Keeping You Well - Spring 2022

Keeping You Well SPRING 2022

Ron’s Story PAGE 4 Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics

Happy Retirement Dr. Andy Smith PAGE 7

Grateful PATIENT

Message from Tim I would like to greet you with some very exciting news!

Your Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has recently been recognized as a Top-20 Critical Access Hospital in the nation for patient satisfaction!

“

Thank you to everyone for taking such good care of my mom and for giving her love when I couldn’t be there with her.

There aren’t enough cupcakes in the world to thank you.”

A GRATEFUL FAMILY

Timothy Ahlers CEO

The National Rural Health Association rates hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all areas of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

These are the surveys patients complete after receiving care at GMHC. We appreciate the recognition, and we will continue to focus on providing you with the best experience possible.

Just in time for summer, we have added new aesthetic laser procedures available through our surgery department. Services offered include hair removal, spider vein reduction, 4-D facial rejuvenation, acne scar reduction and more. Call our surgery department for more information and a consult.

Our goal at GMHC is to provide a high level of care to our patients which can only be accomplished through the top-notch physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals we have here to serve you.

Cornerstone Family Practice is recognized as a Level-3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

This is the most advanced level of primary care recognized by NCQA! We are proud to have this level of care right here in our community. Our team of professionals are ready to care for you and your family at one of our three clinics in Guttenberg, Edgewood, and Garnavillo.

In addition to our high-quality network of clinics, our Family Resource Center served 2,112 households in 2021. Located at 514 South Riverpark Drive in Guttenberg, the Family Resource Center is the coordination point of local health and human services, offering assistance through a food pantry, clothes closet, support groups, programs and assistance in choosing Medicare Part D options through the SHIIP program. For assistance call 563-252-3215.

I am pleased to announce that the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities achieved its endowment challenge goal! The mission of this foundation is to create healthy and vibrant communities in our service area for years to come. To date, three communities have been awarded grants totaling $47,500 towards community improvement. Thank you for your support as we continue to grow strong communities!

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics

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Lastly, we are celebrating the retirement of Dr. Andrew Smith, a long-time and beloved physician at GMHC. We thank Dr. Smith for his 39 years of service to our communities, and we wish him well in his retirement!

Sincerely,

Timothy Ahlers, FACHE Chief Executive Officer

“

Supporting the Foundation was an easy decision for us.

Upon our retirement, we moved to Guttenberg. We love this beautiful part of Iowa, but our decision to move here was driven by the availability of quality, local healthcare, and we want to ensure it remains for us and future residents.”

ANN KORCZYK, FCC DONOR

FCC Membership If you value the future of local healthcare and believe in a healthy and vibrant today for all residents, we invite you to become a member of the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities with a pledge for an annual gift to the FCC Endowment, or one-time gift of any amount.

Donors contributing $100 annually are considered Sustaining Members and can send gifts to FCC, PO Box 550, Guttenberg, IA 52052. A one-time gift of $1000 is considered a Founding gift. To learn more call 563-252-5558.

Foundation Meets $450,000 Endowment Challenge Goal The generosity of 129 donors, who share the Foundation of Cornerstone Communities’ common goal of creating healthy and vibrant communities to protect the future of local healthcare, helped the Foundation reach its endowment goal.

Just nine months after the launch of the community campaign called “A Strong Tomorrow”, gifts, memorials and pledges totaling $225,000 were added to the quiet phase funds of $225,000 to meet the challenge grant goal of $450,000. The FCC thanks the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Small Town Dreams Initiative (SDI) together with its anonymous donor for its partnership in providing an endowment match of $75,000 together with $15,000 in cash for immediate grant projects.

The FCC Endowment is held by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and is invested permanently. The growth of the endowment will result in larger earnings to provide annual funding to sustain FCC grant making. These funds will support more community projects, securing the health and vitality of our communities for decades into the future.

