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Winter ‘13

[ your direct line to better health ]

Make Changes to Manage Painful Gout SymptomsPage 8

Take Control of Your CholesterolPage 6

Advanced Medicine.Closer to You.

Evidence-Based MedicineOffers Patients More ControlPage 2

[2] Healthline • winter 2013

ne of the major conversations surrounding healthcare reform is the notion of ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time. Providers at Fremont Area Medical Center — and around the country — are making significant efforts to

provide care that is “evidence-based” — meaning treatment decisions are focused more on real data, rather than just continuing to treat a patient in a particular manner just because that’s the way it has been done in the past.

“Essentially, evidence-based medicine takes a hard look at practices that, in the past, physicians and patients didn’t think about much but just performed reflexively,” says Richard Seitz, MD, Internal Medicine Physician on the Medical Staff at FAMC. “Some procedures carry slight risks, and if we can prevent exposing patients to these risks, we should.”

Evidence-based medicine also helps keep medical costs down.Ultimately, evidence-based medicine gives patients more control over

their own health. When patients express their situations clearly, they have the opportunity to receive the unique care they need instead of standardized care that follows a go-to plan.

“The whole concept of evidence-based medicine depends on communication between physicians and patients,” Dr. Seitz says. “The patient has to be able to express what’s going on in a way that helps us determine whether tests are necessary, and the physician has to express why each decision is made.”

For more information about evidence-based medicine, visit www.choosingwisely.org.

ConneCtions to Your Centers of exCellenCe

mission: To Improve the Health and Wellness of People in the Communities We Serve vision: To Passionately Pursue Excellence in Healthcare in Collaboration with Physicians and Staff values: Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation

A. J. Merrick Manor (402) 727-3795

Foundation Office (402) 727-3566

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Patient Information (402) 721-1610Patient Scheduling (402) 727-3882

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Visit our website: www.famc.org

Patrick Booth, President and Chief Executive Officer

Public Relations Department, Executive Editor

Healthline is published by fremont Area Medical Center, 450 east

23rd street, fremont, ne 68025. the material in this publication

should not be considered specific medical advice, as each individual

circumstance is different. Consult your physician before undertaking

any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program

or dietary guidelines. for permission to reprint any portion of this

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send a postcard including your name, address, and phone number indicating the page number and location of the apple to:Public Relations Fremont Area Medical Center 450 East 23rd Street Fremont, NE 68025Or visit our website at: www.famc.org (click on “Contact Us”). All entries are due by february 1, 2013. Correct entries will be entered into a drawing. Must be 18 or older to enter. Jean Roemer of Hooper was the winner of $50 in Chamber Bucks from the fall 2012 issue.


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$50 in Chamber Bucks!

Show Me the Evidence!You would never purchase a car without doing your research, because it’s important for you to consider the pros and cons to know you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family. Healthcare is no different. You want your healthcare providers — your physicians, nurses, and other staff members — to examine all the options and ensure your medical care is evidence-based, too.

O

Richard Seitz, MD

Evidence-Based Medicine: Take One

evidence-based medicine is more than just a theory; it fundamentally changes how healthcare works. Here’s an example:

Alvin spends saturday morning charitably shoveling snow from his elderly neighbors’ driveways, and when Monday morning hits, his back still feels sore. He schedules an appointment with his primary care physician, requesting an Mri. instead of just going ahead with the test, as has been the practice for years, the physician tells Alvin that Mris haven’t historically helped diagnose non-specific lower back pain unless the pain travels down to the legs. since Alvin’s pain is restricted to his back, he can forgo the imaging, its costs, and the radiation exposure.

this is just one example of evidence-based care.

www.famc.org • Healthline [3]

Election season is over, and it seems the Affordable Care Act (ACA) (often referred to as ObamaCare) will be implemented with few if any substantial changes.

