Medical Specialists

ANESTHESIA
The Anesthesia Department provides 24-hour coverage for elective and emergency surgical and obstetrical procedures as well as labor epidural analgesia for pain management of labor and delivery. We also offer post-operative acute pain management as well as the treatment of chronic pain.

CARDIOLOGY
There is no longer a need to travel great distances and fight traffic to obtain high quality cardiac care. Wise Regional Health System has an established, actively expanding Cardiology program. Our medical staff includes board certified Cardiologists trained to provide you with the full continuum of cardiac care. The Cardiopulmonary Service Department will assist physicians with a broad spectrum of non-invasive diagnostic testing.

Our most recent commitment to the scope and quality of this program includes a state of the art, nearly two-million dollar Cardiac Catheterization and Angiography Lab. Designed with physician consultation, this lab uses the latest technology to allow Cardiologists, Vascular Surgeons and Radiologists to perform diagnostic catheterization of the heart, and angiography of a variety of other arteries in the legs, arms, head and neck. With this equipment, the specialized physicians are able to target precise areas for angioplasty and stint placement to restore proper blood flow.

Many of these procedures are done as outpatient, with the patient stay averaging six hours. Recovery takes place in a quiet, comfortable private room where you can enjoy television and the personal attention of the nursing staff. The lab is staffed with critical care Registered Nurses and Cardiovascular Technologists who are Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac of Life Support (ACLS) certified for your well-being and peace of mind. For your added protection, the lab is fully equipped with high-tech monitoring and emergency equipment.
Whether you are an inpatient or an outpatient in the cardiac care program, the outstanding, highly specialized staff in the Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at Wise Regional Health System will employ the latest treatment strategies to expedite your recovery and assist you with an ongoing plan of care for a healthier lifestyle. For more information, please call (940) 626-1355 or Ext. 3765.

CARDIOPULMONARY REHABILITATION
The Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Department consists of a team of healthcare providers whose goal is to return the person with heart or lung disease to their highest level of functional ability and to equip them with the knowledge needed to prevent or limit future problems due to their disease. Our program provides a safe exercise environment with state of the art exercise and monitoring equipment. In addition to exercise, the patients are educated about their specific disease, healthy lifestyle changes, nutrition, how the heart/lungs work, stress management and many more topics.
 
Participation in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program requires a diagnosis of a qualifying heart or lung disease and a referral from a physician. Classes meet three times a week with several class times available throughout the day to accommodate most schedules.
 
Smoking cessation and asthma education classes are also offered. For more information about the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, please call 940-627-2708, ext 2660.

CARDIOPULMONARY SERVICES
Specializing in the heart and lungs, this 24-hour department provides a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic services. We are appropriately staffed to accommodate the respiratory patient needs for improving respiratory function, daily maintenance, education, as well as various diagnostics to assist your primary physician with appropriate respiratory diagnoses. A respiratory case manager is available on a daily basis for proper assessment to help increase or decrease respiratory care modalities. Our goal is to meet current and emerging needs of our community. For more information, please call Ext. 1211.

CHAPLIN CORPS
The WRHS Chaplain Corps consists of local ministers who volunteer their time to offer spiritual support to hospital patients and their families. The WRHS Volunteer Chaplains are available to make visits as requested. You may request a visit through your nurse, doctor, social worker, or customer service representative. If you would like a visit from your church clergy or denomination we can also assist you in making those arrangements.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Should you have any concerns or problems with the care given to you at Wise Regional Health System, Please call the Director of Customer Service at extension 1240 to inform us. All patient complaints about your care will be reviewed and, when possible, resolved. We want your stay to be a positive experience, and we welcome suggestions and feedback from you. With your help, Wise Regional Health System will be able to continually improve its quality care.

DIALYSIS
Wise Regional Health System has established a rapidly expanding Chronic Kidney Disease care and Hemodialysis program that is of the highest quality and convenient to the citizens of Wise County. Our medical director is a Board certified Nephrologist who is trained to provide the full continuum of Chronic Kidney Disease Care for our patients from long before they need dialysis; at his office, in the hospital or at the out-patient Hemodialysis Center.

