NOTICE TO PATIENTS
This practice serves all patients regardless of ability to pay.
Discounts for essential services are offered depending upon family size and income.
You may apply for a discount at the front desk.
We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Hawk-I
ACUTE CARE
When patients need acute medical care, their physicians admit them to Van Buren County Hospital on the acute level of care. With daily observation and examinations from their physicians, our patients receive services that include: medication management, intravenous fluids, wound care and close monitoring of their condition. Services are provided in a compassionate, personalized and cost-effective manner.
ACTIVITIES
The activity program is designed to promote the physical, mental and psycho-social well-being of each patient with meaningful activities such as games, exercises, music programs, church services, etc.
AGRI-SAFE CLINIC
AgriSafe is a wide variety of personal protective equipment available for sale including: safety glasses, ear plugs, ear muffs, aprons, goggles, gloves, respiratory masks, TyVeck coveralls, first aid kits, and sun-safe hats.
ASSISTED LIVING
Village Terrace is a ten-apartment, handicapped accessible assisted living center. Each apartment has a kitchenette, living room, bedroom and bathroom. The center is built around a glass-enclosed courtyard. The large commons area includes a laundry facility, tub room, dining area, library, entertainment center, and large fully equipped kitchen. A full-time chef prepares outstanding “home-style” meals. Services include well-being checks, medication reminders, weekly apartment cleaning, activities, health promotion, exercise equipment, and 24-hour emergency response service. For questions about Village Terrace please call Dixie Daugherty at 319-293-3171 extension 1278.
BIRTHING CENTER (Obstetric/Maternity Department)
The Birthing Center at Van Buren County Hospital embraces a family-centered philosophy, encouraging the participation of all family members and/or friends in the birthing experience. Our goal is to provide health care, support, and security for the new mother, baby and family as they adjust to their new roles. Prenatal classes are held three times a year for three consecutive weeks. Information is given regarding labor and delivery, relaxation and breathing techniques following the Lamaze method. For information regarding the classes, contact Shelly Heald at 319-293-3171.
BUSINESS OFFICE - PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Business Office at Van Buren County Hospital is ready to assist you with your billing questions and concerns.
Our services include…
- Filing your insurance claim for you
- Assisting you in working with your insurance company
- Addressing any concerns you may have with your bill.
- Assisting you with payment options for the self-pay portion of your account
We contract with a wide variety of insurance carriers to ensure that you may receive medical care at our hospital. Please check with our hospital business office or your insurance carrier to ensure that Van Buren County Hospital and our providers are included within your insurance network.
VBCH Billing Process
The billing process begins the day you receive services. Each time you have a service, it is important that you let us know if you have insurance coverage and provide us with your insurance card and driver’s license. Accurate information will speed up your billing process.
Insured Patients
Your co-payment and deductible are due at each visit. Your claim will be filed to your insurance company. You should receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company. Payment depends on your insurance policy and the type of visit you have had. Any balance due will be billed to you on a VBCH statement.
Private Pay Patients
Private pay patients are those who do not have insurance coverage for their services. Payment for services is due at the time of the appointment. If you believe you will not be able to make the payment in full, please contact our business office.
Charity Care Assistance Program
If you do not have the means to pay for your healthcare, VBCH has a Charity Assistance Program. To determine whether or not you qualify for this program, you will need to request an application, complete the application, and supply VBCH with information regarding your financial situation. You may qualify for a discount on your account. Please contact us for more information.
Forms of Payment
We accept cash, checks, money orders and credit cards. We can also arrange for an automatic withdrawal from your checking account.
For questions contact Kara McEntee at 319-293-3171 ext #1222 or Rich Wiegand at ext #1359,
Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
CARDIOPULMONARY DEPARTMENT
Van Buren County Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Department has been recognized by the American Association of Respiratory Care for the quality of care our staff provides. The department staff includes both registered and certified respiratory care practitioners. And, our staff includes a nationally certified asthma educator who works directly with the medical staff in cardiac and pulmonary diagnosis and treatment. We offer education programs including chronic and acute lung disease management, asthma management and tobacco cessation. Other services we provide include sleep studies (used to diagnosis sleep disorders for patients of all ages) and pulmonary function testing.For more information please call Dixie Daugherty a 319-293-3171 extension 1278.
CARDIAC AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION
The department is staffed by a registered nurse and respiratory care practitioner under the direction of an internal medicine physician. Other staff-include physical therapists, a dietitian, and mental health providers. The programs are certified through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Programs are approved by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies.
