Tuesday, January 02, 2024
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Primary Care to Service Line Offerings
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome primary care to their service line offerings. In September 2023, Prairie Lakes announced an acquisition agreement with Brown Clinic to take place on January 1, 2024. The conclusion of the purchase establishes primary care for the first time at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, branded as Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic.
“Your trusted Brown Clinic physicians are now your trusted Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic physicians at their same locations. It’s an exciting and positive change for the health care in our region and future care of the communities we serve,” said Stacie Lenssen, MD with Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic.
“Primary care is essential to navigating good health and complements the Prairie Lakes mission of making a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities we serve,” said Vincent A. “Vince” Foley, Chairman of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors.
“A lot of time, teamwork, and focused effort from both organizations has led to the successful creation of primary care at Prairie Lakes,” added John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “We look forward to serving our patients and communities through a comprehensive continuum of care.”
With the acquisition, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes over 100 new employees including 17 physicians and five advanced practice providers.
Published in
News and Announcements
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Physical Therapist, Chad Hanson
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the recent addition of physical therapist, Chad Hanson to Rehabilitation Services.
Chad received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from South Dakota State University and went on to earn his master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of South Dakota. Chad is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, South Dakota Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainers Association, as well as the South Dakota Athletic Trainers Association. Chad and his wife recently moved to their area lake home from Sioux Falls where he owned his own physical therapy practice for the past 19 years. In his spare time, Chad enjoys sporting events as well as outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating.
As a Physical Therapist, Chad focuses on improving strength, mobility, balance, and endurance with patients. His advanced skill set is focused on the outpatient setting of Prairie Lakes, and he has a special interest in orthopedic rehab and sports medicine.
“The change of coming from my own practice to a healthcare system in an entirely different city has been easier than I suspected,” Chad said. “The patients and staff at Prairie Lakes have been very welcoming and I look forward to getting to know my patients and ultimately getting them back to doing what they love.”
Patients can learn more about Rehab Services by clicking here or by calling Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Prairie Lakes Announces Chief Medical Officer
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce Dan Reiffenberger, MD has accepted the new position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System effective January 1, 2024. Dr. Reiffenberger will also serve as the Primary Care Medical Director.
“The Chief Medical Officer role will lead efforts to advance clinical quality and standards at Prairie Lakes,” said John Allen, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System CEO. “Dr. Reiffenberger’s experience and expertise are key additions to our executive leadership team.”
Dr. Reiffenberger earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls. He attended the University of South Dakota Medical School in Sioux Falls where he completed his medical degree in 1991. His medical education continued through his internship and residency at the Sioux Falls Family Practice Center. Dr. Reiffenberger is board-certified with the American Board of Family Practice and has a Certificate of Added Qualification (Board Certification) in Sports Medicine. Dr. Reiffenberger and his wife, Dr. Sarah Reiffenberger, have been primary care physicians with Brown Clinic for 30 years. He has served as the CMO at Brown Clinic for the past 11 years.
Dr. Dan Reiffenberger’s clinical availability will be reduced, but a care team for his practice has been established as part of the options for patient care. Current patients of Dr. Reiffenberger will also be provided with options to transition their future care to other Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic providers.
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, December 11, 2023
Prairie Lakes Offers Free Childbirth Classes
Prairie Lakes Maternal Child Health Looks Forward to Helping You Prepare for Your Baby!
Our Childbirth Educators present updated relaxation & breathing techniques along with childbirth trends that help the expectant mother and her support person prepare for labor and delivery during a three-week series of classes. It is recommended to attend a series a few months before your delivery date.
2024 Upcoming Childbirth Class Series:
- Series 1: January 4, 18, 25
- Series 2: February 1, 8, 15
- Series 3: February 22, 29, March 7
- Series 4: April 4, 11, 18
- Series 5: May 2, 9, 16
- Series 6: May 30, June 6, 13
- Series 7: August 15, 22, 29
- Series 8: October 10, 17, 24
- Series 9: November 7, 14, 21
Register for a Childbirth Class Series
Each class will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Medical Office Building (MOB). The MOB can be most easily accessed through the Main Entrance and continue past the Campus Pharmacy to take the stairs or elevator to the Lower Level.
