INSIDERIowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics

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ENT: Chronic Sinusitis

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April2015

1 Iowa Specialty Hospital

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About 15 years ago I had acid reflux. It hurt to eat after seven at night, so I started taking medication. Amazing! I had no issues, and I promptly put on 70 pounds, because I could eat whenever. Now, I’m not sure this is what the pharmaceutical industry had in mind when they created the drugs that “cured” my ailment/pain/control mechanism. “What do you mean ‘control mechanism’?” Good question. I think this was the same thing with my blood pressure meds or pain meds – mask the need to lose weight or exercise appropriately or attend to a grinding joint, and you won’t have to deal with the real problem.

“Ok Steve, we get what you are saying, but how is that smart business? You are in the business of healthcare, how is what you are saying good for the hospital?” Ever heard of the concept “rose colored glasses”? One of my friends and I were recently talking and she said, “You seem kind of contemplative and distant recently regarding things going on in life, something the matter?” I told her that I’m coming to the realization that pretty much I’ve been wrong in a lot of things I used to hold as true. I saw the world through lens of rationalization and justification. Like taking drugs and eating whatever I wanted. Like wearing running shoes at the mall counted for exercise. Like ignoring telling someone something they need to hear – even if

they really need to hear it – thinking this is the polite way of handling an awkward situation.

What if we had someone sitting next to our refrigerator at all times with a flyswatter who made us make the right food choices? What if we had someone sitting next to us in meetings or standing next to us by the mirror whispering, “Really? You just said that?” or “Really? Don’t wear that… ever”.

We as Americans are notorious for placating low performer behavior. You want Twinkies and Doritos? Here, eat up buttercup and enjoy! We will modify any natural thing for a price… unfortunately the real price won’t be seen for years. We continually lower the bar on ourselves to the point where the hole is so deep it is going to take a lot of work to emerge. The lack of good nutrition, lack of exercise, and lack of assertive communication and honesty have put us in a world of hurt.

Iowa is a great place to live. We work hard to feed the world. If you fly over our state – what you see is that we work the land – every bit of it and then on top of it, we put in windmills. We’ll tile swamps, we will sacrifice fun for hard work, and we produce what the world needs. We have great education for our kids, we have great outcomes in health for our residents… we have the best quality for the lowest cost in a lot of areas.

But we – as Iowans – can always do better. I’m involved in the chamber and economic development, and we always look at Sioux County in western Iowa. They are head and shoulders above the rest of the state – first in this, best in that. Because of their status, they attract businesses who want to set up shop in a healthy place. Who wouldn’t want to locate their business in the healthiest, most vibrant community? It makes sense. So let’s just say we raise (as opposed to lower) the bar on all we do. We – as smart adults – hold our own proverbial flyswatter when going for that marshmallow sandwich, and tell ourselves that ballet slippers and flip-flops are not appropriate wear for church… We step up and have the appropriate conversations at the right times… wow, we could do so well.

At Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics we will be having conversations with you. The conversations will go something like “You’re now 50 years old Steve, when can we schedule your colonoscopy screening? It is necessary and appropriate.” Me – “Ugh, ok.” We are not just doing this because of Obamacare and ACO’s and whatever other reasons are out there – we are doing this because we collectively can do better, AND we care about you and want you to live to be 120. Really, 120! (We’re here for the long haul and hope to have you right next to us, dancing!) n

FROM THE

Steve Simonin, President & CEO

A

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Iowa Specialty Hospital Surgical OptionsCataract Surgery – Bradley Isaak, MD

Dr. Isaak, our Ophthalmology Provider specializes in medical and surgical eye conditions. Cataracts are one of the most common conditions treated by ophthalmologists. This condition includes a clouding of the eye, which can develop with age and lead to partial or total blindness. Though cataracts can sometimes be treated with eye drops, the condition is most often corrected with surgery.

Hand & Plastic Surgery – Rene Recinos, MDDr. Recinos, our Hand and Plastic Surgery

Provider, is specialized in the surgical repair of a variety of conditions and diseases of the hand and the reconstructive or cosmetic restoration of the exterior form of the human body. Hand injuries and conditions include tendon and nerve repair, carpal tunnel release, de Quervain’s release, trigger finger release, ganglion excision, arthroplasty of the wrist, and fracture repair. Plastic surgery can involve elective cosmetic surgeries like a facelift or tummy tuck; or restoring the form and function of patients who suffered a burn, injury, or trauma; or correcting congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip.

