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Welcome to Matthew J. Dammeyer, M.D. - Family Medicine

Matthew Dammeyer, M.D. Dr. Matthew Dammeyer has joined the ACMC Clinic in Benson. He first came to Benson as a student in the Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) sponsored by the University of Minnesota Medical School. He and his family enjoyed the area so much, they are now back to practice at SCBH. We welcome Dr. Dammeyer and his family to our community.

Education & Training
Undergraduate: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, 1999
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School, 2006
Residency: Family Medicine - Grand Forks Family Medicine Residency, Grand Forks, ND, 2006-2009

Scope of Practice
 Dr. Dammeyer's practice will emphasize comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to advanced age. He will manage medical concerns through diagnosis and treatment, while encouraging prevention of some illnesses and diseases. Family Practice physicians focus on the patients symptoms, and study genetics, family history and mental health as a part of their total patient care plan. Family physicians provide pregnancy and delivery care. They also coordinate and manage patient care with other specialists.

Professional Associations & Activities
 American Medical Association
American Academy of Family Physicians

New Digital Mammography System Shows CLEAR ADVANTAGE

"The new Selenia™ Digital Mammography System is the Gold Standard in technology for mammograms. It is the same digital technology used by the Mayo Clinic organization."

             Mike Heinzig, Radiology Manager at SCBH

Screening digital mammograms can detect changes in the breast two to seven years before they can be felt. That's the reason our new high definition digital mammography technology offers women so many clear advantages:
  • It's quicker. There's no waiting, less repeated imaging and exposure to radiation.

  • Repositioning of the breasts for additional imaging is frequently unnecessary.

  • For younger women and those with dense breasts, screening with digital mammography provides better visualization of the breast tissue.

  • Suspicious areas can be enhanced, magnified and analyzed immediately.

  • In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, Computer-Aided Detection has also been installed. CAD provides a "second read" of the mammogram by a computer. This helps the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis, like spell check in word processing.
"The digital images are extremely clear and there's no waiting. The newly designed room is completely private and comfortable. We're in the room at all times to answer questions," said Brenda Jensen, Radiology Technologist.

Digital mammography definitely has advantages for the radiologist:
  • Digital mammography is "filmless", nothing has to be developed.

  • Images are analyzed on a monitor and stored electronically. Of course, hard copies can always be produced if needed.

"American Cancer Society guidelines tell women to have a baseline mammogram at age 40 and annually after that. Over the last few years the ACS has documented a decrease in women having mammograms. Early detection is the key in the fight against breast cancer. I hope this new equipment and more private room will help encourage women to have this important test," Heinzig added.

You could be a Twofold Winner!!! Having a Digital Mammogram gives you a chance to win $100 Gift Card.

For the last three years, Swift County Benson Hospital has been participating in a grant initiative funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to collect and study data on the use of screening mammography in rural hospitals. Through various community outreach events, an effort is being made to reverse the disturbing trend of declining screening mammography.

Grant administrator, Dawn Cocchiarella, has been collecting data throughout an eleven county region that includes Swift County. "Rather than spending our marketing funds on various advertising campaigns, we are offering a monthly $100 gift card drawing. Each month for a year, one individual taking a proactive role in her health by having a mammogram will win the $100 gift card courtesy of the Komen for the Cure initiative." Cocchiarella said the Komen Foundation hopes this increases awareness and more women will have mammograms.

To schedule your mammogram, contact Swift County Benson Hospital at 320-843-4232.

The New IV/Chemo Therapy Rooms at SCBH are AWESOME!

IV/Chemo The results are in…Ione Laycock, RN, therapy nurse, David Johnson, therapy patient, and Deann Johnson, David's wife and caregiver, all agree the IV and Chemo Therapy program and the new therapy rooms at SCBH are AWESOME.

"Most of the larger hospitals, like Mayo or the University of Minnesota, refer patients who live in this area to SCBH for IV or Chemo therapy treatments. I coordinate these treatments with them and stay in touch with the referring doctors. That's how I met the Johnsons," said Ione Laycock.

"When my doctor at Mayo told me he was prescribing IV therapy, I asked him if I could have it in Benson. He checked with SCBH and said there would be no problem coordinating my care with Benson. This saves me time. I'm not away from my business like I would be if I had to drive to Mayo and allows me the flexibility tommer, 2009 schedule treatments around my work plans. That's important to me," said Clontarf resident, David Johnson.

"Ione and the scheduling people are exceptional. They are so friendly and make everything convenient for us. I schedule the treatments, and we know if I schedule David for an 8 a.m. treatment, everything will be ready for us at 8 a.m.," Deann Johnson said. "The rooms are private and comfortable. I watch TV, relax or talk to Ione if I have questions," added David, "Ione coordinates my care with the Mayo Clinic. She calls them if she has questions. One time there was a discrepancy in my therapy plan, and she called my Mayo doctor to discuss it. He was impressed that she did that."

"We have two new rooms for IV and Chemo therapy. They are situated off a hallway, so people walking by can't look in and see who is in the room. Each room has two chairs, so we can accommodate four patients at a time," Ione said.

