Medical Services: Patient Services

Programs and Services

St. Croix Regional Medical Center provides a broad range of care and programs for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents. The main campus location in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, offers the services of a staff of 45 medical providers, plus many consulting specialists, and the full support of an independently owned, 25-bed critical access hospital.

In addition to treatment facilities for procedures and diagnostics within our four community clinics (see hours and locations), the technology available in the various departments of the hospital includes advanced medical imaging (with MRI and CT scanning), surgical and procedure rooms for extensive and minor surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and a full service reference lab with 24/7 availability. In addition to routine visits, obstetrics, diagnostics, and treatments, the medical center offers Urgent Care services for minor health problems that can't wait for a routine appointment, as well as a state-of-the-art Emergency Department that provides around-the-clock emergency care for those suffering from a sudden, acute illness or a serious injury. Community and professional education classes covering a variety of health topics are offered monthly.

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Acupuncture Clinic

Acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of ailments is available at the medical center's St. Croix Falls Clinic from practitioner, David Sullivan, L.Ac. While this 2,000 year-old medical treatment system is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications in the hands of a well-trained practitioner. Acupuncture can be effective as the only medical treatment used, or it can support or be used with other forms of medical treatment. Acupuncture can influence three major areas of health through promotion of health and well-being, illness prevention, and treatment and resolution of various medical conditions, particularly physical problems related to tension and stress.

Addiction Services

Addictions are conditions characterized by unmanageable and compulsive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, starving oneself (anorexia), and uncontrolled gambling. They are complex and chronic diseases that can take over your life, damaging and even destroying relationships, jobs, and more. If you think you or someone you care about may have an addiction, act now. Help is available at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. For more information, contact Melanie Creger in Behavioral Health at 715-483-0243 or click here.

Allergy Care

Individuals with symptoms consistent with allergies may take advantage of the medical center’s allergy clinic. Full time ENT/Allergy specialist, Dr. Joseph Ruegemer’s services include ENT/allergy consultations and testing as well as treatment plans including desensitization shot therapy. Patients may make appointments for consultation directly or be referred by their primary physician. (Also see Ear, Nose, and Throat/ENT elsewhere in this list.)

Ambulance Services (St. Croix Valley EMS)

SCRMC is pleased to provide local ambulance service as the lead organization of a new partnership, which includes Western Wisconsin EMS and Lakes Region EMS. Coverage for the community remains the same, including hours of service and quality staffing. Patients have the ability to tell ambulance staff where they want to be taken for treatment.

“After having provided this EMS/ambulance service for many years in Minnesota,” Lakes Area EMS Director of Operations, Ben Wasmund said, “we’re very fortunate to have teamed with great partners – SCRMC and Western Wisconsin EMS – in Wisconsin because both have resources that will enable all of us to bring care to the next level. That’s a wonderful outcome for everyone living in the areas we jointly serve. More efficient ambulance care and expanded services further benefits the communities we serve.”

Life Link III remains in operation as an air medical transport company, providing helicopter and airplane ambulance transportation for patients in the region. 

Anesthesia

If you are having surgery, your provider/physician will prescribe a drug called an anesthetic. Anesthetics reduce or prevent pain.There are four main types:

• Local: numbs one small area of the body. You stay awake and alert.
• Conscious or intravenous (IV) sedation: uses a mild sedative to relax you and pain medicine to relieve pain. You stay awake but may not remember the procedure afterwards.
• Regional anesthesia: blocks pain in an area of the body, such an arm or leg. Epidural anesthesia, which is sometimes used during childbirth, is a type of regional anesthesia.
• General anesthesia: affects your whole body. You go to sleep and feel nothing. You have no memory of the procedure afterwards.

The type of anesthesia your provider chooses depends on many factors. These include the procedure you are having and your current health. St. Croix Valley Anesthesia, LLC are the providers of anesthesia services at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.  Brad Byker, CRNA, is the Director of the Anesthesia Department.

Anticoagulation (Coumadin) Clinic

The Anticoagulation Clinic assists patients in the management of blood thinning medication such as Coumadin and Lovenox.  Patients must have a referral from their medical provider to be a patient in the Anticoagulation Clinic. We use the latest testing technology at all our clinics-- the fingerstick CoaguChek, which provides instant results. This service is also available to those living in the area part-time, but a relationship must be established with an SCRMC provider to access the services of the Coumadin Clinic.

Asthma Program

The medical center offers a comprehensive approach to asthma education following the guidelines set forth by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.  Our Asthma Management Team of respiratory care practitioners give participants the tools and training they need to manage their asthma and to help people eliminate the need for emergency care for asthmatic episodes rather than merely relieving symptoms when they occur.  Patients learn how to take control of their asthma. Effective asthma management can allow those with this problem to live normal, active lives.

Audiology

St. Croix Hearing Center provides a variety of audiology services. Doctor of Audiology, Doreen LaMirande, performs comprehensive hearing evaluations for all ages.  Staff at St. Croix Hearing Center takes pride in providing personal, quality hearing health care. Dr. LaMirande also dispenses the highest quality hearing instruments and offers in-house and factory repair and maintenance for all name brands of amplification.  Assistive devices, including amplified telephones, TV listening systems, FM systems, and amplified alarm systems are available for purchase.  A full line of hearing aid accessories such as batteries, cleaning supplies, and Dri-Aids are also in stock.

Behavioral Health or Mental Health

See "Counseling and Psychological Services.

Cancer Care (Oncology) Services

Cancer Care (Oncology) Services are available at the medical center through the availability of oncologists (cancer specialists), Daniel Schneider, MD, and Kurt Demel, MD, and oncology nurses who provide chemotherapy, transfusions, and other nursing care for cancer patients. Services provided include examinations, laboratory/radiology tests, biopsies, and cancer directed treatments. Aggressive symptom management is an additional priority. Staff coordinates all aspects of patients' treatment, including communication between them and their local or metro area physicians. Staff supports patients and their family members with information on each particular cancer, how best to cope with this disease, and sources of individual and group support, as well as help with approaching the diagnosis in a hopeful, healthy manner. Services also include setting up pre-treatment lab tests, administering medications, monitoring progress between treatments, and regularly reporting to each patient's oncologist and family physician.

Individuals in need of chemotherapy services do not need to be in the care of an SCRMC physician; our clinic staff will work with an individual's own family physician and oncologist to make treatment possible. The beautiful new infusion center offers a comfortable, supportive atmosphere for chemotherapy while providing nearby lounge area for the use of family members.

Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin

St. Croix Regional Medical Center, in partnership with five other area hospitals, created and operates the new Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin to provide specialized cancer treatment services for patients in the western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota region. Groundbreaking for this state-of-the-art facility took place in August 2010, and just ten months later, all involved celebrated its opening in early June. Patients requiring specialized treatments previously traveled regularly to the Twin Cities to receive care—often two to five days per week during a time when rest and comfort are especially needed. This new collaborative system of delivering regional cancer care ensures that patients needing to receive specialized outpatient cancer treatments, including radiation therapy, medical oncology, and infusion therapy, will have the option of staying closer to home, under the direction of their own local providers, and in the comfort of their current health care system throughout their cancer care.

