We partner with Hearing Associates for the following services:

• In-depth, diagnostic hearing testing and evaluations
• Hearing device services including fitting, maintenance, and repair
• Variety of hearing aid and noise protection products
• Earwax removal service
• Aural rehabilitation
• Ongoing consultation

Mitchell County Regional Health Center provides a variety of cardiac diagnostic services and testing for patients of all ages. All services require an order from your physician. We have three specialists from the Mason City Clinic who practice in our Osage location: Dr. Tarec K. Elajami, Dr. Radu Hagau, and Dr. Byron T. Beasley. To request an appointment, please contact the Mason City Clinic and request an appointment in Osage.  The number is 641-494-5200.

• Electrocardiograms (EKG)
• Cardiac Stress Testing
• Stress Echocardiograms
• Echocardiograms/Bubble Studies
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Vascular Studies
• 24 and 48-hour Holter Monitoring
• Cardiac Event Monitoring
• Cardiolite Nuclear Stress Testing

MCRHC offers skin cancer screenings and minor lesion removal.

For an ENT physician, the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and the sinuses are in the scope of treatment areas. ENT specialists diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Allergy Management
• Ear Infections Acute and Chronic
• Ear Tubes
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Hearing Loss Surgery
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Sinusitis
• Sinus and Nasal Surgery
• Snoring
• Skin Cancer Removal
• Thyroid Surgery
• Tonsils and Adenoids

Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body’s musculoskeletal system. This complex system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves allows you to move, work and be active.

We provide the following orthopedic services:

• For the knee, including total knee joint replacement
• For the hand and wrist, including carpal tunnel release
• For the shoulder, including shoulder arthroscopy
• For the hip, including hip replacement

Cataract surgery is an operation to remove your eye’s lens when it is cloudy.

The purpose of your lens is to bend (refract) light rays that come into the eye to help you see. Your own lens should be clear, but with a cataract it is cloudy. Having a cataract can be like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things may look blurry, hazy, or less colorful.

The only way to remove a cataract is with surgery. Your ophthalmologist will recommend removing a cataract when it keeps you from doing things you want or need to do.

During cataract surgery, your cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. That lens is called an intraocular lens (IOL). Your ophthalmologist will talk with you about IOLs and how they work.

We diagnose and treat a wide variety of urologic conditions, including:

• Kidney Stones
• Overactive Bladder
• Low Testosterone
• Elevated PSA
• Prostate, Bladder and Renal Cancers
• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

The Pain Clinic provides services twice a month with minor surgical procedures in the Surgery Department.

Jenna Visser is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Through therapy, she addresses patients social and emotional needs. Her appointments are virtual and confidential. You do not need a physician referral to receive therapy. Reach out to her by calling MCRHC at 641-732-6100 to get started.

Conditions Treated

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• School-Related Behaviors
• Substance Abuse
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• PTSD

Aging brings many joys – more time with family and freedom in retirement – but our older years can also bring difficult life transitions including the loss of loved ones and stress from age-related health concerns.

Mitchell County’s Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed to meet the unique needs of adults typically 65 years of age and older struggling with symptoms of depression and anxiety often related to aging.

Visit our Senior Life Solutions page for more information.

Abuse can happen to anyone of any age, race, social status, gender, class religion, occupation, education or sexual orientation. MCRHC’s Assault Response Team (A.R.T.) was formed in 2021 by a group of like-minded individuals who want to make a difference for victims of assault, abuse and human trafficking. We work with crisis intervention services and, if needed, law enforcement, to provide optimal care.

Our forensic nurses are trained specifically to care for assault victims, maintaining compassion and confidentiality.

You can reach the A.R.T. team directly by calling 641-732-6096 or by email at MCRHC.ART@mercyhealth.com. If you or anyone you know has been assaulted and needs help, please report to the MCRHC Emergency Room in Osage and request a forensic nurse. Exams may be free of charge through the Crime Victim Compensation Program in Iowa.

