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ACMC in the News 02/03/12 - ACMC achieves MGMA ‘Better Performer' Status for Operational Performance The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2011 Report Based on 2010 Data identified Affiliated Community Medical Centers as a "better performer" because of superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide. The MGMA designates a superior rating as a "better performer." ACMC was recognized as a "better performer" for its achievements in productivity, capacity, and staffing, and also its performance in the area of profitability and cost management. This marks the third consecutive year that ACMC has been recognized by the MGMA. This achievement is the result of a continuous focus on growing and maintaining access to quality healthcare providers, as well as strategic use of technology to control costs without sacrificing patient care. "The physicians and employees of ACMC consider it a privilege to serve the health care needs of West Central and Southwest Minnesota," said Terry Tone, Administrator of ACMC. "Our ongoing commitment to quality, operational efficiency and patient satisfaction is reinforced by this recognition from MGMA. We are pleased to be included among such a successful assembly of peer groups." The MGMA report, a benchmarking standard among medical groups for more than a decade, was produced using data from respondents to the MGMA Cost Survey: 2011 Reports Based on 2010 Data as well as data from a questionnaire that assessed management behaviors, practices and procedures of better performers. The report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; patient satisfaction; and managed care operations. 01/31/12 - Dr. Daniel Lister Receives Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Subspecialty 
Recently, Daniel Lister, M.D., ACMC Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, earned his subspecialty certification in Orthopaedics Sports Medicine from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. "This distinction certification represents the highest level of achievement in Sports Medicine within the realm of Orthopaedic Surgery," said Dr. David Newcomer, ACMC Medical Director. "This is a distinguished certification in the sports medicine field and we are very proud of Dr. Lister for achieving this in his career." To earn subspecialty certification, each physician must have actively practiced orthopaedic sports medicine for at least two years in the same location following the completion of any formal education. In addition they are required to document and perform over 115 surgical cases related to sports medicine, as well as pass a comprehensive written examination. Dr. Lister has been with Affiliated Community Medical Centers since May 2010. To schedule an appointment, please call 320-231-5021. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) is the certification arm for orthopaedic surgeons. The ABOS provides subspecialty certifications in hand, spine and sports medicine. The ABOS certification is based on the highest quality standards in present day orthopaedic surgery. 01/24/12 - DHS Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Award honors ACMC-Litchfield for diabetes care ACMC-Litchfield received a statewide honor Friday from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for its team approach to caring for a growing client population with diabetes. The ACMC-Litchfield East Clinic was one of 11 organizations and individuals honored Friday by Commissioner Lucinda Jesson for their "outstanding contributions" to human services program clients, according to a news release from the department.
The clinic and its staff members were cited for providing optimal diabetes care. The Minnesota Community Measurement Health Care Disparities Report noted that the clinic's rate for optimal diabetes care was higher than the average clinic rate for Minnesota Health Care Programs enrollees. Jesson said the Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Award winners stand out among the many individuals and organizations on the front lines throughout the state, providing critical human services programs and promoting healthy and productive communities. "These award winners are outstanding examples of how, collectively, we foster healthy people, stable families and strong communities," Jesson said. "By shining a light on their work, we honor all our partners in human services." The recipients of the Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards were recognized at a ceremony at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. 01/16/12 - Dr. Samuel Camp Earns Board Certification in Family Medicine 
ACMC is pleased to announce that Samuel Camp, M.D., a Family Medicine physician in Willmar, has earned board certification in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Certification involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine. Dr. Camp joined ACMC's team in February 2011. Specialists in Family Medicine are devoted to providing personal, comprehensive and continuing health care for people of all ages. The mission of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is to promote excellence in medical care through educational and scientific initiatives. Through successful performance on the examination, Dr. Camp has exhibited a level of mastery of medical knowledge worthy of recognition as a specialist in Family Medicine. 01/09/12 - Dr. Louay Hanna Earns Board Certification in Medical Oncology 
ACMC is proud to announce that Louay Hanna, M.D., a physician at the Willmar Regional Cancer Center in Willmar, has successfully completed the examination process and has earned board certification in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Certification demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for excellent patient care. Dr. Hanna is also board certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Hanna joined ACMC and the Willmar Regional Cancer Center as a Medical Oncologist in July 2011. A Medical Oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They oversee the use of chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer. Dr. Hanna coordinates care with other specialists such as surgeons and radiation oncologists. Medical Oncology is one of 19 subspecialties certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. 01/03/12 - Occupational Hand Therapist Joins ACMC-Willmar 
ACMC in Willmar welcomes Mary Nesset, OTR/L, an occupational therapist who specializes in hand therapy. Mary received her Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of North Dakota. She has extensive experience working as an Occupational Therapist for the past four decades, with a special focus on treating individuals with hand concerns and disorders during the last 10 years. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed as an Occupational Therapist in Minnesota. Nesset is also a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists. Patients seeking treatment for hand injuries including sprains, carpal tunnel, fractures, arthritis, nerve compression and tendonitis, can contact their health care provider for a referral. 12/28/11 - Stacey Dahl Earns Diabetes Educator Certification 
The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) announced that Stacey Dahl, RN, CDE, a Registered Nurse in the Willmar Diabetes Center and the Health Learning Center at ACMC, achieved Certified Diabetes Educator® status by successfully completing the Certification Exam for Diabetes Educators. Candidates must meet rigorous eligibility requirements to be able to take the examination. Achieving certification status demonstrates to people with diabetes and employers that she possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for people with diabetes. Stacey provides diabetes education to patients in Litchfield and Willmar. 12/21/11 - Dr. Leah Schammel Earns Board Certification in Dermatology 
ACMC is pleased to announce that Leah M. Schammel, D.O., a physician with ACMC-Willmar and ACMC-Marshall, has successfully completed the examination process and has become a certified Diplomate of The American Board of Dermatology. Certification represents dedication to the highest level of quality in patient care. Dr. Schammel has practiced as a Dermatologist with ACMC since August 2011. A Dermatologist is trained to evaluate and manage pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, hair and nails. Dr. Schammel provides a full range of medical and surgical services including treatment of skin allergies and diseases of all types. The mission of the American Board of Dermatology is to serve the public interest by promoting excellence in the practice of dermatology through lifelong certification. 12/14/11 - Dr. Timothy Michals Earns Board Certification in Pediatrics 
ACMC is proud to announce that Timothy P. Michals, M.D., a physician with ACMC-Marshall, has successfully completed the examination process and has become a certified Diplomate of The American Board of Pediatrics. Certification represents dedication to the highest level of professionalism in patient care. Dr. Michals has practiced as an Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (Med/Peds) physician with ACMC since September 2011. He offers comprehensive medical care for all age groups including infants, children, adolescents and adults. The American Board of Pediatrics is an independent, nonprofit organization whose certificate is recognized throughout the world as a credential signifying a high level of physician competence. Through successful performance on the examination, Dr. Michals has exhibited a level of mastery of medical knowledge worthy of recognition as a specialist in Pediatrics. 12/09/11 - Nurse Practitioner Joins ACMC-Willmar Neurology 
Nurse Practitioner, Jenell R. Mitteness, RN, MSN, CNP, recently joined ACMC-Willmar in the department of Neurology. Jenell comes to ACMC from her most recent position at the Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic in St. Cloud. She previously worked in the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services in Willmar, and as a Unit Coordinator at Rice Memorial Hospital. She will work closely with Neurologist, Dr. Merlin Nelson, in the ACMC-Willmar main clinic. 11/30/11 - New General Surgeon to Join ACMC-Marshall 
ACMC is pleased to announce that Jacob Juta, M.D., a specialist in General Surgery, will begin practicing at ACMC-Marshall in December 2011. He joins ACMC-Marshall's surgical team of Dr. Gordon Bos and Dr. Robert Kruger, offering advanced surgical care services for people in SW Minnesota. Dr. Juta received his BA in Biology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and his Medical Degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. He recently completed his Surgical Residency at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. "Dr. Juta is a welcome addition to our roster of accomplished and respected surgeons," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, President and CEO of ACMC. "We are proud of our surgical specialists practicing in Marshall. They really care about their patients and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care possible." Dr. Juta lives in Marshall and will be a full-time general surgery resource for the community. 11/22/11 - Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith Appointed to ABD Curriculum Committee 
ACMC Dermatologist, Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith, has been appointed to the Procedural Dermatology Curriculum Committee of the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). The ABD is responsible for establishing requirements for post-doctoral training in Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Clinical and Laboratory Dermatological Immunology, Pediatric Dermatology, and Procedural Dermatology. As a member of this curriculum committee Dr. Smith is responsible for helping develop surgical content for certifying and re-certifying examinations and will serve a three year term. Dr. Smith has practiced Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at ACMC for 21 years, and is also an adjunct Professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology. She is active in dermatologic advocacy and education locally, state-wide and nation-wide. 11/16/11 - 2011 Medical Student Scholarship Recipients Announced Congratulations to the recipients of the 2011 Medical Student Scholarship awards! Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) recognizes the importance of educating the health care professionals of tomorrow. With the ongoing shortages in healthcare personnel, ACHF scholarships offer financial support to students committed to a health care profession. For more information on our medical scholarships, visit www.acmc.com/scholarships.
11/03/11 - New Pain Medicine Specialist to Join ACMC-Willmar 
ACMC is happy to announce that Bruce W. Keppen, M.D., a specialist in Pain Medicine, will join their multi-specialty healthcare team in December 2011. Dr. Keppen received his Medical Degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. He completed his Residency in Anesthesiology with Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, MN, and his Fellowship in Pain Management at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He comes to Willmar from his most recent position in Nebraska. As a specialist in Pain Medicine, Dr. Keppen diagnoses and treats a variety of pain-related disorders with the goal of improving the patients' overall quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's specific needs. 10/31/11 - ACMC-Marshall Adds Nuclear Medicine Services ACMC-Marshall recently added a new tool to their imaging services. Nuclear Medicine is a safe, painless, and cost-effective way of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable or require a more expensive and risky diagnostic test. Nuclear Medicine determines the cause of a medical problem based on the function of the organ, tissue or bone. It is commonly used to analyze the thyroid gland, lungs, gallbladder, kidneys, bones and gastrointestinal organs. Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease long before some medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic tests. This early detection allows a disease to be treated early in its course when there may be a better prognosis. "Nuclear Medicine involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials (or tracers) that are injected or ingested into the body," said ACMC Radiation Safety Officer, Kari Westby. "The Nuclear Medicine camera detects this tracer and sends images of the body part being studied to a special computer. Each tracer is formulated and ordered specifically for each individual patient and exam being performed. The ability to customize each dose results in very minimal radiation exposure." ACMC-Marshall chose to add Nuclear Medicine due to the steady growth of new physicians and specialists in the clinic over the last few years. ACMC-Marshall's imaging center is continuously striving to meet the demands of its growing physician team and patient population. Providing advanced imaging techniques offers patients access to procedures they may otherwise have to travel for. The recent addition of Nuclear Medicine will offer providers valuable information in a timely manner. Providers will couple the Nuclear Medicine results with other tests and procedures that have been done at ACMC to make a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient's symptoms. The addition of Nuclear Medicine also offers opportunities for ACMC to add additional advanced procedures and tests in the future. 10/28/11 - Judy Raske Receives 2011 ASCP Regional Member Award 
Judy Raske, MLS(ASCP)CM, Laboratory Technical Supervisor, ACMC-Willmar, has been awarded the 2011 American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Regional Member Award for the North Central Region. ASCP established the Regional Member Awards in 1993 as a way to recognize laboratory professional members for their commitment to the profession. One award is given annually in each of the eight U.S. regions. Recipients must be ASCP members actively engaged in their region in laboratory management, research or education endeavors. The award was presented to Judy during the 2011 Annual Meeting/World Association of the Societies of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine XXVI World Congress in Las Vegas last week. The American Society for Clinical Pathology ASCP) is the world's largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals. Their mission is to provide excellence in education, certification and advocacy on behalf of patients, pathologists and laboratory professionals across the globe. With more than 100,000 members, the society's influence has guided the application and evolution of the pathology and laboratory medicine specialty since 1922. 10/24/11 - Former ACMC RPAP Student, Sarah Eisenschenk, Receives Achievement Award 
Sarah Eisenschenk was named recipient of the "RPAP Student Achievement Award" for the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) Class of 2010-11. This award is given to an outstanding Rural Physician Associate Program student at the completion of the program year. Excellence in academic accomplishment as measured by evaluations from preceptors, University and RPAP faculty, as well as noteworthy community involvement is the criteria on which the selection is based. As an RPAP student, Sarah spent 9 months of her third year (first clinical year) in a rural area with a rural physician preceptor. These preceptors mentor students in the professional and personal aspects of being a physician.
Sarah's Preceptor, Dr. Richard Wehseler, ACMC-New London/Spicer, nominated her for this award. The following are some comments from his nomination letter: "Sarah made numerous contributions to our clinic and community. Her contributions with regards to patient care were significant for doing home visits for some of our hospice patients. An example of this was that she spent most of one evening with a family at their residence as they were transitioning their elderly mother into hospice care. She helped them greatly through this process." "Sarah's clinic care of our patients was excellent. Her exam skills, history taking and differential diagnosis development was very good. More important than that, was her ability to bond with patients and families. It was nice to see that by the end of Sarah’s time with us, families were routinely asking to see her and were asking about her availability when she was not present. I routinely now, have patients ask me for updates on her progress." He concluded, "If any of you have a chance to meet Sarah, you will very quickly recognize her zeal for community based family medicine. Any of us will be fortunate to have Sarah as a colleague when she finishes training." Congratulations to Sarah on this outstanding accomplishment with RPAP and our best wishes for her successful future in medicine. RPAP was established in 1971 to encourage students to practice in rural areas throughout Minnesota. Over 1,000 students have participated in the program, and two out of three former students practice in Minnesota, two out of three practice in rural locations, and four out of five are in primary care. 10/20/11 - Dr. Richard Wehseler Honored with Physician Excellence Award 
ACMC is pleased to announce the selection of ACMC-New London/Spicer physician, Dr. Richard Wehseler, as the recipient of the Fourth Annual ACMC Physician Excellence Award. ACMC created this distinguished award to annually honor an outstanding ACMC physician for his or her leadership, innovation, clinical knowledge and dedication to our patients and the communities we serve. Nominees for this award are selected by their peers. This year's nominations included Dr. Richard Wehseler, ACMC-New London/Spicer, Dr. Glenn Buchanan, ACMC-Willmar and Dr. Richard Horecka, ACMC-Benson. ACMC's Board of Directors has the final, difficult decision, of selecting a winner based on the individual's contributions and accomplishments. "Dr Wehseler received several nominations from colleagues for this award," said ACMC Medical Director, Dr. David Newcomer. "He is a smart, caring, yet humble doctor, who is a great teacher and a strong leader in our clinic system and the community. ACMC is proud to honor Dr. Wehseler with the 2011 Physician Excellence Award."
Dr. Wehseler's contributions to his community also go above-and-beyond the typical citizen. He truly gives his personal time to help others. Dr. Wehseler received a crystal statue and a donation to the charity of his choice. His name and photograph will be placed on a public plaque along with past and future award winners. 10/10/11 - ACMC Dietitian, Amy Salo, Co-Authors Article 
Amy Salo, MS, RD, LD, CDE, a registered dietitian in the ACMC Bariatrics and Weight Control Center and the Willmar Diabetes Center, was a co-author of an article published in the September 2011 "Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews." The article titled, "Relationship of Vitamin D Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents," reviewed literature to determine the relationship between low serum vitamin D status and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. 09/20/11 - ACMC Purchases Land in Marshall for New Medical Clinic Location ACMC has completed the purchase of land for a new ACMC-Marshall medical clinic. The property is an open land parcel south of the ACMC-Marshall Market Street Mall Clinic, next to the present K-mart. The location offers convenient access off Highway 23 for all patients of our greater southwestern region. According to ACMC-Marshall Site Manager Shana Zahrbock, the Clinic's Board of Directors has approved the construction of a new medical clinic. Details about the facility are still being finalized, and a timeline for construction is in the works. "There has been an increased demand for healthcare services at ACMC in Marshall," said Zahrbock. "We continue to add new providers to meet this demand, and have reached a point where we are simply out of space. This will give us the opportunity to locate our very busy primary care and multiple specialists together into one common location. ACMC is excited about our continued growth and the potential our new clinic will have for the community." The building of a new clinic coincides with the 25th anniversary of ACMC in Marshall. The professional staff of Doctor's Plaza, P.A. and Affiliated Community Medical Centers merged in 1987. At the time, the physicians and staff made the decision to merge with ACMC to increase and improve patient care services here in Marshall and facilitate their ability to offer the best modern and sophisticated care for the people in Marshall and the surrounding communities. Today, ACMC-Marshall has grown to 25 physicians and mid-level practitioners, featuring on-site and visiting providers in 19 specialties, with 120 support staff. The heart of ACMC is providing compassionate, quality care for our patients. 09/19/11 - Dr. John Skretvedt Earns Board Certification in Family Medicine 
ACMC is proud to announce that John P. Skretvedt, M.D., a Family Medicine physician with ACMC-Willmar, has successfully completed the examination process and has become a certified Diplomate of The American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Skretvedt has practiced as a Family Medicine physician with ACMC since December 2010. He offers comprehensive medical care for families as a whole, and as individual members, caring for patients from birth to advanced age. The mission of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is to promote excellence in medical care through educational and scientific initiatives. Through successful performance on the examination, Dr. Skretvedt has exhibited a level of mastery of medical knowledge worthy of recognition as a specialist in Family Medicine. 09/12/11 - Dr. Robin Javaherian Earns Board Certification in Family Medicine 
ACMC is proud to announce that Robin A. Javaherian, M.D., a physician in ACMC-Willmar's Urgent Care department, has successfully completed the examination process and has become a certified Diplomate of The American Board of Family Medicine.
A physician at ACMC-Willmar since 2009, Dr. Javaherian offers urgent care services for patients who need immediate medical attention. Urgent Care treats most minor medical problems such as cuts, bruises, simple fractures, sprains or strains, minor infections, fevers or illness. The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is the second largest medical specialty board in the United States. Through certification and maintenance of certification programs the ABFM pursues its mission by establishing, maintaining, and measuring high standards of excellence in the specialty of Family Medicine. 09/08/11 - Charles Ulrich, M.D. Appointed Medical Director National Pancreas Foundation MN Chapter 
ACMC Gastroenterologist, Charles Ulrich, M.D., was recently appointed Medical Director for the newly formed Minnesota Chapter of The National Pancreas Foundation. The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) is a private, non-profit organization established to support the funding of research related to pancreatic diseases. It also provides support for the men, women and children who are suffering from diseases of the pancreas. The Minnesota Chapter of NPF is a joint effort between ACMC, Mayo Clinic and The University of Minnesota, and will continue the NPF work locally. The first patient and physician education event for the Minnesota Chapter of NPF will be held on September 24 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Sofitel Minneapolis in Bloomington. This is a complimentary event on Diseases of the Pancreas. For registration and questions, contact info@pancreasfoundation.org. 08/22/11 - ACMC Administrator Recognized for Excellence in Health Care Administration 
ACMC Administrator, Mr. Terry Tone, was recently recognized for excellence in health care administration by Minnesota Physician magazine. Every seven years, Minnesota Physician recognizes health care administrators who have exhibited exceptional leadership and enhanced the effectiveness of healthcare delivery in their practice. Nominations were solicited from peers and the Minnesota Medical Group Management Association. Among the guidelines for consideration were:
The recently released August edition of Minnesota Physician magazine profiled 23 administrators representing a cross-section of the excellent work being done throughout the state in a range of administrative positions and types of health care organizations. "Terry Tone's ability to focus on the big picture has helped lead ACMC to where we are today," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "His achievements, partnerships and passion through the years have strengthened and guided ACMC in meeting the needs of health care in the communities we serve." Mr. Tone became involved in his profession through his lifelong interest in the field of health care. He joined Affiliated Community Medical Centers in 1994. 08/16/11 - Lieutenant Governor Visits ACMC-Marshall Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon paid a visit to Marshall last week and made a stop at the ACMC-Marshall Market Street clinic. Shana Zahrbock, ACMC-Marshall Clinic Manager, gave a tour to Lt. Governor, her commissioners, and was also accompanied by Cal Brink from the Marshall Chamber. The conversation with the Lt. Governor focused on accessibility to healthcare, positive recruiting efforts at ACMC-Marshall, and rural healthcare needs. The Lt. Governor was very impressed with the ACMC-Marshall Market Street facility during her tour.
08/02/11 - New Family Medicine/Sleep Medicine Physician to Join ACMC-Willmar 
ACMC is pleased to announce that Meghna Mansukhani, M.D., a Family Medicine and Sleep Medicine physician, will begin practicing at ACMC-Willmar in September 2011. Dr. Mansukhani will provide comprehensive medical care for families as a whole, and as individual members, caring for patients from birth to advanced age. She also sees all types of patients with sleep problems including: insomnia, shift work, narcolepsy, restless legs, excessive daytime sleepiness, parasomnia and sleep apnea.
After receiving her medical degree from Osmania Medical College in India, Dr. Mansukhani recently completed her residency in the Family Medicine Residency Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and her fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Mansukhani joins ACMC-Willmar in September 2011. 07/22/11 - ACMC Earns Governor's Safety Awards The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor's Safety Award to ACMC-Willmar and ACMC-Redwood Falls for superior performance in workplace safety and health. ACMC is one of 168 employers who were recognized at the Governor's Safety Awards luncheon in Minneapolis. "An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale," said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. "Employers like ACMC understand that safety is good business, now more than ever." Since 1934, the annual Governor's Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers with exceptional safety performance. Applicants are judged on several years of injury data as it compares with state and national statistics, and on their progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program. 07/19/11 - ACMC-Willmar Honored as an Outstanding Financial Advocate Thousands of Minnesotans each year have no idea where to turn or what to do when they are facing foreclosure, have been a victim of a financial scam, or are experiencing an overwhelming amount of debt possibly for the first time. But there are dedicated advocates in the community who are working behind the scenes as unsung heroes to help them find solutions or the best course of action for their unique situations.
