Palmer Lutheran Health Center - A Gundersen Lutheran Affiliate
About Us
Locate Us
Contact Us
Home Services Patients and Visitors News and Events Calendar Employment Donations Resource Center

Services 

Birthing Center Home Health

Physical Therapy

Business Office

Home Medical Supply

Radiology

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Hospice

Respiratory/Pulmonary Care

Community Health

Laboratory

Skilled Care

Diabetic Education-Support Group

Medical-Surgical Unit

Sleep Study

Discharge Planning

Nutrition Counseling

Social Services

 Emergency Department Occupational Therapy  Speech Therapy

Grief Support Group

Oncology

Surgery

Health Information Mngt.

Pharmacy

Urgent Care Clinic

 

 

Wound Care

 

Birthing Center

All babies born at Palmer Lutheran Health Center are “special deliveries”. Our experienced, caring doctors and nurses are committed to providing the best care and the best birth experience possible in a friendly, family-centered environment. The progress and health of mother and baby are closely monitored with patient care specialized for the needs of each mother and child. We periodically offer a Saturday prenatal class to help mothers prepare for the birth of their baby; lactation consultants are also on staff. Please call 563-422-3811 for more information. We look forward to meeting you and your “special delivery”!

Business Office

The Business Office is available to help patients with questions regarding insurance coverage and their hospital bills. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you would like to speak to a billing clerk, or the Business Office manager, call 563-422-3811 or stop by the front desk at the hospital.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation Department helps individuals restore and maintain their highest level of function with exercise and cardiac lifestyle education. The department offers two outpatient phases of cardiac rehabilitation; one for patients with or recovering from a heart problem, and one for maintenance of goals reached. The Heart Beat Club support group meets biannually for group support, encouragement and updates. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program staff includes a registered nurse and an exercise physiologist. Cardiologists from Cedar Valley of Waterloo and Gundersen Lutheran LaCrosse come to Palmer Lutheran Health Center to save patients travel time. Through our physicians and cardiologists we provide stress tests, exercise and resting echocardiograms, holter monitoring, and pulmonary rehabilitation. For more information on Cardiac Rehabilitation, call (563) 422-3811, ext. 1755.

Community Health

As Public Health providers for Fayette County, we continually strive to improve the health of our fellow citizens through education and the many programs we offer. Our mission is to promote and advance healthy behaviors and environments thus reducing and interrupting the risk of disease, injury, disability, and premature death. We provide a variety of services to the communities of Fayette County and are members of several community partnerships or coalitions. Please call 563-422-6267 for information regarding our programs. Check the website calendar for upcoming immunization clinics, Happy Feet for seniors, Care for Kids and other community health-related dates.

Diabetic Education – Support Group

Diabetic Education is provided by a specially trained registered nurse and a registered dietitian is available for nutritional counseling. A Diabetic Support group meets from March through November once a month. For more information, please call 563-422-3811, ext. 1752.

Discharge Planning

Discharge Planning assists patients and their families in the transition back home after being hospitalized. If a loved one is no longer safe to return to their home, discharge planning can assist in the search for other options such as assisted living or a nursing home. Discharge planning strives to provide information for care that is realistic and appropriate for each individual and their family.

Emergency Department

The Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by specially trained doctors and nurses prepared to handle a wide variety of emergencies for all ages. We have a Level IV trauma designation with Laboratory and Radiology services readily available to assist in evaluation and diagnosis. In the event it is determined that a patient needs more specialized care than can be provided at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, the patient is stabilized and transported by either ambulance or helicopter to a tertiary care facility chosen by the patient. During transport, personnel trained in emergency transfer provide continued care. Copies of the studies and vital information concerning the emergency visit are sent and communicated to the receiving hospital so advanced planning can be started for the patient’s arrival.

Grief Support Groups

Heart of Iowa Hospice, in conjunction with Palmer Lutheran Health Center, periodically offers a grief support group for individuals, both men and women, who have been personally affected by the loss of a loved one. The group utilizes the book “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart” by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. All information is kept confidential. For more information, call 563-422-6267.

Health Information Management

The Health Information Management Department (Medical Records) is the main repository for medical documents which contains information from all hospital visits.  Requests for copies of records may be made to our department Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by calling 563-422-9711. Request may take a few days to process so please call in advance. Your physical medical record belongs to Palmer Lutheran Health Center, but the information in it belongs to you! 