Many of the surgeries performed at MCRHC are minimally invasive and can be taken care of in our surgery center in Osage. You can stay close to family or recover in a comfortable setting.

Procedures performed:

• Endoscopy- Colonoscopy and EGD
• Hernia repair, hemorrhoidectomy, skin lesion and cyst removal
  Carpal Tunnel
• Laparoscopic procedures using minimally invasive techniques for gallbladder, appendix, hernia, and colon.

Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body’s musculoskeletal system. This complex system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments tendons muscles and nerves allows you to move, work and be active.

MCRHC’s orthopedic team performs surgery of the shoulders, hands, knees and hips.

Procedures performed:

• Total joint replacements- hip, knee, and shoulder
• Knee/shoulder arthroscopy
• Carpal tunnel, trigger fingers, Cubital tunnel release
• Extremity related pain/injury

Cataract surgery removes the lens of your eye and, in most cases, replaces it with an artificial lens. A cataract causes the natural lens to become cloudy, which eventually affects your vision. If you have cataracts in both eyes, the procedures for each eye are typically done separately.

For an ENT physician, the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and the sinuses are in the scope of treatment areas.

Procedures performed:

• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy (tonsils)
• Myringotomy with Tube Insertion (ear tubes)
• Wide local Excision

A urologist is a medical doctor specializing in conditions that affect the urinary tract in men, women and children, and diseases that affect the reproductive system.

Procedures Performed:

• Cystoscopy
• Prostate Procedures

A podiatrist treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg.

Procedures performed:

• Bunionectomy
• Hammer Toe Correction
• Bone Spurs

A pain management specialist is a physician with special training in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of all different types of pain.

Procedures Performed:

• Epidural injections
• Nerve, root, and medial branch blocks
• Facet joint injections
• Radiofrequency ablations

Anesthesia is provided on a daily basis by one CRNA per case in need of inpatient and outpatient cases. Additional relationships with contracted services and other local area CRNAs are utilized as needed.

Physical Exams

An annual physical exam is a yearly visit to your provider to ensure your overall health is okay and you don’t have any medical problems you are unaware of. It’s a great opportunity to touch base with your provider, address health issues and talk about preventive measures.

At your annual check-up, your doctor will:

• Check your vital signs. Recording your temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate create a baseline for your overall wellness.
• Perform a physical exam. Visual inspection of your eyes, ears, and throat will help your doctor spot any potential issues. Lightly touching areas like your abdomen and back will accomplish this as well.
• Update your vaccines. Depending on your age, you may need a new vaccine or a booster shot.
• Ensure you get screenings you need. Are you due for a blood test, colonoscopy or bone density screening? Your physician will let you know and can coordinate tests.
• Discuss new prevention and treatment recommendations. How you maintain your health changes over time. A yearly physical brings your care up-to-date.
• Provide guidance on reducing your risk for disease. Your doctor can provide information and motivation to stop smoking, lose unhealthy pounds, or manage risk factors like high blood pressure.
• Manage your medications. Your doctor will make sure your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements don’t interact with each other. They can also help you manage potential side effects.

Is my physical covered by insurance?

It depends on your insurance. Many insurance plans consider an annual physical a covered service, but how much you will pay out of pocket depends on your plan.

Beat the back-to-school rush and schedule your child’s sports physical today!  ImPACT/Concussion Baseline testing is also available.

Call your clinic of choice today for an appointment.

Download or print the Student-Athlete Forms Packet

Even healthy children need to visit their provider on a regular basis.

The benefits of well-child visits:

• Prevention. Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.
• Tracking growth and development. See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child’s development. You can discuss your child’s milestones, social behaviors and learning.
• Raising concerns. Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child’s pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.

Insurance often covers well-child visits, but it’s best to check directly with your insurance company to understand if the visit will be covered.