Medicare — federal; 50 million seniors; payments to doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes cut by more than $700 billion over 10 years; cuts will not “save” Medicare long-term; $40 trillion in debt; boomers will add 30 million seniors by 2030

Medicaid — federal/state; 50 million lower-income Americans; Medicare “savings” will help states increase Medicaid benefits and expand enrollment 30%-40%; Supreme Court struck down “forced” Medicaid expansion; Nebraska among 25-plus states analyzing long-term affordability

Employer Insurance Mandate — begins in 2014; upheld by Supreme Court; large employers must offer health insurance or pay a tax; tax will be a fraction of the cost of health insurance; reportedly, many employers will drop coverage and pay the tax of $2,000 per employee

Private Insurance — 175 million Americans; providers continue to offset losses on Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients by increasing prices for everyone else; private insurance companies raise premiums, deductibles, and co-pays

State Health Exchanges — Governor Heineman asked the federal government to establish an “exchange”— a listing of commercial plans — with federal premium subsidies for individuals and families up to 400% of poverty level

Individual Insurance Mandate — upheld by Supreme Court; the tax penalty for those without insurance will be between $95 and $285 in 2014 but will increase to between $695 and $2,085 by 2016, depending upon income levels

So, the Affordable Care Act dramatically rearranges who pays for healthcare and how much they pay. I’m very concerned the ACA will create millions of newly uninsured Americans, most of them with jobs, who simply can’t afford the premiums and will decide to pay the tax.

To Our Community

Sincerely

Patrick Booth, President and Ceo, fremont Area Medical Center

But there is a silver lining! While the ACA does little to provide real and lasting reform, I believe that market forces and private decisions made by providers, employers, and individuals will continue to play the greatest role in reshaping our healthcare industry for the better! There are four major market forces working in concert to drive reform: 1) the payment system, 2) provider collaboration, 3) consumer choice, and 4) competition.

The Payment System — Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans are moving away from paying for each and every service to “value-based” purchasing that bundles related services and creates incentives to provide higher quality. Some programs allow providers to receive a small bonus for reducing costs. Some plans are experimenting with “capitation,” where providers are paid a flat annual fee to take care of all of a patient’s needs. Tort reform would provide physicians a little more protection against frivolous lawsuits. All of these efforts are aimed at providing only the most necessary services, thereby reducing costs.

Provider Collaboration — Doctors, hospitals, and other providers are working more closely to coordinate care and keep patients healthy. Modern electronic medical records make it much easier to share information. Many physicians are offering “medical homes” that go beyond traditional clinics by adding care coordination, chronic disease management, and wellness programs. This approach is especially helpful for patients with chronic or high-risk conditions. Some plan to offer “virtual” connections to patients seeking prompt access to caregivers, and in rural settings, remote access.

Consumer Choice — Most patients are being asked to pay an increasing portion of their medical expenses through a combination of higher premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. One example of this shift is the growing number of Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in various “supplemental” programs. Many employer plans have raised their deductibles to keep premiums low. Further, more individuals and families will establish personal health policies where benefits and premiums can be tailored to their needs. As patients begin to bear a larger portion of their healthcare bills, they will try even harder to stay healthy and will shop for the best providers.

Competition — Most providers understand that price competition will begin to escalate as employers and patients search for the best deals. Further, there is excess capacity in the system driving up costs — too many beds, too many surgery and imaging centers, and, in some markets, too many physician specialists. Additionally, some providers are more cost-effective than others, and many organizations are joining together to share costs and grow business. All of these trends will create added pressure on providers to keep prices and costs under control.

We at Fremont Area Medical Center embrace these market forces, and we want to assure you we are working very hard in each of these areas to continue our long record of success in serving our community!


2004, Omaha nurse Cindy Berkland went on a one-month medical mission to Naivasha, Kenya. The conditions she

found at the Naivasha District Hospital were shocking, especially in the maternity ward, where overcrowding and sharing of beds is not just common, but the norm.