Hemodialysis takes place in our licensed Outpatient Facility. We have Fresenius 2008k hemodialysis machines and a state of the art water treatment system. In addition, to provide the utmost in quality, we do not reuse dialyzers. We have a highly qualified Technical staff that is experienced in maintaining all of our dialysis and water treatment equipment.

The average hemodialysis treatment lasts from three to four hours with the patient resting in a comfortable recliner with an individual television. The outpatient dialysis center is staffed with highly trained and experienced Registered Nurses and Patient Care Technicians who are certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac of Life Support (ACLS) for your well-being and peace of mind. Also on staff is a Registered Dietician to assist patients with their dietary needs and a Master-Level Social Worker to assist patients with rehabilitation and facilitates a monthly support group for Chronic Kidney Disease patients. For more information please call 940-626-1700 or ext 5100.

EDUCATION & SUPPORT
Your health is important to us at Wise Regional Health System. The mission of the Education Department is to improve the overall wellbeing and safety to our community members by promoting knowledge and developing attitudes for healthy living.

The following is some of what we offer:

• Caregivers Support Group
• Dialysis Patient and Family Support Group
• Breast Cancer Support Group
• Diabetes Support Group

Community Education:

• AHA Healthcare Provider CPR
  
• Diabetes Education
  
• AHA Heartsaver Adult CPR
  
• AHA Heartsaver Infant and Child CPR
  
• AHA Heartsaver First-Aid
  
• Stroke Prevention
  
• Smoking Cessation

Community Services:

• Blood Donations
  
• Family Healthy Days
  
• Blood Pressure Clinics

Please contact the Education Department at 940-626-1368 to schedule a class or visit our website to learn more.

• WHEN YOU ARRIVE
  Whether you arrive by ambulance or private vehicle, you will be assessed as quickly as possible by an emergency nurse. The order in which patients are seen is determined by how serious the problem is. If several patients are in the Emergency Department at the same time, those with the most serious injuries/illnesses will be seen first.
  
• HOW YOU ARE ASSESSED
  The nurse will take your temperature, pulse and blood pressure. You will be asked about your medical history and the problem that brought you to the Emergency Department. After this assessment the nurse will determine if you should be seen in our Emergency Room or our Fast Track Clinic (Non-Emergent Care Area), you will be escorted to a treatment area based on availability and severity of your medical problem, or you will be asked to return to the admission desk. The receptionist will gather basic information from your name, address, age, etc. This registration process will not delay your evaluation or treatment.
  
• YOUR TREATMENT AREA
  You will probably be asked to put on a hospital gown before the doctor examines you. ONE family member may be permitted into the treatment area with you. However, children should not be left alone in the waiting area, but are not allowed in the treatment area.
  
• THE EXAMINATION
  The Emergency Department doctor who sees you is a highly skilled professional and will examine you as quickly as possible. Remember that the sickest patients will be seen first.
  
• TEST AND X-RAYS
  The doctor will order tests and x-rays if necessary. Some tests require blood to be drawn; others may require you to be transported to another department. Results of these tests may take some time. If you do not understand a specific procedure, please ask your doctor or nurse for an explanation.
  
• THE RESULTS OF YOUR TESTS
  As soon as your test results are available, the doctor will explain the results to you. At times, an additional test may be necessary.
  
• YOUR TREATMENT
  Depending on your condition, the treatment may be simple or complex. Treating you may involve splints, bandages, IV’s or other medications. Doctors or nurses will carry out your treatment. Depending on your condition, it may take a few minutes or several hours.
  
• HOSPITAL OR HOME
  The doctor will determine if you are to be discharged from the Emergency Department or admitted to the hospital. The doctor may need to talk to your family doctor or other specialist(s) about your treatment. If the E.D. doctor feels you should stay in the hospital, you may need to stay in the E.D. treatment area until a bed is available. You will be transferred from the Emergency Department as quickly as possible. If you are discharged home, your nurse will provide you with a copy of your discharge instructions and prescriptions from the doctor. The nurse will explain the instructions and the medications and will answer any questions about your treatment. You will be instructed to follow-up with a doctor for continuing care. Please follow these instructions carefully.
  
