Summer 2019
Expanding to better serve your family
Diagnostics go high-tech This year, the advanced diagnostic imaging department at Carson Valley Medical Center received two substantial technological upgrades.
A clearer image with 3-D mammography In March, CVMC opened a new wide-angle 3-D mammography suite for its patients at its main campus in Gardnerville. Three-dimensional mammography has become the standard of care in the medical field, giving patients the best chance for an early and accurate diagnosis. It works by taking X-ray pictures of
each breast from many angles that are not available in traditional mammography. The tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast, taking 25 images during the exam. Those images are then sent to a computer and assembled into a 3-D picture of each breast. The result is a clearer image that helps radiologists look inside the breast, layer by layer, to find tumors better than standard 2-D mammography alone, leaving breast cancer with no place to hide. —Continued on page 2
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EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES Call 775-782-1533 to schedule your mammogram today.
Carson Valley Medical Center’s Minden Family Medicine opened an expanded and renovated practice this spring. Minden Family has offered pediatric, adolescent and adult medicine services to the Carson Valley community in a primary care setting since 2008. The expansion of the 11-year-old clinic, which added new exam rooms, a children’s care room and an expanded waiting room, was funded largely through contributions made by the CVMC Hospital Foundation. The practice received more than 12,300 visits in 2018—nearly 10% more than it received in 2017, which saw —Continued on page 2
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Free flu shots!
1107 U.S. Highway 395 N. Gardnerville, NV 89410
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Primary care Expanding —Continued from page 1
Diagnostics go high-tech
CT with twice the imaging capability
an increase in visits over 2016. With six primary care providers on staff and the additional space to better accommodate its patients, Minden Family Medicine is looking forward to continuing to grow and serve more of the community well into the future.
Come see us at Minden Family Medicine! ➜➜Open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1649 Lucerne St., Minden. ➜➜Limited same-day and walk-in appointments are available. ➜➜Call 775-782-1603 to learn more or to make an appointment.
BETTER DETECTION If your doctor is considering a CT scan for you, ask if you can have it done close to home at Carson Valley Medical Center. Call 775-782-1533 for more information.
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A change of pace Dr. Phillips joins CVMC Senior Care
NEED A CHECKUP? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Phillips, call 775-783-4823.
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—Continued from page 1
A. Matt Phillips, MD, recently joined Carson Valley Medical Center’s family of medical professionals. He is serving as a primary care provider with CVMC’s Senior Care practice, located at 1516 Virginia Ranch Road in Gardnerville. Dr. Phillips, who is board-certified in family medicine, has worked in emergency medicine in Carson Valley since 2012. He looks forward to getting to know patients on a more continual basis. “In an emergent care setting, you’re often addressing the most pressing issue immediately. I’m looking forward to being able to develop care relationships with patients over a longer period of time, where one can take time to listen to and address a patient’s concerns with a more holistic approach,” says Dr. Phillips.
HEALTHY CARSON VALLEY is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of CARSON VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER, 1107 U.S. Highway 395 N., Gardnerville, NV 89410-5304, telephone 775-782-1500, website cvmchospital.org.
Jeff Prater, MHA, CVMC Chief Executive Officer Joey Crandall Marketing Coordinator
This summer, CVMC will install a 128-slice computed tomography (CT) machine in the diagnostic imaging department. CT scans can be used to quickly identify injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, or other internal organs; to guide biopsies and other procedures; and to plan for and assess the results of surgery. The 128-slice machine will allow for increased ability to perform cardiac studies, respiratory studies and other important diagnostics. It acquires 128 images, or “slices,” per rotation around the patient during a scan. These images can be adapted into 3-D images and can also show blood flow over time for whole organs, such as the brain for stroke patients.
“Especially when it comes to senior care, patients are often coming in with multiple medical issues, multiple medications and may be seeing multiple specialists. As a primary care provider, I’m able to coordinate a patient’s care, listening to what they say and ensure they get a personalized level of care tailored specifically to their needs.”
A heart for the Sierra Dr. Phillips moved to Carson Valley with his wife, Theresa, seven years ago from Colorado. He practiced in Colorado for nearly 30 years in both primary care and emergency settings. “It was just a time in life—we knew it was time to get back closer to family,” he says. “Both my wife and I had parents living here, and we wanted to be here to be able to care for them. We’ve loved this community and being
Information in HEALTHY CARSON VALLEY comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
2 Carson Valley Medical Center • Summer 2019
able to become a part of it.” Dr. Phillips grew up in Antelope Valley near Lancaster, California, and first fell in love with the Sierras as a child. “My folks had a place in the mountains near Huntington Lake in Fresno County, and I and my brothers and sister spent many summers out there,” he says. “Camping, hiking, backpacking—there were just so many places to dive in.” Dr. Phillips worked for the U.S. Forest Service while attending college at the University of California, Santa Cruz, before attending medical school in Montreal, Canada. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter and getting to know patients here more in-depth than I’ve been able to do at the quicker pace of the emergency care setting,” he says.
