MED Magazine, July/August 2023

1.855.850.KIDS (5437) is your 24-hour link to pediatric specialists for physician-to-physician consults, referrals, admissions and transport.

One number is all you need to connect with the very best pediatric surgical specialists.

LIFE IS B ett er WITH A TEAM YOU CAN TRUST

We’re ready to provide your patients with expert orthopedic care you both can count on. Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has been recognized by the Joint Commission for providing the highest quality of patient-centered, advanced care that goes unmatched in the region.

MEET OUR TEAM

Orthopedic surgeons

Orthopedics

Neuropsychologist

Podiatrists

Thomas Flesher, MD Orthopedic care

Donella Herman, MD Family practice, sports medicine

Verle Valentine, MD Family practice, sports medicine

Brian Aamlid, MD Orthopedic care

Josefine Combs, PsyD Concussions

Matthew Anderson, MD Hand and wrist

Jared Daniel, MD Pediatrics

Hillary Becker, MD Hand and wrist

Clint Benge, MD Sports medicine

Chad Kurtenbach, MD Sports medicine

Kristofer Kimber, MD Sports medicine

Joshua Johnson, MD Joint replacement / MSK oncology

Harvey Oliver, MD Sports medicine

Hao Li, MD Hand and wrist

Nathan Skelley, MD Sports medicine

Robert Van Demark Jr., MD Hand and wrist

Robert Van Demark III, MD Trauma

Darrel Richards, DPM

Adam Nichols, DPM

Mark Graeber, DPM

New surgeons

Elizabeth Helsper, MD Hand and wrist

Alan Yan, MD Foot and ankle

Mark Heidenreich, MD Joint replacement / MSK oncology

Aaron Pemberton, MD Trauma

Patrick Horrigan, MD Trauma

Spencer Hospital

Profile of a Top 100 Rural Hospital

■

By Alex Strauss

PAGE 6 | [SPONSORED]

Working Together for Better Outcomes

How the Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) Community Health Worker (CHW) program is improving care for low-income families and seniors in East Central South Dakota

PAGE 8 | This Month Online

Easing dental fear with infection control, new toolkit for opioid use disorders, plus MED's newest team member and all the latest area events.

PAGE 13 | [SPONSORED]

Journey Construction Focuses on Relationship-Driven Projects

The recently-completed Avera Gregory Hospital and Nursing Home is a prime example of Journey Construction's commitment to building great projects by building great relationships.

PAGE 14 | USD Plans to Address Nursing Shortage with $3 Million Grant

PAGE 15 | The CURES Act Information Blocking Rule: 5 Practices to Avoid

■ By Dean McConnell

Avoid these overlooked practices now to stay out of trouble later.

PAGE 16 | NEWS & NOTES

PAGE 19 | USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Travis Elmore

PAGE 22 | Eide Bailly Can Help Protect Healthcare from Cyber Attacks

■ By Kim Lee

CONTENTS

FROM US TO YOU

Welcome to the summer issue of MED ! This month, we are excited to cross the border into Iowa to feature one of the country's most dynamic mid-sized community hospitals. Spencer Hospital was recently named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital for the eighth time. MED spoke with two of its leaders about what makes this smaller hospital such a big deal.

Also in this issue, important considerations regarding your patients' access to their information that could save you a lot of trouble later, Journey Construction shows off its newest Avera project in Gregory, and more on how community health workers are helping to fill workforce gaps in rural South Dakota.

We also have a full lineup of News & Notes and a list of upcoming medical conferences, meetings, and even golf outings in This Month Online.

Don't forget! If you have not already claimed your free subscription to MED 's bi-monthly digital roundup of regional healthcare news, you can do so at MidwestMedicalEdition.com. We'll help you stay-up-to-date between issues!

See you in September!

—Alex and Steff

CONTACT INFORMATION

STEFFANIE LISTON-HOLTROP

2023 ADVERTISING DEADLINES

Midwest Medical Edition

Publisher / MED MAGAZINE, LLC

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Vice President Sales & Marketing

STEFFANIE LISTON-HOLTROP

Editor in Chief / ALEX STRAUSS

Staff Writer / KIM LEE

Creative Director / CORBO DESIGN

Customer Relationship Manager / BARBIE MUNOZ

Digital Media Director / HYA AMURAO

VP Sales & Marketing 605-366-1479

Steff@MidwestMedicalEdition.com

ALEX STRAUSS

Editor in Chief 605-759-3295

Alex@ MidwestMedicalEdition.com

WEBSITE

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 90646, Sioux Falls, SD 57109

NEXT

5

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER PATIENT OUTCOMES

THE INTER-LAKES Community Action Partnership (ICAP) Community Health Worker (CHW) program is rapidly proving to be a strong asset in their service area. ICAP is a community-based non-profit organization that serves primarily low-income families and senior citizens in a 14-county area of East Central South Dakota. They have 21 offices, including Head Start sites.

Mendy Herke, ICAP CHW Program Manager, was hired in August of 2022 and completed her certification through Southeast Tech in December later that year. The program grew quickly, and Meghan Vogel was hired as a CHW to join the team in September. Meghan has a passion for public health and public service and is currently enrolled in the training program at Southeast Tech.