Grant Making The Foundation supports initiatives and projects that directly impact the everyday health and vitality of our communities, keeping them strong and attractive to future generations. To date, the FCC has funded $47,500 in local projects that share the mission of keeping our communities healthy and strong. Projects include the Edgewood Viking Loop Trail, Osborne Walking Path, Guttenberg pickleball courts, playground equipment, and City of Guttenberg vitality initiatives.

Grant applications are accepted four times per year; each January, April, July and October. The Foundation partners with visionary leaders in all communities served by GMHC on initiatives that align with the FCC mission of creating a healthy and vibrant today.

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Ron’s STORY

Lymphedema therapy at GMHC has given Ron Bahlmann the hope of walking the golf course this year.

A surgery that occurred over seven years ago may have been the beginning of lymphedema, a condition that Ron now lives with.

Immediately after his surgery to repair a large abdominal aortic aneurism (a bulge in the aorta in the abdomen), Ron noticed a difference in the size of his legs, with some swelling in the right leg.

It was not clear at that time, or even later, what the swelling was coming from. Gradually it got worse, and eventually Ron also noticed tightness in his legs. He was admitted briefly as an inpatient at GMHC in March of 2021 for cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection).

A few months later, in September, Ron developed cellulitis again, along with venous stasis ulcers on his legs, which are open wounds that “leak” excess protein-rich fluid from the body. After working to control the swelling and sores with Unna boots to promote healing of his venous stasis ulcers for several months, Ron’s primary care provider,

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Dr. McCaw, decided to refer him to a wound care specialist for more extensive treatment; however, there was a two month wait to be seen.

Because GMHC’s Physical Therapist Kimberly Franzen, PT, DPT, CLT, had been recently certified to treat lymphedema, Dr. McCaw decided to refer Ron to her. That decision has been life-changing for Ron. Lymphedema can occur as an abnormality at birth, primary lymphedema, or secondary lymphedema that develops after an injury, surgery or radiation treatment.

Lymphedema is a protein-rich fluid buildup in the arm(s) or leg(s) that causes swelling, discomfort or achiness in the extremity and decreased mobility of the joints that can make it very hard to move your limbs to complete daily activities.

Lymphedema symptoms include increased tightness and size of the arm or leg, skin changes including texture and color and increased difficulty with use of the arm or leg with daily cares such as dressing.

Lymphedema increases the chances

of recurring infection. At GMHC, we treat lymphedema to help reduce the size of the arm or leg, heal wounds, improve health of the skin and improve the patient’s quality of life. Because there is no cure for lymphedema, it is very important to treat it and learn to manage the symptoms.

Franzen began therapy with Ron in December of 2021 and treated both of his legs. She used all the techniques learned during her certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy for lymphedema, including manual lymph drainage, to aid in his healing.

The results were amazing—the wounds were almost gone in three days! To maintain these results, and further decrease the lymphedema, intensive treatment began at 5 times per week for two weeks, and then tapered to 2-3 times per week for the remainder of his treatment.

Franzen used multi-layer short stretch bandages to wrap Ron’s legs, which provided greater compression to reduce the lymphedema.

Each case of lymphedema is very different, and so is the individual treatment plan. Usually, the course of treatment is from 1-2 months. In Ron’s case, he experienced a few setbacks, and needed just over two months of intensive therapy. During this time, he also learned some valuable lessons in the precautions he needed to take to ensure his health. Franzen reported that during his therapy, Ron was mobile and doing all that he could to care for himself.

Franzen’s certification consisted of learning the full CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy), which includes not only performing manual lymph drainage (MLD) to reduce the amount of fluid build-up, but teaching/ educating the patient how to apply compression bandages or garments, exercise, nail & skin care, and other self-cares to assist with overall management of their condition. The successful treatment of lymphedema includes a lifetime commitment to control and manage the symptoms.

