Met Your Health Insurance Deductible Yet?
- By Clarinda Regional Health Center
- •
- 28 Oct, 2024
Look into scheduling these commonly delayed procedures before the new year.
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!
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Appointments for Spring Health Fairs are required for CRHC dates and any off-site location. You can register for health fairs online at ClarindaHealth.com or by using the link above. After submitting your online registration with your informatoin please call 712-542-2176 to reserve a time slot on your preferred lab draw date/location.
Wednesday, March 12th | 7:00-8:00 AM
Braddyville, IA | Brady Hall
Thursday, March 13th | 7:00-8:00 AM
Clearmont, MO | Little Red School House
Thursday, March 20th | 7:00-8:00 AM
Clarinda, IA | CRHC Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Center
Saturday, March 22nd | 7:30-9:00 AM
Clarinda, IA | CRHC Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Center
Tuesday, March 25th | 6:00-8:00 AM
- General Wellness Screen - $35 | (22 blood tests, including but not limited to complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid pan, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and more)
- Prostate Screen - $20 | (PSA - Men Only)
- Hemoglobin A1C - $15 | (Diabetic)
- Vitamin D Deficiency - $30
- DXA Body Composition Scan- $30 | (Scheduled & paid separately, only available at CRHC)
- MedGem - $30 | (Scheduled & paid separately, only available at CRHC)
- US Abdominal Aorta Screening - $60 (Scheduled & paid separately, only available at CRHC)
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to announce the recent remodeling of our hospice suite and family room, made possible by the generosity of the Jimmy and Lora Lea Fulk family. This beautifully transformed space is a lasting tribute to the Fulks, reflecting their profound values of faith, family, and perseverance.
The renovation, funded by Joyce Fulk Whitney, Dale Fulk, Alice Fulk Wisner, and Nancy Fulk McKinnon in honor of their beloved parents, ensures that the hospice suite and family room are not only more functional but also provide a sanctuary for those in need of comfort and solace. This gift preserves the Fulks’ enduring motto: “Trust in the Lord. Wait Patiently. God is in control.”
Jimmy and Lora Lea Fulk were humble, hard-working individuals who cherished life on their farm and lived guided by unwavering faith. Their legacy of love, support, and steadfast trust in God continues to inspire those who knew them and now touches the lives of countless families who will benefit from this space.
“To the Fulk Family, your dedication to preserving your parents’ legacy is both inspiring and deeply appreciated,” said Chuck Nordyke, CRHC CEO. “This family room will stand as a testament to the values your parents held dear, serving as a place of hope, connection, and peace for generations to come.”
Clarinda Regional Health Center extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Fulk family for this incredible act of generosity. May this newly remodeled space carry forward the spirit of Jimmy and Lora Lea Fulk—a spirit of humility, strength, and trust in the Lord.
For more information about this project or to learn how you can support CRHC, please contact Jennifer McCall at 712-542-6776 or jmccall@clarindahealth.com.
About Clarinda Regional Health Center Clarinda Regional Health Center is dedicated to advancing exceptional care for the communities we serve. Guided by a commitment to safety, quality, and growth, we continually strive to enhance the healthcare experience for patients and families alike.
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See more photos of this beautiful space here.
As the Clarinda community enters a new year, exciting developments are on the horizon. The Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) has announced plans to establish a new mental health clinic, thanks to a generous donation by the owners of Azria Health Clarinda.
This donation will enable CRHC to expand its mental health services, reaching more patients and addressing critical needs in the community. The initiative reflects the shared mission of CRHC and Azria Health Clarinda to prioritize the health and well-being of Clarinda residents.
“We are deeply thankful for Azria’s generosity and look forward to collaborating on this important initiative,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “This partnership represents a commitment to improving access to mental health resources and enhancing the quality of life for our community.”
Azria Health Clarinda, located at 600 Manor Drive, is the premier nursing home in the area. Azria Health Clarinda is known for delivering high-quality care to seniors with professionalism and compassion. Beyond its dedication to senior care, Azria Health actively supports the community through initiatives like this donation.
“We’re proud to partner with Clarinda Regional Health Center to enhance the resources available to the people of this great town,” said Steve Hornung, co-owner of Azria Health Clarinda. “Giving back is central to our mission at Azria Health.”
Co-owner Noah Kaminer added, “This donation is not just about a building - it’s about ensuring Clarinda continues to grow and thrive.”
As the community looks ahead to 2025, the partnership between CRHC and Azria Health Clarinda sets the stage for continued growth and innovation in local healthcare.
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Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce that Dr. John Carr, a highly skilled and experienced general surgeon, has joined the Clarinda Regional Health Center. With over 21 years of expertise in general surgery, endoscopy, and trauma care, Dr. Carr’s arrival further strengthens CRHC’s commitment to advance exceptional care for patients in southwest Iowa.
Dr. Carr is quadruple board-certified in general surgery, thoracic surgery, surgical critical care, and critical care echocardiography. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Indiana University and his MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Carr completed a rigorous general surgery residency at Henry Ford Medical Center, where he also served as research resident in vascular surgery and chief resident. He further advanced his education with a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Rush University and Cook County Hospital, followed by specialized training in cardiac transplant and mechanical support at the University of Chicago.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Carr recently pursued dual MAs in Theology and Systematic Philosophy from Holy Apostles College, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
Dr. Carr has extensive training in advanced surgical and endovascular techniques, including aortic and iliac arterial stenting, thoracic endografting, breast MRI interpretation, and complex vascular trauma management. He also holds certifications in advanced endovascular procedures and Impella patient management.
Chuck Nordyke, CEO of
Clarinda Regional Health Center, shared his excitement about Dr. Carr’s
addition to the CRHC team:
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. John Carr to Clarinda Regional Health
Center. His broad range of surgical expertise and advanced certifications make
him a valuable asset to our team. His vast experience in trauma and critical
care surgery will undoubtedly benefit our patients and help us continue to
provide the highest standard of care to our community.”
Dr. Carr is now accepting patients at the CRHC Surgery Center and looks forward to providing advanced, compassionate care to individuals in need of specialized surgical services.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Clarinda Regional Health Center at 712-542-8349 or visit www.clarindahealth.com.
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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.
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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.
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