Moved to HelpAfter witnessing the conditions firsthand, Berkland was intent

on helping the Kenyans build a new, 92-bed Women’s Health Care Center. Upon returning to the United States, Berkland founded the Friends of Naivasha, USA, and the foundation began actively working to obtain donations and possible grant funds to build the new center.

ealthcare information technology (IT) is connecting your medical records

with all the providers who need them for improved care.

Thanks to advances in technology, tools and resources are now available to provide doctors, nurses, and patients secure access to health information.

“At Fremont Area Medical Center, patient records have been stored electronically since 2005,” says Lanette Morgan, RN, Director of Health Informatics at FAMC. “This way, your information is readily accessible when you come in to the hospital.”

Taking Care to KenyaIn In 2005, Fremont Area Medical Center became a “sister hospital”

to Naivasha District Hospital, donating hundreds of pieces of hospital equipment for use in the new Women’s Health Care Center. Items that have no value and are considered obsolete in the United States — like old hospital beds — are a vast improvement over the cots or wooden boards that are commonly used as beds in Naivasha. (NOTE: Because FAMC is a non-profit organization, items have to be determined to have no value to the Medical Center before they can be donated.)

Over the years, FAMC and the local medical community have donated enough medical equipment and supplies to equip the entire women’s hospital. Fourteen 40-foot containers filled with

birthing beds, fetal monitors, infant warmers and isolettes, oxygen concentrators, operating room tables, anesthesia machines, surgical lights, and a commercial washer and dryer have been shipped to Kenya at no cost through Valmont Industries.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of Berkland and the generosity of FAMC and others, the new hospital is open and funds continue to be raised for a final phase that will provide additional birthing rooms and beds.

To find out more about the Women’s Health Care Center, visit www.nwhcc.info or “like” the Friends of Naivasha page on Facebook.

From left: Benjamin Mwaura, RN, Chief Nursing Executive, Naivasha District Hospital; Peg Kennedy, RN, Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive, FAMC; Hilda Munoka, RN, Nursing Supervisor, Maternity Hospital at Naivasha District Hospital; John Wachira, MD, General Surgeon, Operations Director, Surgical Theater; Patrick Booth, President and CEO, FAMC; Joseph Mburu, MD, Radiologist, Medical Supervisor, Naivasha District Hospital

Your Health Info Where You Need ItH Test results are also available more

quickly, since the system no longer requires providers to manually transfer paper.

What’s Next?More physician practices will soon

connect to each other and FAMC electronically, allowing doctors to better coordinate care while still preserving patient privacy. Patient portals are also in the works, which will allow patients to securely access their test results and communicate with their physicians.

“Some practices are already there,” Morgan says. “When you visit a doctor or

specialist, ask whether he or she has an online patient portal.”

Freedom from a paper record has the ability to save time, money, and potentially lives.

To learn more about healthcare IT in general, visit www.famc.org/EHR. To learn more about how FAMC is implementing healthcare IT, look for more information in future issues of the Healthline newsletter.

ormer First State Bank and Trust employee Virginia Eurek, 74, participated in free health

screenings at work that were sponsored in part by Fremont Area Medical Center. In 2007, her employer invited spouses to participate, as well.

“The night before, I asked my husband, Jerry, if he would join me, thinking he’d say ‘no,’” says Virginia. “It’s a good thing he agreed, because they found that his PSA [prostate specific antigen] levels were high, which can be an indicator for prostate cancer.”

Local HelpAfter the screenings, the Eureks made

an appointment with Ansar Khan, MD, Urologist on the Medical Staff at FAMC, who specializes in treating the prostate. Further tests confirmed that Jerry had prostate cancer, which was removed using the robotic-assisted da Vinci® Surgical System by Paulos Yohannes, MD, Urologist on the Medical Staff at FAMC.

Jerry underwent three months of radiation therapy. He continued to follow up with

physicians at intervals to watch for cancer recurrence, and Jerry’s physicians detected — and later treated — his bladder cancer in January 2009.

“Now, I am feeling great and cancer free,” says Jerry, 75. Virginia, his wife of 45 years, adds, “I really believe in the regular screenings offered here in Fremont. Without the screening at work, we might not have been able to get care in time.”

