Clarinda Regional Health Center

Clarinda Regional Health Center Awarded Certificate of Need to Install In-House PET Scanner, Expands Radiology Services with Advanced Imaging Technology

Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Need (CON) to install a permanent, in-house Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner. This addition will be the only in-house PET scanner in the area, bringing a new level of advanced diagnostic capability to patients throughout the region.

As part of this radiologyexpansion project, CRHC is also installing all-new, state-of-the-art MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment. This investment underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing top-tier diagnostic services, enhancing patient access and advancing exceptional care.

With this new PET scanner and upgraded imaging equipment, CRHC patients will benefit from seamless, high-quality access to diagnostic services, eliminating the need for a mobile PET scanner, which currently visits the facility only twice a month. The in-house scanner will enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of critical conditions, including cancer and cardiac disease, by providing flexible and timely access to essential imaging.

“This in-house PET scanner is a game-changer for our patients and the quality of care we’re able to provide,” said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “Having this advanced diagnostic tool on-site, along with our new MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment, means we can offer more flexible scheduling and eliminate the wait times associated with mobile imaging services. This is a critical step forward in delivering the exceptional care that CRHC is dedicated to providing to the communities we serve”

The addition of the PET scanner and other imaging advancements demonstrates CRHC’s commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology to make high-quality healthcare more accessible. These improvements will not only strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities but also support physicians in developing faster, more effective treatment plans for improved patient outcomes.

The PET scanner is expected to be installed by the end of November, with services anticipated to begin for patients by mid-December. The new MRI has been installed and the CT, and Nuclear Medicine equipment installations will follow as part of the phased radiology expansion.

About Clarinda Regional Health Center
Clarinda Regional Health Center is a Critical Access Hospital committed to advancing exceptional care for residents of Clarinda and the surrounding region. With a focus on patient-centered care, CRHC continually invests in the latest medical technology to enhance patient outcomes and access to healthcare.

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Can you believe it? The new year is fast approaching and your list of things to do is probably fairly long as this point in 2024. We're not just talking about holiday planning either. At Clarinda Regional Health Center we want to make sure you are paying attention to your body too. Don't keep putting those health concerns to the side. 

Have you met your deductible?
If you've met your medical insurance deductible, every day between now and December 31st is your chance to receive some notably less expensive medical "self-care." Think of things like screenings, elective surgeries, scans or testing. Right now is a great time to look into those items you've been putting off the entire year. Some of these procedures you can schedule yourself too!

What is a Health Care Deductible and does everyone have one?
Your health care deductible is the amount of money you pay out of your own pocket for medical expenses before your insurance "kicks in" and your insurance provider pays for your procedures. And no, not all health care plans are the same, so not everyone has a deductible. To be sure if you have one, contact the number on the back of your medical insurance card and ask what your specific plan benefits are. 

Here is an example: If you have a $1,000 health care deductible, you're responsible for paying for all your health and medical expenses until you reach that $1,000 mark. Once you have reached that limit, whatever it is - it could be more or less - you've met your deductible. At this point, your insurance provider can now begin paying for a large portion of your health care costs. 

How Do I know If I've Med My Health Care Deductible? 
Your health insurance company will likely have a website that will let you log in and view your deductible status. Again, you can check the back of your insurance card for a phone number to contact to ask those specific questions as well. Or, if you keep track of your medical expenses or explanation of benefits your insurance company mails to you after a visit or procedure, those sometime indicate if your deductible has been reached by showing that you don't owe anything out of pocket. 

What type of visits or procedures should I schedule before the end of the year?
Most families, at this point in the year, have met their deductible and out of pocket maximums (or the highest amount you'll have to pay), so consider these types of visits before the December 31st deadline. 

• Elective Surgeries : These are the types of surgeries are the things that are put off by patients for long periods of time until they end up resulting in an emergent situation down the road. After reaching your deductible, elective surgeries become much more affordable, depending on your insurance plan. 
  • Anti-Reflux Surgery
  • Ear Tube Surgery
  • Eye Surgery for Cataracts
  • Gallbladder Surgery
  • Hernia Repair
  • Ulcer Surgery
  • Lower Extremity (Foot & Ankle) Surgery
  • Mole removal
• Elective Appointments: These types of visits also might be something you put off, but probably aren't life threatening if delayed. But these types of visits could definitely result in a healthier versions of yourself and are worth looking into. 
  • Physical Therapy
  • Pelvic Floor Therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Dry Needling
• Screenings: Theses are generally diagnostic tools that are an important piece of your own personal healthcare puzzle. Screenings are used to detect a variety of illnesses, including different cancers. Depending on your age and existing health conditions, ask your provider if you should schedule some of these screenings. 
  • Colonoscopy
  • DEXA Body Composition Scan
  • Endoscopy
  • Low Dose CT Scan
  • Prostate Screening

Take care of yourself all year long!
At CRHC our team is here for you 365 days a year. We'd prefer if you take advantage of all the services at Clarinda Regional Health Center throughout year instead of delaying important medical care, but we know that sometimes making your health a priority, along with the rising costs of everything, can be difficult. That's why we want to make sure you know the advantages your medical insurance can provide. So you let us know what is ailing you! We have the services, programs, and highly skilled teams you need to handle whatever health concerns you have. 

Check out our Request an Appointment tool online to get your foot in the door before the end of the new year. Talk to your provider about any healthcare concerns you have. You deserve the healthiest version of yourself today and in the new year!