Cardiology/St. Croix Heart Cardiac Care

St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Regions Hospital of St. Paul work together to offer a broad range of cardiology services on site in St. Croix Falls. This program provides non-invasive cardiology and electrophysiology care together with nuclear medicine, MRI, Ultrasound, echo-cardiograms, stress testing, pacemaker checks, and many additional services. Cardiologists Dr. Glenn Nickele and Dr. Stephen Riendl are assisted by staff nurse Kathy Lade. Electrophysiologist Dr. Mark Guerrero provides pacemaker checks and monitoring.

SCRMC teams with Regions Hospital for rapid access to advanced, life-saving care/technology for heart attack victims. Thanks to our rooftop helipad and experienced emergency department physicians and staff, heart attack patients have access to the St. Paul hospital’s cardiac care catheterization lab in 90 minutes or less. There, doctors can quickly perform an angioplasty to open an obstruction or narrowing in the arteries of the heart. According to many studies, this type of Level I cardiac care significantly reduces rates of death, recurrent heart attack, or disabling heart attack-related complications.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

When you have heart disease, breaking old habits and learning new ones can be stressful, as can wondering or worrying about your future health. Cardiac Rehabilitation patients at the medical center receive monitored aerobic exercise together with the education, training, and support they need to reduce stress and learn healthier eating habits. Smoking cessation assistance is also available through your provider (and is now covered by many insurance plans). Through the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, located on the third floor of the St. Croix Falls Clinic, individuals with heart problems can take greater charge of their care and healing.

Chronic Pain  

After an injury or surgery, you expect to hurt for a while, - and you assume that in time, you'll heal and the pain will leave. But what if the pain persists? Over time, chronic physical pain can take an emotional toll, making your body hurt even more. Worry magnifies unpleasant sensations, and sleep problems can leave you feeling weak and helpless. With an effective multidisciplinary approach, our chronic pain program staff can help you learn to be in control of your pain. Pain Clinic staff strongly encourage patients to try different techniques and tools to see which one, or combination, works best to address their pain, including interventional pain treatment. A support group meets monthly. You are welcome even if you are not seeing one of our providers.  For information, contact Steven Karo, PA-C, Program Director, at 715-483-3221, ext. 1636, or 800-828-3627, ext. 1636 or Dr. Pat Fettes, 715-483-0243.

Chronic Pain: Interventional Pain Treatment

North Metro Anesthesia’s Brent Kapfer, CRNA, FAAPM, provides epidural steroid injections for patients with chronic pain as an adjunct to SCRMC’s Pain Clinic. In general, Kapfer works with patients who have spine-related low back/neck pain due to arthritis, a car accident, or a disc hernia, for example, and occasionally with patients with musculoskeletal pain. As part of SCRMC’s multidisciplinary approach to managing pain, Kapfer’s services are integrated with the providers involved in a given patient’s care.

Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Most colon and rectal cancers begin as small non-cancerous clumps of cells (polyps) that can become cancerous over time. Polyps produce few, if any, symptoms, and that’s why it's so important to get regular screenings to find and remove them before they become cancerous. Colorectal cancer screening is crucial for prevention: Screening tests, along with a few simple diet and lifestyle changes, can dramatically reduce the overall risk of developing colorectal cancer. In fact, regular screening is the most effective tool for colon cancer prevention. With three physicians, Dr. Claudio Nunes, Dr. James Kravig and Dr. Hans Rechsteiner providing services, colon cancer screenings are available Monday through Friday, with little wait times for an appointment.

Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure used to determine the health of the colon. The examining physician is looking for pre-cancerous conditions, polyps (small, protruding clumps of cells on the inside wall of the colon), and other causes of rectal bleeding. Regular testing for and removal of colon polyps can prevent colon cancer. Colonoscopy is generally considered the procedure of choice for colon cancer screening.
For more information on colon cancer screening, visit the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Colposcopy

Colposcopy, a microscopic exam of the cervix, is used to look for unusual or atypical cells or other conditions that can lead to cancer of the cervix. Biopsies are carried out as necessary. Cryosurgery (freezing of abnormal cells) and electro-cauterization treatments, if needed, can be provided by a number of providers at SCRMC.

Concussion Testing for School-Age Athletes and the General Public

The seriousness of concussions, particularly in young athletes, is being recognized nationwide. Data suggests that young brains are more vulnerable to the effects of concussions and take longer to heal than the adult brain. Second-Impact Syndrome—a rapid and often fatal condition associated with a second head injury while a person is still symptomatic/recovering from the first injury—has been seen mainly in young athletes. Timing safe return to activity for people of all ages is important to avoid potentially devastating effects of concussions. For an optimal concussion assessment, St. Croix Regional Sports Medicine offers baseline concussion testing, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT), to the general public for a cash-only fee of $20. This test is offered free to our student-athletes at the schools we contract with for Athletic Training. These include Frederic, St. Croix Falls, Unity, Siren, Webster and the Blizzard hockey teams. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 715-483-2498.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Whether we’re teens or children, married or single, young, middle-aged, or older, we all find ourselves at times feeling frustrated or facing difficult challenges. Too often, however, we think we should be able to solve all our problems on our own. Consequently, many people wait until there’s an impending divorce or other crisis before seeking help. It’s a bit like waiting until the whole basement is flooded before calling a plumber. Trouble with a teen or one’s marriage isn’t plumbing, of course, but the point remains: it makes sense to get help, and to do so earlier than later. Having access to ideas and suggestions from a person who’s not so close or emotionally attached to a problem, and who’s skilled in helping others, often makes addressing, coping with, and solving our challenges easier. Parents also appreciate learning helpful ways to deal with common teen issues such as underage drinking, lying, poor school performance-- as well as depression and eating disorders.

SCRMC’s experienced staff provides a broad range of counseling services and also work in partnership with professionals from area school districts, medical clinics, and social service agencies to offer comprehensive services for children and adolescents. With three licensed clinical psychologists, a clinical substance abuse counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, and a psychiatrist, SCRMC’s Counseling and Psychological Services Department provides assessment, intervention, evaluation, and treatment services for children, adolescents and adults. Psychological testing, referral services, clinical diagnostic services, and individual and group therapy are also available.

Services include help for:
• relationship and marriage problems
• family and parenting issues
• depression and other mood disorders
• pregnancy and postpartum issues
• anxiety
• grief and loss
• stress management
• pain management
• phobia and panic disorders
• problems related to aging
• adjustment disorders
• eating disorders
• alcohol and drug problems
• problems related to health/medical concerns
• attention deficit and post traumatic stress disorder.

For more information about Counseling and Psychological Services providers including the Psychiatrist, Dr. Levi Leong, call 715-483-0243.

Diabetes “Living and Learning” Program

Our adult, pediatric, and pregnancy/gestational diabetes programs are certified and  designed to meet the specific needs of people with diabetes (Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes). An experienced diabetes care team for a fee helps adults and children living with diabetes address their physical and emotional concerns. Included in the appointment with our staff is information on the latest techniques in diabetes self-management, nutrition and meal planning, insulin management, blood glucose monitoring, families and diabetes, stress management, exercise, managing diabetes during illness, preventing or delaying diabetes complications, and preventing, recognizing, and treating emergency situations involving diabetes. Our Certified Diabetic Educators, Robin Herr, Dietician, Kathy Johnson, RN and Deb Voss, RN, are available for questions or concerns.

The medical center also offers a Diabetic Education and Support Group from March through November. These free, on-going meetings can help people with diabetes and their support persons stay up-to-date on diabetes treatment and control, as well as to share experiences and concerns with others. A special event, Diabetes Night Out, generally in November, offers patients and their families speakers and handouts.

