CRHC Awarded CON for Installation of New PET Scanner

Clarinda Regional Health Center • November 1, 2024

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.

#####

CRHC Welcomes Dr. Fildrin Ndimbo to the Team

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • October 14, 2025
Dr. Ndimbo will begin seeing patients on October 21st.

CRHC Recognized with Two Prestigious Quality Awards

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • September 29, 2025
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to announce that it has received two significant awards recognizing excellence in quality of care and hospital performance. The awards were presented by Iowa Health and Human Services through the Flex program. The first award honors CRHC’s outstanding performance in electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). These measures demonstrate the hospital’s consistent use of best practices in critical areas of patient care, including stroke treatment, ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) response, safe opioid prescribing, and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Additionally, CRHC earned recognition for successfully meeting all eight Critical Access Hospital Quality Infrastructure Elements and Criteria for 2024. This distinction reflects the hospital’s commitment to building and sustaining a strong culture of quality through effective leadership, dedicated teamwork, and innovative care strategies. “These awards highlight the commitment of our providers, nurses, and staff to deliver safe, high-quality care to every patient, every time,” said Lisa Haffner, Vice President of Quality, Accreditation and Care Management. “We are proud to consistently exceed state and national benchmarks in patient outcomes, staff training, and community engagement.” CRHC continues to lead the way in advancing rural healthcare by prioritizing data-driven improvements, continuous staff education, and meaningful connections with patients and families.  For more information about Clarinda Regional Health Center and its services, please visit www.clarindahealth.com or call 712-542-2176.

CRHC Shares Date for Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic in October

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • September 10, 2025
Drive Thru Clinic is located at the Clarinda Mental Health Center Parking Lot

CRHC's 2025 Community Fall Wellness Lab Draw Information

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • September 3, 2025
Lab Draws and Influenza Vaccines are available in October!

CRHC Welcomes Dr. Jose Hinojosa, Family Practice Provider

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • September 2, 2025
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is excited to welcome Dr. Jose Hinojosa, a Family Medicine physician, to the team. Dr. Hinojosa brings more than 30 years of experience in caring for patients of all ages and will begin seeing patients in September of 2025. Dr. Hinojosa completed his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and his residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in McAllen, Texas. Over his career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Medical Director and Chief of Staff, while remaining passionate about providing patient-centered primary care. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Clarinda and the surrounding communities. My goal is to provide the kind of care that helps patients feel heard, supported, and confident in their health,” Hinojosa said. CRHC President/CEO Chuck Nordyke stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Hinojosa to Clarinda Regional Health Center. His extensive background in family medicine and leadership, combined with his dedication to patient care, will be of benefit to the patients and families we serve. He reflects our mission of Advancing Exceptional Care close to home.” At CRHC, Dr. Hinojosa will offer a full range of family medicine services, including wellness visits, preventive care, chronic disease management, and care for everyday illnesses and injuries. He will be seeing patients Tuesday through Thursday from 7a.m. to 7p.m. Appointments with Dr. Hinojosa can be scheduled by calling the CRHC CMA Clinic at 712-542-8330 or requesting an appointment with him using our online feature . For more information about Clarinda Regional Health Center, visit www.clarindahealth.com.

CRHC's Medical Clinic Wins 2025 Best of Business Award

By Clarinda Regional Health Center • August 25, 2025
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to announce that its Medical Clinic has been named the “Best Medical Clinic” in the 2025 Best of Business Awards by BusinessRate. This recognition reflects CRHC’s ongoing commitment to its mission of Advancing Exceptional Care for patients across southwest Iowa. The Best of Business Awards spotlight outstanding local businesses that consistently provide exceptional service and earn strong community support. Winners are determined based on recent customer reviews, community nominations, and overall reputation in their industry. “This award is a direct reflection of the incredible team we have at CRHC,” said Chuck Nordyke, Chief Executive Officer of Clarinda Regional Health Center. “From our front desk to our physicians and nursing staff, everyone plays a role in making sure patients feel cared for and confident in their healthcare. We’re honored to receive this recognition from the community we proudly serve.” CRHC's CMA Clinic provides a full spectrum of care, including family medicine, pediatrics, chronic condition management, women’s health, and preventative services. With a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, the clinic continues to expand access to services and specialists to meet the growing needs of the region—living out its commitment to Advancing Exceptional Care every day. Clarinda Regional Health Center thanks the patients, families, and community members who took the time to share their positive experiences and support through their reviews. This recognition is a reflection of our incredible team—providers, nurses, and staff—who live out our mission of Advancing Exceptional Care every day. From family medicine and pediatrics to women’s health, chronic care, and preventative services, our clinic is here to serve patients across southwest Iowa with compassionate, patient-centered care .
Show More