Home Health

Palmer Home Health is a non-profit, Medicare-certified, home health agency that provides quality, personalized care through skilled therapeutic services and equipment to meet the varied healthcare needs of patients of all ages.  A physician oversees the medical plan of care; registered nurses deliver personalized services according to the plan of care; homecare aides provide a variety of personal care and homemaking services; home medical equipment technicians provide medical equipment (complete with teaching for the patient and family- visit their website); and social workers assist the patient and family in coping with the emotional and financial stresses of illness and coordinate access to community services.  Also available as referral and consultant services are, physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapists; registered dietitians; lab testing; and pharmacy consultations.  For further information, please call 563-422-6267

Home Medical Supply

Palmer Home Medical Supply assists individuals with medical supply needs ensuring the patient does not have to leave the privacy of his/her own home. In addition, 24-hour emergency service is available, so assistance is always available for any product and/or service offered. The professional staff of respiratory therapists, registered nurses and trained technicians provides product education and instruction. In addition to making monthly nurse visits to clients’ homes, Home Medical Supply offers complete repair and maintenance on all equipment that is rented or sold. Special orders and free delivery and setup are available in addition to on-hand staff filing Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Home Medical Supply is a proud member of the Midwest Association of Medical Equipment Suppliers (MAMES). For further information, please call 563-422-6267 or visit our website at: www.palmerhomemedical.com.

Hospice

Heart of Iowa Hospice is a Medicare-certified, non-profit organization that provides support and care for patients and their families in the final phase of a terminal illness. Hospice encourages patients to live as fully and as comfortably as possible by emphasizing quality of life. The professional staff, consisting of a medical director, nurses, social workers, homemakers, home health aides, chaplains and volunteers, assists patients in maintaining an alert, pain-free life so that their last days may be spent with dignity at home or in a home-like setting.  For further information, please call 563-422-6267.

Laboratory

The Laboratory offers a variety of services including lab tests in such fields as chemistry, microbiology, kit testing, hematology, urinalysis, and blood banking. We also do wellness screenings and pre-employment urine drug screening (Monday through Friday). We are available for sample collection Monday through Friday 5 am – 5 pm. A doctor’s written order is required before any lab work can be collected. Our staff includes six lab technicians and one phlebotomist. To contact the Laboratory, please call 563-422-3811, ext. 1495.

Medical-Surgical Unit

Our dedicated and experienced nursing staff believes that integration of comfort and care with scientific knowledge is the essence of nursing; they provide excellent, professional care to our patients and their families in a caring and compassionate manner. We offer surgical, monitored bed, acute, skilled, respite and hospice care for patients of all ages. To help you or your loved one achieve optimum health and well being we use a team approach working and communicating closely with all healthcare professionals (i.e. occupational, physical, respiratory, and speech therapists; dieticians, social services). Physical, psychological, spiritual, and cultural needs are all considered while delivering the highest quality of care possible. If you have questions about hospitalization or would like more information, please call the Medical-Surgical Nurses Station at 563-422-3811, ext. 1728.

Nutrition Services

Individualized counseling to develop dietary plans for diabetes, weight loss, weight gain, balanced, special diets such as low sodium, high/low fiber, cholesterol management, etc. can be provided by a registered dietitian if ordered by your physician. For further information please call 563-422-3811, ext. 1561.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy provides patients of all ages with the necessary skills to experience an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. Some of the treatments offered are for hand and upper extremity injuries, orthopedic and chronic pain (including headaches), stroke, lymphedema, pediatric (fine motor, writing and learning skills). To maximize each person’s independence, we assist in adapting tasks and the environment to meet the patient’s needs, train in the use of adaptive equipment to replace lost function, and individualize treatment programs. Please call 563-422-9729 to learn more about our services.

Oncology

Chemotherapy treatments may be given at Palmer Lutheran Health Center in coordination with the patient’s oncologist’s orders. We have equipped a comfortable, cozy room for patient treatment by our experienced, specially trained staff. For more information about this service, please call 563-422-3811, ext. 1515.

Pharmacy

The Pharmacy department provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services, including outpatient chemotherapy, outpatient IV infusion services, inpatient medication distribution and supply. Our staff pharmacist provides clinical services for inpatients, outpatients, hospice and home health with medication order review and drug therapy consulting. Drug therapy consulting may involve topics ranging from dose adjustment for renal impairment, pain management, and full medication profile review for possible drug-related problems. The pharmacist also takes an active role in the development of all drug therapy protocols at Palmer Lutheran Health Center.

