’ health and productivity.

A wide variety of services are available including Physical Capacity Profile testing, drug screenings, vaccinations, screening bloodwork, and health risk assessments. JCH&L recognizes that each business has its own specific needs, so staff will help you come up with the plan that meets your needs. Bundled prices and volume discounts are available.

The program will provide an overview of the program, a tour of the facility, and an opportunity to see a demonstration of the PCP equipment. Business owners, managers and Human Resources staff are encouraged to attend.

For more information contact Lori Ohlde at 402-729-6857.

Murphy Now Certified Lactation Counselor

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Kasey Murphy, PT, DPT, CLC, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, has earned the designation of Certified Lactation Counselor from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice.

Certified Lactation Counselors are dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems. The credential signifies Murphy has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding, lactation, and infant feeding.

Murphy said lactation support fits well with her work in pediatric therapy and early childhood development, and the knowledge and expertise can be beneficial to the families and young children she serves. Her physical therapy experience in assessing posture, range of motion, infant reflexes, developmental milestones and coordination brings a unique perspective to the CLC designation.

Murphy works both in outpatient and early intervention settings.  With a physician’s referral, insurance may cover lactation support services in the outpatient setting. Early Intervention is provided by the local school district for families who qualify. Anyone can make a referral. If you are concerned about the development of your child or have questions about participation in Early Intervention, please call 402-239-3646 or 729-6104. The cost is free. More information also provided at: http://edn.ne.gov.

Murphy has been with JCH&L since 2021. She has a bachelor of science in medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and is a Board Certified Pediatric Specialist.

For more information, contact JCH&L Sports Medicine and Rehab Services at 402-729-6841.

Dry Needling Now Available Without a Doctor’s Order

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Dry needling is now offered as a stand-alone, cash-based service without a doctor’s order at Jefferson Community Health & Life Sports Medicine and Rehab Services.

Dry needling is a non-pharmaceutical therapeutic modality which uses a small filiform acupuncture needle specifically for treating and preventing soft tissue pain and dysfunction. Dry needling stimulates the healing process in soft tissues, leading to pain relief and restoration of tissue health and mobility. Dry needling can be beneficial for back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow and many other diagnoses.

Callie Engler PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist, and Travis Kostal, PT, DPT, are both trained in trigger point dry needling for pain management.

“While it does not help every patient, for many patients who experience pain it can be a very helpful technique,” Engler said. “I have had many patients report great results.”

She said how often the area is treated depends on many variables, including how many needles are inserted during a treatment. Younger and healthier patients need 2-3 days between treatments, and older and weaker patients need 4-7 days between treatments. Sometimes patients may find relief after just a few treatments, but severe or chronic symptoms typically require more treatments.

The treatment can be done on those who are under 19 with parent permission.

Some patients may experience side effects, including syncope, bleeding/bruising, pneumothorax, post treatment soreness, drowsiness, and erythema.

There are times when dry needling is not something she would recommend, including: near surgical sites less than 4 weeks after surgery; near implants or joint replacements for at least six weeks; if the patient has problems with needles; or near open wounds. She would recommend extra caution with patients who are pregnant, have very high or low blood pressure, or have a fear of needles.

When dry needling is done as a cash-based service, insurance will not be billed and a physician order is not required. Dry needling with up to a 30-minute treatment session is offered for $40. Call 402-729-6840 to schedule or for more information.

JCH&L Among Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals 2023

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For the eighth time in 10 years, Jefferson Community Health & Life has been named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“We are pleased to be recognized again for our daily commitment to providing the best health care possible to residents of Jefferson County and beyond, while maintaining an efficient and effective facility,” said Burke Kline, DHA, MHA,  CHFP, FACHE, CEO of Jefferson Community Health & Life.

Jefferson Community Health & Life scored in the top 100 of critical access hospitals (CAHs) on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™ for 2023, and previously in 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, and 2014. The annual Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals award is based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX ® from iVantage Health Analytics, and is regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence.

Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility scored in the top 100 among all Critical Access Hospitals nationally. Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance. Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility had one of the 100 highest overall scores among all Critical Access Hospitals nationally.

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

The list of this year’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals, as well as the 2023 INDEX methodology, can be found at: https://www.chartis.com/top-performing-rural-hospitals

JCH&L is among 11 Nebraska critical access hospitals to make the Top 100 list for 2023. Others are: Boone County Health Center, Albion; Brodstone Memorial Hospital, Superior; CHI Health St. Mary’s, Nebraska City; Community Medical Center, Falls City; Howard County Medical Center, St. Paul; Jennie M. Melham Medical Center, Broken Bow; Memorial Community Health Systems, Seward; Memorial Hospital, Aurora; Pender Community Hospital, Pender; and Phelps Memorial Health Center, Holdrege.