For more information about annual or cancer screenings for your age group and family history, contact your physician. To find a physician near you, visit www.famc.org/doctor.

His and HersHealth Screenings

today’s diagnostic screenings help individuals keep tabs on particular conditions and may even prevent disease from occurring—think of colonoscopies and colorectal cancer, for example. Personal and family history can alter timing and frequency of recommendations, so be sure to discuss the need for these screenings recommended by the u.s. Department of Health and Human services with your primary healthcare provider.

F

invest in Your Healthscreenings offer the peace of mind and information you need to help preserve your health.

Paulos Yohannes, MDAnsar Khan, MD

Men’s RecoMMendations

✓Blood cholesterol test regularly starting

at age 20

✓Blood pressure test at least every two

years starting at age 18

✓colorectal cancer screening starting

at age 50 (method and frequency

recommended by your physician)

✓diabetes screening regularly if blood

pressure exceeds 135/80 or if you take

medication to control your blood pressure

✓Prostate cancer screening (beginning

at age 50, discuss method and schedule

with your physician)

WoMen’s RecoMMendations✓Blood cholesterol test regularly starting at age 20✓Blood pressure test at least every two years starting at age 18✓Bone mineral density screening at physician’s recommendation based on personal risk for osteoporosis

✓cervical cancer screening via Pap test at least every three years if sexually active or beginning at age 21, whichever comes first✓colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50 (method and frequency recommended by your physician)✓diabetes screening regularly if blood pressure exceeds 135/80 or if you take medication to control your blood pressure✓Mammograms annually starting at age 40


heer up: When combined with the healthy lifestyle choices you should continue making, a group of medications called statins may be just what you need

to bring that number down.

Cholesterol 101According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high blood

cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. The good news, however, is that it’s a heart disease risk factor you can control.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, which is a fat found in the body. Four lipids make up your total cholesterol count: “good” and “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides, and Lp(a) cholesterol. Your liver and cells produce 75 percent of the cholesterol in your body, while the other 25 percent comes from animal-derived foods you eat.

To move through the bloodstream, cholesterol has to hitch rides on chemical structures called lipoproteins. According to the AHA, high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, may safeguard your heart against heart attack, while low levels of the substance may leave you more vulnerable to developing heart disease. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—“bad” cholesterol—in the blood contributes to the formation of plaque, which narrows and hardens arteries.

Two of the most important components of heart disease prevention are learning recommended cholesterol levels and then monitoring those levels. The AHA and the National Cholesterol Education Program recommend having a fasting lipoprotein

profile—a blood test that provides comprehensive information about your cholesterol levels—performed by your primary care physician at least every five years.

Charting the CourseYou had a fasting lipoprotein panel a few months ago, and you

hoped your results would meet the following standards: » Total cholesterol—less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood

» HDL—60 mg/dL or higher » LDL—less than 100 mg/dL » Triglycerides—at least less than 150 mg/dL, but preferably less than 100 mg/dL

Alas, your LDL numbers were higher than they should have been. You discussed a plan of action with your physician, who recommended you begin eating a heart-healthy diet—more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish—and exercising at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week. These steps put you on a healthier track, but they weren’t quite enough to lower your LDL to a desired level. It may be time to try medication.

The Scoop on StatinsStatins are a group of drugs that combat cholesterol by going

to its main source: the liver, where the medications prevent cholesterol from forming. Candidacy for statin therapy depends on a variety of factors, including cholesterol levels, other heart disease risk factors, and additional health conditions. Individuals who have diabetes, a history of heart disease in their immediate

C

MIchael Dehning, MD Doug Guy, MD John S. Henry, MD Admassu Hailu, MD

[6] Healthline • winter 2013[6] Healthline • winter 2013

You’re in a bad mood. You’ve been exercising and eating right for months, but your cardiologist just informed you your “bad” cholesterol level is still too high.

