Friday, April 14, 2023
Prairie Lakes Implementing Time of Service Payments
Effective Monday, April 17, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be collecting co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance from patients at time of service. This update aligns with common and current healthcare industry practices.
- The co-pay for your clinic visit (Specialty Clinic, Cancer Center, ENT Clinic) 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 at 605-882-7887.
For patients who have Medicare insurance, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System bills services as provider-based billing, sometimes called hospital-based billing. Frequently asked questions regarding provider-based billing can be found by clicking here.
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Thursday, April 13, 2023
The New Pain Science Center was Featured in MED Magazine
The new Pain Science Center located in the Prairie Lakes Speciality Clinic was recently featured on the cover of the April/May edition of MED Magazine.
The magazine wrote, "Pain is a ubiquitous part of the human experience, but it can also be a frustrating part of the healthcare experience - for both patients and providers. The new Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is taking an innovative approach to managing pain, one that goes far beyond therapy and medication. We spoke with the head of the new program, one of only a handful of fellowship-trained pain science specialists, for this month's cover feature." Read the entire article here.
The Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes is an option for those suffering from complex, chronic or widespread pain they are struggling to live with and manage day to day. There are many different types of pain, and we are here to listen, evaluate, and help you gain control of the unique symptoms related to your individual pain.
To schedule an appointment or personalized consultation in the Pain Science Center, call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7700.
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Wednesday, April 05, 2023
Paving the Way For Medical Careers for Local High School Students
For several years, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Northeast Technical High School in Watertown have partnered to provide real, hands-on job experiences in the medical field for students. There are eight northeastern South Dakota high schools that attend the Northeast Tech co-op. The Health Science Program is offered to students and consists of three courses: Health Science Careers, Medical Terminology (Dual Credit), and the Healthcare Internship.
In the Health Science Careers course, students learn basic healthcare skills like, taking vital signs, safe patient care, infection control, BLS/CPR certification, professional behavior, identifying healthcare careers, and employable qualities. Students receive numerous tours of different areas within Prairie Lakes exploring career options in an ever-expanding healthcare environment. At the end of their semester, students participate in a ten-day career shadow experience at PLHS, where they follow the staff, learn more about various medical procedures, and observe real-life interactions in a hospital setting.
In the Medical Terminology course, students learn basic medical terminology language with the option to take it as a Dual Credit class. During the second phase of the course, students then will do an extended field experience/mini-internship in a healthcare setting they are most interested in.
The Healthcare Internship class is a semester long, work-based program building on prior skills and experiences. Currently, Prairie Lakes is hosting two interns for the Spring Semester with goals of growing those numbers for next year.
The Health Science Program at Northeast Tech and the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System have a wonderful working partnership. Shannon Buelow, Health Science Instructor at Northeast Technical High School says, "The Prairie Lakes staff engages student involvement and facilitates amazing learning experiences. We are very grateful for the experiences at PLHS and the staff is amazing to work with. A student recently commented 'The staff was always willing to teach me about what they are doing. They were really good at getting me involved and made it so easy for me to learn.' She continued, "They truly do make a difference in the lives of so many students." Buelow also shared what another student had to say about the program; “I have completely changed my mind about my career after shadowing. I now know exactly what I want to do, and I am so thankful for this experience!”
One of the students in this program was recently at Prairie Lakes for his Northeast Tech hospital rotation. He was walking through the hallways when he noticed a distressed Spanish speaking individual. This individual was looking for help and he didn't hesitate to be the person she needed. Using his invaluable skill of speaking both English and Spanish, he was able to assist in helping the individual get to where they needed to go. It’s small acts of kindness and genuine care being fostered in the Prairie Lakes environment that not only leaves a huge impact on our patients, but also on the career paths of these students.
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Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Come and Support the 2023 Relay for Life Event
Relay for Life will be in the Watertown Mall April 27th from 4 pm - 8 pm.
Plan on attending? Join the PLHS booth and visit with members of the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center team and pick up some goodies!
Not available to attend, but would like to support our cause? Luminarias are available for purchase at the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System front desk or at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center. Please return the completed order form, your donation, and luminaria bag to either location by Monday, April 17th. Suggested donation is $10. Proceeds from luminaria sales goes back to the American Cancer Society.
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Monday, April 03, 2023
The Prairie Lakes Grief Support Group is Back on April 18th
The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Grief Support Group will begin a six-week session on Tuesday, April 18th.
Our support group offers an opportunity for those that have lost a loved one to find comfort, support, and hope. We provide a safe environment to learn about the process of grief, meet others who are dealing with losses, and share stories of your loved one. Grieving is always less painful when you know you aren’t alone.
Informal presentations from 'Understanding Your Grief' by Alan Wolfelt are used to support those grieving and offer hope as we journey forward.
