UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown Hospital

Formerly known as X-ray or radiology, this department provides all of the diagnostic imaging for patients including X-ray, mammography, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and bone density testing. Most of these procedures are done on an outpatient basis at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Medical Park. Call (641) 328-7687 schedule an appointment.

If you are hospitalized, a physician may also order additional procedures during your stay. Our certified technologists will explain your procedure, and we encourage you to ask questions at any time. Results of your procedure are read by a board-certified radiologist and reported directly to your personal or attending physician.

Bone densitometry is a non-surgical method of measuring bone density. Bone density (BMD) is a measurement used to estimate bone strength and the likelihood of bones to break (fracture) with simple trauma, so bone densitometry is a non-surgical method that can be used to assess fracture risk. However, it is only part of an overall assessment of fracture risk that your doctor or health care provider can perform.

A standard X-ray is not a good way to assess bone density. There are different techniques for measuring bone density. The currently accepted "gold standard" method is called "Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry" - abbreviated DEXA.

Central Tests
Central DEXA is a non-surgical and painless examination consisting of a very low dose X-ray. Very low doses of X-ray (about 1/30 the radiation of a standard chest X-ray, less than radiation from an airplane trip, equivalent to two hours of direct sunshine) are used to rapidly scan your bones. A computer converts this information to numbers indicating your bone density. This is a high technology test that takes only a few minutes and involves no shots, needles, enemas or medicine. In fact, you don't even have to take off your clothes, provided what you are wearing does not contain any metal objects.

A central DEXA test measures bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and/or hip and/or radius and sometimes the whole body. Central DEXA is generally considered the "gold standard" method of measuring BMD for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effects of osteoporosis therapy.

What should I expect at the time of BMD testing?
This depends on the type of bone density test you are having. However, all are non-surgical and involve a painless examination that does not involve injections or contrast materials. You will likely have to wear a gown and have your height and weight measured. The lumbar spine/hips, along with various other skeletal sites, are usually examined. The time it takes to perform these tests varies depending on a number of factors.

For central DEXA testing, you may be asked to wear a gown. You will need to lie on your back, on a table, in a comfortable position for several minutes. You should remain as still as possible during the procedure. Generally, you can resume your usual activities immediately.

A Radiologist will interpret your test results and send those results to your physician.

Mammograms

When it comes to breast health, early detection is the best prevention. Women should have regular mammograms beginning at age 40, or sooner if recommended by their health care provider. UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown uses 3D mammography to screen for and diagnose breast health issues.

What to Expect During Your Mammogram A mammogram is a X-ray picture of the breast used to detect tumors and cysts and help differentiate benign and malignant diseases. It's an important screening tool in a woman's personal fight against breast cancer. During your mammogram, your breast will be placed on a flat surface by the mammographer. A compression paddle will then be pressed firmly against the breast to flatten out the tissue. It may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. The screening should take about 15 minutes to complete.

Preparing for Your Mammogram In order to prepare for your mammogram, please don't wear any deodorant, powders, ointments or perfumes under the arms or on your breasts. These items may cause issues in the images.

3D Mammography

Screening for Breast Cancer
Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer, and mammography has been the gold standard screening examination for the early detection of it. Since the development of standard mammography, there have been major advances in the technology. Digital 2D mammography was the most recent advancement introduced. Now, DBT or 3D Mammography, has taken this technology to a new level.

The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures, such as blood vessels, milk ducts, fat and ligaments. All these structures, which are located at different levels within the breast, can overlap and cause uncertainty when viewed as a two-dimensional, flat image. The uncertainty of overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed, and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary call-backs.

Once you have a doctor's referral for a mammogram, call us at (641) 754-5076 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about 3D mammography.

Breast Density Guidelines

Effective January 1, 2018, all Iowa facilities that provide mammography service are required by law to notify patients of their breast density. This new regulation was mandated by the Iowa Department of Health.

Following a mammogram, patients will receive a letter sent directly to their homes by the UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown mammography department to inform them of their tissue density.

