• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Pneumonia
• Bone and joint infections
• Post-operative wound infections
• Diabetic wound infections
• HIV/AIDS
• Tick-borne illnesses
• Fever evaluations

Adult Infectious Diseases provides consultative services for patients when another physician refers them, usually the primary care physician. If a patient does not have a primary care physician, Dr. Folk may see the patient on a case-by-case basis. Patients must be 13 years of age or older. Dr. Folk is not a primary care physician and does not admit patients to the hospital.

Dr. Folk is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, although he limits his practice to Infectious Diseases of adults. He was selected by his peers to be included in "The Best Doctors in America".

Arthritis Community Services
Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis/MEAC: (816) 271-7057.

Community Services
Heartland’s Plaza 1
802 N. Riverside Road, Suite 225
St. Joseph, MO 64507

• Diagnosis and treatment by rheumatologist
• DXA bone density testing
• IV Infusion Treatment

Arthritis Community Services
Arthritis Community Services includes the Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center (NWMRAC) and services provided by the Midland Empire Arthritis Center Fund.

Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
The Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center (NWMRAC) is one of seven such regional centers established in Missouri. The center is designed to offer arthritis education and outreach programs to people with arthritis, community members, allied health professionals, and physicians.

The NWMRAC serves a 12-county area including: Nodaway, Andrew, Buchanan, Atchison, Holt, Gentry, Harrison, Worth, Dekalb, Daviess, Caldwell and Clinton counties.

If you need more information about the disease or any programs available through the Center, call the Northwest Regional Arthritis office at:

(816) 271-7057
Monday-Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

or write to:
Northwest Missouri Regional Arthritis Center
802 N. Riverside, Suite 225
St. Joseph, MO 64507

Go to NWMRAC to view our newsletter, articles and upcoming programs.

Facing Facts...
Arthritis does have many faces, and because of this, it is the number one crippling disease throughout the state of Missouri. More than 1.4 million Missourians have arthritis, that’s one in every six people. Based on a survey done by the Missouri Arthritis Program, this equals about one out of every three persons over 18 years of age. In addition, there could be as many as 5,000 children in the state afflicted as well, and the number of diagnosed cases keeps growing.

In 1995, Missouri established the Juvenile Arthritis Service Coordination Program. Working in conjunction with the Bureau of Special Healthcare Needs, the program offers service benefits to children with arthritis while providing information and support to their families.

There are as many different causes of the disease as there are types, but it is believed that three major factors play vital roles in certain forms of arthritis:

• Genetics
• What happens to you
• How you live

• Arthritis is a term that refers to more than 100 related Rheumatic diseases, each with different symptoms and patterns and each requiring different treatments.
• Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans.
• Arthritis affects people of all age groups, including as many as 294,000 children.
• In the workplace, arthritis is responsible for the annual loss of 45 million work days, $127.8 billion in lost wages and medical care.
• Overall, arthritis costs the American economy an estimated $128 billion a year.
• Arthritis constitutes the most widespread crippling disease in Missouri.

Warning Signs of Arthritis

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling (sometimes)
• Difficulty moving a joint

Everyone should be aware of these warning signs of arthritis and see a doctor should they appear and last more than two weeks. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it’s arthritis.

Reaching Out...
Services available at the Arthritis Center:

• Free Information - Facts about, and advice on how to cope with arthritis are available at the various literature sites which are maintained in the area.
• Joint Venture Newsletter
• Joint Venture Library
• Self Help Aids
• Speaker’s Bureau - Featuring professionals who will speak on arthritis-related topics for clubs, community organizations or religious gatherings.
• Community Education - Conducted by physicians and other healthcare professionals who work daily with people suffering from arthritis.
• Group Activity Classes - Adult and child water exercises, AF Exercise, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Disease self-management courses and arthritis toolkit.
• Referrals - For early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitative care, and other appropriate community resources.
• Juvenile Arthritis - Quarterly Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic; Carol Lindsley, MD, Pediatric Rheumatologist.
• Patee Market Healthcare Center - An indigent clinic providing health benefits for people with arthritis.

Urgent needs and Discharge assistance is available by calling (816) 271-5140 or (816) 271-8813.

