Programs and Services

The staff of St. Croix Regional Medical Center provides a broad range of care and programs for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents. The main campus location in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, offers the services of a staff of 36 physicians and other medical providers, as well as the full support of an independently owned, 29-bed community hospital.

In addition to treatment facilities within the Clinic for minor procedures and diagnostics, the technology available through various departments of the hospital includes advanced medical imaging (with MRI and CT scanning), surgical and procedure rooms for extensive and minor surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and a full range of laboratory services. In addition to routine visits, obstetrics, diagnostics, and treatments, the Medical Center offers urgent care services for minor health problems that can't wait for a routine appointment.

Community education on various health subjects is offered monthly, and the Valley Occupational Health program assists employers with valuable screenings and testing to keep their employees healthy. For assistance, call Kathy Weeks at 715-483-0427.

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Acupuncture Clinic
Acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of ailments is now available at the Medical Center's St. Croix Falls Clinic from one practitioner, David Sullivan, L.Ac. While this 2,000 year-old medical treatment system is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications in the hands of a well-trained practitioner. Acupuncture can be effective as the only medical treatment used, or it can support or be used with other forms of medical treatment. Acupuncture can influence three major areas of health through promotion of health and well-being, illness prevention, and treatment and resolution of various medical conditions, particularly physical problems related to tension and stress. return to top

Addiction Services
Addictions are conditions characterized by unmanageable and compulsive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, overeating, starving oneself (anorexia), and uncontrolled gambling. They are complex and chronic diseases that can take over your life, damaging and even destroying relationships, jobs, and more. If you think you or someone you care about may have an addiction, act now. Help is available at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. For more information, click here. return to top

Allergy Care
Individuals with allergies can take advantage of the Medical Center's Allergy Clinic. Services include allergy consultations and testing, as well as desensitization shot programs. Clinic staff can coordinate and administer allergy shot schedules as determined by Clinic physicians and consulting allergists. return to top

Anticoagulation Clinic
Anticoagulation Clinic staff help patients manage coumadin therapy. We use the latest testing technology at all our clinics - the fingerstick CoaguChek, which provides instant results. [Also available to those living in the area part-time.] return to top

Asthma Program
The Medical Center offers a comprehensive approach to asthma education with inpatient, outpatient, and in-school programs. Following the guidelines set forth by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, our Asthma Management Program staff of respiratory care practitioners give participants the tools and training they need to manage their asthma. Their goal is to help people prevent asthmatic episodes rather than merely relieving symptoms when they occur. Don't let asthma control you; rather, learn how to take control of it. Effective asthma management can allow those with this problem to live normal, active lives. return to top

Audiology
The St. Croix Hearing Center provides a variety of audiology services. With state-of-the-art equipment, staff carries out comprehensive hearing evaluations (for newborns, children, teens, and adults). They also dispense the highest quality hearing instruments and offer in-house and factory repair and maintenance for all name brands, regardless of where the hearing device was purchased. Staff also sells "assistive devices," including amplified telephones, TV listening devices, FM radio systems, and alarms, as well as hearing aid accessories like batteries, cleaning supplies, and Dri-Aids. return to top

Cancer Care (Oncology) Services
Cancer Care (Oncology) Services are available at the Medical Center through the availability of an oncologist (cancer specialist) and oncology nurses who provide chemotherapy for cancer patients. Staff coordinates all aspects of patients' treatment, including communication between them and their local or metro area physicians.

Services provided include setting up pre-treatment lab tests, administering medications, monitoring progress between treatments, and regularly reporting to each patient's oncologist and family physician. Staff also offers patients and their family members information on cancer, on how best to cope with this disease, and sources of individual and group support. Individuals in need of chemotherapy services need not currently be seeing an SCRMC physician; our clinic staff will work with an individual's own family physician and oncologist to make this possible. return to top

St. Croix Heart Cardiac Care Program
St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Regions Hospital of St. Paul have joined hands to offer a broad range of cardiology services on site in St. Croix Falls. St. Croix Heart, as the program is called, provides non-invasive cardiology care together with nuclear medicine, echocardiograms, stress testing, and many additional services that previously were available only in the Twin Cities. Click here to learn more about the St. Croix Heart Cardiac Care Program. return to top