What is dense breast tissue?
Breasts are made up of lobules, ducts and fatty and fibrous connective tissue.

• Lobules produce milk and are often called glandular tissue
• Ducts are tiny tubes that carry milk from lobules to the nipple
• Fibrous tissue and fat give breasts their size and shape and hold the other tissues in place

Your breasts will be seen as dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue and not much fat in the breasts. Some women have more dense breast tissue than others. For most women, breasts become less dense with age. But in some women, there's little change.

Breast Density Illustration

FAQs

What's the advantage to getting a mammogram?
A mammogram is used to detect breast cancer in the earliest stage when it is most treatable, and mammograms can find breast cancer tumors up to two years before they can be felt during a physical exam.

Why is early detection important?
It saves lives. Most mammograms results are negative (disease-free). Even if a lump is found, eight out of 10 are NOT cancer. When cancer is detected, the survival rate is near 100% for individuals whose tumors are detected and treated early (when they are less than 1 centimeter in size).

Who should get a mammogram?
All women should perform a self-exam every month. Between ages 29-40, you should also have a breast exam by a health care professional every 3 years. Beginning at age 40, the American Cancer Society recommends you get a mammogram and a medical breast exam every year. If you have a family history of breast cancer, please talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get a mammogram.

Why is compression important?
Proper compression makes it easier to identify cancers that would not be seen otherwise. It is vital to get a clear x-ray picture of the entire breast. Compression also reduces the amount of radiation to your breast and the rest of your body.

How will the results be shared?
A radiologist, a physician who specializes in reading x-ray exams, will read your mammogram. Results will be sent to you and your doctor. In most cases, results will be available in 24 to 48 hours.

What is Digital Breast 3D Mammography?
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is a new technology in the fight against breast cancer. It allows doctors to examine a breast tissue one layer at a time. During 3D mammography, multiple low-dose images or "slices" of the breast are taken at different angles. With this new technology, the radiologist can view a mammogram in a way never before possible. As a result, fine details of the breast are more clearly visible and no longer hidden by overlapping tissue.

Am I a candidate for 3D mammography?
Health care providers believe all patients benefit from this new technology. However, the best candidates are those with dense breast tissue and/or a strong family history of breast cancer.

What should I expect from 3D mammography?
3D mammography is very similar to a traditional mammogram. Just as with a traditional digital mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast under a paddle and take images from different angles. Positioning is the same as a standard 2D mammogram. The exposure time will be longer by just a few seconds, depending on the density of your breasts. Although 3D mammography takes a few seconds longer, there is no additional compression.

Do I get more radiation with 3D mammography?
Our state-of-the-art technology results in X-ray exposure that's similar to a standard 2D mammogram. The FDA has found the combination of 3D and standard mammography to be safe and effective for patient use.

Will my insurance cover 3D mammography?
Most insurance companies cover 3D mammography, but please contact your carrier for complete details.

What does the American Cancer Society recommend?
The ACS suggests breast screening mammograms should begin at age 40 and continue annually until age 75. After 75, any recommendation is based on health status.

How do I know if I have dense breasts?
Breast density is seen only on mammograms. Some women think that because their breasts are firm, they are dense. But breast density isn't based on how your breasts feel. It's not related to breast size or firmness.

Radiologists are the doctors who "read" x-rays like mammograms. They check your mammogram for abnormal areas, and also look at breast density.

Breast Density Categories

Radiologists use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, or BI-RADS, to classify breast density into 4 categories. They go from almost all fatty tissue to extremely dense tissue with very little fat.

Breasts are almost all fatty tissue.

There are scattered areas of dense glandular and fibrous tissue.

More of the breast is made of dense glandular and fibrous tissue (described as "heterogeneously dense"). This can make it hard to see small tumors in or around the dense tissue.

Breasts are extremely dense, which makes it hard to see tumors in the tissue. Some mammogram reports sent to women mention breast density. Your health care provider can also tell you if your mammogram shows that you have dense breasts.

In some states, women whose mammograms show heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts must be told that they have dense breasts in the summary of the mammogram report that is sent to patients (sometimes called the lay summary).

