The Iowa Clinic Broadens OB/GYN Services as State Confronts Escalating Maternal Health Challenges
Amid Iowa’s growing maternal health care crisis, The Iowa Clinic is expanding its OB/GYN services with the addition of Dr. Alicia Toncar to its Women’s Center. This strategic investment underscores the Clinic’s commitment to ensuring women and families across the state have continued access to high-quality, local obstetrics and gynecologic care.
CHI Health Good Samaritan to Launch Cancer Rehabilitation Program Sept. 8
CHI Health Good Samaritan’s free cancer rehabilitation program helps survivors regain their physical, emotional and spiritual health after treatment.
Essentia Health Calls on Congress to Extend Medicare Coverage for Telehealth Services
Last week, Essentia Health joined a coalition of health care organizations calling on Congress to extend Medicare coverage for telehealth services before it expires on Sept. 30. In a letter to Congressional leaders, Essentia Health urged either a permanent extension or, at minimum, a two-year extension, be established to provide stability and clarity for patients, providers and the broader health care system.
Mary Lanning Healthcare Pulmonary Rehabilitation Receives Recertification
Mary Lanning Healthcare’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation program recently received recertification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).
Dr. Scot Christiansen Leaves a Lasting Legacy
After over 31 years of service at Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester, Dr. Scot Christiansen is retiring from OB & Family Practice on September 1, 2025.
Essentia Health–Wahpeton Welcomes Alicia Blaufuss to Practice Psychiatry
Alicia Blaufuss, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner, is excited to join the Essentia Health-Wahpeton Clinic to practice psychiatry.
MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center Experiences Baby Boom
MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center is experiencing a baby boom. The upward trend in births began shortly after Dr. May Yazeji's arrival in July 2024. Since her arrival, the hospital’s birth center has experienced a 194% increase in deliveries in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2023.
Good Samaritan and St. Francis Recognized with 4-Star CMS Rating; St. Francis Skilled Care Achieves Top Distinction
On Aug. 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2025 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. Both CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis well surpassed the national average and achieved four stars.
Prairie Lakes Primary Care Introduces New Family Medicine Providers
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Dr. Alexandra Gauer, and Certified Nurse Practitioners Adrienne Bak and Susan Olson to the Prairie Lakes Primary Care team. Gauer will join the Family Medicine team at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Northridge while both Bak and Olson join a skilled group of providers at Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic Main.
Ambulance Service Honored with Career EMS Service Award
Brookings Health System’s Ambulance service received the 2024 Career EMS Service of the Year Award for South Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association (SDEMSA) District 1. The honor was given at the district’s Aug. 6 meeting. The award celebrates Brookings Health’s Ambulance team for going above and beyond in their commitment to saving lives and improving healthcare.
USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Catherine Bilyeu, PT, DPT, PhD
For Catherine Bilyeu, the USD School of Health Sciences made the path from practicing physical therapist in Canada to academic leader in Colorado considerably smoother than it might otherwise have been.
Pork Delivers Where it Counts
As healthcare professionals, you know this truth well: Patients stick with what tastes good. That’s why pork’s role as a nutrient-dense, flavor-forward protein is gaining momentum in today’s dietary landscape.
A Deep Dive into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Otolaryngologist Daniel Todd, MD, has been using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for the past 30 years, primarily for patients with head and neck cancer. Now, with his new venture, Midwest Hyperbarics, he’s branching out to offer more of what HBOT can do.
Case Study: How Comprehensive Planning Revolutionized Spencer Hospital’s Emergency Department
The design of healthcare facilities plays a pivotal role in operational efficiency, staff satisfaction, and, most importantly, the quality of patient care. CMBA Architects is driven to design environments that foster healing for patients and deliver supportive spaces for staff.
Dr. Aria Shakeri, Radiation Oncologist, Joins CHI Health St. Francis
CHI Health St. Francis Regional Cancer Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Aria Shakeri, board-certified radiation oncologist, to its staff. Dr. Shakeri joins the cancer center following the retirement of Dr. Doug Clark, who served the community as a radiation oncologist for over 12 years.
Mary Lanning Healthcare Earns Fourth Quality Recognition for Gynecologic Surgical Care
Mary Lanning Healthcare recently received reaccreditation from Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) for the fourth time. The reaccreditation recognizes the hospital’s commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety.
Columbus Community Hospital Honored for High-Quality Knee and Hip Replacement
Columbus Community Hospital has earned national recognition for its exceptional orthopedic care. The hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center (BDC) for Knee and Hip Replacement by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE).
Essentia Health and Community Leaders Celebrate 25,000-Referral Milestone for Essential Programs and Services
During the spring of 2021, Essentia Health partnered with various local and statewide organizations to launch a program addressing health-related social needs. Over the past four years, Essentia’s community health team has seen significant success through this initiative with over 25,000 referrals made, linking individuals to community-based programs and services.
Saving Lives Step-by-Step: Sioux Falls Heart Walk Inspires Bystanders to Become Lifesavers
The American Heart Association and hundreds of community members will walk at the Sioux Falls Heart Walk.
Supporting Patients Facing Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges: How Our IOP Can Help
If you have a patient struggling with substance, use and other mental health concerns, consider the Nebraska Medicine Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for further assessment and treatment.