“While developing the CHW program, it gave us great insight into how needed our services are in our community,” said Mendy. “Being a community-based agency, it is a natural fit as we have many resources in our network to recommend.”

MRHS looks forward to continuing improved outcomes for the residents in Madison and surrounding areas,” said Kari Bruns, RN, BSN, Community Care Coordinator.

mode and living on very few resources so when you connect them to a resource that they genuinely need it is such a fulfilling feeling,” said Mendy.

Mendy’s nursing background has assisted in developing a strong partnership with Madison Regional Health System (MRHS), the local medical provider. Many providers have embraced the program and see it as a benefit for their patient care.

“The CHW program has served as a bridge between the healthcare providers and individuals in the community. It has reduced the demand on the healthcare system, including our nursing staff, while using the resources available in the community.

Kari serves as a liaison and manages all the referrals and communication between the CHWs and the medical providers. “The newly formed partnership between MRHS and ICAP- CHW program has been a huge asset to the Madison community and surrounding areas,” she said.

According to Kari, “The CHWs have been essential in helping residents gain access to resources such as affordable medical, dental, and mental health care services; insurance (Medicare or Medicaid enrollment); translation and transportation services; or housing, food, and education.”

“Our clients are often in survival

Some examples are helping a client who lost his sight get a visual aid machine for his home, allowing him to read and be more independent. The team is working with a mom in assisting her son to connect with the Make-A-Wish program and apply for a companion dog. They have worked closely with the local hospital to get a client’s home ready for when they were discharged and helped a client get oxygen in her home.

As ICAP looks to grow and sustain the CHW program they plan to place a third CHW in their Sioux Falls location. Additionally, ICAP is exploring other healthcare provider partnerships within their service area. They were also one of the first programs to start the Medicaid enrollment process for CHW agencies and are in the process of setting up the infrastructure to support reimbursement. ❖

“Being a community-based agency, it is a natural fit as we have many resources in our network to recommend.”

THIS MONTH ONLINE

Upcoming EVENTS

Exclusive Online Articles

July 17

Dakota Hospital Foundation Golf Social Location: Vermillion, SD

July 23

Siouxland Community Health Foundation's 7th Annual Health Center Open Location: Sioux City, IA

September 6

SD Conference on Developmental Disabilities Location: Sioux Falls, SD

September 12 - 13

SD Statewide Trauma Conference Location: Mitchell, SD

September 14

SD Pharmacists Association Annual Convention Location: Deadwood, SD

September 20 - 22

SDAHO Annual Convention Location: Sioux Falls, SD

September 22

CNOS Orthopaedic Symposium

Location: Dakota Dunes, SD

September 23

Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

October 26 - 29

SDEMSA Annual Conference Location: Rapid City, SD

Cataract Surgery at ART Vision

Cataracts impact millions of people around the world. To mark Cataract Awareness Month in June, ophthalmologist Dr. Alison R. Tendler at ART Vision in Sioux Falls explains why cataract surgery has emerged as a safe and effective solution for restoring vision in this website-only article.

The AMA Weighs in on AI

As augmented intelligence (AI) promises a new frontier in healthcare and medicine, the American Medical Association (AMA) is taking steps to advise on the immediate implications for the practice of medicine. Read more on the principles and recommendations on AI from the AMA House of Delegates recent annual meeting.

Easing Patient Fears in the Dental Chair

Solid infection control measures can go a long way toward easing fear and anxiety for dental patients. South Dakota Project Firstline provides the training and resources to support oral health professionals and students. Find out exactly who the project helps and how.

Where does MED’s News come from?

Have you seen something on MED’s website or in one of our bi-monthly digital newsletters that caught your attention? Have you ever wondered where it came from?

MED accepts press releases, announcements, and events from hospitals, health systems, clinics, private practices, individual providers, and other healthcare-related businesses from a fivestate area. In addition, MED writers produce original content for our Digital Partners and for each issue of MED Magazine

South Dakota Department Of Health And SDAHO Provide Hope For Opioid Use Disorders Through ED Toolkit

IN SOUTH DAKOTA, where opioid related deaths have increased 105% from 2012 to 2021, emergency rooms are locations where patients seek help when an overdose has occurred. It has been determined that emergency rooms are key settings in which improved patient outcomes and transitions into recovery begin. The South Dakota Department of Health in partnership with the CDC, and South Dakota Association of Hospital Organizations (SDAHO) has launched ED Toolkit to improve these efforts. MED spoke with RN Clinical Improvement Consultant, Michelle Hofer, from SDAHO on this important project.

MED: What is ED Toolkit?

MH: ED (Emergency Department) Toolkit is an interactive guide for providers and staff to help support them in improving care for at risk patients with substance and opioid use disorders. It is a compilation of best practices for screening, diagnosing, referring, and providing resources and connections for patients. The goal of ED Toolkit is to support state-wide efforts in improving linkages to care, through sharing of evidence-based practices, to help decrease and prevent substance use disorder, opioid use disorder and overdose.