Generally, most IV or Chemo Therapy sessions last from 30 minutes to six hours depending on the prescription. "Part of my job is to help patients find resources for their specific condition. Sometimes they need to talk with their pastor, a counselor, or family members. Sometimes I order them specific materials about their condition, sometimes they need home health or some other kind of support. And sometimes they need hugs. It's all part of my job," quipped Ione. Deann added, "SCBH is a wonderful healthcare facility for Benson. We are indeed fortunate to have this hospital and service available in our community."

New SimLab Hits the road to bring training to SCBH RNs

SimLab The SCBH RNs were some of the first to host Children’s Hospital’s $2.5 million mobile training lab called SimLab L1. SimLab L1 is a high-tech mobile training facility which uses the latest in simulation technology to educate and train healthcare and emergency response professionals. It began as a vision by the Children’s Hospital healthcare leaders to deliver the realism and effectiveness of simulation training directly to the doorstep of healthcare professionals.

Inside the large van, top of the line equipment and tools set the stage for training, mimicking a real emergency care facility. Simulation manikins breathe, cough, talk, act, and feel very much like real patients. Simulation training experts record each training session and debrief the scenario with the participants.

Besides high-tech training, bringing training directly to Benson can realize a cost savings. Traditionally, we sent a limited number of employees to major metropolitan areas to receive this level of training. With SimLab L1, we were able to train almost all of our RNs in the new procedures. Plus, the cost of travel, overtime, and staffing problems is virtually eliminated by using SimLab L1 to deliver training. SimLab L1 definitely fills a need in rural healthcare training.

Cardiologists Visiting SCBH Come From a "Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospital"

 The Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital is a comprehensive cardiac care center dedicated to the discovery, management and control of cardiac disease. The Heart Center is committed to providing excellent patient care, attracting high-caliber staff and developing state-of-the-art facilities. The Heart Center was one of the first "heart hospitals" in the state.

top100cardioThe Heart Center has become a national leader in the treatment and prevention of cardiac disease. It is ranked as one of the nation's "100 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals" by Thomson Reuters and has earned this prestigious designation eight times in the award program's 10 years.

Hospital Surgical Center Fundraising a SUCCESS!

Our SCBH Foundation topped its goal of $650,000 by almost $50,000 in the campaign for surgical equipment.  "We went from a surgical area of 1600 square feet to 12,000 square feet.  We needed the additional equipment and people responded.  The people in our area have a deep sense of ownership for their hospital," said Jerry Peterson, Foundation President.

The new surgical center and equipment will enable us to provide:

  • Increased patient privacy,
  • Additional types of surgeries and other procedures performed in Benson,
  • Increased services to our aging population,
  • Services locally so that family and friends are able to visit and be available,
  • Greater awareness of services at SCBH,
  • Familiar surroundings which can result in faster healing for our patients, and
  • Recruitment of skilled physicians and other professionals to the community.
"All the surveys indicate that SCBH has a good relationship with ACMC doctors and our other specialists, so further recruiting is possible," Peterson added. "We want to thank everyone who contributed to the campaign. Their response has been tremendous; their acts of kindness will definitely save lives."

Patient Safety in the Operating Room

In the interest of patient safety in the operating room, before a surgical case is started,, a "time out" is ALWAYS called by the members of the operating room team. During this time they perform a final safety check:
  1. to be certain they have the correct patient
  2. they are performing the correct procedure on the patient, and
  3. they are operating on the correct side.
Once this is verified, the surgery can begin. This is just one example of the safety procedures SCBH employees perform for your safety.

Diabetes and Nutrition Department Expands Services

Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Sharon Kluempke, RD, LD, CDE has joined Sue Dudding, RD, LD, CDE to provide expanded diabetes and nutrition counseling services to persons of all ages Monday through Friday. Kluempke received her education in dietetics at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Her specific areas of expertise are nutrition education and counseling for:

  • private patients,
  • persons with diabetes,
  • patients in cardiac rehabilitation, and
  • persons with congestive heart failure.
Kluempke comes to SCBH form the Rice Diabetes and Nutrition Center in Willmar and Allina Clinics in Litchfield.
New CT Scanner Provides High Quality Scans and Low Dose Imaging

Computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make high resolution pictures of the body area being studied. During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the (doughnut-shaped) scanner. The table slides into the scanner which is a large doughnut-shaped machine that can rotate around the body in less than a second. The hospital's new scanner takes 16 pictures of a thin slice of the organ or area being scanned per rotation. All of the pictures are saved on a computer and reviewed by a radiologist who provides a written report for your doctor.
Scanner
CT scans can be used to study all parts of your body such as the chest, abdomen, pelvis, or an arm or leg. It can take pictures of body organs such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs and heart. It can also study the blood vessels, bones and the spinal cord.