• WE WANT YOU TO KNOW
  Finally, if you have any questions while in the Emergency Department, please ask. The Emergency Care Team is here to provide quality care to you and your family. A supervisor is available around the clock if you experience any problems.
  
• AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
  You will be directed to a representative in our financial/insurance area to discuss billing issues. Someone will explain your insurance or work with you on a payment plan. It is our goal to answer all of your billing questions thoroughly.

EMERGENCY HELICOPTER TRANSPORT SERVICE
Wise Regional Health System has partnered with LifeStar Emergency Transport Service to provide immediate transportation to other facilities.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

1. The primary goal of our Business Office is to be available to serve all patients by coordinating insurance benefits in advance and billing insurance carriers on behalf of patients, or by assisting uninsured patients with special pay arrangements.
2. If your hospital plan requires pre-certification, you must pre-certify your hospitalization by telephone according to your plan’s instruction to avoid any reduction in your benefits.
3. Insurance benefits that cannot be assigned for payment directly to WRHS, or which cannot be verified, cannot be considered payment, and patients will be asked to clear their accounts or make payment arrangements.
4. With regard to deductibles and coinsurance payments, your Business Office Representative will help with an estimate on your personal responsibility. You will be asked to pay that portion of your bill or make payment arrangements at the time of service or upon discharge.
5. In the event that insurance does not pay within 30 days of the hospital’s filing, you will be asked to contact the insurance carrier and make arrangements to begin payments on your account. Any payment received from an insurance carrier after your account has been paid will be refunded to you, pending no other account due.
6. If you do not have insurance coverage and are unable to make appropriate financial arrangements, you will be referred to an Eligibility Specialist to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for Medicaid or the Wise County Indigent Program. Wise Regional Health System also has a Financial Assistance Program for persons that do not qualify for Medicaid or the Wise County Indigent Program.
7. All professional fees (i.e. Emergency physician, attending physician, radiologist, etc.) will be billed separately by the professional rendering your care or consultation.Should you have any questions, we will be happy to assist you at Ext. 1271 or 2604. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

FIT-N-WISE WELLNESS CENTER
The Fit-n-Wise Wellness Center is recognized as one of the most comprehensive, state of the art, hospital associated fitness centers in Texas. We provide the community with the best equipment, the best facilities and an educated, highly motivated staff who are degreed and / or certified in their field. Included in your membership is a fitness assessment, a personally tailored fitness program, access to our cardiovascular and weight training equipment, 25 yard indoor swimming pool, land aerobics including step aerobics, yoga, kickboxing, indoor cycling, toning and flexibility, stretching and abdominal and low back classes and an array of water aerobics classes including shallow and deep water classes as well as a coached swim class. We offer a variety of classes for the youth including dance, skill development, body dynamics and yoga. Childcare services are available for a small charge. Following your workout you may want to dine in our Cafeteria or enjoy a massage by one of our licensed massage therapists. It is our goal to provide you with a service that is second to none in the fitness industry. If you have any questions about our services, please call (940) 627-2708.

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
The Health Information Management Department, formerly know as the Medical Records Department, stores and maintains all records from each patient that comes to our facility.  We handle all inpatient, outpatient, and ancillary department records.  We also transcribe all records for the doctors, radiologists and consultants who come to our hospital.  We are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Our records are readily available to assist our physicians on staff and the consultants whenever they are needed to ensure continuity of patient care.  As well, if one of our patients need their records transferred to a specialist we handle those requests too.  We are required to have the patient or their power of attorney sign an authorization to allow us to release confidential medical information.  Our department handles all requests for release of medical information.  To contact someone in our department, please call the main hospital telephone number at (940) 627-5921 and ask for the Health Information Department or extension 1442.

HERITAGE PROGRAM
The Heritage Program for Senior Adults is a mental health outpatient treatment program that provides individualized intensive treatment to older adults who suffer from psychiatric, emotional, or behavioral disorders. The program offers patients the opportunity to improve their quality of life by reducing their distress and increasing their ability to function independently.  Our philosophy is to provide quality care that stresses the importance of dignity, respect, confidentiality and helping the individual to achieve an optimal level of functioning.