You are encouraged to dress in comfortable layers and welcome to bring a drink and/or snack.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, December 07, 2023
Dr. Johnston Speaks with KXLG About Orthopedics Services
Recently Dr. Casey Johnston, Prairie Lakes Orthopedic Surgeon, sat down with KXLG to share a bit about his experience and how orthopedics "found him."
Dr. Johnston and his wife settled in Watertown 13 years ago after visiting the area, during a blizzard no less, and immediately realized the community would be the perfect fit for their family.
When asked about his favorite part of being an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Johnston replied, "The job overall is very satisfying - just helping people and being available to correct problems that limit people from doing certain things."
It's very common for people to approach a doctor when they are out and about in the community to ask about a nagging pain or discomfort. Dr. Johnston welcomes it. He exclaimed, "It doesn't bother me at all... you can approach me anytime!"
To make an appointment with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics, call 605-882-2630. With three orthopedic surgeons on staff, one is in the clinic every single day to meet with patients, making access very simple.
Published in
News and Announcements
Wednesday, December 06, 2023
Registration Open for Winter 2024 Core4 Session
Change your lifestyle, change your eating habits, change your attitude and change your life!
What to expect during the Core4 Program:
CORE4 is an Adult Weight Management program developed by Sodexo Registered Dietitians. 
PLHS/Sodexo Registered Dietitians
Revised in 2023, the course utilizes evidenced-based research and guidelines from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as well as other national organizations.
The "core" of CORE4 is Eating, Exercise, Education and Energy. The program encompasses nutrition education, physical activity, and the role of behavioral therapy in weight reduction and weight management.
This twelve-week program includes both individual and interactive group settings to encourage weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes in addition to weight maintenance.
Core4 takes place every Wednesday at noon for an hour each session.
The 12-Week Core4 Program
- Week 1: Individual Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
- Week 2: Getting Started
- Week 3: Taking Control - Behavior Modification
- Week 4: My Plate Portion Sizes and Label Reading
- Week 5: Meal Planning and Dining Out
- Week 6: The Power of Exercise
- Week 7: Choosing Wisely: Fat, Cholesterol and Triglycerides
- Week 8: Choosing Wisely: Carbohydrates and Fiber
- Week 9: Choosing Wisely: Protein, Stress, Sleep Hydration
- Week 10: Choosing Wisely: Vitamins and Minerals
- Week 11: Grocery Store Tour
- Week 12: Moving On
Early-Bird Incentive: Purchase your ticket before 12:00 pm on Wednesday, January 3rd, and receive $20 off the $140 registration fee. Sessions are limited to 10 attendess.
For questions about the Core4 program, please contact the Nutritional Services department at 605-882-7874.
Published in
News and Announcements
Friday, December 01, 2023
Critical Care Unit Moved to Renovated Second Floor Wing
Construction activity on the 2nd floor east wing of the patient care area at Prairie Lakes began in May 2023 to make way for relocation of the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Construction was completed at the beginning of November 2023 and the space is now fully operational on the 2nd floor. The renovated CCU consists of 8 patient rooms:
- 4 Standard CCU patient rooms
- 1 Bariatric/Isolation patient room (room accommodations for larger patients)
- 1 Standard Isolation patient room (negative airflow room)
- 2 eICU patient rooms (electronic intensive care unit - allows our physicians and staff to consult with offsite critical care specialists via high-speed data networks.)
Some other features and benefits of the new CCU space include:
- Fold out patient room doors for easier maneuverability of patient beds
- Private bathrooms in each patient room
- Nursing station pods outside each room
- 2nd floor location allows CCU, Telemetry, and Respiratory Therapy staff to collaborate more efficiently
- Central Nursing Station that serves the CCU and Telemetry Unit
- Respiratory Therapy has a new space right outside the units
- Larger family waiting room
The Prairie Lakes Critical Care Unit provides nursing care and intervention to adult cardiac, medical, and surgical patients for a variety of critical conditions. We serve patients who have undergone surgery, multi-trauma injuries, diagnostic invasive monitoring, and complex medication administration.