Cardiac Rehabilitation
When you have heart disease, breaking old habits and learning new ones can be stressful, as can wondering or worrying about your future health. Cardiac Rehabilitation patients at the Medical Center receive monitored aerobic exercise together with the education, training, and support they need to reduce stress and learn healthier eating habits. Smoking cessation assistance is also available through your provider (and is now covered by many insurance plans). Through the Cardiac Rehabilitation program, individuals with heart problems can take greater charge of their care and healing. return to top

Chronic Pain
After an injury or surgery, you expect to hurt for a while, - and you assume that in time, you'll heal and the pain will leave. But what if the pain persists? Over time, chronic physical pain can take an emotional toll, making your body hurt even more. Worry magnifies unpleasant sensations, and sleep problems can leave you feeling weak and helpless. With an effective multidisciplinary approach, our chronic pain program staff can help you learn to be in control of your pain. For information, contact Nichole Belland, Pharm D., Pain Consultant and Program Director at 715-483-3221, Ext. 1636. return to top

Colonoscopy screening for colon cancer
Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure used to determine the health of the colon. The examining physician is looking for pre-cancerous conditions, polyps (small, protruding clumps of cells on the inside wall of the colon), and other causes of rectal bleeding. Colon cancer is the second leading type of cancer death in the U.S., and regular testing for and removal of colon polyps can prevent colon cancer. Colonoscopy is generally considered the procedure of choice for colon cancer screening. With the addition of general surgeon, Dr Claudio Nunes, colonoscopy screenings are now available four days per week at the Medical Center. return to top

Colposcopy
Colposcopy, a microscopic exam of the cervix, is used to look for unusual or atypical cells or other conditions that can lead to cancer of the cervix. Biopsies are carried out as necessary. Cryosurgery (freezing of abnormal cells) and electro-cauterization treatments, if needed, can be carried out by a number of Medical Center physicians. return to top

Dermatology
Dermatology services are available on a regular basis and include examination and treatment of a variety of skin problems, such as acne, rashes, skin cancer, eczema, and psoriasis. In cases in which skin cancer is suspected, biopsies can be performed in any of the Medical Center's clinics. return to top

Diagnostic Imaging Services
The Medical Center offers extensive round-the-clock diagnostic imaging services, including a digital fluoroscopy room, dedicated mammography, general radiography, CT scanning, ultrasound, in-house nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ultrasound and CT are available seven days a week. Procedures are performed by registered technologists (A.R.R.T.) and interpreted by radiologists certified by the American Board of Radiology. The following are just some of the important diagnostic tools the Medical Center's medical staff can use to make diagnoses quick and accurate: cardiac perfusion exercise stress test, cardiac perfusion stress test with adenosine, MRI angiography, including abdomen (renal and aorta), brain, carotids, and peripheral. return to top

DEXA-scan: Measuring bone density to prevent osteoporosis
Since effective therapies are available to prevent and treat osteoporosis, bone density testing can help women address and treat bone density loss at very early stages. The information provided by such tests is particularly important for women making decisions about hormone replacement therapy at menopause. It can also be used to predict future fracture risk and to monitor bone density in those with below normal levels and in those who are undergoing treatment for osteoporosis. Bone density testing is available on-site at the Medical Center. Pediatric DEXA-scan is also available. return to top

Diabetes Living and Learning Program
Our adult, pediatric, and pregnancy/gestational diabetes clinics are designed to meet the specific needs of people with diabetes (Type 1 insulin-dependent, Type 2: non-insulin dependent, and gestational diabetes). An experienced diabetes care team helps adults and children living with diabetes address their physical and emotional concerns.

Included is information on the latest techniques in diabetes self-management, nutrition and meal planning, insulin management, blood glucose monitoring, families and diabetes, stress management, exercise, managing diabetes during illness, preventing diabetes complications, and preventing, recognizing, and treating emergency situations involving diabetes.

