Cardiopulmonary & Respiratory Therapy

Cardiopulmonary Services provides both cardiopulmonary diagnostic studies and respiratory care for inpatients and outpatients.

Address: 1311 North Mildred Road Cortez, CO 81321

Phone Number: 970-564-2361

Our registered and certified Respiratory Therapists use modern tools to assist you:

• Electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Pulmonary function studies,
• Holter Monitor application and interpretation
• Electroencephalograms (EEG)

Your satisfaction with our service and the quality of care we provide is very important to us. To schedule cardiopulmonary and respiratory therapy services, call 970-564-2361.

We also offer smoking cessation counseling and referral resources.

Our team in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab can also help improve heart and lung health.

What is an ECG?

When a therapist records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, they create an ECG (electrocardiogram). The skin is connected with electrodes and wires to a machine. This procedure documents your heart’s electricity.

What is an EEG?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to find problems related to the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp, and then send signals to a computer to record the results.

What is a Holter Monitor?

The Cardiopulmonary department has installed new Holter monitors and reading systems, according to the American Heart Association. A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and tape records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring used. The device is the size of a small camera. It has wires with silver dollar-sized electrodes that attach to your skin. A Holter monitor may be able to detect irregularities in your heart rhythm that an electrocardiogram couldn’t detect. It may also reveal a heart condition that increases your risk of an abnormal heart rhythm.

Therapeutic procedures:

• inhaled medications
• postural drainage
• airway care
• oxygen therapy
• arterial blood gas sampling
• pulse oximetry

Diagnostic Imaging

Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging

Address: First Floor of the North Campus, 1311 North Mildred Road Cortez, CO 81321

Phone Number: 970-564-2050

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

The Diagnostic Imaging Department (also known as Radiology) at Southwest Memorial Hospital is proud to offer advanced diagnostic imaging equipment and technology, along with a highly trained and experienced staff of technologists and radiologists.

The services available through Southwest Health System include:

• routine x-rays
• ultrasounds
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• computerized tomography (CT)
• digital mammography (including 3D mammograms)
• nuclear medicine
• echocardiography

Diagnostic imaging services provide a selection of diagnostic tools that support the work of our Emergency Department and other areas like Cardiopulmonary Services. An echocardiogram, for instance, can be helpful in evaluating a heart murmur or unexplained chest pain. Physicians in our health system use their medical training in addition to lab testing and imaging to help evaluate treatment options.

A recent addition to our lineup of services will help clinicians better see abnormalities in breast tissue. Ask our diagnostic imaging department about 3D mammography today by calling 970-564-2050.

Our Staff

All technologists in the Diagnostic Imaging Department are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. In addition, our Ultrasound Technologists are registered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

Our mammography technologists have had additional training in performing mammograms and have passed a special registry examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Several of our technologists have specialized in a certain imaging modality such as Computerized Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or Nuclear Medicine and passed a registry examination in that modality which is given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The mammography service is Accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Radiology Billing

Patients are billed separately through MSN by the radiologists affiliated with Radiology Associates, PC. Their billing office number is 800-841-4236.

Hours of Operation and Scheduling

Our department is open for out-patient services Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. If you are having a routine x-ray (chest, wrist, arm, ankle, etc.) you do not need an appointment. If your doctor has ordered a mammogram, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, echocardiogram, fluoroscopy, or nuclear medicine study, please call (970) 564-2050 to make an appointment.

The Diagnostic Imaging department is under the direction of Wendell Heck, RT(R)MR. Learn more about Southwest Health System and our commitment to quality in Cortez and Mancos.

IP Intensive Care

Address: 1311 North Mildred Road Cortez, CO 81321

Contact Information: Phone Number 970-564-2260

Hours of Operation: Visitors and family play an essential part in the healing and well-being of patients. Please visit the home page for updated visitor policies.

The Intensive/Critical Care Unit at Southwest Memorial Hospital has four beds for patients requiring specialized medical and nursing care.

These patients are too critical to be in a standard inpatient room (perhaps in need of extremely close monitoring) but not in such serious condition that they require the ICU bed.