The language used is mandated by each law and may say something like this: "Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you so you will be informed when you talk with your doctor. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your primary physician."

Why is breast density important?
Women who have dense breast tissue seem to have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense breast tissue. It's unclear at this time why dense breast tissue is linked to breast cancer risk.

We do know that dense breast tissue makes it harder for radiologists to see cancer. On mammograms, dense breast tissue looks white. Breast masses or tumors also look white, so the dense tissue can hide some tumors. In contrast, fatty tissue looks almost black. On a black background it's easier to see a tumor that looks white. So, mammograms can be less accurate in women with dense breasts.

If I have dense breasts, do I still need mammograms?
Yes. Most breast cancers can be seen on a mammogram even in women who have dense breast tissue, so it's still important to get regular mammograms. Mammograms can help save women's lives.

Even if you have a normal mammogram result (regardless of how dense your breasts are), you should know how your breasts normally look and feel. Anytime there's a change, you should report it to a health care provider right away.

Should I have any other screening tests if I have dense breast tissue?
At this time, experts do not agree what other tests, if any, women with dense breasts should get in addition to mammograms.

Studies have shown that breast ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help find some breast cancers that can't be seen on mammograms. But MRI and ultrasound both show more findings that turn out not to be cancer. This can lead to more tests and unnecessary biopsies. And the cost of ultrasound and MRI may not be covered by insurance.

Talk to your health care provider about whether you should have other tests.

What do I do if I'm worried about my breast density?
Together with your provider, you can determine if additional screening options are appropriate for you. The imaging department at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown can help you take the preventative steps needed to stay healthy. Learn more about our Mammography services today and schedule your 3D Mammogram by contacting (641) 328-7687. Learn more about screenings and early detection related to breast cancer from the American Cancer Society.

We have installed the community's first Open Bore, 1.5 Tesla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system that combines a larger bore, or opening, for obese and claustrophobic patients with the ability to capture high-field quality diagnostic images.

The Siemens Medical Solutions MAGNETOM Espree features a bore opening of nearly 2.3 feet in diameter and almost one foot of free space between a patient's head and the magnet. The Espree also features the shortest 1.5 Tesla magnet available. Approximately four feet long, the magnet allows more than 60 percent of exams to be completed with the patient's head outside the bore, helping to ease claustrophobia.

The new system provides up to four times more signal-to-noise ratio over traditional open MR designs, which is desirable in imaging larger patients. The MAGNETOM Espree provides best patient comfort and high-quality images and diagnostic confidence for all types of patients.

What Can I Expect During An MRI Examination?
A technologist will explain the MRI procedure to you when you arrive. You will be asked to remove and store any objects containing metal so that there is no interference with the magnet. These include coins, watches and other jewelry, hair clips, keys, credit cards, and dentures. Depending on the part of your body to be scanned, you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be asked to lie flat on a padded table. Some patients, but not all, need an injection of contrast as part of the MR examination. When the radiologist decides that contrast is necessary, a pharmaceutical agent, called Gadolinium is administered. The Gadolinium contrast is used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or tissues stand out. This helps highlight the structures to better assess for disease or injury.

If Gadolinium is necessary, a small needle (a butterfly) is inserted into a vein in the arm or hand and removed immediately after the injection. As with any medication, there is a very slight chance of an allergic reaction. Side effects are very uncommon with Gadolinium.

During the exam you may hear a tapping noise. This is normal and is created when some of the parts of the magnet (the gradient coils) are turned on and off very rapidly to measure the MRI signal that comes from the patient's body. The knocking may be loud enough to require ear plugs or head phones. During the examination, you will be able to listen to music through the headphones, and to communicate with the technologist at all times via intercom.

Only the portion of the body that is being imaged must be in the center of the magnet. For example, if the head is being imaged it must be in the magnet. If the knees are being imaged, they must be in the center.

You should try not to move when you are in the magnet, especially while you hear the knocking noise. It is particularly important that you not move the body part being imaged during the study. If you need to stretch a muscle, you may do so in between image acquisition, when the knocking noise has stopped.