For ENT and General Surgery, please see featured articles.

Obstetrics & Gynecology – Daniel Gabrielson, DO, FACOOG; Emily Hill, DO, FACOOG; and Kristopher Bedi, MD

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) are two medical specialties, generally practiced as one, that deal with pregnancy and childbirth (obstetrics) and the diseases and conditions of the female reproductive organs (gynecology). Iowa Specialty Hospital is privileged to have some of the most experienced and devoted OB/GYN doctors in the Midwest. Iowa Specialty Hospital, partners with The Gabrielson Clinic who specializes in treating women at all stages of life.

Orthopedics – Gautum Kakade, MD; Emile Li, MD; and Mark Palit, MD

Orthopedics is a medical specialty that deals with conditions and diseases affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Iowa Specialty Hospital proudly partners with Orthopedic Specialists in Fort Dodge to offer you the region’s most highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and staff. We offer a wide range of orthopedic procedures for the spine, shoulder, hand, hip, knee, foot, and more—including joint replacement, fracture care, and arthroscopy.

Pain Management – Shelley Wells, DO, FAOCADr. Wells, our Pain Management Provider is

specialized in providing care for those suffering from chronic pain. Dr. Wells offers chronic pain management, a medical discipline that focuses on alleviating the suffering associated with chronic pain. Dr. Wells specializes in treating all aspects of pain that affect the head, neck, back, arms and legs. From pharmacologic treatments, such as anti-pain injections, to interventional measures, such as spinal cord blocks, to physical therapy and exercise, Dr. Wells focuses on helping you overcome pain and return to your everyday activities.

Podiatry – Philip Greenfield, DPMOur Podiatry Provider, Dr. Greenfield, specializes in

the diagnosis and medical treatment of disorders of the foot and lower extremity. Common podiatric conditions include bunions, sprains, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Dr. Greenfield employs a range of treatment approaches for podiatric problems, ranging from the conservative (exercise and physical therapy) to the complex (surgery).

Urology – Kevin Rier, MDDr. Rier specializes in the diagnosis and treatment

of urologic conditions. Urology is a branch of medical science that concerns diseases and conditions of the male and female urinary tracts, in addition to the male reproductive system. He has undergone additional training to specialize in such diseases and conditions. From bladder and kidney stones to urinary tract infections or erectile dysfunction, Dr. Rier is trained to diagnose, evaluate, and treat a variety of conditions and diseases using both nonsurgical and surgical approaches.

Weight Loss – Todd Eibes, MD, FACSIowa Specialty Hospital partners with Dr. Eibes

of Iowa Weight Loss Specialists to offer weight loss surgery to our patients. Through a coordinated effort of highly trained specialists including Dr. Eibes and his medical team, dietitians, and a psychiatric provider, we can give people a second chance at living a healthy and productive life. Iowa Specialty Hospital offers Sleeve Gastrectomy, which involves removing approximately 75% of the stomach laparoscopically, so the stomach takes the shape of a sleeve. This helps with weight loss by restricting food intake.

3 Iowa Specialty Hospital

General surgery is a medical specialty that deals with diseases and conditions affecting the lungs, chest, stomach, skin, soft tissue, breast, colon, liver, esophagus, small bowel, gallbladder, bile ducts, and thyroid gland. This can range from simple, easy-to-treat conditions, like appendicitis and hernias, to more serious conditions, such as surgical care for cancer patients.

Iowa Specialty Hospital partners with Iowa Specialty Surgeons to provide patients with a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Paul Conte, who is specialty-trained in a broad spectrum of diseases and conditions that may require surgical treatment.  Dr. Conte sees patients in both Belmond and Clarion.      

General Surgery

Understanding Hernias & Hernia RepairsA hernia (or “rupture”) is a weakness or defect in the wall of the

abdomen. This weakness may be present at birth, or it can be caused by the wear and tear of daily living. Although men are more likely to have hernias, they also occur in women and children. In fact, hernias are so common that they can occur in people of all ages.