To learn more about the ED toolkit and find out to get an in-depth review of your facility and resources available, read the full article on our website.

MED: How was the Toolkit developed?

MH: This project began back in 2019 and was funded by the OD2A (Overdose Data To Action) CDC Cooperative Agreement. A statewide assessment was conducted in 2020 to understand what policies and practices exist within South Dakota hospitals. 49 hospitals were invited, with 33 participating in the survey. Questions were asked about substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) education, screening, intervention, treatment, overdose, Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), and naloxone distribution. The assessment showed what the needs were in South Dakota, and the toolkit was developed to meet these needs.

Welcome, Barbie Munoz!

Barbie Munoz of York, Nebraska is MED ’s newest team member. Barbie will take care of MED ’s current and future clients and manage many other “behind the scenes” aspects of the company as our Client Relationship Manager. If you’re a client —or you’d like to be— you can reach Barbie any time at Admin@MidwestMedicalEdition.com .

SPENCER HOSPITAL Profile of a Top 100 Rural Hospital

BY ALEX STRAUSS

SPENCER HOSPITAL has a long and proud history of doing what current hospital President Bill Bumgarner calls “taking the long view”.

“When you look at the hospital and the medical community over a period of time, you see how our medical staff, healthcare team, and governing board have always worked together to both ensure access to high quality services and to engage around business opportunities,” says Bumgarner. “That has been key over many decades, long preceding my tenure.”

Established by a volunteer association with community donations in 1914, the hospital stood on the same spot for 20 years until the town’s residents approved a bond issue to construct a new ‘modern’ hospital. The new municipal facility opened its doors

in 1935 and has continued to grow and expand in the same location ever since.

Today, Spencer Hospital is staffed for 64 beds - 49 acute care (medical/surgical, the ICU, and a birthing center) and 15 beds in an inpatient behavioral health unit. It has eight locations in four counties, including rural family medicine clinics in Hartley, Milford, and Sioux Rapids, and is accredited by the Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality.

Recently, the hospital was named a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital by Chartis for the eighth time. It is the only mid-sized Iowa hospital - and one of only 17 nationally — to have received the award every year since its inception. With more than 500 employees, Spencer Hospital is also the largest employer in Clay County and maintains strong relationships with a number

“ WE BELIEVE THAT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET YOUR CARE CLOSER TO HOME FROM PEOPLE THAT YOU KNOW AND TRUST. IT’S HARD ENOUGH WHEN YOU HAVE A HEALTH PROBLEM. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FEEL SAFE GETTING YOUR CARE LOCALLY.”

Left to Right: Emily Wildeman, clinical educator; Chanda Doring, interim surgery center director; Molly Lovin, educator; and Morgan Young, Emergency Department.

of business partners, including Avera Health.

“I think the Top 100 award shows that from a service, outcome, and business aspect, we do a lot of things really well,” says Bumgarner.

Bumgarner has been Spencer Hospital’s President for 14 years, but his history with the hospital goes back to the very beginning of his career. Fresh out of the University of Iowa with a business degree, Bumgarner served as the hospital’s human resources director. He went on to earn his MBA from Iowa State University and, although his work would eventually take him elsewhere, including a brief stint in Arizona, all but 2.5 years of his 41-year career have been spent in Iowa.

“I think the thing that so many of us value about being part of the Spencer medical community is that, at one level, we are a traditional community hospital where it’s not unusual to see your friends and neighbors,” says Bumgarner. “But on another level, we are also a regional medical center for about nine counties in Iowa.”

“I think we are a very progressive hospital,” says Brenda Tiefenthaler, RN, Senior Vice President of Patient Care and Operations. “We are constantly looking at what services are needed and then doing the legwork we need to bring them here. We also have strong community support, which allows us to do this and maintain our independence.”

Small Hospital, Big Services

It is easy to see why Spencer Hospital has become an important regional referral center. It offers a wide range of services not often seen in smaller rural facilities.

At the hospital’s Abben Cancer Center, patients can get a diagnosis and access comprehensive therapies

including surgery, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. Spencer Hospital is the only center in the region to offer eight modalities accredited through the American College of Radiology plus two distinctions —a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence and a Lung Cancer Screening Center.

“I don’t think that you should have to travel for healthcare,” says Tiefenthaler, a former oncology nurse and past Director of the Abben Cancer Center. “We believe that you should be able to get your care closer to home from people that you know and trust. It’s hard enough when you have a health problem. You should be able to feel safe getting your care locally.”

Also notable for a rural hospital is the Behavioral Health Center, including both outpatient and inpatient care, two freestanding dialysis centers (Spencer and Spirit Lake), and a Wound Center with not one but two hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers.

A construction project is underway to expand and update the emergency department. In addition to a larger, more comfortable waiting area, the enhancements include more privacy, larger rooms, a temperature-controlled attached ambulance garage, and an area reserved for behavioral health patients. The surgical center recently got a similar upgrade.

“When we have physician recruits visit, they are sometimes taken aback by how our hospital and our systems

and processes compare to even larger facilities,” says Bumgarner. “We have been fortunate because of the success of our hospital and medical community.”

