At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we're here to serve you before, during, and after your hospitalization, clinic visit, or outpatient procedure. We are committed to providing you with the best possible healthcare, including convenient and reliable billing services.

As an independent organization, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System accepts most insurances. When you receive your bill, please keep in mind that you may receive separate bills from the hospital, the Specialty Clinic, Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic, and other healthcare professionals involved in your care. Common partners that bill separately include surgeons from other facilities, anesthesiologists, pathologists, and radiologists. 

Our Billing Process:

1. We submit the charges to the patient's insurance company and/or Medicare.
2. A notification of pending charges is sent to the patient from their insurance company shortly after discharge.
3. When we receive payment or denial of coverage from the insurance company, we calculate and send the patient their balance due.
4. Patients will receive a text and/or email with a link to the payment portal. The link will automatically populate their account number so they will only have to enter their date of birth to authenticate into the portal.
   • Patients can make payments, set up a payment plan, view/print their statement, and set their delivery preferences from the payment portal.
5. If the patient does not engage with the digital communication within a week, a statement will be mailed to the patient.

Time of Service Payments

Co-pay, deductible, and co-insurance are due at time of service.

• The co-pay for your clinic visit (Specialty Clinic, Cancer Center, ENT Clinic, Primary Care Clinics) is based on your insurance plan.
• The private pay co-pay for your clinic visit (Specialty Clinic, Cancer Center, ENT Clinic) is $200.
• For Hospital services, deductible and co-insurance are based on your insurance plan, or a percentage of your estimate is required for Private Pay.
• Patients who present for emergency medical care are subject to Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) regulations.

Please contact your insurance company to find out how your office visit and medical services will be covered.

Patients may be expected to pay a portion of their bill at time of service. If you have questions regarding time-of-service payments, please call a Prairie Lakes Patient Account Specialist:

• Prairie Lakes Hospital & Specialty Clinic: 605-882-7887
• Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic: 605-886-8482   

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring my insurance card with me to the hospital?
Yes. Insurance information is collected during the registration process. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System accepts most insurance plans.

Will you bill my insurance company?
Yes, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will bill your insurance company or companies for you. It is your responsibility, however, to provide any requested information the insurance company needs in regard to your hospitalization. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will also file Worker's Compensation claims.

How do I know if my insurance company will cover the charges?
It is best to check with your insurance representative prior to your hospitalization/outpatient procedure. Coverage varies with each insurance company. Coverage also varies on specific services, including those performed by anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists.

How will I know if my insurance company has covered the charges?
Depending on your insurance company, you may receive an explanation of benefits in the mail. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will also send you a statement if there is a balance due.

I have Medicare. I am confused about how prescriptions are paid for.
Generally, prescription and over-the-counter drugs you get in an observation or outpatient setting (like an emergency department), are not covered by Medicare Part B. If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D), these prescriptions may be covered under certain circumstances. You’ll likely need to pay out-of-pocket for these prescriptions and submit a claim to your prescription drug plan for a refund. Call your prescription drug plan for more information.

How can I pay my account balance?
Prairie Lakes accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit card payments. Online Bill Pay is available through the Patient Portal. Click here to learn more about the Patient Portal.

Online Bill Pay

Who can I talk to at Prairie Lakes about my bill?
For additional information or questions regarding billing and insurance, please call:

• Prairie Lakes Hospital & Specialty Clinic Bill: 605-882-7887 or 1-800-298-6638 | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | Monday - Friday 
• Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Bill: 605-886-8482 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | Monday - Friday

Prairie Lakes Healthcare Systems welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Interested parties should enjoy providing guidance and assistance to others and appreciate a social setting.

Volunteers may serve in a variety of areas, including:

• Gift Shop
• Same Day Surgery Desk
• Information Desk
• Caring Club House
• Clerical Office Areas
• Hospice 

Volunteers generally work a 4-hour shift with most areas offering a morning and afternoon shift. Volunteers may choose to work as little as one day a month or as frequently as several days per week. Orientation and training are provided until you reach a level of comfort.

Prairie Lakes offers several benefits to volunteers, including:

• Free breakfast or lunch with each 4-hour shift worked
• Annual volunteer appreciation event
• Prairie Lakes gifts
  
  

How to Become a Volunteer

Volunteer applicants will meet with a Prairie Lakes volunteer coordinator. All necessary paperwork will be reviewed and completed. Volunteers must agree to adhere to a strict confidentiality policy. Placement decisions take into consideration your desires, interests, skill set and personality.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, please call 605-882-7716 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Prairie Lakes Cancer Center offers comprehensive infusion services, including chemotherapy, blood transfusions, hydration and supportive care to patients undergoing treatment for cancer or blood disorders.