For information about foot care and our therapeutic shoe program for those with diabetes offered by our Podiatrist, Dr. Daniel Redburn, see Therapeutic Shoe Program in Podiatry.

Diabetes Care Clinic

As 25.8 million children and adults in the US (8.3%) of the population have diabetes, 7 million are undiagnosed, and millions show pre-diabetes risk-- diabetes is a serious health issue. As a result, St. Croix Regional Medical Center is taking action. Their new Diabetes Care Clinic is using a team approach to achieve excellence in diabetes care and management as well as raising awareness of the disease.

As providers Jean Roedl, ADM-BC, and program leader, Dr. Marsha Beyer explained, “Patients’ participation in treatment decisions, personal selection of goals, education and training, and active self-management clearly helps improve diabetes control. The benefits of team care include improved sugar control, better patient follow-up, greater patient satisfaction, lower risk for complications and lower care costs.”

During Diabetes Care Clinic appointments, patients meet with a selected team of medical providers that can include diabetes clinic nurse, pharmacist, diabetes educator, and dietitian, as well as providers in sports medicine, podiatry, physical therapy, and social work as needed. Certified Diabetic Educators Robin Herr, Dietician; and Kathy Johnson, RN plus staff member Deb Voss, RN are members of the team.

Care includes measurement of important quality indicators such as A1C and LDL levels, blood pressure, and foot care. A pharmacist, Anita Lundquist, will also meet with patients to review their medications for effectiveness, safety, and to address cost barriers.

“To people with diabetes, I want to say this,” said Dr. Beyer. “You know that staying healthy with this disease can have special challenges. There's a lot to learn and a lot to keep track of. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming. We can help.” Diabetes Care Clinic staff see patients Tuesday afternoons at the Medical Center’s clinic in St. Croix Falls. To schedule an appointment or to request more information, please call 800-828-3627.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

The medical center offers extensive diagnostic imaging services, including a digital fluoroscopy room, digital mammography, computed radiography, CT scanning, ultrasound, in-house nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound, CT, and Nuclear Medicine are available seven days a week. Mammography appointments are also available in the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 PM.
Procedures are performed by registered technologists (A.R.R.T.) and interpreted by radiologists certified by the American Board of Radiology. The following are just some of the important diagnostic tools the medical center's providers can use to make diagnoses quick and accurate: cardiac perfusion exercise stress test, cardiac perfusion stress test with regadenoson (lexi), MR angiography, including abdomen (renal and aorta), brain, carotids, and peripheral.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound examination, also called sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. These images can provide information that is valuable in diagnosing and treating disease.
Ultrasound can be used to:
- Evaluate a fetus
- Diagnose gallbladder disease
- Evaluate flow in blood vessels
- Guide a needle biopsy
- Check your thyroid gland
- Diagnose some forms of infection
- Diagnose some forms of cancer
- Reveal abnormalities in the scrotum

PET/CT Scan

St. Croix Regional Medical Center now provides positron emission tomography (PET/CT) imaging on-site bi-weekly. A PET/CT scan is a specific type of imaging test that can help doctors see how the tissues and organs inside the body are functioning, particularly the chest and abdomen. It also allows medical staff to detect the presence and extent of several diseases, including most types of cancer, neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy.
A PET/CT scan can be particularly effective in identifying cancer, determining whether it has spread, and how it's responding to treatment. In addition, PET scans can be valuable in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and to determine the stage of a cancer.

Mammography

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death from cancer among women in the U.S., and mammography plays a critical role in its early detection. Despite recent controversies over its usefulness, mammography is still the gold standard for early detection of breast cancer. The benefit is particularly clear for women 40 and older. Digital mammography, a valuable tool for all women, and especially when traditional film mammograms do not provide a clear picture, is available at SCRMC.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine refers to imaging techniques that use small amounts of a radiopharmaceutical to image and examine a patient's organs, to trace processes in the body, or to destroy diseased cells. Nuclear medicine tests differ from most other imaging modalities in that the diagnostic test primarily show the physiological function of the system being investigated as opposed to traditional anatomical imaging such as CT or MRI.  Nuclear medicine imaging studies are generally more organ or tissue specific (e.g. lungs scan, heart scan, bone scan, brain scan) than those in conventional radiology imaging, which focus on a particular section of the body ( e.g. chest x-ray, abdomen/pelvis CT scan, head CT scan).

Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test

Used to evaluate arterial blood flow to the heart muscle during physical exercise and compare it to at-rest.

CT/CAT Scanning

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. The resulting images can be compared to a loaf of sliced bread. Your provider will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to make 3D images. CT scan images provide much more information than do plain x-rays.  These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred to a CD. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.  CT scanning provides more detailed information on head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases than regular radiographs (x-rays).

DEXA-scan: Measuring Bone Density to Prevent Osteoporosis

Since effective therapies are available to prevent and treat osteoporosis, bone density testing can help women/men address and treat bone density loss at very early stages. The information provided by such tests is particularly important for women making decisions about hormone replacement therapy at menopause. It can also be used to predict future fracture risk and to monitor bone density in those with below normal levels and in those who are undergoing treatment for osteoporosis. Bone density testing is available on-site at the medical center. Pediatric DEXA-scan is also available.

Digital Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a special type of x-ray that allows a radiologist to examine different parts of your body. Fluoroscopy is done in a special suite in the radiology department with equipment that allows a radiologist to see the organs and tissues in your body in motion. Most fluoroscopic exams require the use of x-ray contrast dye to better see the organs in your body. The images of your body will appear on a monitor like a TV screen.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Angiography (MRA)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.  MRI/MRA uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses (radio waves) and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone, blood vessels, and virtually all other internal body structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).  MRI exams generally include multiple run (sequences), some of which may last several minutes.  Depending on the type of exam and the equipment used, the entire exam is usually completed in 30 to 45 minutes. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. Overall, the differentiation of abnormal (diseased) tissue from normal tissues is often better with MRI than with other imaging modalities such as x-ray, CT and ultrasound. The medical center's new on-site, state-of-the-art Siemens MRI system increases comfort and provides shorter exam times for patients. Its short bore design also can ease the worries of patients who experience claustrophobia or high anxiety in conventional MRIs.

Computed Radiography (X-ray)

Computed radiography or CR, is a digital image acquisition and processing system for radiography that uses computers and laser technology.  CR images can be recorded on laser printed film or transmitted and stored digitally.  CR is especially useful in the detection of pathology of the skeletal system (bones), but is also useful for detecting some disease processes in soft tissue (chest and abdomen).

Direct Access Laboratory Testing   

This convenient service allows individuals to get a limited set of commonly requested medical lab tests without a provider’s order. Each test must be paid for at the time of service; insurance will not be billed. Patients will receive their test results directly rather than through a provider. Tests available include cholesterol levels, blood glucose, A1C (for diabetes), hemoglobin (for anemia), prostate specific antigen, urine drug screen, lyme disease, and blood type determination. For more information and a complete list of available tests and their cost, call the SCRMC Laboratory at 715-483-0433 or 800-828-DOCS, Ext. 2433.

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)/ Allergy Care

Ear, nose and throat specialists like SCRMC’s full-time ENT/Allergy Specialist, Dr. Joseph Ruegemer, are trained in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck. They have special expertise in managing diseases of the ears, nose and nasal passage sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Allergy care; Individuals with symptoms consistent with allergies may take advantage of the medical center’s Allergy Clinic. Services include ENT/allergy consultations and testing as well as treatment plans including desensitization shot therapy. Patient's may make appointments or consultations through the ear nose and throat clinic or referred by their primary provider.