Hospital news
Free flu shots and family fun Carson Valley Medical Center’s annual community health fair will be Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.
CNOR Strong: CVMC surgical staff gains nursing honor Carson Valley Medical Center’s surgical services department has earned the CNOR Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute. The honor is issued to medical facilities in which at least 50 percent of the full-time nursing staff has achieved CNOR certification and to facilities that consistently recognize and reward nurses who earn CNOR certification. CNOR is the only accredited credentialing program for perioperative registered nurses. Earning the CNOR credential is a mark of distinction, validating the specialized knowledge and skills of perioperative nurses. More than 34,250 perioperative nurses currently hold the CNOR credential.
Small-town hospital with a high level of care
“It’s something we take a lot of pride in,” says CVMC Surgical Services Nurse Manager Jen Matus. “We’re a small-town facility, but we provide a very high level of care. “As an organization, we strongly support the continued education of our employees. Anything that has to do with making you better at your job and continuing to improve the level of healthcare available to the community, we are on board with.” CVMC offers both planned and emergency general and specialty surgical services, including: ➜➜Gastrointestinal. ➜➜Gynecologic. ➜➜Ear, nose and throat. ➜➜Oral and dental. ➜➜Orthopedic. ➜➜Pain management. Our qualified, licensed surgeons and staff personalize your treatment to match your needs.
CVMC’s surgical services department is on track to attain 100 percent certification of its full-time nursing staff by the end of the year. Currently, seven perioperative registered nurses within the department have the CNOR credential.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR A REFERRAL or call 775-782-1595 for more information. Carson Valley Medical Center is in-network with all major insurance plans.
to noon, on CVMC’s main campus, 1107 Highway 395 N. in Gardnerville.
FREE flu vaccinations will be offered during this year’s fair (while supplies last), along with a variety of free health screenings.
➜ The fair will also be a drop-off site for the October Prescription Drug Roundup. Unused or expired prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills, prescription liquids, and pet medications will be accepted for disposal. ➜ Be sure to enter to win a number of raffle prizes or visit with the community partners and staff of Carson Valley Medical Center. See you at the fair!
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Around CVMC
Community wellness screenings Third Thursday of each month, CVMC Lab, 1107 Highway 395 N., Gardnerville, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ➜➜ $40 wellness panel (includes comprehensive panel and lipid panel). Requires 12-hour fast. Water and medications OK. ➜➜ $25 complete blood count (CBC). ➜➜$30 prostate evaluation (PSA). ➜➜$30 diabetes screening (A1C). ➜➜$35 thyroid evaluation (TSH). ➜➜$40 free thyroxine (Free T4). ➜➜$50 vitamin D. ➜➜$50 electrocardiogram (EKG). Patients must be 18 years or older. No physician orders or appointments necessary. Insurance plans will not be billed for community wellness services. Cash, check, and credit or debit cards are accepted.
➜ Weight Management Support Group | Second Wednesday of each month, 1:15 p.m. | Carson Valley Medical Center, Sagebrush Room | Information: 775-782-1528 ➜ Caregivers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia | Fourth Wednesday of each month, 10:30 a.m. | Douglas County Community Center | Information: 775-782-1599 ➜ Grief and Loss Support Group | Every Thursday, 2:30 p.m. | Carson Valley Medical Center | Information: 775-782-1599 For more information about support groups, upcoming classes and wellness activities, call 775-782-1637 or visit cvmchospital.org/events.
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Where to find us
2019 dates
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➜ Coping With Change Support Group | Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 9:30 a.m. | Douglas County Community Center | Information: 775-782-1599
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➜ Men Kicking Cancer Support Group | First Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m. | Carson Valley Medical Center Administration Building, 2nd floor | Information: 775-782-1528
GET READY TO TEE OFF! Call the CVMC Foundation office at 775-782-1697 for more information about sponsorships or tournament registration.
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➜ Diabetes Support Group | First Wednesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. | Douglas County Community Center | Information: 775-782-1528
Charlotte Way
➜ Breast Cancer Support Group | First Tuesday of each month, 1 p.m. | Carson Valley Medical Center Administration Building, 2nd floor | Information: 775-782-1528
The Carson Valley Medical Center Hospital Foundation’s 10th annual Fall Classic golf tournament will be Friday, Sept. 13, at Carson Valley Golf Course, with a shotgun start scheduled for 9 a.m. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, breakfast and lunch, fantastic prizes, a Bloody Mary bar, and a cash prize ball drop contest on the putting greens. Tournament entry starts at $150, or get your business name noticed by registering a corporate team and becoming a tournament sponsor.
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Classes and support groups
10th annual CVMC Fall Classic golf tournament set for Sept. 13
Riverview Drive
color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Please call 775-782-1500.
ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 775-782-1500.