"People facing financial stress and chaos are often looked upon as having made poor decisions, and are viewed by many as people who should just suffer the consequences of their situation," explained Cherrish Holland, financial counselor with LSS Financial Counseling Service in Willmar. "The LSS Financial Advocacy Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that exhibit a sincere commitment to improving the financial well-being of people they serve or community members who are often in financial distress through no fault of their own. ACMC is one of those dedicated advocates and it’s an honor to recognize one of our Willmar-based organizations." Holland said that, for 18 years, ACMC has referred people to LSS Financial Counseling who are having trouble paying on their accounts. She added that ACMC has been a great advocate for those experiencing financial difficulties and is willing to work with patients to accept reasonable payments based on their unique situation. This prevents accounts from going to an outside collection agency. ACMC's support of patients during tough financial times increases individual family's financial wellness and also helps to build a more financially stable community. 07/11/11 - New Dermatologist to Join ACMC-Willmar
Affiliated Community Medical Center is excited to announce that Leah M. Schammel, D.O., a specialist in Dermatology, will begin practicing in ACMC-Willmar in August 2011. Dr. Schammel received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO. She recently completed her dermatology residency at Oakwood Southshore Hospital in Trenton, MI. To continue meeting the needs of our community, the arrival of Dr. Schammel will increase access to a full range of dermatology services at ACMC. Dermatologists specialize in the medical treatment and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. They provide a full range of medical and surgical services. 06/27/11 - Dr. Burnell Mellema Recognized for Twelve Years of Service on Blue Plus Board 
After serving twelve years on the Blue Plus Board, Burnell Mellema, M.D. has retired as a Blue Plus Board Member on June 23, 2011. The Blue Plus Board greatly appreciates Dr. Mellema's service as a board member. In his twelve years serving, Burnell Mellema has served on the Blue Plus Board of Directors, and the Nominating Committee. Dr. Mellema designated his Board Honorarium gift to be given to the Affiliated Community Health Foundation.
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Dr. Wehseler has been a Family Medicine physician with Affiliated Community Medical Centers in New London/Spicer for thirteen years. Along with his busy patient schedule, Dr. Wehseler is also Chief of Staff at Rice Memorial Hospital and the Assistant County Coroner for Kandiyohi County. He was named the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) 2010 Family Physician of the Year. Other positions previously held by Dr. Wehseler include:
06/08/11 - ACMC Dermatologist Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith Discusses Summer Skin Care on Fox 9
As the summer sun lures more Minnesotans outdoors, FOX 9 News spoke with University of Minnesota and ACMC dermatologist Dr. Cindy Firkins-Smith and one of her patients about keeping skin safe from the sun.
04/29/11 - Dr. Alan Olson Elected President of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) installed Alan Olson, M.D., as President of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians on April 14, 2011, during its 65th Annual Meeting.
Dr. Olson is a family physician with ACMC-Redwood Falls. As president, he will serve as the official representative and spokesperson for the MAFP, be a member of the Board of Directors and will chair the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, in addition to promoting the ideals and concepts of family medicine.
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians is a professional association of approximately 3,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students established to assist family physicians in providing quality medical care in Minnesota. The MAFP is the largest medical specialty organization in Minnesota and is a state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, one of the largest national medical organizations in the United States, with more than 97,000 members.
04/25/11 - Child & Teen Check-up, BCBSM/Blue Plus Gift Drawing
In an effort to increase the number of children who receive blood lead screening tests as part of a child's exam, the Child & Teen Check-up, BCBSM/Blue Plus offered a gift drawing. A parent could enter the child's name when the blood lead screening test was completed. It is recommended that a child should have two blood lead screening test as part of the wellness exams at 12 months and again at 24 months.
Cameron, a patient of Dr. Michael Bateman, came to the Pediatrics Dept at ACMC-Willmar for his 12 month check-up. He received the lab test to check for any lead content in his body which could harm brain development, growth and behavior. His mother registered Cameron for the drawing, and he was a winner! The family received the complete Wii exercise set. They were all very excited to take it home, hook it up and try the program which is both entertaining and healthy exercise.
BCBSM/Blue Plus and ACMC thank the parents of Cameron, now 19 months, for bringing him and older sister, Elizabeth, to their pediatrician for the important wellness exams and screening for elevated blood lead levels. Cameron's parents know he is healthy and at no risk for lead levels in his blood. Exposure to lead most often occurs from lead-based paint, or lead contaminated soil. Dr. Bateman will see Cameron in July after he turns 2 years old to have a second screening for blood lead levels.
04/14/11 - ACMC Honored with Amerinet Achievement Award
Amerinet, a leading healthcare group purchasing organization, announced the winners of its third annual Amerinet Healthcare Achievement Awards. Amerinet grants these honors yearly in recognition of member excellence for commitment to the reduction of healthcare costs and improvements in the quality of patient care delivery. Sixteen outstanding members were selected for creating and implementing cutting-edge advances in operational efficiencies during 2010.
Affiliated Community Medical Centers, a multi-specialty healthcare network of 11 clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota, was recognized in the area of supply chain/data management/supply cost efficiencies.
The Healthcare Achievement Awards offer an opportunity for Amerinet to underscore acute and non-acute care member facilities that met the highest standard of excellence addressing a value-of-care mission. "These awards recognize and celebrate members who are innovators, collaborators and leaders," said Todd Ebert, Amerinet president and CEO. "These nominees truly excelled at meeting the challenges of the healthcare industry delivering high-quality, cost-effective patient care."
All entries received were carefully evaluated by a panel of expert judges and Amerinet was extremely impressed with the quality of all the projects our members thoughtfully shared. Two representatives from each of the chosen member facilities will receive a complimentary trip to the Amerinet Member Conference — occurring May 9 - 12 in Orlando, Fla.
Click here for the full list of honorees.
About Amerinet
As a leading national healthcare group purchasing organization, Amerinet collaborates with acute and alternate care providers to create and deliver unique solutions through performance improvement resources, guidance and ongoing support. With better product standardization and utilization, new financial tools beyond contracting and alliances that help lower costs, raise revenue and champion quality, Amerinet enriches healthcare delivery for its members and the communities they serve. To learn more about how Amerinet can help you successfully navigate the future of healthcare reform, visit www.amerinet-gpo.com.
04/07/11 - Governor Dayton Announces Appointment of Dr. Joseph Willett to Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
Governor Mark Dayton announced on April 4, 2011, the appointment of physician Joseph R. Willett, D.O., to the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Dr. Willett's term began March 29, 2011 and expires January 5, 2015.
Dr. Joseph Willett is an Internal Medicine physician with Affiliated Community Medical Center in Marshall.
Dr. Willett previously served on the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice from 1996 to 2003. During his Board service, Dr. Willett served on all of the Board's standing committees, chairing the Complaint Review Committee. Dr. Willett served as Vice President of the Board in 2001 and President in 2002. He was on the Board's voting delegate to the Federation of State Medical Boards from 1999-2003.
About the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice
The mission of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice is to protect the public's health and safety by assuring that the people who practice medicine or as an allied health professional are competent, ethical practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills appropriate to their title and role. For more information, click here.
03/21/11 - ACMC Interpreter Receives Medical Interpreter Certification
ACMC is proud to announce that Spanish Interpreter, Coleen Swanson, has successfully passed a written and an oral examination, and was recently awarded the credential of Certified Medical Interpreter (CMI) by the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters.
The purpose of certification is to ensure limited English proficiency patient safety by rigorous evaluation and assurance of the competency of medical interpreters, through written and oral exams.
About the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
The National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters is a non-profit organization, formed from an independent group of industry professionals who represent all key stakeholder groups, including professional medical interpreters, trainers, employers, providers, and regulators. The National Board serves as the certifying entity and has independent authority over all essential certification decisions. For more information, visit www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
03/11/11 - Dr. Roger Bauer Recertified in Family Medicine
ACMC is proud to announce that Roger Bauer, M.D., a Family Medicine physician at ACMC-Benson, recently passed the 2010 Primary Recertification Examination given by the American Board of Family Medicine.
In keeping with the Board's mission, Dr. Bauer has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the specialty of Family Medicine. By his successful performance on the examination, Dr. Bauer has exhibited a level of mastery of medical knowledge worthy of recognition as a specialist in Family Medicine.
02/24/11 - ACMC-Redwood Falls Hosts Chamber Event for Dr. Adam Goddard
An open house reception for Ophthalmologist Dr. Adam Goddard was held on February 24th as part of a Chamber Morning Mixer event at ACMC-Redwood Falls. Community business members mingled with Dr. Goddard, Dr. Hagen, Dr. Macik and ACMC Eyes & Optical team members. As we get ready to "think spring" those in attendance were also able to register for door prizes including sunglasses, hats and golf balls. ACMC-Redwood Falls is pleased to welcome Dr. Goddard to the community! To view a slide show of this event, click here.
02/21/11 - ACMC Recognized by MGMA for Superior Performance
The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2010 Report Based on 2009 Data recognized Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) with superior operational performance compared with similar medical group practices nationwide.
This is the second year in a row that ACMC has achieved this status from the MGMA. The 2010 report recognizes ACMC for achieving superior performance in three categories, making them 1 of only 20 practices selected from 1,871 nationwide survey respondents, representing 2,737 practices, to earn the distinction of achieving superior status in three categories.
The MGMA designates a superior rating as a "better performer." ACMC was classified as a "better performer" in the categories of: productivity, capacity, and staffing; profitability and cost management; and patient satisfaction. "We are proud to have been recognized for the hard work of our staff and physicians in these areas," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "High patient satisfaction along with comprehensive medical services allows ACMC to serve our communities well and continue to deliver the highest quality medical care."
The MGMA report, a benchmarking standard among medical groups for over a decade, was produced using data from respondents to the MGMA Cost Survey: 2010 Reports Based on 2009 Data as well as data from a questionnaire that assessed management behaviors, practices and procedures of better performers. The report profiles medical practices that have demonstrated success in one or more areas: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; patient satisfaction; and managed care operations.
About MGMA
MGMA is the premier membership association for professional administrators and leaders of medical group practices. Since 1926, MGMA has delivered networking, professional education and resources, and political advocacy for medical practice management. Today, MGMA's 22,500 members lead 13,700 organizations nationwide in which some 275,000 physicians provide more than 40 percent of the healthcare services delivered in the United States. MGMA's mission is to continually improve the performance of medical group practice professionals and the organizations they represent. MGMA promotes the group practice model as the optimal framework for health care delivery, assisting group practices in providing efficient, safe, patient-focused and affordable care. MGMA is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and maintains a government affairs office in Washington, D.C. Please visit mgma.com.
02/15/11 - ACMC Sponsors Annual SMSU Pink Zone Event
ACMC partnered with the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs to offer the "Pink Zone" event on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the men's and women's basketball games. This is the second year that ACMC has joined SMSU to offer this event which focuses on women's health. ACMC also co-sponsored a half-time show along with Urban Appeal where SMSU students and coaches donated hair to "Locks for Love" in honor of a breast cancer survivor near and dear to their hearts. To view a slide show of the Pink Zone event, click here.
02/08/11 - Wearing Red for Women's Heart Health
Affiliated Community Medical Centers' employees wore red on Friday, February 4th in support of National Wear Red Day. The event is held nationwide to help raise awareness of women's heart health and fight heart disease. ACMC supports the mission of the American Heart Association, which is to ensure research and fundraising for lifesaving educational programs and the development of new treatments to fight heart disease. To view a slide show of ACMC employees wearing red, click here.
02/02/11 - Dr. Jennifer Lee-Pentz Earns Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology
ACMC is proud to announce that Jennifer Lee-Pentz, M.D., a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, has successfully completed the examination process and has become a certified Diplomate of The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A physician at ACMC-Willmar since 2007, Dr. Lee-Pentz offers a full range of comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological services.
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology examines and certifies nearly 1,700 obstetrician-gynecologists and subspecialists in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology/infertility and gynecologic oncology each year.
01/31/11 - ACMC Dietitian Earns Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
ACMC is proud to announce that Amy Salo, MS, RD, LD, CDE, a Clinical Dietitian in ACMC's Bariatrics & Weight Control Center, the Willmar Diabetes Center, and the Health Learning Center, recently earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Central Michigan University. Her Plan B paper was titled, "Vitamin D and Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents."
01/28/11 - ACMC-Marshall Announces New Internal Medicine Specialist
ACMC is proud to announce the recent addition of Internal Medicine physician, Min Hyung Kim, M.D., who will begin her practice at ACMC-Marshall in the summer of 2012.
Dr. Kim is married to ACMC's newest Obstetrics & Gynecology physician, Dr. Yong Seung Lee. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Preliminary Medicine and her Doctor of Medicine from Korea University, College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. Dr. Kim is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center in Englewood, NJ.
Dr. Kim and her husband have two daughters, ages 7 and 18 months. They are both delighted to relocate to the Marshall community with their family and join ACMC's dedicated team of healthcare providers.
01/25/11 - ACMC Internist Recertified in Internal Medicine
ACMC is proud to announce that Kendall Bos, M.D., an Internist at ACMC in Willmar, recently passed the Fall 2010 Maintenance of Certification Examination given by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
For more than 70 years, Certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has stood for the highest standard in internal medicine and its 19 subspecialties and has meant that internists have demonstrated – to their peers and to the public – that they have the clinical judgment, skills and attitudes essential for the delivery of excellent patient care. ABIM is not a membership society, but a non-profit, independent evaluation organization. Our accountability is both to the profession of medicine and to the public.
ABIM is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Through ABMS, the boards work together to establish common standards for physicians to achieve and maintain board certification. The boards were founded by their respective specialties to protect the public by assessing and certifying doctors who meet specific educational, training and professional requirements.
01/19/11 - New Ob/Gyn to Join ACMC-Marshall
ACMC is excited to announce that Yong-Seung Lee, M.D., a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, will begin practicing in Marshall in July 2011. Dr. Lee will join ACMC's full team of healthcare specialists at ACMC-Marshall.
Dr. Lee received his Bachelor of Science in Preliminary Medicine and his Doctor of Medicine from Korea University, College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea. He is currently the Chief Resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Flushing, NY. Dr. Lee's reputation as a warm-hearted, bright, creative physician will make a great addition to the talented staff at ACMC.
To continue meeting the needs of our community, the arrival of Dr. Lee will increase access to a full range of women's health services at ACMC. Obstetrics services available include prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecological services include routing preventive care, basic infertility services, evaluation of abnormal PAP smears and bleeding problems, and surgery.
01/17/11 - New Pediatrician to Join ACMC-Willmar
ACMC is pleased to announce that KerriAnn Mahon, M.D., a specialist in Pediatrics, will begin practicing at ACMC-Willmar in February 2011. Dr. Mahon specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN, Dr. Mahon earned her Medical Degree in 2001 from the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. She comes to ACMC from her current position at Immanuel St. Joseph's / Mayo Health System in Mankato, MN.
Dr. Mahon's areas of special interest include well child care; newborn nursery; special care nursery; diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, depression and anxiety in older children and adolescents; caring for children with complex medical issues; and infant and early childhood mental health.
Dr. Mahon will join ACMC's full team of pediatricians located at the ACMC-Willmar main clinic. The addition of Dr. Mahon will expand access to the full range of Pediatrics health services currently offered through ACMC for residents of Willmar and the surrounding communities.
01/10/11 - New Family Medicine Physician to Join ACMC-Willmar
ACMC is pleased to announce that Samuel Camp, M.D., a Family Medicine physician, will begin practicing at ACMC-Willmar in February 2011. Dr. Camp will provide comprehensive medical care for families as a whole, and as individual members, caring for patients from birth to advanced age.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota, Dr. Camp earned his medical degree from Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota. He completed his Family Practice Residency in Sioux Falls in December, and will join ACMC-Willmar in February 2011.
Dr. Camp, his wife and their yellow lab are excited to relocate to the Willmar community. Dr. Camp will join ACMC’s team of more than 100 medical providers located Willmar.
01/04/11 - New Internist/Pediatrician to Join ACMC-Marshall Market Street
ACMC is pleased to announce that Timothy Michals, M.D., a specialist in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Med-Peds), will begin practicing at ACMC-Marshall Market Street in July 2011. As a "Med-Peds" doctor, Dr. Michals has trained in both specialties of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Such training allows him to treat all age groups including infants, children, adolescents and adults.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University, Dr. Michals earned his Medical Degree in 2007 from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, The Chicago Medical School in Illinois. He is currently completing his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois.
Dr. Michals is married to ACMC Physician Assistant, Stephanie McKee, and is looking forward to joining her and their young son Josh and their new baby, due in February, in the Marshall community.
Dr. Michals will join ACMC’s team of 22 healthcare providers currently located in Marshall. The addition of Dr. Michals will expand access to the full range of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics health services currently offered through ACMC for residents of Marshall and the surrounding communities.
12/30/10 - New Ob/Gyn to Join ACMC-Litchfield
ACMC is pleased to announce that Elton Fennell, M.D., a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, will begin practicing in Litchfield in June 2011. Dr. Fennell will join ACMC's team of 13 healthcare providers currently located in Litchfield.
After undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Fennell earned his Medical Degree in 1982 from the American University of the Caribbean. He completed his Family Medicine Residency in 1986 and his Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency in 1996 from East Tennessee State University, James H. Quillen College of Medicine. Dr. Fennell is certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and comes to ACMC from his most recent position in Burlington, Massachusetts. Dr. Fennell, his wife and children are looking forward to relocating to the Litchfield community.
The addition of Dr. Fennell will expand access to a full range of women's health services for residents of Litchfield and surrounding communities. Obstetrics services available include prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecological services include routing preventive care, basic infertility services, evaluation of abnormal PAP smears and bleeding problems, and surgery.
12/27/10 - Dr. Marie Schroeder Retirement Congratulations
Congratulations to Dr. Marie Schroeder, ACMC-Willmar Pediatrics. She will retire from ACMC on January 2, 2011, after having had a successful practice here for over 30 years! Best wishes to Dr. Schroeder on her future plans!
12/20/10 - Willmar Diabetes Center Staff Updates
Affiliated Community Medical Centers is pleased to announce that Terri Malecek, RN, CNS, has taken on the role of Manager for the Willmar Diabetes Center, part of our Willmar Medical Services joint venture. Terri will play an active role in the day to day operations as well as continue her role with direct patient care.
Jennifer Freitag, RN, CNP, has transitioned out of her position in the Willmar Internal Medicine department and will work as a nurse practitioner in the Willmar Diabetes Center, located at ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center. Jennifer has a strong interest in diabetic care. Congratulations to both Terri and Jennifer on their new positions and recent changes to the Diabetes Center.
12/06/10 - 2010 Medical Student Scholarship Recipients Announced
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2010 Medical Student Scholarship awards! Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) recognizes the importance of educating the health care professionals of tomorrow. With the ongoing shortages in health care personnel, ACHF scholarships offer financial support to students committed to a healthcare profession. For more information on our medical scholarships, visit www.acmc.com/scholarships.
 Teresa Amundson Hometown: Kerkhoven, MN Medical School: University of MS Medical Center |
 Troy Benson Hometown: Murdock, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Neil Brummond Hometown: Fairmont, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Stephanie Buhler Hometown: Windom, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Cassandra Bulau Hometown: Litchfield, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Alissa Carrow Hometown: Marshall, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Lindsey Chmielewski Hometown: Gilman, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Lana Dirksen Hometown: Clara City, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Jeremiah Eisenschenk Hometown: Avon, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Alexandra Ellingson Hometown: Willmar, MN Medical School: Loyola University - Chicago |
 Ryan Fader Hometown: Willmar, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Ryan Fier Hometown: Minneota, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Amy Hammers Hometown: Redwood Falls, MN Medical School: Creighton University |
 Catherine Hansen Hometown: Marshall, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Laura Haugo Hometown: Litchfield, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Jenna Lee Josephson Hometown: Redwood Falls, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Ryan Koehler Hometown: Belgrade, MN Medical School: University of Rochester, New York |
 Brittney Lemke Hometown: Litchfield, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Jonna Maas Hometown: Walnut Grove, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Carin Martinson Hometown: Litchfield, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Zachary Merten Hometown: Spicer, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Matthew Moldan Hometown: Lamberton, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Elizabeth Meichner Hometown: Morris, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Emily Moody Hometown: Willmar, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Patrick Odens Hometown: Willmar, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Luke Radel Hometown: Redwood Falls, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Jalayna Rick Hometown: Litchfield, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Brianna Serbus Hometown: Redwood Falls, MN Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine |
 Melissa St. Aubin Hometown: Marshall, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Maggie Steinbeisser Hometown: Olivia, MN Medical School: AT Still University - Arizona |
 Rebekah Syverson Hometown: Clontarf, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Josie Thole Hometown: Benson, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Jordan Thompson Hometown: Clontarf, MN Medical School: University of MN School of Medicine - Duluth |
 Jayme Van Beek Hometown: Ireton, IA Medical School: Des Moines University |
 Katherine Ward Hometown: Darwin, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
 Jacob Ziegler Hometown: Darwin, MN Medical School: University of MN Medical School |
11/29/10 - Recent Physician Certifications
Congratulations to Dr. Jessica Baitani, ACMC Hospitalist in Willmar, who recently passed the certification exam given by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The American Board of Internal Medicine enhances the quality of health care by certifying internists and subspecialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.
Neurologist, Dr. Merlin Nelson, recently passed the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) MOCP examination. Congratulations to Dr. Nelson on passing this maintenance examination.