Dr. Ruegemer also provides minimally invasive sinus surgery. Done through the nose with an endoscope in conjunction with a CT image guidance system, this surgery provides a nearly 3-dimensional view and further reduces the risk of complications.

Education Programs

Community Health and Professional Education has long been a focus at SCRMC. Classes and workshops are generally open to the entire community, and fees are limited to cover only actual costs. Classes include education on first aid and CPR, infant massage, advance directives, breastfeeding support, diabetes support and education, grief support and childbirth. In addition, special seminars and other events are held to focus attention on particular areas of community or professional interest, such as the annual Women's Health Conference. Health speakers and lectures on a variety of timely health and wellness topics, wellness/health screenings, and health education are also available for community meetings or business and employee groups. On our website are links to credible health information sites such as Krames OnLine (See Health Information at www.scrmc.org). Consult the website for a current list.

Emergency Services

The state-of-the-art Emergency Department at SCRMC provides around-the-clock emergency care for people suffering from a sudden, acute illness or a serious injury. The unit has two large trauma rooms equipped similarly to those in Twin Cities trauma centers for critically injured patients, and five additional rooms for observation and minor emergency care procedures. Experienced Emergency Services physicians led by Dr. Tom Hinck, Medical Director, plus nurses, and support personnel staff are specially trained to administer emergency and urgent care, and all are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If you need emergency care, we ask that whenever possible you call the medical center to notify us that you will be coming.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an outpatient procedure used to view and examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. There are two main uses of endoscopy: diagnosis and treatment. Upper endoscopy is used to diagnose such conditions as ulcers, hiatal hernias, and other areas of bleeding. In addition to viewing an area, physicians can also take a biopsy sample (a small piece of suspicious tissue) for testing, a procedure that once required major surgery.

Essure Procedure

Called the Essure procedure, this relatively new method is "different than the traditional tubal ligation technique," said Dr. Allison Karun, SCRMC obstetrics/gynecology specialist. "Rather than needing anesthesia and an incision," Karun explained, "we  insert spring-like coils, called micro-inserts, through the body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus) and into the woman's fallopian tubes. During the first three months following the procedure, the woman's body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg." During this period, another form of birth control must be used. "After three months," said Karun," we do a confirmation test using a special type of x-ray to confirm that the tubes are in fact completely blocked, allowing the woman to rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control." Essure is also available along with tubal ligation, which is a clinic procedure to occlude the fallopian tubes to permanently prevent pregnancy.

Unlike birth control pills, patches, rings, and some forms of IUDs, Essure does not contain hormones to interfere with your natural menstrual cycle. Periods should more or less continue in their natural state. The Essure procedure is the first and only FDA-approved female sterilization procedure to have zero pregnancies in the clinical trials. "It's very important to understand that the Essure procedure is permanent and is NOT reversible," said Karun. "Therefore, women should be certain that they do not want children in the future."

Benefits of the Essure procedure:
• Effective: The Essure procedure is 99.80% effective based on four years
   of follow-up.
• There were zero pregnancies in the clinical trials.
• Can be performed in a doctor's office without incisions.
• Quick recovery: The Essure procedure takes very little time; most women
   return to their normal activities within one day.
• No general anesthesia required.
• Short procedure time. The procedure only takes about 35 minutes, and
   most women are on their way in 45 minutes.
• No hormones or silicone.
• Covered by most insurance plans.

For more information: Talk with Dr. Allison Karun, Ob/Gyn or go to www.essure.com. Dr. Karun is also available for consultation on complex issues related to pregnancy, fertility in addition to the prevention of pregnancy.

Eye Care Services at SCRMC 

Mark Lobanoff, MD, David Folden, MD and Jeffrey Sanderson, MD -- all staff of North Suburban Eye Specialists (NSES) work with St. Croix Regional Medical Center and area optometrists to make advanced eye care conveniently available for area residents. Services include advanced diagnostics and many eye surgeries, including cataract surgery as well as testing for glaucoma, cornea, and retinal problems.

Thanks to this partnership, the most advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment is readily available to patients of area optometrists. As a result, those who need more complex care can receive it close to home, knowing that they can return to their own local optometrist for post-surgical follow-up care and for routine “primary” eye care. As a partner in this service, SCRMC created a full-service diagnostic eye room. In this facility, SCRMC Ophthalmologists can examine all parts of the eye, perform laser imaging of the retina, evaluate the structure of the cornea, and treat eye emergencies thanks to some of the world’s most advanced diagnostic technology.

Fertility Management 

The medical center offers information and a variety of services involving fertility management. These services include help for those who are infertile and want to become pregnant, information on various birth control techniques, prescription of oral birth control medicines and other birth control methods. Vasectomies and laparoscopic tubal cauterizations are also performed by medical center physicians.

General Surgical Services

The medical center's comprehensive surgery department offers a wide variety of surgery services. These include C-sections, hysterectomies and laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomies, and laparoscopic surgery for the colon and gallbladder, gastric reflux disease, and tubal ligation. Surgical specialists provide additional services including orthopedics, ophthalmology, urology, spine, gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and podiatry surgeries. Emergency surgery services are available at all times. For the convenience of patients, scheduling for both inpatient and Same Day surgeries are scheduled with the Surgery Scheduling Office. Look under Medical Staff/ Specialists for more information.

Outpatient Surgery Services

Recent advances in surgical techniques and anesthesia have greatly reduced the need for overnight hospitalization. Many procedures and surgeries are now done on a "same day" basis, in which patients return home the same day. Patients are closely monitored and followed throughout their surgical stay and after their discharge from the hospital. Support is provided during home recovery through follow-up phone calls as well as through various home care programs and services.

Health Information

Medical information is available for both patients and the general public at the medical center and online. Resources include brochures on a variety of health care topics such as AIDS, menopause, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The Medical Center also offers on-line computer access to health information on the Internet at www.scrmc.org. Contact SCRMC's Education Department for more information or to request assistance at 715-483-0579.  Krames OnLine provides a wealth of credible health information as do other web links.

Helipad Reduces Transport Time for Critical Patients.

Flight operations began at the SCRMC’s helipad in October 2009 following the construction of the Lloyd Olson Surgery Center. This important service further reduces transport time for critically ill patients who require the services of a trauma or heart center. Literally every minute counts because the risk of death and major complications can be significantly reduced if no more than 90 minutes pass from a patient’s home or local hospital ER to a cardiology center like Regions Hospital where an artery blockage can be cleared.

Hospitalist Care

SCRMC has joined a growing number of hospitals and medical centers across the country providing a higher level of care for their hospitalized patients through what are called Hospitalist programs. Hospitalists are doctors who specialize in the care of hospitalized patients. SCRMC Hospitalists, Drs. Kristen and David Stevens, Internal Medicine specialists, are specifically trained to provide exactly this level of care.

The Hospitalist model has become more common throughout the US because it provides hospital patients with more consistent coverage and the ability to care for more seriously ill patients. Hospitalists are available most of the day in the hospital to meet with family members, to track test results and promptly order necessary follow-up tests, to explain test findings, to answer staff questions, and to address problems and ensure that care is going according to plan. Hospitalists also organize the communication between different providers caring for an individual patient. The Stevens also serve as the point of contact for providers who may have questions or need updates, and they oversee patients’ plan of care. Other providers that support them are Drs. Marsha and Bill Beyer. 

