The Huron Regional Medical Center has invested in new fluoroscopy equipment. Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses x-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of an object. The equipment allows a physician to see the internal structure and function of a patient. Think of fluoroscopy as live-action video X-Ray that allows the physician to view the cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive, respiratory, skeletal and urinary systems in real time. The new state-of-the-art unit from GE, which replaces a machine which was more than 20 years old, is one of only a couple dozen in hospitals in the country.
"Physicians typically order a fluoroscopy to diagnose gastrointestinal issues like reflux or heart burn or to perform a swallow test after a stroke," explains Eric Wangsness, medical technologist for HRMC. "Fluoroscopy can also help diagnose vascular concerns, breathing issues or urinary problems." The upgraded fluoroscopy unit is important in HRMC’s overarching goal of providing quality diagnostic and interventional health care close to home.
Huron Regional Medical Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides a range of services through a 25-bed critical access hospital and a range of outpatient health and wellness services. Huron Regional Medical Center is in eastern South Dakota in the community of Huron which is nestled along the James River. The community of Huron has a population of 12,600 residents.
The Huron Regional Medical Center partnered with Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., who provided $300,000 in revolving loan funds received through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Economic Development’s Grant program to assist with the purchase of the fluoroscopy equipment. This equipment will be beneficial for both diagnosis and therapy of patients. The funding was leveraged with an applicant contribution of $125,871 for a total project cost of $425,871.
A check was presented to Huron Regional Medical Center’s Chief Financial Officer Marcia Zwanziger and Medical Technician Eric Wangsness by Dakota Energy’s CEO/General Manager Chad Felderman and Manger of HR/Communications Jodene Decker.
"Dakota Energy is pleased to support Huron Regional Medical Center in maintaining local accessibility to high-tech diagnostic services provided by utilizing the fluoroscopy equipment. We’re proud to assist in supporting the health and wellbeing of our community," said Chad Felderman, CEO/General Manager.