 Dr. Jessica Baitani |
 Dr. Merlin Nelson |
11/22/10 - 2010 Physician Service Awards
Congratulations and thank you to the following physicians for their years of service and dedication to Affiliated Community Medical Centers! We appreciate all you do for our clinics and your patients each day!
| 30 Years | ||
 Dr. Robert Kaiser Family Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Patricia D'Aquila Internal Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. John Merickel Family Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
| 20 Years | ||
 Dr. Terry Peterson Family Medicine ACMC-New London/Spicer |
 Dr. Steven Shelver Family Medicine ACMC-New London/Spicer |
 Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith Dermatology ACMC-Willmar |
| 10 Years | ||
 Dr. Gabrielle Vencel-Olson Family Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Robert Boyd Internal Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. JoAnn Neubauer Internal Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Julie Meyer Family Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Kendall Bos Internal Medicine ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Ahsan Bhatti Gastroenterology ACMC-Willmar |
 Dr. Laurie Hill Family Medicine ACMC-Marshall |
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11/15/10 - Dr. Richard Horecka Receives MMA Community Service Award
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) recently honored Richard Horecka, M.D., of Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC), with the MMA Community Service Award. The award recognizes MMA members who are actively engaged in the practice of medicine and have an outstanding record of community service.
Dr. Horecka is a Family Medicine physician with ACMC in Benson. He received the award for his economic development work for the city of Benson. Dr. Horecka joined the city'’s Economic Development Commission in 1987 and has been active in that organization’s efforts to bring jobs to the area. He also has personally financed businesses in Benson, including a hotel and meeting center, and worked to preserve the local movie theater.
"Dr. Horecka is caring and dedicated to his patients and the community," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "This award reflects his 27 years of service and commitment to the Benson community where he lives and works."
The award was presented to Dr. Horecka at the MMA's 157th Annual Meeting in Breezy Point, MN.
11/10/10 - Dr. Burnell Mellema Honored with Physician Excellence Award
Affiliated Community Medical Centers is pleased to announce the selection of ACMC-Willmar physician, Dr. Burnell Mellema, as the recipient of the Third Annual ACMC Physician Excellence Award. ACMC created this distinguished award to annually honor an outstanding ACMC physician for his or her leadership, innovation, clinical knowledge and dedication to our patients and the communities we serve.
Nominees for this award are selected by their peers. This year's nominations included Dr. Burnell Mellema, ACMC-Willmar, Dr. Richard Wehseler, ACMC-New London/Spicer and Dr. Alan Olson, ACMC-Redwood Falls. ACMC's Board of Directors has the final, difficult decision, of selecting a winner based on the individual’s contributions and accomplishments.
"Dr. Burnell Mellema represents the best of who we are and what we stand for at ACMC," said ACMC Medical Director, Dr. David Newcomer. "He is an extraordinary role model and inspires others through his actions. His dedication to his profession is widely respected. ACMC is proud to honor Dr. Mellema with the 2010 Physician Excellence Award."
Dr. Mellema has been a Family Medicine physician with Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Willmar for thirty-four years. Along with his busy patient schedule, Dr. Mellema is also the Medical Director for Care Improvement for ACMC as well as for the Affiliated Community Health Foundation. He was instrumental in starting ACMC’s successful Quality Council. He is excellent clinician who cares deeply about the community. Other positions previously held by Dr. Mellema include:
- ACMC Board of Trustees 1984-1993
- Chief Executive Officer, Affiliated Community Medical Centers, 1994-2000
- Chairman of the Board, Affiliated Community Health Network, 1995-2001
- Chairman of the Board, New Pioneer Health Plan, 1995-1999
- Blue Plus Board of Directors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, 2001-Present
Dr. Mellema has also been on many community boards and various tenures at Evangelical Free Church in Willmar. He provides compassionate, comprehensive patient care and serves as a community role model – professionally and personally – to others.
Dr. Mellema received a crystal statue and a donation to the charity of her choice. His name and photograph will be placed on a public plaque along with past and future award winners.
10/21/10 - ACMC Mammography Earns ACR Accreditation
Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Marshall, Redwood Falls and Willmar have been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent interview by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report they can use for continuous practice improvement.
October is breast cancer awareness month. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 207,090 new breast cancer diagnoses in 2010, with 3,300 of these women living in Minnesota. So far in 2010, ACMC Mammography Technologists have performed 5,157 screening mammograms. The average digital screening mammogram takes only 15 minutes.
For more information about ACMC Digital Mammography visit www.acmc.com/imaging/digitalMamm.cfm
10/04/10 - Dr. Shelly Staska Recertified in Family Medicine
Congratulations to Dr. Shelly Staska, ACMC-Willmar Family Medicine, who recently passed the 2010 Primary Recertification Examination given by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Staska has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the specialty of Family Medicine. Thank you for your continued dedication to ACMC and our patients.
08/30/10 - Governor Tim Pawlenty Proclaims Aug. 26 – Sept. 6, 2010, as
Whereas, good vision enhances children's performance in school activities such as reading, writing, taking notes, and working on computers, and impacts other aspects of their daily lives such as crossing the street or playing outdoors; and
Whereas, as children grow, sight enhances their ability to interact with people and the outside world; and
Whereas, as children across the State of Minnesota prepare for the start of another school year, many will begin their studies with undiagnosed and untreated vision problems; and
Whereas, research shows that untreated vision disorders are the number one disabling condition of children, with as many as one in four children at risk for vision problems that cause difficulty and frustration in school; and
Whereas, all children deserve the opportunity to learn and achieve their full potential. Increasing public awareness of learning-related vision problems helps ensure that young people receive prompt and proper vision treatment, thereby improving their quality of life in and out of school; and
Whereas, parents, educators, school nurses, and all concerned adults are reminded of the critical role vision plays in the learning process, and are encouraged to focus on children's eye care by taking tern for regular examinations and attending to their vision problems.
Now, Therefore, I, Tim Pawlenty, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim August 26 – September 6, 2010, as Children's Vision and Learning Days in the State of Minnesota.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 23rd day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and ten, and of the State the one hundred fifty-second.
ATTEST:
Mark Ritchie
Secretary of State
Click here to view the official proclamation.
08/09/10 - ACMC-Willmar Welcomes Three New Physicians
ACMC-Willmar is pleased to welcomes three new physicians to our growing team of ACMC providers. Dr. Anjali Dahiya, Dr. Emily McDevitt and Dr. Adam Goddard will join our full team of healthcare providers. Please help us welcome them to our community.
Dr. Anjali Dahiya received her medical degree, completed her medical internship and received her Master of Surgery, Ophthalmology from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh University in India. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Dahiya will provide care at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. She helps manage and coordinate inpatient care while working closely with the patient's primary care physician and/or other specialists involved. Dr. Emily McDevitt received her Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Nova Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She recently completed her Family Medicine Residency at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. Dr. McDevitt offers comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to advanced age. Dr. Adam Goddard received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Goddard will joins our Eyes & Optical team and provides a full range of medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases including: cataract, glaucoma, strabismus, diabetic retinopathy, and state-of-the-art laser treatments. |
08/02/10 - ACMC Welcomes New Family Medicine Physician in Marshall, Dr. Michael Anyasike
ACMC is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Anyasike to our clinic and the community. He'll join our full team of Family Medicine providers, offering comprehensive medical care for families and individuals from birth to advanced age. Dr. Anyasike's practice includes pregnancy and delivery care. No referral is neccessary.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Anyasike to our clinic and the community.
07/07/10 - Affiliated Community Medical Center Clinics Honored by Minnesota Bridges to Excellence
Minnesota Bridges to Excellence (BTE) recently recognized three Affiliated Community Medical Center clinics as award winners in four categories by the Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG).
The Bridges to Excellence program was established in 2005. It relies on data that is publicly reported to identify clinics that qualify for an achievement reward for meeting or exceeding optimal care standards for a specified percentage of patients.
ACMC-Benson and ACMC-Granite Falls were recognized for Optimal Vascular Care, Improvement. ACMC-Litchfield East clinic was honored for Achievement in Optimal Diabetes Care and Optimal Vascular Care.
"We are proud to be recognized for our achievements in optimal care," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "We believe a commitment to quality initiatives and continuous improvement is imperative in today's health care. Each day we strive to exceed quality benchmarks in all of our network clinic locations."
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To be eligible for a reward, clinics had to have a certain percentage of patients at optimal levels of care. Diabetes measurements included levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, along with non-smoking status and daily aspirin use for patients over 40. Vascular disease measurements included cholesterol, and blood pressure, along with non-smoking status, and daily aspirin for all patients.
A reception recognizing the clinics that delivered optimal care to their patients with diabetes, vascular disease and/or depression in 2009 was held on June 30th in Bloomington.
About Bridges to Excellence
Bridges to Excellence is a not-for-profit organization that encourages physicians and clinics to deliver safer, more effective and efficient care.
06/28/10 - ACMC Earns Governor's Safety Awards
The Minnesota Safety Council awarded the Governor's Safety Award to several ACMC clinics at their 2010 Governor's Safety Luncheon held in May. Since 1934, the annual Governor's Safety Awards program has honored Minnesota employers with exceptional safety performance. Applicants are judged on several years of injury data as it compares with state and national statistics, and on their progress in implementing a comprehensive safety program. Winners are recognized at three levels: Meritorious Achievement, Outstanding Achievement, and the Award of Honor.
"An effective safety program is an indicator of a successful organization," said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. "Employers like ACMC understand that protecting employees is not only the right thing to do — it's also good business."
ACMC-Litchfield, Redwood Falls, and Willmar all earned a Meritorious Achievement Award, while Marshall earned the distinction of an Outstanding Achievement Award. The Meritorious Achievement Award is given for above average performance in incident rates and implementation of at least half of specified safety program benchmarks. There were 148 of these given out in 2010. The Outstanding Achievement Award is for showing continued improvement and/or a continued outstanding record and implementation of 75% of safety program benchmarks. There were 61 recipients statewide in this category.
The Governor's Safety Awards luncheon was part of the 76th Minnesota Safety and Health Conference coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. The Minnesota Safety Council, founded in 1928, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Minnesota by preventing unintentional accidents and injuries.
06/15/10 - MN Community Measurement Results Released
According to new results released by MN Community Measurement, a nonprofit organization that provides objective information on the quality of health care, ACMC is one of the state's top performers in providing Optimal Diabetes Care and Optimal Vascular Care. Specific clinic scores can be found on the Minnesota HealthScores website, www.mnhealthscores.org.
Minnesota Bridges to Excellence (MNBTE), administered by the Buyers Health Care Action Group, recognizes ACMC-Benson, ACMC-Granite Falls and ACMC-Litchfield East for meeting their 2010 criteria for excellence in the optimal care of patients with Diabetes and/or Vascular Disease. These sites are among a select group of providers that have demonstrated to patients, employers, and health plans a commitment to improving health outcomes in these chronic health conditions by meeting either the achievement or improvement criteria established by MNBTE. A recognition reception will be held in Bloomington on June 30th.
06/14/10 - ACMC Welcomes New Physician Assistant, Joel Jasa, PA-C
ACMC is excited to welcome Physician Assistant, Joel Jasa, to ACMC and to the Willmar community.
Joel recently received his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Union College, Lincoln, NE. He has served as a certified athletic trainer for a variety of semi-professional baseball, hockey and football teams. Joel will work closely with our Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Lister, to provide a full range of medical services covering the feet, hands, shoulders, hips and knees for patients of all ages.
Please help us welcome Joel to our clinic and the community!
06/07/10 - ACMC Physicians Elected to MAFP Positions
At the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) 64th Annual Meeting, the MAFP House of Delegates and Board of Directors elected Dr. Alan Olson, ACMC-Redwood Falls, as president-elect of MAFP. As president-elect, Dr. Olson will serve as a member of the Board of Directors and as an ex-officio member of all committees and task forces.
 Dr. Alan Olson  Dr. Richard Horecka |
At the organizational Board meeting on April 14th, Dr. Richard Horecka, a family physician at ACMC-Benson, was elected as the Director-at-Large to serve on the MAFP Executive Committee.
The MAFP is a professional association of approximately 3,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students established to assist family physicians in providing quality medical care in Minnesota. The MAFP is the largest specialty organization in Minnesota and is a state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the largest medical specialty organization in the United States, with more than 90,000 members.
06/07/10 - ACMC honored at first-ever UCare Salute to Excellence! event
UCare held an inaugural provider recognition event on May 13 to recognize outstanding performances by Minnesota clinics and care systems that participated in UCare's Pay for Performance Program (P4P).
Representatives from several clinics and care systems gathered at the University of Minnesota's McNamara Alumni Center for an evening reception and recognition program. UCare recognized top-performing health care professionals and organizations providing health care to members of UCare's Medicare programs and Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP), such as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP). Two providers who reduced disparities in mammography testing for members also were recognized for their work.
"We are delighted to honor these health care providers, who worked so hard on behalf of UCare members in Minnesota: said Nancy Feldman, President and CEO, UCare. "We designed our Pay for Performance Program to reward clinics and care systems of all sizes that achieve measurable improvements in key quality-of-health measurements."
The Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) in Willmar was a recipient of a P4P award for Medicaid Overall Performance Quality of Care. 
Said Dr. Burnell J. Mellema, M.D., ACMC's Care Improvement Medical Director, "UCare's Pay for Performance program takes a proactive and inclusive approach to rewarding providers for delivering quality care. I appreciate that UCare's program design recognizes both performance achievements and improvements, which allows clinics large and small to be recognized for their efforts."
UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health care and administrative services to more than 200,000 members.
05/25/10 - ACHF Educational Scholarships
Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) recognizes the need to encourage medical careers in our communities. ACHF scholarships offer financial support to students committed to a health care profession. Scholarships were recently awarded through our partnerships with Ridgewater College and Alexandria Technical College. Click here for a list of 2010 scholarship recipients.
- LPN Scholarships (Five scholarships at $1,000 each)
- Medical Assistant Scholarships (Four at $1,000 each, One at $750 from last semester)
- Medical Laboratory Technician Scholarships (Three at $1,000 each)
- Radiologic Technology Scholarships (Five at $1,000 each, Three more awarded next semester)
- Steve Walters Memorial Scholarship (One $500 annual scholarship)
05/07/10 - ACMC Welcomes New Family Medicine Physician in Litchfield, Dr. Patricia Freund
ACMC is excited to welcome Patricia Freund, M.D. to our clinic and the community. She will provide Family Medicine services at our Litchfield location. Dr. Freund is now accepting new patients. She will work directly with ACMC's full team of healthcare providers to offer comprehensive medical care to our patients.
Family medicine emphasizes comprehensive medical care for families as a whole and as individual members, caring for patients from birth to advanced age. Medical concerns are managed through diagnosis, treatment and preventive of common illness and chronic diseases.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Freund to the Litchfield community. We're glad she's chosen ACMC.
04/28/10 - Open House Celebration Honoring Dr. Wehseler, May 6th
ACMC-New London/Spicer will host an open house event on Thursday, May 6th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. The event will celebrate Dr. Richard Wehseler and his recent award from the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP), as Family Medicine Physician of the Year. Please join us on May 6th to recognize Dr. Wehseler and celebrate the entire staff of the ACMC-New London Spicer clinic.
For the complete news release on Dr. Wehseler’s Family Medicine of the Year award, please click here.
04/16/10 - ACMC Welcomes New Psychologist, Dr. Amy Miller
ACMC is excited to welcome Amy Miller, Psy.D., LP to our clinic and the community. Dr. Miller will provide Psychology services at our ACMC-Willmar-Skylark Center location. She will work directly with ACMC’s full team of healthcare providers to offer comprehensive health care to our patients.
Psychology provides a wide range of services including diagnosis and psychotherapy for adults, adolescents and children with depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, ADHD, psychophysiological disorders, and marital difficulties. Dr. Miller also provides memory, ADHD, personality and intelligence testing.
Dr. Miller is now accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling the Psychology department at 320-231-5030. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Miller to the Willmar community.
03/31/10 - Dr. Richard Wehseler Named 2010 MAFP Family Physician of the Year
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) has selected Richard A. Wehseler, M.D., of New London/Spicer, as the 2010 Family Physician of the Year. This award is presented annually to a family physician who represents the highest ideals of the specialty of family medicine, including caring, comprehensive medical service, community involvement and service as a role model.
Family physicians from across the state were nominated for the award by patients, community members, and colleagues. Four finalists were selected from the field of nominees. After reviewing dozens of nomination letters, the MAFP Board of Directors chose Dr. Richard Wehseler as the winner. The award will be presented to him during the MAFP All-Member Celebration on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel in downtown St. Paul.
Dr. Wehseler practices at the Affiliated Community Medical Centers in New London/Spicer. He has been a family physician in the community for 12 years. He attended medical school at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and did his family medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Those who nominated Dr. Wehseler describe him as an outstanding family physician who demonstrates genuine concern and compassion for his patients on a daily basis "If there is only one reason why Dr. Wehseler deserves this award, it is not because of the work he performs with his hands, but rather the work he performs with his heart," wrote New London resident April Dorry.
Another patient, Diane Paffrath wrote, "Dr. Richard Wehseler exemplifies everything a family physician characterizes. He is caring, kind, considerate and most importantly, he takes the time necessary to meet the needs of his patients."
Patients say Dr. Wehseler is known for his personalized notes to patients, house calls when needed, and strong support during times of crisis. New London resident Abigail Duly summed it up best. "He is the epitome of the gold standard people would hope to encounter at some point in their lives - not just as a professional, but as an active member of the community," said Duly.
Along with carrying a full patient schedule, Dr. Wehseler is the Chief of Staff at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar and Assistant County Coroner for Kandiyohi County. He is also an active volunteer in the community helping with skin checks before wrestling meets, serving on several church committees and working at the parish cemetery. Dr. Wehseler and his wife, Nancy, live in Spicer with their three children.
03/08/10 - ACMC Welcomes New Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Lister
Affiliated Community Medical Center in Willmar is pleased to welcome Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Lister, to our team of healthcare providers.
Dr. Lister is a graduate of the University of California - Davis. He received his medical degree from California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine. He completed a flexible rotating internship and his orthopaedic surgery residency at Letterman Army Medical Center in Presidio of San Francisco, California. He is board certified in orthopaedic surgery, and has a special interest in sports medicine. Dr. Lister has more than 25 years of experience and will come to ACMC from his most recent position in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Please take a moment to welcome Dr. Lister and his wife to our community and to the clinic.
02/26/10 - Dr. Richard Wehseler Named as Finalist for MAFP Family Physician of the Year
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) has announced that Richard Wehseler, M.D., a family physician who practices at Affiliated Community Medical Centers – New London/Spicer, is one of four finalists for the 2010 Family Physician of the Year Award.
Family physicians were nominated for the award by patients and colleagues. The MAFP Board of Directors will select a winner after reviewing each finalist's qualifications and reading nomination letters received on their behalf. The 2010 Family Physician of the Year will be announced at the MAFP All-Member Celebration on April 15, 2010. The other three finalists are Dr. Jeffrey Ehnstrom, Aitkin; Dr. Timothy Halloran, Le Sueur, and Dr. Theresa Wollan, Vadnais Heights.
The Family Physician of the Year Award honors a family physician for compassionate, comprehensive and caring medical services, involvement in community affairs and serving as a role model to his or her community, health care professionals, family practice residents and medical students.
The MAFP is a professional association of approximately 3,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students organized to assist family physicians in providing quality medical care in Minnesota. The MAFP is the largest medical specialty organization in Minnesota and is a state chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the largest medical specialty organization in the United States.
02/23/10 - ACMC-Marshall Proud Sponsor of SMSU Pink Zone® Game
ACMC-Marshall was a major sponsor for the Southwest Minnesota State University Pink Zone® basketball game on Saturday, February 20. The Pink Zone® initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association's (WBCA) nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond.
During the game, ACMC-Marshall staff shared information on our imaging and women's health services. 
ACMC also handed out pink cosmetic bags to the women in attendance. Pink ice cream cones were served to children, and people registered to win pink-theme door prizes. ACMC Family Medicine physician, Dr. Jill Vroman, also shared breast cancer facts and statistics during the game.
The Pink Zone® game was an excellent opportunity to educate and create awareness for breast cancer in the community. For more information on ACMC's imaging services, click here.
02/09/10 - ACMC-Willmar Welcomes Visiting Rheumatologist Dr. Aaron Holmgren
ACMC is pleased to welcome visiting specialist Dr. Aaron Holmgren from CentraCare Health System. Dr. Holmgren is a graduate of St. John’s University in Collegeville. He attended the University of Minnesota - Duluth School of Medicine from 1997-1999 and received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 2001. He completed his internal medicine residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, in 2004. Dr. Holmgren completed a rheumatology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester in 2007. He is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He has special interest in the care of patients with rheumatic disease.
Dr. Holmgren will see patients in the ACMC-Willmar main clinic out of 4th floor SE Inreach area. He will be available on the 4th Thursday of each month, beginning on Thursday, February 25th.
01/25/10 - Minnesota Community Measurement 2009 Quality Report
In November 2009 Minnesota Community Measurement issued its sixth annual Health Care Quality Report. MN Community Measurement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care in Minnesota by publicly reporting quality results. Founded by Minnesota's health plans and the Minnesota Medical Association, MN Community Measurement is a collaborative that works with health plans, clinics, employers and consumers to spur quality improvement, reduce health care costs and maximize value.
We are pleased to report the following MN Community Measurement results for ACMC clinics. Congratulations to all of the ACMC team members who played an important role in helping to accomplish these quality results for our patients. (The 2009 Quality Report represents 2008 patient care services data.)
- Asthma Care - For ACMC patients, 5-56 years, 95% were appropriately medicated to better manage their chronic condition. ACMC providers ranked #7 of all the Minnesota medical groups reporting.
- Optimal Diabetes Care - ACMC-Granite Falls and ACMC-New London/Spicer clinics once again exceeded the state goal for optimal diabetes care in meeting all five measurements. More than 30% of their patients with diabetes had controlled blood pressure, were not using tobacco, took a daily aspirin as prescribed, and had the A1c test less than seven and the LDL-Cholesterol less than 100. As a medical group, of all clinic sites, ACMC ranked 12th of the 67 Minnesota medical groups reporting.
- Children's Immunizations - With the important partnership of Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), ACMC was recognized as having 88% of its patients fully immunized at age 24 months. The ACMC medical group was ranked #5 in Minnesota.
- Optimal Vascular Care - Congratulations to ACMC-Willmar and ACMC-Marshall for exceeding the statewide clinic average for delivering optimal patient care to adults with cardiovascular disease. As a medical group, ACMC attained the statewide average for patients who had controlled blood pressure, did not use tobacco, had an LDL-Cholesterol test measuring less than 100 and took daily aspirin as prescribed.