The Heritage Program operates Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Patients receive services in the least restrictive environment and are able to return to their homes each evening. Treatment is supervised by a Psychiatrist and provided by a multidisciplinary team including Registered Nurses, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Master Level Social Workers.

Transportation to and from the program may be arranged. Program Van is equipped with a wheelchair lift and can service the area within a 30 to 35 mile radius of the program location. Medicare and most private insurance plans cover services. For more information about the Heritage Program or to make a referral, please call (940) 627-2511.

HOUSEKEEPING AND MAINTENANCE
It is important to Wise Regional Health System to keep you and your visitors as comfortable as possible. If you discover a problem relating to cleanliness, maintenance, or safety in your room, or a problem relating to any area in our facility, please contact your nurse.

IMAGING
Diagnostic Imaging at Wise Regional encompasses several locations and modalities.  Our main department, located on the 1st floor, provides emergent, in-patient, and limited out-patient service in the following modalities: X-Ray, Fluoroscopy (surgical and diagnostic), Ultrasound, Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine, and CT.

On the 2nd floor, we operate an Outpatient / Pre-op Diagnostic X-Ray Room that provides service to several physician offices on that floor and pre-op chest x-ray’s.

The 3rd floor, East Campus is home to the Surgical Imaging Dept.  Here we operate 3 C-arm fluoroscopy units, each with their own specific application customized to the surgeon’s imaging needs.  Surgical Imaging provides: Fluoroscopy (surgical and diagnostic) and X-Ray (inter. and post-operative).

In 2004 we opened our Imaging Center.  It was designed to provide out-patient’s with high quality imaging services in a more efficient, friendlier atmosphere.  Located at 2000 Ben Merritt Drive, the Imaging Center offers: X-Ray, Fluoroscopy (diagnostic), Ultrasound, CT, and Mammography.

Wise Regional MRI can be found at 800 Medical Center Drive, Suite D.  Here we provide our patients with the highest quality Magnetic Resonance Imaging service available today.  Appointments run Monday through Friday, with late hours to accommodate our working patients. 

INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
The Intensive Care Unit is dedicated to providing high quality critical care to a wide range of cardiac, medical and surgical patients. Total patient care is provided 24 hours a day by RN’s specialized trained in critical care maintaining a patient/nurse ratio of 2 to 1. The ICU also assists our cardiologists with out-patient testing allowing the patient to remain close to home. Rooms provide privacy and optimal observation of each patient.

LABORATORY SERVICES
The Department of Laboratory Services provides a full range of services for our patients, including clinical and pathological testing on a 24-hour basis. The Laboratory is accredited by JCAHO and maintains CLIA certification. A board certified pathologist serves as the Director of the Laboratory and the technical staff is comprised of employees with Bachelor’s Degrees in Medical Technology or Biology, Associate Degrees in Medical Laboratory Technology, and Board of Registry certification. State-of-the-art instrumentation is utilized for the analysis of patient specimens, assuring that the highest quality results are made available to the patient and his physician in a timely manner. The Department of Laboratory Services utilizes the services of Carter Blood Care for the procurement of blood products. Outpatient phlebotomy services are available for patients with commercial insurance which require testing be performed by Quest, LabCorp, or LabOne Reference Laboratories. The Department of Laboratory Services performs over 200,000 tests each year providing clinical and pathology information to our patients’ physicians in both Wise County and the surrounding areas.

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
The Materials Management Department works behind the scenes ensuring all items necessary to properly care for our patients are readily available. This includes all personal items aimed at adding comfort and meeting necessities during your stay. These items are easily left at home when unexpected medical care is required. Please check with your nurse in the event a need arises while you are a patient with us.