Hernias occur when part of the body bulges into an area where it shouldn’t. Certain areas of the abdominal wall are naturally prone to weakness. With time and physical stress, these areas may weaken further and tear. Most often, this happens when tissues in the abdomen bulge through an opening in the groin. Normally, the abdomen and groin are separated by a wall of muscle and tissue. The only natural openings in the wall are small tunnels called canals. These allow nerves, blood vessels, and other structures to pass between these two areas. It may help to think of the abdominal wall as the rubber on a bicycle tire. If a spot on the outside of the tire weakens and frays, the inner tube will bulge out.

Hernias are identified by their location on the body. The most common types of hernias form in the groin. Other types form in the abdomen. Hernias can also form on both sides of the body (bilateral hernias). In some cases, you can have more than one type at a time.

A weakness or break in the abdominal wall allows the contents of the abdomen to push outward. This often causes a bulge under the skin. It can also cause discomfort or pain. Your symptoms depend on the size and location of your hernia. Common symptoms include:

• A bulge in the groin, abdomen, thigh, or genitals. The bulge may get bigger when you stand and may “disappear” when you lie down

• Discomfort and pain that is worse at the end of the day or after standing for long periods of time

• Pain during lifting, coughing, sneezing, or physical activities• A feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin• Discomfort or pain during urination or bowel movements

A hernia will not heal on its own. Surgery is needed to repair the defect in the abdominal wall. If not treated, a hernia can get larger. It can also lead to serious medical complications.

Fortunately, hernia repair can be done quickly and safely with either laparoscopic or regular surgery. To repair the defect, muscle and connective tissue may be sewn together to make a traditional repair. Most often, though, special mesh materials are used to patch the weak area and make a tension-free repair.

You should not let a hernia put limits on your life. By having surgery, you can help eliminate discomfort and prevent future problems. Hernia repair can have you back enjoying your normal daily activities and living life to the fullest.

Services Offered:• Gallbladder Surgery• Breast Biopsy• Breast Lumpectomy• Breast Mastectomy• Hernia Repair• Hemorrhoidectomy• Bowel Resection• Colonoscopy Procedure• Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

• PEG Tube Insertion• Infusion Port Placement• Appendectomy Surgery• Central Line Placement• Paracentesis• Thoracentesis• Senitnel Node Biopsy• Removal of Numerous Skin

and Soft Tissue Tumors

EndoscopyAn endoscopy procedure involves inserting a long, flexible tube

called an endoscope either down your throat and into your esophagus (upper GI endoscopy) or into your rectum (lower GI endoscopy). A tiny camera on the end of the endoscope lets your doctor examine either your upper or lower GI tract.

Upper GI EndoscopyUpper GI endoscopy allows your provider to look directly into the

upper part of your gastrointestinal tract that includes your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).

If you are having symptoms of an upper GI problem, this procedure may be done to help find the cause. Upper GI endoscopy helps diagnose ulcers, gastritis, growths, causes of bleeding or pain, and cancer. It may detect the presence of H. pylori, a type of bacteria that causes ulcers. It is also used for taking a sample of tissue (biopsy), removing foreign objects or growths, or stopping bleeding and opening narrowed areas (strictures).

This procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.

Lower GI EndoscopyLower GI endoscopy allows your provider to examine your lower

gastrointestinal tract. Your entire colon and rectum can be examined (colonoscopy) or just the rectum and sigmoid colon can be examined (sigmoidoscopy).

If you are having symptoms of a lower GI problem or have had an abnormal X-ray, this procedure may be done to get a better look. It can also be done to screen for colon or rectal cancer and to help treat problems of the lower GI tract.

The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, both men and women should have a colonoscopy every ten years. Family or personal history may require that testing begin early or be performed more frequently. It is important to discuss this with your health care provider.

A colonoscopy will take approximately 30 minutes and a sigmoidoscopy will take less than 15 minutes.

Paul Conte, MDTo schedule your appointment

with Dr. Conte, please call 515-532-9310 or 844-474-4321. A referral from your primary health care provider may not be required for certain procedures.