Could Statins Help You stand up to HiGH CHOlEStEROl?

Cardiologists on the Medical Staff at Fremont Area Medical Center

S. George Sojka, MD David Sterns, MD

families, or a personal history of heart disease or heart surgery are examples of patients who would be considered for statin therapy.

“Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications used to reduce elevated cholesterol,” says Michael Dehning, MD, Cardiologist on the Medical Staff at Fremont Area Medical Center. “Many generic and non-generic forms of these medications are available. Physicians have prescribed statins for many years, and they are exceedingly safe and effective.”

According to Dr. Dehning, statins are most effective at lowering LDL levels, but they also increase HDL and reduce triglycerides. In addition, statins stabilize the plaque on the walls of blood vessels that could lead to heart attacks. Other medications, including fibrates and niacins, are used to treat lipid disorders, but, according to Dr. Dehning, aren’t as effective as statins.

“The body of evidence and clinical benefits for fibrates and niacins aren’t nearly as impressive as for statins,” he says. “Statins are typically the first type of therapy physicians prescribe to patients. Most new medications that emerge today are compared to statins and must demonstrate they are as beneficial.”

Many statin therapy patients must continue taking the medication for the rest of their lives to manage cholesterol. Taking a pill is a small price to pay, however, for all the memories you’ll make with your family in the years to come.

Maintaining heart health is a team effort—and the team consists of you, your primary care physician, and your cardiologist. If your team is missing one or two key playmakers, visit www.famc.org/doctor to find them.


Ladies, Your Heart Is in Your Hands

With American Heart Month—february—fast approaching, now is a perfect time for women to think about what they’re doing to reduce their risk for heart disease, the biggest threat to their health.

“Heart disease is underdiagnosed in women compared to men, which is why it’s so important for women to know their risk factors and be their own best health advocates,” says Ami Jones, PA-C, Physician Assistant with fremont Cardiovascular specialists and fremont Area Medical Center. “if women don’t take care of themselves, they won’t be able to care for the people in their lives who love and depend on them.”

take the following actions to help keep your heart in top-notch shape:

❖ eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and lean meats.

❖ limit your sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day and your alcohol consumption to one drink per day.

❖ if you smoke, quit.❖ learn the signs of heart attack

and stroke—some of which are different for women than men—so you’ll be able to recognize the conditions and seek help quickly if one of these medical emergencies occurs. symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and upper body discomfort.

❖ Perform a mix of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises for at least 150 minutes per week.

❖ reduce stress by making time for yourself each day with a good book, a refreshing run, a walk, or whatever helps you unwind.

❖ Work with your primary care physician to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol numbers.


G out is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints due to uric acid buildup in the blood. In addition to pain, sufferers also experience swelling

and redness in the inflamed joint, and the affected area may be hot to the touch. There are two types of gout:

• Acute gout affects just one joint but goes away with treatment.

• Chronic gout affects multiple joints and may cause a person to experience pain over time or lose range of motion in his or her joints when left untreated.

“Most commonly, men between ages 30 and 45 and women between ages 55 and 70 are at risk for developing their first gout attacks,” says Geoffrey J. Cooper, MD, Family Practice Physician on the Medical Staff at Fremont Area Medical Center. “An individual’s risk also rises if he or she is older than 65, has hypertension, is obese, or excessively consumes alcohol, meat, or seafood.”

Other people at risk for gout include those with:• Diabetes• Hardening of the arteries• Kidney disease

Help Is HereIf you or a loved one is currently

coping with the painful symptoms of gout, FAMC has specialists who can help assess and treat the condition.

“This common issue can be successfully managed through close monitoring, medication and, most importantly, diet and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Cooper. “Both primary care physicians and orthopedic specialists are here to help alleviate symptoms and prevent further episodes.”

Dealing with painful joints? Visit www.famc.org/doctor to find a physician today.

