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ClickClinic is a telehealth platform that brings fast, affordable, and high-quality medical care right to your fingertips. No more waiting rooms, no more scheduling hassles—just pure, uncomplicated healthcare. Features That Set Us Apart Local Clinician-Reviewed Care Plans: Our local OMC clinicians review and approve all care plans, ensuring you get the best treatment possible. Affordable Pricing: For just $45, you can get a comprehensive care plan. Plus, we're offering a special $30 first-time visit with the code WELCOME30. Speedy Service: Get diagnosed and receive a care plan in under an hour if you reach out during our business hours (8 am-8 pm). Convenience: Access ClickClinic from anywhere—your home, office, or even while traveling. All you need is an internet connection. Join the Revolution We invite you to experience the future of healthcare with ClickClinic. With our commitment to providing big-city healthcare services with small-town hospitality, we believe ClickClinic is a game-changer for the St. Croix Valley. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here's to healthier, happier lives for all!

Come celebrate the simple joy of play at our all-inclusive playground on Tuesday August 15th, 2023 from 9 - 11 AM, designed for children of all abilities, ages 0-8. Enjoy the playground's delights, engage in games and activities, and savor a yummy snack provided by Crystal Ball Farms. Gather 'round for story hour, courtesy of the Osceola Public Library, and make sure to bring a blanket for comfortable listening. Joining in the fun will be representatives from the OMC primary care clinic, Wild River Fitness, the Osceola School District, Osceola EMTs and Police, Polk County Birth to 3, and the Family Resource Center of the St. Croix Valley. They'll be on hand to share in the excitement and answer any questions you may have. Older children are welcome to attend and play self-guided games at the RCU sport court. Come and discover the community spirit that makes OMC more than just a hospital. See you there! *Raindate: Wednesday August 16th 2023 from 9 - 11AM.

We're proud to begin with a exciting announcement: Osceola Medical Center has achieved a 5-star rating from the CMS. This milestone isn't just about prestige; it's a testament to our unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence. But what exactly does this 5-star accolade entail? Deciphering CMS: CMS, representing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is the central body that sets and monitors the gold standards for hospitals and healthcare providers. Their role ensures institutions like ours constantly deliver top-tier healthcare. The Star System Explained: While not related to Hollywood glitz, the CMS star ratings are paramount in the healthcare realm. A quick guide: ★★★★★ (5 stars): The zenith of healthcare service. The absolute best. ★★★★ (4 stars): Stellar, with slight room for refinement. ★★★ (3 stars): Strong performance, always evolving for betterment. ★★ (2 stars): Indicates certain areas that merit closer attention. ★ (1 star): Opportunities for growth are evident. Behind the Ratings: Earning stars from CMS isn't a cursory affair. Their methodical evaluations consider aspects such as patient outcomes, satisfaction rates, procedural efficiency, and more. It's their mechanism to ensure hospitals stay committed to their community's well-being. Why Our Rating Matters to You: Our 5-star recognition isn't just a feather in our cap. It's an assurance to you, our community, that in Osceola, world-class healthcare is right at your doorstep. It underscores our pledge to elevate our standards, always placing patient care at the forefront. Osceola Medical Center's shining achievement in the CMS ratings isn't just a milestone—it stands as a promise: that we are here, ever-committed to excellence, ever-driven to serve our community better. Here's to a future where we continue to soar together.

Spinal Stenosis Pain Most back pain can be traced back to a problem with a disc in the spine. Disc issues fall into three common conditions: spinal stenosis, disc bulges, and disc herniations. What Is Spinal Stenosis? Our backbone protects the spinal cord and nerves. When we are young, our nerves thread easily through the holes at the connection points between our vertebral joints. Over time, these openings in the bone become smaller and narrower, and can compress the nerves inside, causing pain. In addition, arthritis may affect the nice smooth bone surfaces, thickening them and making the holes even smaller. The hole in the bone may no longer be big enough to handle the nerve structure inside. When bone bumps against or makes contact with the nerves, they can become inflamed, swell, and get thicker. The combination of smaller bone openings and thicker inflamed nerves creates stenosis. Symptoms of spinal stenosis Although spinal stenosis can affect discs anywhere along the spinal column, about 75 percent of spinal stenosis occurs in the low back, or lumbar spine. The symptoms of spinal stenosis are commonly associated with sciatica; they can include lower back pain as well as pain that travels into the legs. People with stenosis may experience frequent falling, clumsiness, and difficulty with walking. Stenosis pain may be described as a sense of numbness, tingling, or hot and cold feelings in the legs. Spinal stenosis treatment options Summit Orthopedics, now partnering with Osceola Medical Center, is home to the area’s top spine specialists for spinal stenosis treatment. Because stenosis can develop slowly over time, patients can experience it even when they don’t have any previous history of back problems or injury. Fortunately, changes in posture, physical therapy, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can often relieve the symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of stenosis, the health care-team at Osceola Medical Center will work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan to address your problems. “When I have patients with a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, there’s one question I hear a lot,” says Andrew Clary, DO, orthopedic anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist. “People want to know if they can expect the pain to go away without surgery. It’s understandable. The idea of surgery can be scary. But the answer isn’t a ‘yes’ or ‘no’—it’s a conversation.” “At Osceola Medical Center and Summit, we always begin with conservative treatments for spinal stenosis pain when appropriate,” explains Dr. Clary. “There are several nonsurgical treatments for a diagnosis of pain related to spinal stenosis. These include medications, therapy, or injections. Unfortunately, not everyone responds the same way to pain treatments. If conservative therapies don’t relieve pain, then I have a conversation about other alternatives. When I refer my patients to a spine surgeon, it’s because I think they might benefit from treatment that I don’t offer. Start your journey to a healthy spine: Learn more about out Spine Specialist, Dr. Clary below or call us at 715-294-2111 to schedule a spine consultation.