Comfort, not just care

If you are undergoing chemotherapy or some other type of infusion treatment, you are going to spend a portion of your day removed from the comforts of home and the everyday activities of your life. That's why we try to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

We start with the room. It's open with natural light coming in the windows. The walls are decorated with art. Overall, the setting is anything but institutional.

Next, your personal space. You'll be spending time here, so comfort is nearly as important as the care you receive. Each station has a large recliner with solid arms. Each station also has its own LCD flat-screen television.

Prairie Lakes offers cutting-edge treatments at our Cancer Center before they are widely available to the public. These clinical trials also test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. 

Dr. Bipin Amin leads the efforts of the clinical trial at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center.  He has more than 30 years of medical oncology and hematology experience. He participated in more than 75 clinical trials prior to joining Prairie Lakes Cancer Center in 2010.

Current Clinical Trials:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
• Follicular Lymphoma
• Lung Cancer
• Marginal Zone Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Myelofibrosis
• Prostate Cancer
• Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Registry Trials:

• Myelodysplastic Syndrome
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Myelofibrosis

Reviewed November 2, 2023.  Please call the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center at 605-882-6800 for more information on our clinical trials.

Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic offers ongoing, easy-to-access outpatient cardiac care for heart patients -- whether they are following up after an emergency procedure or heading off future heart problems. Our Cardiology Clinic uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat patients who have suffered a variety of conditions, including:

• Resistant high blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart Failure
• Preventative cardiology
• Atrial fibrillatioin and arrhythmia
• Heart valve problems
• High cholesterol
• Vascular problems
• Acute heart attack management
• Lipid clinic
• Anticoagulation management
• Pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
• LVAD follow-up
• Adult congenital heart disease

Cardiology is located on the 1st floor of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown. Patients may make a clinic appointment by calling 605-882-7777 or toll free at 855-465-8897.

Prairie Lakes Nephrology provides diagnosis and treatment for patients with kidney diseases. Our nephrology program also provides service for patients with disorders like electrolyte disturbance and hypertension and operates three dialysis units located in Watertown, SD; Sisseton, SD; and Ortonville, MN. 

You may see a nephrologist, if you are feeling symptoms of chronic kidney disease, such as:

• A metallic taste in the mouth or ammonia breath
• Protein aversion (no longer wanting to eat meat)
• Swelling in the face, feet or hands
• Shortness of breath (from fluid in the lungs)
• Making more or less urine than usual
• Urine that is foamy or bubbly
• Feeling cold all the time

Dr. Tina Melanson, nephrologist, Stefanie Roby PA-C and Chelsey Sundberg CNP, are committed to providing comprehensive care to northeastern South Dakota and western Minnesota residents. 

Our Nephrology Specialists

Tina Melanson, MD

Nephrology (Kidney)

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Chelsey Sundberg, CNP

Nephrology (Kidney)

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Stefanie Roby, PA-C

Nephrology (Kidney)

Learn More

Nephrology is located on the 1st floor of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown. Patients may make a clinic appointment by calling 605-882-7777 or toll free at 855-465-8897.

Newborn Safety Precautions in Place at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

Prairie Lakes welcomes nealy 600 babies into the world each year. During their stay with us, we implement many safety measures that help ensure each and every baby's safety and well-being is at hand. 

• The baby will wear two ID bands that match the mother's wristband. Each time staff brings the baby to its mother, nurses and mothers should check to make sure the bands match.
• The father or partner of the mother receives a fourth matching ID, providing access to the OB Department at all hours.
• Parents should never allow anyone to take the baby from their room other than a known staff person with a hospital ID.

During Your Stay

• If the mother is alone in the room with the baby and wants to nap, she should close the door and keep the baby in the crib on the  side of the bed away from the door. This way she can hear whether someone approaches.
• If you are uncomfortable with anyone requesting to take your baby for a procedure, you or your support person have the right to accompany the infant.
• Question any unfamiliar person(s) entering your room or inquiring about your baby, even if the person is wearing hospital attire.

Checking for Proper Identification Badge

• All Prairie Lakes OB staff have a hospital badge with photo identification.

