Category: News

Beginning September 4, 2023, Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics will transition to a Hospitalist model to provide care for patients hospitalized on the Patient Care Unit at GMHC. A Hospitalist is a provider who primarily manages the medical care of patients in the hospital, allowing family medicine physicians to focus on their clinic patients. In addition to providing care for hospitalized patients, the Hospitalists will also be providing emergent patient care in the Emergency Department.

There are several advantages of this new model of care for patients hospitalized at GMHC. Hospitalists are more available to inpatients, spending more time with them and being able to respond quickly to changes in patient condition. A Hospitalist’s expertise allows them to manage more acute patients, improving quality and patient satisfaction. The patient’s Primary Care Provider will receive admission information, including diagnosis and treatment plan for their patient. Upon leaving the hospital, the Hospitalist will partner with the patient’s Primary Care Provider, keeping them informed and updated on the patient’s progress, including any significant changes in their condition. 

The providers at Cornerstone Family Practice will have enhanced appointment availability, with less interruptions to scheduled patient visits, improving clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. 

In addition to enhancing quality and continuity of care, the new model aligns with the majority of critical access hospitals.

The Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics’ Family Resource Center is proud to announce that Jim Solomon, SHIIP-SMP Counselor at the Family Resource Center, recently received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg during a special recognition ceremony held on Tuesday, June 6, in Cedar Falls. Solomon was honored with a 5 year service award by Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).

Jim began his training in the spring of 2018, and completed it later that summer. During his first open enrollment period in the fall, he spent 119 hours with 117 clients, helping them save a total of $46,114, an average of $394 per client. Over the past five years, Jim has provided meaningful assistance by sharing his knowledge and providing guidance to individuals, families and caregivers on how to navigate their Medicare and identify plans and resources that work for them. He has also spent countless hours in training.

“Iowans take great pride in their deep and rich commitment for serving others—it’s in our DNA,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Iowa nice is the foundation of our state–you see it everywhere you turn– Iowans volunteering their time to help others and improve their communities and our state. It truly is an honor to be able to recognize these individuals for their meaningful acts of generosity through the Governor’s Volunteer Awards and inspire others to do the same.”

Kari Harbaugh, Coordinator at the Family Resource Center, also shared her congratulations stating, “We are so fortunate to have Jim as a SHIIP volunteer, he goes above and beyond for the clients he serves!”

Kristen Griffith, SHIIP-SMP Director, shares “SHIIP-SMP Counselors are some of the best volunteers and people you could ever work with. They care deeply about their community members, and consistently go above and beyond to provide unbiased and trustworthy information helping individuals and their families navigate the complexity of Medicare.”

More than 500 awards are being presented this year during five ceremonies across Iowa. It is estimated that more than 150 communities in Iowa were served by this year’s honorees. Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, the Governor’s Volunteer Award program—now in its 39th year—provides an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers with a prestigious, state-level award. A complete list of award recipients and an electronic copy of this news release are available at volunteeriowa.org.

What is SHIIP? The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free and objective Medicare health insurance counseling service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division sponsored locally by GMHC’s Family Resource Center. More than 350 trained and certified volunteer counselors assist thousands of Iowans annually, helping them save millions of dollars.

What is SMP? The Senior Medicare Patrol is a national program focused on empowering seniors to prevent and respond to health care fraud. SMP is administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Our network of SHIIP -SMP counselors help individuals detect and report possible Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. The program also provides resources for consumers to protect themselves from healthcare scams.

If you would like to make a free appointment with our SHIIP Counselors, please call the Family Resource Center 563-252-3215.

The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities (FCC) is pleased to announce two grant awards in the first quarter of 2023.

A grant in the amount of $3141 was awarded to the City of Guttenberg for enhancements to the pickleball courts. The upgrades will include a bench, wind protection fencing, signage, and a practice wall. Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity with local citizens and visitors. These improvements will enhance the playing experience.

The second grant of $1920 was awarded to the Guttenberg Gallery and Creativity Center to replenish studio supplies. The supplies are vital in art programs and events for youth and adults in Guttenberg and the surrounding areas.