Eating right and focusing on good nutrition during pregnancy is a top priority, says OMC Registered Dietitian Andrea Petersen. Good nutrition habits will help ensure a healthy baby and mom. And hopefully, these traits will continue with us even after the baby is born. Suggested guidelines for good nutrition during pregnancy Eat a variety of foods (grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, protein). Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid every day. Eat foods containing iron (meat, poultry, seafood, iron-fortified cereals, dried beans, spinach, apricots, prunes, raisins). Eat foods rich in vitamin C (oranges, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes) at the same time as foods with iron to increase their absorption into your body. Get plenty of calcium (milk, yogurt, low-fat cheeses, calcium-fortified orange juice or a calcium supplement). Take iron and calcium supplements at different times of day to ensure their absorption. Drink lots of water. And if you don’t like some foods, “that’s okay. You just need to find alternatives” Petersen says. “There are many vegetables out there, and plenty of other protein sources other than meat, such as dried beans, tofu, peanut butter and eggs. The prenatal vitamin that you take will help make up for some of the nutrients you may miss if you are a ‘picky’ eater,” she says, “but it will not make up for the calories and protein that you may be missing.” Foods to avoid Seafood with high mercury levels, such as shark, swordfish, tilefish, and King mackerel should be avoided. Choices that are lower in mercury includes salmon, flounder, tilapia, trout, pollock, and catfish, according to the USDA. Click here to learn about making wise food choices while pregnant. Don't eat seafood that may contain harmful bacteria, viruses or pollutants, such as raw fish, shellfish (especially oysters and clams), smoked seafood and any fish caught in polluted water. Don't eat undercooked meat, such as hamburger (hot dogs and deli meats should only be consumed if cooked until they are steaming hot). Avoid unpasteurized milk or cheese. Limit yourself to no more than 300mg/day of caffeine (about two cups of coffee). Avoid herbal tea since there is not enough research on the effects of herbs to developing babies. Don't consume alcohol. In addition to good nutrition, you should get enough rest, minimize stress and exercise, Petersen says. “Discuss your nutrition and exercise plans with your healthcare provider,” she adds.

The first in the area, OMC’s Milk Depot is now accepting milk donations from approved mothers. Pasteurized donor human milk is an important nutritional therapy for many at-risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies as it provides numerous benefits in the absence of the mother’s milk, including infection-fighting factors, active growth and development hormones, improved digestion, and ideal nutrition, according to Kayli Schounard, DI manager. While OMC supports breastfeeding whenever possible, donor milk can be used when the mother has a low milk supply, is ill, is on certain medications or is involved in adoption or surrogacy. Kayli, who also is OMC’s lactation counselor, was excited about this program and knew that it would be a great fit. “OMC is committed to giving all newborns a healthy start, and we knew just how impactful this program would be to our youngest patients.” Kayli was awarded two grants for this program. One was from the Mother’s Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes to purchase the freezer necessary to become a depot, and the other from Osceola Community Health Foundation to provide funds for the first year’s worth of human milk. The Milk Depot at OMC will collect human milk donations from healthy, lactating women who are approved through Mothers’ Milk Bank. The donations will be sent to the organization for pasteurization to eliminate any viruses and bacteria. After pasteurization, the milk is tested once again for safety before being distributed to hospitals. “Rigorous safety protocols ensure that pasteurized donor human milk is safe when it’s provided from a milk bank that adheres to guidelines from the Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Potential donors are blood tested and thoroughly screened for communicable diseases, activities that increase the risk of blood borne diseases, and the use of tobacco, alcohol and medications,” said Summer Kelly, Executive Director of the Mothers’ Milk Bank. “Milk collected from OMC’s milk depot will help support the complex nutritional needs of sick and premature babies in Illinois and Wisconsin.” OMC has implemented the use of human milk when supplementation is warranted, and has become a depot so the members of our community have a local place to donate their own milk. The closest depot to OMC currently is Cambridge or St. Paul. “Breastmilk contains numerous health benefits to our youngest patients” explained Erika Helgerson, DO, family medicine provider at OMC. “It contains antibodies that help prevent serious infections, protects against diseases and also helps promote neurological development. We are proud to offer this service to moms and babies in our community.”