After-hours, non-urgent requests for assistance or follow up can be left on the confidential voice mail at (816) 271-6005 for a return call during business hours.

• Skilled nursing or extended care facility transfers
• Home health or hospice
• In home support services
• Medication assistance programs
• Medical equipment 
• Transportation
• Community resources
• Assistance with insurance benefits and coverage
• Financial assistance programs

For patients with complex needs or who experience an extended stay, the Care Management team may also provide:

• Coordination of family conferences with the physician
• Support group information and education
• Assessment and intervention for cases of abuse and neglect
• Assistance and support in understanding their condition and treatment plan

We recognize your right to choice in your treatment plan and options of providers. All service arrangements are at the direction of the patient or a representative with guidance from the physician.

HRMC Outpatient 
Care Management/Social Services assistance is available to Outpatient departments and Heartland Clinic providers by contacting the Care Management Department at (816) 271-6005. After hours requests for follow up or assistance may be left on the confidential voice mail. Urgent needs should not be left on voice mail, but a Care Manager is available after hours through the hospital operator to assist providers and HRMC staff in identifying options. Services in the outpatient area include:

• Assistance with extended care facility placement from the ED or home
• Identification of options for medication assistance
• Identification of options for primary care or specialty care
• Referral for home services or disease management programs
• Assessment and plan development for patients experiencing frequent ED visits
• Referral to various community resources for healthcare or social needs
• Pre-admission discharge planning assessment for a scheduled procedure/surgery
• Assessment and identification of options for Heartland Clinic patients with complex medical or psychosocial needs

The Pain Management Center offers a comprehensive approach in treatment and recovery from many sources of pain. Following a primary physician referral, a board certified pain management physician will do a comprehensive evaluation and develop a treatment plan.

The Center for Pain Management, in conjunction with other modalities, can provide:

• Diagnosis:
  • Chronic back/neck pain
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain
  • Post herpetic neuralgia
  • Degenerative arthritis
  • Nerve injuries/neuropathy
  • Rib fracture
  • Spinal cord injury pain
     
• Treatments:
  • Epidural injections
  • Facet/Median branch blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Trigger point injections
  • Epidural blood patch
  • Selective nerve root injections
  • Intrathecal pain pump trials
  • Spinal cord stimulator trials
  • Medication management

Counseling and other non-drug interventions such as Physical Therapy, TENS unit and Bio Feed back are available in the community by referral.

Call the Pain Management Center at (816) 271-6518 to learn more about how we can help you.

Our staff of registered nurses is available to provide the important health information you need, when you need it, so you can make good decisions about your health. This confidential service is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week and best of all ... it's FREE!

Call Community Health Line:

• when you are not sure if you are in an emergency situation
• when you have questions about an illness, disease or medication
• when someone is ill and you have concerns
• when you have health questions that are embarrassing
• when you need help finding a local doctor

Community Health Line offers many community services. If you need a physician you may call our Physician Referral Line at (816) 271-4098 or toll free at 1-800-447-1098. To enroll or obtain program information about Life Line, an emergency response service, you may call (816) 271-7186. Community Health Line has community wellness information and you may call our general information line at any time to see what is new and upcoming, (816) 271-4098. 

Our services are quick, simple, accurate and timely. Just pick up the phone and call Community Health Line at (816) 271-4000 or 1-800-455-2476 and let one of our registered nurses assist you.

Critical Care is a highly technical nursing area that relies on a variety of electronic equipment to assist the physicians and nurses with the care of our patients. Examples of the equipment include:

• cardiac monitors
• various oxygen delivery methods
• breathing machines (ventilators)
• blood pressure machines
• IV pumps

Our Primary Purpose
The Critical Care Nursing Staff at Heartland Regional Medical Center takes seriously the responsibility you have entrusted us with; the care of your loved one. The decisions we make related to visitation, number of visitors and length of visiting times take this one theme into consideration: What is best for the patient? Consequently, we don't always make decisions that are most convenient for the visitor. Hopefully, we do always make decisions about visitation that are best for our patients. We must take into consideration all of the patients we care for at any given time when determining the best time for visitors. We hope to communicate to you, the visitor, how important it is that you have access to, and information about, your loved one.

How Can You Help?
This time in Critical Care can be stressful for all family members. As a loved one you have a strong desire to help your family member. You can!