Patients in the ICU are usually experiencing life threatening or potentially life threatening conditions. For this reason, there is one nurse for every 1-2 patients being cared for in this area. State of the art cardiac and pulmonary monitoring equipment is at each bedside.

Visitors are limited to two at a time and children 14 and under are allowed in only at the discretion of the nursing staff. Visitors with infections are not allowed in the ICU. During certain procedures and in special instances the nursing staff may temporarily close visiting. The hospital provides a lovely waiting room for friends and family of ICU patients. It is located just a few yards down the hall from the unit.

Cards and notes are encouraged. Live plants and flowers are not allowed because they have the potential of harboring bacteria or pollens which may cause a delay in the healing process. Space is limited, and patient care requirements must come first.

The Intensive/Critical Care Unit is managed by Meghan Higman, RN. She can be reached at 970-564-2264.

IP Medical & Surgical

Address: 1311 North Mildred Road Cortez, CO 81321

Contact Information: Phone Number 970-564-2260

Hours of Operation: Visitors and family play an essential part in the healing and well-being of patients. Please visit the home page for updated visitor policies.

Inpatient Services

The Medical/Surgical Care Unit at Southwest Memorial Hospital provides care for both adults and children who are hospitalized for acute medical conditions and who are recovering after surgery.

Our team of registered nurses works closely with physicians to provide high-quality, compassionate care to each and every patient. The staff is also available to provide information and support to patients’ family members.

Unless the hospital is extremely busy and experiencing higher than usual patient volume, you will have a private room if you are admitted to the hospital.

All rooms have televisions and direct dial phones.

We encourage patients to have visitors and provide an atmosphere conducive to having friends and family members spend time with their loved ones. There are no set visiting hours and we only ask that patients be allowed ample time for rest and recovery. Visitation may be limited at times (especially for children) if certain infectious diseases are being treated.

A Hospice Room is available for clients within Montezuma County. This private room and bath offers a comfortable setting where patients nearing the end of life can receive medical support in the presence of their family and friends.

Laboratory

Laboratory Services

Laboratory at Southwest Memorial Hospital,

Address: 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez, CO

Phone Number: 970-564-2080.

Hours of Operation: The laboratory is staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week to care for hospitalized and emergency department patients. Main laboratory registration for outpatient services is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

In our clinical laboratory, testing is performed on both patients who are admitted to the hospital and those who are referred by their doctors to diagnose and monitor for conditions and diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney and liver function, prostate health, pregnancy confirmation, and much more.

The Southwest Memorial Hospital laboratory has a vast array of sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment and is staffed by trained professionals who process samples and do testing. The laboratory also provides for the referral and transport of highly specialized tests that cannot be done at Southwest Memorial Hospital to national reference labs.

The clinical laboratory is staffed by trained, experienced professionals called phlebotomists, medical technologists, and microbiologists. Most personnel have degrees in chemistry, biology, or medical technology and have acquired national certification in their specialty.

Language of the Laboratory

Hematology: The study of blood cells and clotting mechanisms.

Clinical Chemistry: The analysis of various analytes in your blood that reflect the functioning of all your major organs, and the determination of levels of therapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse.

Blood banking and transfusion services: Includes the identification of blood types, atypical antibodies, and finding compatible blood when a patient needs a transfusion

Urinalysis: The analysis of urine for chemical and cellular evidence of various disease states.

Serology: The identification of disease entities from antibodies left in the blood serum.

Microbiology: The isolation and identification of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Perform sensitivity studies to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy.

The lab is under the direction of Robert Eytalis who can be reached at 970-564-2087 or reytalis@swhealth.org and Dean Havlik, MD, a pathologist board-certified in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology. Our facility is certified by The College of American Pathologists.

Our lab adheres to strict quality standards and is inspected by the College of American Pathologists every two years.

Patient Education

Diabetic Education | Nutrition

Diabetic Education

Diabetes Education at SHS

Address: 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez, CO

Contact Information: Phone 970-564-2275 | Fax 970-564-2274

Research shows that lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are the most effective things you can do to regulate your blood sugar. Southwest Health System offers nationally recognized and approved diabetes education. This Diabetes Self-Management Education program is designed to help those who have diabetes obtain knowledge and skills to help them become healthier. We offer free diabetes classes throughout the year. These help community members living with diabetes to learn diabetes management skills.

