Health providers react to patient poll

In August 2010, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, in partnership with the Northwest Community Health Center and other community organizations, conducted a health-needs assessment to better understand the health and wellness needs of South Lincoln County.

This assessment included focus groups and a random community survey that many residents from South Lincoln County took the opportunity to attend and/or complete.

An Advisory Committee made up of community organizations and other health-related entities was formed to guide the process. After all the data was compiled, the advisory committee met to review the findings and discuss action on common themes.

“The most prominent community concerns revolved around physician recruitment and retention,” said KC Hoyer, marketing manager.

“St. John’s has worked hard in the past two years to help bring new physicians and specialties to our area,” said Hoyer.

“First, we addressed the need for more primary-care doctors. In September, a joint recruitment effort by the hospital and the Northwest Community Health Center resulted in the hiring of Dr. Charles LaGoy, Internal Medicine and Dr. Donna Smith, Family Practice & Obstetrics.

In December, also hired was Dr. Raymond Zurcher who is board certified in Emergency Medicine. This addition means that St. John’s Emergency Department is now fully staffed with six physicians and two physician assistants addressing the community concerns of an understaffed Emergency Department.”

“Another concern,” said Hoyer, “was bringing more specialists to South Lincoln County. In response to that, St. John’s partnered with Rocky Mountain Heart & Lung and Flathead Valley Orthopedics to provide more and varied services.

In 2010, Dr. Steve Rizzolo, Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Back and Spine, and Dr. Kurt Lindsay, Neurologist began providing specialized care on a monthly basis. In addition, Dr. William Highfill, Cardiologist increased his presence to two days a week.

“Another theme that really stood out was the community’s desire for detailed billing statements,” said Hoyer.

“In November 2010, our Business Office launched its new fully detailed statements. These statements have a list of all charges for services received at SJLH.

And finally, it was clear that the community wanted more education and programs concerning obesity, fitness, high blood pressure, diabetes, and nutrition.

In January 2011, St. John’s Dietitians Becky Brundin and Matt Larsen began a program specifically addressing symptoms to pre-diabetes such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

According to Hoyer, the hospital will continue to address the issues brought forth in the 2010 Community Health Assessment, and will be performing another assessment in 2013.