VAN BUREN COUNTY HOSPITAL CHILD CARE CENTER AND PRESCHOOL
Our facility is located off campus at 906 Broad Street. We are open 5:30am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
- We offer full time and part time rates, and sibling discounts.
- We are licensed by the Department of Human Services.
- We are part of the Iowa Quality Rating System through the state.
- Our mission is to offer high quality child care services for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age.
- Our ultimate goal is to provide an atmosphere that encourages a child’s self esteem and confidence in order to be better prepared for life experiences, and become life-long learners.
We believe that together, parents, families, teachers and child care providers create an environment that allows a child to grow, learn and develop a positive self concept. We promote the development of the whole childs physical, emotional, social, and intellectual well being.
We participate in the Child and Adult care food program, which enables us to provide healthy meals, with no additional cost to our families.
We also strive to offer a high quality pre-school educational experience in our preschool program for children 3 years to 5 years of age.
Our preschool program spans 34 weeks of the year from September to May. We hold preschool from 9:00 am to 11:30 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. Our preschool incorporates team teaching, which offers a wide variety of educational experiences for the children. We currently use one of the state chosen curricula: Creative Curriculum. We also work closely with the early childhood coordinator, to make sure we are teaching the same practices as the current kindergarten teachers, offering a balanced transition into primary school. For questions concerning our daycare call Mindy Cormier at 319-293-3300.
DIETARY
Van Buren County Hospital Dietary Department provides the following services to our guests:
- Consulting Dietician – Provides nutritional counseling by appointment to our outpatients. For an appointment, contact Outreach Scheduling at 319-293-3171, ext. 1159. Our consulting dietician also assists the Diabetic Awareness Group with programs to meet the members' nutritional needs.
- Patient visitors may order guest meal trays for a small fee. To order, speak with a representative of the nursing department or call 1243 no later than 1 hour before the serving time of the desired meal. (Pediatric patients receive one guest tray per meal for a caregiver free of charge!)
- Each of the inpatients at Van Buren County Hospital receives a nutritional assessment by a representative of the nursing department. The needs of the patients are further evaluated by the Dietary Manager. If patients have nutritional needs, they are referred to the Dietician.
- Our consulting registered dietician evaluates all skilled care patients on a weekly basis. Primary care unit residents are screened once a month.
- We pride ourselves in serving each of our guests delicious and nutritional meals; patient meals are prepared according to an approved menu and in accordance with the provider’s orders.
ER (Emergency Room/Trauma Care)
Licensed staff members are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to provide medical screening examinations and treatment for patients with emergency illnesses or injuries. The professional medical team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Van Buren County Hospital’s Health Information Management Department is responsible for maintaining medical records for each patient we treat. The purpose of Health Information Management is to provide a central location for medical records, which document the course of the patient’s illness and treatment during a particular episode as an inpatient or outpatient. The medical record serves as a basis for planning and evaluating patient care and providing a means of communication between the physician and other professionals in contributing to the patient’s care. The contents of the medical records exist in paper format and are in accordance with Iowa State Regulations and Van Buren County Hospital Rules and Regulations. HIPAA, Federal and state laws, determine how personal health information is accessed and used.
You have a right to request copies of your medical record. To obtain copies you are required to complete an authorization form. You may call or write the Health Information areas in the hospital or clinic to obtain the form.
Contact Information
Health Information Management: 319-293-3171
Family Practice Clinic: 319-293-3171
Toll-Free: 800-873-8224
LABORATORY
The Van Buren County Hospital laboratory is directed by pathologists from Collaborative Laboratory Services (CLS), Ottumwa, IA.
The laboratory offers a complete range of routine and specialty testing procedures. Requests for tests that are not performed at Van Buren County Hospital’s laboratory are referred by courier to Collaborative Laboratory Services. Tests not performed at Collaborative Laboratory Services are referred to Mayo Medical Laboratories or to the University Hygienic Laboratories.
Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the source of our hospital’s blood supply. Blood donor drives are held periodically within the community.
LICENSE:
- H.H.S. Clinical Laboratories Improvement Act of 1988 (HCFA)
GENERAL STAFF SERVICES:
- The Van Buren County Hospital Laboratory provides service 365 days a year so that tests are performed and results are returned in a timely manner.