Individual sessions

Meet with a diabetes educator for individualized sessions.  These can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual.

A referral from the patient’s provider is required.

Group sessions

Six-week diabetes class. Topics include:

• Understanding diabetes and monitoring blood sugars
• Healthy eating and carbohydrate counting
• Medications and physical activity
• High and low blood sugar management
• Understanding diabetes-related complications
• Living with diabetes

A referral from the participant’s provider is not required to attend these diabetes classes.  Anyone can participate.

Pre-diabetes classes

Group setting in which participants discuss risk factors and healthy behaviors needed to manage pre-diabetes and possibly prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

A referral from the participant’s provider is not required.  Anyone can attend.

Diabetes support group

An opportunity for people with any type of diabetes to learn new information and share their experiences to help them manage living with diabetes.

A participant does not need a referral from their provider.  Anyone can attend. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm.

Are you ready to take charge of your diabetes? Ask your healthcare provider if one-on-one sessions, Diabetes Self Management Education classes, or a support group might be right for you. Contact Jenny Nuuttila.

Local Support for People with Diabetes

Are you or someone you know diabetic? A support group for individuals with diabetes meets nearby! Join us the first Tuesday of every month from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. in the Kiva Room (Room 209 east end of the 2nd floor) at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to effectively manage your health concerns. Share ideas with others at these informative, informal meetings. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Contact Jenny Nuuttila at 970-564-2775 for details.

A diabetic person may feel as if there’s too much to learn. They may feel overwhelmed as a result. You don’t have to do it alone. Join our free support group where you will receive help. Topics include:

• What does diabetes mean to you and your loved ones
• How to remain emotionally healthy
• Best nutritional practices for your lifestyle
• Exercise and physical fitness for all ages and body types

Teamwork Works

Connect with others with shared experiences so you can obtain better control of your health. Learn to manage blood sugar, improve your quality of life, and be less prone to depression. Because support from others reduces the burden you feel, your self-care is more likely to improve.

Diabetic Support Groups Help You…

• Connect with others who face similar circumstances. It can be isolating to be around well-meaning family and friends because they don’t know exactly what it’s like to be living with diabetes.
• Recognize self-blame. Rather than accuse yourself, you can learn to improve your outlook.

Diabetes Education has more information on how Southwest Health System helps area residents become as healthy as they can be. Additionally, the ADA may provide additional help.

Southwest Memorial Hospital Diabetes Education Program is Accredited by ADCES to Provide Quality Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

Southwest Memorial Hospital Diabetes Education Program has achieved the significant milestone of accreditation by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES).

Accreditation represents a high level of quality and service to the community, and the ability to better meet the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes in the Four Corners Region.

Learn More About Nutrition Education Here

Nutrition

Nutrition Education at SHS

Address: 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez, CO

Contact Information: Phone 970-564-2276 | Fax 970-564-2274

Our Nutrition Education department provides diabetes education and nutrition services based on current clinical research.

Using an integrative approach, both one-on-one and group sessions are tailored to the individual’s needs. The registered dietitian professionals at SHS are committed to empowering patients to take responsibility for their health by making healthy lifestyle choices.

We work with our patients as a team to come up with a plan that works with their lifestyle.

Services include:

• Inpatient nutrition and diabetes assessment and education
• Diabetes self-management
• Outpatient medical nutrition therapy and education
• Weight management, including pre-bariatric surgery counseling
• Grocery shopping tours for patient groups
• Community outreach to schools and organizations

Services are provided by referral. Please contact your physician to receive a referral for nutrition services.

If you are a patient, physician, or community organization interested in hosting an SHS sponsored nutrition event, please contact our Marketing Department. Services are either covered by insurance or are provided complimentary as part of our community outreach effort.