Ron described the difference it made for him to have the swelling more controlled in his legs, “Before, when I was using the exercise bike, my legs could only go for about 7 minutes, but after my course of

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treatment, I was able to go for about 20 minutes,” and, “now when we are walking around while shopping, my legs don’t really get tired, just a little heavy—so I stop to rest my legs for a few minutes and I’m ready to go.”

Following the intensive therapy, Ron received instruction on transitioning to self-care, where he would monitor his own situation and only need to receive treatment if conditions would get worse again. Ron said that after living with this condition, he now knows what signs to watch for that would require a visit to his health care provider.

Franzen taught Ron and his wife how to bandage his legs on the days he didn’t have treatment. Because the course of treatment was effective in controlling the lymphedema, an accurate measurement was taken for custom compression socks, which he will regularly wear during the day, along with a custom-fit Velcro garment at night.

When asked what he looks forward to being able to do again, Ron replied, “I hope to walk the course when I go golfing again. It will also be nice to wear dress pants instead of sweatpants, and regular shoes instead of extra-wide ones!”

I hope to walk the course when I go golfing again. It will also be nice to wear dress pants instead of sweatpants, and regular shoes instead of extra-wide ones!”

Lymphedema Kim

Meet Kimberly Kimberly Franzen, PT, DPT, CLT is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. Kim’s certification consisted of learning the full CDT (Complete Decongestive Therapy).

What to expect with Lymphedema therapy: • Manual lymph drainage (MLD) – therapeutic massage that stimulates existing lymph nodes and pathways to assist with draining excess fluid.

• Compression bandaging – uses a bandaging method to promote improved lymph flow and keep the limb from refilling with fluid.

• Remedial exercises – an individualized exercise program is developed to assist with muscle pump activity to increase lymph flow.

• Skin care – patients are trained in skin care techniques to reduce the risk of infection.

• Patient education – patients are educated in all aspects of lymphedema management to increase compliance for better outcomes. This includes selfmanagement at home, precautions, skin care, and nutrition.

RON BAHLMANN, GRATEFUL PATIENT

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Cornerstone Family Practice

Cornerstone Family Practice

Our Cornerstone Family Practice board-certified family medicine physicians and nurse practitioners are trained to care for patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating most medical issues, from infections and sprains to diabetes and asthma. Our team will partner with you on preventative and routine care for the entire family, working together to understand your unique health and wellness journey. As a Patient-Centered Medical Home, Cornerstone Family Practice emphasizes care coordination between the patient and their provider / care team, offering continuity of care for our patients.

Clinic Hours

GUTTENBERG

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm Friday: 8am - 5pm Saturday: 8am - Noon 563-252-2141

Jeffrey Hoffmann, DO

Michele Dikkers, DO

Guy McCaw, MD

Amber Wessels, FNP

Hayle Bockenstedt, DNP

Taylor Grinstead, DNP

Carol Gunnett, MD, PhD

GARNAVILLO

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm 563-964-2608

EDGEWOOD

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm 563-928-6435

Services Offered at GMHC • Aesthetic Laser Services

• Emergency

• Physical Therapy

• Ambulance

• Inpatient Acute Care

• Podiatry Clinic

• Anticoagulation Clinic (ATC)

• Laboratory

• Primary Care

• Behavioral Health

• Occupational Therapy

• Radiology & Imaging

• Cardiology Clinic

• Oncology Clinic

• Skilled Care

• Cardiopulmonary

• Ophthalmology Clinic (Eye)

• Sleep Services

• Cornerstone Family Practice

• Orthopedic Clinic

• Speech Therapy

• Dermatology Clinic

• Outpatient Infusion

• Surgery

• Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic

• Pain Clinic

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Learn more about all of our services at www.guttenberghospital.org

Happy Retirement!

Dr. Andy Smith Retires After a 39-Year Career at GMHC In 1983, Dr. Andy Smith was searching for a smaller hospital in a nice community on the banks of the Mississippi to start his career. Guttenberg just happened to be searching for a doctor, and the rest is history.

