Out-Patient Services
Many of the people that St.
Mary's Healthcare Center cares for are not patients in hospital beds. People
have various health and healing needs outside of the hospital stay. We call
these services Out-Patient Care, and they really are anything the health care
center provides to people who are not in-patients.
Ambulatory Care - this busy department sees people who are under physician orders for special health needs, including chronic diseases and cancer treatments. Many of these patients are seen regularly in Ambulatory Care, where they may receive chemotherapy or other treatments.
Home Health/Hospice - Nurses, nurse's aides, physical therapists and social workers all work together to care for people in their homes. Some people need services for only a short period of time, while others have chronic conditions and need long-term home care services. St. Mary's Hospice also includes trained volunteers in the care of end-of-life patients in the comfort of their home or in the End-of-Life suites at St. Mary's Healthcare Center.
Diabetes Education - a Certified Diabetes Educator meets with persons that doctors have identified with diabetes, both individually and in classes. The Diabetes Education program also has a nutritionist and pharmacist who help educate diabetics and family members about diabetes and the needed life-style changes to manage diabetes.
Same Day Surgery - Many surgical procedures are now able to be done in one day, allowing people to return home the same day. A nursing team helps with pre-surgery and post-surgery education, as well as assisting with the surgeons the day of the surgery. Visiting specialists often utilize Same Day Surgery for ENT (ears, nose and throat), urology, eye surgery, and other surgeries. Local surgeons also utilize Same Day Surgery for appropriate procedures. You as a patient should remember that you have a choice on Same Day Surgery to be done at St. Mary's Healthcare Center instead of a clinic setting and that usually your insurance will cover these expenses.
KDU - Kidney Dialysis Unit - Diabetes and other chronic diseases sometimes impact the kidney and stop it from functioning correctly. People then need to have dialysis, which is often three times a week for several hours at a time. A new KDU was built in the latest health care facility update, which is as private and pleasant for KDU patients as possible.
Rehab Therapy - many out-patients are referred to some sort of therapy in our new Rehab Therapy addition, which is a roomy and sunny area on 4th floor of the North Building. Physical Therapy, Cardiac Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pulmonary Therapy and Massage Therapy are all part of Rehab Therapy. Building strength after surgery or a cardiac procedure takes work and direction from skilled professionals who monitor your progress and work with your physician to build your strength.
Radiology - Many out-patients receive some sort of test or procedure in Radiology, which includes CAT Scan, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, X-ray, and MRI - all modern and up-to-date technologies to best help your physician determine your needs and the best approach to meet these physical needs.