The Medical Center also offers a Diabetic Education and Support Group. This free, on-going monthly meeting can help people with diabetes and their support persons stay up-to-date on diabetes treatment and control, as well as to share experiences and concerns with others. return to top

Direct Access Testing
This convenient new service allows individuals to get a limited set of commonly requested medical lab tests without a physician's order. Each test must be paid for at the time of service; insurance will not be billed. Patients will receive their test results directly rather than through a physician. Tests available include cholesterol levels, blood glucose, hemoglobin (for anemia), prostate specific antigen, urine drug screen, and blood type determination. For more information and a complete list of available tests and their cost, click here, or call the St. Croix Falls Clinic laboratory at 715-483-0433 or 800-828-DOCS. return to top

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Care
ENT medical staff provide screening, diagnostics, and surgery for complete ear, head, and neck care, treating such problems as ear infections, hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, nasal and sinus infections, tumors, and allergies. A range of diagnostic tests are also available along with complete audiology services. return to top

Education Programs
Community Health Education has long been a focus. Classes and workshops are generally open to the entire community, and fees are limited to cover only actual costs. Classes include education on first aid and CPR, infant massage, advance directives, breastfeeding support, diabetes support and education, and childbirth. In addition, special seminars and other events are held to focus attention on particular areas of community interest, such as the annual Women's Health Conference.

Health lectures on a variety of timely health and wellness topics, wellness/health screenings, and health education are also available for community meetings or business and employee groups. Also available on our website are links to credible health information sites (See Health Information at www.scrmc.org). return to top

Emergency Services
The new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department at the Medical Center provides around-the-clock emergency care for people suffering from a sudden, acute illness or a serious injury. The new unit has two large trauma rooms equipped similarly to those in Twin Cities trauma centers for critically injured patients, and four additional rooms for observation and minor emergency care procedures. Experienced Emergency Services physicians, nurses, and support personnel staff are specially trained to administer emergency care, and all are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If you need emergency care, we ask that whenever possible you call the hospital to notify us that you will be coming. return to top

Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy is an outpatient procedure used to view and examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. There are two main uses of endoscopy: diagnosis and treatment. Upper endoscopy is used to diagnose such conditions as ulcers, hiatal hernias, and other areas of bleeding. In addition to viewing a area, physicians can also take a biopsy sample (a small piece of suspicious tissue) for testing, a procedure that once required major surgery. return to top

Essure Procedure
Called the "Essure procedure," this relatively new method is "different than the traditional tubal ligation technique," said Dr. Allison Karun, SCRMC obstetrics/gynecology specialist.

"Rather than needing anesthesia and an incision," Karun explained, "we instead insert spring-like coils, called micro-inserts, through the body's natural pathways (vagina, cervix, and uterus) and into the woman's fallopian tubes. During the first three months following the procedure, the woman's body and the micro-inserts work together to form a tissue barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg." During this period, another form of birth control must be used. "After three months," said Karun,"we do a "confirmation" test using a special type of x-ray to confirm that the tubes are in fact completely blocked, allowing the woman to rely on the Essure micro-inserts for birth control."

Unlike birth control pills, patches, rings, and some forms of IUDs, Essure does not contain hormones to interfere with your natural menstrual cycle. Periods should more or less continue in their natural state.

The Essure procedure is the first and only FDA-approved female sterilization procedure to have zero pregnancies in the clinical trials. "It's very important to understand that the Essure procedure is permanent and is NOT reversible," said Karun. "Therefore, women should be certain that they do not want children in the future."

Benefits of the Essure procedure:
- Effective: The Essure procedure is 99.80% effective based on four years of follow-up.
   There were zero pregnancies in the clinical trials.
- Can be performed in a doctor's office without incisions.
- Quick recovery: The Essure procedure takes very little time; most women return to their
   normal activities within one day.
- No general anesthesia required.
- Short procedure time. The procedure only takes about 35 minutes, and most women are on
   their way in 45 minutes.
- No hormones or silicone.
- Covered by most insurance plans.

For more information: talk with Dr. Allison Karun or go to: www.essure.com. return to top

Eye Care
Medical Center physicians regularly treat patients for such routine problems as removal of foreign objects from the eye and minor abrasions to the cornea. Ophthalmologists also care for Medical Center patients on a regular basis, testing and treating patients for such conditions as glaucoma, eye complications from diabetes, and cataracts, and providing needed surgical procedures. return to top

Fertility Management
The Medical Center offers information and a variety of services involving fertility management. These services include help for those who are infertile and want to become pregnant, information on various birth control techniques, prescription of oral birth control medicines and other birth control methods. Vasectomies and laparoscopic tubal cauterizations are also performed by Medical Center physicians. return to top

