Dr. John Carr Joins CRHC General Surgery Team

Clarinda Regional Health Center, a committed healthcare provider in Southwest Iowa is proud to announce that it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by the National Rural Rating System (NRRS), a program recognizing dedication and excellence in rural healthcare, as well as being named to the National Rural Honor Roll.

This esteemed designation is a testament to Clarinda Regional Health Center's dedication to delivering high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. The NRRS evaluates hospitals based on rigorous standards, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and overall hospital performance.

"I am incredibly proud to announce that Clarinda Regional Health Center has achieved the prestigious NRRS 5-Star rating. This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our entire team. Every day, our staff goes above and beyond to embody our commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care for our patients and community. This rating reflects not only the quality of care we provide but also the compassion, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence that our team brings to their work. Thank you to each and every staff member for making this achievement possible and for your steadfast dedication to the health and well-being of those we serve." -Chuck Nordyke, CEO

The 5-star rating reflects Clarinda Regional Health Center's ongoing commitment to meet the unique healthcare needs of the rural community it serves. This recognition highlights the hospital's success in providing outstanding medical services, despite the challenges often faced by rural healthcare facilities.

The 2025 National Rural Honor Roll honorees, announced each November, include rural hospitals that have met the highest standards for patient experience, based on cumulative ratings submitted by October 31, 2024. This annual recognition reinforces NRHA’s commitment to supporting and uplifting rural health care facilities as pillars of their communities.

“These awards really shine a spotlight on the heart and hard work that our rural hospitals bring to their communities,” says Brock Slabach, COO of the National Rural Health Association. “Rural healthcare comes with unique challenges, and reaching this level of excellence shows not only the clinical expertise but also the deep commitment these hospitals have to the people they serve. This recognition celebrates rural healthcare as a source of strength, compassion, and healing—right where it’s needed most.”

Clarinda Regional Health Center extends its heartfelt thanks to its dedicated team of healthcare professionals, whose tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to patient care have made this achievement possible.

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in southwest Iowa, dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered care to the communities it serves. CRHC offers a wide range of healthcare services, from inpatient and outpatient care to specialty services, ensuring comprehensive care close to home. In addition to its main hospital in Clarinda, CRHC operates clinics in Clarinda, Villisca, and Bedford, Iowa, extending its commitment to high-quality healthcare across the region. With a focus on advancing health and wellness, CRHC combines modern medical practices with compassionate care to meet the diverse needs of southwest Iowa’s residents.

The 5 Star Rating System ranks rural and critical access hospitals – with five stars being the top ranking and one star being the lowest. The Star Ratings are like the CMS Stars, which allow hospitals/clinics to promote their success and are used as high-quality recognitions. Most small and rural hospitals (60%) do not qualify because of low number of qualifying inpatients for the CMS Rankings but are held to the same high patient satisfaction criteria. This program recognizes the hard work, and dedication rural and critical access hospitals provide across the country. The rankings will include overnight hospital stays (HCAHPS) and are based on data collected by certified CMS patient satisfaction vendors.

The National Rural Honor Roll was created to honor rural and critical access hospitals and clinics that consistently deliver exceptional healthcare, showcasing them as leaders in patient-centered care within their communities. Facilities included on the Honor Roll receive recognition for their dedication and excellence that sets them apart, demonstrating their commitment to patient well-being.

For more information visit RuralRatings.US.

                                                                                                                               ####

Clarinda Regional Health Center Awarded Certificate of Need to Install In-House PET Scanner, Expands Radiology Services with Advanced Imaging Technology

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Need (CON) to install a permanent, in-house Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner. This addition will be the only in-house PET scanner in the area, bringing a new level of advanced diagnostic capability to patients throughout the region.

As part of this radiologyexpansion project, CRHC is also installing all-new, state-of-the-art MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment. This investment underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing top-tier diagnostic services, enhancing patient access and advancing exceptional care.

With this new PET scanner and upgraded imaging equipment, CRHC patients will benefit from seamless, high-quality access to diagnostic services, eliminating the need for a mobile PET scanner, which currently visits the facility only twice a month. The in-house scanner will enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of critical conditions, including cancer and cardiac disease, by providing flexible and timely access to essential imaging.

“This in-house PET scanner is a game-changer for our patients and the quality of care we’re able to provide,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Having this advanced diagnostic tool on-site, along with our new MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment, means we can offer more flexible scheduling and eliminate the wait times associated with mobile imaging services. This is a critical step forward in delivering the exceptional care that CRHC is dedicated to providing to the communities we serve”

The addition of the PET scanner and other imaging advancements demonstrates CRHC’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology to make high-quality healthcare more accessible. These improvements will not only strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities but also support physicians in developing faster, more effective treatment plans for improved patient outcomes.

The PET scanner is expected to be installed by the end of November, with services anticipated to begin for patients by mid-December. The new MRI has been installed and the CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment installations will follow as part of the phased radiology expansion.

About Clarinda Regional Health Center
Clarinda Regional Health Center is a Critical Access Hospital committed to advancing exceptional care for residents of Clarinda and the surrounding region. With a focus on patient-centered care, CRHC continually invests in the latest medical technology to enhance patient outcomes and access to healthcare.

