5 Featured SERVICE Free help available for Medicare beneficiaries Iowans who use Medicare for their health insurance benefits can review and make changes to their Medicare coverage each year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, including changing insurance companies, seeking additional benefits or changing a prescription drug plan (known as Part D coverage). At GCMH, two trained senior health insurance information program volunteers are available to help people compare coverages and make informed decisions. Whether you’re turning 65 soon and need help or are over 65 and wish to explore different coverage, you can make an appointment for a free consultation by calling the GCMH schedulers at 319-824-5081. You can also attend a Welcome to Medicare seminar on Monday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. in the hospital’s education room to learn more. Innovative pain relief Iovera® treatment now available at GCMH The Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Pain Management Clinic is now administering an innovative pain relief treatment. The Iovera® Gen 2 System is one of the latest additions in the hospital’s efforts to provide advanced care options for our patients. The Iovera® treatment is available to patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Patients may receive this treatment within 10 to 12 days prior to their operation in an effort to make the recovery as painless as possible. “Our goal is to offer this treatment prior to surgery for patients having total knee replacement in order to improve pain control, mobility and post-surgery outcomes,” says Jessica Eilers, BSN, RN, Surgery Supervisor. Iovera® provides immediate pain relief by applying intense cold to a specific nerve to block pain signals being sent to the brain. It is administered by Pain Clinic provider Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA, through a safe, simple and pain-free procedure in which patients may experience pressure, tingling, and both cold and warm sensations. While it is common for patients to experience tenderness, numbness, swelling or bruising in the treatment area after the procedure, there is no permanent nerve damage from the numbing effect. In comparison to traditional pain management practices, studies have shown that Iovera® mitigates the use of narcotics to control postoperative pain. The decrease in pain from the focused cold treatment results in patients having lower opioid usage, a shorter length of stay in the hospital after surgery and increased mobility with a greater range of motion in the knee. Studies have also shown that Iovera® offers significant pain relief in the targeted area for up to 90 days. In fact, approximately 45% fewer opioids are needed to alleviate pain 12 weeks after surgery. By investing in innovative treatment options, GCMH demonstrates its commitment to providing quality care for Grundy County and surrounding areas. Anti-Coagulation Lisa Veit, PharmD Pain Management Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA Hospital services CONVENIENT ACCESS TO CARE For a complete list of GCMH services, visit gcmh.link/services or scan the QR code. Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Sleep Center Infusion Therapy Physical Therapy Diabetes Education Rich Jacobson, DNP, CRNA, and Pain Clinic nurse Ashley Eggleston, RN, BSN, are shown with the device used for Iovera® treatments. RECOVER WITH LESS PAIN To schedule an appointment or learn more about Iovera®, please call the GCMH Pain Clinic nurse at 319-824-4140.
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