- Cancer Screening Combined - Women who are between 51 and 80 years need three cancer screenings - breast, cervical and colorectal. ACMC providers were ranked #8 in MN for providing these important tests for early detection of cancer in their female patients.
01/20/10 - Dr. Hund Re-Certified in Special Competence in Adult Echocardiography
Internal Medicine physician and Hospitalist, Dr. Fred Hund, recently passed the Recertification Examination of Special Competence in Adult Echocardiography (ReASCE), administered by the National Board of Echocardiography. The exam determines special competence in the field of diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.
01/06/10 - Hein Achieves Certified Diabetes Educator Status
Tamara Hein, MPH, RD, LD, CDE, a Registered Dietitian in the Health Learning Center and Bariatrics/Weight Control Center at Affiliated Community Medical Centers and the Willmar Diabetes Center, recently achieved Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE®) status by successfully completing the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators administered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). Candidates must meet rigorous credential and professional practice experience requirements to be eligible for certification.
Achieving Certified Diabetes Educator® status demonstrates that the health care professional possesses distinct and specialized knowledge, thereby promoting quality of care for people with diabetes.
12/10/09 - ACMC Family Medicine Physicians Re-Certified as Medical Review Officers
Dr. Thomas Odland and Dr. William Kremer, family medicine physicians at Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Marshall, recently became certified as Medical Review Officers (MRO) by the American Association of Medical Review Officers. This certification meets the federal requirements that a MRO for federally regulated drug testing programs must complete 12 hours of training and pass a nationally recognized exam. Certification is intended to ensure the public’s receipt of quality services, and the maintenance of ethical conduct by competent professionals involved in drug and alcohol testing.
The MRO is an integral part of federally mandated drug testing programs. The MRO balances the protected rights of the tested individual and the compelling concerns for health and safety in the workplace, and for drug deterrence.
 Dr. Thomas Odland Family Medicine  Dr. William Kremer Family Medicine |
The American Association of Medical Review Officers, created in 1991, is a non-profit medical society dedicated to establishing national standards and certification of medical practitioners and other professionals in the field of drug and alcohol testing.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 150 physicians and mid-level providers in 28 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
12/10/09 - Titleist Performance Institute Certification
With winter just around the corner, Jeff Kennedy, ACMC Exercise Physiologist and ACCEL Performance & Fitness Program Director, is already thinking golf! Jeff has now received the Level 3 TPI Medical Profession certification from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). Jeff is the first and only Medical Level 3 in Minnesota.
TPI, founded by Dr. Greg Rose and David Phillips in Oceanside, CA, offers three levels of education that is designed to identify and overcome and physical restrictions that are limiting a golfers’ potential. The Level 3 training addresses golf-specific injuries, injury inducing swing mechanics, advanced swing faults, wrist and ankle physical screening procedures, and medical evaluation exercise progressions for Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). This certification also allows us to offer the K-Vest TPI 3D Swing Analysis system in our clinic. The system uses Titleist algorithms developed to standardize 3D measurement in the golf industry. This allows us to use the same measurements that Titleist uses to collect 3D data in assessments and training on their top PGA and LPGA tour players.
This hardware is used in the ACCEL TIP Golf Program, but is portable and allows us to take it to area golf courses to be used during rounds to record actual swings. For more information or to view a video of the K-Vest TPI 3D Swing Analysis System, visit www.acmc.com/accel/program_golf.cfm
12/10/09 - Retirement Congratulations!
Congratulations to Dr. William Walker, ACMC-Willmar Psychology. He retired from ACMC on November 30th after having had a successful practice here for the past 21 years! Best wishes to Dr. Walker on his future plans in retirement!
10/12/09 - Kitchen Table Food Shelf
United Way of Southwest Minnesota launched its annual fundraising campaign with a series of Days of Action activities. 125 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds helped with the move of Marshall’s Kitchen Table Food Shelf to their new location. A group of ACMC managers helped with moving of food and furniture, cleaning, and stocking shelves. Pictured from L to R: Dawn Gauer, Kelly Kennedy, Mary Sagedahl, Lyle Loge, Kris Gulbrandsen, Kathy Quam, Wayne Brogren, Margo Holien, Mary Hoffman, Phil Hansen, Shana Zahrbock, Jim Andresen, Shawn Franklin, and Teresa Behm.
10/12/09 - Willmar Diabetes Center received re-accreditation for its education program
Willmar Diabetes Center recently applied for and received re-accreditation for its education program, which means that it is in compliance with national standards for diabetes self management education. The three-year accreditation was granted by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE).
The Willmar Diabetes Center is managed by Diabetes Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lisa Bolle, who keeps detailed records as evidence of continual implementation of the national standards and requirements for maintaining accreditation. Diabetes education, also known as diabetes self-management training (DSMT), is a collaborative process through which people with diabetes, or who are at-risk for diabetes, gain the knowledge and skills needed to modify behavior and successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions.
09/21/09 - Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith Honored with Physician Excellence Award
Affiliated Community Medical Centers is pleased to announce the selection of ACMC-Willmar physician, Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith, as the recipient of the Second Annual ACMC Physician Excellence Award. ACMC created this distinguished award to annually honor an outstanding ACMC physician for his or her leadership, innovation, clinical knowledge and dedication to our patients and the communities we serve.
Nominations for this award were made by fellow physicians. This year's top three nominees included Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith, ACMC-Willmar, Dr. Richard Rasmussen, ACMC-Willmar and Dr. Vincent LaPorte, ACMC-Marshall. The Executive Committee then forwarded the top three nominations to the Board of Directors who had the difficult decision of selecting a winner based on the individual's contributions and accomplishments.
"Dr. Firkins Smith is highly respected by her colleagues and other medical professionals for her deep commitment to providing excellent patient care," said ACMC Medical Director, Dr. David Newcomer. "Her ability and dedication to help and support others is far reaching; it goes beyond our clinic walls. ACMC is extremely proud to honor her with the 2009 Physician Excellence Award."
Dr. Firkins Smith began her physician career at Affiliated Community Medical Centers - Willmar in 1990 and is currently an active member of the Department of Dermatology. Her list of involvements goes well beyond the expected performance of her job and demonstrates her commitment to healthcare and her community. During her tenure she has held several important positions including:
- ACMC Board of Directors 1994 – 2003
- American Academy of Dermatology, Non-Physician Practice of Medicine Task Force 2005 – 2008
- Minnesota Dermatologic Society, Past Vice-President, Past-President, Current Historian
- Minnesota Medical Association, Board of Trustees, Legislative Affairs Committee, Health Care Reform Oversight Task Force
- Mid-Minnesota Medical Society, Past-secretary, Vice-President, and President
- MEDPAC, Board of Trustees
Dr. Firkin Smith's numerous accomplishments and involvements also include, but are certainly not limited to: Former American Medical Association/Glaxo Wellcome, New Leadership Development Scholar for "Up and Coming Physician Leaders", University of Minnesota Department of Dermatology Adjunct Faculty 1990 – Present, Resident Recruitment and Interview Committee 1998 – Present, 2008 Resident Teacher of the Year, Advocacy in Rural Medicine, Patient Safety and Health Care Reform, MDS Author Legislation: Restrictions on the Use of Tanning Booths by Minors, MDS Coauthor of Legislation on Laser Patient Safety; testified Minnesota House Committee March 20, 2009.
Dr. Firkins Smith received a crystal statue and a donation to the charity of her choice. Her name and photograph will be placed on a public plaque along with past and future award winners.
08/27/09 - ACMC-Willmar Welcomes Three New Hospitalists
ACMC-Willmar is pleased to welcomes three new physicians to our growing team of ACMC providers. Dr. Erik Summers, Dr. Michael May and Dr. Jessica Baitani will join us this fall as hospitalists.
Our hospitalists are internal medicine physicians who provide quality medical care to individuals while they are in the hospital. They manage and coordinate inpatient care, while working closely with the patient's primary care physician and/or other specialists involved. Drs. Summers, May and Baitani will care for patients at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmer.
These three quality physicians are a welcome addition to ACMC's full team of healthcare providers. Please help us welcome them to our community.
08/18/09 - Reach Out & Read Grant
ACMC's Reach Out and Read (ROR) program received a $2,000 grant from Target. The money will be used to purchase new books that will be given to children during their well-child visit at all of the ACMC clinics. In 2009 alone, ACMC gave away an average of 818 books each month during well child visits. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of their income to the communities they serve. Target is proud to partner with organizations like Affiliated Community Health Foundation and ACMC's Reach Out and Read program to inspire education, make the arts more affordable and accessible, and foster safe families and communities nationwide.
07/23/09 - Digital Mammography Services Now Available in Redwood Falls
Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) and the Redwood Area Hospital are pleased to announce the recent addition of digital mammography services.In terms of preparation, positioning, and the look of the machine, the patient experience is unchanged. However, the result of the test offers several advantages over the previous analog system. Digital mammography provides physicians with clear and precise all-digtal images, rather than images on X-ray film. It also offers a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women with diverse breast tissue types. The new digital images allow for quick and easy electronic distribution to both providers and radiologists.
According to Jim Schulte, Redwood Area Hospital CEO, and Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO, the addition of digital mammography is the most recent effort in the expansion of diagnostic imaging services through a joint venture between the two entities.
“This is a new and powerful technology for the detection and fight against breast cancer,” says Holmgren. “Digital systems allow us to offer our patients state-of-the-art mammograms that are a vital step to good preventive health. Providing the best diagnostic equipment possible is another benefit achieved through the joint venture with ACMC and Redwood Area Hospital.
“ACMC and Redwood Area Hospital have already provided ultrasound services together, and we’re excited about the addition of digital mammography,” stated Schulte. “We will soon be relocating bone densitometry as a part of the joint venture as well. Jointly providing these services offers the opportunity for improved technology that may otherwise be a financial obstacle for a single facility.”
The new digital mammography unit is located at ACMC in Redwood Falls. Staff Technologists performing the services are trained, licensed and competent with this new modality.
Mammography screening is the best tool for detecting breast cancer at an early treatable stage in women age 40 and older. A screening mammogram is a simple, low-dose X-ray procedure that can reveal breast cancer at its earliest stage, up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
07/14/09 - ACMC Earns Governor's Safety Award
The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor’s Safety Award to ACMC for excellence in workplace safety and health. ACMC is one of 249 employers (out of 522 entrants) who were recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center in May.“An effective safety program reduces injuries and costs, maximizes productivity and builds morale,” said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. “Employers like Affiliated Community Medical Centers understand that safety is good business, now more than ever.”
“We’re committed to maintaining a safe work environment for everyone at ACMC,” said Stacey O’Brien, Occupational Medicine at ACMC. “We know that when employees work in a safe environment, our patients and employees benefit. We’re proud to be recognized again this year for our efforts by the Minnesota Safety Council.”
ACMC in Willmar, Granite Falls, Litchfield and Marshall, along with Willmar Medical Services, received the Meritorious Achievement (110 winners) for better than average performance in incident rates, dependent on type of industry.
07/14/09 - Reach Out & Read Grant
ACMC’s Reach Out and Read (ROR) program received a $2,000 grant from United Way of West Central Minnesota’s Empower: Women United in Philanthropy. The money will be used to purchase new books that will be given to children during their well-child visit at ACMC clinics. Empower: Women United in Philanthropy is a women’s initiative working to focus women’s leadership to prepare our children for kindergarten. Empower believes the Reach Out and Read program will help achieve their goal to have 80% of all children prepared for kindergarten by 2012 and fits their priority areas of advocating for basic needs of children ages 0-6 and promoting community progress toward school readiness.06/30/09 - Three Affiliated Community Medical Center Clinics Honored by Minnesota Bridges to Excellence
Willmar, MN - Minnesota Bridges to Excellence (MNBTE) recently recognized three Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) sites for meeting the 2008-09 criteria for excellence in optimal care of patients with diabetes and/or vascular disease. The Bridges to Excellence effort in Minnesota is sponsored by Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG), an employer-based coalition that includes public and private health care purchasers.
According to Ronald Holmgren, M.D., ACMC President and CEO, “At ACMC we’re continually evaluating our processes so we can adapt and improve patient care as needed. The doctors, nurses and staff being recognized for optimal diabetes and vascular care are driven by continuous improvement and strive for quality patient care every day. Excellent patient care is a team effort and everyone at ACMC shares in this award.”
A select group of seventy high performing individual clinics from seventeen medical groups in Minnesota were chosen by the BHCAG in 2009 for achieving a high level of performance in the delivery of optimal care by meeting the performance targets set by Minnesota Bridges to Excellence.
An awards reception honoring the selected sites was held recently in Minneapolis.
About Bridges to Excellence - Bridges to Excellence is a non-profit coalition-based organization created to encourage significant leaps in the quality of care by recognizing and rewarding health care providers who demonstrate they can deliver safe, timely, effective, and patient-centered care.
About ACMC - ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 140 physicians and mid-level providers in 30 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
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06/16/09 - RWF Digital Mammography
A joint venture between ACMC-Redwood Falls and the Redwood Falls Area Hospital will soon provide digital mammography services in Redwood Falls. The digital mammography unit will be located at ACMC-Redwood Falls. Equipment installation and staff training will completed by the end of June. Within the past year ACMC has installed digital mammography equipment in the Willmar and Marshall Market Street clinics as well.06/16/09 - Environmental Accomplishment
ACMC-Willmar main clinic, purchasing and ACMC-New London/Spicer received certificates of Environmental Accomplishment for participating in the Shred-it shredding and recycling program. The sites saved a combined total of 249 trees from destruction in 2008. Shred-it congratulates staff members on the positive impact this initiative has made towards saving our environment.05/27/09 - ACMC-Marshall Welcomes Dr. Gordon Bos
ACMC is pleased to welcome back General Surgeon, Dr. Gordon Bos. Beginning June 1, 2009, Dr. Bos will provide a wide range of general surgery services including abdominal, hernia, breast, endocrine, oncologic, and laparoscopic procedures at ourACMC -Marshall Bruce Street location. We are excited to welcome him back to our system and into the Marshall community.
05/14/09 - Three Confirmed H1N1 Novel Virus Cases in Southwest Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed 37 cases of the H1N1 Novel Virus in Minnesota with three cases in the region of Southwest Minnesota. State officials continue to monitor the situation closely and have increased disease surveillance.
It is thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. The symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza are similar to seasonal flu:
- Fever (above 100 degrees F)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- In some cases diarrhea and vomiting
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose, you should call your healthcare provider to determine if you need influenza testing or treatment. You should also stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
To protect yourself from getting sick remember the following:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the waste basket
- If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve
- Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible
- Stay healthy: eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and exercise
For the most current information about the H1N1 novel influenza in Minnesota, visit the MDH website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/
04/20/09 - Welcome to Our Newest Physician
ACMC is pleased to welcome Nephrologist, Dr. Eric Haugen to our clinic and our community. Dr. Eric Haugen will begin his practice at ACMC in Willmar on June 1, 2009. Nephrology is the medical diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the kidneys, such as renal failure and diabetic nephropathy, including treatment of osteoporosis related to kidney disorders.Dr. Eric Haugen received his medical degree from University of Minnesota Medical School. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, and did his subspecialty training in nephrology at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Dr. Eric Haugen, his wife and three children will soon be moving toWillmar. They enjoy outdoor activities, running, coaching and music. Please take a moment to welcome Dr. Eric Haugen and his family to our clinic and the community!
04/20/09 - ACHF Receives Susan G. Komen Grant
Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) has received a $99,998 grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Minnesota Affiliate. This is the fourth year that ACHF has received a grant to increase awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening and early detection.The grant allows for community outreach and promotion in eleven Minnesota counties: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Lyon, Meeker, Pope, Redwood Falls, Renville, Swift and Yellow Medicine.
“We are pleased to be able to continue our outreach efforts to increase breast cancer and mammography awareness,” said Dawn Coccchiarella, community outreach coordinator for ACHF. “The Komen Foundation is dedicated to fighting the battle against breast cancer and Affiliated Community Health Foundation will remain committed to ensuring all women are educated on the importance of breast cancer screening. Our goal for the year is to contact 2,800 women in outreach efforts to increase mammograms in each county.”
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight American women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes, and mammography continues to be the most effective method for the detection of breast cancer.
04/15/09 - Affiliated Community Medical Centers Announce Merger with Allina Medical Clinic - Litchfield
Affiliated Community Medical Centers and Allina Medical Clinic – Litchfield have finalized their plans to merge the two clinics. Through an agreement effective June 26, 2009, the Allina Medical Clinic – Litchfield will become part of ACMC’s 11-clinic healthcare delivery network. The merger will best serve the needs of the community by creating one, integrated local care delivery model that enhances primary and specialty care services for patients.Terry Tone, ACMC administrator, said the merger will facilitate the sharing of best practices from both medical groups. “We look forward to a merger that builds on the strengths of both groups of healthcare providers, allowing us to grow the services and continue quality in the Litchfield community.”
“We are convinced that the best way to continue to fulfill our responsibility to the community, and to deal with the challenges we face in health care, such as rising costs, capital demands and physician recruitment, is to form one merged medical group to work in a coordinated way,” said Gary Walbrun, vice president, Allina Medical Clinic.
The merger will leverage the clinics strengths and help to foster an innovative clinical environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
The consolidated clinics will provide services under the banner of Affiliated Community Medical Centers and will operate at two clinic locations with the goal to have all providers and staff in one location within 18 to 24 months.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 150 physicians and mid-level providers in 30 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
03/16/09 - ACMC Announces 2008 Quality Report Results
Just one year ago ACMC primary care providers and their “team” of staff support began an initiative to improve quality outcomes particularly in our Diabetes Care delivery. It is known as “Care Links to Quality”. This decision, made by ACMC’s Best Practice Committee, occurred because our quality data showed successful improvement, but we needed to build the momentum started in 2007.The successful 2008 Quality Report from Minnesota Community Measurement tells the story of ACMC’s team effort—providers, nurses, receptionists, lab and imaging technicians, medical records staff, IT staff—literally everyone at ACMC who played a role in improving quality outcomes for our patients.
At ACMC, we’re proud of our very positive quality outcomes. Out team of healthcare professionals and support staff continues to work hard towards quality improvement. This effort shows concern for our patients’ overall health, both preventive services and chronic disease management.
03/06/09 - Marshall Spelling Bee
Congratulations to the ACMC employees who competed in the first ever Marshall Area Corporate Spelling Bee hosted by the Marshall-Lyon County Library Foundation. Dr. Steve Meister, Dr. Laurie Hill and Jean Kimpe, LPN, represented ACMC in the spelling bee on Saturday, February 21st. ACMC's team took second place overall! Proceeds from the event went towards the children and young adults section of the library.03/04/09 - Open Your Eyes to Healthy Eating Habits
Millions of Americans Can Protect Against Eye Diseases by Eating Healthier.
In honor of March’s Save Your Vision Month, ACMC – Redwood Falls Optometrists’ Dr. Scott Hagen and Dr. Greg Macik, along with the American Optometric Association (AOA), remind Americans that caring for eyes includes paying attention to nutrition.
Approximately 43 million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the two leading causes of vision loss and blindness. Based on research from multiple studies, there is a strong correlation between good nutrition and the prevention of these age-related eye diseases. By eating foods rich in six nutrients - antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, essential fatty acids, vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc - you can help protect your eye sight and vision.
Research shows that 30 million (or one out of four) Americans age 40 and older suffer from some level of vision loss. According to the AOA's 2008 American Eye-Q(R) survey, which assesses public knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health, only 29 percent of Americans are coping with vision loss or other eye problems by increasing nutrients for healthy eyes.
"Given the positive association between nutrition and age-related eye disease, it is troubling that fewer than a third of Americans seem to realize the importance of eating healthy,” said Dr. Hagen. “Although eye-healthy foods cannot reverse the damage of eye diseases, research shows it may help prevent or slow the progression of disease,” added Dr. Macik.
Healthy Fruits and Vegetables
The AOA recommends eating a diet with a variety of foods loaded with key nutrients for maintaining and improving eye health, such as lutein (LOO-teen) and zeaxanthin.
The American Eye-Q(R) survey showed that nearly half of all Americans (48 percent) still believe carrots are the best food for eye health. While carrots do contain nutritional value by supplying the provitamin A beta-carotene which is essential for night vision, spinach and other dark, leafy greens prove to be the healthiest foods for eyes because they naturally contain large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin.
The following foods contain key nutrients for eye health:
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Colorful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, corn, green beans, peas, oranges and tangerines.
- Essential fatty acids: Fatty fish like tuna, salmon, or herring, whole grain foods, chicken and eggs.
- Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, green peppers and tomatoes.
- Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, such as safflower or corn oil, almonds, pecans, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds.
- Zinc: Extra-lean red meat, poultry, liver, shellfish, milk, baked beans, and whole grains.
There are many recipes that promote healthy eye sight and vision. One example of a quick and easy eye-healthy recipe includes:
Whole-Wheat Penne with Spinach and Gorgonzola
Ingredients:
- 10 oz. uncooked whole-wheat penne pasta
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 medium onion)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 Roma tomatoes, chopped (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 (6-ounce) bag fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2/3 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese [or substitute 1/2 cup low-fat freshly- • grated parmesan cheese]
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, without salting water.
- While pasta is cooking, spray a large, non-stick frying pan with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add onions, then stir and cook until slightly transparent, approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic, stir and cook for another minute. Add broth and let simmer for 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, toss, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add spinach and basil, cook and stir for approximately 2 minutes, or until leaves wilt. Remove from heat and salt/pepper to taste.
- Drain pasta and add to spinach mixture. Thoroughly toss. Serve on a platter and top with gorgonzola (or parmesan) cheese and pine nuts. Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving): 300 Calories; 25% fat (8.3 g total, 2.8 g saturated), 57% carbohydrate (43 g), 18% protein (13.5 g), 8 mg cholesterol, 8.6 g fiber, 27 mg vitamin C, 1.33 mg vitamin E, 20.4 mg lutein/zeaxanthin, 271 mg sodium.
