LiveWell Magazine | Summer 2023 | Marshalltown

ONE YEAR LATER

LOOKING BACK ON THE NEW HOSPITAL AND WHAT’S CHANGED

 AFTER MINI-STROKE, GRATEFUL PATIENT KEEPS HIS PROMISE

 MEET THAI NGUYEN, MD, IN FAMILY MEDICINE

ask the Expert

WHEN EXPRESS IS BUSY, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE?

Dr. Sarah Hemming-Meyer ER/Trauma Medical Director and Physician

1. When primary care and urgent care are busy, you still have options.

2. UnityPoint Health offers traditional virtual urgent care appointments.

3. In addition, there is a service called SmartExam, which is an online screening tool. Note this service costs $30 and insurance doesn’t yet cover it.

4. Visit our website to learn more and access each service: unitypoint.org

A Note from Shari

Friends, since my last note, we celebrated our one-year anniversary in the new hospital. In some ways, it’s hard to believe we’ve been in the expanded facility that long, but it’s fair to say we’re finding our footing.

Better yet, it appears we’re delivering on our promise to provide sustainable health care here in Marshalltown. The new facility and its efficiencies have proved to be as beneficial as we’d hoped. In addition, we’ve been able to focus fully on refining the patient experience, as that appears to be healthy, too.

For instance, check out this sampling of anonymous comments taken from recent patient surveys:

“The staff was always there helping me (PT, nurses, techs, ambulance) and were helpful and kind. The kitchen people were also very helpful with my gluten intolerance. Considering my injuries, I felt like a queen! You do have the best people here.”

“Excellent customer service, from the moment you enter they welcome you. I also want to highlight that everything is always clean and organized, very good appearance. I definitely recommend it.”

“I couldn’t ask for better care. The staff was wonderful and made me feel pampered.”

“I felt my wait time was very minimal, I had a great check-in … I like coming to UnityPoint!!

“This was the best experience I have had in an outpatient surgery facility, from the beginning to the end. All members of the hospital team were courteous and explained the procedure to me. I will definitely recommend this facility.”

You can’t imagine how good we feel when we read comments like these. There are more good vibes on the way, too. Inside this magazine are neat stories – a lookback on the first year in our new hospital, the care we provided a patient and after his ministroke and a feature on the family medicine provider, Thai Nguyen, MD.

Lastly, I’d like to ask a favor from the community. Please continue to keep your care local, and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so, as well. We’re delivering top-notch care these days, and we need your support and business to continue building something special here.

Please stay safe, everyone, and we’ll be here if you need us.

Sincerely,

Shari King Administrator, UnityPoint Health –Marshalltown

WE’RE DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISE.

ONE YEAR LATER

Looking Back on the New Hospital and What’s Changed

It was 2021, and Mark Brown was standing on a roof of UnityPoint Health’s medical park. Fittingly, he squinted into a searing summer sun while talking about the dawn of a new era for health care in Marshalltown.

Beneath him, work was underway on an expansion to transform the outpatient facility into a new hospital. When done, UnityPoint Health would leave its 108-year-old hospital downtown and pull together all service lines under one expanded roof.

Now, it’s 2023, and UnityPoint Health has been in the new hospital since April 2022. While many opportunities for improvement and cost savings were expected, it would be fair to wonder if the new facility has delivered on its promise. For Brown and other department leaders, the answer is a resounding yes.

“On the maintenance side, when something breaks, we can actually get parts now,” Brown said. “We’re not reinventing the wheel every time there’s an issue with the facility, and it’s much more efficient. The space – the heating and cooling bills – there’s just a night-and-day difference. I couldn’t be happier.”

AN INVESTMENT IN MARSHALLTOWN

UnityPoint Health’s Iowa-based system purchased the bankrupt hospital and clinics in 2017. Within two years, it committed to the $38.4 million hospital construction and expansion. In addition, a new Express location was built, and the family medicine clinic moved to a larger, remodeled space close to the hospital.