Immunizations

Recognizing how important it is for children to have up-to-date immunizations, the Medical Center provides them for many childhood and adult diseases. These include polio, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough), meningitis, measles, mumps, varicella, and rubella. Additional vaccines are also available as needed, including hepatitis immunizations for teens and adults who need them for work or travel, meningitis immunizations for college students, and college prep immunizations.

Hepatitis B is a standard childhood immunization today, but Hepatitis A is available and definitely recommended, though not required, for everyone down to 1 year of age and for anyone traveling anywhere other than the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Immunizations are recorded with a statewide program (WIR:  Wisconsin Immunization Registry), thus they will always be accessible if needed.

Infection Risk Reduction Services

The Medical Center's Infection Preventionist (IP) Wanda Brown, APRN-CIC, and Emergency Services staff provide emergency consultation and follow-up for blood and body fluid exposures with appropriate education, testing, and vaccinations.  MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) consultation about decolonization is also available from the IP. MRSA is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. The Environmental Services department provides assistance for disposal of medical infectious waste such as needles. Disposal is a service for both hospital patients and area businesses.

Infusion/Chemotherapy Services

Recently redesigned, this expanded outpatient care unit accommodates patients needing specialized care. They include people with severe anemia who need iron supplementation, for example, those with severe osteoporosis, and those in need of higher risk medicines that must be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Four treatment 'bays' and one private room, each with a large window and scenic view, provide a relaxing and private setting for chemotherapy or blood transfusions. A comfortable waiting area and kitchenette are also available for family members or caregivers who transport patients.

Intensive Care Services

St. Croix Regional Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is specifically designed for those who are acutely ill, critically injured, or are recovering from major surgery. The design of the ICU gives quick access to all necessary emergency equipment and provides for close observation and immediate care by the ICU's highly experienced staff and hospitalists.

Internal Medicine 

The medical center's two Internal Medicine specialists, Dr. James Wallace, and Dr. James Kravig, provide care in such areas as diseases of the heart and blood vessels, cancer, diabetes, digestive diseases, hormonal disorders, infections, kidney diseases, respiratory disorders, allergies, blood diseases, and arthritis. They also bring patients an understanding of disease prevention and wellness promotion, women's health, substance abuse, and mental health, as well as effective treatment for more common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.

Lindstrom Physical Rehabilitation

Now patients who need Physical or Occupational Therapy or Sports Medicine may be seen at our new site in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  Located at Scottsdale Center on Hwy 8, the clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 7AM to 5 PM.  Call 651-400-2440 for appointments.

Laboratory Services

With the skill to unlock important medical information, clinical laboratory professionals play a vitally important role in determining the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. This full-service certified High Complexity Laboratory provides area communities, clinics, and hospitals 24/7 availability. Its 30 staff members, made up of Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, and Phlebotomists, have more than 500 combined years of lab experience. Staff provides comprehensive laboratory services in the areas of bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, histology, blood bank, serology, urinalysis, therapeutic drug monitoring, and Lyme's Disease performing over 800,000 tests per year. The lab further provides pathology services for cytology exams, serves as a blood bank resource for area hospitals, and offers direct access for a variety of tests that do not require referral from a provider and that are available on a cash/pay basis.

Massage Therapy, Adult & Infant

More and more Americans are discovering that massage and bodywork have many benefits, including release of chronic muscular tension and pain, improved circulation, increased joint flexibility, reduced mental and physical fatigue and stress, faster healing of injured muscles, improved posture, and lower blood pressure. And health benefits aside, massage simply feels wonderful! Sue Ames-Lillie and Marianne Reis, certified therapeutic massage and bodywork therapists provide services at the medical center. For appointments, call 715-483-0241. They offer very competitive rates and gift certificates are available for purchase.

Infant Massage

Being touched and caressed, being massaged is food for the infant, as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins. St. Croix Regional Medical Center massage therapist, Sue Ames-Lillie, teaches area parents to do infant massage themselves. Classes vary in length and number of sessions, depending on needs, and are kept relatively short, due to the babies' attention spans.To schedule sessions or for more information about infant massage, call the Physical Rehabilitation Department at 715-483-0241. For general information about infant massage, visit the International Association of Infant Massage website at: http://www.iaim.net.

Maternal & Child Health 

St. Croix Regional Medical Center's Birthing Center is among the busiest in the region with over 300 births a year. SCRMC offers a family-centered birth experience, organized around the "LDRP" concept: labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum--all in one, home-like setting. A nurse midwife and thirteen physicians provide delivery coverage and four physicians are available for C-sections, if needed. Special testing is available that includes ultrasound, stress and non-stress tests and amniocentesis. Other services include prenatal and expectant parent classes, choice of birthing styles and alternative birthing options, support persons present at delivery, infant and family care education, rooming-in, a special meal, liberal visitation policies, a breast-feeding support group and a lactation specialist. Discussion of birthing style options, pain management, and tours of the department are not only available but encouraged.
The newborn nursery within the Birthing Center offers care similar to that of a Level II nursery. The advanced training of nursing and providers allows the nursery to accept newborns as a transitional step to returning home. On staff for consultation with local physicians are a full-time in-house pediatrician/internist, Dr. James Wallace, as well as a neonatologist and a perinatologist. For more information on SCRMC's obstetrical staff, birthing facilities, classes, and services, click here.

Lactation Services

The Birth Place at SCRMC is committed to supporting breastfeeding mothers in their decision to breastfeed. Our core team of experienced labor, delivery and postpartum nurses are all Certified Breastfeeding Counselors who are trained to help breastfeeding get off to a good start. Our obstetrics unit supports the initiation of breastfeeding in the hospital setting.

SCRMC also has an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) on staff. Angie Chivers, IBCLC, is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Our IBCLC can do inpatient and outpatient consults and is available by phone and e-mail to all of our patients when they leave the hospital.

Breastfeeding Support Group

The Breastfeeding Support Group meets every Thursday from 2:00-3:30 PM, but private lactation consultations are also available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the Obstetrics Department at 715-483-0576, or Angela Chivers at 715-554-2357.
All nursing mothers and babies are invited to participate and questions addressed include:
       • Why breastfeed
       • How to breastfeed
       • How to return to work or school while breastfeeding
       • When should weaning begin
       • How do you know when baby is getting enough
       • How to overcome obstacles

Medic Alert System/Medi-Mate

Medi-Mate is a 24-hour emergency response system that easily connects to a subscriber's telephone and automatically calls the hospital for help should an emergency arise. The unit can also be activated by remote control. Friends and neighbors are trained as responders, and emergency medical personnel are always available to respond to calls. This system is designed for those who live alone or have limited mobility, and it is available through the hospital, at moderate cost, on a monthly lease basis. For more information or home medical equipment, call Diana Gall 715-483-0267.

Nephrology

SCRMC kidney specialist, Chokchai Chareandee, M.D., FACP, FASN, Nephrology, provides a broad range of nephrology services for area residents. He is an American Society of Hypertension Clinical Hypertension Specialist, and is providing consultation and care for patients with difficult-to-control high blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, chronic kidney diseases, abnormal kidney functions/tests, blood in urine, fluid retention, kidney disease associated with heart failure/ heart disease, abnormal sodium/potassium levels and kidney stones.