A common question Twin Cities Orthopedic Specialist and Osceola Medical Center Orthopedic Medical Direction Steven Meisterling, MD, hears is 'can I improve my joint health?' In this video, Dr. Meisterling explains if you can improve joint health or if you should instead focus on preserving your joint health. Video Highlights Dr. Meisterling explains in this 3-minute video that with joint health there are certain things in your control and others that aren't. Here are the highlights from this video: Maintain a health body weight Maintain your strength and flexibility Control other chronic conditions (ex: diabetes) Don't smoke Supplements may help reduce joint pain OMC works closely with orthopedic and sports medicine providers from Twin Cities Orthopedics, which has earned a reputation for excellence that has placed them in the top 5% in the nation. The expertise of our orthopedic specialists includes the treatment of sports injuries, bone fractures, joint replacements, arthroscopy and other orthopedic problems. Our specialists are also highly skilled in a variety of distinctive sub-specialties, such as minimally invasive surgery, hand care and carpal tunnel surgery, and foot and ankle treatments.

Oftentimes we get asked by patients, 'what can I do to prepare for a joint replacement and what should I expect after surgery in term of rehabilitation.' Robert Seiberlich, Osceola Medical Center's rehab manager, explains why rehab is important before and after a joint replacement surgery. OMC works closely with orthopedic and sports medicine providers from Twin Cities Orthopedics, which has earned a reputation for excellence that has placed them in the top 5% in the nation. The expertise of our orthopedic specialists includes the treatment of sports injuries, bone fractures, joint replacements, arthroscopy and other orthopedic problems. Our specialists are also highly skilled in a variety of distinctive sub-specialties, such as minimally invasive surgery, hand care and carpal tunnel surgery, and foot and ankle treatments.

Oftentimes we get asked by patients, 'can exercise ease arthritis pain.' Robert Seiberlich, Osceola Medical Center's rehab manager, explains why exercise is important, how to get started with an exercise routine and when you should discuss arthritis pain with your health-care provider. OMC works closely with orthopedic and sports medicine providers from Twin Cities Orthopedics, which has earned a reputation for excellence that has placed them in the top 5% in the nation. The expertise of our orthopedic specialists includes the treatment of sports injuries, bone fractures, joint replacements, arthroscopy and other orthopedic problems. Our specialists are also highly skilled in a variety of distinctive sub-specialties, such as minimally invasive surgery, hand care and carpal tunnel surgery, and foot and ankle treatments.

A common question our experts frequently get asked is "is hot or cold therapy better for aching joints?' This week, Robert Seiberlich, Osceola Medical Center's rehab manager, explains when you should use hot or cold therapy, as well as when you should discuss your achy joints with your health-care provider. OMC works closely with orthopedic and sports medicine providers from Twin Cities Orthopedics, which has earned a reputation for excellence that has placed them in the top 5% in the nation. The expertise of our orthopedic specialists includes the treatment of sports injuries, bone fractures, joint replacements, arthroscopy and other orthopedic problems. Our specialists are also highly skilled in a variety of distinctive sub-specialties, such as minimally invasive surgery, hand care and carpal tunnel surgery, and foot and ankle treatments.

Oftentimes we get asked by patients, 'why do joints pop and crack.' This week, Robert Seiberlich, Osceola Medical Center's rehab manager, explains three reasons why you would experience these noises and when you should discuss it with your health-care provider. OMC works closely with orthopedic and sports medicine providers from Twin Cities Orthopedics, which has earned a reputation for excellence that has placed them in the top 5% in the nation. The expertise of our orthopedic specialists includes the treatment of sports injuries, bone fractures, joint replacements, arthroscopy and other orthopedic problems. Our specialists are also highly skilled in a variety of distinctive sub-specialties, such as minimally invasive surgery, hand care and carpal tunnel surgery, and foot and ankle treatments.

As the weather changes, you might be experiencing more leg pain while moving outdoors. What’s causing this, you might be asking yourself? While the research is still out on the exact cause, many believe that during cold months the body tries to conserve heat by sending more blood to organs in your body’s midsection, such as your heart, lungs and digestive organs. As a result, your body sends less blood to your legs, knees, and other joints. This can cause joint and blood vessels to restrict which makes legs and knees colder and stiffer. Pain and discomfort are the result. In addition, pain can increase significantly during activity or when putting pressure joints while running. If you are only experiencing leg pain while exercising and moving in the cold, you have many options to avoid leg pain by keeping your whole body warm while moving outside. If you continue to experience pain despite stretching and keeping your entire body warm, you may benefit from further discussion with an orthopedics expert. Contact an OMC Nurse Navigator today to discuss your joint pain and schedule a consult today.