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Ear, nose, and throat (ENT), or otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that deals with diseases and conditions of the head and neck. This can range from simple, easy-to-treat conditions, like tonsillitis and sinusitis, to more serious conditions, such as head and neck cancers and inner ear conditions. Iowa Specialty Hospital partners with, Stephen Griffith, MD, from Iowa ENT Center, one of the largest and most experienced ENT practices in the central Iowa area.

Dr. Griffith specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the full scope of disorders, involving the ears, nose, and throat including the treatment of ear infections and disorders in children and adults, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge and drainage, chronic sinus infections, hoarseness, head and neck masses and cancers, snoring problems, and thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities or tumors. Specialty options include the full spectrum of pediatric ENT services and surgical and nonsurgical treatments for nasal and sinus conditions, including chemical cautery. What is Chronic Sinusitis?

Over 31 million Americans are affected by Chronic Sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health conditions in the United States.

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located within the bones around the nose and eyes that allow for natural ventilation and drainage. In Chronic Sinusitis, the sinus linings become inflamed, blocking the natural drainage passageways and leading to chronic infections and nasal obstruction.

Patients with chronic sinusitis often suffer from debilitating symptoms such as:

• facial pain or pressure• nasal congestion and difficulty breathing• discolored nasal discharge• loss of smell and taste• headache• fatigue and/or depression

Chronic sinusitis often requires a complex combination of surgical and medical treatments. When sinusitis does not respond to medications, surgery to enlarge the openings that drain the sinuses may be an option. Each year, 500,000 patients undergo sinus surgery to treat the condition.

New Innovative Treatment for Chronic SinusitisPROPEL® is

clinically proven to improve surgical outcomes for chronic sinusitis sufferers.

The dissolvable PROPEL Steroid-Releasing Implant is the first in a new category of products offering localized, controlled delivery of steroid directly to the sinus tissue to maintain the openings created in surgery. The spring-like implants gradually deliver an advanced steroid with anti-inflammatory properties directly to the sinus lining, then dissolve into the body following endoscopic sinus surgery. The result is improved surgical outcomes, reducing the need for additional surgical procedures and for systemic steroids, which can have serious side effects.

Chemical CauteryChemical cautery is

a painless, office-based treatment for a wide variety of sinus problems. It is a non-invasive approach to managing chronic sinus problems. It involves a series of treatments over time (usually 2-3 treatments per year) to maintain long-lasting relief from symptoms and protection from infections. Chemical cautery frequently takes the place of other medications, in some cases eliminating the need for antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. This makes it a very cost-effective and time efficient treatment.

Chemical cautery involves a series of three sprays of medications to the nasal airways after first decongesting the nose with a powerful decongestant. The entire treatment takes about 5 minutes.

To start the chemical cautery therapy, patients undergo monthly treatments for three months. Booster treatments are given about every four to six months.

Many sinus sufferers will benefit from chemical cautery. It is generally helpful for:

• Sinus infections• Allergies• Sinus headaches• Facial pain• Facial pressure• Nasal congestion• Nasal stuffiness• Ear pressure and recurrent ear infections

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or if you consider yourself to be a “sinus sufferer,” you may be are a candidate for chemical cautery. You should be seen by one of our providers for assessment.

Ear, Nose & Throat Services Stephen Griffith, MDTo schedule an appointment

with Dr. Stephen Griffith at our Belmond Campus, please call 641-444-3500 or toll free at 844-474-4321.

5 Iowa Specialty Hospital

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has acquired graduate-level education and board certification in anesthesia. A CRNA cares for a patient before, during and after a medical procedure or surgery by performing a patient assessment, preparing the patient for anesthesia, administering and maintaining the anesthesia to ensure proper sedation and pain management, overseeing patient recovery from anesthesia, and caring for the patient’s immediate post-operative needs.

Our CRNA team includes:

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

The Belmond and Clarion Campus Surgical Suites are state-of-the-art, with privacy and comfort at the forefront. While the suites are not exactly alike, they are very similar. Some features include the following:

Outpatient Bays• Surgery preparation begins here for most

patients, except for OB and bariatric; in these areas the patient is admitted to the room they will be in after surgery.

• If a patient is going home (outpatient) he or she will return to the same outpatient bay after surgery until they are released. All patients being admitted to the hospital will go to a hospital room after spending time in the recovery room.