MEDICAL/ SURGICAL UNIT
From pediatric to geriatric and everywhere in between, the Medical/Surgical Unit at WRHS offers compassionate, total patient care in a family-oriented setting. The health care team is comprised of nurses, therapists, and physicians who work together to coordinate care. The patient populations served are general post surgical, medical, orthopedic, cardiac, and pediatric. Each patient will enjoy the focused attention of a primary care nurse that is responsible for the coordination and delivery of that patient’s care and attention to personal needs.

NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES
The Nutrition and Food Service Department is a vital part of your total healthcare plan at Wise Regional Health System. The director of the department and the clinical dietetics staff are registered, licensed dietitians, each with a graduate degree in nutrition. Our food service staff provides well-balanced, nutritious meals that follow the diet prescription ordered by your physician. Our clinical dietitians are available to provide nutrition information or answer any questions you may have regarding your dietary requirements or restrictions. With a physician referral, nutrition consultation is available to patients and their family members on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you require further assistance with your meals, please call us at extension 1220.

PERI-OPERATIVE SERVICES
The Peri-Operative Department consists of the Pre-Operative Nursing Assessment, the Pre-Operative Holding Area, Surgery, Anesthesia, and the Post-Operative Care Unit or Recovery. Surgical procedures are performed on West Campus as well as on the third floor of East Campus.

When an individual is scheduled for surgery, they are given a pre-operative assessment appointment. The pre-operative assessment is performed by a registered nurse. During this appointment the nurse will obtain the patient’s medical and surgical history, ask for a list of current medications with dosages, and will have lab work, EKGs, and X-rays performed as ordered. The nurse will answer questions, explain procedures, and give the patient an arrival time for the day of surgery.

Our Pre-Operative Holding Area, or Pre-Op, area is used to get patients ready for surgery. The nurse will bring the patient in, obtain vital signs, ascertain last meal or fluid intake, and start the patient’s IV. An anesthesia provider will visit the patient in Pre-Op to discuss anesthesia options and to answer questions about anesthesia and health concerns. A Registered Nurse from the operating room will also visit the patient in Pre-Op to explain the routine, confirm the procedure or operation to be performed, and answer any questions the patient may have about their surgical experience.

The Peri-Operative Department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is staffed to perform a wide array of emergency and elective surgeries for the inpatient, outpatient, and same day surgery patient. These procedures include General, Orthopaedic, Gynecological, Obstetric, Endoscopic, Urological, Ophthalmic, and Podiatric. The WRHS Peri-Operative Department has expanded its services to include Bariatric Surgery, which uses the innovative Lap-Band procedure for weight loss. This procedure is performed laparoscopically. This procedure allows most individuals to return to their normal activities within 7-14 days.

Through patient education and staff dedication, the WRHS Peri-Operative Department is committed to making our patients’ surgical experiences as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Elective surgeries are performed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Emergency surgeries are performed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PHARMACY
The pharmaceutical care team is made up of Doctors of Pharmacy, Registered Pharmacists and Licensed Vocational Nurse/Certified Pharmacy Technicians whose goal is to provide responsible medication related care. Our purpose is to achieve outcomes that improve each patient’s quality of life. We work closely with other health practitioners to meet the needs of patients in a team approach and work to improve patient outcomes by:

• Ensuring the safe and appropriate use of medications
  
• Performing medication use evaluations to ensure rational medication therapy
  
• Monitoring adverse drug reactions and medication errors to prevent, detect, and resolve drug related problems that could result in patient harm
  
• Clinical pharmacokinetics monitoring for specific disease states to ensure treatment goals
  
• Promoting the rational use of antimicrobial agents to ensure successful therapeutic outcomes for patients with infectious diseases, and to decrease the risk of infection for other patients
  
• Ensuring that patients are educated regarding their medication

The Pharmacy Department performs these and many other clinical functions to ensure that you receive safe and effective medications to restore your health and well-being.