Physical Therapy

The Physical Therapy Department provides services for a variety of patients from pediatric to geriatric. Services are available for various injuries and illnesses for both individuals in the hospital, as well as those needing services on an outpatient basis. The staff also makes regular visits to area nursing homes, schools, and work with Palmer Homecare for home care clients. Our licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are trained in the use of modalities and rehabilitative procedures with the goal of returning individuals to the highest level possible in a reasonable time frame. Some of the services offered are for stoke patients, post-operative therapies such as hip and knee replacements, sports injuries, arthritis, burns, worker’s compensation, back injuries, etc. Please call 563-422-9729 for further information about services available.

Radiology

The Radiology Department features many services:

  • Diagnostic x-rays
  • Fluoroscopy (stomach or colon x-rays)
  • Multislice CAT scans
  • Ultrasound – mobile service 4/days a week
  • Nuclear Medicine – mobile service twice a month
  • MRI – mobile service once each week
  • OHT (Occupational Hearing Testing for business and industry)
  • Mammograms
  • EEG
  • EKG
  • EMG

All exams are interpreted (read) by a Gundersen Lutheran Radiologist and reported to your physician. Our registered technologists are staffed or “on call” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information call us at 563-422-3811, ext. 1494.

Respiratory Care / Pulmonary Care

The Respiratory/Pulmonary Care Department provides therapeutic and diagnostic technologies for those patients with acute and chronic diseases of the lung. Therapeutic treatments can be administered to treat pneumonia, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, etc. Diagnostics such as pulmonary function studies help physicians to make informed decisions regarding treatment. We assist patients with chronic diseases in finding ways to improve aspects of daily living.

Skilled Care

Skilled Care is available for recovering patients who no longer need acute care, but still require close monitoring and further treatment. Patients benefit from continued inpatient care to increase their functional ability for discharge planning and promote the highest degree of wellness possible. For further information please contact Utilization Review at 563-422-3811.

Sleep Study Clinic

Palmer Lutheran Health Center provides a physician-referred sleep study clinic for people who experience sleep problems (i.e. excessive snoring, sleep apnea, nighttime leg movements) originating from illness or various lifestyle stress. Patients spend the night where they are monitored while sleeping by computer devices used to record sleep patterns. The test results are sent to your physician for treatment determination if necessary. Most insurances will provide coverage as long as your physician deems the test medically necessary. Potential patients should check with their medical insurer prior to admission. For more information on the Sleep Study Clinic, call 563-422-3811, ext. 1712.

Social Services

Our staff of five licensed social workers provide support to patients and their families within our facility. Home Health, Hospice and Bereavement Services are also available. Social Services assists with being a resource and referral agent to all patients and providers, who are seeking appropriate, cost effective patient care within our community.

Speech Therapy

Speech/Language Pathologists work with patients of all ages; they evaluate and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders focusing on individuals with developmental delays, strokes, and brain damage.  Please call 563-422-9729 for further information about services available.

s

 

Surgery

The Surgical Services department performs an average of 700 cases per year in surgical specialties including: general (obstetrics and gynecology included), orthopedics, otolaryngology, podiatry and ophthalmology. Almost 90% of our surgeries are “same-day surgery”, meaning the patient enters the hospital in the morning, has the procedure, and returns home by the end of the day. A full scope of services is offered including traditional surgery, endoscopies and minimally invasive procedures utilizing fiberoptics and small incisions to promote a more comfortable and rapid recovery. Pre-op teaching is individualized so all aspects and concerns of a scheduled procedure can be discussed on a personal basis. Post anesthesia care is administered by registered nurses on a one-to-one ratio. Aggressive pain management techniques are employed to assure a safe and comfortable recovery from anesthesia and surgery. For further information please call 563-422-3811, ext. 1738.

Urgent Care Clinic

The Urgent Care Clinic is available to treat minor medical problems and injuries and for people who are unable to be seen by their doctor during traditional clinic hours. The clinic is staffed by a local healthcare provider or an Emergency Practice Associates doctor. Clinic hours are Wednesday and Friday evenings from 5 – 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., including any holidays that fall on clinic days. You can schedule an appointment by calling 563-422-9755 or dialing the general hospital number (563-422-3811) and asking for the Urgent Care Clinic. For your appointment, enter at the Outpatient Entrance (blue canopy) on Rickel Street. We look forward to meeting your healthcare needs!

Wound and Ostomy Nurse

Palmer Lutheran Health Center has on staff a Wound and Ostomy Nurse trained in the specialized practice of professional nursing designed to promote holistic health, prevent illness, and provide care in the prevention of pressure ulcers, management and rehabilitation of persons with stomas, wounds and incontinence. If your physician refers you to a Wound and Ostomy Clinic, please contact us to provide your services at 563-422-9755.