• Ask Questions. If there is some part of your loved one's care that you do not understand, ask the nurse or physician. When the nursing staff member is free, he or she will take time to answer your questions properly.
• The physician is the one who knows your family member best. Develop a good relationship with your loved one's physician.
• Designate one family member to relay information to the rest of the family.
• During this time, the patient may not appear to be aware of what's going on around them. Please do not be afraid to touch and talk to them. The nurse will tell you what contact is in the best interest of the patient. Your loved one appreciates you being close by, even if unable to tell you so.
• Avoid touching any of the equipment.
• Avoid discussing anything you wouldn't want your loved one to hear, even if they seem to be asleep.
• Remember, you have entrusted the nurses and physicians with the care of your family member at this time. You must do everything to keep yourself healthy for when he/she comes home.
• Ask a staff member for permission before going behind a patient's closed room curtain.

Please follow the visiting times and restrictions:

• Limit visitors to 2 at a time
• No visitor under 12 years old
• Please limit your visit to 15 minutes
• No visitation allowed between 6:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. or between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Visitor Manners
The Critical Care Waiting Room has limited space. We have tried to balance the size of the waiting room with the number of patient beds. Occasionally, we have a patient who has many family members. As a result, several visitors for one patient may take up an excessive amount of waiting room space.

• Please limit the number of visitors in the waiting room.
• Respect the privacy of all the patients.
• Take the time to eat your meals away from the waiting room.
• If you feel it is necessary, notify the nurse of your temporary absence.
• Develop a plan for communication if needed.
• Please, during the night, try to sleep at home. Visiting is limited during the night so all of our patients can rest. Remember to get adequate rest, exercise, and nutrition.
• Young children can add to the stress in the waiting room.

Problem Resolution
There is an established process at Heartland Regional Medical Center to resolve conflicts. It is most effective and appropriate to follow this established sequence.

First, talk with the nurse providing care to your loved one. The nurse is an advocate for your loved one and can either resolve the issue or provide you with the appropriate direction.

Second, speak with the Critical Care Department Director. The office is located in the Critical Care Unit. The phone extension is 6515.

Third, the hospital telephone operator can put you in contact with Heartland Regional Medical Center Administration.

Outpatient Services
Morning, afternoon and evening classes are offered and facilitated by certified diabetes educators. The cost of the classes may be covered by Medicare and most insurance companies. H.E.L.P. Funds have been provided by United Way of St. Joseph for non-insured participants although funds are limited.

Class course content includes:

• Evaluation of diabetes control

• Lifestyle changes regarding the four factors that affect blood sugars
  • Meal planning – carbohydrate counting, weight management, hyperlipidemia
  • Medication – oral diabetes medication (pills) – insulin
  • Exercise – new and realistic approach to activity
  • Stress – physical and emotional stress; sick day management

Diabetes is a serious problem when left untreated.

• Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
• Diabetes causes 12,000 to 24,000 people to lose their sight each year.
• Diabetes accounts for 56,000 leg and foot amputations each year.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.
• Diabetes increases the chance of having heart disease or suffering a stroke by two to four times.

Diabetes is a disease that can have serious effects on many parts of your body, often permanently. Scientific research has proven that controlling blood sugar levels can reduce the long-term complications of diabetes. Check out Heartland's Wound Care Center.

Can you recognize the signs of low blood glucose and take appropriate action to correct it? Our caring, experienced staff of dietitians, certified diabetes educators and registered nurses will help you learn to control your diabetes by eating healthy, exercising and taking your medicines the right way. We provide this education and support on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

View the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care for the frequency of tests or evaluations that aid in monitoring your health.

Travel Tips
Beginning to plan a Spring or Summer vacation? Be sure to use our Travel Information to ensure a safe and healthy trip!

When You are Sick
If you are sick, be sure to follow these suggested Sick Day Guidelines.

Take the Diabetes Risk Assessment to see if you are at risk of having or developing diabetes.

For additional information, please contact the Heartland Diabetes Center at 271-6700 or 1-800-443-1143, ext. 6700

• Ground and air ambulances
• Trauma Care
• Urgent Care

7 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday

Emergency call service is provided after hours, seven days a week.