Culture of Cooperation

Bumgarner says investments like the ED and surgery center projects are not only important to meet the needs of local patients, but are also part of fostering relationships and forming partnerships that can help sustain their services for the long haul.

A variety of specialists offer regular clinics at the hospital, which also offers specialty care through Avera Medical Group Spencer: Advanced Gynecology & Surgery, Iowa Spine Care of Spencer Hospital, Northwest Iowa Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, behavioral health and oncology services, and provider-based relationships with orthopedic and general surgery clinics.

“One thing we have been doing a lot is joining into relationships with physician practices,” says Bumgarner. “It’s so competitive to recruit and retain good quality surgeons. Lately, we have entered into joint business arrangements instead, so that we are all succeeding together.”

Just as important as their outside partnerships are the ones that form within their own ranks. Tiefenthaler says being a tight-knit community has helped Spencer Hospital “think

outside the box” to manage post pandemic labor shortages.

“We are moving our RNs, LPNs, and patient care techs around, as needed, and looking at all kinds of disciplines to accommodate staffing,” she says. “Fortunately, everyone knows what our mission and purpose is and we work together as a team to accomplish it, whether you are a member of the medical staff or an entity in the community. It’s why people want to get their care here.”

Which is not to say it has been easy. “We’ve had to do some good old-fashioned belt tightening,” says Bumgarner. “The hiring process is more challenging, the supply chain can be inefficient. Then there are inflationary problems. But we have always prided ourselves on being very efficient.”

Despite the challenges of the last three years, Spencer Hospital has not limited services and has maintained the job security of its healthcare team. Tiefenthaler says it has only made them stronger.

“I have worked at big and small hospitals and the atmosphere, the people, and the culture here is amazing,” she says. “I still like to wake up and come to work. You would have to tug on me hard to get me to go anywhere else.” ❖

Brenda Tiefenthaler, RN, Senior VP of Patient Care and Operations and President Bill Bumgarner show off the Emergency Department expansion project now underway.

JOURNEY CONSTRUCTION Focuses on Relationship-Driven Projects

existing hospital’s equipment was utilized in the new hospital, and so it all needed to be moved and installed, requiring detailed and extensive coordination between the owner group, design team and Journey.

Colin Simons, Project Engineer of the project, said, “It took a tremendous amount of coordination and was the most challenging task of the project. All operating room equipment and the MRI was transported from other locations. We physically went to various Avera locations before the project started to learn how the equipment functioned and how it would integrate with the new

the Gregory community, and Journey worked with them to deliver just that. Following a three-year financial campaign spearheaded by local physicians, community members were able to raise funds to build a regional health care center that would provide care for the community and rural communities within 100 miles of Gregory.

The community wanted to establish a regional center with all its services under one roof, combining the long-term care facility with the hospital. A 63,000-square-foot new hospital replaced an aging facility, bringing a 24-hour emergency room, outpatient clinic, diagnostic imaging center, surgical suite with post-surgical rooms, a full OT/PT therapy gym, 17-bed inpatient wing and helipad, transforming the facility into a hub of medical and emergency care.

Additionally, a new 27,000-squarefoot nursing home can accommodate 30 long-term care residents and is

Avera to efficiently integrate all care into one location.

Brent Smith, Journey’s Avera Gregory project manager, led the day-to-day operations, budgeting, subcontractor management and communication with owners. “We were able to build a state-of-the-art facility with every aspect they desired, in a very rural setting and in a short timeline,” he explained.

“Successfully building the entire project within an 18-month timeframe, while considering the complexities of the supply chain, would have been difficult for a company without extensive experience. However, thanks to the collaborative efforts of numerous user groups who contributed valuable insights, we successfully completed it within the given timeframe. This success was largely attributable to the strong partnership between Avera and Journey.”

A unique aspect of the Avera Gregory project is that much of the

Journey Construction takes on projects of all sizes, from renovations and small-scale projects to multi- million dollar projects like the Avera Gregory Hospital project.

“Journey takes great pride in relationships, and there were so many different and vital ones within this project,” said Smith. “Among Avera physicians, the Journey team and subcontractors, everything was relationship-driven. We had an aggressive timeline to hit and without that built trust and accountability, it would not have been possible.”

McGee says he won’t soon forget how he felt upon completion of that project. “In Gregory, a community of 1,200, we had on average around 50 people there working on the project the entire time, so we became part of that community; they really took us in, and that’s pretty rare,” he said.

“Seeing the community members’ faces when we opened the doors was a great feeling. This facility is going to make a tremendous impact on the community and those around it.” ❖

USD Plans to Address Nursing Shortage with $3 Million Grant

THE UNIVERSITY OF South Dakota is a recipient of part of $78 million in grants from the US Department of Labor to support workforce training programs.

The USD Department of Nursing will use its award, a $3 million grant, to create a worker-centered response to the critical nursing shortage in two ways:

1. by working closely with workforce development and practice partners across the state with targeted recruitment and education strategies

2. by facilitating new collaborations to develop and improve nursing workforce pipelines

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that nurses make up the largest segment of U.S. health care professionals, with nearly 4.2 million registered nurses among them.