You may talk to the technologist, via intercom, at any time during the study. It's best to talk, however, in between the pictures, to minimize any motion.

At our diagnostic imaging center, we offer a wide array of examinations. Depending on the type of exam you receive, the length of the procedure will typically be between 30 to 60 minutes. The technologist will discuss the specifics of your exam, prior to your test.

When Will I Know the Results of My Examination?
A detailed written report of the procedure, findings and results will be sent to your physician within several days. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor.

Nuclear Medicine was developed in the 1950s. It is a branch of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive isotopes to provide information about the functioning of organs and to treat disease. Information gathered by nuclear medicine procedures is more comprehensive than other imaging modalities because it shows function, not just structure, of organs. The heart, bones, thyroid, liver and many other organs can be imaged easily, and problems with their function revealed. Because these procedures generally require very small doses of radioisotopes, the radiation to the patient is often less than or equal to a standard X-ray. Nuclear medicine can be used to:

• Image blood flow and function of the heart
• Determine presence or spread of various types of cancer
• Locate the presence of infection
• Measure thyroid function to detect underactive or overactive thyroid
• Treat overactive thyroid disease (Graves disease)
• Identify problems with gallbladder function
• Evaluate bones for fractures, tumor or infection
• Analyze kidney function
• Pinpoint location of bleeding in the bowel

PET/CT Scan

This hybrid technology combines the strengths of two well-established imaging modalities in one imaging session to more accurately diagnose and evaluate cancers while increasing patient comfort. A PET/CT scan is noninvasive, painless and takes about 30 minutes. Along with providing better imaging data, it notably increases patient comfort and convenience by reducing the number of scanning sessions a patient must undergo. The procedure is covered by private insurance and Medicare in most cases.

The new combined PET/CT machine allows physicians to rapidly perform both scans in one session without having to move the patient. This means physicians can precisely overlay the metabolic data of the PET scan and the detailed anatomic data of the CT scan to pinpoint the location and stage of tumors.

While PET/CT is primarily used in cancer diagnosis and evaluation, it also has applications in cardiology and brain imaging, and it will help our physicians better understand the workings of heart disease and such neurological disorders as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

LightSpeed VCT Scanner

Computed Tomography (otherwise known as CT or "CAT" scanning) combines advanced computers and rotating x-rays to create highly detailed cross sectional computer generated images of body parts and internal organs in order to detect different disease processes. The exam is fast, patient-friendly and has the unique ability to detect and diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions and abnormalities. It is frequently used as the primary diagnostic tool for early detection of tumors, infection, inflammatory conditions, stroke, obstructions, trauma and kidney stones.

FAQs

Why Is CT Performed?
CT can provide detailed cross-sectional images and diagnostic information for nearly every part of the body that cannot be provided by conventional x-ray studies:

• Head: including the brain, eyes, inner ear and sinuses
• Neck: including the throat, larynx, lymph nodes, salivary glands and thyroid gland
• Chest: including the lungs, aorta, heart and mediastinum
• Abdomen: including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts, gallbladder, aorta and bowel
• Pelvis: including the prostate, female reproductive organs, bladder and bowel
• Skeletal system: including the hand, feet, hips and facial bones
• Spine: including the lumbar and cervical spine

What Can I Expect During a CT Examination?
If your examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, you will be asked to arrive two hours prior to your examination to drink oral contrast, which will allow for a better evaluation of the bowel.

Although many examinations do not require intravenous injection of contrast, in some cases it may be required to optimize your study. This will be discussed with you in detail by one of our staff members at the time of your visit.

When it is time for the exam, the patient is positioned by a technologist on the CT table. Once situated, the table moves through a doughnut shaped ring called a gantry. This allows the body part that is being studied to be "scouted" by electronic sensors and then viewed on a monitor. For many types of examinations you will be asked to hold your breath and remain still for a few moments. With our high-speed spiral ("helical") scanner, image acquisition is so rapid, that breath holding is usually 20 seconds or less. Most examinations are completed in 10 to 15 minutes.