Having grown up on the Mississippi River in Silvis, IL, near the Quad Cities, Dr. Smith developed a natural love for water and water recreation.

He grew accustomed to that lifestyle through friends who had boats in the area, and that factored into his decision to come to Guttenberg.

On June 1, 2022, Dr. Smith will retire after a 39 year career at GMHC. The small-town atmosphere of Guttenberg and the great partners he has had the privilege of working with influenced his decision to stay his entire career. “Even when we were going through a difficult time or situation, we all pulled together and just worked things out,” he said.

He added he and his wife, MJ, were very lucky to have stumbled upon a great house overlooking the marina right away, and it has been their only home. “Guttenberg’s small-town atmosphere was a great place to raise our kids, too,” he added.

While reflecting on memories he has from practicing medicine here for 39 years, he commented, “The biggest thing is that the people I’ve worked with here have always been positive and have done what was best for the patient. I mean everyone, not just the nursing staff, but the kitchen,

housekeeping, administration, everyone has a good attitude and works together. That is another reason I stayed here, and what I’m probably going to miss the most, too, is just all of the care people show for each other here.” He also reflected, “I have enjoyed the good relationships I’ve had with all my patients and getting to know them as people. It’s really just about treating other people like human beings, and I think maybe people have realized that I’m a human being, too (smiling).”

One of the things he and MJ will be doing more of during retirement is visiting their eight-year-old grandson and five-year-old granddaughter in St. Paul, MN, who are involved in a lot of activities, and will no doubt enjoy an increased presence of their grandparents.

“I’m sure we’ll travel a little more, even though it can still be a little difficult at this time. We put off a bigger trip that we were planning several years ago for our 40th anniversary, so we’ll see. I’ll probably golf a little more, and maybe do some fishing. I always thought I’d do more of that, but just haven’t,” he confessed. “We’ll get out on the river

more, too, and it will be nice to be able to go on the spur of the moment if we want to.”

When asked what he wants people to remember about his years as a physician at GMHC, he replied, “I’d like to think that I’ve been attentive to my patients, and that I stood by my word. If I said I’d return a call, that I followed through and did it. If you don’t have your word, then nothing else matters much.”

“I’m proud of what the team of providers has been able to accomplish here with limited resources. We are able to do more advanced testing, interpreting, and care here, so patients can stay local for many of their healthcare needs.”

Dr. Smith commented. “I know we can’t do everything, but I believe we are able to do a lot, and are honest with patients when we don’t know, or think they may need a referral.”

In conclusion, Dr. Smith commented, “I haven’t felt like I needed to do anything really flashy or anything, I just tried to do what was best for my patients.” From what we can tell, this humble man of his word has done just that. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for your 39 years of service to GMHC.

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Donna’s STORY Living with lung disease was robbing Donna Simon of her way of life.

Donna stopped driving, shopping for groceries, going to sporting events, and watching grandkids. She basically only left the house to go to doctor appointments. Donna had been oxygen-dependent for over three years, and it was restricting and defining the life she knew.

In an attempt to regain some of her breathing function, she came to GMHC in 2018 to begin pulmonary rehab. She had been diagnosed with COPD in 2012, and although she had tried to quit smoking then, she was not successful at stopping permanently until 2018. However, during her therapy, her therapist noted that Donna’s oxygen levels would drop immediately, causing severe shortness of breath and increasing her blood pressure. The therapy could not bring her lungs back, and she would need to have a lung transplant.

To be placed on the transplant list, Donna underwent almost 6 months of extensive testing, including a colonoscopy, dermatology checks for skin cancer, and many other tests. Donna completed the testing, even though she was still very ill. She was put on the transplant list, and finally on February 25, 2021, she received her new lungs.