The new scanner has some advanced features that make it much safer for patients:
  • The overall dose of radiation can be adjusted based on patient size and body type. For instance, a child can be given a lesser dose of radiation than an adult.
  • It dramatically reduces the cardiac dose of radiation by turning the X-rays on only during the required cardiac phase of the scan and remains off during the balance of the scanning procedure.
  • The pictures have a much higher resolution which improves the study.
  • It completes the scans and provides pictures in less time, therefore providing the patient and doctor faster test results.
  • The scanner software can be upgraded to take advantage of new applications and lower doses which will help us prepare our radiology department for tomorrow's challenges.
Wireless Computers Are Roaming the SCBH Halls

Three wireless computers are on the job in all sorts of places. After hours they help our staff register patients at their bedside and in the ER. They help our staff retrieve the results of tests and procedures. Medications can be verified on the computer before they are given to patients. Their main function is to provide a smooth transition from paper-based records to paperless technology.

computer
"Before we had these three computers, whenever we had an order for medications or a test, we had to print the order and hand-carry the sheet of paper to the department that needed the document. Needless to say, that was time consuming and costly. Now, the test is ordered in the computer and sent to the right department. They see the order, get to the patient and take care of their needs," explains Ross Peterson, Director of Laboratory Services and Information Technology. "There is definitely a safety factor here with the medication verification, availability of inpatient records and the flexibility of after-hours bedside registration."

Next time you're at SCBH, look for the computers on wheels helping the staff with their communication duties.

Patient Literacy

We are concerned about patient literacy because we rely so much on the written word for patient education. For the safety of our patients, all patient-related forms used at SCBH are being converted to a fifth-grade reading level as recommended by the American Medical Association.

The healthcare system is more complex than it was 10 years ago.   Patients take more medications, they undergo more tests and procedures, and there is a growing list of self-care requirements. All SCBH staff are receiving ongoing education in Health Literacy. Health Literacy is defined as “The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” A National Adult Literacy Survey discovered that up to 50% of the US population may be at risk for medical misunderstandings, mistakes, excess hospitalization, and poor health outcomes.

By converting our patient materials to a 5th-grade level, we are trying to remove the barriers which result in patients not understanding details regarding their medical conditions. This is just one example of our concern for patient safety.

New Surgical Center Opened June 15, 2008!

In 2000 and 2005 SCBH conducted surveys of area residents to see how they felt about the health care services provided by SCBH and ACMC/Benson.

Many of the residents indicated they would like to have increased surgical services available at SCBH. In response to those surveys, consulting surgeons Dr. Stephen Kidd, General Surgeon, and Dr. Michael Holte, Orthopedic Surgeon, increased the time they are available at SCBH. Dr. Jon Mellema, ENT Surgeon, started outreach in Benson.  Dr. Jeffrey Zervas, Ophthalmologist, began an outreach practice in Benson and Dr. Alex Labrija, Podiatrist from Morris, joined the surgery center staff.

A functional space study to analyze the services and space requirements that we needed to support an expansion of surgical services was completed. After all of the initial studies and evaluations, the SCBH Governing Board decided to move forward with a $5.8 million building project to support additional surgical services.

The SCBH Foundation and SCBH Auxiliary are working to raise the funds for additional equipment and to help pay for the new center. Staff is busy training and planning for additional surgical services. Jan Goff is treasurer of the foundation.

To see photos of the new Surgical Center click here.

Fighting Medication Errors Involves Help From Everyone
by Holly Rodahl, RN, Risk Management, Infection Control and Melissa Hampton, Pharmacist

Medication errors rarely occur from the failure of a single element or because of mistakes of a single caregiver. It’s important to recognize that such errors are due to many factors. Medication errors stem from poor communication, misinterpreted handwriting, drug name confusion, lack of employee knowledge, and lack of patient understanding about a drug’s directions. It is unrealistic to expect error-free performance from any person. Therefore, it is essential that our system be designed to minimize the risk of medication errors. In order to increase the number of opportunities to detect and prevent medication errors, this system needs to have checks and balances in place and be constantly updated as new technology becomes available.

Patient SafetySCBH has put automation into medication dispensing with our new Serve RX system linked to computer order entry. Automated dispensing machines are currently in the surgical area, in the emergency room, and on the medical floor. The pharmacist enters and reviews all orders ...a very effective double check system. When the system is fully in place, nurses will have to sign out the medications from the Serve RX system under the patients’ name so the medication, dose, and route are verified.

Medication reconciliation is also part of our process. This procedure provides our staff a good understanding of the medications a patient has taken prior to hospitalization. It requires research from the staff to get the correct medications, doses, times taking the meds, and correct route. This will help the healthcare provider determine if any of these medications have contributed to the hospitalization, and whether they should continue to be taken or need an adjustment of dosage.

On the day of discharge the pharmacist reviews the patients’ medications with them teaching them about dose, when to take, side effects, and what the medication is for.

At SCBH, it is important for patients to be involved in their care and medication management is a large part of their care regimen. Here are some tips to making sure your medication prescriptions are right for you:
  • Find out what drug you’re taking and what it’s for.
  • Find out how to take the drug and make sure you understand the directions.
  • Keep a list of all medications, including over the counter drugs, as well as dietary supplements.
  • If in doubt, ask, ask, ask, your healthcare providers.

©2008 Swift County-Benson Hospital - "Healthcare Close to Home"
1815 Wisconsin Avenue, Benson, MN 56215 | (320) 843-4232 | (800) 324-0787