Met Your Health Insurance Deductible Yet?
Clarinda Regional Health Center • October 28, 2024
Look into scheduling these commonly delayed procedures before the new year.
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!
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to announce it has been recognized with multiple awards in the Best of Midwest 2025 contest. The community-driven recognition program celebrates businesses and organizations that demonstrate excellence across various categories. CRHC was voted Gold in the following categories: Mental Health Services (Also recognized in Hospice/Home Care Category) The organization also earned Silver Winner recognition in: Assisted Living Hospital Medical Facility Orthopedic Surgeon Pharmacy “We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said Chuck Nordyke, Chief Executive Officer at CRHC. “These awards reflect the trust and support of our community, and they reinforce our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional care at every level.” The Best of Midwest 2025 awards are voted on by the public, showcasing those who go above and beyond in their service. CRHC is grateful to all who cast their votes and continues to serve southwest Iowa with compassion, innovation, and dedication. To learn more about CRHC’s award-winning services and teams visit www.clarindahealth.com/awards follow us on social media.
Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is proud to share it has been awarded a prestigious federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training, recruitment, and lifesaving preparedness efforts across Page, Taylor, and Montgomery Counties. This competitive grant has been the topic of much planning over the last 12 months, so that it could be implemented over a two-year performance period. These efforts begun September 30, 2024 and will conclude in September 2026. Through the awarded grant, Clarinda Regional Health Center has been working on launching a multi-faceted initiative focused on strengthening the region’s emergency response capabilities. Funding will directly support these iniatitives: College tuition for 10 EMT scholarship recipients, covering the cost of the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course and certification to help recruit and train the next generation of emergency responders. Purchase of 67 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be installed in key businesses and organizations throughout Page, Taylor, and Montgomery Counties. See map below. AED education for each organization receiving an AED, ensuring proper usage and maintenance of the life-saving devices. Free community education sessions across the three counties on how to use an AED and respond effectively in a cardiac emergency. Procurement of new LifePak Defibrillators to upgrade lifesaving equipment for emergency teams at Clarinda Regional Health. Planning and hosting of a free, one-day regional EMS training event for all emergency personnel in southwest Iowa, promoting collaboration, skill development, and professional support. Attending job fairs to support EMS and healthcare recruitment throughout the region. Sending a CRHC staff member for Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training to enhance emergency readiness and safety protocols. “This grant provides critical resources to improve EMS readiness in our communities while expanding access to AEDs and lifesaving education,” said Jennifer Chambers, Director of Emergency Services, at Clarinda Regional Health Center. “We are especially proud to invest in EMT students and regional emergency responders who are essential to the health and safety of our region.” The SAMHSA grant aligns with CRHC’s mission to provide quality, compassionate healthcare while fostering strong community partnerships and improving rural health outcomes. More information on upcoming AED installations, community education events, and the regional EMS training day will be shared in the coming months. For questions or to learn how your organization can get involved in this effort, contact Clarinda Regional Health Center's EMS Department at 712-542-8289 or visit clarindahealth.com. #### --- About Clarinda Regional Health Center is a critical access hospital serving southwest Iowa with a full spectrum of healthcare services. Committed to excellence, innovation, and community well-being, CRHC partners with individuals and organizations to build a healthier region.
Chuck Nordyke, CEO at Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) and Dave Fast, Director of Ancillary Services Radiology, Dietary, Safety Director at CRHC, talk about the issues they face as a rural provider and how they’re solving them. “With the nearest big city being 1.5 to 2 hours away we can offer the residents we serve with the best quality imaging which is highly important to us as a rural community. We strive to offer everything the city hospitals offer and keep our patients close to home with the same quality of care. Eliminating travel and giving those patients that local option is a huge part of what we do here to continue to Advance Exceptional Care.” CRHC recently selected United Imaging for an MRI, X-ray, CT, and PET/CT purchase, and they comment on the rationale and the way United Imaging helps them achieve their goals. “The Software Upgrades for Life™ offer is huge, especially for smaller market facilities. This was a huge perk for us and we're looking to move to the United Imaging platform across our Radiology Department. The ease of use going from modality to modality with everything being on the same platform is a great asset. We have staff that work in multiple modalities, going from machine to machine, and having that same workflow across the systems was an added benefit. We’re excited to know that we are set up with the best equipment on the market, the best service option, and the amazing quality of images the machines put out for patients; it has put us in prime position for a bright future. Knowing that the hospital is set up for multiple years of continued success with the platforms we have installed here allows me to rest easily and know that our patients will be taken care of by these amazing machines for many years to come. With the new scanners we have already seen our numbers increase not only in MRI, but also across the hall in our PET/CT suite. We are able to provide the best quality of care right here at home for the patients we serve. Patient and provider comments have been very complimentary with the new additions of equipment and the new added scans we can offer in MRI to include prostate imaging and breast imaging that we couldn’t offer in the past. United Imaging has helped us continue our goal here at Clarinda Regional Health Center by “Advancing Exceptional Care” for the patients we serve. All in all, this has been a great investment in our facility and for our future.” Explore our customer stories and learn more about United Imaging.
Partners in Exceptional Care of Clarinda Regional Health Center received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer during a special recognition ceremony held Wednesday, June 4 in Urbandale. 20 Volunteers were honored with an Individual award by Clarinda Regional Health Center for their hours volunteering within the hospital and out in the community to improve the lives of patients. Volunteers help Clarinda Regional Health Center to advance exceptional care each and every day. More than 290 awards are being presented this year. It is estimated that 96 communities in Iowa were served by this year’s honorees. “Those being recognized are the people who invest in others without expecting anything in return—except, of course, for the fulfillment that comes from doing their part to give back to their community,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “This collective impact is nothing short of remarkable.” Coordinated by Volunteer Iowa, a bureau within the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), the Governor's Volunteer Award program—now in its 41st year—provides an easy way for Iowa nonprofits, charitable organizations, and government entities to honor their volunteers with a prestigious, state-level award. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org. ### A complete list of award recipients and an electronic copy of this news release are available at volunteeriowa.org. About Volunteer Iowa Volunteer Iowa—a bureau within Iowa HHS--and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts. The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa’s greatest areas of need. The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base. Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building volunteer infrastructure. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.
Camp begins in July 2025 for High School Students interested in Healthcare.
in CLARINDA, IOWA – May 21, 2025 – On Iowa Kid’s Garden Day
