Kearny County Hospital Welcomes Payden Shapland as New Certified Physician Assistant
Payden Shapland, PA-C
We are excited to announce the arrival of Payden Shapland, PA-C as a certified Physician Assistant who will be providing care in the Emergency Room, Acute Clinic, and Chronic Care. Most recently awarded her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the Missouri State University, Shapland also earned her BA at Fort Hays State University.
Having grown up in Dighton, Kansas, Shapland loves rural medicine. Aside from her medical career, Payden enjoys running, playing piano, making wedding cakes, and helping on the farm. Please welcome Payden as she joins our team!
For more information, please call 620-355-7111.
Important: Renew Your Medicaid Coverage in March
Due to COVID-19, KanCare renewals were paused but they are coming back. Renewals are starting again this year and notices will go out from March 2023 to March 2024. Please read the important instructions below to ensure you keep your coverage.
If you receive a letter from Medicaid, please respond immediately as you will have a narrow window to reply. You must reply or you will be removed from the Medicaid program.
Steps to keeping your coverage:
1. Update your address
- Call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884. You can also call your MCO (number on the back of your KanCare card).
- You can also updated your address online. Scan this code and use the KIERA chatbot to update your address.
2. Open your mail
- Read any letters you get from KanCare.
3. Take action
- Review and complete the renewal form if you receive it.
How to help your members avoid a lapse in Medicaid coverage
Please remind the families and individuals you serve:
- To make sure their address is updated with KanCare so they can receive their renewal notice; and,
- To act quickly if they receive a renewal form to complete
How can a member update their address:
- Calling the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884; or,
- Calling the MCO Member Services (number on the back of their KanCare card). UnitedHealthcare Member Services number is: 877-542-9238; or,
- Using the chatbot that can be found on the bottom right corner of the kancare.ks.gov website. It looks like this:
How to know when to renew:
- A member will know they need to renew when and if they receive a renewal form in the mail. Members with a linked online account can also see if they are due to renew under Access my Benefits.
- Members can also call their MCO Member Services (number on the back of their KanCare card) to ask when is their renewal date.
If the member no longer qualifies for Medicaid:
- Visit healthcare.gov to learn more about coverage options available.
How can a member renew:
By mail
- Members will have to review, complete, and sign the renewal form received from the state. It is a good idea to make a copy for their records, then mail it back in the self-addressed envelope.
- The form can also be faxed to: 1-844-264-6285
Online
- Visit applyforkancare.ks.gov
- The member can log in to their account or create one, then make sure the account is linked to their case number. If not linked to a case number, send a request through the online portal to have their case linked to the account. The case number can be found on the notice received from KanCare. The member can also call the KanCare Clearinghouse to request the case number. UnitedHealthcare members can also call Member Services at 1-877-542-9238.
- If their case is ready to be renewed, they will see a link to Renew my Benefits under Access my Benefits.
If unable to renew by mail or online, call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800=792-4884 to discuss other available options to submit the renewal form.
Kearny County Hospital Receives High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier Recognition
Lakin, KS – Kearny County Hospital has continued its commitment to improving infant and maternal health by earning recognition through High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, a program developed by the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rates in Kansas.
High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier provides resources and a framework to help Kansas hospitals and birth facilities implement ten evidence-based practices proven to support successful breastfeeding, improving maternal and infant health outcomes while also reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
To obtain High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition, each facility is asked to complete a voluntary and self-reported evaluation and to follow all ten of the evidence-based practices:
- Facility will have a written maternity care and infant feeding policy that addresses all ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices supporting breastfeeding
- Facility will maintain staff competency in lactation support
- All pregnant women will receive information and instruction on breastfeeding
- Assure immediate and sustained skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby after birth
- All families will receive individualized infant feeding counseling
- Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk unless medically indicated
- Practice “rooming in” – allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day
- Families will be encouraged to feed their babies when the baby exhibits feeding cues, regardless of feeding methods
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants
- Provide mothers options for breastfeeding support in the community (such as a telephone number, walk-in clinic information, support groups, etc.) upon discharge
“Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers,” stated Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Following the ten High 5 for Mom & Baby practices demonstrates Kearny County Hospital’s commitment to infant and maternal health by helping moms successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding.”
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 60% of mothers stopped breastfeeding sooner than they planned. Some factors that influence how long or if a baby is breastfed include: hospital practices, education and encouragement, policies or support in the workplace, and access to community support – which is why High 5 for Mom & Baby facilities are committed to helping women breastfeed successfully, through staff trained in breastfeeding best practices and policies to help mothers meet their breastfeeding goals.