The pre-existing CCU space on first floor is currently undergoing construction for the relocation of the Dialysis Unit currently on the 4th floor. A completion date of the new Dialysis Unit on 1st floor is expected in Spring 2024.
View photos of the new space below:
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Prairie Lakes Celebrates Home Care and Hospice Month
We are excited to celebrate Home Care & Hospice Month during the month of November. This is the time to recognize and celebrate the people — from administrators to clinicians to social workers and volunteers — who bring exceptional healthcare into the homes of some of the most vulnerable patients in our community. They make an everlasting impact on the lives of the patients and families they serve.
Prairie Lakes Home Care
- Provides skilled and non-skilled home health services to over 300 patients
- Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.
Prairie Lakes Hospice
- Serves an average of 25 patients daily across this same region, including 10 nursing homes and 6 assisted living centers.
- Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.
To cover this expansive region, we employ:
- 29 nurses
- 16 homecare aides
- 6 physical therapists and PT assistants
- 3 occupational therapists and OT assistants
- 2 social work staff
- A spiritual care coordinator.
- Billing and Home Connections Coordination staff
Julie Sampson, Director of Home Health, Hospice & Home Connections adds, “I am beyond blessed to work with such an outstanding team of home health and hospice caregivers here at Prairie Lakes. As difficult as our work can be, it is truly a blessing to serve people in their homes, which is where they want to be. And, when it comes to end of life care, we consider it a gift and an honor to care for patients and families, making that final journey the very best that’s possible medically, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2023 Hope for the Holidays Memorial Service
The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one.
Prairie Lakes Hospice invites you to join us on Thursday, November 30th from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the Prairie Lakes Chapel for our "Hope for the Holidays" Memorial Service. 
Prairie Lakes Hospice will host this memorial service to remember those who have died, celebrate those who are living, and accept the changes and transitions that are occurring in our own lives.
The program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication. You will have an opportunity to honor your loved one’s name and receive an ornament, symbolizing transformation, love and hope.
This event is open to the community.
To register, please call 605-882-7714.
For more information on Prairie Lakes Hospice and the services we provide, please visit our website or call 605-882-7745 where somebody is always available to answer your call.
Published in
News and Announcements
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
PLHS is Celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week: November 12-18, 2023
National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible contributions of NP professionals.
Nurse practitioners are highly educated and trained medical professionals. They serve in a variety of direct patient roles and are valuable members of the patient care team.
From the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, "For more than half a century, NPs have held many different titles and positions across the country. They are recognized nationwide as leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the health of the communities they serve. NPs are the providers of choice for millions of Americans seeking high-quality health care — blending their comprehensive knowledge with a personal touch and evidence-based care."
At PLHS we are lucky to have eight (8) excellent NPs in our family that provide exceptional care and service to our patients each and everyday:
Our team of employed APPs (Advanced Practice Provider) includes 10 Physician Assistants and 8 Nurse Practitioners. National Physician Assistant Week was October 6-12, 2023! We like to celebrate all of our wonderful APPs.
Published in
News and Announcements
More...
Monday, November 13, 2023
Chemical Peels Added to the List of Dermatology Services
Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic now offers Professional Chemical Peels!
They offer a variety of professional chemical peels by Glytone to remove damaged skin cells and improve the appearance and texture of the skin being treated. Chemical peels, which are a cosmetic treatment, are being offered in two different depth options, based on your clinical need.
What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer. The skin that grows back is smoother and healthier. Depending on the skin condition and desired outcome, patients can choose from different types and levels of chemical peels.
Why get a chemical peel?
Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. This restorative cosmetic procedure can help reduce signs of aging. Chemical peels can also improve many skin issues.
