Learn about what’s new in local healthcare with Freeman Health System’s newsletter, Freeman in a Flash. Read about important changes to express drug testing at OccuMed, the Galentine’s Sip & Shop event, the #WalkJoplin initiative, and much more below.
Freeman Expands Cancer Services into Southeast Kansas
Freeman Health System is bringing cancer care closer to home for Southeast Kansas residents with the addition of oncologist/hematologist Dr. Boban Mathew to the Freeman Physician Group of Pittsburg.
Dr. Mathew has practiced oncology in Southeast Kansas for almost 25 years, and now he brings that expertise to Freeman, where he and his staff will continue providing leading edge cancer care.
“Just because we live in a small community doesn’t mean that our patients don’t deserve the very best when it comes to cancer treatment,” said Dr. Mathew. “As a physician board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, internal medicine and hospice/palliative care, I strive to deliver state-of-the-art care to my patients.”
Read the full story here.
Important Change to Express Drug Testing at OccuMed
Beginning in early spring, Freeman OccuMed will upgrade the express non-federal five-panel to an express non-federal six-panel, which includes methamphetamine. This change will better help employers detect a drug with high levels of abuse in our area.
The non-federal six-panel express urine drug screen will detect:
- Opiates
- Amphetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
There is no change in the drug test price. Companies using this test may see an increase in positivity rates with the addition of the new drug detection. This change only affects non-federal express five-panel drug screens upgrading to a six-panel drug screen to test for an additional substance. No other drug tests are affected.
If you have questions, please contact Kathy Harrell, MRO-A, at 417.347.3183.
Find out more about these changes here.
Improved Access to Allergy Testing and Treatment
Undiagnosed or untreated allergies can take a toll on anyone, making it harder to focus and perform at their highest level. Freeman Allergy Clinicnow offers expanded services with five-day-a-week access to allergy shots and other services at a new office, located at 702 East 34th St.inSuite 102.
“This new office will allow us to serve more patients and means those who need weekly allergy shots have easy access,” said Dr. Nathan Box, Freeman Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. “As an otolaryngologist who also specializes in allergies, I can help patients of all ages determine if their symptoms are caused by allergens, or infections or diseases that might require surgery and a higher level of care.”
No referral is necessary. To make an appointment, contact Freeman Allergy Clinic at 417.347.6760.
Carthage OccuMed X-Ray Services Temporarily Unavailable
Until April 2022, Carthage OccuMed will not have access to onsite x-ray services due to staffing.
Joplin and Neosho OccuMed clinics will absorb x-ray services as needed.
We apologize for the inconvenience during this time and look forward to resuming x-ray services in April.
Heart Health in the Workplace
Helping employees get healthier at work can make a big difference in their quality of life and your health insurance cost. Healthy Hearts @ Work is a turnkey wellness campaign with virtual resources and worksite strategy guidance to help employees:
- Know their blood pressure numbers
- Assess their risk for hypertension
- Take action to manage their blood pressure
To learn more or to get started, contact Freeman Screen Team at 417.347.6555. Those interested can view the flyer here.
OccuMed Test for Four Respiratory Illnesses, Including COVID-19
OccuMed now uses a single Quadruplex test to detect Flu A, Flu B, RSV and COVID-19. The cost of the test is $128 (not eligible for company discount). Currently, OccuMed does not offer a COVID-19 only test, as that test is not currently available through our vendor.
Quadruplex tests are available by appointment only. To schedule a Quadruplex test, please contact Amy Jones, MA, at 417.347.6917 or Christina Hensley, RN, at 417.347.6940.
Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop
Freeman Auxiliary presents Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop on Friday, February 11 at 4:00 to 8:00 pm in The Ramsey in downtown Joplin.
The evening will include shopping while enjoying delicious libations from our food and beverage partners. This event will help raise money for the Freeman Helping Friends Mammogram Fund, which provides mammogram screenings to local women in need. Check out the Facebook event to learn more and buy tickets.
Virtual Business Appreciation Event
Join us on Wednesday, February 23 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm as we learn about the sixth leading cause of disease in the U.S. — allergies. More than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergies each year, your employees among them.
You can look forward to an update from Freeman Health System President and CEO Paula Baker and discussion with Dr. Nathan Box, who will share strategies available to patients through Freeman Allergy Clinic.
Participants who RSVP will receive a gift while supplies last, so register today!
#WalkJoplin
Healthy Joplin, a combined effort of One Joplin and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, is working on a group walking initiative in the community. If you or your organization is interested in hosting a walking group (it’s easy, we promise), you’ll find information about how to participate on the Walking Leaders Facebook group.
The pinned post is a video PSA about the health benefits of walking in groups. Check it out — you might recognize someone it in!
Caregiver Support Group
The Freeman Caregiver Support Group will meet on Thursday, January 20 at 10:30 am in the Freeman East Conference Rooms.
Join fellow caregivers for this support group meeting to gain advice on what lies ahead, make new friends and learn how to better take care of family members. Door prizes will be given out.
RSVP to Kathy Mason at 417.347.8463 or kdmason@freemanhealth.com. To see the full list of upcoming events offered by Freeman, click here.
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