• During surgery, family may wait for their loved one in the outpatient bay or in one of our waiting rooms.

Endoscopy Room• Primary used for colonoscopies and upper

endoscopy procedures• Equipped with overhead surgical lighting

and anesthesia gases if it become necessary to perform a minor procedure.

Central Sterile Service & Supply Area• Includes a 3 room layout Decontamination Room

• 3 Stainless Steel Sinks• Steris washers/disinfectors• Ultrasonic washer to clean surgical

instrumentation

Clean Sterile Room• Instrumentation is inspected and prepared

for sterilization• Steris Autoclaves that sterilize

instrumentation with pressurized steam• Sterrad that sterilizes heat sensitive

equipment with gas plasma hydrogen peroxide

• Lighted, wrap table with motorized capabilities

Sterile Storage Room• Equipped with movable stainless steel rack

system for organization

Recovery Bays• Equipped with datascope and increased

monitoring capabilities mounted at each bay• Sliding glass doors for increased privacy and

decreased noise level during recovery

Operating Rooms• Identical operating rooms are identical to

allow staff to easily locate items and guarantee a smooth functioning process during surgery

• Can control equipment from computer; separate laptop will be present for dictation/documentation

• In-light camera, housed in the LED Surgical Lights, captures footage of the surgery displaying the High Definition images onto a wall mounted TV Screen. The system can be controlled from an intuitive control panel, an integrated computer touch panel and/or by the surgeon’s voice

• Ceiling mounted booms with flat panel arms supply gases, power, HD images to the surgical site, designed to optimize efficiency and safety by allowing smooth mobility without the trip hazards of electrical cords on the floor.

• LED Surgical Lights remain starkly cool without sacrificing brightness which allows the surgeon to view the surgical site like never before.

• Ultraviolet (UVC) Lights used during a terminal clean at the end of every day to safely and efficiently kill microorganisms such as bacteria, and viruses to decrease the risk of infection.

C-Section Operating Suite – Clarion Campus• Separate operating room designated for

caesarean births• Located in the Maternity Center to be

conveniently near the OB patient rooms and nursery

• Specially trained OB nurses and CNAs are with the patient during sugery in addition to an OB provider and/or surgeon

Jim Dorn, CRNA, received his Masters in Anesthesia from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in Madison. He previously served with the Iowa National Guard for 8 years, and worked as an EMT-Paramedic. In addition, he has worked with NASCAR on the trauma team at Talladega Super Speedway.

Dean Heideman, CRNA, graduated from the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Texas Wesleyan University in 2006. He completed his residency at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. Dean is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and worked at two other health care facilities in Kansas before joining Iowa Specialty Hospital in 2009.

Jeff Kalvig, CRNA, received his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. He worked for several years in intensive care, emergency medicine, and pediatric intensive care in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area before attending the Mayo Clinic School of Health Related Sciences Program in Nurse Anesthetist. Jeff graduated with a Virginia B. Heritage Award for Academic Excellence. He is certified through the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

David Kellerman, CRNA, MS, graduated with honors from Mount Marty College of Nurse Anesthesia in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He completed his residency at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He is certified through the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. David is also a commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserves and an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, having served time in Afghanistan.

Our Surgical Suites

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Regina Reedy, ARNP, recently joined the Clarion Clinic. She has over 25 years experience as a registered nurse. She became an advanced registered nurse practitioner in 2010. In addition, she has experience in internal medicine and urgent care. With clinical interests in family medicine, Regina believes in collaborating with her patients regarding healthy living, exercise, and proper nutrition.

Her education includes an associate degree in nursing in 1990 from Iowa Central Community College, a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in 1998 from Drake University, and in 2010 she received her Master of Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Allen College in Waterloo.

Regina and her husband, Bob, are both natives of Humboldt and plan to relocate back to the area this spring. Moving to be closer to family and working in an atmosphere where the patients come first, were both important to Reedy when choosing to practice at Iowa Specialty Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Regina Reedy at the Clarion Clinic, call 844-474-4321 or 515-532-2836.