The gastroenterologist may perform the following procedures at the Heartland Health GI Center in order to make an accurate diagnosis:

• Video Capsule Endoscopy
• EGD or upper GI endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Esophageal dilatation
• Sigmoidoscopy
• ERCP

Common diseases that are diagnosed and treated by a gastroenterologist may include:

• GERD (Heartburn)
• Cirrhosis
• Polyps
• Regional Enteritis or Crohn's disease
• Diverticulosis
• Gallstones
• Hepatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Pancreatic tumor or Pancreatitis
• Ulcer
• Ulcerative colitis

Heartland Hands of Hope Hospice is a coordinated program of health care which works in partnership with the attending physician's direction to provide medical, psychological, social, and spiritual services for patients and families coping with life-threatening illness. Hospice includes:

• Provides care in the home, with a caregiver, or in a nursing care facility where the person is among familiar surroundings. Short-term inpatient backup for the control of acute symptoms which cannot be managed in the home/nursing home is available.
• May be offered to persons terminally ill with a wide variety of terminal diagnosis including heart, dementia, renal, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), AIDS and cancer.
• Affirms life by improving the quality of care available for the dying in our community.
• Offers bereavement follow-up after a significant loss experience.
• Is provided regardless of ability to pay, thanks to gifts from individuals, organizations, churches, synagogues, businesses, foundations and memorials.

Hands of Hope Hospice is committed to serving the community guided by The Hospice Standard of Care. A variety of trained individuals is available as a part of the Hands of Hope Expert Team. We also have monthly support groups available.

Service Area
Heartland Hands of Hope Hospice has offices in St. Joseph, Missouri and Stanberry, Missouri, and is licensed to provide care in the following counties:

• Andrew
• Buchanan
• Clinton
• Dekalb
• Holt
• Daviss
• Harrison
• Worth
• Gentry
• Nodaway
• Platte (north)

Be a Hospice Volunteer
We welcome you to consider training to be a hospice volunteer. Contact our office for more information or submit your request online.

To Make a Referral
Anyone may call for information or a consultation with Hospice. You may receive Hospice services if :

• you consent to receive hospice care.
• your physician orders hospice care.
• your physician has certified that you are terminally ill.

Make a referral by contacting our office at (816) 271-7190.

Heartland Health and Heartland Foundation are excited to announce the opening of a new community resource for grief — The Hope House Center for Grief and Loss. The center is located at 528 N. 8th St.

The mission of the center is to provide a place for conversation and resources for those who grieve to receive help. Services include:

• Resource Center – The Center is open by appointment. Call Hands of Hope Hospice at (816) 271-7190 or Spiritual Health Services at (816) 271-6040 to schedule an appointment to review literature and access online information about grief and loss.
• Support Groups – The Center will maintain a list of current grief and loss support groups in the community. The Hope House is available to host grief and loss support groups.
• Grief Education Series – The Center will host four seminars for the community each year, which focus on a variety of grief topics.
  For additional information, call Hands of Hope Hospice at (816) 271-7190 or Spiritual Health Services at (816) 271-6040..

Check out our frequently asked question (FAQs) for more information about what you can expect from Heartland Counseling Services. You can also download an information brochure for more information.

If you are a business owner, check out what Heartland Counseling can do for you.

Meet our counseling staff. We’re local, we’re accessible, and we’re here to help. Why don’t you give Heartland Counseling Services a call today at 816-271-6573? Help is simply a phone call away.

A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in caring for hospitalized patients. By concentrating and specializing in hospital–based medicine, they are able to devote all of their daily activities to the care of their patients and are experts in caring for hospitalized patients. The primary focus of a hospitalist is YOU while you are an inpatient at the hospital.

What are the benefits of a hospitalist program?

• You will receive care from a physician specializing in the care of hospitalized patients.
• Hospitalists become very familiar with other specialists and departments, ensuring timely follow up on tests and treatments.
• During critical and stressful moments, the hospitalist is available to provide timely care and answers to the patient and his/her family.

What does a hospitalist do?