General Surgical Services
The Medical Center's comprehensive general surgery department offers a wide variety of general and gynecological surgery services. These include C-sections, hysterectomies and laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomies, and laparoscopic surgery for the colon and gallbladder, gastric reflux disease, and tubal ligation. Consulting surgical specialists provide additional services including ophthalmology, urology, spine, gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and podiatry surgeries. Emergency surgery services are available at all times. For the convenience of patients, scheduling for both inpatient and short-stay surgeries are scheduled with the Surgery Scheduling Office in the Medical Center clinic. return to top

Health Information
Medical information is available for both patients and the general public at the Medical Center and online. Resources include brochures on a variety of health care topics such as AIDS, menopause, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Some medical journals are available for checkout. The Medical Center also offers on-line computer access to health care information on the Internet at www.scrmc.org. Contact SCRMC's Education Department for more information or to request return to top

Immunizations
Recognizing how important it is for children to have up-to-date immunizations, the Medical Center provides them for many childhood and adult diseases. These include polio, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough), meningitis, measles, mumps, varicella, and rubella. Additional vaccines are also available as needed, including hepatitis immunizations for teens and adults who need them for work or travel, meningitis immunizations for college students, and college prep immunizations. return to top

Infection Risk Reduction Services
The Medical Center's Infection Control Practitioner and Emergency Services staff provide emergency consultation and follow-up for blood and body fluid exposures with appropriate education, testing, and vaccinations. The Environmental Services department provides assistance for disposal of medical infectious waste such as needles. Disposal is a service for both hospital patients and area businesses. return to top

Infusion/Chemotherapy Services
Recently redesigned, this newly expanded outpatient care unit accommodates patients needing specialized care. They include people with severe anemia who need iron supplementation, for example, those with severe osteoporosis, and those in need of higher risk medicines that must be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. Four treatment 'bays' and one private room, each with a large window and scenic view, provide a relaxing and private setting for chemotherapy or blood transfusions. A comfortable waiting area and kitchenette are also available for family members or caregivers who transport patients. return to top

Intensive Care Services
St. Croix Regional Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is specifically designed for those who are acutely ill, critically injured, or are recovering from major surgery. The design of the ICU gives quick access to all necessary emergency equipment and provides for close observation and immediate care by the ICU's highly experienced staff. return to top

Internal Medicine
The Medical Center's five Internal Medicine specialists, provide care in such areas as diseases of the heart and blood vessels, cancer, diabetes, digestive diseases, hormonal disorders, infections, kidney diseases, respiratory disorders, allergies, blood diseases, and arthritis. They also bring patients an understanding of disease prevention and wellness promotion, women's health, substance abuse, and mental health, as well as effective treatment for more common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. return to top

Laboratory Services
The Medical Center's certified laboratory technicians carry out more than 600,000 tests and procedures each year. The laboratory is licensed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a Level II Laboratory certified to carry out High Complexity testing and to operate as a reference laboratory for Minnesota and Wisconsin health care facilities and veterinary clinics. We have comprehensive laboratory services in the areas of bacteriology, chemistry, hematology, histology, blood bank, serology, urinalysis, therapeutic drug monitoring, and Lyme's Disease. The lab further provides pathology services for cytology exams and serves as a blood bank for area hospitals. return to top

Massage Therapy
More and more Americans are discovering that massage and bodywork have many benefits, including release of chronic muscular tension and pain, improved circulation, increased joint flexibility, reduced mental and physical fatigue and stress, faster healing of injured muscles, improved posture, and lower blood pressure. And health benefits aside, massage simply feels wonderful! Sue Ames-Lillie and Marianne Reis, certified therapeutic massage and bodywork therapists, provides therapeutic massage and bodywork at the Medical Center. For appointments, call 715-483-0241. They offer very competitive rates. return to top

Infant Massage
Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant, food as necessary as minerals, vitamins and proteins. St. Croix Regional Medical Center massage therapist, Sue Ames-Lillie, is also teaching area parents how to do infant massage themselves. Classes include three to five sessions, depending on class size, and are kept relatively short, due to the babies' attention spans. For general information about infant massage, visit the International Association of Infant Massage website at: http://www.iaim.net. Click here for more information about infant massage at SCRMC, or call the SCRMC Education Department at 715-483-0431. return to top

