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Lutheran Hospital’s heart transplant and ventricular assist device (VAD) program has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe, quality patient care. Lutheran Hospital underwent a rigorous onsite review during a visit with a team of Joint Commission reviewers who evaluated compliance with VAD program standards spann... ... Read More

Lutheran Health Network is proud to recognize 11 nurses with the DAISY Award for going above and beyond in providing compassionate care. The following excerpts highlight the most recent DAISY Award recipient nominations: Kenda Amstutz, R.N. Bluffton Regional Medical Center From a patient’s nomination: Kenda went above and beyond to provide exceptional care. She copied information to send with me explaining terminology and conditions that applied to my diagnosis. She also gave sound advice, encouragement... ... Read More

A local Lutheran heart specialist wants to remind everyone to practice moderation this season to avoid “holiday heart syndrome,” which can occur in healthy adults without existing heart conditions due to excessive drinking. “Holiday heart syndrome” is actually atrial fibrillation (AFib) brought on by binge drinking and commonly diagnosed around the winter holidays. AFib is an irregular and sometimes rapid heart rhythm that if left untreated can lead to blood clots or strokes. Symptoms of AFib include a ... ... Read More

All Lutheran Health Network hospitals were recognized last week by the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA), in partnership with Governor Eric J. Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, for their commitment to infant and maternal health at the third annual INspire Hospital of Distinction recognition program. INspire, funded by the Indiana Department of Health’s Safety PIN grant, was developed to implement the delivery of best practice care for Hoosier moms and babies and recognize hos... ... Read More

Strokes claim the lives of nearly 160,000 Americans each year. However, they can be prevented up to 80 percent of the time by adopting a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. According to the National Stroke Association, two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical treatment is crucial for increasing the ch... ... Read More

Maple Heights Behavioral Health, a new hospital at 3955 W. Washington Center Rd., held a ribbon-tying ceremony Wednesday to mark its opening and celebrate the joint venture between Acadia Healthcare and an affiliate of Lutheran Health Network. Maple Heights Behavioral Health will offer inpatient mental healthcare for adults and seniors for a range of behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, with plans to add inpatient adolescent and intensive outpatie... ... Read More

The Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne recently began treating the 100th patient with its robotic exoskeleton, which is the only one like it in the region used to help patients with stroke, spinal cord and acquired brain injuries regain mobility. The wearable medical device the hospital acquired in February 2021 helps patients relearn to stand and walk earlier in their rehabilitation process with therapists. Patients are strapped into the suit while motors help drive hip and knee joints. Software con... ... Read More

Schedule appointments, tests & surgeries to maximize health plan benefits before year end “In considering their health care needs, people should also consider the best strategy for using their available health insurance plan benefits,” said Lynn Mergen, CEO at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital. “Take advantage of unused benefits to complete outstanding treatments or recommended tests or procedures before the year ends.” Most health insurance plans have a deductible requirement, or the predetermined amount... ... Read More

Lutheran Hospital has earned recognition as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care in America by Money powered by The Leapfrog Group. To compile its new list of top hospitals in the country for maternity care, Money – in partnership with the Leapfrog Group – used maternity care data submitted via the 2022 Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which participants were required to submit by Aug. 31. The 259 hospitals that made the cut are a combination of hospitals providing care for uncomplicated pregnancies as... ... Read More

Dupont Hospital is the first in the region to offer spine surgery using the system A new, innovative augmented reality guidance system at Dupont Hospital will allow surgeons providing minimally invasive spine surgeries to “see through” a patient’s anatomy like they have X-ray vision. The device is the first augmented reality guidance system to be used in surgery and is currently approved for use in open and minimally invasive spine implant procedures. Similar to a real-time global positioning system, th... ... Read More