Hospitalists devote 100 percent of their time to caring for inpatients. They function as your primary care physician (PCP) during your hospital stay. They may work with other specialists to monitor, guide and coordinate all aspects of your treatment. A member of the hospitalist team will visit you daily, assist with your medical care, discuss medical issues with you and arrange for follow–up with your PCP once you are discharged. Hospitalists work with all providers in the hospital to efficiently and safely manage the patient care process from admission to discharge.

Check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning the Heartland Hospitalist program.

It's important to remember that YOU (the patient) cannot refer yourself to a Hospitalist. You must work with your PCP to determine if you will benefit from a hospitalist. If you would like additional information about the hospitalist program, please call Care Management at (816) 271-6005.

Heartland Wound Care Center is partnered with Diversified Clinical Services, the nation’s pioneer and leader in wound management programs. Diversified brings more than 15 years of experience in managing more than 200 wound care centers across the country and has been awarded Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) “Disease Specific Certification” for wound care management — one of the few organizations to receive such a highly coveted certification. This partnership provided the Heartland Wound Care Center with specialized professional education, proven clinical pathways and a tested quality management process.

We are primarily an outpatient department providing a comprehensive program to heal complex or chronic wounds. Patients have a thorough evaluation to determine all causes of chronic wounds, then an individualized plan of care is provided. During their care, a patient may have a series of outpatient visits over a period of time. During these visits, they will continue in the care of their primary care physician and other specialty providers as our focus is wound healing. 

As a department of Heartland Regional Medical Center, patients also benefit from an on–site collaboration with physical therapy, nutritionists, social workers (care managers) and diabetes education as well as access to full range of diagnostic services.

Treatments provided by the Heartland Wound Care Center: 

• Simple and complex dressing change 
• Compression therapy 
• Specialized medication to aid in tissue growth and healing 
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy — Read more about hyperbaric oxygen 
• Patient education in dressing and wound care 

Nearly 5 million Americans suffer from chronic wounds.
– 1.5 million have diabetic ulcers
– 2.5 million have pressure ulcers
– 1 million have circulation related ulcers (venous or arterial) 
– Others have wounds from traumatic injury, non–healing surgical excisions or other diseases

What to do if you or a family member has a wound that won’t heal?
There is helpful information about wounds and wound care in the Care Guides section of this site. Additionally, you should ask your physician or local hospital about dedicated wound care centers in your community. They will refer you to one that is best able to help you heal.

• Care Guides
• FAQs

What is grief?

Grief is a reaction to loss, any loss. The grief associated with death is familiar to most of us, but we grieve a wide variety of losses throughout of lives: traumatic experiences, divorce, relocation, and loss of health and mobility are a few examples. Grief is often expressed by feelings such as anger, guilt, sadness or loneliness.

Bereavement is the way we process grief. Each of us grieves in our own way, affected by such factors as our culture, gender and circumstances surrounding the loss. Every loss has a unique meaning to us.

The mission of the Hope House Center is to provide a place for conversation and resources for those who grieve to receive help. Services include:

• Grief words – Grief words is an excellent resource for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one or need support as a caregiver.
• Resource Center – The Center is open by appointment. Call Hands of Hope Hospice at (816) 271-7190 or Spiritual Health Services at (816) 271-6040 to schedule an appointment to review literature and access online information about grief and loss.
• Support Groups – The Center will maintain a list of current grief and loss support groups in the community. The Hope House is available to host grief and loss support groups.
• Grief Education Series – The Center will host four seminars for the community each year, which focus on a variety of grief topics. For additional information, call Hands of Hope Hospice at (816) 271-7190 or Spiritual Health Services at (816) 271-6040..

Laboratory
Heartland Regional Medical Center
5325 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
The Laboratory is located on the ground floor at Heartland Regional Medical Center outside the Emergency Room entrance.

Outpatient Testing
7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
After hours patients need to report to the Emergency Room to have blood drawn.

Laboratory
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Pathology
• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Blood Bank
• Histology
• Microbiology

Accessing Services:

• Outpatients needing blood drawn should report to the Outpatient testing area on the ground floor of Heartland Plaza 1, 801 N. Riverside Road, St. Joseph, Missouri, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. After office hours, outpatients need to report to the Emergency Room to have blood drawn.
• Patients having a procedure performed the same day (ex. GI LAB) and requiring lab work, need to register at the Admitting/Registration area located next to the Emergency Room.
• The Laboratory is located on the ground floor at Heartland Regional Medical Center outside the ER area.