Mammography: new computer-aided detection improves accuracy
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death from cancer among women in the U.S., and mammography plays a critical role in early detection. Thanks to new technology called "computer-aided detection" (CAD), Medical Center radiologists are able to detect very small or hidden lesions that would otherwise be very difficult to see. SCRMC is the only medical center in the area to offer this valuable new mammography technology. According to a recent report in Radiology, one breast-imaging center tested computer-aided detection (CAD) and found that it dramatically increased the number of identified cancers. Talk to your medical provider about when you should begin having mammograms, and how often. return to top

Maternal & Child Health
St. Croix Regional Medical Center's Birthing Center is among the busiest in the region with approximately 300 births a year. The Center offers a family-centered birth experience, organized around the "LDRP" concept: labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum all in one, home-like setting. A nurse midwife and thirteen physicians provide delivery coverage, and four physicians are available for C-sections, if needed. Available special testing includes ultrasound, stress and non-stress tests, and amniocentesis. Other services include prenatal and expectant parent classes, choice of birthing styles and alternative birthing options, support persons present at delivery, infant and family care education, rooming-in, a special meal, liberal visitation policies, a breast-feeding support group, and a lactation specialist. Discussion of birthing style options, pain management, and tours of the department are not only available but encouraged.

The newborn nursery within the Birthing Center offers care similar to that of a Level II nursery. The advanced training of nursing and physician staff allows the nursery to accept newborns as a transitional step to returning home. On staff for consultation with local physicians are a full-time in-house pediatrician/internist, as well as a neonatologist and a perinatologist. For more information on SCRMC's obstetrical staff, birthing facilities, classes, and services, click here. return to top

Medic Alert System/Medi-Mate
Medi-Mate is a 24-hour emergency response system that easily connects to a subscriber's telephone and automatically calls the hospital for help should an emergency arise. The unit can also be activated by remote control. Friends and neighbors are trained as responders, and emergency medical personnel are always available to respond to calls. This system is designed for those who live alone or have limited mobility, and it is available through the hospital, at moderate cost, on a monthly lease basis. For more information or home medical equipment, call Diana Gall 715-483-0267. return to top

MedVantx
In general, consumers save $10 to $25 in out-of-pocket expense each time they refill a prescription with a generic (rather than a name-brand) medication. The MedVantx program provides the first course of these less expensive, equally effective generic medications free to SCRMC providers and their patients. Ask your medical provider for more information. For more information, click here. return to top

Mental/Behavioral Health
Staffed by three clinical psychologists, a clinical substance abuse counselor, and a clinical social worker, our mental health program provides assessment, intervention, evaluation, and treatment services.

These services include counseling for relationship and marriage problems, family and parenting issues, depression, pregnancy and postpartum issues, chemical dependency and other addictions, anxiety, grief and loss, stress management, pain management, phobia and panic disorders, problems related to aging, adjustment disorders, eating disorders and problems related to health/medical concerns, attention deficits, and post traumatic stress disorders. Psychological testing, referral services, clinical diagnostic services, and individual and group therapy are offered.

Mental health staff work in partnership with professionals from area school districts, medical clinics, and social service agencies to offer comprehensive services for children, adolescents, and adults.

Click HERE for more information on Behavioral Health services. return to top

MRI
The Medical Center's on-site,state-of-the-art Siemens MRI system increases comfort and provides shorter exam times for patients. Its open design also can ease the worries of patients who experience claustrophobia or high anxiety in conventional MRIs. With this MRI, exams average just 30 minutes or less. In addition to greater patient comfort, the system enables doctors to look at very small blood vessels in the brain to detect aneurysms, to identify plaque build-ups in arteries that could lead to a stroke, and diagnose blood flow problems in patients with phlebitis or diabetes. This MRI system also helps diagnose problems in some of the body’s most difficult to view joints, such as the shoulder and pelvis. It can also detect subtle damage in the spine in patients with herniated discs, in the joints of those with arthritis, and in ligaments and bones in people with sports-related injuries. return to top

Nephrology
Medical Center kidney specialist, Chokchai Chareandee, M.D., FACP, FASN, Nephrology, provides a broad range of nephrology services for area residents. He is an American Society of Hypertension Clinical Hypertension Specialist, and is providing consultation and care for patients with difficult-to-control of high blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, chronic kidney diseases, abnormal kidney functions/tests, blood in urine, fluid retention, kidney disease associated with heart failure/ heart disease, abnormal sodium/potassium levels, kidney stones. return to top