Along with the recognition of being named a High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier facility, Kearny County Hospital also receives ongoing education and training opportunities, support and resources through a community of delivery centers, and scholarship opportunities to further staff education.
“Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we’re honored to receive this recognition from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund for our efforts to support successful breastfeeding initiation and maintenance. As a facility committed to providing the very highest quality of care, we have found the High 5 practices and resources to not only improve health outcomes but also increase patient satisfaction,” said Becky Chappel, RN, Perinatal Supervisor at Kearny County Hospital’s Special Blessings Family Birth Center.
For more information on High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier, contact Cara Gerhardt, Program Coordinator: [email protected], or visit the website at https://www.high5kansas.org/.
Kearny County Hospital Welcomes Hannah Schauf as New Certified Physician Assistant
Hannah Schauf, PA-C
We are excited to announce the arrival of Hannah Schauf, PA-C as a certified Physician Assistant who will be providing care in the Emergency Room and Acute Clinic.
“Hannah is a tremendous addition to our team. Born and raised right here in Kansas, she brings a unique perspective on rural healthcare with lived experience facing the challenges and appreciating the charms of small-town communities,” said Emily Dilley, CEO of Kearny County Hospital. “She will be an excellent resource and a strong advocate for our hospital, health clinic and assisted living/long-term care patients and their families.”
Most recently awarded her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Schauf also earned her BA in Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology close to home at Kansas State University. Schauf’s medical interests include primary care, OB-GYN, mental health, and emergency medicine. She holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS).
Schauf strongly believes in advocating for patients and is committed to decreasing the healthcare barriers that exist for many rural patients. For example, concerned about language barriers in Hispanic and Latino communities, Schauf completed a Spanish healthcare immersion program in Peru after graduation.
Having grown up in Colwich, Kansas, Schauf brings a solid understanding of rural health issues and enjoys the full spectrum of care that rural medicine offers.
“I was raised in rural Kansas, and small-town life comes natural to me,” Schauf said. “So being a part of a health system that models leading-edge strategies for the future of rural health is exactly where I want to be – contributing professionally and personally in every way that I can to Kearny County Hospital and the surrounding communities.”
Aside from her medical career, Hannah enjoys the outdoors, skiing, traveling, cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and growing in her faith.
For more information, please call 620-355-7111.
The Healthy Path Forward: Getting Vaccinated (and not just against COVID)
Letter to the Community from Dr. Julie Munson
Growing up in Lakin in the 1980s, my father, Dr. Eric Oppliger, was one of only two family doctors in our community. Among his many responsibilities was providing vaccines.
Some community members probably recall getting the polio vaccine as a drop of liquid on a sugar cube. Was your drop red, orange, pink or yellow? Back then, people still had memories of polio. By 1979, polio was eradicated by the vaccine. Then as now, vaccines protect what is precious to us – each other.
As a community physician myself, I strongly believe that vaccines are our strongest defense against serious contagions. People in Kearny County have always understood this, and our vaccination rates typically run higher than average. Protecting each other and looking out for one another is something Kearny County has always been good at doing.
In the spirit of looking out for the health of our community, Kearny County Hospital’s Family Health Center in Lakin accepts walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00-11:00 a.m. Appointments are not required, but those who prefer one can call 620-355-7550. We do ask that you call ahead prior to coming in for a vaccine so we can ensure we have enough for everyone! Helpful information about vaccines for all ages and times of year is also available at kearnycountyhospital.com/vaccine-central.
When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, we are making a difference and seeing improvement, but infection rates are still going up in our county – and unfortunately, we still have hospitalizations and deaths from COVID. It’s not over, and together, we can and will keep fighting.
I was born here, grew up here, and came back to raise my family here. I love this community, and as the hospital’s only full-time otolaryngology specialist and surgeon, I am dedicated to the health of our community and the mission of Kearny County Hospital: to provide quality, compassionate healthcare services for our community and enrich the lives of our families, friends and neighbors.
For added protection in these winter months, I urge everyone to get up to date on all vaccines, keep each other safe, and enjoy a happy, healthy 2022.
Julie Munson, DO FAOCO, Otolaryngology
Kearny County Hospital
Healthy for the Holidays: Vaccines for Added Protection in Winter Months
‘Tis the time of year to spread holiday cheer – not germs. The holidays are prime time for the spread of infectious diseases like colds, flu, pneumonia and viruses, including COVID-19. Cold weather months keep us inside more, which leads to higher spread of all things transmissible.