- Staffed: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sundays and Holidays – Call back basis
CUSTOMER AREAS:
- Inpatients
- Emergency Room
- Hospital Outpatients
- Physician Clinic Outpatients
- Wellness Groups
ANALYTICAL DISCIPLINES:
- Serology
- Hematology
- Coagulation
- Urinalysis
- Blood Banking
- Clinical Chemistry
- Microbiology
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Van Buren County Hospital’s Occupational Health Service offers a comprehensive array of programs and services to meet the needs of all business and industry clients. We have our own DOT consortium, and offer drug and alcohol testing. We offer assistance to businesses to manage the high cost of insurance and health care. Other services include pre-employment and annual physicals, respiratory protection, hearing conservation, blood-born pathogen, wellness and prevention. Our staff includes a certified case manager, registered nurses and physicians.
OUTPATIENT SERVICES/SPECIAL PROCEDURES
We offer a wide array of outpatient services including antibiotic therapy, blood transfusions, epidurals, and wound care. Cardiac monitoring services are provided three times each week. We also offer diagnostic and preventive health endoscopy, colonoscopy, or other scope procedures. You may schedule an appointment by contacting your physician or our Outreach Scheduling Department at 319-293-3171, ext. 1159.
PHARMACY
Van Buren County Hospital contracts with Larry D. Lee, Pharmacist, for pharmacy services. Larry assures that the hospital pharmacy is adequately supplied, reviews inpatient admissions orders, and consults with physicians and staff regarding medication administration. Larry is assisted by two RN/Pharmacy Techs in coordinating pharmacy services.
VAN BUREN PARENTS AS TEACHERS
In 2001, Van Buren Parents as Teachers was established to serve all families who live in Van Buren County who are expecting a child or have a child/children newborn through age 5 (or kindergarten entry). Our goal is to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to ensure that their children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school.
Van Buren Parents as Teachers is a free early learning evidence-based program designed to provide guidance and support to families by offering:
- In-home visitation program to educate parents
- Parent/child interactive and educational group meetings
- Support Groups:Young Parent Support Group, Families with children with special needs, and Breastfeeding
- Periodic Developmental screenings
- Free Lead Screenings
- Linkage to community resources
- Well-baby visits by a registered nurse, in-hospital and two in-home visits,and breastfeeding consultation.
- Information on Hawk-i insurance and the application process
- Reach Out and Read literacy program
- Healthy Mental Development Initiative
- Nest educational classes
VBPAT Educators are certified to use the National Parents as Teachers research based "Born to Learn" curriculum. Educators help parents:
- Recognize their child’s ever-changing abilities
- Discover new ways to encourage their child’s learning
- Stay up to date on current research in child development
- Encourage their child’s language, social-emotional and motor development
- Detect developmental delays and health issues
- Increase their child's school readiness and success
Van Buren Parents as Teachers program is an accredited Iowa Family Support Program and a department of Van Buren County Hospital (VBCH) – another way VBCH works for a healthy community.
Interested? 
Call (319) 293-3171 ext. 1277 or
(319) 293-6276, or
(800) 221-6276 toll free
PRIVATE CARE UNIT
The Private Care Unit (PCU) provides an alternative placement for patients no longer requiring acute or skilled care. In a home-like atmosphere, professional nurses provide medications, treatment and general supportive care until the patient is able to return to home or is able to obtain other placement for long-term care.
RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
The radiology department at VBCH offers a variety of imaging services to meet the needs of our patients and community. The department is staffed to provide 24 hour coverage, 365 days a year. We work closely with your physician to complete and provide interpretations of diagnostic exams to your physician.
The radiology staff is composed of highly trained and qualified licensed radiographers. All technologists are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
A board certified radiologist works with VBCH to provide all results to your physician and to perform procedures.
The diagnostic imaging services we provide include:
- General Radiography and Fluoroscopy
- Screening and Diagnostic Mammograms
- CAT Scans
- Ultrasound (including Echo cardiology and Stress Echo)
- MRI
- Nuclear Medicine
- Stereo tactic breast biopsy
- DEXA (bone density testing)
VBCH radiology also utilizes teleradiology to transmit radiographic images to our contracted radiologist for after hours or emergent exams.
Please call Betsy Caviness at 319-293-3171 ext 1157 for any radiology questions.
To schedule a radiology exam, please call 319-293-3171 ext 159.
