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DCHS NEWS
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2018
(Dickinson County, MI) Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) “Dickinson County Healthcare System is Five-Star Recipient for Pneumonia and Sepsis Outcomes in 2019” Iron Mountain, MI (October 26, 2018) – Dickinson County Healthcare System is 5-star rated for Pneumonia and Sepsis outcomes according to a study released by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. This achievement is part of new findings and data featured in the Healthgrades 2019 Report to the Nation. The new report demonstrates how clinical performance continues to differ dramatically between hospitals regionally and nationally. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at almost 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 32 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions, as well as tracking outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 15 states and the District of Columbia.* Variation in care has a significant impact on health outcomes. For example, from 2015 through 2017, if all hospitals as a group performed similarly to hospitals receiving 5 stars as a group, then on average 222,210 lives could potentially have been saved and 157,210 in-hospital complications could potentially have been avoided.* A 5-star rating indicates that Dickinson County Healthcare System’s clinical outcomes are statistically significantly better than expected when treating the condition or performing the procedure being evaluated. From 2015-2017, patients treated for Sepsis in hospitals with 5-stars for in-hospital mortality have, on average a 40.2% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals with 1-star for in-house mortality.* “Delivering the correct treatment, in the correct way, and at the correct time is a cornerstone of high-quality health care. What matters most to our patients is the quality and safety of the care they receive. That is why we have made it a top priority to improve positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. We are proud of these awards as it recognizes the knowledge, teamwork and dedication of our entire hospital staff.” commented John Schon, Administrator / CEO. DCHS was also named among the top 10% in the nation for Patient Safety for four consecutive years (2015-2018). “Clinical quality varies significantly between hospitals, so it’s important for consumers to use information about outcomes to assess where to receive care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Healthgrades. “This 5-star rating for Pneumonia and Sepsis showcases the expertise and commitment of Dickinson County Healthcare System to their patients.” For its analysis, Healthgrades evaluated approximately 45 million Medicare inpatient records for almost 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance in 32 common conditions and procedures, and evaluated outcomes in appendectomy and bariatric surgery using all-payer data provided by 15 states and the District of Columbia. Healthgrades recognizes a hospital’s quality achievements for cohort-specific performance, specialty area performance, and overall clinical quality. Individual procedure or condition cohorts are designated as 5-star (statistically significantly better than expected), 3-star (not statistically different from expected) and 1-star (statistically significantly worse than expected) categories. The complete Healthgrades 2019 Report to the Nation and detailed study methodology can be found at www.healthgrades.com/quality/ About Dickinson County Healthcare System Servicing Northern Wisconsin and the Central Upper Peninsula for more than 66 years, Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) is a 49 bed Community Hospital with a team of more than 80 active physicians and each year treats over 200,000 patients. DCHS employs more than 800 staff members, is the major employer in the Dickinson County area, and is a large contributor to the economic wellbeing of our community. Most recently recognized by Healthgrades Analytics as being in the top 10% of the Safest Hospitals in the nation, DCHS has also been acknowledged by several other independent healthcare analytics agencies for exceptional Patient Safety and Services. The recent awards are a testament to how well the Hospital and its Physicians care for its patients and confirm the progress towards keeping the community safe and healthy. * Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2015 through 2017 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. 
Thank you to our community for your continued support!
DCHS We are Here for YOU!!! Recent Reviews
Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department, serving our community and caring for everyone, 24/7/365
Some members of the DCHS ED Team pictured from left to right: Jim Holcomb, PFE, Ruth Presley – HUC, Jamie Formolo, RN, Dr. Toth, Susie Berquist, RN, Lauren Roell, RN, Heather Marsicek, LPN and Kimberly Jefferson, RN
The Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department is making great strides in the battle against Opioid addiction. Since September 2015, the rate of ED patients being discharged with a prescription for oral opioids has been reduced by 59%. Elizabeth Juneau, RN, BSN, BC, the hospital’s Medical Staff Review Analyst stated, “The nation’s, and our county’s, Opioid epidemic was growing for years. But we are doing our part to reduce narcotics prescriptions. Our Emergency Department has stepped-up its focus on delivering evidence-based care to our patients while reducing the prescribing of narcotics. Although absolutely necessary in some cases, other forms of pain management are being used to help prevent the risk of addiction to these habit forming pain medications.” 
