What’s Going On at Star Valley Health?
“I hope you enjoy this annual report! You’ll notice we’re expanding our services so that you won’t have to leave western Wyoming for your healthcare. Since 2021 we’ve added 29 new providers to our medical team, and our staff has grown 22% to 534 employees. These jobs contribute significantly to our community with $57 million in payroll last year. Our people are our most important asset!”
— Dan Ordyna, CEO
Did you know that Star Valley Health receives between 8,000 and 10,000 phone calls each month?
After reviewing our current process we’ve decided to hire the people and invest in the technology to create a local call center to better serve you. We want to make sure your calls are answered quickly and you talk to the right people every time.
Expanding our Services
We’re continually growing our team to bring high-quality healthcare to western Wyoming communities. Meet some of the new providers who have recently joined our team or will be joining in 2024.
Visit StarValleyHealth.org for details.
Invested in Community
Beyond our hospitals and clinics, Star Valley Health employs athletic trainers and sports physical therapists at several schools:
- Jackie Clark at Evanston High School
- Marilyn Dayton at Cokeville High School
- Darren Fiscus at Lyman and Mountain View High Schools
- Kelli Hansen at Star Valley High School
Our team members assist student athletes through preventive education, a supportive presence at games, and rehabilitation when injuries occur.
Jason Hansen, Athletic Director at Lyman High School, says: “It’s very comforting to our coaching staff to have someone who knows how to treat athletic injuries, give advice on treatment, and clear kids to play after suffering an injury.”
Here for You in an Emergency
We provide 24/7 EMS (Emergency Medical Services) coverage throughout western Wyoming and eastern Idaho, and our team is continually striving for excellence.
“SVEMS brings lifesaving medications, equipment, and techniques to you,” says Bud Clark, director of EMS. “We’re a direct extension of the emergency department at Star Valley Health.”
While 100% of the Star Valley Health tax levy helps fund our EMS, it does not fully cover the cost of operations. We subsidize the remaining cost.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Addition of ENT and Audiology
We’re expanding our specialized care in western Wyoming. Over the last year, we welcomed Dr. Brian Affleck, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, and audiologist Dr. Zack Hale.
Dr. Affleck treats patients of all ages with no referral needed, including ENT conditions and surgical services. He is specially trained to perform Inspire surgery to implant a medical device to treat sleep apnea.
Dr. Hale focuses on hearing related diagnostics and the fitting of hearing aids and assisted listening devices. He is fluent in Spanish, and we can also arrange for an ASL translator to be present at appointments.
To make an appointment, call 307-885-5042.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Alpine Cath Lab, Surgery, and ER
We’re expanding to add a cardiac catheterization lab, two operating rooms, and an emergency department at our Alpine location. This dynamic space will provide an array of care, including ER support, outpatient surgeries, and cardiology services.
“We’ve planned a multifunctional space, and we’re excited to provide these services to the people of Alpine and surrounding areas.” says Mike Hunsaker, senior vice president of business development. “It’s part of our mission to provide more healthcare access to these communities. This is just one piece of us being able to make good on those promises.”
Along with grants, our growth is supported by the generous giving of the community. We’re currently nearing $500,000 of our $2.5 million goal for the Alpine expansion. To schedule a tour of our Alpine facility or learn more about contributing, contact Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark Taylor at 307-885-5950.
Imaging in Evanston
Elevation Medical Imaging in Evanston is now the Star Valley Health Imaging Center.
The center provides X-ray, CT, and MRI services for adults and children in a comfortable, professional setting. Results are available within 24 hours. In spring of 2024 we will begin providing ultrasound services as well.
Whether you’re overcoming an injury or navigating a serious illness, we’re dedicated to providing local, timely radiology care.
To make an appointment, call 307-444-4215.
Devoted to Women’s Health
Obstetrics, gynecology, and family medicine support women’s health in Afton and Alpine.
Dr. Brown, Dr. Haderlie, Dr. Howser, and Dr. Morgan are committed to supporting families in our community with excellent obstetrics care: prenatal services, family medicine, and labor and delivery. Combined, our doctors have more than 90 years experience and have delivered more than 10,000 babies!
Dr. Donald Howser is a board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience. His offerings include well-woman exams, infertility treatment, menopausal care, and treatment for an array of conditions, from endometriosis to urinary incontinence.
Along with our mammography, obstetrics, and family medicine services, we’re ready to support the women in our community at every age and stage of life.
To make an appointment, call 307-885-5852.
“Growth always brings challenges. Last year, as we implemented new systems to manage significant growth and prepare for the future, we experienced our share of challenges. Through it all, we are grateful for our outstanding providers, nurses, and staff who work hard to bring you the best care possible.”
— Dr. Andrew Orton, Chair, Board Of Trustees
Care Center Receives 5-Star Rating
We’re committed to supporting our residents with secure and engaging long-term care, close to home – and we’re proud to announce that the Star Valley Care Center has received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
This top tier rating from CMS is designated to nursing homes based on health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. “We like to call it a home because we want it to become a home for our residents,” says Tori Probst, chief nursing officer and nursing home administrator. “The Care Center helps ensure our residents are receiving the living environment and companionship that they need, to help them have the quality of life that they want.”
We launched our MyChart patient portal last year, and 3,924 patients have already downloaded the app. Through MyChart, you can manage your healthcare right from your phone or device. MyChart makes it easy to manage appointments, send messages to your care team, submit prescription refill requests, and review your lab results.
Here’s what our patients are saying about MyChart!
“I needed to cancel a recent appointment. I just logged into MyChart and canceled it. Then I received a notification letting me know the appointment was canceled. Fast and easy.”
“When I had some recent lab work done, I was surprised at how quickly the results were ready. They were available to view the same day! I’m excited to explore and use the other features of MyChart.”
Meeting the Needs of Our Community
We’ve partnered with the healthcare consulting firm PRC, Inc. to create a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) for Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton, and Uinta counties.
Insights were sourced from local health and community leaders as well as national health databases. The CHNA is a critical resource for our team and patients, providing data on patient demographics, access to providers and insurance, and conditions like cancer, lung disease, and diabetes.
You can read the full 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment on our website, StarValleyHealth.org.
Top 100 Critical Access Hospital
We’re proud to be named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Star Valley Health was evaluated across a number of criteria, including risk management, quality of care, cost, and patient outcomes.
“During an era of profound uncertainty for rural healthcare, the Top 100 rural hospitals continue to provide a unique lens through which we can identify innovation and inspiration for how to deliver high-quality care to increasingly vulnerable populations.”
MICHAEL TOPCHIK CHARTIS CENTER FOR RURAL HEALTH NATIONAL LEADER
