productivity, cost and our patients’ satisfaction. Here are just a few examples of • MRI results are read
improvements made through Lean initiatives:
right option? An MRI (Magnetic Resonance We have the technology
Imaging) exam is a painless, non-invasive on-site and results
procedure that, unlike CT scans and x-rays, right here.” are available in three
• Urgent Care Clinic: Reduced the wait time for patients to be seen by a healthcare
provider by 70% and the overall time spent at the clinic by 50%. uses no radiation. Instead, it uses a powerful - Laurel Littrell, MD days or less.
magnet, radio waves and a computer to
• Hospital admission and discharge process: Reduced the duplication of forms and provide visual images of specific areas • Digital images
information gathering by 70% and provided more direct nursing time with patients. inside the body. providers to ensure the MRI exam is become part of each
tailored to each patient’s situation. This patient’s Electronic
• CT Scans: Reduced the wait time for scheduled CT scans by 100%.
“The MRI provides exceptional detail to is a real benefit and not always found in Medical Record
As we implement healthcare reform, we each must take responsibility for stimulating help us diagnosis many types of injuries larger facilities.” (EMR).
conversation and action. We must take superhero actions to improve our healthcare and conditions,” said radiologist Matthew
delivery model while continuing to care for every member of our community. Hayes, MD. “Once we pinpoint the cause, A patient-centered design.
Winona Health is here to assist you in your efforts to improve and/or the patient’s physician can determine the Winona Health’s MRI unit has a shorter
maintain your health and well-being. Thank you for letting us be a part best course of treatment.” “barrel” than others, and it’s open at both
of your life. ends, making it much more comfortable
Radiologist Laurel Littrell, MD, said for those who are claustrophobic. It’s also
Warm regards, Winona Health’s Radiology Department one of the quietest units available. “Our
is unique. “Dr. Hayes and I have a close goal is to ease anxiety and keep patients
relationship with local physicians and our comfortable while providing the highest
patients. This is a big advantage as we can quality of care,” said Paul Honer, lead MRI
Rachelle H. Schultz quickly communicate with the referring Technologist.
President/CEO
W
in two women age 50 and
hether you’re pregnant or thinking about starting
older, and nearly one in
D id y o u
and associate professor, and Heidi Ferris, dietitian will provide information and answer
same one to deliver your baby. This isn’t usually the case in larger healthcare facilities.
Nurse Practitioner at Winona
your questions about improving or maintaining bone health. Health and associate professor
at WSU Rochester campus.
k n ow? 90% of the time, the prenatal care provider you see at Winona Health will be the
Family Practice
Winona Lewiston And life can be unpredictable —
E. Allen Beguin, MD Mary Kramer, CNP
William Davis, MD
URGENT CARE
Even Superheroes need checkups. Jonathan Knight, DO Rushford
David Lofgren, MD
Wayne Kelly, MD
Joy Stevens, PA-C
Open 7 days a week.
Here’s why!
Lynette Lamp, MD
Rebecca Lossen, MD
No appointment needed.
Mary Michener, MD Pediatrics 420 E. Sarnia St. • 507.474.7830
Nicholas Modjeski, MD Saune Carlisle, MD Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Who are these superheroes? — (l-r) Spencer, 18 months; Lydia, 4; Kristi Schulte, PA-C; Jackson, 7; Brooke, 5; and Libby, 7. Thomas Retzinger, MD Michael Severson, MD
Friday–Sunday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Robert Wilfahrt, MD Kristi Schulte, PA-C
P
The Emergency Department is always open
Your children seem, and ediatric physician assistant, Kristi Schulte, PA-C, Donna Kamann, CNP
at Winona Health, 855 Mankato Ave.
most likely are, as healthy said, “Just as well-baby checkups are important in Christina Nitti Velasquez, CNP
monitoring the growth and development of newborns,
as a superhero. For more information about healthcare providers at Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org and click on Find a Provider.
regular checkups, although less frequent, are also important
to your child’s overall health.”
So why take them In addition to treating illnesses and injuries and providing
to the doctor? referrals to specialists if their expertise is needed, your
pediatrician or family healthcare provider is a valuable
Call to make an appointment. 507.454.3680 • Lewiston: 507.523.2127 • Rushford: 507.864.7726
M
wrestling, racquet sports and hockey. Other sports high ost people know they will see many different healthcare
Winona Health’s oral surgeon answers your on the list are baseball and basketball. Athletes of all ages providers during their lifetime but few think they will
questions about wisdom teeth. should be sure to wear appropriate eye protection. need assistance for a mental health problem. The statistics
“Protective eyewear greatly decreases the chance of injury, show otherwise. Depression affects approximately one in six
Q: When do most people have their wisdom
but in the event of an eye injury, remain calm,” advises adults over a lifetime; one in four women and one in 10 men.
teeth removed and what are the benefits?