X-rays use small amounts of radiation to produce images of tissues, bones, and organs for diagnostic purposes. Your small tissues allow most of the X-ray to pass though, while a bone or tumor are classified as more dense tissues, which does not allow X-rays to pass though. Physicians can view a tumor or broken bone with the press of a button. The amount of radiation is minimal and very safe. This procedure takes 5-30 minutes.

*If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam*

Before your procedure you may be asked to change into a gown or remove any metal you may be wearing.

Computed Tomography, called CT or CAT scanning is a system that produces cross-sectional pictures of the body. In order to produce the images, you will be asked to lie on a table. This table moves into the donut-shaped hole in the center of the CT machine. The CT scanner then produces the images and sends them to a computer.

For many exams a colorless liquid called an iodine contrast is used to help highlight organs in the body. The iodine contrast is injected into a vein, usually in the arm. During the injection, many patients feel a warm/flushed sensation from the contrast. This procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes.

*If you have any known allergies to iodine contrast, please inform your physician or technologist prior to your exam*
*If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam*

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses low-dose radiation to make x-ray pictures of the internal breast tissue. Normally, two images of each breast will be taken. If you have breast implants, you can still have a mammogram, but four films of each breast will most likely be required. When the mammogram is completed you will be asked to wait until the technologist examines the images to determine if more are needed.

With 3D mammography, images of the breast are taken from multiple angles which help the radiologist see breast cancers earlier and provide better views through dense breast tissue. Clearer images also reduce the chance that a woman will be unnecessarily called back for a repeat test – something that can cause great anxiety.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

During a mammogram a technologist will guide you to position your breasts for the exam. The breast is placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle.

Breast compression is necessary in order to:

• Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be seen;
• Spread out the tissue so that overlying breast tissue won’t block out small defects;
• Hold the breast still in order to eliminate blurring of the picture caused by motion.
• This procedure will take 30-40 minutes

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A MAMMOGRAM?

Please do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam because this may appear on the mammogram film as calcium spots. Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the x-ray technologist performing the exam.

WHO INTERPRETS THE RESULTS OF A MAMMOGRAM AND HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?

Every mammogram performed at MCRHC is read and interpreted by the Radiologists of North Iowa, located in Mason City.  This group of professionals reads and interprets mammogram images remotely most of the week, and rotates their time on site at MCRHC twice each week.  The Radiologists of North Iowa also read and interpret mammograms for Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa as well as the majority of Mercy Health Network Critical Access Hospitals across North Iowa.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS VS. RISKS OF MAMMOGRAPHY?

BENEFITS

Imaging of the breast allows detection of small tumors. When cancers are small, the woman has more treatment options.

The use of screening mammography increases the detection of small abnormal tissue growths confined to the milk ducts in the breast, called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). These early tumors rarely harm patients if they are removed at this stage and mammography is an excellent way to detect these tumors. It is also useful for detecting all types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal and invasive lobular cancer.

No radiation remains in a patient’s body after an x-ray examination.

X-rays usually have no side effects in the typical diagnostic range for this exam.

Large population studies have shown that screening with breast tomosynthesis results in improved breast cancer detection rates and fewer “call-backs,” instances where women are called back from screening for additional testing because of a potentially abnormal finding.

Breast mammography (tomosynthesis) may also result in:

• earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden on a conventional mammogram
• greater accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities
• fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests
• greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors
• clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue

RISKS

There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation. However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

The effective radiation dose for this procedure varies.

False Positive Mammograms. Five percent to 15 percent of screening mammograms require more testing such as additional mammograms or ultrasound. Most of these tests turn out to be normal. If there is an abnormal finding, a follow-up or biopsy may have to be performed. Most biopsies confirm that no cancer is present. The likelihood of false positive findings and negative biopsies is reduced when tomosynthesis imaging is used for screening and diagnostic mammographic examinations.

Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER 3D TOMOSYNTHESIS?