Following her surgery at the University of Iowa came several weeks of intensive therapy there, and then she was transferred to St. Luke’s inpatient rehab department in Cedar Rapids. After a setback, she was finally walking again. This milestone would allow her to return home to Guttenberg for her continued therapy at GMHC. “It was huge for me to be able to come home and go to therapy here in Guttenberg. It made such a difference in my recovery,”

Donna Simon with RT Amanda Miller during one of her recent therapy sessions.

commented Donna, “Having my labs done here was easier and saved us a lot of travel as well.”

Donna eventually began driving again, shopping, going out to lunch with friends, and best of all, spending more time with her grandkids.

Now, she even drives herself to her checkups in Iowa City.

“Our Respiratory Therapy team has been very proud of Donna throughout her road to recovery. It was truly amazing to witness her reclaim her life and get back to being a busy grandma!” replied Amanda Miller, RT. To read Donna’s entire story, go to: www.guttenberghospital.org/donna/

Would You Like to Recognize an Outstanding Nurse at GMHC? GMHC is happy to announce our adoption of the DAISY Award program to recognize outstanding work in the field of Nursing. The DAISY Foundation, created to express gratitude by a family that experienced extraordinary nursing, is the leader in meaningful recognition of nurses. DAISY Award recognitions honor the superhuman work nurses do for patients and families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve, and throughout their careers.

We know patients and families want to say thank you to their nurses, and we want to make it even easier for them to do it by nominating their nurses for The DAISY Award – a truly meaningful way to recognize nurses. Nomination forms can be picked up at GMHC front desk or found online on the DAISY link on our website.

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Choose Specialty Care Close to Home at GMHC You don’t have to travel far for outstanding specialty care.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics has specialtytrained doctors and practitioners here, where you need them. Experience the expertise and compassionate patient-centered care in a convenient environment.

Tauseef Khan, MD Cardiology Clinic

Thomas Johnson, MD RS Ramabadran, MD Rami Eltibi, MD Cardiology Clinic Cardiology Clinic Cardiology Clinic

Michael Arnz, DPM Podiatry Clinic/ Surgery

Nicole Jedlicka, DPM Kara Franzen, DPM Podiatry Clinic/ Podiatry Clinic/ Surgery Surgery

Theresa Hughes, DPM Podiatry Clinic

Surgery at GMHC General Surgery at GMHC Our compassionate team of surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered surgical nurses and Dr. Daniel Mansfield operating room technicians General Surgeon help take some of the stress out of having surgery. We are dedicated to making your surgery successful and will help make you as comfortable as possible during your stay.

GMHC offers two spacious operating rooms, and deluxe same-day surgery suites for outpatient procedures. Our spacious patient hospital rooms are comfortable and available for any skilled care you may need following your surgery, and our therapy services staff are here to help you through recovery and rehabilitation.

Robotic-assisted surgery allows our surgeons to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with conventional techniques to treat a range of conditions such as: • Hernia repair • Colon resections • Fibroid removal • Gall bladder removal • Gynecological procedures

Stephen Pierotti, MD Bryan Trumm, MD Orthopedic Clinic/ Orthopedic Clinic/ Surgery Surgery

Dan Armstrong, PA Orthopedic Clinic

Kyle Korth, MD Orthopedic Clinic

Orthopedic Surgery at GMHC Dr. Trumm and Dr. Pierotti of Dubuque Orthopaedic Surgeons have added surgical procedures to the orthopedic care for their patients on their monthly visits to GMHC.

Steven Rock, MD Orthopedic Clinic

Juan Nieto, MD Eye Clinic/Surgery

David Auer, OD Eye Clinic

Timothy Daley, MD Eye Clinic

Dr. Trumm Orthopedic Surgeon Tammi Noonan, DNP Charles Parker, MD Oncology Clinic ENT Clinic/Surgery

Charles Weber, DO Dermatology Clinic

Dr. Pierotti Orthopedic Surgeon

Scott Chastek, DNAP, ARNP, CRNA Pain Mgmt. Clinic

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Family Resource Center Serves Thousands From food assistance to SHIIP counseling, and several services in between, the Family Resource Center served over 2,000 households and boasted over 1,200 volunteer hours in 2021. Centrally located in Guttenberg, the Family Resource Center offers a variety of services to meet the needs of individuals and families, building upon the strengths of each person. All the services and programs are voluntary and confidential.