By combining compassion with good science, the ED has seen its overall patient satisfaction rating increase over the same period. CEO / Administrator, John Schon, observed the progress in both measures and said, “I am proud of the outstanding patient care provided by our staff in the Emergency Department – it’s emergency medicine Physicians, their specialist colleagues on-call, and all the Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses and support staff that are deserving of the credit. As you can imagine, the emergency care environment is very stressful, but our entire staff rises to the occasion and cares for our emergent patients like they are their family.”
The Dickinson County Healthcare System Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year and provides comprehensive emergency care to anyone, regardless of their insurance coverage and their ability to pay the bill. Over the years, DCHS has provided millions of dollars in free care to its neighbors in and around Dickinson County. As ED Manager, Michelle Miron, RN, explains, “We are proud to offer care for everyone who needs our specialized attention. It’s part of our mission to the community, and it’s something our residents need to safely live and work in this region. “ General Surgeons, Pediatricians, OB Physicians and Orthopedic Surgeons are always on call, should a patient need this specialty care. Dickinson’s array of emergency services – and its open door to all who need those services – makes its emergency care safe, effective, and compassionate, but it also makes its care expensive. The Emergency Department needs heavy funding from revenues generated by other outpatient services, including lab tests and imaging. It’s important to note that whether a physician at DCHS or anywhere else orders diagnostic tests, the patient – not the physician – chooses where to have those tests performed. When patients choose their hometown hospital, they are helping to fund their hometown Emergency Department and its high-quality care for all people, whether or not they can afford to pay for those sophisticated services. As John Schon puts it, “When you insist on coming home to DCHS for lab work or imaging ordered by any other provider, you are actually helping to make sure that when you need us, we will be here for you!” Emergency Department Facts:
The Dickinson County Healthcare System OB/GYN staff along with Michigan – Wisconsin Family Practice Associates was presented with the 2018 Maternity Care Excellence Award. DCHS received the award that acknowledges the facilities excellence and improvements in maternity care. The goals of the award and maternity care project are to reduce the rate of unnecessary C-sections in the state, decrease infant mortality and reduce elective early deliveries. One of only eleven hospitals in the state to receive the award, DCHS and MI-WI Family Practice Associates combine resources to provide top quality maternity care right here in our town.
Pictured above from left to right are: Dr. Kristi Olson; Dr. Beth Schroeder; Dr. Adam Ryan; Dr. Jim Merrill; Cathi Hartwig, RN, BSN, OB Manager; Tillie Rossato, RN, BSN and Deena Bartelli, RN. 
Congratulations! For the third year in a row Becker’s Hospital Review has ranked Dickinson County Healthcare System as one of the top 100 Great Community Hospitals. The most recent award is a testament to the consistency of the care that our health system provides to our patients. We are glad to provide around the clock care to keep our community safe and healthy. #ichooseDCHS
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/lists/100-great-community-hospitals-2018.html A list of our many services, offered right here in town!
24/7/365 Emergency Care Anesthesia Services Aqua Therapy Audiology Bone Densitometry-Dexa Scanning Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Cardiology CT Angiography-Calcium Scoring CT Scan Convenient Care Clinic Diagnostic Neurology-EEG & EMG Studies Diabetes Care Durable Medical Equipment Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Family Practice General Surgery/Endoscopy Geriatric Care Hematology/Oncology Home Health Hospitalist Services/Critical Care Infusion Center Laboratory Services Internal Medicine/Nephrology/Dialysis Mammography MRI / X-ray Occupational Medicine OB/GYN Occupational Therapy Ophthalmology Orthopedics Pathology Pediatrics/Pediatric Nephrology & Cardiology Physical Therapy Podiatry Pulmonology/Pulmonary Function Testing Radiation Oncology Sleep Medicine Sports Medicine-Concussive & Baseline Testing Speech Therapy Ultra Sound Wound Care / Hyperbaric Urology Contact us for assistance. (906) 774-1313 
Awards 
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Patient Safety Excellence Award™The Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for how well a hospital prevents infections, medical errors, and other complications based on 14 serious, potentially preventable adverse events. Patients receiving care at Patient Safety Excellence Award recipient hospitals have, on average, a lower risk of experiencing patient safety events. 