Get OutGout now affects 8.3 million Americans, according to a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. Could you be at risk?

tell Gout to

Take ControlWith some smart swaps, you can keep your gout symptoms

in check.» Flex it. Become a flexitarian, that is. Cutting back on

meat intake doesn’t have to be boring. Consider cooking vegetarian a few nights a week and subbing in tofu, seitan or other “faux” meats to satisfy your cravings. overall, people with gout should avoid purine-rich foods that lead to uric acid buildup. these include bacon, turkey, veal, venison, organ meats, scallops, mussels, trout, sardines, herring, and haddock.

» Move it. Making extra time to exercise each week can help you drop extra weight. schedule an extra session at the gym or try out a new activity, such as ballroom dancing or tennis, to stay active and committed to your weight-loss goals.

][Geoffrey J. Cooper, MD

did You Know? Gout was once called the “rich man’s disease” because it mainly affected kings and other wealthy people who ate a diet rich in meat and seafood. Famous sufferers include Alexander the Great, King Henry VIII, and Christopher Columbus.


Scan this code with your smartphone’s QR code reader for a complete calendar listing.

“Erase the Risk” Prediabetes Class (402) 727-3355 february 75:30–8:30 p.m.

Taking Charge (Diabetes Education Group Class) January 15; february 20; March 208:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Call Kristina saunders at (402) 727-3355 to register. Program fees covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies.

I Can Cope Support Group Call (402) 727-3384 for more information.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Support Group Call (402) 727-3439 for information or (800) 347-1074, ext. 13 to register. January 17; february 21 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (lunch provided)

Look Good...Feel Better® individual sessions are available by calling (402) 727-3580. Provides women with a free bag of makeup and a makeover, tips and guides about wig care, and information about appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Support GroupJanuary 8; february 12; March 12; April 96:30–8:30 p.m.

Prostate Cancer Support Group (402) 727-3439 or email [email protected] January 15; March 197–9 p.m.Clarion inn, Cabin Creek room

Tobacco Cessation Classes (402) 727-3439 $40 per participant; four-week session Call for upcoming classes.

Understanding Hearts: Suicide Survivor Support Group(402) 727-3439January 15; february 19; March 195:30–7:30 p.m. Dunklau Conference room at fAMC

SCREENING PROGRAMS no registration necessary.

Blood Pressure Screening Fremont Mall January 15; february 19; March 198:30–10:30 a.m.

CHILDBIRTH AND INFANT CARE CLASSES TO REGISTER FOR A ClASS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOuT CHIlDBIRTH EDuCATION ClASSES, CAll (402) 727-3882.

Childbirth Prep Class (Thursday) January 17, 24, 31; february 7; March 14, 21, 28; April 46:30–8:30 p.m.

Childbirth Prep Class (Saturday) March 98:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Maternity Center Tours (Thursday) february 7; April 148 p.m.

Maternity Center Tour (Saturday) March 911 a.m.

Baby Basics (Thursday) february 28; April 116:30–8:30 p.m.

Breastfeeding (Thursday) January 10; March 76:30–8:30 p.m.

Baby Basics/Breastfeeding (Saturday) January 12; March 168:30 a.m.–noon

SUPPORT GROUPS American Chronic Pain Association (402) 727-3439 January 7, 21; february 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1, 157–9 p.m.

Living Well with Diabetes Support Group (402) 727-3355 february 265:30–6:30 p.m.

Breast Cancer Support Group (402) 727-3439 March 11noon–1 p.m.

Celiac Sprue Support Group (402) 727-3439 March 276:30–8:30 p.m.

Compassionate Friends Support Group (402) 727-3439 January 10; february 14; March 14; April 117–9 p.m.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Support Group (402) 727-3439January 28; february 25; March 257–9 p.m.

Grief Support Group (402) 727-3663 february 4, 11, 18; April 1, 8, 15 (children/adults)6:30-9 p.m.