Professional Chemical Peel Options at Prairie Lakes
For Signs of Aging (fine lines and wrinkles)
-
- Level 1 Glycolic Peel: $75
- Level 2 Glycolic Peel: $100
For Hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin)
-
- Level 2 Renewal Peel: $100
- Level 2 Jessner Peel: $100
For Acne & Oily Skin
-
- Level 1 Salicylic Peel: $75
For Redness & Sensitivity
-
- Level 1 Mandelic Peel: $75
To learn more or schedule an appointment for a chemical peel with Prairie Lakes Dermatology, please call 605-882-7777.
Published in
News and Announcements
Thursday, October 05, 2023
National Physicians Assistant Week: October 6-12, 2023
National Physician Assistants (PA) Week occurs each year as a way to showcase the profession and its contribution to the nation's health.
The American Academy of Physician Associates (Assistants) (AAPA) is celebrating in 2023 with their "Go Beyond!" campaign raising awareness of how PAs "go beyond" the general scope of healthcare practice:
- Leading with experience and expertise: every PA student completes 2,000 hours of clinical rotations
- Listening with compassion: PAs ensure patients feel heard and respected
- Empowering patients with personalized, quality care: PAs provide essential preventative care to ensure an improved lifestyle for patients
- Strengthening the core of the healthcare system: PAs fill the gap by providing quality healthcare, especially with a rapidly growing population
At PLHS we are lucky to have ten (10) excellent PAs in our family that "Go Beyond!" for our patients by providing exceptional care and service each and everyday:
National Nurse Practitioner week is November 12-18, 2023 - be on the look out as we celebrate all of our wonderful APPs.
Published in
News and Announcements
Friday, October 27, 2023
Prairie Lakes Welcomes Two New Hospitalists to Inpatient Services
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Hamid Assadi, MD and John Kinross-Wright, MD to our team of Hospitalists who manage the medical care for patients who are hospitalized at Prairie Lakes. Prairie Lakes Hospitalists are medical doctors with expertise in internal medicine and family practice.
Dr. Assadi received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Portsmouth, Dominica and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin Family Medicine in Wausau, WI. He most recently has been a Hospitalist and Nocturnist at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wisconsin while working with medical students as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Assadi enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and watching movies.
Dr. Kinross-Wright was born in Montana where he completed his undergrad before going on to receive his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, CO and completed his internal medicine residency at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and the South Dakota State Medical Association. In his free time, Dr. Kinross-Wright enjoys spending time with his family, going outdoors with his dogs, sitting down reading with his cats, and traveling when he can find the time.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has a team of hospitalists who make sure that all aspects of patient care during a hospital stay are being addressed. They are medical doctors with advanced expertise in fields such as internal medicine and family practice. Hospitalists work closely with the pharmacy staff, nurses, social workers and other medical professionals to create and complete a comprehensive plan of care for your stay at Prairie Lakes Hospital.
Learn More About the Prairie Lakes Hospitalist Team and Program
Published in
News and Announcements
Monday, October 30, 2023
Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer, Lynn Severson
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is pleased to welcome Lynn Severson to the administrative leadership staff. As Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Severson will provide executive leadership for financial management at PLHS.
Severson grew up in Duluth, MN and received her accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin Superior followed later by her master’s degree in healthcare administration from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare, most recently working at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby, MN as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that she worked at Essentia Health for several years holding a variety of financial leadership roles. Severson is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and is active in United Way.
Severson and her husband, Scott, will be relocating to Watertown from Brainerd, MN. They have five children and two grandchildren. In their spare time, they enjoy spending time with family, traveling and outdoor activities such as boating, biking, and kayaking.
“I have a strong passion for healthcare in rural communities,” Severson said. “Prairie Lakes shares that same passion with the commitment to deliver high quality care to patients right here in the community where we all live and work. My husband and I are truly impressed with how welcoming the community is and we cannot wait to become more involved.”
Severson joins the Prairie Lakes Administrative Leadership Team consisting of Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer, Alison Gilbertson, Vice President of Human Resources, Laurie Fieber, Vice President of Operations, Tim Pugsley, Chief Information Officer, and John Allen, Chief Executive Officer.
Published in
News and Announcements
We can help you find a doctor. Call 605-882-7000 or search online.