Many insurance companies are providing coverage for 3D digital mammograms; however, you should contact your individual insurance carrier to obtain information on what services are covered by your individual policy.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SCREENING MAMMOGRAM AND A DIAGNOSTIC MAMMOGRAM?

A screening mammogram is considered a mammogram performed on a woman without any breast problems.  A diagnostic mammogram is defined as a mammogram that has been ordered because you or your doctor notices a breast problem.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structures or organs inside the body. This test is performed by using a transducer (ultrasound wand) over the area of interest. An Ultrasound involves no radiation and is painless. This procedure takes 30-60 minutes.

Nuclear medicine uses a special camera to detect the concentration of very small amounts of radioactive materials injected into the blood or taken by mouth. This material is absorbed by different tissues and shows the functions and characteristics of the tissue or organ being studied. The dose of radiation is very low and decreases quickly. In fact, after 48 hours there will be no measurable radiation in your body.

What can Nuclear Medicine be used for?

• Analyze kidney function
• Image blood flow and function of the heart
• Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
• Identify blockage of the gallbladder
• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor
• Determine the presence or spread of cancer
• Identify bleeding into the bowel
• Locate the presence of infection

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a system that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create clear images of structures inside the body. MRI is most often used to image the brain, spine, chest, vascular system and musculoskeletal system, including the knee and shoulder. This procedure takes 40-60 minutes.

Fluoroscopy is a term that basically means “live” x-ray pictures. Think of Fluoroscopy as the Radiologist using an x-ray video camera to look at your insides. This is generally done to diagnose problems in digestive organs, such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. Because the organs alone cannot be seen with x-ray, the technologist will give the patient barium solution so the Radiologist can see the area better.

What can Fluoroscopy be used for?

• Barium Enema
• Esophagram
• Small Bowel Follow Through
• UGI (Upper Gastro-Intestine)

After bones reach peak strength around age 30, they slowly but naturally weaken with age. Through aging alone or combined with other factors, osteoporosis can make bones so fragile they break without warning. For many, a minor fall or misstep causes the first sign of this silent disease—a painful, crippling fracture in the hip, back or wrist. Bone density test can help to calculate your risk of broken bones before injuring yourself.

• COVID-19 testing
• Blood gasses
• Bacteriology
• Serology
• Chemistry
• Therapeutic Drugs
• Hematology
• Coagulation
• Immunology/blood banking
• Urinalysis
• Drug Screens collections (DOT/non-DOT)
• Breath Alcohols
• Histology
• Cytology
• Wellness Laboratory Testing

Today, healthy individuals, as well as patients, want a more active role in managing their health. MCRHC now offers Wellness Laboratory Testing. Laboratory tests can be performed without a physician’s order or insurance involvement. Wellness Laboratory Testing is not meant as a substitute for regular medical care. It is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way for people to receive laboratory test results. If you are interested in wellness testing during a visit with your provider, please let he or she know during the visit.

Wellness Testing Detail 
Testing is available 8:00-4:00 Monday through Friday at MCRHC Laboratory, Riceville Clinic, and St. Ansgar Clinic.

A physician’s order is not required for these tests.

A parent or guardian must accompany anyone under 18 years of age.

The customer (if 18 or older, or parent/legal guardian if the person under 18) consents to take responsibility for the follow up of abnormal results.

Payment must be received at time of service in cash or check; insurance will not be billed. Test results are confidential. A physician will review any critical test results.

The results will be sent directly to you within one week of collecting the specimen. A brief explanation of the test will be sent with your results. You are encouraged to share these results with your health care provider.

For Glucose, Cholesterol, Lipid, and Chemistry Wellness, individuals should be fasting. This means no solid or liquid food for 12 hours and no alcohol 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Water should be taken in normal amounts. Continue your medications as directed by your provider.

Please contact the MCRHC Laboratory with any questions at 641-732-6050.