Did You Know?
- Eating spinach can reduce your risk of getting certain eye diseases like AMD because it contains a large amount of lutein, an important eye nutrient. In order to maintain healthy eyes, add 10 mg of lutein to your diet each day or eat one cup of cooked spinach four times a week.
- More than 50 percent of Americans do not take in the recommended dosage of Vitamin C per day. Vitamin C has been linked, in approved amounts, to minimize or reduce the risk of cataracts and AMD.
- One cup (8 fl oz) of orange juice per day contains 81.6 mg/serving of Vitamin C, more than enough to help offset some eye diseases. One cup (8 fl oz) of orange juice per day contains 81.6 mg/serving of Vitamin C, more than enough to help offset some eye diseases.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 140 physicians and mid-level providers in 30 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
02/25/09 - Affiliated Community Medical Centers Considering Merger with Allina Medical Clinic - Litchfield
Affiliated Community Medical Centers and Allina Medical Clinic - Litchfield have agreed to work together to strengthen and expand local health care services. The focus of the agreement will be to better serve the needs of area residents through a merger of the two local clinics. A letter of intent and confidentiality agreement have been signed, but a binding agreement is not yet final. If finalized, the Allina Medical Clinic - Litchfield will become part of ACMC's healthcare delivery network and will function as one integrated clinic serving the Litchfield community.According to Terry Tone, ACMC Administrator, and Thomas Holets, president of the Allina Medical Clinic, the potential collaboration may involve strengthening the local care delivery model and enhancing health care services to ensure long-term availability of primary care and specialty medical services in the community. “For the Litchfield community, this could be a very positive transaction. With the merger of the two clinics, ACMC will now be positioned to meet the expanded health care needs of the community.” “We look forward to a bright future and are committed to providing superb medical care to the many families of Litchfield and the surrounding communities,” stated Tone.
“In addition to providing comprehensive services locally, the merger would also allow for better coordination of health care services for the patients,” said Holets. “We believe that this model will create a more sustainable future for the practitioners and staff who have worked so hard to deliver excellent care and service to the community.”
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 150 physicians and mid-level providers in 30 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
Allina Medical Clinic is a not-for-profit system of 46 clinics providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina Medical Clinic is part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics which owns and operates 11 hospitals, more than 90 clinics and specialty care centers, and specialty medical services that provide hospice care, oxygen and home medical equipment, pharmacies, and emergency medical transportation services. Allina Hospitals & Clinics and the latest health information can be found online at www.allina.com.
12/29/08 - New Optometrist, Dr. Greg Macik, Joins ACMC
ACMC is proud to welcome Greg Macik, OD to our clinic and the community. Dr. Macik provides Optometry services at our ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center and our ACMC-Redwood Falls location. As an Optometrist, Dr. Macik will work cooperatively with our full team of providers to offer comprehensive primary eye and vision care. Optometrists provide diagnostic evaluations of all abnormalities of the eye. Treatment of external and internal eye disease as well as refractive conditions. Glasses, contact lenses and magnifying optics prescribed according to the patient's need and best visual function. No referral is necessary.Please join us in welcoming Dr. Macik to the communities where he'll serve. We're glad he's chosen our ACMC clinic.
11/19/08 - ACMC-Marshall Announces Addition of Digital Mammography
ACMC-Marshall is pleased to announce the addition of Digital Mammmography beginning January 2009.The new system with Computer Aided Detection (CAD) raises the standard of breast care in our communities and allows our physicians to detect and diagnose breast cancer earlier and more precisely. It also provides a sharper (higher contrast) image compared to conventional mammograms, has a lower radiation dose to the breast, and because of digital processing, it can allow for fewer repeat images. This leads to a faster, higher quality exam for the patient.
ACMC is dedicated to delivering comprehensive breast imaging services using state-of-the art technology and highly personalized service to all women.
09/26/08 - Digital Mammography Services Now Available through Willmar Medical Services
State-of-the-art system adds powerful new tool
in fight for early detection of breast cancer.
WILLMAR, MN - Willmar Medical Services is pleased to announce the addition of digital mammography services beginning October 1, 2008.
In terms of preparation, positioning, and the look of the machine, the patient experience is unchanged. However, the result of the test offers several advantages over the analog system. Digital mammography provides physicians with clear and precise all-digital images, rather than images on X-ray film. It also offers a better view of the breast, especially near the skin line, chest wall and in women with diverse breast tissue types. The new digital images allow for quick and easy electronic distribution to both providers and radiologists.
"This is a new and powerful technology for the detection and fight against breast cancer," says Ronald Holmgren, M.D., President of Willmar Medical Services. "Digital systems allow us to offer our patients state-of-the-art mammograms that are a vital step to good preventive health. Providing the best diagnostic equipment possible is another benefit achieved through Willmar Medical Services."
The two new digital mammography units are located in the Breast Center at ACMC in Willmar. The Breast Center offers 45 hours of imaging services a week for the patients and physicians within our community. Staff Technologists performing the services are trained, licensed and competent within this modality.
Mammography screening is the best tool for detecting breast cancer at an early, treatable stage in women age 40 and older. A screening mammogram is a simple, low-dose X-ray procedure that can reveal breast cancer at its earliest stage, up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
Willmar Medical Services is a joint venture between Rice Memorial Hospital and Affiliated Community Medical Centers. Willmar Medical Services also includes the Willmar Surgery Center, the Willmar Cancer Center and the Willmar Diabetes Center.
09/17/08 - Dr. Amber Vick To Join ACMC-New London Spicer October 1st
ACMC-New London Spicer is proud to welcome Dr. Amber Vick to our clinic and the community. As a Family Medicine physician, Dr. Vick will work cooperatively with our full team of providers to offer improved access to primary care in our New London-Spicer clinic. Family Medicine emphasizes comprehensive medical care for families as a whole and as individual members, caring for patients from birth to advanced age. Dr. Vick will also provide emergency and delivery care. No referral is necessary.Please join us in welcoming Dr. Vick to our community. We're glad she's chosen New London-Spicer and our ACMC clinic.
09/15/08 - Willmar Medical Services Announces Creation of Willmar Diabetes Center
Officials from Willmar Medical Services announced today the creation of the Willmar Diabetes Center. Scheduled to begin seeing patients on October 1, 2008, the Willmar Diabetes Center will be located at ACMC. The center will treat children and adults with diabetes and provide resources that improve the standard of care for diabetes patients in our communities.“Our aim is to improve the quality of life for patients with diabetes,” said Ronald Holmgren, M.D., President of Willmar Medical Services. “We understood the concern over the closing of Rice Memorial Hospital's outpatient Diabetes and Nutrition Center and the physicians knew this was a necessary service in our community.”
Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) and Rice Memorial Hospital entered into the joint venture of Willmar Medical Services in January 2008 with a commitment to providing quality care. “Because the goal of Willmar Medical Services is to continually look at new ways of providing services and the ways in which those services are delivered,” said Holmgren, “we felt the diabetes center would be a good fit, allowing us to better serve our community.”
Rice Memorial Hospital will extend service to participants in their existing diabetes program until the new Willmar Diabetes Center is open on October 1. Current patients will receive a letter explaining the options that will become available to them.
“This latest effort of a new diabetes center is one of many offered through our joint Willmar Medical Services venture,” said Rice Memorial Hospital CEO, Lorry Massa. “We hope it will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of a large and growing number of diabetic patients in our region.” While specific details are still being worked out, they plan to offer many of the services currently available at Rice's Diabetes Center.
Willmar Medical Services also includes the Willmar Surgery Center, imaging services and the Willmar Cancer Center.
09/11/08 - Dr. Carter Receives 2008 ACMC Physician Excellence Award
Affiliated Community Medical Centers is pleased to announce ACMC-Granite Falls physician, Dr. Darrell Carter, as the recipient of the First Annual ACMC Physician Excellence Award.ACMC created this distinguished award to annually honor an outstanding ACMC physician for his or her leadership, innovation, clinical knowledge and dedication to our patients and the communities we serve.
Nominations for this award were made by fellow physicians. This year’s top three nominees included Dr. Darrell Carter, ACMC-Granite Falls, Dr. Richard Wehseler, ACMC-New London/Spicer and Dr. Cindy Firkins Smith, ACMC-Willmar. The Executive committee then forwarded the top three nominations to the Board of Directors who had the difficult decision of selecting a winner based on the individual’s contributions and accomplishments.
“Although we received a number of outstanding nominations, Dr. Darrell Carter truly stood out as an exemplary physician through his contributions to his patients, the community, and healthcare in general,” said ACMC Medical Director, Dr. David Newcomer. “Dr. Darrell Carter is a shining star in our organization and we’re pleased to recognize him with the 2008 Physician Excellence Award.”
Dr. Carter began his physician career at Granite Falls Medical Center in 1972, which then became Affiliated Community Medical Center in 1995. His list of involvements goes well beyond the expected performance of his job and demonstrates his commitment to healthcare and his community.
Dr. Carter’s numerous accomplishments and involvements include, but are certainly not limited to: Certification of Added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine, Clinical Professor University of MN, Department of Family Medicine, Program Director of the National CALS Program and the Minnesota CALS Program, National CALS?Executive Board Member and Faculty, MN Rural Health and Primary Care Advisory Committee, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians 2001 and 2003 Family Physician of the Year Award Winner, Medical Director of the Granite Falls Ambulance Squad, Medical Director of the First Responder Squads of Wood Lake, Hanley Falls, Sacred Heart and Fire Fly Creek, Medical Director of Project Turnabout, Medical Director of the Granite Falls Manor, MN Academy of Family Physicians Rural Health Task Force Member and MN Rural Health Association Board of Directors member.
Dr. Carter received a crystal statue and a donation to the charity of his choice. His name and those of future winners will be placed on a public plaque as well.
09/08/08 - Priscilla Willander, PA-C Joins ACMC in Internal Medicine
ACMC-Willmar is proud to welcome Priscilla Willander, Physician Assistant in Internal Medicine, to our clinic and the community. Priscilla will work with our full team of providers to improve access to Internal Medicine. She will treat adults with common illnesses, preventive care, and chronic or multiple diagnostic problems. This includes cardiac disease, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, substance abuse, cancer and respiratory disorders. No referral is necessary.Please join us in welcoming Priscilla Willander to our community. We're glad she's chosen Willmar and our ACMC clinic.
08/25/08 - Photos from our ACMC-New London Spicer Open House Celebration
Thanks to everyone who attended our grand opening on August 21st. If you missed the opportunity to see the new clinic, click on the link below to view images from the Open House Celebration.
ACMC-New London - Spicer Open House images
07/28/08 - ACMC-New London-Spicer Open House Celebration
ACMC is proud to invite our patients and public to an Open House celebrating the completion of our new 20,000 square foot New London-Spicer clinic. Along with our full team of Family Medicine providers, we also have on-site Eyes & Optical, Optometry, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy with drive thru access. Refreshments will be served. Please join us Thursday, August 21st from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
06/25/08 - ACMC-Benson Celebrates 25 Years of Providing Quality Healthcare
ACMC is proud to celebrate 25 years of providing quality primary and specialty healthcare to Benson and the surrounding area. Please join us for our 25 Year Anniversary Open House Celebration on Tuesday, July 15th, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. We're located at 1805 Wisconsin Avenue in Benson, MN.
| - Refreshments - Healthy Giveaways - Free Health Screenings - Door Prize Drawings - Children's Games |
06/20/08 - Now Seeing Patients at Our Newly Relocated & Expanded New London / Spicer clinic
ACMC is proud to announce the opening of our new 20,000 square foot New London/Spicer clinic. Along with our full team of family medicine providers, we also have on-site Eyes & Optical, Physical Therapy and Pharmacy wtih drive-thru access.We are currenty accepting new patients. Call today for more information or an appointment.
06/02/08 - ACMC-New London / Spicer Prepares for Opening Day
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Things are moving along nicely at the brand new ACMC-New London /
Spicer clinic location. Everything will be in place for providers to
begin seeing patients in the new 20,000 square foot clinic on Friday,
June 20th. The move is scheduled for Thursday, June 19th, and providers will still
see patients in the existing New London clinic that day." said Margo
Holien. "The entire building project has gone along really well
and we've remained on schedule the entire time. |
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The expansion and relocation of the clinic will allow ACMC to better serve the needs of the New London - Spicer area. The clinic will include a full team of family medicine providers and the expansion allows room for on-site optometry care, and a complete Eyes & Optical retail showroom with space for up to 800 frames. ACMC physical therapy services will move from their current location on the Glen Oaks campus to the new clinic location and will be available five days a week. Beginning July 7th, ACMC-New London / Spicer will also have Cashwise Pharmacy on-site with a convenient drive-thru for patients. A Grand Opening Celebration is being planned for Thursday, August 21st. Mark your calendars and watch for more information. |
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05/20/08 - Dr. Detert Finalist for MAFP Award
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) recognized Dr. David Detert, Family Practice physician in Litchfield, for being selected as one of only six finalists for the 2008 MAFP Family Physician of the Year Award. Dr. Detert was nominated for this honor by local patients and colleagues who submitted letters of support. The award is presented annually to a family physician who represents the highest ideals of the specialty of family medicine, including caring, comprehensive medical service, community involvement and service as a role model.On April 17, 2008, the MAFP board had to choose one winner from the six highly qualified finalists. They named Erik Kanten, M.D., Crookston, as its 2008 Family Physician of the Year. Although Dr. Detert was not selected as the recipient of this year’s award, we are proud of his accomplishments both in the clinical setting and in the community.
Dr. Detert practiced in Redwood Falls from 1982 to 1988 before moving to Litchfield where he’s practiced medicine for the last 20 years. In Litchfield he has been very active in the community. He has been a past member of the school board, an active church member, past county coroner, has worked with Hospice, speaks at many community functions large or small as an advocate for community wellness, is a supporter of environmental issues, and has run as a candidate for the State House of Representatives. Dr. Detert is also a dedicated husband and father. He and his wife Sharon have raised four sons.
Patients who nominated Dr. Detert said he is respected and loved by all his patients. “In our opinion, Dr. Detert is the personification of what the small town doctor should represent. He is a man of integrity, honesty, humanitarianism, civic service and modesty. I don’t know if it’s possible to find a finer doctor than he, and certainly no better human being.”
A patient also praised Dr. Detert for his service and patient care. “He maintains a level of professionalism that is hard to find in the modern world, yet continues to bring a human element to the office. We have never had a physician (before Dr. Detert) call at 9:00 p.m. with lab/test results in order that our minds could rest knowing there were not unnecessary health issues to deal with.” “We are very proud to have him as a community member, our physician, and, but mostly, our friend.”
When describing him as a colleague, a nurse who works with him wrote, “He is willing to listen to any suggestions that a nurse may have for improving the care on his patient, thus making a good teamwork atmosphere where all ideals and suggestions are listened to.” Another colleague wrote, “Working side by side with Dr. Detert for these years has been a privilege. He is a “REAL” person.”
Congratulations to Dr. David Detert on being chosen as a finalist. He is one of many providers here at ACMC who go above and beyond each day.
05/16/08 - ACMC Earns Governor's Safety Award
ACMC was one of 225 employers (out of 510 entrants) who were recognized at the Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 16th. The Minnesota Safety Council awarded two Governor’s Safety Awards to ACMC for excellence in workplace safety and health for the second year in a row.
Since 1934, the annual Governor’s Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records. Participants submit injury information which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant’s past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered. Winners are recognized at three levels:
- Meritorious Achievement (104 winners): Better than average performance in incident rates, dependent on type of industry.
- Outstanding Achievement (53 winners): Continuing improvement and/or a continuing outstanding record.
- Award of Honor (60 winners): Exceptional accomplishment in reduction of injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
ACMC Marshall received a Meritorious Achievement Award.
ACMC Willmar received an Outstanding Achievement Award.
The Governor’s Safety Awards luncheon is part of the 74th Minnesota Safety & Health Conference, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council. The efforts of ACMC’s Employee Safety Committee made this award possible. Jill Gould, Shana Zahrbock, Liz Hess, Stacey O’Brien, and Amy Laumb received the awards on behalf of ACMC at the conference. You can read more about ACMC’s safety efforts on e-Central.
05/15/08 - Local Surgeon Receives Certification
Tim Peterson, M.D., a General Surgeon at ACMC in Litchfield has recently been certified by The American Board of Surgery. He has successfully completed the certification process and passed a rigorous examination. Congratulations to Dr. Peterson for his continued dedication to achieving high standards in education and patient care!
05/15/08 - Marshall Market Street Lab Recognized for Quality
ACMC-Marshall Market Street lab has met all criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. These standards are an indication of the emphasis the ACMC staff puts upon quality. Congratulations!05/12/08 - Welcome to our Newest Provider
Physician Assistant, Patrice Hedlund, recently joined the Bariatrics and Weight Control Center at ACMC- Willmar Skylark Center. Patrice came to ACMC from her most recent position with Allina Medical Clinic in Northfield. She received her Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse in cooperation with the Mayo School of Health Related Sciences and Gunderson Lutheran Foundation in LaCrosse, WI. She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Help us welcome Patrice to our ACMC team of healthcare providers.
05/01/08 - ACCEL Golf certified as Level 2 Titleist My TPI-Program
ACMC Exercise Physiologist, Jeff Kennedy, recently spent time at the Titleist headquarters in Oceanside, CA to complete additional training at the Titleist Performance Institute. The Titleist My TPI Golf Fitness program has now become the largest program of its kind in the world. Kennedy has become only the second LEVEL-2 Certified provider in Minnesota. Areas of training included Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) taught by author Gray Cook, advanced swing biomechanics and breakdown by Dave Phillips and Dr. Greg Rose of Titleist, and quantitative swing assessment by engineer and former Olympian, Dr. Phil Chetem. Assessments included those on PGA, LPGA, and nationwide tours in addition to amateur players with varying dysfunctions and diagnosis. The ACCEL Program is a certified provider of the Titleist My TPI-Program and is designated as a Level 2 site. Kennedy intends to complete the final level of certification from Titleist and achieve Level 3 Master certification as a provider and get ACCEL designated as a Level 3 site.
04/16/08 - ACMC Physical Therapist Visits Capitol Hill
Area members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recently returned from Washington, DC, where they learned ways to improve advocacy skills and promoted physical therapy issues to members of Congress. Jim Andresen, P.T., of Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Willmar, was among more than 200 physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and students of physical therapy who traveled to the nation's capital to take part in the March 30 - April 1, 2008, Federal Advocacy Forum."Joining other physical therapy clinicians and researchers to reach out to members of Congress on important public-policy issues has been a rewarding experience," Jim Andresen of ACMC said. "I look forward to other opportunities to advocate for legislation expanding access to physical therapy services."
Local participants met with members of Congress and their staff from the offices of Representatives Colin Peterson and Senators Coleman and Klobuchar.
During meetings with members of Congress and staff, participating physical therapy providers emphasized key issues, such as the need to remove arbitrary financial caps on outpatient rehabilitation services, the importance of debt repayment for physical therapy students choosing to practice in underserved areas, and the benefits of accessing physical therapist services without physician-referral requirements.
12/20/07 - ACMC welcomes Dr. Luoma to Granite Falls
Affiliated Community Medical Centers is proud to welcome a new physician to our full team of health care providers.
Dr. David C. Luoma will join ACMC in January 2008. He received his Doctor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Luoma will offer comprehensive medical care for families and individuals of all ages. No referral is needed. Call (320) 564-2511 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
We are striving to improve access to family medicine services in the communities we serve.
12/14/07 - Thanks for 46 years, Darlene!
Congratulations to Darlene Bratberg on her retirement after 46 years of service as a nurse with the New London clinic and ACMC! Thanks for the hard work and continued dedication throughout the years. To celebrate, please join us for an open house retirement party on Saturday, January 12th at the New London American Legion from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
12/10/07 - Willmar Medical Services Joint Venture
Beginning January 1, 2008, Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) and Rice Memorial Hospital (Rice) will sign a joint venture agreement to provide imaging and cancer center services for our communities. The new joint venture, called Willmar Medical Services, will also include the Willmar Surgery Center, which has been jointly owned by ACMC and Rice for over twenty years. Willmar Medical Services will be a for-profit entity, co-owned by Rice and ACMC.
With the formation of Willmar Medical Services, the Willmar Surgery Center will remain at its present location. Imaging services will continue to be provided at both locations. Cancer services provided by ACMC and Rice will be combined and located on the Rice hospital campus to form a single, comprehensive cancer treatment center called the Willmar Cancer Center. The new venture will be seamless to our patients.
Both Rice and ACMC are committed to providing quality care. Achieving the highest level of quality care requires continually looking at new ways of providing services and the ways in which those services are delivered.
Employees affected by departmental changes will eventually be employed by Willmar Medical Services. The transition will occur sometime in 2008, specific details about compensation and benefits packages will be forthcoming.
Both ACMC and Rice are excited about the development of Willmar Medical Services, and believe this venture will allow us to better serve our community through improved access and state-of-the-art technology. This partnership reflects the positive working relationship between the two healthcare entities.
Additional details about Willmar Medical Services are being developed through a process involving both organizations and will require approval by both entities, with the city council approving the joint venture for Rice Memorial Hospital.
12/10/07 - ACMC-Benson Celebrates 25 Years!
ACMC-Benson is proud to be celebrating over 25 years of service to the community of
Benson and surrounding area. Our clinic, which is adjacent to the Swift County-Benson
Hospital, is part of an 11-clinic network with over 150 providers, 25 specialty
departments and 700 support staff.Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Benson area for all of your healthcare needs!
Watch for more information on our Open House scheduled for the Spring of 2008.
11/29/07 - ACMC-New London Welcomes Physical Therapist Pam Reinertson, MPT
Affiliated Community Medical Centers - New London is proud to welcome a new physical therapist to our team of health care providers. Pam Reinertson, MPT joins ACMC in December 2007. She will offer outpatient physical therapy services at our new 20,000 square foot ACMC-New London Spicer clinic to patients of all ages.