“It has absolutely paid off,” says Jen Arneson, Director of Nursing. “Re-establishing quality health care is essential

for our community. Being a part of a healthcare system has brought resources and allowed us to guide patients to a wider variety of specialties.

“Marshalltown is absolutely worth it. We are only beginning to see the benefits of the investment. The impact will be felt for generations to come.”

RESURGENCE IN SURGICAL SERVICES

Jill Lewis, Manager of Surgical Services, says her area is flourishing compared to the previous situation.

“Staffing volumes have been on a steady incline, which is contradictory to the national trend, and I believe much of it can be contributed to the move,” she said. “Location, location, location.”

The move to a single hospital was a big one for her department, which was split between north and south campuses. In fact, most of the money she spent at the north campus was used on upkeep – repair and maintenance of an aging facility.

“It’s hard to put a specific dollar valuation on any savings, but it’s exciting we can now shift some of those dollars into patient-facing enhancements or equipment,” Lewis says. “Most of us had some type of damage in the recent past, like the tornado, derecho and other straight-line winds. We all know how repair costs can be outrageous for things you don’t even see or notice.”

THE CASE FOR CONVENIENCE

Imaging was another department split between the two campuses, so bringing everyone together had obvious benefits. However, it’s the department’s proximity that’s made the biggest difference.

“With the ER now being so close to imaging, it’s helped us quickly get to the patients who need us the most,” said Shaybree Goshon, Clinical Manager of Imaging Services. “And our outpatients love how close everything is to the main entrance. At the old hospital, people had to walk a long way to get to the back of the hospital.”

ONE ROOF, ONE TEAM

The move required departments to be economical with their space, as the new hospital offers a smaller overall footprint.

“It was definitely a little clunky at first,” Lewis says, “but now, having the whole family under one roof, it just couldn’t

be any better. Departments are now not only physically closer, but there’s more of a connection, understanding and willingness to help between shifts and departments. That helps the patient experience and employee fulfillment.

“Our team is made up of genuinely great people who want to provide the best care to their neighbors, family and community. When patients continually praise the beauty of the new building and how caring and wonderful everyone is, it just fuels us to be better and better.”

WHERE TO GO FOR CARE

The hospital has been an ideal fit for most areas, although the emergency department has seen higher volumes than anticipated.

“One of the concerns was that our new location would impede accessibility, but that’s not been the case,” Arneson says. “People are drawn to new spaces, but the ER may not be the appropriate avenue to meet their medical need. We continue to educate the community on where to go for care. Our new location for Express urgent care and our expanding family medicine clinic are there to provide routine, preventative care and manage minor ailments. The ER should be reserved for true emergencies.”

While UnityPoint Health is the only hospital in Marshalltown, there is competition within driving distance in Ames, Des Moines and Waterloo. Arneson believes her hospital is regaining confidence lost before the acquisition.

“When we became a part of the UnityPoint Health family, I encouraged the staff by assuring them we’d win back Marshalltown one patient at a time,” Arneson says. “I’m happy to report that’s happening. Our administrative team regularly rounds with patients, and the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. The community has expressed gratitude for the great care in an amazing space. They are appreciative for the investment UnityPoint Health has made to our community.”

Following Mini-Stroke, Grateful

It wasn’t a legal contract, of course, but it was a life-changer none the less.

Donnie Steuhm had suffered a mini-stroke. One of his nurses, Amy Hendricks, RN, made it clear he needed to give up smoking. They playfully sealed the deal when Hendricks asked him, “Pinky promise?” and Donnie nodded yes.

Several months later, the Tama resident is pleased to say he’s lived up to his end of the deal. Donnie’s stroke and the actions taken since have worked together to write a happy ending.

It didn’t start that way. Donnie was operating a loader at work when his right arm went limp.

“I’ve always heard stories (about what happens with a stroke), but I’d never been around anybody that had it,” he said. “I didn’t have any strength in that arm. I knew something was wrong, that’s for sure.”

