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 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.
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.
Over 48 million Americans are affected by some degree of hearing loss, making it the third most common chronic health condition in the United States. Linda Carleton, MS, F-AAA, an audiologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, is urging the community to be more aware of their hearing health and get a free hearing screening.
“Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises; ear infections, trauma, or ear disease; harm to the inner ear and ear drum; illness or certain medications; and deterioration due to normal aging process,” explains Linda. Not all hearing loss is attributed to aging - over 1 billion people are at risk for hearing loss due to unsafe personal use of portable music devices. “Everyday loud activities, such as operating lawn or farm equipment, concerts, hair dryers or alarm clocks can contribute to hearing loss.” Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent but is usually preventable. To protect your hearing, wear ear protection when sounds are louder than 85 decibels, turn down the volume, and walk away from loud noises.
You might have a problem with your hearing if you have trouble hearing conversations in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing or pain in your ears. The first step in treating a hearing problem is to get a hearing screening by an audiologist. Although most hearing loss is permanent, an audiologist can determine the best treatment, which may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and hearing rehabilitation. To schedule your free hearing screening contact Linda Carleton’s office call 573-629-3500.
Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells and produce energy.
“The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown,” says Dr. Cassidy Leonard-Scott, pediatrician with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. “Often the cause is the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Other possible causes are genetics and exposure to viruses or other environmental factors.”
At the onset of type 1 diabetes, the damage to the insulin-producing cells is sudden and severe. “Once a significant number of insulin producing cells are destroyed, little or no insulin will be produced and must be replaced,” says Dr. Leonard-Scott. “If insulin is not produced to let glucose into the cells, sugar will build up with the bloodstream which can cause life-threatening complications.”
Because it begins so suddenly any child with signs or symptoms of diabetes should see a doctor for testing. Consider visiting with your doctor if your child experiences increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, irritability and other mood changes, fatigue, weakness or blurred vision.
“Once diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining a normal blood sugar level will help reduce the risk of any complications down the road,” says Dr. Leonard-Scott. “At this time, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications.”
To schedule an appointment at Hannibal Regional Medical Group call (573) 629-3500.
Hannibal Regional Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of otolaryngologist, Heather Curtis, DO to their team. Dr. Curtis is an otolaryngologist who earned her medical degree from A.T. Still University - Kirksville, College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO.
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty focused on the ears, nose, and throat; those who practice it are often called an ear, nose, and throat doctor or ENT. Dr. Curtis chose to pursue otolaryngology because of the balance of surgery and medicine she is able to see every day. “I enjoy the opportunity to care for patients of all ages and the challenges that come with the complexity of head and neck disease.”
When asked why she chose to join Hannibal Regional, Dr. Curtis shares, “I chose Hannibal Regional because of their commitment to providing high-quality care and their involvement with the community.”
Dr. Curtis says one of the most rewarding parts of her job is “hearing a child’s vocabulary rapidly expand following placement of tubes. I also really enjoy seeing improvement in my patients’ quality of life and their ability to communicate.” Dr. Curtis is focused on creating relationships with her patients that make them feel comfortable and ensuring none of their questions are left unanswered.
Dr. Curtis is accepting patients at Hannibal Regional Medical Group, to contact her office call (573) 629-3500.