Areas of service include:
- Acute outpatient clinical care
- Sports medicine
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Occupational medicine
Patients are evaluated and treated for:
- Injury and disease causing muscle, joint and spinal problems
- Range of motion and strengthening following total joint replacement surgery
- Acute & long-term work related injuries
- Edema (swelling in upper or lower extremities)
- Sports injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Rotator cuff (shoulder) injuries
- Bursitis
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (Incontinence)
- Weight loss
- Post fracture care
- Strokes
For more information, contact 320-354-3951.
11/28/07 - ACCEL Offering New Baseball Training
ACCEL Performance & Fitness Programs has teamed up with former professional baseball player and Atwater native, Mike Kingery, to offer area baseball players a one-of-a-kind training opportunity. This 6 week package combines athletic physical development from ACCEL
with athletic skill development from Mike Kingery's Solid Foundation Baseball School.
This program starts in January 2008. Space is limited so call today! For more information on this exciting training opportunity, visit acmc.com/accel.
11/26/07 - Congratulations to Swift County
Swift County recently received a letter of acknowledgement from the Minnesota Department of Health recognizing the county as having the highest immunization coverage rate for a county with less than 350 two year old children with greater than one shot in the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC).The Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) is a program among health care providers, parents, public health agencies, and schools aimed at preventing disease through immunization. MIIC uses a confidential, computerized information system, also known as an immunization registry, which contains a complete and accurate record of a person's immunizations, no matter where they got those shots.
Swift County was the only county in the state to exceed the 90% goal as of July 1, 2007. ACMC, Countryside Public Health and the Appleton clinic are the three organizations in the county that give immunizations. Congratulations to these medical providers!
11/20/07 - New London Clinic Making Great Progress
Thanks to the mild fall, construction crews at the new ACMC-New London - Spicer clinic have made great progress on the new clinic. Some of the changes that can be seen are sheeting of the sidewalls, rafter are now up, and the upper floor was poured. Once the building is enclosed, work will begin on the interior walls. It will increase in size for up to six physicians and add additional services. Services that will be located at the new 600 Peterson Parkway location include: coding, transcription, lab, X-ray, physical therapy and a pharmacy.
The three current providers at the existing ACMC-New London clinic will be moving into the new clinic include: Dr. Steven Shelver, Dr. Terry Peterson and Dr. Richard Wehseler.
The ACMC New London-Spicer clinic is expected to be completed by mid-June 2008.
10/02/07 - ACMC Honors State Representative
ACMC-Benson physicians and staff attended a presentation on the new Freedom to Breathe law at Swift County Benson Hospital on October 2nd.Minnesota State Representative Aaron Peterson was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his support. After the presentation, staff visited with Representative Peterson to share their thoughts and discuss healthcare issues.
Freedom to Breathe, was signed into law by the governor on May 16 and went into effect October 1st. The new law prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants, at all indoor public meetings and on public transportation.
"Minnesota's smoke-free law will protect all Minnesota workers from the negative health effects of secondhand smoke such as asthma, lung cancer and heart disease," said Dr. Richard Horecka, Family Physician at ACMC-Benson.
"ACMC is prepared for a surge in demand for smoking cessation services," said Rachel Wilcox, RN, CNP, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of the QUITPLAN Center at the ACMC-Benson Clinic. For more information about the QUITPLAN Center, call (320) 231-5070 or toll-free (888) 225-6580.
09/19/07 - Dr. Burnell Mellema Receives Quality Award
Dr. Burnell J. Mellema (ACMC-Willmar) was named the winner of this year's Physician Leadership in Quality Award by the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA).This award was presented at the 154th annual MMA meeting on September 19th in Mankato. The award is given each year to a Minnesota physician who has done the most to promote quality health care in the state. Dr. Mellema, a family medicine physician, is the medical director for ACMC's Best Practice - Care Improvement program. Among the initiatives he works on is the promotion of quality measurement and reporting. He currently is devising methods to use electronic medical records for measuring quality and electronic prescribing.
Congratulations, Dr. Mellema!
09/13/07 - ACMC Breaks Ground on New ACMC-New London-Spicer Clinic
ACMC celebrated the start of contruction with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 20,000 square feet ACMC-New London-Spicer clinic that will replace the existing clinic in New London. The new clinic overlooks Highway 23 between New London and Spicer.It will increase in size for up to six physicians and add additional services. Services that will be located at the new 74th Street NE location include: coding, transcription, lab, X-ray, physical therapy and a pharmacy.
The three current providers at the existing ACMC-New London clinic will be moving into the new clinic include: Dr. Steven Shelver, Dr. Terry Peterson and Dr. Richard Wehseler.
The ACMC New London-Spicer clinic is expected to be completed by mid-June 2008.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 11 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 110 physicians and 700 support staff in 26 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
08/07/07 - ACMC and Rice Memorial Hospital Enter Into a Long-Term Agreement with Alexandria Orthopaedic
Affiliated Community Medical Centers, P.A. and Rice Memorial Hospital are pleased to announce a long-term agreement has been entered into with Alexandria Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. The orthopaedic physician group will staff a local branch office initially located within ACMC Willmar clinic. The cooperative effort between the three entities will improve access to orthopaedic services to people in Willmar and surrounding communities."The advantages of this partnership are numerous," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "We are pleased to be able to strengthen healthcare in our communities by providing expanded access to orthopaedic services and technology. As a result of this partnership, our patients will receive high quality orthopaedic and sport injury care locally." ACMC Administrator, Terry Tone concurs. "This is a strategic, long-term solution which fills a huge need in this community," said Tone. "By working together we are able to provide reliable, coordinated healthcare long term."
Alexandria Orthopaedic Associates has been providing state-of-the-art medical and surgical treatment for disorders of the musculoskeletal system since 1973. Their group consists of five orthopaedic surgeons and three physician assistants. Alexandria Orthopedic Associates surgeons and Dr. Howard Sampson will have their clinic located in the orthopaedic area on the first floor of ACMC's main campus. Surgeries will be performed both at Rice Memorial Hospital and the Willmar Surgery Center.
Lorry Massa, CEO of Rice Memorial Hospital added, "Rice and ACMC have a long history of providing excellent orthopedic care for area residents. This new partnership should help us resolve the current manpower shortage and build upon that strong tradition to expand orthopedic services in the region very soon."
Recognizing the great need for orthopaedic services in this area, Alexandria Orthopaedic Associates will initially offer services in Willmar three to four days a week while continuing to recruit for additional local orthopaedic surgeons. The orthopaedic surgeons recruited in the future will live and practice in the Willmar area. This group of orthopaedic surgeons provides a complete range of adult reconstructive surgery, including primary and revision total joint arthroplasty and their team also includes one of the few fellowship trained sports medicine specialists outside the Twin Cities area.
"The physicians and staff of Alexandria Orthopaedic Associates are excited about our invitation to collaborate closely with the medical community and Rice Hospital in Willmar," said Dr. Paul Dale from Alexandria Orthopaedic Associates. "Willmar has always maintained a vibrant medical community and we are honored to now be a part of it."
08/02/07 - Senator Gary Kubly and Representative Al Juhnke visit ACMC-Willmar Lab
Senator Gary Kubly and Representative Al Juhnke visited ACMC-Willmar lab today to discuss the lab licensure bill in the House and Senate.
The legislators were invited on behalf of ACMC Laboratory Manager, Phil Hansen. The Licensure of Medical Laboratory Science Professionals bill (S1830 and H2109) would provide protection to the public by requiring minimum qualifications of personnel and a high level of professional competency. It would also provide information about practitioners needed for emergency preparedness and workforce planning. There are currently 14 states with licensure requirements. Minnesota is one of 20 states with efforts to pursue licensure requirements.
Senator Kubly and Representative Juhnke met with lab professionals from ACMC and Rice Memorial Hospital and toured the ACMC lab. During their visit they shared with our legislators the case for personnel licensure:
- Protect public health and safety. Licensure would give an extra assurance of quality.
- License revocation. Currently, no system to identify incompetent personnel who may move from facility to facility causing harm.
- Protect scope of practice. Laboratory testing would be performed by appropriately licensed personnel. Currently there are other professions "creeping" into laboratory testing, yet these professions have no formal laboratory training or education.
- Emergency preparedness - allowing for location and identification of laboratory personnel and mobilization in an emergency.
- Puts the lab profession on par with other licensed healthcare professionals. Examples of other licensed healthcare professionals include: Physician Assistant, Respiratory Care, Athletic Trainer, Midwife, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Audiologist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologist.
08/01/07 - Improving Access to Pediatrics
ACMC-Marshall welcomes Sara Kraft RN, CNP, to our Pediatric Department. She joined us in September 2006 as a Nurse Practitioner student, and has since graduated from the University of Minnesota Graduate School of Nursing in the Pediatric Nurse Practioner/Children with Special Health Care Needs (PNP/CSHCN) Program. Prior to that, Sara worked as a registered nurse for ten years.Sara will be working directly with Dr. Atul Mishra to care for infants, children and adolescents as a primary care provider. No referral is necessary. Call (507) 532-1101 for more information or an appointment.
We are striving to improve access to pediatric services for our community.
08/01/07 - ACMC welcomes Dr. Kristina M. England
Affiliated Community Medical Centers - Marshall is proud to welcome a new physician to our full team of health care providers.Dr. Kristina England joins ACMC in August 2007 after completing her Family Medicine residency at Siouxland Medical Education Foundation in Sioux City, Iowa. She received her Doctor of Medicine at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in Vermillion, SD. Dr. England will offer comprehensive medical care for families and individuals of all ages. No referral is needed. Call (507) 532-1101 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
07/01/07 - ACMC-Marshall is proud to introduce Lorinda Peters, RN, CNP
ACMC welcomes Lorida Peters, RN, CNP, to our Internal Medicine department. She joined us in March 2007 and is working directly with Joe Willett, DO, to treat adult patients for common illnesses, preventive care, and chronic or multiple diagnostic problems. Together they offer diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease, diabetes, arthriti, digestive diseases, cancer, respiratory disorders, hormonal disorders and kidney disease.No referral is necessary. Call (507) 532-1920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
ACMC is striving to improve access to internal medicine services for the community.
06/25/07 - Local Physician Passes Certification Exam
Joshua Friese, M.D., a Family Medicine physician at Affiliated Community Medical Centers in RedwoodFalls, has recently been certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He has successfully completed the certification process and passed a rigorous examination. Congratulations to Dr. Friese for his continued dedication to achieving high standards in education and patient care!
06/11/07 - Breast MRI now available at ACMC-Willmar
Affiliated Community Medical Centers comprehensive Breast Imaging Center has added the latest in the detection of breast cancer. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive procedure that is used to analyze the inside of the breast. An MRI is a painless procedure in which radio waves and powerful magnets linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the breast without the use of radiation. Each MRI produces hundreds of pictures.While the mammogram remains the standard way to screen women who show no evidence of breast cancer, MRI is sometimes useful in looking at dense breast tissue, scar tissue at a prior lumpectomy site, and breast abnormalities that can be felt but are not visible with mammography or ultrasound. MRI is also useful in helping to determine whether breast cancer has spread to the chest wall, which may affect treatment. It is also helpful in distinguishing if a cancer is limited to one area of the breast or is a "multi-focal", involving more than one area. The most popular philosophy among healthcare providers today is that mammography plus MRI offers greater advantages to younger, very high-risk women than either method alone. Women considered high-risk include: those with prior history of breast cancer, those with a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer (if detected prior to age 40), women who have damage to one of the BRCA genes (this is found with specialized testing) in their body.
Dr. David Newcomer, Medical Director at Affiliated Community Medical Centers said, "We are very pleased to have the breast MRI technology available for our patients. Breast MRI will help complement our current services and will keep our Breast Imaging Center at the forefront in the fight against breast cancer."
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. One in every eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. This year, more than 20,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the U.S. We're proud to add this new tool, the Breast MRI, to our Breast Imaging Center in the fight against breast cancer.
Patients should consult with their providers to see if they qualify for high-risk screening.
05/17/07 - ACMC Earns Governor's Safety Award
The Minnesota Safety Council has awarded a Governor's Safety Award to Affiliated Community Medical Centers for excellence in workplace safety and health. ACMC is one of 217 employers (out of 503 entrants) who were recognized at the Governor's Safety Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 11. The Governor's Safety Awards luncheon is part of the 73 rd Minnesota Safety & Health Conference, coordinated by the Minnesota Safety Council.
"Workplace injuries and deaths are a personal and company tragedy, and a financial burden that no organization needs," said Carol Bufton, president of the Minnesota Safety Council. "Employers like ACMC understand that a commitment to safety contributes to the health of their employees and their business."
"We're committed to maintaining a safe work environment for our employees," said Jill Gould, Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for ACMC. "We know from experience that when our employees work in a safe, productive environment, our clinics, our patients and our employees all benefit. We're proud to be recognized by the Minnesota Safety Council."
Since 1934, the annual Governor's Safety Awards have spotlighted Minnesota employers with above average safety records. Participants submit injury information which is compared with state and national data, as well as the entrant's past performance. Ongoing safety programs and activities are also considered. Winners are recognized at three levels. ACMC received the Meritorious Achievement (104 winners) for better than average performance in incident rates, dependent on type of industry.
04/23/07 - ACCEL Launches TPI Golf Fitness Program
ACCEL is proud to launch the TPI Golf Fitness Program, developed by the Titleist Performance Institute and currently being used by some of the PGA's top golfers. Jeff Kennedy, ACCEL & TPI Golf Fitness Instructor, now offers this unique program year-round in the ACCEL headquarters at ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center.For more information, visit TPI Golf Fitness Program.
12/07/06 - ACMC Announces New Medical Director
Affiliated Community Medical Center is pleased to announce that David Newcomer, D.O. will assume the duties of Medical Director on January 1, 2007. He will take the place of Dr. Robert Kaiser, who has served the role as ACMC's Medical Director for the past twelve years. In January Dr. Kaiser will return full time as a Family Medicine physician in the Willmar clinic."We are very pleased to have Dr. Newcomer on board as the new Medical Director," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren, ACMC President and CEO. "He is without question both an excellent physician and a leader."
Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Newcomer, a board certified internist, received his medical degree in 1995 from the University of New England College of Medicine, Maine, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine from Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in Wisconsin. In 1998, Dr. Newcomer relocated to the Willmar area to practice medicine in a family oriented community, and has been a physician in the Internal Medicine department with ACMC for the past nine years.
"I am eager to assume this role and I'm optimistic for the future," says Dr. Newcomer. "Someone once told me that every seven years you should take on a new challenge. I expect this position to be a challenge, but also very rewarding. While I will be working closely with ACMC's board and administrative leadership, I look forward to the opportunity to be an advocate for the physicians and staff and work hard to help improve the care we provide to our communities each day."
Dr. Newcomer has been working towards the transition to Medical Director during the last few months. "I am extremely impressed with ACMC's administrative team," says Dr. Newcomer. "Dr. Kaiser has done an outstanding job and I am even more impressed now that I better understand the complexity of the administrative duties."
In his new role as Medical Director Dr. Newcomer plans to get to know all of the physicians personally and make regular visits to the ACMC affiliate locations. He will also continue to see patients on a part-time basis.
Dr. Newcomer and his wife Chris live in Willmar with their two children, an eight year old son, and a five year old daughter.
10/31/06 - ACMC-Benson Meets Lab Accreditation Criteria
ACMC-Benson has met all criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. These standards are an indication of the emphasis on quality care.Congratulations to the laboratory staff for their continued dedication to achieving high standards in patient care!
10/16/06 - Willmar Surgery Center Receives AAAHA Accreditation
The Willmar Surgery Center achieved accreditation by the Acceditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC-Acreditation Association). The staff and physicians are to be commended for this outstanding accomplishment.Accreditation is a voluntary process through which an ambulatory health care organization is able to measure the quality of its services and performance against national recognized standards. Over 2,300 health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC. There are only 19 accredited organizations in Minnesota, and only 6 of these are ambulatory surgery centers.
"Accreditation underscores our long-outstanding commitment to providing the highest possible levels of quality care to the communities we serve," said Judy Fladeboe, R.N., Willmar Surgery Center Manager. "We are pleased and proud to have our efforts recognized with this accreditation."
Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services. "This is an important milestone in the continuing growth and success of our health care organization," said Dr. Ronald Holmgren. "Accreditation by the AAAHC is proof of our unwavering commitment to providing accessible, quality healthcare to our patients every day."
08/28/06 - Two ACMC Physician Assistants Receive their Masters Degree
Teri Sigurdson and Emily Belanus received their Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Dakota's School of Medicine & Health Sciences at graduation exercises on August 4, 2006.Teri and Emily were previous graduates of the PA program at the University of North Dakota and were the first two physician assistants to successfully receive their Masters degree via the transitional MPAS track. The transitional MPAS track is designed for the clinical practicing physician assistant interested in obtaining a Masters degree. This program is delivered on line with no on-campus requirements.
Physician Assistants are health professionals who practice medicine with physician guidance and supervision. Physician Assistant's assess the health status of individuals of all ages, obtaining a database, which includes a medical history, physical examination and appropriate diagnostic tests. The information is complied in a problem-oriented medical record. In addition, physician assistants in collaboration with supervising physicians, are prepared to implement, supervise, and evaluate therapeutic protocols for the management of acute symptoms, chronic stable conditions, and to provide appropriate emergency care services. Program graduates also provide patient and community education to aid in promoting, maintaining and/or improving health status and preventing disease.
Teri is employed at ACMC-Willmar and specializes in oncology, bariatrics and urgent care. Emily is employed at ACMC-Litchfield and specializes in Family Medicine and Emergency Room medicine. Congratulations to both of them for their continued dedication to achieving high standards in their field!
08/02/06 - ACMC announces the closing of the ACMC-Starbuck location
Affiliated Community Medical Centers announces the closing of the ACMC-Starbuck location. ACMC-Starbuck's last operating day will be August 10, 2006. On September 1, 2005, ACMC acquired the Minnewaska Medical Clinic, including the occupancy of the clinic's buildings and equipemnt in Starbuck. "During the past eleven months patient numbers at the Starbuck clinic were considerably below what we needed to break even," said ACMC Administrator Terry Tone. "We are consistently generating a loss and unfortunately were not able to find a long-term solution."
Thank you for trusting your past care to ACMC-Starbuck. We welcome your continued relationship with Affiliated Community Medical Centers at one of the eleven clinics in our healthcare network. Visit our web site for a complete listing of phone numbers by Affiliate location and departments.
08/01/06 - Dr. Rasmussen, Featured in BCBS of MN Publication
Dr. Richard Rasmussen, ACMC-Willmar Internal
Medicine, was featured in the 2006 edition of clearblue, a non-traditional
corporate annual report for Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Minnesota and the
Blue
Cross Foundation. This publication shares with its stakeholders inspiring
stories of individuals and organizations that work every day to make
Minnesota
a
healthier place
to live. Following his graduation from Harvard in 1976, Dr. Rasmussen
"came home" to Minnesota relocating to Willmar, Minnesota. He took a
position with Willmar Medical Center, which later became known as Affiliated
Community Medical Centers (ACMC). There he launched his career, caring
for patients of all ages. And as he and his patients grew older together,
his medical focus began to shift more to the unique needs of the area's
senior population.
"Seniors are highly respected in Willmar because of their contributions to the small-town community. It's truly an honor to work with them and learn about their rich lives," said Dr. Rasmussen. Dr. Rasmussen comments that the noteworthy innovations in care for seniors isn't something that he's been able to do alone. He credits the team at ACMC for supporting him every step of the way.
He worked to develop an acclaimed service care model for ACMC taking into account the significant clinical component in nursing home care. This model focuses on the provider, nurse and patient relationship in a more coordinated way. The nurse and doctor collaborate to provide on-site care and supervision to patients in nursing homes and at-home settings. This personalized approach to care ensures better health outcomes and communication for everyone involved, including the patient's loved ones.
The key to the program's success, according to Dr. Rasmussen, is the nurse practitioner, who is in the best position to make personal visits when a doctor has a full patient load at the clinic or hospital. "It's their knowledge of the patients that makes this work so well. We have seen our treatment approach decrease hospitalizations," says Dr. Rasmussen.
In the article, it describes a typical day for Dr. Rasmussen and his nurse practitioner partners. Often, he sees as many as 25 patient per day. In addition, the nurse practitioner can also manage a daily load of up to 30 patients. According to Dr. Rasmussen, with the long hours come countless rewards. In his mind, giving them all personal attention is an absolute must. "It's important that we focus our energy on maintaining dignity and quality of life for our senior patients," says Ann Wiborg, RN, MSN, CNP.
07/26/06 - ACMC-Willmar Blood Drive a Success
ACMC-Willmar hosted its annual blood drive on Wednesday, July 26. This year the drive was hosted at ACMC's Skylark Center. Our goal was exceeded as we collected 51 pints of blood from 70 donors.With the hot summer weather, the American Red Cross has been unable to achieve goal at many work sites. This makes ACMC's drive especially important.
"This was our fifth year doing the blood drive," said Jo DeBruycker, RN, manager of the Health Learning Center. "The American Red Cross was so complimentary about ACMC's willingness to become involved at all levels."
05/31/06 - ACMC Physical Therapist Passes Vestibular Rehabilitation Course
Tamara Kobienia, Physical Therapist at Affiliated Community Medical Centers, recently passed Emory University School of Medicine's course, "Vestibular Rehabilitation - A Competency Based Course." Vestibular rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment program that is dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of patients with dizziness and balance problems that are caused by a variety of diagnoses and conditions.Contragulations to Tamara for her continued dedication to achieving high standards in education and patient care!
05/31/06 - Local Granite Falls Physician Becomes Fellow of American Academy of Family Physicians
Art Rillo, M.D., a Family Medicine physician at Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Granite Falls, recently became a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.The AAFP awards the degree of Fellow (FAAFP) to recognize those members who have distinguished themselves among their colleagues, as well as in their communities, by their service to family medicine.
Congratulations to Dr. Rillo for his continued dedication to achieving high standards in education and patient care!
