Hannibal Regional Healthcare System News Archive
Protect yourself from the flu and get your flu shot! Hannibal Regional Medical Group is hosting drive through flu shot clinics to make it easier to get your flu shot. Simply drive up, register and get your shot - all without leaving your car! Flu shots are available for a special cash price of $25 or your insurance can be billed. High-dose flu shots are available for an additional price.
HRMG in Hannibal *located at the front entrance of Hannibal Regional Hospital. September 15th – 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm September 17th - 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm September 19th – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm September 22nd - 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm September 24th - 8:00 am – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm September 26th – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
HRMG in Louisiana September 14th – 6:30 am – 10:30 am September 16th – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
HRMG in Bowling Green September 15th – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm September 18th – 6:30 am – 3:30 pm
HRMG in Monroe City September 14th – 8:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm September 21st – 8:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm September 26th – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
HRMG in Shelbina September 15th – 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Those driving through a flu shot clinic are asked to wear a mask. Flu shots will be available to who is one year of old and up. The $25 cost is payable by cash or check, or insurance can be billed. High dose flu shots are available for a cash price of $45 or insurance can be billed.
In addition to the flu vaccine, there are a few things you can do to help minimize your risk of developing serious flu-related complications. Wash your hands - proper hand hygiene will prevent droplet spread from person to person. Cover your cough - and try to avoid those who are ill, as this will help decrease the spread of illness. Stay home from work or school when you are ill to help protect those around you. See a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a couple of days.
Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome La’Costa Gaines, DNP-BC to their Shelbina team! La’Costa earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Missouri in 2015 and is looking forward to serving the community at Hannibal Regional Medical Group in Shelbina.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to practice medicine in Shelbina since it is the community I get to call home,” shares La’Costa. “From what I have seen through recruitment and orientation, Hannibal Regional is dedicated not only to offering the services their patients need, but also ensuring a high level of quality in the care for their patients, as well as team member safety, and satisfaction overall.”
“I chose my specialty in family medicine because I love to provide care to elderly patients as well as pediatric patients and I enjoy providing care to entire families as a whole,” says La’Costa. Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. A family medicine physician delivers a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services, while also providing preventive care for their patients.
La’Costa is focused on providing high quality care, building relationships with her patients through education and taking the time to listen to concerns and/or requests while providing proper continuity of care. La’Costa is now accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group in Shelbina. To schedule an appointment call (573) 588-4131.
Mary Sprague, a northeast Missouri resident, has a lot to celebrate - on June 7th, National Survivors Day, and every day!
Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving longer after being diagnosed with cancer. In America alone, more than 16.9 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer.
Mary was diagnosed two years ago with Stage 2 breast cancer. She was having difficulty with rib pain which led her to find a lump on her breast. She made an appointment with Dr. Julie Viehmann, Gynecologist at Hannibal Regional Medical Group. Dr. Viehmann saw signs of concern so she sent her to see surgeon, Dr. Stacey Copeland also with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. She performed a biopsy on a Monday and by Wednesday Mary was informed of her cancer diagnosis.
From there, she met with the team of Dr. Joseph Bean at the James E. Cary Cancer Center; Dr. Kristen Strasser, Hematology/Oncology Specialist, and Dr. Copeland, both with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. She was diagnosed with HER 2 Positive Breast Cancer. She was all set to begin her chemo treatment when Dr. Strasser encouraged her to get a PET scan to make sure there were no other issues. The results of the PET scan showed that Mary’s cancer was now Stage 4 because it had spread to her liver.
“I am going to live! This is not a death sentence. I have too much to do,” Mary recalls thinking. She began chemo treatment with Dr. Strasser and her team. “They were great, just like family!”
When Mary’s hair began falling out her girlfriends came to her home and they had a hair cutting party. Then foods began not tasting good, but she made herself eat in order to stay strong so she could continue with and manage her chemo. She began meditating at night and she had shower talks with God.