In May 2020, JCH&L was recognized by The Chartis Center and the National Rural Health Association for being in the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for quality. In May 2018, JCH&L was recognized for being in the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals overall in the nation.

In November 2022, JCH&L was recognized with a Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective. The Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance  (75th percentile and above) among rural hospitals in quality, outcomes and patient perspective. Jefferson Community Health & Life has previously been recognized with the NOSORH/iVantage Performance Leadership award for quality and patient perspective in 2021; quality in 2020; for quality, outcomes and patient perspective in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and for financial strength and patient satisfaction in 2016.

“These recognitions reaffirm that our emphasis on quality, performance and satisfaction are making a difference to the people we serve and to our health center. It is because of the work and care of our staff, physicians and board, and the support of the people of Jefferson County and beyond that we are able to meet and surpass these benchmarks and receive recognition,” Kline said.

Kline Named “CEO to Know” by Becker’s

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Jefferson Community Health & Life CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, was named one of 80 Rural Hospital CEOs To Know by Becker’s Hospital Review in February.

Becker’s Hospital Review published the 2023 list of rural hospital CEOs to know on Feb. 10. The article stated: “The executives featured in this list have put their heart and soul into ensuring their communities have access to the best healthcare services possible. While rural hospitals across the country have faced closure in recent years, these leaders have developed a model for not only surviving, but thriving.”

The story included Dr. Kline’s guidance to JCH&L in adding services including a visiting neurosurgeon, vascular services, and genetic counseling. It recognizes that he was awarded the Medical Group Management Association’s Extraordinary Leader Award in 2021, and the American College of Healthcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa Early Careerist Regent’s Award in 2020.

In addition to the honors named by Becker’s, Dr. Kline was named an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy in 2022; earned an American College of Healthcare Executives service award in 2022; named a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2021; named to the board of directors of the American College of Healthcare Executives Nebraska and Western Iowa in 2021; named to the ACHE Editorial Board in 2021; and named a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) in 2021. He has previously been named in the Becker’s Hospital Review “67 Rural CEOs to Know” in 2022; “70 CAH CEOs to Know” in 2019, “71 CAH CEOs to know” in 2018, and “Rising Star: 90 Healthcare Leaders Under 40” in 2018.

Dr. Kline was one of 8 Nebraska CEOs who made the Becker’s 2023 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know list. The full story and complete list may be found at: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/80-rural-hospital-ceos-to-know-2023.

JCH&L Occupational Health Program Expands

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JCH&L’s Occupational Health Program has expanded, and is now located at JCH&L’s North Building, 825 22nd St. Occupational Health works with area employers to help them improve their employees’ health and productivity.

A wide variety of services are available including Physical Capacity Profile testing, drug screenings, vaccinations, screening bloodwork, and health risk assessments. JCH&L recognizes that each business has its own specific needs, so staff will help you come up with the plan that meets your needs. Bundled prices and volume discounts are available.

“We have been able to help several area businesses with their employee health and wellness needs, and would be glad to look into the needs of other businesses, as well,” said Lori Ohlde, Occupational Health director.

Physical Capacity Profile testing is specific to each job level and job description. Testing includes baseline/new hire testing which can help you make sure that new hires can handle the physical requirements of a job. Whether injuries are work or non-work-related, Fit for Duty (return to work) testing can also help you assure that if an employee has had an injury they are back to where they need to be physically before returning to work. We offer free trials to HR or management staff who are interested in understanding the system. We also offer special discounted rates for testing 10 or more employees.

Drug screenings are available for new employee testing or random testing. Parameters can be specific to your business needs. Our system offers easy and convenient web access to results.

JCH&L Occupational Health offers vaccinations. We can do groups at your business location upon request. Vaccinations available include influenza, Tdap, Hep B, TB, and COVID vaccinations. Please ask if there are others you would like to provide to your employees.

We also offer wellness screens (CBC, CMP, Lipids and T4), and Health Risk Assessments.

We continue to seek ways to better serve our area businesses. If you have specific needs for occupational health services not currently offered, please let us know so we can determine if we can add the service.

If you are interested in more in more information or a demonstration, contact Lori Ohlde, director, at 402-729-6857, or email Lori.Ohlde@JCHealthandLife.org.

JCH&L Holds Annual Meeting

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2022 Another Successful Year

The Jefferson Community Health & Life board of directors held the organization’s annual membership meeting for fiscal 2022 on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Two board members were elected to serve on the board: Sara Stewart and Diane Wellsandt. Stewart and Wellsandt fill positions left by Steven Grizzle and Sherrie Schultis, who each chose not to run for re-election to a second term on the board. Board members are elected from among members of the corporation and may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

Trevor Steinmeyer, board chairman, thanked the administration, medical staff, board members and staff for continuing to be excellent and providing exceptional care at the highest level to patients. He said a highlight of the year was the opening of the new state-of-the-art clinic, and adding two new family medicine physicians. He pointed out that JCH&L was named among the Top 10 Nebraska Hospitals for Rural Provider Excellence in Quality and was recognized with a Performance Leadership Award for excellence in Quality and Patient Perspective.