The Spring session will be offered from April 18th through May 23rd. An additional session will be offered in the fall running from October 3rd to November 14th, omitting October 31st due to Halloween. Each group meeting will run from 4:30 - 6:00 pm in the Specialty Clinic Conference Room.
The grief support group meetings are open to the community and are free of charge, but registration is required. Please RSVP here or by calling 605-882-7714.
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Thursday, March 23, 2023
Support our Local Blood Drive on April 10th
Impact local lives in our community!
The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. on Monday, April 10th and the Community Blood Bank needs your help. This winter was one of the most difficult in Community Blood Bank’s history. With a loss of nearly 1,500 donations due to cancellations related to weather issues, Spring cannot come soon enough.
Community Blood Bank is facing multiple challenges moving forward including an aging population, a decrease in the number of young donors, and an increase the overall demand for blood. No matter in which community you are located, blood is required for surgeries, cancer treatments, and many serious, unexpected issues. The demand for blood is continual; our current usage is over 550 units per week. Only through the dedication of our volunteer blood donors are we able to meet the need.
As a blood donor, you can save a life and help to ensure there is adequate blood supply available for our patients. Local donations will stay local and save local lives - know you could be saving your neighbor, a family member, or even yourself!
Update: All donors will receive a $5 Dairy Queen gift certificate!
Donation times are available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic main lobby.
To schedule your appointment, click the link below and select an available time. You can also call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.
Guidelines to Donate:
- Blood donors must be at least 16 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.
- Donors exhibiting COVID-19, cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate.
- Valid identification is required at the time of registration.
- It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. Avoid energy drinks.
- Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is room or a cancellation – staff on event day will manage this process
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Thursday, March 23, 2023
Prairie Lakes ENT Patient featured on Cover of People Health Magazine
Mary Lauritsen, of Florence, South Dakota, suffered from painful and severe nasal polyps for close to 30 years until Dr. Jered Mancell from Prairie Lakes Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic offered her relief. Mary's story was shared several years ago after her successful surgery with Dr. Mancell and was so extraordinary it caught the attention of the publisher of 'People Health' magazine and they ran her story on the cover of the Winter/Spring 2023 edition.
Mary gradually lost her sense of taste and smell and had painful swelling in her sinuses that eventually caused her to see a doctor. An initial CT scan, nearly 30 years ago, showed that Mary had severe nasal polyps - non-cancerous soft tear-shaped tissues that line the nasal passages and cluster like grapes. The article states that Mary is "one of 13 million people in the U.S. who suffer from the incurable condition."
After her diagnosis, Mary underwent seven surgeries. None of which offered any lasting relief. She gave up hope and endured many years in pain, unable to breathe through her nose, unable to smell or taste anything. She adds, "I missed not being able to smell grass or flowers or bread - all those good things." She was embarrased to eat in public since she was forced to eat with her mouth open. Mary also had to constantly ask her four children if they could taste or smell things for her. She was worried she was putting her family in danger without being able to smell gas or fire.
Then, in 2019, at the request of her primary care doctor, Mary took another look at new advancements in surgery and medication that could offer a remedy. She met with Dr. Mancell and he recommended another surgery in conjunction with medication and that specific combination was successful! Since then, Mary has been able to keep her polyps under control with regular visits for injections every other week. Mary shared, "My life is so much better... It's hard to explain what it's like to really enjoy every bite. To be able to breathe and sleep comfortably now, I feel very thankful."
Mary would also like to give credit to Dr. Luzier from Aberdeen Asthma and Allergy who worked closely with Dr. Mancell to help to remedy Mary's condition.
If you would like to read the entire article, there are copies located in the waiting areas in ER, Same Day Surgery, and both the first floor and lower level of the Specialty Clinic.
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Monday, March 20, 2023
It's BASH Week and Silent Auction Items are LIVE!
Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is gearing up for their annual BASH (Building A Superior Healthcare System) Event 2023 which will be held on Saturday, March 25th at the Watertown Event Center. BASH is an annual gala fundraising event hosted by the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with much support from donors and volunteers.
Tickets
Tickets sales have now ended, but online silent auction bidding and other opportunities to get involved and support the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation and BASH 2023 are available.
Event Details & Schedule
- 5:30pm - Social Hour and Silent Auction (via GalaBid)
- 7:00pm - Gourmet Dinner
- 7:45pm - Program and Live Auction
- 8:30pm - Entertainment Featuring MVP Smash Band
Silent Auction
Online silent auction is now OPEN to start bidding!
Here is how to Register:
- Go to https://app.galabid.com/bash2023
- Click on the 'Register' button
- Follow the instructions to complete registration.
NOTES for BIDDING and PICKUP: If you are the winning bid, these packages will be available for pick up at the Bash Event 2023 if you are attending. Please be prepared to show your ID when picking up your package.