Why Are Oral And Intravenous Contrast Used In CT?
Oral contrast is used to image the stomach and intestines. It is a very dilute, flavored barium solution that you drink approximately two hours prior to an examination.

Intravenous contrast is sometimes referred to as "dye." Although colorless, it contains iodine, which makes specific organs, blood vessels, and tissues visible on X-rays for better detection of disease or injury. It is not radioactive. We only use "non-ionic" contrast, which is formulated to minimize any risk of an allergic reaction. The risks and benefits of contrast will be explained to you when you arrive for your examination. Occasionally, mild allergic reactions may occur such as hives, rash or itching. In rare instances a patient may have a more severe allergic reaction, which might include difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or loss of consciousness. Our staff is fully trained and experienced to manage any potential adverse reaction.

Patients will be asked, and should notify our staff, if they have a history of allergy to IV contrast or iodine injections, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, severe heart disease, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease or if they are taking diabetic medication.

What If I Am Claustrophobic?
Because the CT is open at both ends (like a doughnut), most claustrophobic patients have little difficulty with the procedure. If you are severely claustrophobic, you might ask your doctor to consider a mild sedation.

When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?
A Radiologist will review your study before you leave the hospital to determine if the information is complete. Results will be sent to your physician. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Exam?
Patients are encouraged to bring something to read in case there is an unexpected delay or emergency case. It is preferable that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing--like a shirt or blouse. You may be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such as: belt buckles, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures and hairpins.

If your examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, you will be asked to arrive 2 hours prior to your examination to drink oral contrast to better evaluate the bowel.

For the following examinations, do not eat four hours before the test. However, please take your prescription medication, as you normally would, with clear liquids only.

• Chest
• Abdomen and/or Pelvis (Arrive 1-2 Hour(s) Prior to Exam to Drink Oral Contrast)
• Neck/Salivary Glands/Face
• Brain

For the following, no special preparation is needed:

• Sinus Inner Ear/Mastoid/Temporal Bones
• Lumbar Spine
• Skeletal (Bone) Structures
• Cervical Spine

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasounds:

•  are usually a painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions
• can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness
• are a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the:
  • blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches, vessels in the legs, arms or carotid arteries
  • liver
  • gallbladder
  • spleen
  • pancreas
  • kidneys
  • bladder
  • uterus, ovaries and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients
  • heart (also called echocardiographic imaging)
  • thyroid

Ultrasounds are also used to:

• guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to extract sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing
• image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer (see the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy page)
• diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness

What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy.

After you are positioned on the examination table, the radiologist or sonographer will spread some warm gel on your skin and then press the transducer against your body, moving it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured. Ultrasounds are generally painless and quick. If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the procedure.

Ultrasound exams, in which the transducer is inserted into an opening of the body, may produce minimal discomfort and are only done if the physician orders it. If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may actually hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.

Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss preliminary results with you at the conclusion of your examination.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

A bone x-ray makes images of any bone in the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, leg or spine.

What will I experience during and after the x-ray procedure?
A bone x-ray examination itself is a painless procedure. You may experience discomfort from the cool temperature in the examination room. You may also find holding still in a particular position and lying on the hard examination table uncomfortable, especially if you are injured. The technologist will assist you in finding the most comfortable position possible that still ensures x-ray image quality.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.

Good nutrition is important to staying well. It's also an important part of preventing, treating or managing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, digestive disorders, obesity, high blood pressure, cancer, and kidney disease.

Our registered dietitians assess nutritional needs and make recommendations in regard to diet, exercise and other treatment plans.

If you have questions about your meals or diet, please call (641) 328-7693 or email MT_Dietitians@unitypoint.org. For more information on our dietitian services, view this brochure.