REHABILITATION/ THERAPY SERVICES
FIT-N-WISE Rehabilitation Services can meet one’s therapy needs through all stages of life. We strive to create a positive environment where patient care is focused on making a difference in the quality of a patient’s life by assisting in reducing pain/discomfort, improving movement and function, or restoring confidence. All of our services are delivered by a specialized group of therapists with advanced education and training. Our staff includes licensed Therapists and Therapist Assistants as well as supportive staff who have talent in bringing out the very best of the injured athlete, recovering orthopedic or involved neurological patient. We are very fortunate to have professional staff who works well with a diverse patient population and diagnoses utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions, one of which is our 750 square foot heated therapy pool used for aquatic therapy. Each therapist’s goal is to help patients achieve their highest level of independence; thus, accomplishing productive and satisfying lives.

In order to meet patients’ as well as community needs, we have added the Industrial Program. This program includes services to assist industry in hiring the best employee for the job as well as to be the choice provider for the injured employee. This is accomplished through Functional Capacity Evaluations and intervention with Work Conditioning, Work Hardening, and Pain Management. We are very proud to announce that CARF awarded Wise Regional Health System Rehabilitation Services a Three Year Accreditation for our Work Conditioning and Pain Management Programs. This represents a rigorous peer review process by a team of surveyors during an on-site visit. The team assessed that our programs and services are of the highest quality, are measurable, and accountable. Another specialty program at the Rehabilitation Center is The Lymphedema Program. It is a comprehensive approach to managing swelling through manual therapeutic techniques and patient education.

Rehabilitation Services include inpatient care while one is in the hospital and outpatient care following discharge. Outpatient care is provided at the Fit-N-Wise Rehabilitation Center at the East Campus from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Services Department is available to all patients who need assistance with problem solving or coping with any difficult situation relating to their illness, injury, or hospitalization. Assistance is also available for the patient’s family to help the family cope and adjust if needed or requested. Our goal is to help meet psychological needs that the patient might have to aide them in their overall healing process.Social Services can also assist with discharge planning by arranging post-hospital care include the following: home health care, nursing home placement, Meals On Wheels, homemakers services, and durable medical equipment. Social Services can provide information and referral on community agencies for psychiatric treatment, financial assistance, rehabilitation, home services, educational plan, or other special needs.

Social Workers can also assist you during your stay with Advance Directives should you have questions, concerns, or a desire to complete a directive.

Please ask your physician or nurse to have a Social Worker visit you. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also simply call Ext. 1242 or 1277.

WOMEN AND INFANTS CENTER
At The Woman and Infants Center, families are important to us, so we want YOUR new family to have a special beginning. We offer family centered obstetrical services in our private birthing suites. Mothers and fathers are encouraged to include their extended families in the birth of their child.  During your stay, siblings, grandparents and visitors can welcome the new addition right in mother’s room. We even offer your baby’s picture on our Virtual Nursery, on the hospital website, for friends and family that can’t join your celebration at your request.  The department has 24-hour obstetrical specialty nursing and anesthesia.  Neonatal specialty follow-up is available.    In addition, our staff provides an assortment of educational opportunities including: Prepared Childbirth Classes, breastfeeding classes, infant care and infant CPR/SIDS prevention classes that begin every month. Refresher, Sibling and Early Pregnancy Classes are also available on a rotating basis.  If you would like to arrange a tour of our department or would like more information, please call us at Ext. 1229.

WOUND CARE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
Wise Regional Wound Care “Center of Excellence” opened on November 18, 2003 at Wise Regional Health System. The mission of the wound care center is to provide an advanced and interdisciplinary team approach utilizing the latest wound care technology and treatment techniques. After an initial comprehensive evaluation is conducted by a physical therapist and the center’s medical director, an appropriate treatment plan is determined based on each patient’s underlying medical issues as well as their wound diagnosis. Further services may be indicated and provided including surgical consults, nutritional consults, diabetic education, as well as orthotic fittings and/or compression garments. Modalities such as ultrasound, sequential compression, pulsatile lavage, vacuum-assisted closure, and electrical stimulation may also be utilized. All wound care diagnoses are treated including diabetic ulcers, arterial and venous insufficiency wounds, surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, and traumatic wounds. Treatment for mild to moderate burns is also provided. Our goal at Wise Regional Wound Care Center is to provide the most advanced treatment interventions in order to expedite wound healing for the citizens of Wise County and surrounding areas. For more information, please call (940) 626 – 2518.