If you are not able to claim your package on the evening of the BASH event, a member of the 2023 BASH committee will contact you on Monday, March 27th. Please be prepared to pick up unclaimed packages at Prairie Lakes Hospital the week of Monday, March 27th through Thursday, March 30th between 8 AM and 5 PM. Items will not be shipped.
FAQ's and How to Register for the silent auction: https://app.galabid.com/bash2023/info/bda5fb16-a810-494f-9ef5-766d99dc3282
Support the Cause
Visit the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Facebook page for updates on packages and other exciting event details.
About BASH 2023
Kidney Dialysis MachineKidney Dialysis MachineBASH 2023 will have a whimsical golden theme, encouraging guests to “dial in on dialysis.” Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new kidney dialysis machines (artificial kidneys) for Watertown Kidney Dialysis at the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.
Dialysis is a treatment for people whose kidneys are failing and don’t filter blood the way they should. As a result, wastes and toxins build up in the bloodstream. Dialysis does the work of the kidneys, removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood. One type of dialysis is hemodialysis, where a machine removes blood from your body, filters it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and returns cleaned blood to your body. This 3–4-hour process takes place at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, three times a week.
All proceeds raised during BASH 2023 will be used to purchase these lifesaving kidney dialysis machines!
The mission of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation is, “Healthcare is a vital component of a community’s quality of life. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation exists to raise funds with which to support and advance the health services available to the Watertown area through Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.”
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Friday, March 10, 2023
11th Annual Ladies Night Out Was a Success!
On Friday, February 24th, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System held our largest community event of the year - Ladies Night Out 2023 at the Watertown Event Center.
We welcomed over 315 attendees, many new in 2023, to our annual event- the first time we've held the event in-person since March 2020. Our guests enjoyed 16 breakout sessions, booths covering health information from 21 PLHS departments, incredible give-aways, and several unique door prizes provided by local boutiques.
We would like to thank the following for helping us create such a successfull event:
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- Our Doctors & Providers for providing such relevant and useful information
- Our keynote speaker Leslie Morgan Steiner
- Donus Roberts from DDR Books
- Dustin Sinner Fine Arts, AMJ Style, Rosabella Boutique, Makepeace Jewelers and Raise the Bar Boutique for their donations
- Staff volunteers from Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
We have already begun making plans for 2024 - we look forward to seeing you there!
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Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Prairie Lakes Clinics Closing Due to Weather
Due to inclement and impending weather, the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, Cancer Center, and ENT Clinic at Mallard Pointe will be closing at noon Wednesday, February 22nd and will be closed Thursday, February 23rd. Cardiac Rehab and Wound Clinic will be closed February 22nd and 23rd. Home Care and Hospice Services will be provided where deemed safe.
If you or someone you are with is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
We encourage you to stay indoors and keep off the roads if possible.
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Thursday, February 23, 2023
Prairie Lakes Introduces The Pain Science Center
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce the Specialty Clinic is enhancing services for the care of patients with pain conditions. Patients can now make appointments with the Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic located within Rehabilitation Services.
The Pain Science Center is an option for those suffering from pain they are struggling to live with and manage day to day. Pain Science providers specialize in pain and are dedicated to expanding pain services to help treat and provide better outcomes for people with complex or chronic pain conditions. There are many different types of pain, so custom treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique pain experience.”
Once an initial evaluation is completed and a better understanding of a patient’s pain is established, the Pain Science Center works together with the patient to find the right course of treatment. This may include other departments of Prairie Lakes and resources within the community. Treatment is personalized to each patient’s needs because pain is personal.
To schedule an appointment with the Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7700. No referral is necessary.
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Thursday, February 16, 2023
Meet Our Ladies Night Out Keynote Speaker: Leslie Morgan Steiner
Leslie Morgan Steiner is this year's keynote of Ladies Night Out 2023 and she is looking forward to sharing some valuable advice on the importance of self care and making your physical health a priority, especially as women age.
Leslie is a New York Times best-selling author, TedTalk veteran, columnist for The Washington Post, women’s empowerment expert, corporate executive – and gender violence survivor. Steiner is a regular speaker at international women’s conferences. Her TEDTalks have been viewed by over eight million people. She is a frequent media guest on The Today Show, National Public Radio, Anderson Cooper 360, The Tamron Hall Show, ABC, NBC, CBS, and cable news networks. She has appeared in Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Elle, Parents, Self, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Los Angeles Times, and CNN.com.
Steiner is the author of four nonfiction books: the New York Times bestselling memoir Crazy Love; the critically acclaimed anthology Mommy Wars: Stay-at-Home and Career Moms Face Off on Their Choices, Their Lives, Their Families; The Baby Chase: How Surrogacy is Transforming the American Family; and her latest memoir, The Naked Truth, which explores female sexuality, self-esteem and dating after 50.
