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Thursday, March 06, 2025

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Remains in Network with UnitedHealthcare

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System was recently notified that UnitedHealthcare incorrectly sent letters to patients (with UnitedHealthcare insurance plans) notifying them that some providers within Prairie Lakes Healthcare System were going out of network.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, including physicians at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic, continue to remain in network with UnitedHealthcare. Members enrolled in employer-sponsored commercial plans, as well as Medicare Advantage and Group Retiree plans, have continued, uninterrupted access to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s physicians, facilities, and hospitals.

After immediately contacting UnitedHealthcare upon learning of the letters, Prairie Lakes received notice that correction letters are currently being mailed from UnitedHealthcare to members/patients to confirm that Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s physicians, facilities, and hospitals remain in network.

UnitedHealthcare has advised that if members/patients have any questions they should call the number on their health plan ID card.

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Wednesday, March 05, 2025

Bev's Story: Advanced Shoulder Surgery Featured

Bev Paulsen and Dr. Casey Johnston

Bev Paulsen, a retired PLHS surgical nurse, sat down with us and shared her experience of exceptional care during her recent reverse total shoulder replacement and recovery with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics and Rehab Services. Her message focuses on not needing to leave Watertown to receive advanced care for her personalized surgery and post surgery physical therapy. 

 Advanced Shoulder Surgery

"Between working on our farm and being a surgical nurse, my shoulders have been through a lot. I needed a different kind of surgery – called a reverse total shoulder replacement. With surgeons like Dr. Johnston here in Watertown, I didn’t need a different city, just a different plan." - Bev Paulsen

 You can check out more of our videos on YouTube and Facebook. 

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Monday, March 10, 2025

Meet our Athletic Trainers

Meet our Athletic Trainers: Sam Cappadora, Faith Tyler, and Jodi DeVaal

March is National Athletic Training Month which raises awareness for the important work that Athletic Trainers provide to athletes of all ages and abilities.

Athletic trainers, also known as ATs, specialize in the management, prevention, and recovery of injured athletes. Many times, athletic trainers are the first medical professionals on the scene after an injury.

At Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, we are happy to have fantastic Athletic Trainers working within our Sports Medicine team that provide assistance to our area athletes. Faith Tyler serves as athletic trainer full-time for the Watertown Arrows while Jodi DeVaal works with student athletes from Clark, Willow Lake, Hamlin, and Castlewood schools.

In addition, Sam Cappadora provides full-time Athletic Training services to the Watertown Shamrocks ensuring our hockey players are safe and healthy when they hit the ice. She travels with the team as well to provide assistance on the road. 

sam and shamrocks crop

For more information, visit our website.

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Tuesday, March 04, 2025

Registration Now Open for Spring Grief Support Group Starting April 8

The Prairie Lakes Grief Support Group

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Grief Support Group will begin a new six-week session on Tuesday, April 8th.

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.

Understand Your Grief book cover photo

The Spring session will be offered from April 8th through May 13th. An additional session will be offered in the fall running from October 7th to November 11th. 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.

Register Today

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Tuesday, March 04, 2025

Our Registered Dietitians are Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Sodexo/PLHS Registered Dietitians Becky Schaible, Mallory P., Allie S., Megan B., and Sara B.

March is National Nutrition Month and our PLHS Registered Dietitians have a full month of exciting, and educational, events planned to celebrate! IG graphic

National Nutrition Month is held annually in March as a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, the organization uses this annual celebration to showcase professionals working as Registered Dietitians to ensure that their patients are educated about why eating healthy is important to their recovery, how to make recipes that are nutritious and delicious, and much more. 

What Does a Registered Dietitian Do?

Registered Dietitians are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. We offer a full range of nutritional services and programs, ranging from one-on-one counseling to group programs.

Services Provided Include:

  • One-on-One Counseling: clients are guided through personalized lifestyle plans to help them meet their needs
  • Body Composition Analysis: determine if an individual's health metrics like percentage of fat, muscle, water, and bone mass may be due to an underlying health concern
  • Weight Management: a 12-week Core4 lifestyle program that teaches participants how to improve eating, activity, and lifestyle choices to live healthier
  • Meeting Your Needs: Clients may need help in a variety of ways in response to health conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and obesity

For information on these or other nutrition issues, please call our office today at 605-882-7874.