It’s cold outside, but think of those damp, warm interiors – with the smells of roasting turkeys and pumpkin pies – as the perfect breeding ground for germs to spread. People gather closely, touching each other, the food, and practically every surface. Hugging and laughter all abound – with coughs and sneezes in equal abundance.
So how do you keep your loved ones healthy for the holidays without skipping special events or gathering virtually? Make sure you – and the ones you love – get those important winter vaccines. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so we came up with a plan to make it easy for you:
Our Family Health Center Clinic in Lakin, KS offers convenient walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 am – no appointment needed!
To make an appointment, visit our online Vaccine Hub and complete the form or call 620-355-7550 to get it scheduled. There, you will also find helpful information about vaccines, including frequently asked questions, immunization schedules, and more – for all ages and all times of year.
Many cherished holidays take place during this special time of year. Whatever holiday fun you have planned – or any time of year you need a vaccine and/or booster – Kearny County Hospital’s team of trusted experts is here to take care of you and your whole family.
From our team at Kearny County Hospital, Happy Holidays and all the best for your healthiest New Year ever.
Fall Vaccinations
Fall back time is fall vax time. Move your clocks back and your health forward.
On Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 am, we all will set our clocks back – or “fall back” an hour. Often thought of as gaining an additional hour, setting your clocks back is just one more great thing about fall.
Another hallmark of fall is cold, flu and pneumonia season. Cold weather months keep us inside more, which leads to higher spread of these types of illnesses, including COVID-19. So, when we say, “fall back time is fall vax time,” we mean that setting your clocks back each year is a great way to remind yourself to stay up to date on vaccines for yourself and your family, including vaccines that require booster shots like tetanus and diphtheria immunizations.
There’s no need to tie a string on your finger to remember. Every year, when you turn the clocks back, just remember to get your vaccines. Remember this, too: Whatever time of year you need a vaccine and/or booster, Kearny County Hospital’s team of trusted experts is here to take care of you.
Ready to get your family vaccinated?
Our Family Health Center in Lakin, KS, offers convenient walk-ins for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 am. You can also schedule an appointment for any of those days. Visit our online Vaccine Hub to complete the form or call 620-355-7550 to get it scheduled or learn more. There, you will also find helpful information about vaccines, including frequently asked questions, immunization schedules, and more – for all ages and all times of year.
Move your health forward this year when you set your clocks back – or anytime of year. As always, our team is here for you, your family and all your health needs.
After Defeating a Challenging Case of COVID, Kearny County Hospital Patient Expresses Gratitude for Compassionate, Caring Staff
“I cannot adequately express the level of gratitude I truly feel for the folks who took care of me. I felt I was respected as a person and as a patient. It was incredible.”
Mark Goudy walked into the Family Health Center at Kearny County Hospital on November 13, 2020, not knowing he would soon be admitted as a COVID-19 patient with a much longer stay than expected.
Although faced with a rapidly progressing case of COVID, Goudy was impressed by the care he received at Kearny County Hospital – so impressed, in fact, that he made a point to share his positive experience with hospital CEO David Hofmeister.
“The level of professionalism, the level of care and concern that I was shown, the compassion and the level of dignity and respect was tremendous,” Goudy said of his time as a patient at Kearny County Hospital. “Whether it was a doctor, a nurse, a CNA or custodial staff – any person that I dealt with during my stay was an excellent example of professionalism in their field.”
Goudy acknowledged that being a patient at any hospital would not always be considered a pleasant experience, but he said of the Kearny County Hospital staff: “In my case, I felt like every possible courtesy was extended to me. It was incredible.”
Kearny County Hospital’s mission-based providers were recently lauded for their high-quality, compassionate care in a patient satisfaction survey distributed on behalf of the Family Health Center. Goudy echoed that feedback – because of his COVID diagnosis, he was separated from his wife for more than two weeks for the first time in 35 years of marriage. During that lonely, isolating experience, he was relieved to be cared for by his attentive care team at Kearny County Hospital.
On November 30, Goudy was taken by air ambulance to the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kan., for the remainder of his clinical treatment. After nearly two weeks there, he was discharged to complete his care with home healthcare services. While he understands the difference in resources that a rural, critical access hospital may have compared with an academic medical center, Goudy admitted his mindset has changed since his stays in both hospitals.
“I think sometimes folks may have the perception that the level of care in a rural hospital – and I’m going to include myself in this category – might not be the same level as an academic medical center. And granted, when you’re dealing with much greater resources, equipment and larger staff, there are some things that can’t be done at the local level.
“But everything that could be done for me, within the abilities of the hospital, was, and it was delivered with such a level of respect and concern and care, I can’t even express to you how much that meant to me and helped me through those tough times.”