“It’s obvious Jefferson Community Health & Life continues to be a leader in health care, while continuing to strive for the mission of providing exceptional health and life services for every person, every time,” Steinmeyer said.

Highlights in the CEO’s annual report to the membership from CEO Burke Kline, DHA, MHA, CHFP, FACHE, included the Performance Leadership Award and Nebraska Quality Award. JCH&L received the Spirit Award for safety from the Nebraska Safety Council in 2022. Gardenside continues to be recognized with a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Dr. Kline was named an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy, was named in Becker’s Hospital Review as one of “67 Rural CEOs to Know,” and received an ACHE service award. Madhav Narayan MD and Sean Flor MD joined JCH&L Fairbury Clinic. Megan Corbin was named infection preventionist, Jen Johnson was named fitness center manager, Jennifer Jung became purchasing manager, Cindy Barry become housekeeping manager, and Amber Brunow became laboratory manager. Callie Engler, PT, DPT, was awarded the professional designation of Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Therapy. Therapist Nichole Thorp, PT, DPT, became a certified nutritional physical therapist, and Cassidy Bentley, MOT, OTR/L., CLT, became certified in lymphedema therapy. Jenn Mau, RN, BSN, graduated from the Nebraska Hospital Association QI Residency program and became a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional. Erin Starr, RN, JCH&L chief nursing officer, earned her master’s degree in healthcare administration. Laura DeBoer, RN, Gardenside director of nursing, received a social worker degree certification. Wayne Franzen, Gardenside day activity coordinator, earned an activities certification. Teresa Kroll earned her medical assistant certificate. Sara Huss, Gardenside CNA, earned a Nebraska Hospital Association Scholarship.

New services added in 2022 included colonoscopies by Gastroenterology Specialties of Lincoln, as well as by local family medicine physicians Dr. Narayan and Dr. Flor. Matthew Shupe, DO, of Nebraska Hematology-Oncology became the second oncologist offering services at JCH&L. Advanced Medical Imaging began offering Interventional Radiology services at JCH&L. Dr. Jeremy Hosein of Neurological and Spinal Surgery LLC began offering clinics at JCH&L. Brittany Filipi was hired as an ultrasound and vascular tech, enabling JCH&L to begin offering in-house vascular screening. A new Dexa Scanner was added. A new CPR training simulator was added. Carolyn Ferguson, FNP-C, began offering Battlefield Acupuncture. The Smart Moves lifestyle change program and Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s support groups both resumed after being on hold for COVID.  JCH&L added a portable ventilator and AirVo2 High Flow Oxygen system.

Chance Klasek, CFO, presented a report containing a comparison of financial data over the past five years. Chance noted that our gross revenues increased to just over $42 million in the current year. After bad debt and contractual adjustments of $11 million and expenses of $30 million, this left us with $1 million of operating income which equated to a 3.14% operating margin. We recognized losses on investments of roughly $1.1 million and received grants of $1 million during the year.

Anyone who has donated $100 or more to Jefferson Community Health & Life is a member of the private not-for-profit corporation.

At the regular monthly board meeting which followed the annual meeting, officers were elected for 2023. Officers are: Trevor Steinmeyer, chairman; Ross Boeckner, vice chairman; and Glenda Austin, secretary-treasurer.

Berkenmeier Receives Chemotherapy Certification

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Carly Berkenmeier RN has received her ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate. Berkenmeier joined JCH&L as the oncology nurse in December 2022.

This certificate means Berkenmeier possesses knowledge in the subspecialty chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration.  This course equips her with the tools she needs to safely administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy to our patients with cancer, while providing the type of quality care demanded by JCH&L.

The course is intended for nurses who have knowledge of cancer basics and are in a position to regularly administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It builds on a foundation of cancer knowledge, with the learner earning a certificate of added qualification upon successful completion.

The certification is renewable every two years.

Joni Tilford, MD, oncologist with Cancer Partners of Nebraska, and Matthew Shupe, DO, oncologist with Hematology oncology, each come to JCH&L monthly for clinics. Ancillary services available include lab, radiology, respiration therapy and surgery. JCH&L can take orders for services – including chemotherapy and ancillary services – from any physician or oncologist.

For more information, contact JCH&L Outpatient Services at 402-729-6851.

2200 H St., PO Box 277, Fairbury, NE