RD table 2

Nutrition Month Events

  • Registered Dietitian (RD) Day in the Café

    • March 4th from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

    • Participants can play the "Nutrition Fact or Fiction" game and get a healthy treat!

    • Check out the popular "Sugar Demo" that was just highlighted at our Health & Wellness Expo and a recent Health & Wellness Blog post

  • Mindful Food Sampling in the Café

    • Thursday, March 13th from 8 am - 9 am

    • Tuesday, March 18th from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Weekly Nutrition Tips

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Tuesday, March 11, 2025

PLHS Now Offers "Be Well" Employee Health Fairs To Local Employers

PLHS Now Offers "Be Well" Employee Health Fairs To Local Employers

We understand that helping to keep your employees healthy is the best way to ensure future productivity and achievements in the workplace by eliminating sick days or extended medical absences. 

In order to help you to do that, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is now offering "Be Well" employee health programs to local employers. The primary goal of these events is to raise awareness of various health services and resources provided at PLHS, but to also provide benchmarks and screenings to discover any underlying medical issues as early as possible. By providing a professional, convenient, interactive, and impactful event for your employees to attend, we can increase the likelihood they are completing important annual screenings and taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle. 

Suggested PLHS Services to Include:

  • Primary Care: Information on preventive screenings and convenient care, conducted blood pressure checks, monitored heart rates, and assessed oxygen levels.
  • Nutritional Services: Registered Dietitians provide body composition analysis and nutrition tips to promote healthy eating habits.
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy Services: Physical and Occupational Therapists perform grip strength tests, share ergonomic tips, and teach workplace stretches.
  • Lab Services: Conduct blood glucose, cholesterol testing, or other Direct Lab tests available
  • Dermatology: Teach the "ABC's of Moles" and other common skin conditions 
  • Pulmonology: Teach smoking cessation classes

The "Be Well" Initiative

Healthy employees are valuable employees. Let PLHS help to ensure your workforce feels motivated, energetic, and inspired by living a healthy lifestyle. Packages will be customized for your company's specific needs - to bring information, resources, and tools to address your employees' most important health issues. Ideally, we would hold an on-site health fair for your employees and then visit again several times throughout the year to track progress against the benchmarks originally set and offer additional health information and education. You can even create internal health challenges to get coworkers to engage with the program and offer each other accountability. 

PLHS as a Keystone of the Community wurth side

Events like health fairs and workplace educational sessions demonstrate how PLHS can make a difference in our neighbor's well-being and strengthen its presence in the community. By personally connecting our healthcare providers with the local workforce, we not only support businesses but also help break down the fear of visiting the doctor.

In addition, these activities offer the perfect opportunity to share all the services we provide. By bringing our resources directly to the community, we make it easier for people to access care. As a keystone of the community, it's crucial that we take time to educate and provide the best care possible for those we serve.

Takeaways from a recent "Be Well" event at Wurth Electronics Midcom

  • Chelsea H., OT (Rehab Services) tested grip strength and made a competition out of it - WE employees really enjoyed it!
    • Some attendees returned to see if they could beat the high score
    • Top male score was 77 kg, and top female score was 54 kg
  • Participants loved all the giveaways
  • They appreciated the convenience of on-site lab draws
  • Many attendees expressed excitement about the educational sessions and for looking forward to us coming back next year
  • PLHS employees had a good time interacting and providing education to the WE employees. PLHS was impressed with the large turnout. 

We look forward to providing "Be Well" health education to additional local businesses throughout the community. If you know of an organization, business, or service group that would benefit from a similar experience, please contact Nicole Hansen at 605-882-7693 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss a customizable wellness program. 

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Blood Drive at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic - Main on March 24

Blood Mobile

Your Blood Matters.

What can be done to make sure your friends, neighbors, and family receive the blood they need? It’s simple – donate blood to the Community Blood Bank.

The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic - Main location from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, March 24th.

To schedule your appointment, click the link below and select an available time. You can also call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222.

Update: All donors will receive a $15 Hy-Vee gift card!

  Sign Up Here

Donation times are available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Check-in is in the Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic registration area. 