The Foundation of Cornerstone Communities supports initiatives and programs that directly impact the everyday health and vitality of residents of all ages in the region served by the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics including the clinic communities of Guttenberg, Garnavillo and Edgewood. Since 2020, FCC has awarded 15 grants totaling over $54,000 to service communities.

Do you have an idea for a project to help make your community a better place to live and work? Would it support the mission of the FCC? Apply for a grant to see your vision come to life! The next due date for grant requests is July 15, 2023. Grant application

Join us in our mission; become a Sustaining Member of the FCC! Your annual gift of $100 or more allows us to grow our mission to sustain the communities we live, work and play in as well as our local healthcare. Give today! 

The FCC awarded funds to the City of Guttenberg for pickleball enhancements. From left, Sue Osterhaus, Kevin Mommer, Shelly Mommer, Darcy Cline, Myron Thiese, Diane Thiese, Kevin Lelifield, Rushmi Plante, Syl Plante, Julie Rastetter, Andy Smith, Dennis McNeal, Linda Benskin, Dan Kuempel, Brian Rodenberg, Jack Benskin, Peter Kerns, and Jim Osterhaus.

We all need care at some point in our lives. For some, the biggest barrier to receiving care is accessing it. Community Paramedicine providers work with your primary care provider to break that barrier and bring care to patients who need it most, where they need it most.

Patients can be evaluated in the comfort of their own homes through a scheduled appointment time. Visits are free and can help avoid a clinic visit, ambulance ride or hospital care. 

If you or your loved one could benefit from this service, talk to your Cornerstone Family Practice provider at 563-252-2141.

What do Community Paramedicine providers do?

Community Paramedicine providers can provide the following in-home treatment and assessments:

  • Monitoring of oxygen levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.
  • Monitoring of weight
  • Blood collection for home-bound patients
  • Education of medications and assistance with setting up medication packs
  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
  • Wound assessments and cares
  • Immunizations for home-bound patients
  • In-home safety assessments

In addition to in-home assessments, they:

  • Will provide personalized in-home care
  • Act as a care bridge after hospitalization
  • Can answer your questions about your acute or chronic medical condition
  • Have secure access to health records
  • Have the necessary equipment to assist your provider in early illness detection
  • Can provide appropriate care for emergencies

We at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics look forward to providing this service to you as yet another way we keep YOU at the center of our Patient-Centered Medical Home care model. 

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics is proud to announce that two of its physicians, Dr. Andrew Smith and Dr. Jeffrey Hoffmann, were honored by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians last Friday, October 28, 2022, at the IAFP Awards Banquet in Des Moines. 

DR. ANDREW SMITH, MD

Dr. Andrew Smith, MD, was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP)

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to a family physician(s) who has been a member of the Academy in good standing for at least 10 years, who is a resident of Iowa, who has been involved in significant community service and civic activities, and is a role model for other family physicians, residents and /or medical students.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is unique in that all awardees are nominated by another member of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians. 

“After Dr. Smith finished his Family Practice Residency in Waterloo, he settled in Guttenberg. He provided full-spectrum family practice care, seeing patients of all ages, providing obstetrics care, caring for inpatients, and covering the Emergency Room. Throughout his 39 years in Guttenberg, he was highly respected not only for his excellent medical care, but for his compassion, dedication to service and humility. He not only was GMHC’s Chief of Medical Staff for numerous terms, but was on many hospital committees, served as Clayton County’s Deputy Medical Examiner and a preceptor for medical students for the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine,” commented a colleague of Dr. Smith’s. 

“Dr. Smith is also very active in the community. He is an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and director of the hand bell choir, has been on a number of philanthropic foundations and has donated many hours to the Guttenberg German- Fest committee. He truly is admired by many and certainly deserves the IAFP Lifetime Achievement Award.” 

DR. JEFFREY HOFFMANN, DO

Dr. Jeffrey Hoffmann, DO, was awarded the Family Physician of the Year by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP). 