Watch the full video of Mark sharing his story:
“A Small Herd of Unicorns”: Kearny County Hospital Named a Bright Spot in National Rural Health Report
LAKIN, Kan. (August 31, 2021) — Kearny County Hospital was one of eight rural health organizations recently featured in “Bright Spots: Case Studies in Innovative Rural Healthcare,” a national report compiled by the Texas A&M University Rural & Community Health Institute, in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, and Episcopal Health Foundation.
By highlighting “bright spot” success stories of rural communities and institutions tackling their healthcare challenges, the report’s creators hope to inspire other communities confronting similar struggles. “For every organization gridlocked by challenges, there exists an organization that has managed to adapt and overcome,” the report stated.
“Proudly, Kearny County Hospital has made great strides to overcome issues like access to care, provider staffing, and other challenges facing rural healthcare organizations across America,” said Betty Greer, President of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.
“It’s an honor to be recognized in the report – especially among so many bright ideas from other areas – but most importantly, it’s an honor to serve as a beacon of ideas for our rural health colleagues across the country.”
The eight rural health organizations selected as “bright spots” were located across Texas, Kansas, Iowa, and North Dakota. Interviews with the organizations were conducted, data collected, and case studies developed in 2019-2020.
Kearny County Hospital: Building a Mission Culture
One key reason Kearny County Hospital was highlighted in the “Bright Spots” report was its success addressing provider shortages – using a unique mission-focused recruitment strategy. Former CEO Benjamin Anderson reported that ten years ago, the hospital’s clinic staff had to turn away 50 new patients a week due to staffing shortages. Today, they have expanded their reach to serve a 20-county region with a population of around 15,000 people. Anderson credited the shift to a targeted recruitment and retention strategy, aimed at attracting and keeping providers who were raised in a rural community or have dedicated part of their careers to missionary work. Generous vacation time and professional development opportunities helped achieve long-term dedication from new recruits.
In the report, the hospital’s CEO David Hofmeister described the providers and staff Kearny County has brought together as “a small herd of unicorns, those incredibly rare but absolutely amazing team members.”
The “Bright Spots” report also highlighted Kearny County Hospital’s success in serving refugees and undocumented immigrants who have flocked to Kearny County to work in the local meat-packing industry. The Kearny County community is rich in cultural diversity. According to the report, Kearny County Hospital serves over 30 different nationalities, and as of 2018, 13 percent of Kearny County residents were born outside the U.S. As part of its mission culture, Kearny County Hospital has hired healthcare providers who speak the languages of the patients they serve – providers who are known and trusted in the various immigrant communities.
“Hiring staff with a mission mindset lays a foundation of trust for the provider-patient relationship,” said Greer. “And that results in greater community health overall.”
According to the report, the hospital’s tactical recruitment efforts, paired with its mission culture, not only expanded Kearny County Hospital’s primary care footprint by 18 percent, but it was also good for the bottom line – decreasing dependency on local tax revenues by more than 60 percent.
A third focus of the “Bright Spots” report was maternal health and infant outcomes. Rural health systems nationwide struggle to maintain obstetric services, but Kearny County Hospital prioritized recruiting OB physicians. The report noted that hospital administrators knew that if mom was cared for, she would encourage the rest of her family to seek and maintain primary care services, in turn improving the health and wellness of the entire community.
The hospital’s efforts resulted in a 67 percent increase in obstetrics volume and a 60 percent increase in primary care paneled patients over five years.
“People from 11 counties come to Kearny for OB care,” according to Kearny County Hospital Chief of Staff Drew Miller, MD, FAAFP – strong evidence that the mission focus goes beyond staffing and recruitment efforts into a multicultural approach to care.
“Kearny County Hospital is proud of its recent accomplishments and grateful to the staff and community for their support in our ongoing efforts to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to all of the people who rely on us,” Greer said.
To learn more about the achievements of Kearny County Hospital among other high-ranking rural health institutions, read the full report here.
About Kearny County Hospital
Kearny County Hospital is committed to providing quality, compassionate healthcare services for our community to enrich the lives of family, friends, and neighbors. The hospital was founded in 1952 and is owned and operated by the Kearny County government to provide inpatient and outpatient hospital care, emergency medical treatment, and primary care. High Plains Retirement Village, the Kearny County Home for the Aged, was founded in 1983 to provide a nursing facility, senior housing, and long-term care services. In 1990, Kearny County Hospital began operation of the Family Health Center, which provides primary healthcare in Lakin and Deerfield. For more information, visit kearnycountyhospital.com.