Donnie reported to the emergency department at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown and was met by a team that included McKenzie Cooper, PA, and Ben Darling, RN. A mini-stroke (or TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack) was confirmed. It’s different from other major types of stroke, as blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time. As it turned out, an artery in Donnie’s neck was 95 percent blocked.

Still, Donnie was admitted and spent the night at the hospital, where another team that included Amy Hendricks, RN, Amy Bair, RN, and Gina Frost, PCT, helped start his recovery and set in motion a plan for surgery at Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

Before leaving the hospital, Hendricks reminded Donnie he needed to stop smoking, and she knew it was a big ask.

“I try to really put myself in their shoes and really think about how difficult it would be to change my habits,” Hendricks says. “People don’t want a lecture, as they’ve probably heard it a million times. But if you encourage them, tell them you believe they can do it and share all the benefits they’ll see, they’re usually more receptive to listening.”

For Donnie and his wife, Cindy, the conversation was just another kind and endearing gesture from a group that surpassed their expectations. In fact, after Donnie’s surgery, the couple was compelled to pen a thank you letter to the hospital.

“I just believe that when people do a good job like that, they need to be told,” Cindy wrote.

After discharge, Donnie carefully managed his precarious situation for several weeks until he could undergo a surgery at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. There, cardiothoracic surgeon Bhavik Patel, MD, opted to clean out Donnie’s artery rather than insert a stent.

The procedure went well, and Donnie has recovered nicely. In addition, he’s adopted healthier habits, added a few key medications and, yes, quit smoking.

“They’re a very nice couple, and I loved taking care of them,” Hendricks says. “I’m so proud of him for taking the steps toward a healthier lifestyle.”

“Overall, it was a great experience with UnityPoint,” Cindy says. “We were treated so well, everyone was professional, the rooms in Marshalltown were very nice, and it was all so welcoming.”

SUMMER PHYSICALS: WHY THEY’RE NECESSARY AND WHO NEEDS THEM

Summer has arrived so back-to-school plans and going to the doctor may not be at the top of your mind right now. However, summer is the best time to take care of back-toschool and sports physicals, as well as annual checkups. Our clinic sees fewer patients in the summer, and that makes it easier for you to see your primary care provider. By getting your physical done ahead of time, you could avoid anxious moments when school rolls around, and it’s one less thing to add to your to-do list later. All that said, there seems to be confusion about the various physicals and annual exams. Here are some common questions.

Q. WHY ARE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS NECESSARY?

A. Much can change with a child’s or teen’s health in a year’s time. By scheduling an annual physical, we can monitor the growth, health and development of your child while safeguarding against potential physical concerns. In addition, it ensures your child is up to date on vaccines and protects them, as well as their classmates, friends and others.

Q. ARE WELL-CHILD VISITS, PHYSICAL EXAMS AND SPORTS EXAMS THE SAME TYPE OF VISIT?

A. Not exactly. Your child’s “annual physical” is also considered a back-to-school physical, well-child visit or yearly check-up. These appointments typically take about 30 minutes, and the age of your child dictates what needs to be done (blood draws, immunizations, etc.). Sports physicals are different, however, and they’re not intended to take the place of annual physicals. Sports exams are specific to the activity and focus on injury prevention. If a child has an annual physical, they won’t need additional sports physicals during

By India Warren, PA-C UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine –Marshalltown

the year, unless there’s a change in medical history that could affect participation. If your child is scheduled for a sports physical only, we cannot complete an annual physical during that visit , so they will need to make a separate appointment for this. But, if you schedule your child for an annual exam, we can complete a sports physical at the same time.

Q. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY CHILD’S PHYSICAL?

A. If you’re new to our clinic, it’s helpful to have previous records and a vaccine history. But if you’ve seen us previously, we should have everything on file. Otherwise, arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time and bring any specific forms you need completed, such as documents for specific sports or camps so we can avoid lag time in faxing/mailing later. Please also complete your portion of the forms prior to the appointment time.