The Family Physician of the Year is a special award because the nominations must come from patients. The prestigious award is presented to one outstanding physician in the state who best exemplifies the tradition of the family doctor and who epitomizes the finest standards of family health care. As the Iowa Family Physician of the Year, Dr. Hoffmann will become Iowa’s nominee to the American Academy of Family Physicians for the 2023 National Family Physician of the Year. 

As family physicians, Dr. Hoffmann and his colleagues are trained in many areas of medicine including pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, and community medicine. This gives them capability to treat more than 85 percent of all illnesses found in children and adults. 

“Bedside manner, wit and ability to empathize are Dr. Hoffmann’s qualities that put his patients at ease. His ability to communicate and his approachable demeanor are qualities that set him apart. Many physicians can be considered experts in their field, however Dr. Hoffmann couples expertise with the ability to communicate complicated diagnoses on a level his patients can understand,” shared one patient.

Another patient shared this heartfelt comment, “Dr. Hoffmann has not just been a physician to us, but a true blessing in every way. He has saved my family in more ways than one, given us a shoulder to cry on, words of faith and wisdom to hold on to when we felt like we had nothing to grasp, and most importantly, shown us actual love. He loves his community and the gifts and career he was blessed with. He loves his patients and staff. I believe if there is any physician out there who deserves this award, it is him. His career as a doctor is not just something he does for a living, but something he does with pure and unending love to help others. This award is for a Family Physician of the Year, and Dr. Hoffmann is everything this entails, starting with the word Family. He makes his patients more than a case or people to heal, he makes them his family.”

The Iowa Academy of Family Physicians has 1800 members and is a constituent chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, which is one of the largest medical specialty societies in the United States with a membership of more than 127,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students.

Today, Dr. Michele Dikkers accepted her Hospital Hero Award at the Iowa Hospital Association’s Annual Meeting in Des Moines. She was one of twelve hospital leaders, throughout the state of Iowa, presented with the award.

“We are so fortunate to have a high quality, compassionate medical staff at GMHC and Dr. Dikkers has provided an amazing level of support to all of us through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” said Lisa Manson, Director of Ambulatory Services, “She is a role model for what patient-centered care looks like in a rural hospital and clinic.” 

Dr. Michele Dikkers, DO, has practiced medicine at Cornerstone Family Practice for over 20 years, where she recently became the Physician Leader. She immerses herself in her workplace, her community and her profession. As an advocate for the well-being of her patients and the population in general, when she sees a need, she takes personal responsibility and becomes involved. Serving as Chair of the Clayton County Board of Health, Dr. Dikkers provides perspective and insight on decision-making. She is an incredibly caring, resourceful and integral part of GMHC. 

“My practice partner, Dr. Michele Dikkers, has been at the forefront in leading our community’s and county’s responses to the COVID pandemic. As Chairman of the County Board of Health, she not only advised but educated many in the county about best practices… She also wrote a weekly column in our local paper to discuss COVID guidelines and encourage community members to be safe and respectful to others,” confirmed Dr. Andrew Smith. 

Brooke Kenzinger, MHA, CEO, MercyOne Elkader Medical Center, served with Dr. Dikkers on a team that met weekly at the height of the pandemic to share best practices and plan for the future. “In addition to helping the county fight COVID-19, she also helped many of her own patients battle the illness in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. She is a hero to those patients. Even though I do not interact with her at my facility, I would trust her with my own family…She has the passion for providing excellent care to those she serves,” added Kenzinger. 

Dr. Dikkers commented, “I am over-whelmed. It is an honor to be recognized, and this is an award I would like to share with all those whom I work with. 

During the pandemic, we found ourselves in a situation where there were many unknowns and many times, the only option was to do what was in front of us. 