• Nutrition assessments, physical assessments and nutrition care plans
• Provide physician-ordered disease-specific meals for treatment and healing
• Nutrition education

• Initial Nutrition Consultation: A 45- to 60-minute individual consultation with a registered dietitian. We'll review your health history, medications, food choices, behaviors and health goals to help develop a basic nutrition and wellness plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
• Follow-Up Series: After completing the initial nutrition consultations, ongoing nutrition counseling is available in 15- to 30-minute sessions.
• Referrals & insurance: Outpatient nutrition consultations require a physician referral and are not covered by all insurance carriers. Please check with your insurance prior to your visit to verify your coverage.

Available to patients of all four UnityPoint Health Family Medicine clinics, this program is a 12-month, individualized program that focuses on weight management, nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle factors.

The FOCUS Program includes check-in appointments with your primary care provider and a registered dietitian that occur weekly, bi-weekly and monthly over the course of the 12-month program.

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Diabetes Education
• Food Allergies/Intolerance
• Weight Loss or Management

We are also available for speaking engagements.

Surgery can cause nervousness. That's why we're dedicated to providing you with a comforting atmosphere to help ease your mind. Supported by latest technology, our surgery center ensures you and your family receive the highest quality surgical care possible. Our team is focused on providing personal attention and ready to help you through the process. We're committed to being there every step of the way.

Our new hospital offers procedures requiring an overnight stay in the hospital, as well as outpatient surgery for procedures such as podiatry, eye surgeries and colonoscopies.

We're pleased to provide a safe environment for patients experiencing invasive procedures to restore optimum health and wellness. All team members are committed to quality-conscious, competent and cost-effective care with the respect for life, dignity and patient privacy.

Outpatient Surgery Brochure

The anesthesia service at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown is provided by NorthStar Anesthesia. Certified Nurse Anesthetists help patients control pain with nerve blocks post-operatively.

Anesthesia services are provided to patients at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown by Northstar Anesthesia and delivered by our team of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs). CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who have extensive clinical training and have passed a certification exam approved by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.

These CRNAs are highly skilled in administering anesthesia and other medications designed to calm anxiety and promote a comfortable, controlled surgical experience. They are also highly trained in neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks to facilitate a faster, safer recovery with extended pain control after surgery.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, rehabilitating from surgery or working to restore functionality, our team of experienced and knowledgeable therapists are committed to providing one-on-one contact that actively works towards quicker results with fewer visits. Learn more about the types of therapy offered at the new UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown hospital and how they can benefit you.

Through NovaCare Kids and Select Kids Pediatric Therapy programs, we help children live better through the power of physical, occupational and speech language therapy. Your clinical team will design a specialized plan of care that is just right for your child. The goal is to provide healing and development of motor, social and communication skills that enhance your child's participation in desired family, community and school activities. You may expect the latest pediatric treatments in a play-based environment to ensure each child, from birth to 21, gets the care they need.

Learn more about therapy services at Select Medical.

UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown was awarded the 2022 Community Impact Award at the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce 124th Annual Banquet.

The honor recognizes the impact UnityPoint Health has had on the community following uncertainty in healthcare in Marshalltown several years ago, to maneuvering through a pandemic, then transitioning to a brand-new facility. In the past year, UnityPoint Health has also erected a new urgent care facility and into a remodeled family medicine clinic.

"We were at risk of losing our hospital in our community, and really, the void that was going to create, the sucking sound that that would create in our town would've been tragic," said Chamber President and CEO John Hall. "But then to see the incredible investment that (UnityPoint) has made here in our community is absolutely outstanding."

Pam Delagardelle, President/CEO of UnityPoint Health — Waterloo, accepted the award alongside Jenni Friedly, President of UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown.

"I am so proud of our team by what they've done with this project and the way they're embracing the community. They're so passionate, really, about providing healthcare," she said. "We're looking forward to all the ways we're going to continue to support the Marshalltown community with their healthcare needs."

The wound healing center at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown was recognized as the West Division Center of the Year for 2021 by Healogics, the nation's largest provider of advanced wound care services.

Along with the National President's Circle Award for Clinical Excellence in Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes, the wound center received top distinction among all Healogics wound clinics west of the Mississippi River. The only other clinic in the West Division to earn President's Circle status for 2021 was a center in Duluth, Minnesota.