Mammography is the most accurate diagnostic technique available to early detection of breast disease. There are two types of mammography procedures: screening mammography and diagnostic mammography.

Screening mammography is an X-ray examination of the breast in a woman who is asymptomatic (has no breast complaints). The goal of screening mammography is to detect cancer when it is still too small to be felt by her physician or the woman. Early detection of small breast cancers by screening mammography greatly improves a woman's chance for successful treatment. Screening mammography usually involves two views (X-ray pictures) of each breast. For some patients, additional pictures may be needed at screening to include as much breast tissue as possible.

The American Cancer Society guidelines for the detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women are:

• Women 20 years of age and older should perform breast self-examination every month.
• Women 20-39 should have a physical examination of the breast every three years, performed by a health care professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner.
• Women 40 and older should have a physical examination of the breast every year, performed by a health care professional, such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse or nurse practitioner.
• Women 40 years of age and older should have a mammogram every year.

We encourage you discuss your screening mammography procedure with your physician, however, physician referral is not required. Appointments may be scheduled by your physician or directly by calling (816) 271-1278 or 1-800-443-4515.

Diagnostic mammography is an X-ray examination of the breast in a woman who either has a breast complaint (for example, a breast mass, nipple discharge, etc.) or has had an abnormality found during screening mammography. During diagnostic mammography, additional pictures will be taken to carefully evaluate the breast abnormality.

Mammography screening and diagnostic mammography is available six days per week. Heartland’s Radiology Center also provides interventional services including ultrasound and stereotactic mammographic biopsy and wire localizations.

Heartland’s mammography services are FDA certified and accredited by the American College of Radiology. All mammography technologists are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and are mammography certified.

(816) 271-7273
FAX: (816) 271-7376

Heartland Regional
Medical Center
5325 Faraon St.
St. Joseph, MO 64506

The mission of the Mental Health Unit is to provide acute inpatient mental health care and consultation. Acute Mental Health Care will be available to all persons within the Heartland Health service area, regardless of their ability to pay. The Mental Health Unit is only one part of a collaborative effort among the community of mental health providers. It offers a continuum of services within the least restrictive surroundings possible.

The Mental Health Unit consists of an 24-bed acute care, inpatient, adult psychiatric unit, serving persons age 18 years and older, including the geriatric population.

Through contractual agreement with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the unit provides services for a 19-county region in northwest Missouri. We also serve the Heartland Health region which includes northwest Missouri and adjacent counties in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.

Key Features of the Mental Health Unit:

• Medical, psychiatric and neurological evaluations.
• Complete assessments of ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Patient and family education.
• A therapeutic community model.
• Individual psychotherapy.
• Activities therapy.
• Group therapy focused on support, problem solving, and developing coping skills.
• Aggressive and active discharge planning.
• Environmental supports with emphasis on maintenance of safety, orientation and stimulation.
• Multi-disciplinary treatment team.
• Behavioral, somatic and pharmacologic intervention.

• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Social Workers
• Nurses (R.N./L.P.N.)
• Recreation Therapist
• Chaplain
• Addiction Counselor

1. Safety is of high importance. All pediatric staff have on a specific name tag designed for the pediatric unit.
2. If you do not recognize a staff member, turn on your call light to verify his or her identification.
3. Nursing staff will keep you advised of anticipated treatments, procedures or lab work which would require transportation off the unit.
4. You have the right to question any routines, treatments, procedures or identification of any staff member.
5. For added comfort, a sleep chair is provided for a parent or other designated adult to spend the night. However, for safety issues only one person is allowed to stay. No one under age 18 is allowed to stay overnight with the patient.
6. Since the children are sick, we ask that all visitors leave at 8:00 p.m. to allow them to rest.
7. Do not leave children unattended in their room. Let their nurse know when leaving or returning to the unit.
8. For children in a cribs, the rails must be up at all times. This is for the children's safety.
9. We have coffee, tea and water available upon request. Soft drink machines are located by the visitor elevators and a cafeteria is located on the first floor.
10. For everyone’s safety we ask that parents do not take your children into the hallway without asking the child’s nurse first.
11. You may access the Community Health Line for questions 24 hours a day at 1-800-447-5819.
12. All nurses in Pediatrics are PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certified.