Laurel Quinn, MD, ophthalmologist at Winona Health’s “Everyone feels ‘blue’ at certain times during his or her
It’s most common for high school and college students
to have their wisdom teeth removed. This is when the Eye Care Center. “Simply put, if the injury affects or alters life,” said psychiatrist Cullen Schwemer, MD. “Feelings
roots of the teeth are developing and before the wisdom vision, you should seek immediate medical attention.” of sadness or discouragement are perfectly normal,
Winona Health Psychiatric and Counseling staff—
teeth get to the sensory nerve that goes to the lower lip. especially during particularly difficult times. But when
An eye injury that results (l-r) Dee Herzing, MS, LPC, LICSW; Cullen Schwemer, MD; Laurie
As wisdom teeth grow, their roots become longer and a person cannot ‘snap out of it’ or get over these feelings,
in vision loss is a terrible Stenseth, MSW, LICSW; Betsy Rowekamp, RNC; and Diane Petz, MS, LP.
complications become more likely. A dentist may do a they may be suffering from depression.”
thing to take with you for
screening test to see if there is enough room for all four
wisdom teeth; if there is not, or if teeth cause problems the rest of your life,” says
Dr. Quinn. “It’s well worth
such as infection or discomfort, they should be removed.
Having wisdom teeth removed at an early age decreases it to take precautions to Know the signs. The signs and symptoms of clinical depression are:
the risk of nerve damage, pain and swelling. protect your child’s vision.” • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood • Difficulty with concentration, memory or decision making
• Changes in sleep patterns • Fatigue, loss of energy
Q: What should I do if I think my wisdom teeth Fitting a Superhero.—
need to be removed? Heather Hauser, optician, • Change in appetite and weight • Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Patients do not need a referral from a dentist to have helps find the perfect frame.
• Restlessness, irritability • Thoughts of suicide or death
their wisdom teeth removed—so anyone experiencing
pain or discomfort can call for a consultation.
• Loss of pleasure and interest in once-enjoyable activities
Free Depression Screening Day, October 7
Q: How long does it take to have your wisdom The latest styles. Great savings. • Persistent physical symptoms such as chronic pain or
digestive disorders For additional information see page 12.
teeth removed and what is the recovery time?
The Winona Health Eye Care Center offers a
If my patients prefer deep sedation to avoid feeling If you experience five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you should see
anything during surgery, the procedure takes 20% discount on all children’s glasses, every day!
a doctor or qualified mental health professional.
approximately two hours. Winona Health is the only
location in Southeast Minnesota to provide this
Along with the latest eyewear styles for children
option. The level of sedation is based on a patient’s and teens, Winona Health’s Eye Care Center carries “Too many people believe that it is a ‘normal’ part of life and that they can treat it themselves. But left untreated,
health, anxiety level and the procedure being done — a selection of sportswear glasses for youth that depression causes unnecessary suffering and disruption in one’s life and work,” said Dr. Schwemer.
we personalize the plan for each individual. Recovery incorporates special shatter- resistant materials.
and limited activity is suggested for two to four days In time of crisis, the Winona Health Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit offers immediate care. John Rislove, director
after surgery. of Behavioral Health, said “Winona Health’s secure, 11-bed inpatient unit offers emergency help for individuals with a
For an appointment, contact:
variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and other mental illnesses.”
If you have questions about oral surgery, contact: Winona Health Eye Care Center
3rd floor of Winona Clinic “The Winona area community is fortunate to have a continuum of care that includes inpatient care options for individuals
Winona Health Oral Surgery needing mental health treatment or counseling,” added Rislove. “If an individual needs inpatient treatment, our staff
507.457.7700 507.474.4760 completes an assessment and develops ongoing care which includes meeting with a psychiatrist, nursing care, group and
Dr. Gary Hayes, DDS, is a fellow in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In his 32 years of practice,
individual counseling, and social work planning for discharge. For most people, the length of stay in the inpatient unit is
he has performed more than 1,500 surgeries a year, many of which are wisdom teeth cases. just under five days.”
He is a member of the College of American Pathologists Winona Health Foundation’s Guardian Angel program honors healthcare providers or staff members who have made a
American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. lasting impression. Guardian Angels receive a letter about the donation made in their honor and contributions can be
and the American Osteopathic Association.
directed to the area of the donor’s choice. If you would like to recognize an individual who made a difference to you,
For more information about healthcare providers at Winona Health, visit winonahealth.org and click on Find a Provider. contact the Winona Health Foundation at 507.457.4342.