Learn More About Diabetes Education Here

Rehabilitation Services

Address: 1311 North Mildred Road, Cortez, CO 81321

Contact Information: Phone 970-564-2460 | Fax 970-564-2468

Physical Therapy (PT) | Occupational Therapy (OT) | Speech Therapy (ST)

Southwest Health Systems Rehabilitation Department is a provider of outpatient and acute care therapy services in Cortez, Colorado. We are a unique group of rehabilitation professionals with a comprehensive range of services including Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.

Our highly respected clinical team provides preventative and rehabilitation services that maximize function and promote well-being.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Physical therapists (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) are movement experts who help people improve their movement and physical function, manage pain and other chronic conditions, and recover from and prevent injury and chronic disease. Learn More Here

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapy intervention uses everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life. Learn More Here

Speech Therapy (ST)

Professionals who help to assess and treat swallowing and feeding disorders, language and speech disorders, social communication disorders, voice disorders, hearing loss, and cognitive-communication disorders. Learn More Here

Sleep Center

Address: 1311-A North Mildred Road, Suite B Cortez, CO 81321

Contact Information: Phone 970-564-2678 | Fax: 970-565-2487

Southwest Medical Group Primary Care

Sleep Medicine is located in the NEW medical office building on the southeast corner of the Southwest Memorial Hospital Campus. Parking is available in the front of the building and can be accessed from Hospital Drive and Mildred Road.

Our Diagnostic Sleep Center offers a full line of adult services to diagnose and treat more than 150 different sleep disorders. We can help with your CPAP machine and mask to ensure that you’re getting the maximum benefits from your treatment.

If sleep problems are causing you to have health problems, making you irritable or depressed, or have affected your concentration, see your doctor to determine if sleep center testing can provide answers and solutions. Sleep studies at our lab monitor all activities that occur during the night in a relaxing, homelike environment.

Learn more about our Diagnostic Sleep Center here

Surgical Services & Same-Day Surgery

Address: 1311 North Mildred Road Cortez, CO 81321

Phone: 970-564-2237

Our team of experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists and anesthetists, surgical nurses, and surgical technologists all have safety and the best possible outcome for each and every patient as their number one priority.

Same-Day Surgery

Advances in technology have made undergoing surgery much less complex than it was even one decade ago.

Lasers, specialized scopes, microsurgical instruments, and sophisticated radiologic equipment make it possible for many diagnostic and surgical procedures to be performed without ever spending the night in the hospital. Same-day surgery patients undergo a procedure and return home later that same day.

Our most common procedures include laparoscopic gallbladder removal, appendectomy, hysterectomy, and total joint replacement. Also, knee arthroscopy, pain management, and cataract surgery, as well as diagnostic procedures such as a breast biopsy, colonoscopy, and EGD.

Same-day surgery in a safe hospital setting offers many advantages for patients. It is less costly than staying overnight, less disruptive to your normal routine, and allows you to recuperate in the comfort of your own home. You can expect the same high-quality care and personal attention in the Same Day Surgery unit as you would receive had you been admitted to the hospital.

Same-Day Surgery: What To Expect

Your doctor’s office will schedule a pre-admission visit and testing appointment for you. During your pre-admission visit, your nurse will give you information on the surgery you are scheduled for and explain what will take place on the day of surgery, including the time you should arrive and any special instructions.

It is a good idea to bring a list of your current medications as well as a list of surgical procedures you have had performed in the past to your pre-admission visit. This will help ensure that all information pertaining to your health is accurate.

On the day of your procedure, your nurse will prepare you for surgery and you will meet with your anesthesia provider. Some procedures are performed under general anesthetic (asleep), others are performed using sedation (you are sleepy but aware), and still, others require only local anesthetic (the area is numbed by injection but you are awake).

Upon completion of your surgery, you will be moved to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit or to a bed in Same-Day Surgery. You will remain in Same-Day Surgery until it is determined that you are alert enough to return home. Once at home, you must be able to follow your physician’s orders regarding diet, rest, and pain medication.

A day or two after you return home, expect a call from a Same Day Surgery nurse who will check in to make sure you are recovering according to plan. They will also call you again in two weeks to ensure that you are healing appropriately.