Well Visitor Criteria:
Visitors can see the child if:

1. The visitor does not presently feel ill or is sick.
2. The visitor does not have an oozing or open infection.
3. The visitor does not have a fever.

Heartland Regional Medical Center
5325 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64506

The best care possible
Your loved one just had surgery. As you wait, many questions are probably going through your mind.

Rest assured, the care in the PACU at Heartland Health is excellent. Our highly trained nurses are well equipped to handle the rare problems that may occur and will ensure the return of your loved one to your side as soon as it is beneficial for the patient.The most important aspect is concentrated nursing care. This includes a dedicated interdisciplinary team comprised of Social Services, Spiritual Health, Respiratory Therapist, Registered Nurses and the Physicians. Together they provide very good care for our patients and families.

You probably have many questions, check out some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.

 Heartland's Pulmonary Rehabilitation unit provides a comprehensive program intended to help people diagnosed with pulmonary diseases control and alleviate the disabling symptoms of respiratory impairment and improve their ability to perform the activities of daily living.

Services include:

• Tobacco Cessation Program- a program for anyone wanting to quit smoking. For more information, call (816) 271-7835
• Inpatient and Outpatient programs.
• Individualized physical conditioning programs, emphasizing upper and lower body strength as well as aerobic activity.
• Education classes and individual instruction on a variety of topics including anatomy and physiology, breathing techniques, nutrition, medications, risk factors of further respiratory problems and self-care skills.

Pulmonary Rehab Outpatient services are located in the East Wing of Heartland at 5325 Faraon Street. Please park in the parking lot marked Cardiac Rehab and come through the sliding glass doors marked Cardiopulmonary Rehab Entrance.

Check out our links to other sites associated with Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

The science of diagnostic radiology has changed more in recent years than nearly any area of medicine. Traditional X-ray and modern computerized imaging techniques have substantially reduced the need for exploratory surgery and have made it possible to detect many medical conditions earlier.

The Heartland Radiology Center uses these advanced technologies to obtain detailed diagnostic information to help your physician diagnose, treat and manage your medical condition:

• Radiofrequency Ablation
• PET/CT
• diagnostic X-ray
• digital fluoroscopy
• computerized tomography (CT Scan)
• nuclear medicine
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• vascular and interventional (VIR)
• ultrasound vascular lab
• mammography
• Special Procedures

Read more about Advanced Diagnostic Imaging (ADI).

All radiologic studies are interpreted by our staff of board certified radiologists who work closely with your physician and other hospital departments to ensure accurate diagnosis. Several members of Heartland’s radiology staff are also certified in the subspecialties of neuroradiology, vascular radiology and interventional radiology. The clinical staff at Heartland’s Radiology Centers is comprised of registered technologists who are certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Beginning January, 2010, we will sponsor a monthly speaker program at East Hills Mall, 3702 Frederick Avenue. Dr. Jane Schwabe will kick off the series on January 12, 2010, speaking about health and weight management. The program will begin at 9 a.m. in the center court of the mall.

Light breakfast refreshments will be provided and there will be a raffle for door prizes. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to make a reservation by signing in at the customer service desk (in the mall) or by calling (816) 279-5667 prior to the event.

Coffee Talk
East Hills Shopping Center
3702 Frederick Ave
Sunshine Porch café (the food court)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010
9 a.m.
Helen Caton with Heartland’s Wellness Connections will speak about and demonstrate chair exercises that can be done while watching your favorite TV program.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010
9 a.m.
Vicki Gentzell, a registered nurse with Heartland Health’s Infection Prevention and Control department will discuss the upcoming flu season including information about
seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
9 a.m.
Tonya Douglas, Marketing Director of Senior Services with InterServ will discuss services that are available that allow seniors to remain independent in their homes.

There is no cost to attend these programs, but participants are asked to make a reservation by signing in at the customer service desk in the mall or by calling (816) 279-5667 prior to the event.