2016, 2017
Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™The Pulmonary Care Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for superior outcomes in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Patients who receive COPD or pneumonia treatment at these nationally recognized hospitals have a lower risk of dying. 
2016
Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™The Gastrointestinal Care Excellence Award™ recognizes hospitals for superior outcomes in bowel obstruction treatment, colorectal surgeries, gallbladder removal, esophageal/stomach surgeries, treatment of gastrointestinal bleeds, treatment for pancreatitis, and small intestine surgeries. Patients who have these treatments or surgeries at these nationally recognized hospitals have a lower risk of dying or experiencing a complication during their hospital stay. 
Dickinson County Healthcare System was recognized as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditation agency of health care organizations in the United States.
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The Journey to Excellence program was initiated throughout Dickinson County Healthcare System – both hospital and clinics – approximately a year ago. This comprehensive customer service program has set service standards for all employees and systematically trains staff in engagement techniques and the proper treatment of patients so their healthcare experience is as pleasant as possible.
> Read More 
The EAM announces the first annual patient safety awards for Michigan hospitals March 18, 2016 – In observing National Patient Safety Awareness Week, the Economic Alliance for Michigan (EAM) announced the recipients of the Hospital Patient Safety Award to eight Michigan hospitals. The Hospital Patient Safety Award recognizes hospitals in Michigan consistently performing high-marks and improvements in patient safety and quality of care. Hospitals can earn two different awards: the Excellence Award and the Improvement Award.
> Read More 
MCAC
To guide and assist Dickinson and Iron county residents to access optimal health care to meet their individual needs. 
Patient Testimonials
Our commitment to quality, compassionate health care is highlighted in the stories that our community has shared with us. We are proud of the following stories told by our neighbors and friends. >More Information 
8 REASONS TO STAY LOCAL
Dickinson Memorial Hospital is part of the fabric of our community … there is every reason to STAY LOCAL for your healthcare. >More Information |
EventsMaking HeadlinesLinksDCHS News Welcome Dr. Jeremy Stayton
Please join us in welcoming Jeremy D. Stayton, M.D. as the newest member to the DCHS medical staff. Joining the staff at the Dickinson Surgery and Endoscopy Services, Dr. Stayton brings to our community his passion for providing Medical Care.
>More Information 
Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) Receives Governor’s Award of Excellence
This award recognizes participants for their dedication and success in improving healthcare quality and patient safety in Michigan. To be eligible for the award, participants must have achieved, maintained and continually improved in specific and rigorous milestones related to the award they received. >Read More 
YMCA Offering a FREE Diabetes Prevention Program!
This CDC approved program is designed to provide education and a supportive environment for individuals who are at risk for developing diabetes. It’s a 12 month program, led by trained lifestyle coaches, that offers 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance, all designed to help support YOU in making healthier lifestyle choices. >Read More 
Congratulations Dickinson Hematology/Oncology Clinic for achieving QOPI Certification.
>Read More Michigan Senate passed Resolution No. 197 which recognizes DCHS
Michigan Senate passed Resolution No. 197 which recognizes Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) for its dedicated efforts to improve the quality of health care and patient safety in our community.
> Read More 2017 Message from our CEO
“The Best & Safest in the State!”
Dickinson County Healthcare System has been caring for this community for 65 years and we are committed to providing top level healthcare to you and your family. Our efforts have once again been recognized by The Leapfrog Group when we earned our 10th consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Grade. > Read More |
Quality Healthcare Close to Home!
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1721 S Stephenson Ave Iron Mountain, MI 49801 | phone: 906-774-1313 | information line: 906-776-5900
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