Steiner holds a BA in English from Harvard College. Her first job was writing and editing for Seventeen Magazine. After graduating from Wharton business school in 1992 with an MBA in Marketing, she launched Splenda Brand Sweetener internationally for Johnson & Johnson. She returned to her hometown of Washington, DC in 2001 to become General Manager of the 1.1 million-circulation Washington Post Magazine, a position she held for five years. She currently writes a column for AARP. From 2006-2008 she wrote over 500 columns for the Washington Post’s popular on-line work/family column, “On Balance.” She has been profiled by People Magazine, the New York Times, Glamour, Psychology Today, Redbook, The Washington Post, and other publications. She serves as an emeritus board member for the One Love Foundation, in honor of slain University of Virginia senior Yeardley Love, and the National Advisory Council for the Conference on Crimes Against Women.
Leslie Morgan Steiner lives in Washington, DC; New York; and New Hampshire.
We hope to see you at Ladies Night Out event on Friday, February 24th at the Watertown Event Center. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Ladies Night Out is a free event offered by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to allow women to come together in a fun and relaxed atmosphere to gain valuable information about their health & wellness.
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Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Named Top Rural and Community Hospital
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country. This is the sixth time PLHS has received this recognition since it was introduced by The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) seven years ago. To celebrate this achievement, PLHS held a "Slice Above the Rest" employee celebration in the main lobby that included pizza and new pizza cutters for all employees, volunteers, and board members. Photos from this event are added below.
The NRHA has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be recognized May 18 during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in San Diego, CA.
The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance.
“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud of the dedication and exceptional care provided every day by staff, physicians, and volunteers who contribute to our healthcare system achieving this recognition,” says Paul Macek, Interim CEO. “Three of the twenty hospitals in the nation that received this designation are from South Dakota and that speaks volumes to the care and services that our rural population has access to. Our recognition as a top health care provider means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System serves a ten-county region in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes provides care at its hospital in Watertown as well as Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of PLHS to bring needed care to the region. These specialties include Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery, Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care. For more information, visit www.prairielakes.com.
About NRHA
NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of rural Americans and provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. NRHA’s membership consists of diverse individuals and organizations, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.
About the Chartis Group
Chartis is a comprehensive health care advisory firm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier world. Work is facilitated across the health care continuum with more than 600 clients annually, including providers, payers, health services organizations, technology and retail companies, and investors. Through times of change, challenge, and opportunity, Chartis advises the industry on how to navigate disruption, pursue growth, achieve financial sustainability, unleash technology, improve care models and operations, enhance clinical quality and safety, and advance health equity. Teams convened bring deep industry expertise and industry leading innovation, enabling clients to achieve transformational results and create positive societal impact. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.
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Monday, February 06, 2023
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Announces New President and CEO
Following a nation-wide Chief Executive Officer (CEO) search, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors announces the appointment of John Allen as President and CEO. Allen will begin at Prairie Lakes on February 27, 2023, and will replace Paul Macek, who was hired in August 2021 as Interim CEO to assist with the recruitment of a permanent CEO.
“We're pleased to welcome John Allen to the Prairie Lakes family,” said Robb Peterson, Board Chairman. “John has a lot to offer Prairie Lakes and we are excited to challenge him to continue focused efforts on the strategic initiatives we have recently developed. With Mr. Allen joining us, we will continue to emphasize our position as a leader in the region for quality healthcare.” Peterson added, “On behalf of the Board and Prairie Lakes, I’d also like to thank Paul Macek for his dedication and the successes he has brought to our organization throughout the last couple of years.”
Allen comes to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System with 30 years of demonstrated performance in healthcare management, executive leadership, and business. He has an extensive history in strategic service line planning, operations leadership, and partnering with physicians and across organizations.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Theater from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, Allen went on to complete his Master of Business Administrator degree with a focus in finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management. He is relocating to Watertown, SD from Boise, ID. Allen previously served as the System Vice President, Enterprise Planning and Decision Support role for St. Luke’s Health System, the largest not for profit health system in Idaho, incorporating eight adult and pediatric hospitals. His vast healthcare knowledge will be an asset to Prairie Lakes to continue momentum toward recent initiatives to enhance organizational culture, be the keystone of the community, optimize operational excellence, and provide exceptional patient care every day.
“I am honored to lead the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System organization and am excited to become part of the Watertown community,” said Allen. “I look forward to cultivating relationships in Watertown, with regional partners, and with the exceptional employees and medical staff of Prairie Lakes. I am dedicated to the continued success of Prairie Lakes while leading efforts to deliver high quality, accessible, patient-centered care to the community and region of Watertown."
About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System:
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds including Labor and Delivery, Telemetry, Critical Care, and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, Interventional Cardiology, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services.
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System also operates Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of Prairie Lakes to bring needed care to the region. These specialties include Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery, Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care.
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