UnityPoint Health is one of the top places to work in healthcare in the United States according to a national healthcare trade publication.

Becker's Hospital Review included UnityPoint Health on its 2022 list of "150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare." The list highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that promote diversity within the workforce, employee engagement and professional growth.

The Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association (IEMSA) awarded UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Area Paramedic Service the 2018 Career Service of the Year award. IEMSA leadership selected UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown based on providing 911 coverage and evacuation of the hospital the night of July 19 Marshalltown tornado. Several members of the EMS team worked long, overnight hours and didn't leave the main office to ensure the community was well covered during and after the disaster.

UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown Area Paramedic Service is the sole 911 paramedic ambulance service in Marshall County and averages just under 6,000 calls per year. Their territory includes all of Marshall County and portions of Jasper and Grundy counties.

The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is pleased to announce that UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown has received Accreditation with Commendation, the highest level of continuing medical education (CME) accreditation awarded to providers. IMS accredited CME providers are required to meet 15 criteria set forth by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown joins Iowa Health – Des Moines and Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs as providers that have been granted Accreditation with Commendation by IMS.

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Paula Grimm!
Respiratory Therapist

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE
I really enjoy working with patients, and my UPH family is a bunch of wonderful coworkers. I also like learning new equipment and procedures.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW?
I enjoy day trips and exploring new places, experiences/venue and food. I just moved to Marshalltown and love it. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends.

FUN FACTS
My happy place is my home, where I can entertain and cook for family and friends or simply enjoy solitude. Outside of work I enjoy trying new restaurants, reading and poker.

FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOU
#adventurous
#optimistic
#sociable
#openness
#daring

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Boyd Jones!
RN in Emergency Department

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE
Being there for someone in whatever role is needed at that time to bring some sense of ease – holding a hand, reassurance for the patient or family and to make them feel better mentally or physically.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW?
For my patients, I just want them to remember that there was a “bald tattooed guy” who cared for them and made a difference. For my co-workers, that spelling isn’t a sign of intelligence, and that it’s OK to be professional and have fun at work.

FUN FACTS
I’ve been a paramedic longer than a nurse, I love hunting and fishing, riding motorcycles, camping, spending time with my family and the occasional ice cold beer. Oh, I love my four great danes – George, Bader, Maybel and Indy.

FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOU
#Fun
#Happy
#Prepare For Worst Expect The Best
#Smarter Than I Look
#Bald Is Beautiful

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Carmen Bolton!
Radiology Assistant / Transporter

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE
I want all my patients to feel like they are a VIP by making them as comfortable as possible with compassion, a smile and sense of humor.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PATIENTS TO KNOW?
That I care about them and I’m willing to help when needed.

FUN FACTS
I love all sports and, when the weather’s nice, can often be found on the golf course when I’m not with my grandkids.

FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOU
#dependable
#dedicated
#loyal
#spoiling my grand kids
#pepsi zero

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Julie Stevens!
RN in Emergency Department

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE
I love caring for others and making a positive difference in people’s lives.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PATIENTS TO KNOW?
I love my job, and I consider my co-workers my family.

FUN FACTS
I have a husband and two teenage daughters. Outside of work, I enjoy my daughters’ softball and volleyball games.

FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOU
#COVID-19 Survivor
#Empathetic
#Family
#No Filter
#Smile

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Sarah Dolash!
RN in the Emergency Department

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HEALTH CARE
My favorite thing about working in healthcare is the absolutely endless room for growth. You have so many different things you can be and do as a nurse. All you have to do is be willing to learn a new skill.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PATIENTS TO KNOW?
Marshalltown is my hometown. I was born in the old hospital, and I grew up a few blocks away. Keeping quality healthcare in Marshalltown is really important to me.

FUN FACTS
I like to stay active. I enjoy biking, kayaking and going to the gym.

FIVE HASHTAGS THAT DESCRIBE YOU
#Curious
#Dedicated
#Caring
#Open Minded
#Quiet