Community Wellness Blood Draws Fremont Family YMCAJanuary 166:30–9 a.m.810 n. lincoln, fremont

Dodge Health & Wellness FairMarch 218:30-11 a.m.Veterans Club243 n. oak st., Dodge

Midland UniversityApril 247:30–9:30 a.m.Dining Hall9th and logan st., fremont

Screenings Available at Community Wellness Blood Draws include:•Wellnessbloodprofiles—$40•Thyroidstimulatinghormone(TSH)test—$20•Prostate-specificantigen(PSA)test—$20•Glycatedhemoglobin(HgbA1CorA1c) for diabetes management—$20•LipidPanel+Glucose—$20 A 10- to 12-hour fast is recommended for ideal results. take medications as scheduled unless your physician directs otherwise. You can drink water or black coffee. tests are offered at a reduced fee and cannot be filed through health insurance. Cash or personal checks accepted at time of service. screenings are not intended as substitutes for regular medical exams.

EVENT AgeLess Prevention Connection (402) 727-3844 January 16; february 20; March 208:30–10 a.m.Visit our website at www.famc.org/ageless for monthly program topics or information about joining Ageless.

Most programs are free of charge, unless noted otherwise. Call the number listed or visit our website at www.famc.org to register. All events take place in Health Park Plaza, third floor, unless otherwise specified.


A bout 130 area golfers joined celebrities George Brett of Kansas City Royals fame and

PGA Tour pro golfer Matt Gogel for the 11th Annual Foundation Golf Classic, held at the Fremont Golf Club in September.

“We’re always very excited about this event,” says Jennifer Benson, Vice President of Fremont National Bank and Trust Company and Chair of the Foundation Golf Committee. “We had a lot of strong support from our sponsors, golfers, and the community, making it possible for us to raise the largest amount ever.”

Proceeds from the tournament went to support FAMC’s Medication Assistance Program (MAP). The program not only provides critical access to medicine for patients in the community, but also helps uninsured and underinsured patients connect with manufacturer-sponsored medication-assistance programs. During the first six months of 2012, MAP assisted 66 patients by connecting them with manufacturer-sponsored programs that provided prescription assistance with a cash value of $378,000.

“The dollars raised at the golf classic benefit the Foundation’s MAP fund, allowing the Medical Center to supply patients with one-time prescriptions to make sure they don’t leave without medication in hand,” says Benson. “It fills a gap until they can get the help they need through external assistance programs.”

FAMC pharmacists visit patients in the hospital to discuss their medications and determine which patients may qualify for MAP assistance. Staff pharmacists also work with patients’ physicians to prescribe the most cost-effective medications through the MAP program, as well as find generic alternatives to expensive brand-name medications. One-time prescriptions are then provided at no cost or a reduced price to ensure patients have needed prescriptions after discharge and before manufacturers’ programs begin.

the fremont Area Medical Center foundation’s annual Golf Classic raised more than $40,000 for fAMC’s Medication Assistance Program.

Three groups participated in the Play with a Pro opportunity, splitting the day between Gogel and Brett, with each team playing nine holes with a celebrity.

“Everyone who had the opportunity to meet or play with our celebrities said they had a wonderful time and picked up some great golf tips,” says Hannah Dorn, FAMC Foundation Director. “It was a pleasure to work with two professional athletes who have achieved so much, yet make a special effort to support community benefit events like our golf tournament.”

The Golf Classic is successful only through strong support from the community. FAMC employees and supporters are grateful for the many physicians and businesses who organize teams and sponsorships for the event. The 12th annual Golf Classic will take place on September 23, 2013. As in the past, sponsorship opportunities will be available, and golfers and volunteers are always welcome.

For more information about the FAMC Foundation Golf Classic, go to www.famc.org/golf.

Playing for a Cause

Classic Celebrities PGA tour professional Matt Gogel and

Kansas City royals Hall of fame third baseman George Brett brought celebrity excitement to this year’s fAMC foundation Golf Classic.

Gogel, who conducted a clinic before the tournament, is well known for winning the At&t Pebble Beach national Pro-Am in 2002.

