Blogs
Analyzing Alzheimer’s: Straight Talk About the Disconcerting Disease
Think of all the information your brain accrues over your lifetime – it’s immense. Everything from knowing the capital of Montana (it’s Helena) to where you left your reading glasses. It’s all in your noggin. So, when your brain can’t remember a bit of information (especially if you’re really needing your glasses), a common knee-jerk reaction for many people is, “I’m forgetting things – what if I’m getting Alzheimer’s?” Why such a strong thought when it could be normal, run-of-the-mill forgetfulness? Because Alzheimer’s Disease is scary. It is the most common form of dementia, many families have seen the firsthand
Orthopedics Care
Protecting Your Musculoskeletal System As children, many of us sang ‘The Skeleton Dance’ song (“…. the foot bone’s connected to the leg bone, the leg bone’s connected to the knee bone….”). Unfortunately, there was no follow-up song explaining just exactly how they were connected. That would be your musculoskeletal system, which is made up of joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and even your skin. It literally keeps us together. Our bodies are tough, but we really put them to the test daily. Each year approximately 10 million orthopedic injuries occur across the United States. This number is not comprised of
Independent Group Practices = Personalized, Quality Patient Care
How independent practices benefit patients. Navigating the complex healthcare system is undoubtedly a difficult feat. Having options and the ability to make choices that best fit your medical needs is empowering and reassuring. Working with and seeking medical advice from an Independent Group Practice provides an extra level of care and flexibility, while still having all the benefits of a large medical group. Says Brent Wilde, CEO of Stellis Health, “I began my career in the big health systems, including Fairview and the University [of Minnesota], and bigger has not proven to be better. We as consumers need more independence….”
New Orthopedic Surgeon Joins Stellis Health
Fellowship trained sports medicine and adult reconstruction orthopedic surgeon specialist Jim Lorge, DO, recently joined Stellis Health. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Lorge to our medical staff and community,” says Brent Wilde, CEO of Stellis Health. “His patient-first approach to care complements our orthopedics team and clinic philosophy perfectly.” “I enjoy taking care of the athlete, weekend warrior and the construction worker whose job is probably more physical than half the sports out there,” says Jim Lorge, DO, orthopedic surgeon at Stellis Health. “When considering surgeries like an ACL or meniscus repair, first and foremost I consider their quality
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Joins Stellis Health
Doctorate of nursing practice and certified family nurse practitioner Chris Elness, DNP, recently joined Stellis Health. “We are excited to welcome Chris to our medical team,” says Brent Wilde, CEO of Stellis Health. “He is a tremendous addition to our clinic and community, particularly his extensive experience in orthopedic care.” “I strive to deliver the highest quality, holistic orthopedic care to my patients and their families,” says Chris Elness, DNP. “I approach each patient individually and strive to provide tailored care that takes into account the bigger clinical picture.” Chris has a special interest and extensive experience in orthopedic care
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Screening Options
When searching for birthday cards at the store, especially for a 50th birthday, inevitably you will find at least a handful with jokes regarding colonoscopies – “Look who’s all grown up and ready for a colonoscopy! Happy 50th Birthday!” There are a multitude of jokes, comics, and memes on the topic, but colorectal care and cancer prevention is no laughing matter. It is estimated that colon cancer causes 50,000 deaths annually. However, if detected early, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
It may be an uncomfortable topic, but colorectal care and cancer screening should never be
Urgent Care Reopens in Monticello on March 5
We are excited to announce that we are resuming Urgent Care services at our Monticello Clinic effective March 5, 2022! Back in December 2020, we temporarily closed operations in our Monticello Urgent Care due to staffing shortages while we kept our Buffalo Urgent Care open so we could continue to provide this important service for our communities.
Due to ongoing staffing shortages, we will continue requiring reservations at each location. Please note the updated operating hours at both locations effective Saturda
Women’s Heart Disease Is Uniquely Their Own
Unless you’ve been previously diagnosed with a heart issue, when was the last time you worried about your heart’s next beat? Age, date, location, weather, activity – chances are your heart has pumped away tirelessly without you giving it a second thought. There is no time like the present to pay some attention to your ticker, especially amidst the COVID crisis, which has shown it can directly affect the hearts of those infected.
“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States,” says Kari Fabian, MD, internist and Chief Medical Officer
Stellis Health Earns ACR Accreditation
Stellis Health has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose X-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.
Family Medicine Physician Cory Simning, MD Now at Stellis Health
Family Medicine Physician Cory Simning, MD, recently joined Stellis Health – Monticello Clinic. “We’re excited to welcome Dr. Simning to our medical staff and back to his hometown,” says Brent Wilde, CEO of Stellis Health. “He grew up in Big Lake and wanted to come back home to practice medicine.”
“I loved growing up here – the community is great and my family is nearby,” says Dr. Simning. “My approach to medicine is based on shared decision making and getting to know each other. I work together with my patients to figure out what is best for each individual based on their goals.”