Ten Reasons To Give Blood

  1. You can save up to 3 lives!
  2. Not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Only 38% of the population can donate, so if you're able, you are a selected minority.
  3. Your body will make new blood. It takes about 24 hours to replace plasma and about 4-6 weeks to replace red blood cells.
  4. Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a slight prick initially but it doesn't last long.
  5. Donating blood burns calories! Your body will burn approximately 650 calories just by donating.
  6. You get a free well-check. Before you give, the phlebotomist will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels. You may also be screened by HIV, Hepatitis, and other diseases. 
  7. It takes only 30 to 40 minutes of your time.
  8. You feel a boost in confidence and your emotional well-being knowing that you have done a good deel and are a part of saving lives.
  9. There is no substitute for human blood. Blood can not be manufactured in any way and it always in high demand.
  10. You may be one of the 25% of people who need blood donation one day. 

 

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, 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.

Download Blood Drive Poster

What to Expect When Donating Blood

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Monday, February 17, 2025

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Recognized by Chartis as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital 2025

WATERTOWN, S.D. – February 17, 2025 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announced it has been named among the 2025 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®. PLHS has received this award every year since it was introduced in 2016.

“The recognition as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital highlights the exceptional care and dedication Prairie Lakes Healthcare System provides to our communities,” said John Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of PLHS. “Being one of only six hospitals in South Dakota to receive this honor is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our employees and medical staff in delivering high-quality healthcare every day.”

“The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals award program elevates the very best performers and helps create a roadmap for those seeking to improve financial and operational performance while continuing to care for the communities they serve,” said Michael Topchik, Executive Director, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “This is our 10th year recognizing the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate this milestone with this year’s winners.”

The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

###

About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

Located in Watertown, S.D., Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent healthcare organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. The system is focused on meeting the needs of the region with a mission to make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities they serve. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System offers close to 30 medical services/specialties with over 800 professionals, physicians, and caregivers on staff to serve their rural communities.

 

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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Know Your Numbers For Heart Health: Take the Quiz Today!

Know Your Numbers for Heart Health Quiz

Women know a lot of numbers by heart - phone numbers, anniversaries, birthdays, pin numbers, and passwords. But what about your blood pressure?

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people—especially women—are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Women in the United States are experiencing unacceptable and avoidable heart-related illness and death, and nearly half of U.S. women do not recognize that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women.

Find out how much you know about heart disease by taking the quiz below:

Take the "Know Your Numbers" Quiz!

Know Your Numbers

Knowing the facts about heart disease and the risks associated with it are crucial in preventing cardiovascular issues in your future. You can't manage what you don't measure and knowing if you're at risk starts with knowing the your personal health numbers that are most closely related to heart health: 

  • Blood Pressure (normal 120/80)
  • Cholestrol (HDL is good cholestrol)
  • Blood Sugar (fasting normal 100mh/dL)
  • Body Mass Index (normal is 25kg/m2)

Make an appointment today to speak with your primary care provider about any medical history concerns and to get a current measurement of your personal heart health numbers. Your heart depends on it!

If you would like more information about heart health, call the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic at 605-882-7777 or Prairie Lakes Primary Care at 605-886-8482 and make an appointment today. 

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Friday, January 31, 2025

Donate Blood & Save a Life: Monday, February 24

Donate Blood, Save a Life

The Blood Mobile will be parked outside of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. on Monday, February 24th

What can be done to make sure your friends, neighbors, and family receive the blood they need? It’s simple – donate blood to the Community Blood Bank.

Ten reasons why you should give blood:

  1. You can save up to 3 lives!
  2. Not everyone is eligible to donate blood. Only 38% of the population can donate, so if you're able, you are a selected minority.
  3. Your body will make new blood. It takes about 24 hours to replace plasma and about 4-6 weeks to replace red blood cells.
  4. Giving blood is not painful. You may feel a slight prick initially but it doesn't last long.
  5. Donating blood burns calories! Your body will burn approximately 650 calories just by donating.
  6. You get a free well-check. Before you give, the phlebotomist will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin levels. You may also be screened by HIV, Hepatitis, and other diseases. 
  7. It takes only 30 to 40 minutes of your time.
  8. You feel a boost in confidence and your emotional well-being knowing that you have done a good deel and are a part of saving lives.
  9. There is no substitute for human blood. Blood can not be manufactured in any way and it always in high demand.
  10. You may be one of the 25% of people who need blood donation one day. 

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.

  Sign Up Here

Guidelines to Donate:
  • Blood donors must be at least 17 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.
  • 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

Download Blood Drive Poster

What To Expect When Donating Blood

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