REHABILITATION SERVICES
Van Buren County Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department is known throughout southeast Iowa for its excellence in patient care. Services are provided to acute, skilled and long-term care inpatients as well as our outpatients and home-bound patients.
Physical Therapy
Our Physical Therapy Department develops, coordinates and utilizes plans of care for individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury. Physical Therapy focuses primarily on those individuals whose potential or actual impairment is related to neuromusculoskelatal, pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. We evaluate our patients and select the most appropriate plan of care to maintain, improve or restore their health.
We offer exercises for increasing strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion; stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning; instructions in activities of daily living and the use of assistive devices; and the application of physical agents to relieve pain or alter the physiological status.
The physical therapy department is staffed by two physical therapists, two physical therapist assistants and a clerical aide. The department is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps individuals develop skills necessary to maximize their independence. Occupational Therapists work with patients to improve their activities of daily living. These therapists complete home and job-site evaluations, make adaptive equipment recommendations, and give guidance to family members and caregivers.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy provides services to adults and children to facilitate improved communication, swallowing, and cognitive skills such as memory, concentration and problem solving. Speech therapists evaluate a patient’s ability to communicate and function at his/her maximum potential.
SKILLED CARE
Skilled nursing care provides an alternative for patients who are recovering from illnesses or injuries and still need nursing care, but no longer at the acute care level. While these patients generally do not need to see their physicians daily, they do require a higher level of care than is available in many nursing homes or similar facilities. Nurses provide medication and treatment and monitor patients’ conditions. All members of the health care team work closely by participating in weekly multi-disciplinary care conferences to help patients improve their physical, mental and psycho-social well-being. Any patient receiving this level of care must have a physician’s referral and meet predetermined criteria.
SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Social services and discharge planning are initiated at the earliest possible time during a patient’s hospitalization to optimize patient and family outcomes. Patients and family members are provided information on the various levels of care available and the processes involved in transferring from one level of care to another. Referrals are made when appropriate and patients and family members are assisted as needed in finding alternative facilities for placement.
SURGICAL SERVICES
Our surgical staff is available to provide you with information regarding the inpatient and outpatient procedures available at Van Buren County Hospital. Patient teaching is provided before surgery and follow-up services are available after surgery to assure the best possible outcomes. Our surgical staff is available 24/7 for emergency services including C-Sections. Anesthesia services are provided by the Bloomfield Anesthesia Group.
WHAT IS VAN BUREN JOB OPPORTUNITIES?
Van Buren Job Opportunities (VBJO) is an unique employment service designed to enable persons with disabilities to achieve successful employment in the community.
Van Buren Job Opportunities Mission Statement is: Striving to help individuals assess, find, train for, and maintain successful employment in the community of their choice.
Van Buren Job Opportunities job coaches and job developers are certified Employment Training Specialists and Employment Consultant Specialists. VBJO is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for employment planning and community employment services. In September 2011, VBJO was recertified. VBJO received a 3-year accreditation - the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization
All services for people with disabilities are provided in integrated community employment settings. The primary purpose is to provide the client with a job which suits his/her needs and to provide the employer with a valuable, reliable employee. Currently VBJO serves more than thirty clients in Henry, Jefferson, Lee, Van Buren, and Wapello counties. Our office is at the Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm., Monday through Friday.
Employment Services for people with disabilities include: 
♦ Job Enhancement Services – Through this service, our staff teaches clients job seeking skills - including resume development, interviewing techniques, computer skills, career counseling, and customer service skills.
♦ Community Based Assessment – Through the work evaluation service, conducted in community businesses, our staff identifies and assesses each client’s interests, strengths, career goals, and support needs. This assessment determines vocational goals, vocational strengths, job families, off site support needs, and on-the-job support strategies - all needed to achieve meaningful career/employment outcomes.
♦ Supported Employment – A personnel service that matches qualified people to the manpower needs of large and small businesses. VBJO’s supported employment services include job development, job matching, job coaching/training and ongoing support/follow along services.
Supported Employment services are offered 7 days a week, whenever a client works. The frequency of our vocational services depends on the individual support needs of our clients, which may be from 1 hour a month to 36 hours a month.
A good indicator for a successful employment agency is their job retention rate. In 2011, 95% of all VBJO's clients stayed in their job longer than 6 months.
Clients are placed in a wide variety of businesses. In October of each year, businesses are honored for hiring a diverse work force.
To arrange for Job Opportunities services call Janet Phelps at 319-293-6276 or toll free 800-221-6276.