Brett made baseball history with a career 3,154 hits—the most by any third baseman in major league baseball.


From left: George Brett, Jennifer Benson, and Matt Gogel


][Jennifer Benson

“i was raised in small-town nebraska and value the community feel of the service at fAMC,” says Jennifer Benson, Vice President of fremont national Bank and trust Company. “i delivered all three of my children at fAMC, and i want to make the excellent level of care i received available to everyone locally.”

Maintaining a strong community Medical Center is important to those who support fAMC through the fAMC foundation. At fAMC, we are motivated by the knowledge that we are delivering the highest quality healthcare possible to friends, family, and neighbors.

since the Medical Center does not rely on funds from the county or taxpayers, support provided by donations to the fAMC foundation from individuals like Benson is crucial.

“the Medical Center and the foundation play a vital role in our community,” Benson says. “i want to help maintain and grow the Medical Center and its excellent healthcare services for future generations.”

our mission to enhance and expand the services of fAMC focuses the foundation’s funds on projects that are vital to the success and growth of the Medical Center. A number of gift options are available, including, but not limited to honor and memorial tributes, planned gifts, endowments, and scholarships.

To learn more about the FAMC Foundation, visit www.famc.org and select “Give to FAMC,” or call (402) 727-3566.

very year, a new group of students bids “goodbye” to friends and

family and leaves home to continue their educations and pursue their dreams. For some, those dreams may take them to far-flung places. For those wishing to return to the Fremont area after school, FAMC Foundation scholarships pay dividends here at home.

“This is a great opportunity for students in our community, especially for college students who plan to stay in the area,” says Hannah Dorn, Foundation Director at Fremont Area Medical Center. “Since

Why I GivesMAll-toWn VAlues, one-on-one serViCe, AnD uP-to-DAte teCHnoloGY MotiVAte Jennifer Benson’s inVolVeMent WitH freMont AreA MeDiCAl Center.

Investing in our CommunityfAMC foundation scholarships are making a positive impact in fremont and beyond.

1989, we have raised more than $160,000 for more than 190 students who have gone on to become nurses, physicians, physician assistants, therapists, and so on, in addition to those who serve their communities in non-health-related industries.”

Students are assessed on academic success, personal character, financial need, and potential for service to the Fremont area healthcare community.

To learn more about Foundation scholarship opportunities, contact Hannah Dorn at (402) 727-3566.

E

Playing for a Cause

Kristen Brodd, Midland UniversityRobert & Arlis Higley Memorial Scholarship

Katie Kodad, University of Nebraska-Lincoln FAMC Employee Child/Spouse Scholarship

Sophie Peters, University of Nebraska-OmahaByron M. Dillow M.D. Memorial Scholarship

Freddy Orellana, University of Nebraska-Omaha School of Pharmacy Fremont Area Service Club Scholarship

Natalia Stanzel, Iowa Western Community CollegeFAMC Employee Child/Spouse Scholarship

Jordan Garrison, Midland UniversityFremont Area Medical Center Foundation Scholarship

Brittney Pruss, University of Nebraska-LincolnFremont Area Medical Center Foundation Scholarship

Alison Schmaderer, Bryan Health-LincolnMichael leibert Scholarship

Prsrt stDu.s. Postage

PAiDfremont AreaMedical Center

Come to fremont Area Medical

Center’s Easter Egg Hunt!

every Bunny…

fremont Area Medical Center for “eggMania” at 1 p.m. on saturday, March 23, 2013, rain or shine.

Join the fun-filled eGGstravaganza will take place on the north lawn of fAMC, near A. J. Merrick Manor. Parking is available on the northwest side of fAMC in the parking lots. fAMC, along with the staff and residents of A. J. Merrick Manor, invites children ages 2 to 10 to the FRee event. Children will be divided into the following age divisions: 2 to 4 year olds, 5 to 7 year olds, and 8 to 10 year olds.

And don’t miss the easter Bunny, who will be hopping in to host the fun!

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