Despite these numbers, the profession faces significant staffing challenges as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 203,200 openings for registered nurses each year through 2031. Research also shows that adequate staffing is important to outcomes for nurses and patients and is essential to maintaining and improving the nation’s health care system.

To help address these workforce challenges, the department’s Employment and Training Administration has awarded the funding through the Nursing Expansion Grant Program to 25 public-private partnerships in 17 states.

“Training additional nurses is not enough,” says Anne Pithan, chair of the Department of Nursing. “Solving this shortage will require both nursing academics and practice to collaborate to create innovative solutions to address this issue. We will work with practice partners, regulatory agencies, regional health centers, networks of small hospitals and community clinics, professional

organizations, professional nursing networks and behavioral health partners to make this happen.”

The USD grant will allow its nursing department to strengthen and diversify the nursing workforce by educating nurses for the BSN and MSN programs at USD, and employing scholarship funds for students who agree to work in South Dakota. USD will provide educational pathways for those entering the profession and those looking to upskill to a higher degree in nursing.

“This grant will provide scholarship and student support services for 128 new baccalaureate and master’s prepared nurses to serve in hospitals and clinics across South Dakota,” Haifa Samra, Ph.D., dean of the USD School of Health Sciences, explained.

USD’s grant, led by Lisa Feller EdD, RN, CNE, will enhance nursing career pathways. As part of the DOL Nursing Expansion Grant Program, the grant began on June 1 and will be administered over five years. ❖

The CURES Act Information Blocking RULE: 5 Practices to Avoid

BY DEAN MCCONNELL

As of April 5, 2021, all healthcare providers are required to comply with the 21st Century Cures Act Information Blocking Rule. To assist in your compliance with this complex regulation, here are five practices to avoid, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services:

Routinely delaying the posting of lab or test results until after speaking with the patient HHS guidance repeatedly emphasizes that this practice is prohibited and that the Preventing Harm Exception will not justify a policy of withholding or delaying access to lab or test results until after the provider has had a chance to review the results and speak with the patient, except in rare and special circumstances pertaining to a particularly susceptible, individual patient.

Failing to provide same-day access to available EHI in a form and format requested by a patient or by a provider, and takes several days to respond. The records do not have to be provided unless requested. But once requested, the records are to be provided “immediately.”

Immediately is not defined, however HHS commentary suggests that the provider should respond to an information request usually within a day or two—more quickly if the situation is more urgent. The HIPAA 30-day response time does not apply to the Information Blocking Rule.

Not enabling patient portal features that allow patients to directly transmit or request direct transmission of their EHI to a third party. The Information Blocking Rule involves more than just promptly posting a patient’s medical records to the patient portal or timely responding to a patient’s request for access, exchange, or use of EHI. Any policy, practice, or contract provision that interferes with a patient’s access may constitute information blocking.

Requiring an individual’s written consent or authorization before sharing EHI with unaffiliated providers for treatment purposes when not required by state or federal law, or incorrectly claiming that the HIPAA Rules or other laws preclude a provider from exchanging EHI with unaffiliated providers. HIPAA is not as restrictive as most healthcare providers may think. Under HIPAA, it is permissible, but not required, to share medical records without an authorization or release of records form signed by the patient with another healthcare provider for treatment purposes.

Failing to report required conditions, illnesses, or injuries as required by state law or failing to respond to public health or health oversight requests . As noted in guidance, if a healthcare provider is permitted to provide access under HIPAA, then the Information Blocking Rule would require that access so long as the provider is not otherwise prohibited by law from doing so.

More information may be obtained on the Office of the National Coordinator’s website at www.healthit.gov/topic/ information-blocking

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice, or as a substitute for the advice of an attorney or other professional. It does not address all possible legal and other issues that may arise regarding information blocking and interoperability. Each health care provider should consult legal counsel for specific legal advice if an issue arises.

is Deputy General Counsel in the COPIC Legal Department

For more details on each of these possible pitfalls, as well as a link to the Office of the National Coordinator's website, check out the extended version of this article online.

News & Notes

South Dakota | Southwest Minnesota | Northwest Iowa | Northeast Nebraska

AVERA

Avera Health Marketing has won two Gold Stevie® Awards from the American Business Awards competition for its “Ask the Question” suicide awareness campaign and “Moving Health Forward” branding campaign. Avera’s “Ask the Question” suicide awareness campaign received a Grand Stevie award as the Highest-Rated Nomination of the Year, with a perfect score from the judges. Out of the 3,700 nominations received, Avera’s was the only submission to get a perfect score. One judge commented that this was an “extremely important initiative in the present times of cut-throat competition, pressures on youth, general depression and many other factors that prompt abrupt end to life.” Another judge commented that this was an “important campaign for so many people who struggle with mental illness” with “solid messaging and clear outreach strategies.”

MONUMENT

Monument Health

Dermatologists in Rapid City and Spearfish provided 195 patients with free skin cancer screenings in May to raise awareness of skin cancer. During the events, 15 biopsies for potential cancers were recommended.