Q. WHAT ABOUT ADULTS? DO I REALLY NEED AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL?

A. As we discussed, annual exams for children/teens are important, and it’s also recommended for you. Your wellbeing is just as important, and taking control of your health is the safest way to prevent illnesses later. Preventative medicine is the best medicine. Scheduling an annual wellness physical is the most effective way to detect irregularities in your health early on, before the irregularities have a chance to cause permanent problems. Furthermore, these exams are a great opportunity for your primary care provider to get to know you and your health, and we’ll come to an agreement on the solutions that are best for you.

Q. DO YOU CONDUCT DOT PHYSICALS?

A. This is a great question, as Iowa law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid Department of Transportation medical card (unless they’re listed as “Excepted”). Certain providers in our clinic do offer these unique physicals.

Q. ARE YOU BUSY? WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE?

A. As soon as possible, for your own sake. Our schedules do fill up fast as fall arrives, and scheduling an appointment early gives you the best options.

FAMILY MEDICINE CLINICS

 Would you like to schedule a visit with our office?

 Or get aligned with a primary care provider?

Our growing office is currently accepting new patients.

Call (641) 753-2752 or use the MyUnityPoint app or patient portal on the web (if you have an established account). Learn more at unitypoint.org.

Amanda Konz, ARNP Sherry Parks, PA-C Laura Romano, ARNP

Steve Scurr, DO Tim Cooper, PA-C

Sherri Stebniski, PA-C

Abbie Sharp, ARNP

Jaime Hooley, PA-C

India Warren, PA-C

Thai Nguyen, MD

Where to Go for Care Guide

IS YOUR ILLNESS OR INJURY LIFE-THREATENING?

YES

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Require rapid/ advanced treatment? The ER sees issues like stroke/heart attack symptoms, head trauma, trouble breathing, severe bleeding and loss of vision. Note: we prioritize serious issues over less-serious ones.

Can your illness or injury wait? Call a family medicine clinic, as it’s often best to see a provider who knows you and keeps tabs on your health.

NO

Care can’t wait? Our Express clinic is open 365 days a year for less-serious issues like cough and cold, sprains, minor lacerations and fractures.

Care is as close as your nearest device. Visit unitypoint.org/ find-a-service/ virtual-care and choose Virtual Urgent Care or SmartExam.

Q&A with THAI NGUYEN, MD

UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine – Marshalltown

Q Where are you from originally?

A I was born and raised in smalltown Louisiana.

Q Why did you get into health care?

A I entered health care wanting to provide care and advocate for others because I’ve seen how vital it is to a family. This was evident when my family immigrated from Vietnam and experienced many barriers when seeking health care.

Q What qualities best describe the care you and/or your team provide to patients?

A The first important step in providing care is to listen to the person in front of you.

Q What do you like best about Marshalltown?

A I enjoy seeing the diverse population and culture here in Marshalltown. It reminds me of the of the “melting pot” or “gumbo” we have in Louisiana.

Q Are there any fun facts about you or your background?

THE DR. NGUYEN FILE

SCHOOLING:

A I get asked where I am from all the time, and I usually sum it up by saying I was born near a sugar cane mill and raised in the bayous of Louisiana, which makes me an Asian Cajun.

Q What do you like to do in your free time?

A Golf, working on cars, travel and mostly spending time with family.

• Undergraduate: Louisiana State University

• Master’s Degree: Des Moines University

• Medical School: Saint James School of Medicine

• Residency: Louisiana State University – New Orleans

OTHER EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS: Master of Health Care Administration

PREVIOUS ROLES/POSITIONS: Program Chair and Director of Respiratory Therapy

FAVORITE QUOTE: “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” – John Paul II

We apologize for mailing problems such as duplicate copies. If you have questions or concerns about LiveWell magazine, please email MT_Marshalltown@unitypoint.org.