FYI ON GYN Care

Gynecology is a medical specialty concerned with the health and diseases of the female reproductive system. (The “OB” part of “OB-GYN” stands for “obstetrics,” which is more narrowly focused on care for mothers and babies during pregnancy and childbirth.)

While family medicine and internal medicine providers can diagnose and treat many gynecologic concerns, complex issues are often referred to a gynecology specialist. Some women prefer to go directly to a specialist physician for all of their reproductive health care needs.

At GRHS, that specialist is obstetriciangynecologist John Mark Johnson, DO, FACOOG

Abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain are common reasons that women seek care from a gynecologist. “In cases where conservative management – such as using an intrauterine device, or oral or injected contraceptive – hasn’t

One Big Happy Family • continued from page 1

A Growing Family

To Amanda’s surprise, she became pregnant quickly. She and her husband, Matt, joyfully welcomed son Waylon in June 2015.

Knowing the couple wanted more than one child, Dr. Johnson advised them to try again right away.

“I was in tears,” Amanda says, recalling her reaction. “I didn’t think I could have one baby and now we’re talking two!”

Amanda became pregnant again. And again Magdalene (“Maggie”) was born in August 2016 and Tuck followed in July 2018. That’s three Kottke kids in 37 months!

The couple credits their faith, support from family and friends, and the care and advice of a good doctor with getting them through Amanda’s treatments and pregnancies. “Dr. Johnson is phenomenal, never pushy, honest, he explains all options, is always very open and supportive,” she says.

JOY TEMPERED BY HER ‘NORMAL’

Amanda has fulfilled a dream but her endometriosis story is not over. Symptoms improve during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but then return, and will only end with menopause. “I can’t be pregnant forever,” she says. The couple is considering having a fourth child and then, if her endometriosis symptoms are too severe, Amanda will have a hysterectomy.

About 10 percent of women struggle with endometriosis during their childbearing years.

Amanda speaks freely about her experience in order to help others cope. “I want women to know they’re not alone. It’s a real thing that takes a toll physically and emotionally.” worked, I can offer more advanced treatment options, such as endometrial ablation, diagnostic laparoscopy, and, if necessary, a hysterectomy,” Dr. Johnson explains.

Some gynecologic issues can become debilitating, both physically and emotionally, he notes. “Women do not have to just ‘live with it.’ I encourage them to prioritize their own health as much as they do their families’. I enjoy helping to improve my patients’ quality of life.”

A-to-V REASONS TO SEE A GYNECOLOGIST

• Annual gynecologic exams

• Abnormal Pap smears

• Birth control

• Bladder control problems

• Cancer screenings such as breast exams and Pap smears

• Endometriosis

• Fertility counseling and treatment

• Heavy or irregular uterine bleeding

• Menopause symptoms

• Ovarian cysts

• Pelvic pain

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Preconception planning

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Urinar y tract infections (UTIs)

• Uterine fibroids

• Vaginal infections

Operations Report

In 2017, we continued to improve in order to better serve our patients and community. It was a year with many highlights:

• Three new providers joined our staff: Abby Bennett, MPAS, PA-C, family medicine; and Steven Rousey, MD, FACP and Mark Hauge, MD, hematology and oncology.

• We broke ground on a $25 million nursing home project on our Glencoe campus. The new facility will support us in meeting the broad range of needs that people have today, from traditional long-term care to memory care and transitional care. When complete, it will provide residents with individualized care in a home-like environment.

• We opened new spaces in our hospital for medical imaging and infusion services, and finished remodeling the outpatient clinic and surgical services department. The hospital entrance reopened after being closed for renovations.

• We received a new device that enables our staff to perform hands-free, consistent and uninterrupted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a sudden cardiac arrest.

• We opened a department called Clinic Triage Services to help patients with questions and concerns that arise between appointments with their provider.

• Our clinics became certified health care homes through the Minnesota Department of Health. This means we can provide care coordination services for patients who have chronic or complex conditions.

• We began offering 3-D mammograms.

• The Minnesota Department of Health renewed our designation as an Acute Stroke-Ready Hospital, confirming our readiness to evaluate, stabilize and treat stroke patients.

• GRHS Long Term Care earned a perfect five-star rating from Nursing Home Compare, a federal program that publishes quality scores for all nursing homes.

• We launched a new mobile-friendly website with easy-to-read type, bright colors and engaging photography.

• We began searching for a new president and CEO to replace Jon D. Braband, MHA, FACHE, who announced he would be retiring in July 2018.

Community Benefit Report

We work every day to improve the health of our region. Here’s a summary of the gifts and services we provided to the community in 2017:

Uncompensated care – $2,385,000

The total cost of health care services that GRHS provides to patients without being paid, including charity care and underpayment of services.

Community health services – $245,000

Health Talks and other community health presentations, flu clinics, interpreter services, MNsure certified application counselors, prenatal classes, online health education and case management of uninsured and underinsured patients.

Financial and in-kind contributions – $47,000

Staff at area school and community events, administrative support for the GRHS Foundation, mental health support group, Glencoe Days, in-kind donations and sponsorships to area community groups.

Community-building activities – $44,000

Disaster and emergency preparedness, McLeod County Food Drive Challenge and community disease surveillance, reporting and preparedness.

Student shadowing and

Internships

Our staff also dedicated nearly 21,500 hours to provide on-the-job training to 214 students from seven high schools and 27 different regional medical and technical schools.

We’re proud to make these contributions of time, talent and treasure for the health of the community.

Financial Assistance Available

GRHS provides medically necessary hospital and emergency room care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. We provide this care at a reduced rate to patients who have exhausted all forms of insurance coverage and meet defined eligibility requirements. For details and a downloadable application, look for the Financial Assistance link at grhsonline.org/patients-visitors. You may also contact our billing department at 320-864-7101 or toll free

JON D. BRABAND, MHA, FACHE President and CEO, 1993-2018