“You have to stay positive, positivity manifests healing. I am going to live to be a healthy old lady.”
Mary finished her last chemo treatment around Easter of 2019. She had a lumpectomy performed by Dr. Copeland and 20 rounds of radiation with Dr. Bean. She was then told by Dr. Strasser that she saw no signs of cancer.
You are a survivor the moment you are diagnosed. Take every day with a new outlook on life. “Tears are weaknesses leaving your body to make room for strength! I am alive, I am living, I am a survivor!” Mary is living her life to the fullest taking on new challenges and keeping a positive outlook on life.
National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration for those who have survived, and inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and outreach to the community.
For more information about cancer diagnosis or treatment options, call the Hannibal Regional Infusion Center at 573- 629-3500.
Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome Kendell Farr, WHNP-BC to their women’s health team. Kendell has a strong background in caring for women and is looking forward to serving the community as a nurse practitioner.
“For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse. I have worked in women's care most of my nursing career and have a passion for women's health,” shares Kendell. “I feel an emotional connection with women which empowers me to help them be their best - physically and mentally - through every stage of their life.”
Kendell began her nursing career at Hannibal Regional and is happy to continue working with a great team, “Hannibal Regional has become my family! The physicians have helped mold me into the nurse I am today and I look forward to serving the community as a nurse practitioner with the best physicians by my side.”
Kendell Farr, WHNP-BC is accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, to reach the Women’s Health offices call 573-629-3500.
Click here to learn more about Women's Health Services at HRMG.
The achievement is part of findings released in the Healthgrades 2020 Report to the Nation. This report demonstrates the importance of hospital quality to both hospital leaders and consumers. From 2016 through 2018, patients treated at hospitals receiving the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award have, on average, a 39.7 percent lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award.
“For over 25 years, Midwest Orthopedics and Hannibal Regional have worked together to provide exceptional care, this award recognizes our dedication and commitment to quality care and remarkable outcomes over time,” said Todd Ahrens, Chief Executive Officer of Hannibal Regional.
Hannibal Regional was also recognized for the following clinical achievements:
Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services in 2020 Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Joint Replacement in 2020 Recipient of the Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020) Recipient of the Healthgrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ for 5 Years in a Row (2016-2020) Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020) Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement for 5 Years in a Row (2016-2020) Five-Star Recipient for Total Knee Replacement for 7 Years in a Row (2014-2020) Five-Star Recipient for Total Hip Replacement for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020) Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for 2 Years in a Row (2019-2020) Five-Star Recipient for Pacemaker Procedures in 2020
Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome Suzanne Filbert, FNP-C to their Urology team. Suzanne has been part of the Hannibal Regional team for six years and is looking forward to serving the community in her role as nurse practitioner.
“I chose to work in Urology because I wanted to help care for the aging population with specialized care,” shares Suzanne. “During my time at Hannibal Regional I have grown to love the patients and I am so happy to continue to care for the people in this community.” “The most rewarding thing about my job is getting to know the patients and talking with them about their lives and families,” shares Suzanne. “My goal is to help my patients understand their diagnosis and how to care for themselves. When patients are educated about their care, treatment and preventative measures it has a positive impact on their quality of life and increases participation in their healthcare decisions.”
Suzanne Filbert, FNP-C is accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, to reach the Urology offices call 573-629-3500.
Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome Dr. David Lemons to their cardiology team! David Lemons, DO completed his medical education at A.T. Still University and his cardiology and interventional cardiology fellowship at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Lemons has been providing interventional cardiology coverage at Hannibal Regional and is excited to enhance his service to the community by accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group.
“I started working at Hannibal Regional to help provide interventional cardiology coverage,” shares Dr. Lemons. “I like the small town feel of the Hannibal community and the team members at Hannibal Regional and in the Cath Lab have been very inviting and helpful.”