05/31/06 - Affiliated Community Medical Centers Recognized for Excellence in Care of Diabetes Patients
The Buyers Health Care Action Group (BHCAG) recently recognized Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) for meeting the Minnesota Bridges to Excellence Optimal Diabetes Care measures that signify excellence in care of diabetic patients.ACMC is one of only nine health care organizations in the state recognized by BHCAG for demonstrating to the community their commitment to using evidence-based measures that improve health quality and help patients better manage their chronic conditions.
"Efforts to improve care of diabetics at ACMC have been ongoing for several years and continues to evolve with patients as active partners in their own care," said Burnell Mellema, M.D., ACMC's Care Improvement Medical Director. "ACMC is pleased to see employers recognize the importance of careful management of chronic conditions such as diabetes." The Minnesota Bridges to Excellence program is an employer initiative designed to recognize physicians for outcomes, not processes. According to Charlie Montreuil, BHCAG and Minnesota Bridges to Excellence Chair, "ACMC's commitment to improving diabetes care contributes to the entire community by improving health outcomes, controlling costs, and improving the quality of life for their patients."
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 12 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 140 physicians and mid-level providers in 25 specialty areas. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
05/09/06 - ACMC's Exercise Physiologist Becomes ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
Jeffrey R. Kennedy, Exercise Physiologist and ACCEL Performance and Fitness Program Director at ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center, recently earned the degree of Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). As the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, ACSM has more than 20,000 international, national, and regional chapter members. The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.A Clinical Exercise Specialist is a healthcare professional certified by the ACSM to deliver a variety of exercise assessment, training, rehabilitation, risk factor identification and lifestyle management services to individuals with or at risk for cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic disease. The ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist is also competent to provide exercise-related consulting for research, public health, and other clinical and non-clinical services and programs.
Jeff is the program director for our ACCEL program and Exercise Physiologist for ACMC's Weight Control Center and Bariatrics Department. The ACCEL Program is a unique performance and fitness program designed specifically for athletes of any sport who want to improve speed, strength, agility, and self-confidence while reducing the risk of injury. The Weight Control Center and Bariatrics Department is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and other health professionals dedicated to the treatment of overweight and obesity. If you would like more information, please call:
ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center Accel Performance and Fitness Program
(320) 231-5039 or (888) 225-6580 (toll-free)
ACMC-Willmar Weight Control Center and Bariatrics Department
(320) 214-6222 or (888) 225-6580 (toll-free)
Congratulations to Jeff for his continued dedication to achieving high standards in his specialty!
04/11/06 - ACMC Radiology Manager becomes Certified Radiology Administrator
Sue Rucks, Manager of Radiology at Affiliated Community Medical Center, recently earned the degree of Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) from the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA). The CRA is the only professional credential tailored specifically for radiology administrators, focusing on human resource management, asset resource management, fiscal management, operations management, and communication and information management. Currently there are only eleven CRA's in the state of Minnesota.Congratulations to Sue Rucks for her continued dedication to achieving high standards in education and patient care!
03/03/06 - Reach Out and Read Program Adds Bookshelves to ACMC Waiting Rooms
The Reach Out and Read program is becoming a huge hit at ACMC. One aspect of the program was the addition of bookshelves in our pediatric, urgent care and family medicine waiting rooms. ACMC staff were asked to bring in their gently used books to donate to the bookshelves. Now family members are busy reading books to children while waiting for their appointments."Having the books in the waiting room is great," said Marjory Anderson, LPN at ACMC. "If a child is crying, it settles them down when the parent starts reading." The staff also said reading helps the family members time go by quicker if they're waiting for someone who is with the doctor. Other children are also gathering around to listen.
Reach Out and Read is a national program in which ACMC Family Medicine physicians and Pediatricians discuss literacy development with parents just as they discuss the child's physical development. At each well child visit, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years receive a new, age-appropriate book to take home and keep. The Reach Out and Read program model is based on research that shows a connection between frequency of sharing books with babies, toddlers and young children and enhanced language development.
02/01/06 - ACMC Kicks off its Reach Out and Read program
ACMC kicked off its Reach Out and Read pediatric literacy program last week with story hours at ACMC-Redwood Falls, ACMC-Marshall, ACMC-Benson, ACMC-Litchfield and ACMC-Willmar clinics. ACMC physicians read to the children and they received a healthy snack. Reach Out and Read is a national program in which Family Medicine physicians and Pediatricians discuss literacy development with parents just as they discuss the child's physical development. At each well child visit, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years receive a new, age-appropriate book to take home and keep. The Reach Out and Read program model is based on research that shows a connection between frequency of sharing books with babies, toddlers and yound children and enhanced language development.
12/13/05 - ACMC Recognized as One of 21 Top Clinics from MN Community Measurements
Governor Tim Pawlenty awarded Affiliated Community Medical Centers a certificate of recognition for ACMC's achievement in Optimal Diabetic Care. The 2005 MN Community Measurement Healthcare Quality Report, found at www.mnhealthcare.org shows ACMC second from the top with three-star recognition that means the clinic system is above the state benchmark (goal).MN Community Measurements is a statewide initiative that provides healthcare consumers valuable health information on key conditions requiring frequent clinic visits. The conditions include diabetes, asthma, hypertension, well child and adolescent care, important childhood immunizations and several cancer screenings. Women's healthcare was another area of three-star recognition for ACMC. It included close attention to cancer screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer by offering mammograms and PAP smears. Chlamydia screening for all women, ages 15-26 years, is also included because early detection of this infection can prevent complications which may lead to infertility.
Another important aspect of the MN Community Measurements website is information on quality care measures from 54 different clinic systems. These clinic systems are where 90% of Minnesotans receive their primary care. Consumers, employers and other caregivers can go to the website and learn about clinics' data outcomes. Reviewing this information is one way of measuring the quality of medical care delivered by primary care providers in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetrics. ACMC did particularly well in Diabetes Care, and Women's Health Screenings.
10/05/05 - ACMC-Litchfield - Open House Celebration
The public is invited on Tuesday, October 18th to join Affiliated Community Medical Center - Litchfield and Meeker County Memorial Hospital in an Open House Celebration from 3 - 6 p.m. We celebrate the completion of our recent remodeling and expansion project. This project included a 4,800 square foot addition to expand patient care areas and make room for new clinic and hospital services.Stop by ACMC-Litchfield on Tuesday for a tour of our new and improved healthcare facilities. Enjoy free refreshments, facility tours, free trick-or-treat bags for kids, and healthy give-aways.
10/05/05 - Willmar Surgery Center Passes Surprise Inspection
The Willmar Surgery Center recently passed a surprise inspection from the MN Department of
Health. Surveyors from the Division of Health Policy, Information & Compliance Monitoring, were pleased to find Willmar Surgery Center in full compliance with all State regulations.Judy Fladeboe, RN, Manager of Willmar Surgery Center, believes if you're prepared for an inspection at all times, it means youre continually working at an optimal level for your patients. "We're proud of the highest quality care we provide to our patients on a daily basis," said Fladeboe.
ACMC congratulates the Willmar Surgery Center for its continued dedication to achieving high standards in patient care!
09/19/05 - Psychiatrist to Begin Offering Services in Marshall
People in Marshall and surrounding communities will soon have access to a full time local psychiatrist. Michael Fernando, MD will begin his practice in Marshall in early winter 2005.The addition of a psychiatrist to the medical community is a result of cooperative recruitment efforts between Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Affiliated Community Medical Centers-Marshall, Western Mental Health Center and Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, SD.
Dr. Fernando received his medical degree from Rush Medical College in 1992 and completed his residency in psychiatry from the University of Chicago Medical Center in 2000. He has been in private practice for over five years in Peru, Illinois. He and his family will be relocating to the Marshall community.
Doctors of psychiatric medicine have extensive medical training to understand the body's functions and the complex relationship between emotional illness and other medical illnesses. Psychiatrists deal with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.
In collaboration with Western Mental Health Center, Dr. Fernando will provide services to the region through a primary office site at Western Mental Health Center. Kert Reedstrom, Executive Director of Western Mental Health Center, said, "We are extremely pleased to welcome such a talented person to the region and to offer additional services for those needing psychiatric care."
08/08/05 - New Ob/Gyn to Join Marshall Medical Community
Marshall, MN-Affiliated Community Medical Center and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center are pleased to announce that Donna Hartfiel, M.D., a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, will begin practicing in Marshall in January 2006. Dr. Hartfiel will join Dr. Raymond Michael in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ACMC-Marshall.After graduating from the University of South Dakota with a B.A. degree in Pharmacy, Dr. Hartfiel earned her medical degree in 1979 form the University of South Dakota. She completed her residency in OB/GYN at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. Hartfiel is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been in private practice as an OB/GYN in Olympia, WA since completing her residency in 1983. A native of Clarkfield, MN, she is looking forward to returning to the Marshall area.
The addition of Dr. Hartfiel will expand access to a full range of women's health services for residents of Marshall and surrounding communities. Obstetrics services available include prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Gynecological services include routine preventive care, basic infertility services, evaluation of abnormal PAP smears and bleeding problems, and surgery.
The acquisition of a second OB/GYN is a result of cooperative recruitment efforts between Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Affiliated Community Medical Centers and Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls.
Appointments with Dr. Hartfiel or Dr. Michael may be made through Affiliated Community Medical Center-Marshall at (507) 532-1920.
08/03/05 - Starbuck Joins Affiliated Community Medical Centers' Network
The former Minnewaska Medical Clinic in Starbuck, MN will soon merge with Affiliated Community Medical Centers. Through the partnership with ACMC, Starbuck will join an integrated healthcare network, capable of ensuring high-quality, cost-effective healthcare. Effective September 1, ACMC will acquire Minnewaska Medical Clinic, including occupancy of the clinic's buildings and equipment.
"This partnership brings the best of both worlds to the Starbuck area and to our patients," said Kris Gilleo, Family Nurse Practitioner at Minnewaska Medical Clinic. "The medical center will remain local and ACMC will provide stability and coordinated care."
"The advantages to this partnership are numerous. We are pleased to be able to strengthen healthcare in the Starbuck community through a direct link with Affiliated Community Medical Center's specialty healthcare network, while at the same time maintaining a local presence," said ACMC CEO Dr. Ronald Holmgren.
"This alliance is the right thing to do for our patients," said Minnewaska Family Practitioner, Dr. Ron Brown. "It will mean more coordinated care for patients, allow for expanded patient access to healthcare and an expansion of local services in the future."
"Our focus in Starbuck is to continue to expand access to services and technology so patients can receive the care they need locally." Holmgren said. "By working together, we will have a comprehensive and strong medical center, which will serve the area for generations to come."
07/25/05 - ACMC's Skylark Center Building Project
Work on the ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center continues at a fast pace. Much of the building interior has been completed. Most of the services including ACCEL, Physical Therapy, Eyes and Optical, ACCEL, and Bariatrics/Weight Control Center will be moving in late September through October. Work is near completion on the exterior of the building including painting and landscaping. Some of the department areas have moved including Eyes & Optical, Optometry, Ophthalmology, and Psychology as final details continue in the other areas. Watch for more information about our Open House which is scheduled for mid-November.
06/21/05 - 64 Slice Ct Scanner Arrives at ACMC
The new 64 slice Siemens Sensation computed tomography (CT) scanner arrived at ACMC this week. It will go into service with patients on June 27 at ACMC-Willmar.The scanner will help ACMC physicians take imaging to new heights with faster, more accurate diagnostic capabilities.
The 64 slice scanner combines unrivaled image quality with remarkable speed. It can produce detailed pictures of any organ in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear, three-dimensional images, including 3-D views of the blood vessels, in an instant.
Technology changes over the past year have changed rapidly as a year ago, a 16 slice scanner was considered the "top of the line."
A "slice" is a section of the body imaged by a CT scanner during one section of the body imaged by a CT scanner during one rotation of the X-ray camera located in the machine. With 65 slices per rotation, each image is only three-tenths of a millimeter in thickness, resulting in the sharpest detail.
The 64 slice CT scanner is one of only a couple hundred installed in the United States, and is only of only five in Minnesota. "This is the finest detail of the human body ever available from a CT scanner," says Sue Rucks, manager of the Imaging Department. "Through this technology we will be able to see the smallest of details, and that will ultimately improve both early diagnosis and treatment options for patients."
05/06/05 - 64 Slice CT Scanner Coming to ACMC
A new 64 slice Siemens Sensation computed tomography (CT) scanner is scheduled to go into service with patients on June 27 at ACMC-Willmar.The scanner will help ACMC physicians take imaging to new heights with faster, more accurate diagnostic capabilities.
The 64 slice scanner combines unrivaled image quality with remarkable speed. It can produce detailed pictures of any organ in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear, three-dimensional images, including 3-D views of the blood vessels, in an instant.
Technology changes over the past year have changed rapidly as a year ago, a 16 slice scanner was considered the "top of the line."
A "slice" is a section of the body imaged by a CT scanner during one section of the body imaged by a CT scanner during one rotation of the X-ray camera located in the machine. With 65 slices per rotation, each image is only three-tenths of a millimeter in thickness, resulting in the sharpest detail.
The 64 slice CT scanner is one of only a couple hundred installed in the United States, and is only of only five in Minnesota. "This is the finest detail of the human body ever available from a CT scanner," says Sue Rucks, manager of the Imaging Department. "Through this technology we will be able to see the smallest of details, and that will ultimately improve both early diagnosis and treatment options for patients."
04/24/05 - Laboratorians at ACMC Saluted During Lab Week
National Medical Laboratory Week (NMLW), April 24-30, is a time to honor the more than 280,000 medical laboratory professionals across the nation who perform and interpret laboratory tests that save lives and keep people healthy. Pathologists and laboratory technologists and technicians at Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC), are among the many unsung heroes of medical healthcare.Using state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation, laboratory professionals help to prevent disease by detecting unknown health problems and by aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of existing conditions by giving accurate, timely test results. The laboratory tests results comprise an estimated 70% of the patients medical records and are vital to the diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease. "We are proud of the work we do," said Phil Hansen, Lab Manager for ACMC. "We have to be painstakingly meticulous in performing our jobs to provide dependable answers to your physicians."
Results of laboratory tests often identify the presence of disease in its earliest stages, when the possibilities of a cure are greatest and when treatment is least costly.
Medical laboratory professionals represent a variety of specialties, including pathologists, medical technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, histotechnologists, histologic technicians, cytotechnologists, cytopathologists, phlebotomy technicians, clinical chemists, microbiologists, laboratory managers, and medical educators. For more information about NMLW, call Affiliated Community Medical Centers at 320-231-5000 or visit the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Website at www.labweek.org.
ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
03/10/05 - PET/CT Services Now Available Locally at ACMC
PET/CT services are now available locally at Affiliated Community Medical Centers. The benefits to the patient are tremendous--early diagnosis, accurate staging and localization, precise treatment and patient monitoring.Positron Emission Tomography (PET) works by creating powerful images of the biological functions of the body to reveal disease states. Prior to the exam, the patient receives a radioactive solution containing tracers, which emit signals as they travel through the body, creating images. The PET part of PET/CT measures the degree of sugar intake and can image cancers that are difficult to see otherwise, while the Computed Tomography (CT) aspect of the scanner improves the quality of the PET can. The CT scan also provides an anatomical basis for localizing where the sugar or glucose uptake has occurred.
"The real value of the equipment is the fusion of CT and PET scans," said Dr. J. Michael Ryan, oncologists at ACMC. "CT scan alone is good for anatomical imaging and PET scan for function, but together they are able to produce higher-quality images that allow physicians to see the larger picture in greater detail."
Our new enhanced PET/CT service is available every Saturday at ACMC-Willmar.
02/07/05 - Influenza on the rise in Minnesota
As influenza spreads across the state, the Minnesota Department of Health issued a last call Monday for flu shots. Affiliated Community Medical Centers still has a limited amount of flu shots available at all Affiliate sites and we continue to vaccinate each day.Locally, the number of influenza cases remains high, said Jo DeBruycker, director of the Health Learning Center at Affiliated Community Medical Centers.
"Usually it peaks and then it tapers down," she said. "This year, however, it just is holding. It's not really dropping," she said.
Affiliated is one of several sentinel sites that monitor influenza for the Minnesota Department of Health.
Type A flu viruses -- usually more severe than type B strains -- are in the preponderance, DeBruycker said. It's also mainly younger, unvaccinated people who are sick, she said.
A flu shot now can help protect against influenza for the rest of the winter, Minnesota Department of Health officials said last Monday. In some years, flu may not peak until March or even April.
Good home treatment for influenza can help to relieve your symptoms. It may also help lower your risk of developing complications.
Home treatment may include:
- Nonprescription flu remedies. In most cases of the flu, a simple pain reliever and fever reducer such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil) is all that is needed.
- Decongestants and nasal sprays, which help relieve a stuffy nose or relieve pressure and pain from swollen tissues in the face and behind the eardrum.
- Reducing fever, headache, and body aches, such as by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough relief, such as by drinking fluids or taking nonprescription cough medicine.
- General self-care tips, such as getting extra rest.
02/07/05 - Litchfield addition on track for summer completion
In October 2004, ACMC-Litchfield began construction on a 4,500 square foot addition to the west side of the clinic. We are looking to add a new general surgeon at the clinic. Dr. Craig (OB/GYN) and Dr. Brett's (Family Medicine) practices will occupy some of the new space on the main level.The building's lower level will primarily be space that Meeker County Memorial Hospital will lease from ACMC. The hospital's plan for the new space is to relocate their cardiac rehabilitation and occupational therapy in addition for a large conference room.
Our contractors, Cornerstone Construction, continue to move at a fast-pace as they work on electrical and the interior. The lower level and main floor are expected to be completed this summer.
02/05/05 - Affiliated Community Health Foundation Awards Grant
Affilated Community Health Foundation approved a grant to Living at Home/Block Nurse Program to deliver mental health education and services to the Granite Falls area senior citizens. This is the first project grant focused on chronic mental health. The project has seven different partnering organizations in the area including Yellow Medicine County, Leaders of the Upper Sioux community, and ACMC physician, Dr. Darrell Carter.
02/03/05 - ACMC to expand services to Skylark Mall
We're growing! At a recent press conference, ACMC announced that it was expanding its services to the Skylark Mall. The specialty departments moving into the ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center include physical therapy, bariatrics/weight control center, optometry and the eye department, ophthalmology, ACCEL fitness program and psychology. "As services continue to grow and new programs such as the weight control center are added, the main clinic is running out of room," said Dr. Robert Kaiser, medical director."The addition of two new physicians this summer--an ear, nose and throat specialist and a dermatologist--make the need especially urgent."The project is on the fast-track: The contractor, Cornerstone Construction, began renovating the space on January 26 with the goal of opening the new ACMC-Willmar Skylark Center by the end of June.
The move will make Affiliated's eye care services, physical therapy, ACCEL fitness program and weight control center more handier and accessible to patients. "It'll make it much more visible and increase our retail exposure. We also plan to increase our hours." said Terry Tone, administrator.
ACMC is occupying 28,000 square feet in the northeast corner of the Skylark Mall which is about 40 percent of the total space. The outside of the mall will have a new look with large windows, new landscaping and new sidewalks.
"Once the move into the Skylark Center is completed, Affiliated will expand the space in its main clinic for high-volume services such as lab, x-ray, orthopedics, gastroenterology and family practice," Kaiser said.
01/26/05 - Marshall - Market Street clinic to expand
As ACMC-Marshall continues to add additional services, we are in need of more exam room space. Currently we are looking to add several physicians to the ACMC-Marshall clinics. When the mall recently approached us with adjacent space available to our clinic, we felt that it would be advantageous for us. We anticipate an early spring occupancy.
01/05/05 - ACMC-Marshall exceeds United Way campaign goal
ACMC-Marshall employees raised nearly $1,800 more than their 2003 campaign during their recent 2004 Southwest Minnesota United Way drive. Employee and corporate contributions totaled $5,024, just over their $5,000 goal.United Way of Southwest Minnesota is a community-based non-profit organization that focuses on human service needs of the local community. United Way activates community resources to make the greatest possible human impact. United Way addresses the most critical local necessities and mobilizes resources beyond the dollars that are pledged through community fund-rising efforts. United Way of Southwest Minnesota partners with schools, government policy makers, businesses, financial institutions, voluntary associations and the faith community. The primary service area (but not limited to) is Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, western Redwood, and Yellow Medicine Counties of Southwest Minnesota.
01/01/05 - Associate Medical Director Named at ACMC
Dr. David Ross M.D., a family medicine physician at ACMC-Litchfield has been named to the position of Associate Medical Director for ACMC. Dr. Ross received his BA degreen in Biology from University of Iowa. He completed his MD Degree at the University of Iowa School of Medicine, and completed his residency at the Northeast Iowa Family Practice Program in Waterloo, Iowa. Dr. Ross joined the Family Medicine department at ACMC-Litchfield in August 2002.
12/31/04 - Flu Cases on the Rise
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) health officials report seeing a rapid rise in both Influenza A and Influenza B this week. According to Jo DeBruycker, RN with ACMC's Health Learning Center, "We are surprised to see influenza B so early. Typically we don't see this strain until later in the flu season. Particularly hit with influenza right now are young adults ages 20-40, who have not been vaccinated."ACMC serves as an influenza reporting sentinel site for the Minnesota Department of Health. Sentinal providers submit reports every week of the number of patients they've seen with any influenza-like illness.
This year's flu vaccine may not offer full protection against all strains that are showing up in the region, but ACMC healthcare officials say people should take advantage of whatever help is available. Even with the vaccine shortages this year, there are still supplies available. The Minnesota Department of Health recently revised their flu shot guidelines to include anyone who wants to be vaccinated. ACMC still has vaccine available.
Flu season typically lasts through March and peaks in January or February, but the season can linger until April. "It is not too late to get a flu shot and protect yourself against the disease for the balance of the season," said DeBruycker.