The goal of the Family Resource Center is to increase access to health and human services. The center provides space for agencies and groups to collaborate their resources to meet the needs of the communities we serve. The center focuses on Health and Wellness, Safety, Food Insecurity, Transportation, Housing and Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Support Groups

Food Pantry

Cancer Support Group

The Family Resource Center has a full-fledged food pantry where individuals and families can obtain food to help supplement their needs. The pantry also offers special food boxes at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Cancer may be in your past, it could be in your present, or the fear of it returning in your future.

We are here for support during this uncertain time in your life.

• Meets first Thursday of month • 4:30pm to 5:30pm • Family Resource Center

Grief Support Group Grief is the normal and natural emotional response to death, divorce or other losses that a person may experience. The Grief Support Group meets: • Meets third Thursday of month • 4pm to 5pm • Family Resource Center

Other Items Available: • Household & Hygiene Items • Clothes Closet • Bedding

• Kitchen Basics • Baby Items • Furniture As Needed

Medicare/SHIIP Counseling SHIIP stands for Senior Health Insurance Information Program and is a service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP and its volunteers provide free-of-charge counseling and information to people with questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, and other health insurance. If you are turning 65 or need to discuss a different drug plan on Medicare, call to make an appointment to discuss your options.

For a complete listing of services and programs, or to learn more about volunteering, visit www.guttenberghospital.org/familyresource-center/ The Family Resource Center is located at 514 South River Park Drive in Guttenberg and can be reached at 563-252-3215.

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Introducing

Aesthetic Laser Services at GMHC Guttenberg Municipal Hospitals & Clinics is pleased to announce the addition of the Fotona Dynamis Laser System. From hair removal to tightsculpting, the GMHC Surgery Department is offering a variety of laser procedures without the downtime of traditional surgery. Dr. Daniel Mansfield, MD, General Surgeon at GMHC, will perform a wide variety of procedures. These include: • Hair Removal

• Benign Lesion Removal

• Body Tightsculpting

• Liplase

• 4D Facial Rejuvenation

• Smootheye

• Spider Vein Reduction

• Scar and Stretchmark

• Acne Scar Reduction

For more information, or to schedule a free consultation, please call the GMHC Surgery Clinic at 563-252-5536.

Reduction

Choose GMHC Skilled Care for Recovery You have a choice!

Recovering from a recent stroke, heart attack, orthopedic injury or joint replacement surgery?

Choose GMHC, an optimal setting for patients who are medically stable but still require specialized care on a daily basis. Led by our physicians, the GMHC Skilled Care Team includes professionals from: • physical therapy • speech therapy • social work

• occupational therapy • respiratory therapy • care coordination

• nursing • dietary • health coaching

Our priority is to help our Skilled Care patients reach their highest potential for health and independence before transitioning home.

For more information on GMHC Skilled Care services, please call a Care Coordinator at 563-252-5522.

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Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics

200 Main Street Guttenberg, IA 52052 (563) 252-1121 guttenberghospital.org

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Named Top 20 Critical Access Hospital Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics was recently named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for Best Practice—Patient Satisfaction in the country.

The top 20 CAHs, including GMHC, scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Patient Satisfaction. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September.

The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient

market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2022 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance: Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.

Patient perspective index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS domains.

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GMHC is proud of the efforts of the physicians and medical staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this recognition.

We are incredibly blessed to have a team of professionals with high standards who care deeply about each and every patient and our entire community.”

TIM AHLERS, CEO