Neurology
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in helping patients with disorders of the nervous system. They diagnosis and treat of all categories of disease involving the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effected tissue, such as muscles. Neurologists address problems with the nerves of the head and neck; muscle strength and movement; balance, reflexes, and sensation, memory, speech, language, and other cognitive abilities. return to top

Nutrition Consultation Services
Robin Herr, Registered Dietitian, provides individualized nutrition counseling in such areas as weight management, cholesterol reduction, heart disease, sports nutrition, weight loss caused by cancer, diabetes, pregnancy, and child nutrition. Robin can be reached at 715-483-0248. return to top

Obstetrics/Gynecology
Dr. Allison Karun, Ob/Gyn specialist
Dr. Karun provides a wide range of Ob/Gyn consulting and surgical services, including care for normal and high risk pregnancies, vaginal and cesarean deliveries, infertility counseling, post menopausal care, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, vaginal vault prolapse and incontinence, laparoscopy including laparoscopic hysterectomies, gynecologic surgery. Also available at SCRMC is Essure, a non-surgical permanent female sterilization procedure that has had no pregnancies in clinical trials. For more information, talk with Dr. Allison Karun, ObGyn, or go to: www.essure.com. return to top

Oral Surgery
Steven Johnson, D.D.S, and Martin Tahara, D.M.D., M.D., of St. Croix Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery provide a range of dental and oral surgical care, including: dental implants, treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Pain (TMJ Disorder), teeth extraction, jaw surgery, and oral pathology. To arrange an appointment, call 800-782-7954. return to top

Orthopedic Treatment and Surgery
The Medical Center's growing Orthopedic Surgery program performs a wide range of procedures, including total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, shoulder and knee arthroscopy, carpal tunnel release, hand and foot surgery, and closed and open fracture reduction and care. Orthopedic surgeons are on staff to provide local emergency care and surgery. return to top

Outpatient Surgery Services
Recent advances in surgical techniques and anesthesia have greatly reduced the need for overnight hospitalization. Many procedures and surgeries are now done on a "short stay" basis, in which patients return home the same day. Patients are closely monitored and followed throughout their surgical stay and after their discharge from the hospital. Support is provided during home recovery through follow-up phone calls as well as through various home care programs and services. return to top

Pacemaker/Cardiac Defibrillator Services at SCRMC
Three years ago, St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Regions Hospital of St. Paul joined hands in a new program called St. Croix Heart to bring a much broader range of cardiology care to the area. Click here to learn more about heart care at St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

This program now includes pacemaker and internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) services that provide comprehensive follow-up for people with pacemakers and defibrillators (there are no limitations regarding brand or type of device).

Patients can see St. Croix Heart staff at the Medical Center's St. Croix Falls clinic on a regular basis to evaluate the status of their device and to optimize its function. No longer do area residents with these devices need to drive to the Twin Cities to have their pacemaker or defibrillator checked.

Specially trained nursing staff perform these checks, and Regions Hospital cardiologist, Dr. Glenn Nickele, and Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Marco Guerrero, are at St. Croix Regional Medical Center during pacemaker clinic hours to help patients who have a concern about their medications or who want to discuss other questions or concerns.

Anyone wishing to transfer the service/care of their pacemaker or defibrillator device should contact Deb Leal, R.N., at St. Croix Regional Medical Center (715-483-0310 or 800-642-1336, Ext. 2310 ). She can help review current maintenance/check-up schedules and assist in scheduling pacemaker and defibrillator evaluations.

Click here to learn more about St. Croix Heart Cardiac Care services. return to top

Patient Education
SCRMC staff offers all patients individualized education sessions which provide them with health information and help in making responsible and informed decisions about their health care. Among the many topics covered include: asthma, emphysema, blood glucose self-monitoring, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, nutrition analysis/counseling, and Cesarean birth. Call the hospital or clinic for more information on health topics, education programs, and classes. Patients may also request information via phone or see our website at www.scrmc.org. return to top

Pediatrics
Clinic and hospital services for children are available under the guidance of a full-time pediatrician/internist and family practice physicians. return to top

PET/CT Scan
St. Croix Regional Medical Center now provides positron emission tomography (PET/CT) imaging on site weekly. A PET/CT scan is a specific type of imaging test that can help doctors see how the tissues and organs inside the body are functioning, particularly the brain and heart. It also allows medical staff to detect the presence and extent of several diseases, including most types of cancer, neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy, and damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack.