Neurology 

Dr. Gurdesh Bedi, a full-time neurologist, specializes in helping patients with disorders of the nervous system. He diagnoses and treats all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effected tissue, such as muscles. As a neurologist, Dr. Bedi also addresses problems with the nerves of the head and neck; muscle strength and movement; balance, reflexes, and sensation, memory, speech, language, and other cognitive abilities. EMG (Electromyography) tests are used in diagnosis. Our EMG technician is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 

Nutrition Consultation Services

Robin Herr, Registered Dietitian and CDE, provides individualized nutrition counseling in such areas as weight management, cholesterol reduction, heart disease, sports nutrition, unintentional weight loss, diabetes, pregnancy, and child nutrition. Robin can be reached at 715-483-0248 for consults and questions.

Nurse Midwife

Care provided by SCRMC’s Certified Nurse Midwife, Kelly Schmidt, C-NM includes obstetrical and birthing care, providing midwifery services for healthy mothers with
normal pregnancies, pre- and post-natal care for mother and baby, well-baby check-ups for newborns, and care for other women’s health issues.

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Dr. Allison Karun, Ob/Gyn specialist, provides a wide range of consulting and surgical services, including care for normal and high risk pregnancies, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, infertility counseling, post menopausal care, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal vault prolapse and incontinence, laparoscopy including laparoscopic hysterectomies, gynecologic surgery. Also available at SCRMC is Essure, a non-surgical permanent female sterilization procedure that has had no pregnancies in clinical trials. For more information, talk with Dr. Karun, ObGyn, or go to: www.essure.com. You may also see Maternal & Child Health Services.

Occupational Health

Despite the best efforts of employees and management, on-the-job accidents still occur. And when they do, Occupational Health staff work closely with both to speed recovery and return to work. Occupational injury services includes prompt access to 24-hour emergency care, expanded urgent/occupational clinic hours, aggressive treatment, programs to facilitate early return to work, immediate reporting to employers, assistance for employers to implement workplace changes (such as light duty or work station modifications), focused management of high-risk, high-cost cases, and coordination among multiple providers. Program staff can also help employers identify health problems and risks, educate employees, decrease workplace injury incidents, and provide wellness programs designed to foster better employee health while improving the bottom line. Occupational Health staff also coordinate employment-related services (including pre-employment physicals, DOT physicals, drug testing, and respirator physicals), and can provide same-day appointments to meet demanding market needs. Located in the Emergency Department, Work Injury Clinic staff sees patients Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome. All other employment related services are by appointment and we provide services at our St. Croix Falls, Unity, Frederic or Webster Clinics. For assistance with Occupational Health issues, call Kathy Weeks at  715-483-0427,  or for an appointment with Wanda Brown, APRN-CIC, call the clinic 800-828-3627.

Ophthalmology/Advanced Eye Care Services:   See Eye Care Services.

 

Orthopedic Treatment and Surgery 

The SCRMC orthopedics team provides a wide range of services, including operative and non-operative treatment options for the musculo-skeletal system. Dr. Glenn Ciegler and Dr. Mark Wikenheiser are board certified orthopedic surgeons with many years of clinical experience.  Jamie Pearson, a certified Physician’s Assistant, works exclusively in the Orthopedic Clinic and Abigale Jeffrey, PA works closely with Dr. Glenn Ciegler of St. Croix Orthopedics. Operative care includes options such as joint replacement surgery, fracture care, arthroscopic procedures and a wide variety of reconstructive procedures for sports injuries and accidental injuries.

Other non-operative therapies are also available from the Sports Medicine Specialist, Dr. Pat McDonough, our Pain Clinic and Physical Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine staff. For appointments and questions, call 715-483-0590. 

Pacemaker/Cardiac Defibrillator Services

St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Regions Hospital of St. Paul officially joined hands in a program called St. Croix Heart to bring a much broader range of cardiology care, non-invasive cardiology and electrophysiology care to the area. Click here to learn more about heart care at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.
This program now provides pacemaker and internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) services designed to provide comprehensive follow-up for people with pacemakers and defibrillators (there are no limitations regarding any brand or type of device). Our Device Clinic is staffed by Kathy Lade, RN and Kelly Mavetz, RN on a weekly basis and they can manage all types of pacemakers and internal defibrillators without requiring a trip out of the area. Patients can see St. Croix Heart staff regularly in order to evaluate the status of their device and to optimize its function. No longer do area residents with these devices need to drive to the Twin Cities to have their pacemaker or defibrillator checked.

Regions Hospital cardiologist, Dr. Glenn Nickele, Dr. Stephen Riendl and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Michael Kim, are at St. Croix Regional Medical Center during pacemaker clinic hours to help patients who have a concern about their medications or who want to discuss other questions.
Anyone wishing to transfer the service/care of their pacemaker or defibrillator device should contact Kelly Mavetz, RN at St. Croix Regional Medical Center (715-483-0310 or 800-642-1336, Ext. 2310). She can help review current maintenance/check-up schedules and assist in scheduling pacemaker and defibrillator evaluations.

Patient Education

SCRMC staff offers all patients individualized education sessions which provide them with health information and help in making responsible and informed decisions about their health care. Among the many topics covered include: asthma, emphysema, blood glucose self-monitoring, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, nutrition analysis/counseling, and Cesarean birth. Call the hospital or clinic for more information on health topics, education programs, and classes. Patients may also request information via phone or see our website at www.scrmc.org.

Pediatrics  

Clinic and hospital services for children are available under the guidance of a full-time pediatrician/internist, Dr. James Wallace, and family practice providers. See our website for a complete list or call 715-483-0247 to request a resource directory.

Pharmacy

The SCRMC Pharmacy provides all medications and full support to each SCRMC clinic patient, all hospital inpatients, and all patients in our Emergency, Obstetrics and Surgery departments, and for the Oncology/Infusion Center.  Pharmacy staff mix all intravenous medications in a suite of rooms designed specifically for this purpose and according to federal standards.

Pharmacists are available 24 hours daily to ensure the safety and efficacy of all medications, which includes double checking the dose ordered by the doctor and other providers, and checking for allergies, side effects, and drug interactions to ensure proper use of each medication. SCRMC Pharmacy monitors labs for all drugs that have narrow therapeutic windows and provides drug information to all doctors, other providers, and nurses.

For many years, the surrounding area pharmacies have provided our communities with professional service delivered in a friendly, helpful way.All of these facilities have staffing that includes pharmacists who understand your needs and can answer the questions you may have about your medications or your prescriptions.

 Pharmacy staff can assist patients who have limited resources to pay with securing medications and provide limited medications free of charge to employees. They work closely with retail pharmacists for the benefit of patients in the region.

Rehabilitation Services

The Rehabilitation Services staff provides individualized patient treatment with staff members working closely with patients to develop a personalized program to improve their functioning and quality of life.

Physical Therapy Services

Physical Therapists provide treatment to both inpatients and outpatients. Early treatment contributes to a quicker recovery and helps patients achieve their level of maximum functioning. Services include evaluation and treatment of neurological disorders, orthopedic post-surgical problems, sports injuries, work injuries, developmental disabilities, general sprains, strains and spinal and repetitive motion injuries. Physical therapy can also help in such areas as pain relief, building strength and flexibility/range of motion, increasing endurance, stress/tension/headaches, and improving balance and coordination. Therapy and training is also available for bladder incontinence. The Physical Therapy department also provides staff for home health agencies, local schools, and many community programs.

Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapists help people of all ages achieve the physical, cognitive, and behavioral skills needed to return to normal daily activities. Services include: functional capacity evaluations (FCE), job task testing for successful return to work, fabrication of upper extremity splints, recommendations for special life-skills techniques and adaptive equipment, treatment of upper body and hand injuries, use of splints and prostheses, use of adaptive equipment and techniques to promote independence and safety in home and work environments, promotion of successful return to work through physical performance testing/functional capacity evaluations, and home and work site analyses to promote safety and self-sufficiency. Other services include crossbow testing per DNR standards, treatment of upper extremity and hand injuries, and therapy to build range of motion, strength and coordination.

Speech Therapy Services

Communication problems are caused by a variety of diseases, disorders, and illnesses. At the medical center, a certified speech therapist provides speech, language, and dysphasia evaluation and treatment services along with counseling to children and adults on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. Speech therapists help with such areas as stuttering; articulation; vocal abuse; developing communication devices for those who have problems speaking; language training to improve communication, comprehension, and reading skills; oral rehabilitation for those who are hearing impaired or deaf; cognitive functioning to improve orientation, memory, reasoning and problem solving; and swallowing difficulties (including providing video studies through Radiology).

Podiatry/Therapeutic Shoe Program

Podiatrists specialize in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the feet, ankles and lower limbs. Podiatric care includes relief of pain from foot deformities, injuries, and wounds; prescription and provision of orthotics to re-align foot or leg imbalances; and preventive care for conditions that affect foot health such as diabetes, poor circulation, and arthritis. Podiatrist Danielle Redburn provides a broad range of podiatry evaluation, testing, care, and treatment, including: treatment of all conditions of the feet and ankles, including bunions and hammertoes, diabetic foot care and limb salvage, chronic wounds, fractures, sports injuries. Dr. Redburn’s areas of special interest include: wound care, sports injuries, diabetic foot care, bunions, hammertoes, and forefoot and rear-foot reconstructive surgery.

Therapeutic Shoe Program for Diabetics

SCRMC’s Therapeutic Shoe Program is Medicare coverage for footwear (shoes and shoe inserts) for those with diabetes who meet certain qualifications, such as foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, neuropathy, numbness in the feet, and poor circulation. Over 50,000 foot amputations—often caused by incorrect or poorly fitting footwear—occur among those with diabetes each year. This valuable program can help those with diabetes protect their feet from such complications as calluses, ulcers, and amputation because therapeutic shoes are deeper and wider than regular shoes and, most importantly, they are custom fitted for each individual’s feet. For an appointment, ask for Dr. Danielle Redburn, or Robin Herr, Certified Diabetic Educator

Psychiatry

Levi Leong, MD offers a broad range of psychiatric services for adults and children. “Most importantly,” he says, “I would like people to see me as a resource who can help patients take better care of themselves. It’s very gratifying to guide people in managing depression and anxiety,” he says, and he sees his office as a sanctuary where patients can talk about anything and never feel judged. “When they are comfortable, we can begin to analyze the problems they may feel overwhelmed by.” For Levi, counseling is always at least a part of any encounter. He acknowledges that medicines can help, but they’re not a panacea. People won't stay better without making changes and taking responsibility for getting better that can be scary, freeing, and empowering.

Psychology Services:  See Behavioral Health Services

Pulmonology

A branch of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, lung fibroses, environmentally caused lung disease, and sleep disorders. SCRMC provides patients with a broad range of Pulmonology services, including on-site lung function testing. Lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs) evaluate how well a person's lungs work. The tests can determine how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out, and how well your lungs add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from your blood. They help doctors and other medical staff diagnose lung diseases, measure the severity of lung injury/damage, and determine the most appropriate treatment. PFTs are most commonly used for asthma, lung damage from smoking (COPD/emphysema), and pulmonary fibrosis (scaring).

SCRMC’s Pulmonology services have Board Certified Sleep Physicians who evaluate a patients’ sleep study, do follow up patient care and recommend treatment. A Pulmonary Clinic is offered once a week. MD’s are specialists in Pulmonary Care. 

Respiratory Care Services

Our licensed respiratory care practitioners provide services to people of all ages with acute and chronic lung disease. This 24-hour service includes diagnostic evaluation and treatment of respiratory problems, patient and community education, a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program, an on-site Sleep Disorder clinic (Sleep Lab) under the direction of a Board Certified Sleep Physician, and an ongoing asthma program.

Rheumatology

As a rheumatologist, a subspecialty of Internal Medicine, Dr. Semi Ayub specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems and diseases such as arthritis, that affect the body's musculoskeletal system, including joints and soft tissues as well as certain autoimmune diseases, vasculitis and connective tissue disorders.  She regularly sees patients who have new or chronic musculoskeletal complaints, including problems in the shoulders, hips and knees.

Sclerotherapy for ‘Spider Veins’

For many people, spider veins -- a common, mild form of varicose veins - are primarily a cosmetic concern since, from a medical standpoint, they seldom cause any harm or damage. Sclerotherapy, a common and long-proven treatment for spider veins, doesn't require a hospital stay or require a long, uncomfortable recovery. In this procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject spider veins with a solution that scars and closes them. Within a few weeks, treated veins have generally faded. Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once, sclerotherapy is quite effective, doesn't require anesthesia, and can be done in a doctor's office. After the treatment, most patients are able to drive themselves home and resume regular daily activities. For information or appointments for this procedure, ask for Dr. Claudio Nunes, General Surgeon. See “Varicose Veins” for more information.

Sleep Clinic

Having difficulty falling asleep? Is your sleep often restless? Experiencing overwhelming daytime drowsiness and “sleep attacks”? Does your snoring interfere with a spouse or partner’s sleep? These and similar symptoms may be signs of a treatable sleep disorder, and at St. Croix Regional Medical Center’s newly expanded Sleep Clinic, such problems are regularly diagnosed and treated.

Sleep problems can be much more than an annoyance. According to the program’s Clinical Coordinator, Rick Johnson, RRT, untreated sleep disorders can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other medical conditions. They also have been linked to increased injury risk due to falls and car accidents. “In general, people aren't aware of their breathing and movements while sleeping,” Johnson explained,” and as a result, they may never consider talking to a health care provider about sleep—and health-related issues that might be linked to their sleep problems.

The Sleep Disorders Program (Sleep Lab) offers a number of day and night time sleep studies, including the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) to diagnose narcolepsy, for example, the Polysomnogram (PST) to diagnose sleep apnea, and the Awakefulness Maintenance Test (AWT).St. Croix Regional Medical Center’s private sleep rooms are spacious, very quiet, and furnished much like one’s home bedroom.

Sleep Clinic staff suggest talking with a health care provider if you snore regularly or feel very tired while at work or school most days of the week. You also may want to seek help if you often have trouble falling or staying asleep, or if you wake and can’t go back to sleep, these can be signs of a sleep disorder.
Administered by Registered Sleep Technologists, sleep studies are typically done on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, with patients checking in between 8:00 and 9:00 PM and staying until the following morning. Some studies, for symptoms of narcolepsy, for example, are carried out during the day. Wait times are minimal, and referrals are accepted from any health care provider.

Social Services/Discharge Planning

The Social Services Department works with patients and their families to provide professional counseling, referral, discharge planning services, and consultation with the hospital and clinic health care team. They also offer special support groups for issues of grief, Alzheimer’s, and hold classes to assist with the preparation of Advance Directives. For information, call Bonnie Prazak, Social Worker, at 715-483-0272 or see the website for a current list at www.scrmc.org.