ACMC has reported giving more than 17,000 flu shots since October. After getting the vaccine, the next line of defense is personal hygiene and common sense. People should avoid contact with people that they believe might have the flu. People recuperating from the disease should stay home from work or school.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
12/21/04 - Rehab Services offered at Glen Oaks in New London
Through a unique partnership with Glen Oaks Campus, ACMC offers physical therapy services in New London. Physical Therapist, Peter Finke, and Alka Mehra, O.T. R. not only provides inpatient physical therapy services to the residents at the Glen Oaks care center, but he also provides a full range of physical therapy services on an outpatient basis for patients of all ages.Services include:
Acute outpatient clinical care
Long-term nursing home care
Sports Medicine
Occupational Medicine
Patients are evaluated and treated for:
Injury and physical limitation
Sports injuries
Post Fracture Care
Total joint replacement surgery
Neck and back pain
Strokes
Acute and long-term work related injuries
For more information, contact 320-354-2160.
12/03/04 - ACMC Flu Clinics
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Centers is pleased to announce that efforts to redirect available vaccine to those who need it most have been highly successful. As a result, we now have enough vaccine for everyone who is considered to be at 'increased risk' for serious complications of the flu. In addition to the initial high-risk categories, flu shots are now available for:- People 50 years of age or older.
- Anyone who lives with or cares for someone who is at increased risk of complications from influenza.
- For children ages 6 months through 8 years who received the flu vaccine for the first time in their life this year - a second vaccine is recommended and available.
ACMC-Willmar will be holding flu shot clinics from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm the entire week of December 6 - 10. If you have not received a flu shot and would like to schedule an appointment, please call (320) 231-5095 between 8 am - 5pm on Monday, December 6, or Tuesday, December 7.
For those outside of the Willmar area, flu vaccine is also available at all ACMC clinic locations: Atwater, Benson, Granite Falls, Litchfield, Marshall, New London and Redwood Falls. Please contact your clinic directly to schedule an appointment time.
10/29/04 - ACMC Flu Vaccine Update
Willmar, MN - Due to the limited flu vaccine supply, Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) was not allotted enough vaccine for all patients who fall under the 'high' risk category. However, ACMC physicians are developing a plan to distribute vaccine to ACMC established patients who are considered at highest risk for complications from the flu. Appointment times are being set up with these patients only. We ask for your continued patience during this process. We request that patients please do not contact their physicians regarding eligibility and supply.Other locations in the community may be offering flu clinics, and we continue to encourage those at high risk to take advantage of these opportunities. Community flu shot clinic information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health website www.health.state.mn.us.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 100 physicians in 25 specialty areas and more than 800 support staff. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
10/15/04 - Flu Vaccine Update
Willmar, MN - In light of recent news that the 2004-2005 flu vaccine is in short supply, Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) will observe the Public Health request to not distribute any vaccinations until late October. At this time, ACMC has received less than one-third of our regularly allotted flu vaccine. At the end of the month we will reassess the situation and follow the recommended guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and MDH to reach our highest risk patients. Other locations in the community may be offering flu clinics, and we encourage those at high risk to take advantage of these opportunities.Besides vaccination, other measures can protect you and help prevent the spread of the flu to others:
Practice good hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible. Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 100 physicians in 25 specialty areas and more than 800 support staff. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
04/21/04 - Second Annual ACCEL Football Combine May 15
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center's ACCEL Program will hold its Second Annual ACCEL Football Combine on Saturday, May 15, 2004 at New London-Spicer High School.Similar to the NFL Combine prior to the NFL Draft for potential draftees, the ACCEL Combine helps area high school and junior college football players gather feedback regarding their training regimen, showcase their physical talents, and improve their exposure to collegiate football coaching staffs. According to Jeff Kennedy, ACCEL Program Director, "Last year's event brought in football players from all over the state including Little Falls, the Twin Cities, Windom and Raymond. We're excited about our Second Annual Combine and expect to see a wide variety of players at this year's event."
The event is open to all football athletes who are at least 15 years old. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m., with evaluations beginning at 9:30 a.m. Cost for the event is $20.00 per athlete. Registration must be completed by May 7, 2004. Fee includes testing, refreshments and choice of an ACCEL long-sleeve t-shirt, hat or shorts. All results are posted on the ACMC website, www.acmc.com, and college coaches are notified of results approximately one week after the event.
More information is available at www.acmc.com . If you have questions, contact
Jeffrey Kennedy at (320) 214-6987.
03/25/04 - Local Doctor Selected for MMA Health Care Reform Task Force
Minneapolis, MN - Dr. Michael Bateman, a Pediatrician at Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Willmar, has been selected to serve on the Minnesota Medical Association Health Care Reform Task Force. The MMA, a professional organization representing more than 9,000 physicians throughout the state, formed the task force to develop and recommend principles to guide the MMA's policies and actions regarding health care reform and to recommend next steps for MMA involvement. "It is critical that physicians take a leadership role in efforts to fix a health care system that many believe is broken," said Judith Shank, M.D., chair of the task force and past president of the MMA.The task force will grapple with challenging issues including health care financing, costs, delivery, access, demand/supply, insurance reform, quality, staffing needs, technology and disparities among local, state, public and private sectors. Eighteen physicians representing various specialties and practice location serve on the task force. Paul C. Matson, M.D., MMA President, and G. Richard Geier, M.D., Chair of the MMA Board of Trustees are ex officio members. The staff facilitator is Jan Malcolm, former Minnesota commissioner of health.
The MMA Board of Trustees made the decision to form the task force at its January 24 meeting. The task force is expected to draft a report to the 2004 MMA House of Delegates and to complete its work by the end of the year.
01/22/04 - ACMC-Willmar Mammography Receives ACR Accreditation
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology.The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 105 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
01/21/04 - QUITPLAN Tobacco Cessation Service Coming to ACMC
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) are now offering QUITPLAN tobacco cessation counseling services at six of their ten locations - Willmar-s Health Learning Center, Granite Falls, Benson, Litchfield, Marshall Bruce and Market Street and coming to Redwood Falls in the spring of 2004.Residents in southwest and west central Minnesota can call 1-866-560-1729 to schedule an appointment for cessation counseling, or counselors can provide worksite employee tobacco cessation at the employer's request. QUITPLAN is available to everyone regardless of health care coverage.
QUITPLAN services include counseling sessions, follow-up as needed, prescribed nicotine replacement therapy and support on the website, quitplan.com, or QUITPLAN's Helpline 1-888-354-PLAN.
ACMC became a Tobacco Cessation Treatment Center as a result of a two year grant that Affiliated Community Health Foundation received from the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco.
12/12/03 - ACMC-Marshall, Market Street Receives ACR Accreditation
Marshall, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center's (ACMC) Market Street has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent survey by the American College of Radiology.The ACR, headquartered in Reston, VA, awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 105 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.
11/18/03 - Affiliated Community Health Foundation Accepting Grant Applications
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) is now accepting grant applications through December 15, 2003. Grants applications will be considered that address the ACHF goals of improving outcomes for persons with chronic health conditions, reduction of tobacco use and tobacco related disease, healthy prevention practices for children/adolescents and addressing disparities in healthcare delivery. ACHF is particularly interested in assisting Southwestern Minnesota communities in addressing tobacco reduction and prevention in schools and the growing epidemic of children-s obesity.Grants submitted by the December 15 deadline will be reviewed for grant awards at the February 2004 ACHF Board of Directors meeting. Completed applications must be submitted using ACHF grant application forms and guidelines. Requests for grant application forms can be requested at Affiliated Community Health Foundation, 101 Willmar Avenue SW, Willmar, MN 56201, phone 320-214-6821, or e-mail gregs@acmc.com.
Affiliated Community Health Foundation is a non-profit, public charity with a mission, 'to improve the health of people in southwest Minnesota through innovation in population health.'
10/27/03 - Local ACMC Market Street Laboratory Recognized For Quality Laboratory Services
Marshall, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center-s (ACMC) Market Street laboratory has met all criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. ACMC's laboratory has earned COLA accreditation as a result of a long-term commitment to provide quality service to their patients.COLA is a non-profit, physician-directed organization promoting quality and excellence in medicine and patient care through programs of voluntary education, achievement and accreditation.
ACMC is a multi-specialty network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with 100 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC's physicians and staff are committed to a tradition of providing high-quality, cost-effective medical care for their communities and surrounding areas.
10/02/03 - Full-time Ultrasound Services Coming to Redwood Area Hospital
Redwood Falls, MN - Full-time ultrasound services will now be available at the Redwood Area Hospital, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., beginning Monday, October 6. This new service is a joint venture between the hospital and Affiliated Community Medical Center.Ultrasound is a fast and non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of inside the body. While this procedure is generally used in pregnancies and is considered one of the best methods of viewing an unborn child, it is also used to image the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, prostate, testicles, thyroid and breasts. Ultrasound can also look at and listen to the blood flow in the arteries and veins in the neck, abdomen and legs and the valves and chambers of your heart.
The ultrasound images will be transmitted electronically to Radiologists in the Twin Cities, where these specialists will read the ultrasound images and electronically return a report to the patient's doctor. Results will now be available within hours instead of days.
According to Mr. Jim Schulte, Redwood Area Hospital Administrator, "We are continually looking for ways to enhance the services we offer our patients. Providing these ultrasound services on-site expedites and improves patient care and limits required visits." This service is being located at the hospital so that both outpatients and inpatients can have easy access to ultrasound. Lisa Williams will be the main ultrasound tech providing these services through the joint venture. Lisa comes with lots of experience and has been with ACMC since June 2003.
09/26/03 - Affiliated Community Health Foundation Awarded Important MPAAT Funding
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Health Foundation (ACHF) was recently awarded a 24 month contract not to exceed $220,000 from the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco (MPAAT). MPAAT is funding four tobacco treatment centers in existing healthcare settings. These QUITPLAN centers will provide tobacco users with help in quitting. ACHF's proposal was rated 'outstanding' and recommended for funding by an independent review panel. The MPAAT Board approved the award at its September meeting.ACHF is a non-profit public charity with a mission, 'to improve the health of people in southwest Minnesota through innovation in population health.' According to Greg Spartz, Foundation Coordinator, "One of the priority goals of ACHF is reducing tobacco use among adults and youth to impact the #1 most preventable chronic condition."
ACHF will contract with providers from Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) to deliver the services of tobacco cessation. ACMC has had a tobacco cessation program since 2000 as part of its Care Improvement Program. The ACMC tobacco counselors are mid-level providers who currently work at four of the ten ACMC clinic sites. With the MPAAT funding, the cessation program will be expanded to six sites with counseling services provided by eight part-time counselors. Centers will eventually be open at ACMC clinics in Willmar, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Granite Falls, Benson and Litchfield.
Andrea Carruthers, Care Management Coordinator at ACMC, played an important role in submitting the proposal to MPAAT. "Southwestern Minnesota has a population at-risk for tobacco related diseases," said Carruthers. "ACMC can provide access for tobacco users who want to quit with no more than a half hour car trip."
During the proposed three-month start up period ACHF, through a contract with ACMC, will integrate the MPAAT grant activities into ACMC's current tobacco cessation program. This will involve leadership from the clinic's administration, educating staff to prepare for expanded services and marketing to the area's population.
"We are committed to building a larger cessation service that will provide counseling at multiple ACMC clinic sites for the rural population of southwestern Minnesota," said Carruthers. "The MPAAT grant will allow us one more avenue to continue our commitment to providing high quality, cost-effective medical care."
The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco (MPAAT) is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that improves the health of Minnesota through its grant-making program, individual cessation services and community outreach. MPAAT is funded by proceeds from the Minnesota tobacco settlement through payments from tobacco companies, as ordered by the Ramsey County District Court, St. Paul, Minnesota for the harm tobacco has caused Minnesotans.
09/19/03 - ACMC - Marshall On-Call Services Moving to Bruce Street Location
Marshall, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) in Marshall will be moving their On-Call services from the Market Street location to the ACMC Bruce Street Clinic location effective Monday, October 6.In a continued effort to make access more convenient for patients, and with the proximity to Weiner Memorial Medical Center's Emergency Room, it was a natural progression to move these services to the Bruce Street location. ACMC specialty departments are also housed in the Bruce Street clinic, allowing for convenient consults for physicians and mid-levels on-call when needed. Patients typically are seen by an on-call physician when they need a same-day appointment, their primary physician is unavailable, or they do not have a primary physician. Immediate, same-day medical problems for on-call services include lacerations, bruises, minor fractures, sprains or strains and minor infections. Receptionists at ACMC will let patients know when they will need to go to Bruce Street for an appointment with the on-call physician.
Evening Urgent Care and Saturday morning clinic will continue to be located at the ACMC Market Street Mall clinic.
08/25/03 - ACMC-Marshall - On-Call / Urgent Care / Saturday Clinic Moving to Bruce Street Location
Marshall, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) will be moving their On-Call, Urgent Care and Saturday Clinic services from the Market Street location to the ACMC Bruce Street Clinic location effective Monday, October 6.The On-Call/Urgent Care and Saturday Clinic services have been located at the Market Street location since ACMC opened this location in 1998. In a continued effort to make access more convenient for patients, and with the proximity to Weiner Memorial Medical Center, it was a natural progression to move these services to the Bruce Street location.
Urgent care is available for patients with acute illness requiring same day medical appointments. ACMC On-Call/Urgent Care and Saturday Clinic are for non-emergency problems such as sore throats, ear infections, minor burns, or cuts and bruises. More serious injuries or illnesses are best treated at an emergency department. Patients are encouraged to call ahead at 507-532-9631 to schedule an appointment and help avoid lengthy wait times.
ACMC Marshall, Urgent Care operates Monday to Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm and Fridays from 5:00 pm to 7:30 p.m. The Saturday Clinic is available from 8:30 am to 11:30 am.
07/25/03 - New Sight Saving Technology Now Available at ACMC in Redwood Falls Area
Redwood Falls, MN - Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States - affecting about three million Americans. Unfortunately, up to half of them are unaware that they have the disease. Glaucoma develops without warning. Too often, treatment isnt sought until a degree of vision has deteriorated. At that point, steps may be taken to control the progression of the disease; however, the vision that is noticeably impaired is lost forever.The key to preventing vision loss is early glaucoma detection. And, since Dr. Scott Hagen, an Optometrist at Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) in Redwood Falls, recently acquired the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRTII), it has never been easier to be diagnosed for this blinding disease - often before vision suffers.
The HRT II is a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. It not only detects the very early stages of glaucoma, it also provides eye doctors with essential information for monitoring the disease in follow-up exams. By scanning the optic nerve and adjacent nerve fiber layer, the HRT II produces a three dimensional topographic map. It generates extremely accurate, detailed data and comprehensive analysis that simply is not possible to obtain with traditional exams.
The HRT II exam is fast, safe, and usually does not require dilating the eye. While a patient sits comfortably in a stationary position, a laser scans the eye for just a few seconds (at a lower energy level than that produced from a television remote control).
Glaucoma can develop in anyone. However, some people are considered at higher risk than others - including individuals over 60, African-Americans over age 40, and people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of glaucoma.
Dr. Hagen's office at ACMC is one of the few practices in Southern Minnesota to offer the comprehensive, non-invasive HRT II exam for early diagnostic and monitoring of glaucoma. If you, or someone you know, are at high risk for glaucoma, contact the ACMC Eye Department directly at 507-697-6675 or toll free at 866-697-6600.
ACMC is a multi-specialty network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 100 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC's physicians and staff are committed to a tradition of providing high-quality, cost-effective medical care, close to home.
07/21/03 - Medically Supervised Weight Control Center and Bariatrics Department Open
ACMC-Willmar - It is a stunning statistic, according to data collected and analyzed by the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 60 percent of Americans are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or over 25, and nearly 25 percent are obese, with a BMI equal to or greater than 30. As an example, if you're a 5-foot-4-inch woman and weigh 145 pounds, your BMI is 25. If you weigh 175 pounds, your BMI is 30.The number of overweight children and teens ages 6-19 also continues to increase, and is at an all time high. Today, there are almost 9 million overweight children. This is triple what the rate was in 1980.
According to J.Rob Kemp, M.D., a physician at Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC), "being overweight or obese increases a person's risk for a number of serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, psychological disorders and some types of cancers. ACMC recognizes the health problems related to obesity, and has developed a comprehensive, medically supervised, weight control program. The services of our center are available to anyone looking for professional medical assistance with weight and health management."
The ACMC Weight Control Center and Bariatrics Department utilizes a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, nutritional, behavioral and exercise specialists and other health professionals, to create an individualized program which is specific to each person's needs. Children and adults ages 12 and up are considered for the program, and there are no weight exclusions, all overweight issues are accepted. Depending on the needs of the individual, the amount of weight that needs to be lost, and other factors, patients may utilize a combination of diet, exercise, dietary supplements and medications.
"Crash diets or other quick-fix weight loss solutions can be dangerous to your health," said Kemp. "Our goal is to help people lose weight, improve their health, maintain their weight loss, and enhance their quality of life."
ACMC is a multi-specialty network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 100 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC's physicians and staff are committed to a tradition of providing high-quality, cost-effective medical care, close to home.
07/09/03 - Technology Helps ACMC Doctors Diagnose Gastrointestinal Disorders
A new non-invasive procedure, known as capsule endoscopy is now available at Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) in Willmar. This new method allows a patient to swallow a small, pill-sized camera which helps physicians detect gastrointestinal disorders.According to Phillip Tanner, M.D. a Gastroenterologist at ACMC, "evaluation using traditional endoscope technology was often a challenge because of the shape and long length of the small bowel, about 20 feet. With capsule endoscopy, a disposable camera painlessly travels through the stomach and small intestines taking more than 50,000 color pictures of the digestive system, allowing an amazing view previously unavailable."
In the new procedure, the patient swallows the device with a drink of water, and is then free to carry out his or her day as the camera moves through the system. The capsule contains a miniature video recorder, a light source, a radio tranmitter and batteries. The patient also wears a waist belt which holds a data recorder and receives more than two images per second tranmitted from the capsule. After about 8 hours the patient returns to ACMC to ahve athe photos downloaded into a computer for examination.
"The new capsule endoscopy procedure will not replace the colonscopy or standard GI examinations," said Tanner, "but it is an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows us to look at the entire length of the small intestine, and more accurately diagnose and treat our patients."
For more information, visit Gastroenterology
06/24/03 - ACMC-Marshall (Market Street) Offers Urgent Care Xray Services
Marshall, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) Market Street location will begin offering basic x-ray services during urgent care hours starting June 24, 2003.Urgent care is available for patients with acute illness requiring same day medical appointments. Basic x-ray services will include chest, extremities, and sinuses.
"We are continually adding new services to provide the best care possible for Marshall and surrounding communities," said Robert Kaiser, M.D., Medical Director. "Patients will benefit greatly from convenient local access to these services."
ACMC Marshall, Market Street Urgent Care operates Monday to Thursday from 5:00 to 8:30 pm and Fridays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
06/10/03 - ACMC Join Forces with Medicare
Affiliated Community Medical Services are pleased to join forces with Medica and welcome Medica members to our network of clinics. This is part of an ongoing initiative to improve service and increase accessibility to quality health care for all area residents in West Central and Southwest Minnesota.Under the agreement, Medica members will have network access to all clinics, doctors and Urgent Care facilities within the ACMC clinic group without additional out-of-network fees. This will ensure that members will receive the maximum level of coverage available to them under their benefit plan.
Medica is the leading health plan in Minnesota, with one million members, and is both non-profit and independent. Medica has been awarded the highest possible accreditation status--"Excellent"--by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the commercial health plans it provides to Minnesotans and North Dakotans as well as for its Medicaid HMO plans. Medica's mission is to meet its customers' needs for health plan products and services.
05/19/03 - ACMC Approved for NHL Draft Medical and Fitness Testing
Willmar, MN - Affiliated Community Medical Center (ACMC) has been approved to conduct Medical and Fitness Testing for entry level draftees with the National Hockey League (NHL).The NHL Entry Draft is the primary means by which players arrive in the National Hockey League. The NHL Scouting service provides NHL member clubs with directories, schedules and rosters for dozens of leagues and tournaments throughout North America and Europe, in addition to weekly injury and transaction reports.
Over the last few years, Central Scouting has conducted Medical and Fitness Testing of draft prospects from North America and Europe in Toronto, providing NHL teams with an opportunity for further information on the prospects.
Jeff Kennedy, an Exercise Physiologist at ACMC, initiated contact with the NHL about the possibility of ACMC becoming a 'supporting site' when the need arose after hearing that a number of previous draftees from Minnesota were unable to make it to the annual testing in Toronto for one reason or another. Kennedy, who has previous experience working with the past Minnesota North Stars training camps, submitted a letter to the NHL with background information on ACMC's clinical capabilities and its progressive sports medicine programming.
Kennedy recently received news from Frank Bonello, Director of Central Scouting for the NHL, welcoming ACMC's assistance in the testing process.
"This is great news for ACMC. If a player is unable to travel to Toronto for his Medical and Fitness Testing, he has the option of coming to Willmar for the 1-2 day testing and assessment," said Kennedy. "From the physician's examination to the Wingate bike sprint, we are able to conduct all league-approved protocols here at ACMC. The results are then sent to the NHL where they are compiled into a central database for distribution to the NHL member clubs."
Providing testing for the NHL is one more way ACMC continues its commitment to providing high quality, cost-effective medical care.
01/08/03 - Local Doctor Appointed to Position in the American Academy of Family Physicians
New London, MN - Richard Wehseler, M.D., from Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC) - New London, has been appointed to serve as commissioner on the American Academy of Family Physicians' (AAFP) Continuing Medical Education Commission for a three year term beginning December 1, 2003.The specialty of family medicine encompasses comprehensive, continuing health care for all age groups and both sexes. The AAFP is the largest medical specialty organization devoted solely to primary care. It represents more than 94,300 physicians and medical students nationwide. The AAFP was also the first medical organization to require its members to complete a minimum of 150 hours of accredited continuing medical education study every three years. The AAFP Commission on Continuing Education oversees the education and accreditation process.
Dr. Wehseler was appointed to this position as a result of his leadership in state and regional continuing medical education.
ACMC is a multi-specialty health network of 10 medical clinics in West Central and Southwest Minnesota with over 105 physicians in 24 specialty areas and more than 700 support staff. ACMC is committed to improving the health of our communities and maintaining its role as the healthcare leader of choice.