A PET/CT scan can be particularly effective in identifying cancer, determining whether it has spread, and how it's responding to treatment. In addition, PET scans can be valuable in assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and to determine the stage of a cancer. A PET/CT scan can detect areas of decreased blood flow in the heart or reveal early coronary artery disease. return to top

Pharmacy
Located on the ground floor opposite the entrance doors at the SCRMC Clinic in St. Croix Falls is River Valley Pharmacy, a full-service retail pharmacy that is open to the general public as well as to clinic patients. In addition to filling prescriptions, staff provides extensive information on the side effects of various medications, the proper use of medications, and on medicine interactions (the effects produced when two or more medications are being taken). return to top

Physical Rehabilitation
The Physical Rehabilitation Department staff provides individualized patient treatment with staff members working closely with patients to develop a personalized program to improve their functioning and quality of
life. return to top

Pulmonology
A branch of internal medicine, pulmonology deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory tract, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, lung fibroses, and environmentally caused lung disease.

SCRMC provides patients with a broad range of pulmonology services, including on site lung function testing. Lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs) evaluate how well a person's lungs work. The tests can determine how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out, and how well your lungs add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from your blood. They help doctors and other medical staff diagnose lung diseases, measure the severity of lung injury/damage, and determine the most appropriate treatment. PFTs are most commonly used for asthma, lung damage from smoking (COPD/emphysema), and pulmonary fibrosis (scaring). return to top

Respiratory Care Services
Our licensed respiratory care practitioners provide services to people of all ages with acute and chronic lung disease. This 24-hour-a-day service includes diagnostic evaluation and treatment of respiratory problems, patient and community education, a comprehensive, and an on-going asthma program. return to top

Rheumatology
Rheumatology, a subspecialty of internal medicine, focuses on the diagnosis and therapy of problems involving the joints and the other conditions of connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia. Rheumatologists are working on advances in early diagnosis and treatment to delay or prevent some of the long term debilitating effects of these diseases. Rheumatology specialist, John Schousboe, M.D., from Park Nicollet Medical Center sees patients at the Medical Center on a regular basis. return to top

Sclerotherapy for "spider veins"
For many people, spider veins - a common, mild form of varicose veins - are primarily a cosmetic concern since, from a medical standpoint, they seldom cause any harm or damage. Sclerotherapy, a common and long-proven treatment for spider veins, doesn't require a hospital stay or cause a long, uncomfortable recovery. In this procedure, a very fine needle is used to inject spider veins with a solution that scars and closes them. Within a few weeks, treated veins have generally faded. Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once, sclerotherapy is quite effective, doesn't require anesthesia, and can be done in a doctor's office. After the treatment, most patients are able to drive themselves home and resume regular daily activities. For information or appointments for this procedure, ask for Dr. Claudio Nunes, General Surgeon or Dr. Tasso Pappas, Dermatologist. return to top

Sleep Clinic
Is your sleep restless? Does your snoring interfere with your spouse's sleep? Waking up feeling unrested? These and similar symptoms can be signs of a treatable sleep disorder. Sleep Clinic staff diagnose and treat sleep problems, the most common of which is obstructive sleep apnea [pauses in breathing during sleep]. For more information on these services and sleep apnea, click HERE. return to top

Social Services/Discharge Planning
The Social Services Department works with patients and their families to provide professional counseling, referral, discharge planning services, and consultation with the hospital and clinic health care team. For information, call Bonnie Prazak at 715-483-0272. return to top

Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is offered through a multi-disciplinary approach that involves medical practitioners, trainers, physicians, chiropractors, and physical therapists. Staff focuses on such concerns as sports-related nutrition and hydration, preparation and training, conditioning and injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athletic care as they keep in mind the overall wellness of the athlete. Staff provides optimal injury management and safe return to performance for those with sports-related injuries.