Sports Medicine for Area Schools

St. Croix Regional Sports Medicine is now providing injury prevention and care to our area’s young athletes. This comprehensive new program embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to care that involves sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeon, a podiatrist, and a dietician. Staff focuses on such concerns as sports-related nutrition and hydration, preparation and training, conditioning and injury prevention, rehabilitation, and care while always keeping in mind the overall condition of the individual. Staff provides optimal injury management and safe return to performance for those with sports-related injuries. This program enables area youth and active adults to meet their sports-related health care needs locally. Each staff member is dedicated to helping area athletes, as well as active (and ‘becoming” active) adults, avoid injuries while providing an informative and motivational environment for those who do become injured.

The medical center also provides clinics for coaches to address such areas as nutrition for athletes, prevention of heat injuries, concussion evaluation and management, stretching and conditioning programs, general principles in evaluating on-field injuries, preparation for serious injuries, appropriate guidelines for rehabilitation, and methods for speeding return to participation.

Sports Medicine Care for Adults and Children with Sports or Workplace or Musculoskeletal Injuries.

In addition to his role with the Sports Medicine team, the program’s Medical Director, Patrick McDonough, MD, also works with two general groups of adults. “The first,” he explained, “is men and women who are relatively active–the ‘weekend warriors,’ who are trying to stay active but who have had injuries over time. In the other group,” he continues, “are people who haven’t been very active but would like to be more so--and who need some guidance in doing that without injuring themselves or exacerbating a pre-existing condition.” McDonough also works with individuals who’ve had workplace injuries as well as with athletes referred to him through the Sports Medicine Services program. “We know so much more today about the many benefits we can derive from staying active,” said McDonough. “This is true for anyone, athlete or not, who wants to stay healthy.” For information, call Rehabilitation Services at 715-483-0241 or speak with your provider.

For more information on concussions, see “Concussion Testing."

Swing Bed Program

The Swing Bed program is designed to serve as a transition between acute hospital care and the patient's discharge to home or a long-term care setting. Medicare patients who meet criteria for physical rehabilitation or skilled nursing services after acute hospital care may qualify for the swing bed program. Speak with Bonnie Prazak, Social Worker, if you have questions or to request admission to the Swing Bed Program.

Tobacco Cessation Program

Quitting tobacco use is not easy, but it can be done, and stopping smoking represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives. No matter what your age or how long you've smoked or chewed, quitting will help you live longer. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently estimated that adult male smokers lost an average of 13.2 years of life and female smokers lost 14.5 years of life because of smoking.

To have the best chance of quitting successfully you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. SCRMC's smoking/chewing cessation program is not a ‘one size fits all’ program. Instead, Wanda Brown, APRN-CIC and Nicotine Cessation Counselor, helps clients create their own plan to quit. Individuals choose a method to quit and then learn how to stay tobacco-free once they've stopped. NOPE is a new ‘word strategy’ for support: Not One Puff Ever!

Components of an individualized plan can include behavior modification techniques, stress reduction techniques, relapse prevention strategies, medication prescription, and educational videos. Many health insurance policies including Medicare and Medicaid now cover this type of tobacco cessation program. If YOU want to quit tobacco use, please contact St. Croix Regional Medical Center for information or to make an appointment. Call 715-483-3221 or 800-828-3627 and ask for Wanda Brown, APRN-CIC, for a Nicotine Cessation visit.

Travel Immunization Program

Traveling outside the United States? Our clinics have the immunization requirements for travel to any country in the world, as well as the appropriate vaccines. This program is listed on the World Wide Web as an official international travel immunization facility.

Urgent Care

Twisted ankle? Allergic reaction? Painful earache? Our Urgent Care physicians are ready to help if you're sick or injured, you can't wait for a routine appointment, and your family provider is unavailable. Just call St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Our Urgent Care staff will give you the care you and your family need with little or no delay. Thanks to our Same-Day Scheduling program, patients can make an appointment to see a family provider any day during clinic hours. When the clinics are closed, Urgent Care is provided from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday through Friday and 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday and 10:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday.

Urology

SCRMC's full-time urology specialist, Dr. Wendy Nunes, offers a broad range of urology evaluation, testing, care and treatment, including: pediatric and adult general urology, urologic oncology, stone disease, bladder control/incontinence, sexual dysfunction, infertility, laparoscopic, endo-urologic procedures, and trauma care. Dr. Nunes also works closely with the medical center's physical therapy staff to provide expert help for women and men with bladder control problems using a valuable new tool: biofeedback. "Our goal is to provide a full range of state-of-the-art evaluation and treatment options to improve the quality of life for those with bladder control problems," Nunes explains. "Even relatively minor steps on the part of a urologist can have a significant and positive impact on a person's life and lifestyle."

Varicose Veins and Leg Pain: Better Solutions

VNUS Closure® is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure that treats the discomfort, swelling, fatigue, and appearance of varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain. Closure® patients can walk away from the procedure and be back to everyday activities - either at home or at work - typically within a day. Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, Closure® treatment provides many benefits, including: quicker recovery, improved comfort/less pain, no overnight hospitalization necessary, 98% national success rate and lifelong results. Find out if the Closure® procedure is right for you by calling the Medical Center's St. Croix Falls Clinic. Dr. Claudio Nunes, General Surgeon, provides this procedure. See Sclerotherapy for ‘spider veins’ for more information.

Wireless Internet Access

St. Croix Regional Medical Center has long offered computer stations with Internet access for patients, their family members, and other visitors. This service, however, is no longer confined to specific stations thanks to a new, building-wide WiFi (wireless) Internet system. With this system, families in the OB unit for the birth of a child, for example, could use a laptop to upload digital photos of their newborn and send them to friends and family soon after the birth. Family and friends visiting or staying with loved ones in the hospital, too, may want to use the wireless system to search for information on the Internet, to read or send email, or to even do a bit of work. IT staff at the medical center have also taken steps to ensure that the wireless system is both well monitored and secure.

Wound Care Program

Wounds are common problems, but caring for them, especially those that heal very slowly, can be a challenge. The Total Wound Clinic is specifically designed for individuals who have problem wounds. According to SCRMC’s General Surgeon, Dr. Claudio Nunes, who works with and oversees the program, such wounds have various causes, including trauma, surgery, severe laceration, pressure sores, infection, ulcers, problem skin grafts and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and vascular disease. Problem wounds are also challenging because many patients and their caretakers are intimidated by them and are often unable to manage their care adequately.

Patients work on-site with a team of providers who are highly skilled in caring for these complex wounds. Staff provides comprehensive nutritional, vascular, and general health evaluations for each patient to identify and treat conditions that may be associated with difficult healing. Because good nutrition is critical for healing, SCRMC’s Dietician, Robin Herr, works closely with each patient to ensure that they receive the appropriate amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals he/she needs.

Once a patient’s evaluation is completed, the program team implements a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses the underlying causes of the patient’s condition. Highly specialized treatments include negative pressure therapy and vacuum assisted closure, bio-engineered artificial skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic wound beds, growth factor therapies, ultrasound, surgical debriedment, ultraviolet light, and electrical stimulation. Of equal importance, Total Wound Clinic staff teaches patients and their caregivers how to care for and change dressings to avoid infection. The Wound Care team’s goal is to achieve complete healing as quickly as possible and to prevent recurrence of the wound.  For more information, call 715-483-0241.