We were able to form a collaboration with the health care providers and pharmacies of Clayton county that was truly amazing. Everyone jumped on board for the good of our patients and the community. The staffs at the clinics and hospitals were incredible. We cross-trained between departments in preparation and many worked extra hours when case numbers were high. Concern for the patients and their families was always a priority. There were days that weren’t easy. But, the positive, ‘get it done’ attitude of those I worked with, kept me motivated to do what I could. There were weekly meetings, usually 2 or 3, that allowed us to learn and share information with each other. The learning curve during the COVID pandemic was overwhelming at times, but we learned a great deal.” 

Tim Ahlers said of Dr. Dikkers, “She showed initiative and courage while leading us through the pandemic, working tirelessly with our incident command and the board of health to make sure we were ready and able to take care of our community and each other through the long, hard journey. I believe she is one of the true champions that helped our community make it through this crisis.” 

“I would like to thank those that nominated me and The Iowa Hospital Association for the recognition. I would also like to thank my colleagues at Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Cornerstone Family Practice and the Clayton County Board of Health,” said Dr. Dikkers 

It’s that time of year again, Medicare Open Enrollment, the only time that those eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to review and adjust their plans. Open Enrollment takes place from October 15 to December 7, and The Family Resource Center is taking appointments for seniors to meet with SHIIP representatives who offer advice in choosing the best fitting prescription plan and to answer questions. Because drug plans are everchanging, having a guide to help you navigate these changes can be very helpful. 

This is Jim Solomon’s fifth year volunteering as a SHIIP counselor. Last year, he met with 176 people, helping them save a total of $156,862. We are pleased to announce that Deb Hogan has completed training and will be joining Jim to serve area seniors in reviewing their plans. Jim will mentor and work directly with Deb and the client when she is first starting.  Deb  retired from the insurance industry, and wants to give back as a volunteer. “Jim put in long hours last year, and I am happy to partner with him and work together to serve the communities.” Deb replied. 

Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Coordinator, says, “We are very grateful for the dedication and hours of service these volunteers donate to assisting our clients.”

There is no charge for consultation with Jim or Deb. If they don’t have the answer, SHIIP counselors have a direct connection to the state to get the answer. They offer a flexible schedule, and welcome clients from other communities, too. 

SHIIP counselors will assist you with these three important things during Medicare Open Enrollmnent:

  • Review  your plan notice. Read any notices from  your Medicare plan about changes for next year—especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
  • Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
  • Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year. 

To make an appointment, call the Family Resource Center at 563-252-3215. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company. Please bring your Medicare card and your present list of prescription drugs to your appointment.

Meet two young philanthropists, Alexis (age 9) and Grace (age 7) Mescher, who are learning the ropes of fund-raising at an early age. Three years ago, they held their first bake sale, after deciding (with Mom’s help) that a drive thru breakfast sandwich fund-raiser might be a little unrealistic. 

Grace and Alexis wanted to raise money for something, and again, their Mom, Beth Mescher, helped them decide to use it for school supplies. The first year, they raised around $600 during a very successful sale that was planned for two days, but only lasted about two hours! Beth even started baking extra cookies when she saw that they were selling out so quickly!

The second year was even more successful with a one-day sale raising around $1,000. In their most recent bake sale last month, the total reached $2,600! The girls decided to split the profits between the Family Resource Center, where it would be used for school supplies, and the Guttenberg Care Center, for buying supplies needed for activities. Both organizations gladly accepted their donations! “The girls’ donation came at the perfect time! We needed additional funds, and because of gifts like theirs, we were able to serve 100 more kids this year. I’m so proud of these girls!” commented Family Resource Center Coordinator, Kari Harbaugh. 

The Mescher Girls’ bake sale takes place in late July or early August, depending on Mom’s work schedule. When asked how they feel about all the money being given away, and none kept for themselves, Grace replied, “Good,” and Alexis echoed, “Generous!” However, after they realized it was this easy to raise money, they asked about having one when they’re older to raise money for buying a car! After answering, “No!” Beth used the opportunity to explain the difference between a fundraiser to benefit the community, and one to benefit themselves, and that likely, their events had been so successful because they were benefiting the community. Thank you, Beth, Alexis and Grace for setting such a great example for all of us!