Inpatients and outpatients are seen for an initial evaluation upon referral from the physician. Treatment and goals are established for each patient based upon the outcome of the evaluation. Our professional speech-language pathologists are trained to determine the cause and develop a personalized treatment strategy to care for patients with communication, cognitive, or swallowing problems.

Speech, language, or swallowing issues we treat:

• Cleft Palate
• Pediatric feeding and swallowing
• Laryngectomy
• Adult swallowing disorders
• Neurologist Disorders (Stroke and Brain injury)
• Orofacial Myology/Tongue Thrust
• Pediatric/Adolescent Articulation and Language
• Adult and Child Voice Disorders

Our occupational therapy experts evaluate and treat those with impairments that limit their activities of daily living. We will work with you to increase your independence by developing or relearning skills relate to your daily routines. You and your family are active participants in the treatment process and are included in establishing goals for your therapy.

Services we offer:

• Upper Extremity strengthening, neuromotor Re-education and coordination
• Activities of Daily Living
• Home Safety Education
• Cognitive Evaluation and treatment
• Perceptual evaluation and training
• Seating/positioning
• Splinting
• Hand rehabilitation
• Adaptive equipment
• Instruction in joint protection
• Instruction in work simplification

The physical therapy department provides service to a wide range of patients, from young children to older adults. Patient services include an evaluation, development of a treatment plan with goals set, patient education, and ongoing assessment to maximize outcomes. Our rehabilitation experts work hand in hand to provide you with the best care close to home.

What are the benefits of Therapy?

• Therapy can help reduce the source of your pain
• Therapy can help improve or restore your ability to move
• Therapy can help reduce or eliminate the need for long-term prescription medication use

Services we offer:

• Balance/Proprioceptive Training
• Community Education
• Electrical Stimulation
• Ergonomics
• Gait training
• ImPACT Concussion testing
• Iontophoresis
• Manual Therapy
• Neuromuscular Re-education
• Patient Education
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
• Running Assessments
• Skilled or Swing bed (during hospital stay)
• Sports injuries
• Sports rehabilitation
• Therapeutic taping
• Traction (back and neck)
• Ultrasound
• Vestibular Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation is an exercise and education program for persons who have experienced a cardiac event. The program is designed to help people with cardiovascular disease feel confident that they can safely exercise and gradually return to their previous or and improved lifestyle. Our cardiac rehab staff will develop a rehab program aimed at improving your overall health and reducing your risk of future heart problems.

Who is eligible for cardiac rehab?

Men and Women of all ages can benefit from cardiac rehab. You are eligible if you have had:

• Heart Attack
• Heart failure
• Bypass surgery/valve surgery
• Balloon procedure
• Stent placement
• Stable angina
• Heart Transplant

What benefits will I receive form cardiac rehabilitation?

• Feel better faster so you can return to previous activities
• Incorporate a regular exercise program into your daily routine
• Increase your strength and endurance
• Reduce risk for future heart problems
• Reduce stress

What happens during my cardiac rehab sessions?

During phase II cardiac rehab a cardiac monitor will be in place during your sessions so that the cardiac rehab nurse can carefully watch your heart rate and any changes in your heart tracing while you are exercising. They will also check your blood pressure frequently during the session to make sure your blood pressure responds appropriately to exercise. The exercise time and intensity begins at a low level and is slowly increased throughout the program as your body becomes more conditioned.

Another important aspect of the phase II program is risk factor reduction through education about risk factors and lifestyle modification. Education sessions are held while you are exercising or after exercise during your cool down period. You are given the option to visit with a dietician during your time in cardiac rehab to better understand a heart healthy diet.
Cardiac Rehab nurses stay in close contact with your physician throughout your phase II program and relay any concerns or problems to them promptly.

During phase III, you are supervised but not monitored on the cardiac monitor. You will have access to the same equipment you used in the phase II program. You are responsible for monitoring your heart rate and recording your exercise each day you attend. The nurse is available to check your blood pressure or initiate further monitoring if problems occur. You should report any problems to the cardiac rehab nurse.