“The most rewarding thing I do is help people who are having heart attacks. I enjoy being able to stop the severe pain patients are having and have a conversation with them soon after. The patients are often amazed at how quickly they feel better,” notes Dr. Lemons. Interventional cardiologists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease and structural heart conditions through catheter-based procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting.
“I feel it is important to spend time listening to my patients which allows me to develop a relationship with them,” says Dr. Lemons. “Each patient has a story to tell and it is important to hear their story.” Dr. Lemons is now accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group and is working alongside the expert cardiology team of Dr. Alvi, Dr. Valuck and Dr. Nwakile. To schedule an appointment call (573) 629-3500.
Community leaders met virtually on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 to continue community conversation about response to the coronavirus pandemic and announce the following:
The group continues to urge our community to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, including hand washing, regular disinfection of surfaces, practicing social distancing and limiting travel, and staying home if you are sick. If you think you may have the coronavirus, please call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting.
Additionally, the group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates.
The group of community leaders includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services; United Way of the Mark Twain Area; Marion County Emergency Management; Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; and Moberly Area Community College.
Bus Schedule*
*All locations are Hannibal, 63401, except where noted
As part of the community’s proactive planning to slow the spread of COVID-19 Hannibal Regional is implementing visitor restrictions beginning March 19, 2020 until further notice.
Until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat to our patients, team members and the community Hannibal Regional Healthcare System is implementing visitor restrictions at Hannibal Regional Hospital and all Hannibal Regional Medical Group locations.
We recognize that there are times when having a visitor or family member present is crucial. In these cases, visitors will be allowed based on the exceptions listed below. Please note: in all cases a visitor will only be allowed if they do not have symptoms of respiratory infection (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath). Additionally, children under the age of 16 will not be allowed except under extraordinary circumstances.
Visitor restrictions are as follows:
Visitors must remain in the patient’s room throughout their visit. Once the visitor leaves the patient’s room they must leave the facility.
Visitors will not be allowed for patients with a pending or positive COVID-19 test. To learn the latest COVID-19 updates at Hannibal Regional visit hannibalregional.org/coronavirus.
Key community leaders gathered Monday morning, March 16, 2020, to continue conversations regarding community preparedness and response to the coronavirus pandemic. This group, composed of more than thirty representatives from organizations in the Hannibal area, identified ways to continue joint efforts in a unified approach to the coronavirus situation. As of the time of the meeting, there have been no positive COVID-19 test results in the northeast Missouri region. Healthcare officials reported that patients are able to be tested in the Hannibal area and some area residents have already been tested. Missouri state officials communicate daily and if any new cases are confirmed either locally or on the state-wide level, the state will make the announcement.
As local officials work together on this issue, we urge our community to do the same. When the Centers for Disease Control provides updated guidelines to combat the spread of this virus, please follow them! Your actions can affect so many around you and what you do could save the lives of many. WASH your hands. Practice social distancing, limit travel, clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily, stay home if you are sick and call your healthcare provider’s office before visiting if you think you may have the coronavirus.
Additionally, this group reminds our community of the importance of seeking out information from credible and reliable sources like the CDC, and not relying on social media for updates. This group continues to routinely communicate and will offer updates both through each organization and as well as further releases from this group. The group includes representatives from the following: Hannibal-LaGrange University; Preferred Family Healthcare; Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council; Mark Twain Behavioral Health; YMCA of Hannibal; City of Hannibal; Marion County Health Department; Hannibal Police Department; Hannibal Fire Department; Clarity Healthcare; The PATCH Center; Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce; Hannibal Clinic; Douglass Community Services, Marion County Emergency Management, Holy Family School; St. John’s Lutheran School; Hannibal Public Schools; Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; Marion County Emergency Management; and Moberly Area Community College.
Remember, stay educated, follow CDC guidelines, and stay calm. We can all work together to keep our community safe and healthy. For the most recent coronavirus updates, visit www.cdc.gov.