At Home Safety Reminders

• Carefully consider the publication of your baby’s birth through newspapers, radio, and social media.
• Do not allow anyone claiming to be affiliated with Prairie Lakes into your home, unless discussed prior to discharge.
• Make sure all home visitors are well-known and not recent acquaintances, especially if met through social media.
• When out in public, always keep your baby in your direct line of site and within arms reach.

Losing a child is a devastating tragedy. At Prairie Lakes, we take special care in helping parents who have suffered the loss of a child. Our Infant Loss Coordinator spends as much time as needed with parents who have lost a child and offers support, keepsakes, and other resources that might help during this difficult time. 

As heartbreaking as losing a child is, many parents find it comforting to remember their child with a photograph. Prairie Lakes can help coordinate with local photographers to capture these precious moments. 

For questions regarding infant loss, please contact the Prairie Lakes Maternal Child Health Department at 605-882-7735.

Keeping yourself in a good physical condition is an important part of competing in sports and enjoying recreational activities. Our highly skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, strength and conditioning coach, and athletic trainers work together to not only get you back in the game, but to prevent injuries and improve athletic performance.

Our team-based approach ensures expert diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of sports-related injuries. Our team provides services on and off the field, working with local athletes at high schools in and around Watertown, SD providing personalized care close to home.

Treatment can include prescribed fitness programs, surgical procedures, equipment recommendations, and sport-specific rehabilitation work to restore the body.

Certified Athletic Trainers

The Prairie Lakes Athletic Trainers provide service coverage for Watertown Arrow Athletics, Clark Athletics, Willow Lake Athletics, Hamlin Athletics, and Castlewood Athletics. Services include injury prevention, injury diagnosis, and immediate care of injuries. Sam Cappadora serves as the Athletic Trainer for the Watertown Shamrocks traveling with the team to ensure they stay healthy and protected in the ice. 

They both work closely with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Services. You can see these athletic trainers supporting athletes at local games and events.

• Jodi DeVaal. Athletic Trainer
• Faith Tyler, Athletic Trainer
• Sam Cappadora, Athletic Trainer

Strength & Conditioning 

Prairie Lakes offers strength and conditioning to Watertown High School student-athletes. The program focuses on reducing the likelihood of athletic related injuries, improving athletic performance (speed, strength, agility), educating and improving nutritional understanding as it relates to athletic performance, and creating confidence and healthy habits. The strength and conditioning coach provides in-season and off-season programing for student-athletes to optimize sports performance and prevent injuries.

• Aaron Jung, Strength & Conditioning Coach

Physical Therapists

Prairie Lakes has physical therapists that are focused on sports rehab and are specialized to help patients and athletes develop and restore functional mobility, strength, and balance through a variety of therapies. 

• Stacey Thury, PT
• Jackie Lake, PT

Orthopedic Surgeons

Prairie Lakes has three board-certified orthopedic surgeons who provide personalized sugical and nonsurgical care for patients with a variety of conditions and injuries related to joints, bones, ligaments, nerves and tendons. The Orthopedics team works closely with the Athletic Trainers and Rehabilitation Services to not only get athletes back on the playing field, but to prevent injuries and improve performance. 

• Michael Vener, MD
• Gerald Rieber, MD
• Casey Johnston, MD 

The medical condition known as vertigo is defined a sense of spinning -- you feel like you are spinning, or the room is spinning. It makes you dizzy, and you can't stop the sensation. Primary care physicians, audiologists, and ear-nose-throat physicians play an integral role in the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.

Possible causes

• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
• Inner ear infections or disorders
• Migraines
• Stroke
• Head injury
• Tumors, such as an acoustic neuroma
• Surgery that removes or injures the inner ear
• A hole in the inner ear

One of the most common forms of vertigo is Benign Paraoxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is a disorder of the inner ear that causes short periods of vertigo when the head is moved in a certain position. Physical therapists are the health care providers of choice in managing BPPV, and often the symptoms can be reduced or resolved in one or two visits.

Treatment options

Our physical therapists also can help patients with other forms of vertigo and dizziness. The treatment and exercise that a physical therapist recommends depends on the specific cause of the vertigo. Treatment might include:

• Exercises to improve balance
• Exercises to help the brain 'correct' differences between the inner ears
• Exercises to improve ability to focus your eyes and vision
• Strengthening
• Flexibility exercises