MCKENNA JACKSON

Monument Health Heart and Vascular Institute recently completed its first patient procedure with an Abbott leadless pacemaker – the world’s only leadless pacemaker designed to be retrieved. Electrophysiologist Saverio Barbera, MD, performed the first successful implant of this

new technology earlier this month. The Aveir VR leadless pacemakers provide new and more precise options to assist physicians in the treatment of patients with certain abnormal heart rhythms. Like other leadless pacemakers, Aveir VR does not require insulated wires –known as cardiac leads – to deliver electrical energy to the heart. The benefit comes as the device is implanted directly into the heart’s right lower chamber using a minimally invasive procedure. Additionally, this new technology includes a longer battery life, which can last up to two times longer than existing leadless options.

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a “Bronze Level,” for its commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids, a national infant safe sleep organization. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to SUID and accidental suffocation. As a Nationally Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, Rapid City Hospital is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for healthcare team members, and family caregivers. Sleep-Related Death (SRD) results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the US.

McKenna Jackson, a Registered Nurse at Rapid City Hospital Labor and Delivery, is the hospital’s most recent DAISY Award recipient. The award recognizes extraordinary nursing.

SIOUXLAND

MIRANDA BROWER

Miranda Brower, ARNP, has joined the occupational medicine team at UnityPoint Health –St. Luke’s in Sioux City. Brower joins a dedicated team that specializes in numerous state and federal regulations that impact healthcare in the workplace. Brower received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Creighton University in Omaha. She relocated to Sioux City from Dubuque, Iowa, where she worked in an occupational medicine clinic. She specializes in acute injuries and pre-employment physicals.

a Primary Stroke Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle a full range of stroke-related medical problems. Primary Stroke Center Certification is based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association and affirms that the medical center addresses the full spectrum of stroke care – diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and education – and establishes clear metrics to evaluate outcomes. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.

MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. MercyOne Heart and Vascular Center is Siouxland’s only full-service heart and vascular center. To receive the Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain - MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures.

MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

SANFORD

Sanford Health shared its vision for transforming rural care by strategically investing in virtual health at the Politico Health Care Summit in Washington, DC in early June. The conference featured more than 20 industry-leading speakers, including Luis Garcia, MD, FACS, president of Sanford Health Clinic, who was part of a keynote panel entitled: “Virtual Visits: Examining the Latest in Digital Healthcare.”. The conference included executives from Google, Mayo Clinic, Moderna and The White House along with multiple state senators and representatives. The goal of the conference was to explore how tech and innovation are transforming care and the challenges ahead for access and delivery in the United States.

sports medicine and treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, is the first Sanford Health surgeon to be presented with the award. He also serves as an associate professor at the University of South Dakota, where he is the medical director and team physician for the Coyotes athletic department.

Dr. Skelley was presented the award at the Sanford School of Medicine Graduation Convocation at the beginning of May.

Family medicine and breast health specialist Shirlene Smook, MD, of the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls, was selected to participate as a workgroup member for the Risk Reduction, Screening and Early Detection Priority Workgroup led by the American Cancer Society. Dr. Smook will contribute her expertise over the course of the summer to develop recommendations in collaboration with a national panel of physicians.

The National Breast Cancer Roundtable is one of the American Cancer Society’s six mission-critical national roundtables.

Sanford Children’s partnered with Fresh Start Surgical Gifts in June to host free informational sessions in Sioux Falls on reconstructive surgeries for children. Fresh Start, a San Diego-based nonprofit, offers reconstructive surgeries at no cost to qualifying children who are underinsured or unable to afford their deductible or co-pay. Families of children with physical malformations or deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease were invited to attend.

HEATHER HERLYN

Leaders from the Good Samaritan Society also presented at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit in Grapevine, Texas in May. Leaders shared how the organization has identified and implemented opportunities with parent company Sanford Health to develop new care delivery models that increase access to services and reduce disruptions for residents. The Quality Summit featured sessions led by industry experts, including Heather Herlyn, MS, RN, CPHQ, director of quality and safety for the Good Samaritan Society.

Titled ‘A Catalyst for Innovation is in Your Backyard,’ Herlyn’s session shared how the Good Samaritan Society, together with Sanford Health, has harnessed opportunities to unlock greater innovation and enhance quality care.

ERICA DEBOER

Erica DeBoer, RN, MA, CCRN-K, CNL, chief nursing officer at Sanford Health was a presenter at The Chief Nursing Officer Congress in Orlando in May. The Chief Nursing Officer Congress is one of the premier conferences for nursing executives in the United States. Sanford Health has implemented several innovative nursing initiatives including using predictive analytics to manage clinical staffing, leveraging technology to support patients at the bedside and automating workflows to build a more resilient workforce and improve patient care.

–the nation’s largest provider of senior care and services– shared forward-looking solutions to address the long-term care industry’s workforce challenges with elected officials at the 2023 American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill in June. As an integrated health system with Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the country, the Good Samaritan Society has launched a number of workforce solutions and made significant investments since the pandemic, including higher pay, starting bonuses, training and education, flexible scheduling, benefits, and well-being support. Despite these efforts, staffing challenges persist. The invite-only congressional briefing provided AHCA/NCAL members the opportunity to connect and collaborate with legislators and other industry leaders.