Heartland Senior Services includes:

• Heartland Health Club - Members of this FREE club receive a quarterly newsletter that includes a wealth of health information as well as dates, times and locations of events that would be of interest to Seniors. To become a member, contact our office today.
• Senior Health Momentum - Senior Momentum is a group exercise and education program specially designed for adults age 50 and older with the common goal of practicing healthy lifestyle activities in a social setting.
• Shared Resource Guide 2008 - A guide to locate resources related to Senior health in the community.
• AARP Safe Driving Course - The latest dates, times and locations of upcoming classes. Contact AARP at (816) 279-2013.
• Health in Focus Newsletter - Contains health information as well as dates, times and locations of upcoming events, speakers and health screens.

To subscribe to our FREE Heartland Health Club newsletter, contact our office today!

Imagine what a good night's sleep could do for you.

Almost everyone experiences a problem sleeping at sometime in their life. However, persistent sleep problems could be a sleep disorder. Medical research has identified as many as 84 sleep disorders. Many sleep disorders severely interrupt a person's professional, social and personal life. Some sleep disorders are even life-threatening.

The most common sleep disorders are:

• Insomnia
• Sleep Apnea
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Narcolepsy

Use this online assessment to check your sleepiness scale.

We hope that your experience at the sleep center will be a good one. Understanding the sleep process and the evaluation of sleep disorders will help you take an active and positive role in your own care.

Find a Doctor associated with this specialty.

Our board certified surgical specialists utilize leading edge technology, including laparoscopic procedures and minimally invasive techniques. Our nursing staff is highly qualified and certified in their specialties. This tenured staff prides itself in keeping patients safe by providing individualized care throughout the surgical experience. Each patients individualized care is provided by specialty teams in the Operating Room during the day and on call staff after hours. Our patients are assured of high quality care day and night. Read more about our HealthGrades.com results.

Heartland Health conducts more than 7,000 surgeries per year. The following services are provided:

• Heart Procedures
• Orthopedics
• General/Vascular (blood vessels)
• Neurosurgery
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Gynecological (Woman's health)
• Genito-Urinary (Urology)
• Plastic Surgery
• Ear/Nose/Throat

Heartland Regional Medical Center is one of 53 U.S. hospitals, and the only Missouri hospital, selected to participate in a collaborative project designed to improve safety by reducing the incidence of surgical site infections. Heartland Regional Medical Center was selected to participate on this project, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and facilitated by Pro-West, because Heartland Health had support systems already in place to accomplish the project's goal. For instance, HRMC's quality initiatives have been recognized over the past few years with receipt of the Missouri Quality Award and the Missouri Team Quality Award and as a Top 100 Orthopedic and Cardiac hospital.

Welcome to Heartland Health Pre-Admission Testing for pre-operative care. The Pre-Admission process allows us to help assure that your stay will be as comfortable as possible and to perform pre-admission testing for your surgery or procedure. An Admission Profile, testing and education will be initiated during the Pre-Admission visit.

The following list will prepare you for your visit in Pre-Admission Testing:

• Plan on being here for approximately 1-1½ hrs. For total joint replacement surgery: 2-2½ hrs. For open heart surgery: 3-4 hrs.
• Bring a list of your medications with dosages, how often and the reason you take them.
• You may eat before having your pre-admission testing unless your physician has specifically told you not to.
• Appointments are made for Pre-Admission Testing. Patients who walk in without an appointment can expect to wait until the scheduled patients have been seen.
• Please check with the staff before going to the restroom as a urine specimen may be needed.

Additional services provided with Pre-Admission Testing include:

• Same Day Care Unit (SDCU)
• Surgery
• Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Outpatient Laboratory

* When we do onsite screenings we work all hours to cover the shift needs of the employer.

A healthier workforce just makes sense.
Successful businesses all across America have experienced the financial rewards of having healthy employees.

Heartland Health has introduced Wellness Connections, a comprehensive wellness plan for employers and employees. By partnering with Wellness Connections, your company can target health education specifically to the needs of your employees.

• Onsite Health Risk screenings with individual results
• Group summary
• Educational Programs

How do you partner with Wellness Connections?
It’s easy. Just call (816) 271-7250 to speak to a Wellness Connections representative. We will be happy to meet with you to explain the program in more detail, learn more about your specific goals and tailor a program to meet your needs.

Join Wellness Connections today to get better control of your healthcare costs and contribute to the health, happiness and productivity of your employees.