The Medical Center also provides clinics for coaches which address such areas as nutrition for athletes, prevention of heat injuries, stretching and conditioning programs, general principles in evaluating on-field injuries, preparation for serious injuries, appropriate guidelines for rehabilitation, and methods for speeding return to participation. For information, call the Physical Rehab Dept at 715-483-0241 or speak with your provider. return to top

Swing Bed Program
The Swing Bed program is designed to serve as a transition between acute hospital care and the patient's discharge to home or a long-term care setting. Medicare patients who meet criteria for physical rehabilitation after acute hospital care may qualify for the swing bed program. return to top

Travel Immunization Program
Traveling outside the United States? Our clinics have the immunization requirements for travel to any country in the world, as well as the appropriate vaccines. This program is listed on the World Wide Web as an official international travel immunization facility. return to top

Ultrasound
Ultrasound examination, also called sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. These images can provide information that's valuable in diagnosing and treating disease.
Ultrasound can be used to:
- Evaluate a fetus
- Diagnose gallbladder disease
- Evaluate flow in blood vessels
- Guide a needle biopsy
- Guide the biopsy and treatment of a tumor
- Check your thyroid gland
- Study the heart
- Diagnose some forms of infection
- Diagnose some forms of cancer
- Reveal abnormalities in the scrotum and prostate return to top

Urgent Care
Twisted ankle? Allergic reaction? Painful earache? Our Urgent Care physicians are ready to help if you're sick or injured, you can't wait for a routine appointment, and your family provider is unavailable. Just call St. Croix Regional Medical Center. Our Urgent Care staff will give you the care you and your family need with little or no delay. Thanks to our Same-Day Scheduling program, patients can make an appointment to see a family provider any day during clinic hours. When the Clinic is closed, Urgent Care is provided from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Medical Center's Emergency Department. return to top

Urology
SCRMC's full-time urology specialist, Dr. Wendy Nunes, offers a broad range of urology evaluation, testing, care and treatment, including: pediatric and adult general urology, urologic oncology, stone disease, bladder control/incontinence, sexual dysfunction, infertility, laparoscopic, endo-urologic procedures, and trauma care.

Nunes also works closely with the Medical Center's physical therapy staff to provide expert help for women and men with bladder control problems using a valuable new tool: biofeedback. "Our goal is to provide a full range of "state-of the-art" evaluation and treatment options to improve the quality of life for those with bladder control problems," Nunes explains. "Even relatively minor steps on the part of a urologist can have a significant and positive impact on a person's life and lifestyle." return to top

Valley Occupational Health
Despite the best efforts of employees and management, on-the-job accidents still occur. And when they do, Valley Occupational Health staff work closely with both to speed recovery and return to work. Occupational injury services includes prompt access to 24-hour emergency care, expanded urgent/occupational clinic hours, aggressive treatment, programs to facilitate early return to work, immediate reporting to employers, assistance for employers to implement workplace changes (such as light duty or work station modifications),focused management of high-risk, high-cost cases, and coordination among multiple providers. Program staff can also help employers identify health problems and risks, educate employees, decrease workplace injury incidents, and provide wellness programs designed to foster better employee health while improving the bottom line. Valley Occupational Health also coordinates employment-related services (including pre-employment physicals, DOT physicals, drug testing, and respirator physicals), and can provide same-day appointments to meet demanding market needs. Located in the ER, the Occupational Health Clinic sees patients Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. For assistance, call Kathy Weeks at
715-483-0427. return to top

Varicose veins and leg pain: finally, a better solution
Finally, there's a better solution. VNUS Closure® is a clinically proven, minimally invasive procedure that treats the discomfort, swelling, fatigue, and appearance of varicose veins and their underlying cause, venous reflux, with little or no pain. Closure® patients can walk away from the procedure and be back to everyday activities - either at home or at work - typically within a day. Compared to traditional vein stripping surgery, Closure® treatment provides many benefits, including: quicker recovery, improved comfort/less pain, no overnight hospitalization necessary, 98% national success rate and lifelong results. Find out if the Closure® procedure is right for you by calling the Medical Center's St. Croix Falls Clinic. Dr. Claudio Nunes, General Surgeon, provides this procedure. return to top

Wireless Internet Access
St. Croix Regional Medical Center has long offered computer stations with Internet access for patients, their family members, and other visitors. This service, however, is no longer confined to specific stations thanks to a new, building-wide WiFi (wireless) Internet system. With this system, families in the OB unit for the birth of a child, for example, could use a laptop to upload digital photos of their newborn and send them to friends and family soon after the birth. Family and friends visiting or staying with loved ones in the hospital, too, may want to use the wireless system to search for information on the internet, to read or send email, or to even do a bit of work. IT staff at the Medical Center have also taken steps to ensure that the wireless system is both well monitored and secure. return to top