LPN Jenna Szymanski tends to a patient at Good Samaritan Society –Luther Manor in Sioux Falls

Sanford USD Medical Center, Sanford Medical Center Fargo, and Sanford Bismarck Medical Center are among just 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. The CDC estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year.

For the second year in a row, Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2023. This national distinction recognizes Sanford Health’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error while in the hospital. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients while in the hospital. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

INDEPENDENTS & OTHERS

June 5 to 9 was Yellow Rose Week in Northeastern South Dakota. The week was designated by the The Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund (SJMF) Committee of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation in Watertown. The goal of the fundraiser is to help offset expenses such as medical bills, the cost of medications, travel related to medical care, groceries, utilities, or rent for individuals diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Since its inception in 1999, the SJMF has sold roses, decals, and yard signs and collected donations to provide over $480,000 through 849 grants. A number of Watertown area businesses participate each year.

Travis Elmore

Degree: Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling & Prevention

Current Position: Graduate student

Few people understand addiction and its consequences the way Travis Elmore does. That’s because Elmore, a graduate student in the Department of Addiction Counseling & Prevention program, has been down that devastating road himself, starting at the age of 15.

“Once I tried the harder drugs, I was unable to be anything but an addict,” says Elmore, who ended up in the Wyoming State Penitentiary on drug charges by the time he was 19. Today, Elmore is not only clean and sober, but is just a year away from completing his master’s degree.

“I had taken a class at USD and the ACP program was recommended to me by a professor,” says Elmore. “Once I learned about it, I felt like pursuing this degree was kind of my duty as a thank you.”

In spite of his personal experience, Elmore says his education at USD has opened his eyes to how much he still had to learn about the complexities of addiction.

“After 20 years of addiction, I really thought I had it buckled down and knew so much,” says Elmore, who has also worked in the research lab of professor Melissa Dittberner, PhD. “I had no idea about things like the history and culture. The classes are all great and super informative. I am so glad that I chose USD.”

In April, Elmore was selected for the prestigious Minority Fellowship Program for Addictions Counselors (MFP-AC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Upon completing his master’s degree, Elmore plans to pursue a PhD at USD with the goal of becoming a professor. He also plans to open his own private counseling practice to help others struggling with addiction to “find themselves.” USD.EDU/HEALTH

This SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT brought to you by:

Two Advanced Practice Providers have joined Urology Specialists in Sioux Falls:

ANDREW DAVIES

A native of Groton, South Dakota, Andrew Davies, DNP, earned both his BS in Nursing and his DNP at South Dakota State University in Brookings. Davies has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2017 and joined Urology Specialists in 2023.

STACY HENRY

Stacy Henry, PA-C, grew up in Southeastern South Dakota. She earned her Masters degree in Medical science from Yale School of Medicine and is certified by the NCCPA and licensed to practice in both South Dakota and Iowa. Henry joined Urology Specialists in 2023 and will collaborate with Dr. Lauren Wood, FPMRS, to provide specialized care for general urology and overactive bladder and urinary continence needs.

Bonnie Sheridan was honored as Volunteer of the Year and Bob Eickhoff was officially installed as president of the HRMC Auxiliary at the annual HRMC Auxiliary recognition luncheon in May. Sheridan serves on the Auxiliary leadership team as the membership chair and volunteers in the main lobby at HRMC. Just prior to being presented with the Award, Sheridan officially installed Bob Eickhoff as president of the Auxiliary. Eickhoff, who has been a volunteer since 2016 and serves as a volunteer each week at the Central Towers information desk, assumed leadership duties in January of 2023.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. To receive the Award, Prairie Lakes has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain - MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures.

TONY BROTT

HRMC admissions clerk Tony Brott was named the HRMC Exceptional Employee of the Month in June. Brott, who has worked as admissions clerk for just over two years, was nominated by coworkers for having “a very approachable demeanor [that] makes people feel comfortable and at ease when they enter the hospital.”

HRMC’s Exceptional Employee of the Month award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to demonstrate the hospital’s values of being accessible, helpful and knowledgeable. As the June exceptional employee, Brott received a meal certificate to a local restaurant, a professional photo session and portrait, $50, a lapel pin and a set of personalized coasters donated by fellow employee, Jeramie Sopko.

Only a year and a half after the opening of their clinic in South Sioux City, CNOS is taking next steps to expand the location further. The renovation will include 11 exam rooms, a procedure room, a large nurses station, physician/provider work area, an employee break room, two patient/staff bathrooms, an expanded reception area, and a large storage room. Demolition began in April and the project is expected to be completed in August. Patients will still have appointments as scheduled and will be able to see providers at the Riverfront 4th Street location, but some construction inconvenience should be anticipated throughout this project.

❱ Intrigued by something you’ve read here? Want to go deeper? Read the full versions of these and other recent news items on our website.

Crystal Bender, director of patient access, Ruth Anne Brott, wife of Brott and director of laboratory services, Brott, Erick Larson, HRMC president and CEO, and Marcia Zwanziger, senior VP of finance pose for a photo after Brott was surprised with the June Exceptional Employee honor.