Iowa Weight Loss Specialists is proud to announce the availability of their new smart phone app to help people achieve their weight loss goals. To download this completely free app, simply search – Iowa Weight Loss – in either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

With millions of smart phone users around the globe already using health/nutrition apps, Iowa Weight Loss Specialists wanted to provide this same opportunity to their patients and other interested individuals. The app has many advantages as it is customized to Iowa Weight Loss Specialists’ program, including post-operative discharge instructions, vitamin recommendations, FAQ, and upcoming events. Utilization of the app is a great way for patients to visually track their progress. Other features of the app include:

• Nutrition Tracking• Weight Tracker• Recipes • Exercise Tracker• Request Appointments• Ask Questions• Receive Events, Seminars and Helpful Tip Notifications

Their great new app is one more way to help you throughout your weight loss journey. n

Iowa Weight Loss Specialists Offers New Bari App

Kristopher Bedi, DO, has recently joined The Gabrielson Clinic for Women. Dr. Bedi received his undergraduate degree from California State University in Northridge. After completing his graduate pre-med program at the University of Southern California and UCLA, he went to Midwestern University –Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine to complete his degree in osteopathic medicine. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology internship and residency at Stamford Hospital/Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. After his residency, he went on to complete a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the Women’s Health Institute of Illinois.

Dr. Bedi is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, American Osteopathic Association, American Medical Association, Iowa Osteopathic Medical Society, and Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society.

Dr. Bedi specializes in urogynecology, laparoscopic surgery, uterine fibroids, and hysteroscopy.

To schedule an appointment, please call 844-474-4321 or 515-532-9287.

Kristopher Bedi, DONew Providers:

Visit Iowa Specialty Hospital at these upcoming events:• Active Living Senior Expo: April 14th, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm,

Crossroads Mall, Fort Dodge, IA• Health & Safety Saturday: April 18th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm,

Wright County Fairgrounds, Eagle Grove, IA• Annual Hagie Health Fair: May 6th, Open to the public from

10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Hagie Manufacturing, Clarion, IA • As We Age Informational Fair: May 27th, 9:00 am – Noon,

Franklin Wellness Center, Hampton, IA

We look forward to seeing you.

On the Road...

Regina Reedy, ARNP

Did you know that we have a new website?

Visit us at IowaSpecialtyHospital.com

to check it out! We’vealso gone mobile, so take a look on your cell phone as well!

POSTAL PATRON

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDBELMOND, IA

PERMIT NO. 54LocationsBelmond 403 1st Street SoutheastBelmond, Iowa 50421Clarion1316 South Main StreetClarion, Iowa 50525

844-ISH-4321www.IowaSpecialtyHospital.com

By completing a survey and returning it, you are giving us the unique opportunity to hear from you on what we are doing well and what we can improve upon. This allows us to continue to grow as an organization and make the next patient’s experience even better!

Moving forward, you may receive this Reminder Card from us. (See photo) This card is just that, a reminder of the services you received on that particular day and that you might receive a survey to ask you about your experience.

Remember, we love hearing that you had a wonderful experience with us, but if you didn’t, let us know how we can improve to do better next time! We truly believe that your feedback is music to our ears, a gift to help us continue to do everything in our power to make your healthcare experience a good one. n

We love hearing from our patients!

Your Feedback is

music to our ears!You may receive a Press Ganey survey

by mail or e-mail about your time with us.

Please use this opportunity to tell us what

we did well, and if we have areas for

improvement. We consider you a part of

our team and value your input. If you have

any questions, please ask us.

Reminder

Patient TestimonialsENT Surgery:

• My son hears much better now. ~ Comment from a Press Ganey Survey

• Dr. Griffith is amazing. Glad to have him in Belmond. ~ Comment from a Press Ganey Survey

• Dr. Griffith was so good with my child. Felt he took the time to listen and explain things thoroughly. ~ Jodi A.

General Surgery:• This was my first experience with Dr. Conte.

He was excellent. Overall experience, I would give everyone a big 10! ~ Sharon S.

• Surgery was the easiest I have gone through. ~ Jean W.

• All staff showed that they cared. I was not just a number. I felt it showed that they loved their work and really cared for a person. ~ Bob M.

• Staff put me at ease. Really liked the surgeon, Dr. Conte. I always recommend Iowa Specialty Hospital. ~ Comment from a Press Ganey Survey