Fun Facts:

Most popular items:  apple crisp, Texas Roadhouse buns and butter, and popcorn

Your favorite items to make:  Alexis – cookie dough balls, and Grace – Rice Krispie treats

How many days to prepare?  Cookie dough balls can be done a week ahead and frozen, but everything else is prepared just days before the sale. 

How long will you keep doing it? “Hopefully every year,” both girls chimed in.

Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics was recently named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for Best Practice—Patient Satisfaction in the country. 

The top 20 CAHs, including GMHC, scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Patient Satisfaction. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, MO. 

The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength:  inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2022 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year. 

The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance:  

Quality index:  A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.

Patient perspective index:  A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS domains. 

“GMHC is proud of the efforts of the physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” says Timothy Ahlers, CEO. “We are incredibly proud of our staff. We are blessed to have a team of professionals with high standards who care deeply about each and every patient and our entire community.”

“Our results as a top Best Practice Recipient in Patient Satisfaction means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future,” said Ahlers.

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 is made up of diverse individuals and organizations from across the country, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health. 

About the Chartis Group

The Chartis Group provides comprehensive advisory services and analytics to the health care industry. With unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic planning, performance excellence, health analytics, informatics and technology, digital and emerging technologies, clinical quality and operations, and strategic communications, Chartis helps leading academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, children’s hospitals, and health care service organizations achieve transformative results and build a healthier world. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.

By Dr. Michele Dikkers, Physician at Cornerstone Family Practice and GMHC, Chair of Clayton County Board of Health

Growing up we had to be about dead before we went to the doctor.  Slap a bandage on it, put menthol vapor rub on your chest or put an ice bag on it.  A runny nose, sniffles or a cough was no reason to stay home.

Then we learned about COVID.  Now we stop and wonder.  Could it be a cold? Influenza? Strep throat? Mono? COVID?  Oh my.

Since COVID-19, the guidelines have changed.  If you are sick, stay home.  Get tested.  Wait until you are well, then return to the world.  Like any habit, it is difficult to make change.  But there are good reasons for the changes in our thought process.

Symptoms can be similar initially, but the outcomes can be very different.  They can all start with cough, body aches, fever, headache and sore throat.  But influenza and COVID may have a more serious end result.

Incubation time (time from exposure until symptoms start) is typically 1-4 days, unless it is COVID, then it can be 2-14 days.

With most of these illnesses, you can be contagious for 2 days prior to illness and for 3-5 days after illness starts.  With COVID, you may be contagious from 2 days prior to illness and up to 10 days after illness onset (up to 14-21 if with persistent symptoms or severe illness).

Symptoms last for 3-7 days, with the exception of COVID.  Symptoms of COVID, on average, last 1-6 weeks.  There can be long term symptoms that may last months after the acute illness is over.

When it comes to hospitalizations, 2% of those diagnosed with influenza will be hospitalized for 4-7 days, compared to 19% of the COVID diagnosis’ needing hospitalizations for 2-3 weeks.

Fatality rate of influenza is 0.1%, while the fatality rate of COVID-19 is nearly 3%.

Treatments for these illnesses vary.  There are antivirals for influenza, antibiotics for strep throat, monoclonal antibodies for COVID and, coming soon, the new oral medication recently developed to help decrease hospitalizations and deaths from COVID.  All depend on starting treatment sooner than later.  Treatment for influenza should be started within the first 72 hours.  Treatment for COVID-19 should be within the first 7 -10 days.  Treatment for influenza and COVID are to decrease severity of symptoms and won’t cure it but can significantly reduce need for hospitalizations and death as an outcome.

So, rethinking how we think about cold symptoms, the new recommendations are to stay home if you have any symptoms.   Be seen by your medical provider and get tested.  Getting tested allows for the best treatment options to be offered and improve outcomes.

Continue to be vigilant and continue to avoid getting sick.  Stay home if you are sick, continue with good hand washing, cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, wear a mask when you are in public places and update your vaccines.

Stay safe, be well and be kind to each other.

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