DR. DAVE KAPASKA

Dr. Dave Kapaska has been recognized by the American Heart Association for his efforts helping to expand Medicaid in South Dakota . Kapaska, co-chair of the AHA’s South Dakota Cabinet, was honored at a virtual ceremony in June for his role in the Medicaid expansion, which will launch this summer.

The University of South Dakota is celebrating the expansion of the Parry Center for Clinical Skills & Simulation

The Parry Center for Clinical Skills & Simulation is a state-of-the-art learning environment that allows collaboration among students and safely simulates real-patient experiences. It is available to the USD Sanford School of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, affiliated residency programs and health care providers. The expansion added 2,800 square feet to the existing 6,850 square feet of the center. The expansion includes a complete operating room, an OR wash station, a post anesthesia care unit, an intensive care unit, three high fidelity simulation rooms, four control rooms, and a preparation, work room and storage.

AMANDA SEDLACEK

Dr. Amanda Sedlacek, Board Certified Internal Medicine and Palliative Care at Yankton Medical Clinic, was recently notified tha t her article, "Palliative Care Knowledge Following an Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Seminar", has been selected to be featured in an upcoming edition of the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Dr. Sedlacek, one of the few Board Certified Palliative Medicine Physicians in the State of South Dakota, wrote the article in coordination with her work with the Sanford School of Medicine Director of Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Seminar.

As your premier medical

agility to work on your behalf. Our claims support helps you confidently manage unexpected outcomes

you can trust us to put our expertise

CYBERSECURITY IN HEALTHCARE Keeping Patient Data Secure and Staying Out of the Headlines

BY KIM LEE

CYBERSECURITY in healthcare involves many of the same goals as any other industry —including protecting electronic information and assets from unauthorized access, use, and disclosure. However, ever-evolving technology and the growing interconnectedness between healthcare systems has led to increased risk for both healthcare organizations and their patients. Today, healthcare leaders understand that news of a cyberattack could land on their desk at any moment.

Ramifications of a cyberattack in healthcare manifest in various ways, such as financial cost, loss of efficiency, negative PR, and inaccessible client data. However, the risks in this industry can be even more detrimental, as patient care and potentially patient lives can be put directly at risk when a hospital is breached. Proof of this is only a Google search away, as hospitals that must shut down or divert patients to another facility appear in the headlines more and more frequently.

In fact, according to a 2022 report from IBM, the average cost of a data breach in healthcare has reached an all-time high of $10.1 million. An emerging strategy to fight against these risks is automation. Automation makes an organization’s IT (Information Technology) staff more effective by enabling them to take on more and giving them the ability to respond efficiently. It also reduces the time it takes for threat detection and containment and can pinpoint threats humans can miss.

Eide Bailly, a top consulting firm that focuses on the business side of healthcare, has prioritized helping healthcare organizations understand their security risks and prepare appropriate prevention tactics for each.

“We understand that cyberattacks in healthcare have ramifications beyond just a financial impact. By doing our job well, we can actually impact the experience and the outcome of how a patient recovers in a hospital. That’s meaningful beyond words,” explained Kyle Hendrickson, Director of Cybersecurity at Eide Bailly.

No executive wants to be called by the Board of Directors or the local media to discuss HIPAA breaches or to understand why patient care cannot be delivered. And while the financial impact of a cyberattack is important to consider, recovering from loss of patient trust and negative PR can potentially be even more damaging.

Hendrickson continued, “While we focus on things like securing medical imaging files –which can be used by threat actors to extort money from organizations– we know that we are also protecting patients from having their private medical situations spread across social media for the world to see. Further, we are helping ensure that hospitals don’t have to shut down their technology, which impacts their ability to deliver care.”

Eide Bailly is also equipped to mitigate the difficulty of finding and retaining talented cybersecurity professionals. “One of the more exciting conversations we have with our clients is about helping them to scale their existing team,” said Hendrickson. “No one wants to spend more money, so we help make existing teams more effective.”

For smaller healthcare organizations, Eide Bailly can help identify where their risk is and provide guidance on how to fill any gaps.

Hendrickson concluded, “Every trend I’ve observed in the last five years indicates that the level of cybersecurity risk is increasing. If we are not proactive in managing risk, we may not be able to effectively deliver patient care.”

What should your organization do next? The healthcare industry can benefit greatly from thirdparty cybersecurity consulting. By working with professionals who understand the threats and risks specific to your industry, your organization can move forward confidently and securely. ❖

L E A R N M O R E

Leading-edge management of complex heart rhythm disorders

SAVERIO BARBERA, M.D., FACC, FHRS

ETHAN P. LEVINE, D.O., FHRS

The electrophysiology team at the Heart and Vascular Institute is the premier program in the region. Our experienced team enables us to serve a large patient volume and care for the most challenging arrhythmia problems. As a result of our extensive case volume and experience, we have access to the most advanced technology to increase the safety and efficacy of the treatments we offer. Serving patients is our top priority. When it comes to your heart’s electrical system, you can count on the cutting-edge care offered right here in Rapid City.