                                                                                                                             #####

Can you believe it? The new year is fast approaching and your list of things to do is probably fairly long as this point in 2024. We're not just talking about holiday planning either. At Clarinda Regional Health Center we want to make sure you are paying attention to your body too. Don't keep putting those health concerns to the side. 

Have you met your deductible?
If you've met your medical insurance deductible, every day between now and December 31st is your chance to receive some notably less expensive medical "self-care." Think of things like screenings, elective surgeries, scans or testing. Right now is a great time to look into those items you've been putting off the entire year. Some of these procedures you can schedule yourself too!

What is a Health Care Deductible and does everyone have one?
Your health care deductible is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket for medical expenses before your insurance "kicks in" and your insurance provider pays for your procedures. And no, not all health care plans are the same, so not everyone has a deductible. To be sure if you have one, contact the number on the back of your medical insurance card and ask what your specific plan benefits are. 

Here is an example: If you have a $1,000 health care deductible, you're responsible for paying for all your health and medical expenses until you reach that $1,000 mark. Once you have reached that limit, whatever it is - it could be more or less - you've met your deductible. At this point, your insurance provider can now begin paying for a large portion of your health care costs. 

How Do I know If I've Med My Health Care Deductible? 
Your health insurance company will likely have a website that will let you log in and view your deductible status. Again, you can check the back of your insurance card for a phone number to contact to ask those specific questions as well. Or, if you keep track of your medical expenses or explanation of benefits your insurance company mails to you after a visit or procedure, those sometime indicate if your deductible has been reached by showing that you don't owe anything out of pocket. 

What type of visits or procedures should I schedule before the end of the year?
Most families, at this point in the year, have met their deductible and out of pocket maximums (or the highest amount you'll have to pay), so consider these types of visits before the December 31st deadline. 

• Elective Surgeries : These are the types of surgeries are the things that are put off by patients for long periods of time until they end up resulting in an emergent situation down the road. After reaching your deductible, elective surgeries become much more affordable, depending on your insurance plan. 
  • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Ear Tube Surgery
  • Eye Surgery for Cataracts
  • Gallbladder Surgery
  • Hernia Repair
  • Ulcer Surgery
  • Lower Extremity (Foot & Ankle) Surgery
  • Mole removal
• Elective Appointments: These types of visits also might be something you put off, but probably aren't life threatening if delayed. But these types of visits could definitely result in a healthier versions of yourself and are worth looking into. 
  • Physical Therapy
  • Pelvic Floor Therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Dry Needling
• Screenings: Theses are generally diagnostic tools that are an important piece of your own personal healthcare puzzle. Screenings are used to detect a variety of illnesses, including different cancers. Depending on your age and existing health conditions, ask your provider if you should schedule some of these screenings. 
  • Colonoscopy
  • DEXA Body Composition Scan
  • Endoscopy
  • Low Dose CT Scan
  • Prostate Screening

Take care of yourself all year long!
At CRHC our team is here for you 365 days a year. We'd prefer if you take advantage of all the services at Clarinda Regional Health Center throughout year instead of delaying important medical care, but we know that sometimes making your health a priority, along with the rising costs of everything, can be difficult. That's why we want to make sure you know the advantages your medical insurance can provide. So you let us know what is ailing you! We have the services, programs, and highly skilled teams you need to handle whatever health concerns you have. 

Check out our Request an Appointment tool online to get your foot in the door before the end of the new year. Talk to your provider about any healthcare concerns you have. You deserve the healthiest version of yourself today and in the new year!

Make note of upcoming closures at CRHC and it's clinics to observe year end holidays November 2024 through January of 2025!

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce the addition of Gracie Brown, MS, CCC-SLP , to its growing team of healthcare professionals. Gracie joins CRHC as a Speech-Language Pathologist, bringing a passion for helping patients overcome communication, cognitive, and swallowing disorders.

Gracie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Iowa in 2022. She then pursued her Master of Science in Speech-Language-Hearing Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she gained extensive training in diagnosing and treating a range of speech and language impairments.

Gracie holds certifications in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) training, making her exceptionally skilled in addressing cognitive and swallowing disorders. Her specialized training, equips her to provide comprehensive care to a wide range of patients, from pediatric to geriatric populations.

"Gracie's dedication to improving the lives of her patients and her commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care in her field makes her a perfect fit for our team," said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. "We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in the lives of our patients."

Gracie’s specialties include providing evidence-based interventions for individuals facing speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing challenges due to various medical conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and developmental delays. She is committed to offering personalized care to each patient, working closely with families and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Clarinda Regional Health Center remains dedicated to offering high-quality healthcare services to the community, and the addition of Gracie Brown is another step toward fulfilling this mission. Patients in need of speech-language pathology servicescan now benefit from her expertise right here in Clarinda.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Gracie Brown, please contact Clarinda Regional Health Center at (712) 542-2176 or visit our website at www.clarindahealth.com.                                                                 

                                                                                                                                             #####