Some of the hardest specialists to get in to see — psychiatry, endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, pulmonology, and rheumatology — can mean a long wait for an appointment, and often a referral to another health system once you finally get one. Through a new partnership with Avel eCare Specialty Clinic, area patients will be able to see these specialists here at Glacial Ridge Hospital, and sooner, with your own care team managing every step.

Here’s how it works: a nurse gets you started at Glacial Ridge Hospital, taking your vitals and history, and your board-certified specialist joins by secure video. Depending on the specialty, the nurse assists with the hands-on part of your exam, using equipment the specialist directs so they can see and hear the physical exam in real time. The specialist evaluates you, answers your questions, builds a care plan with you, and communicates that plan back to your referring provider. The same nurse coordinates any labs, imaging, prescriptions, or follow-up care.

“For too long, getting appointments with these types of specialists meant our patients had to wait months and travel hours. These clinics change that, so patients get the same expertise, here in Glenwood, far sooner, with one nurse who helps coordinate their care from start to finish,” said Heather Hanson, Director of Nursing.

Here’s a look at what each new specialty treats.

Endocrinology

If you’re worn out, managing diabetes day to day, or dealing with changes you can’t explain, the right specialist can help you feel like yourself again. Care focuses on the hormones and metabolism that affect your whole body, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions including nodules and cancer, osteoporosis, PCOS, high cholesterol, low testosterone, and other adrenal, pituitary, and hormone disorders.

Rheumatology

When joint pain, stiffness, or fatigue makes everyday things harder, a clear diagnosis and a plan can give you your days back. Care covers joint, muscle, and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Psychiatry

Few specialists are in shorter supply than psychiatrists, especially in rural areas, and when you’re struggling emotionally, that wait is the last thing you need. This new service through Avel brings psychiatric care sooner, with diagnosis and medication management for ADHD, anxiety and panic, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and other conditions, plus access to counseling.

Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Relief can’t come soon enough when stomach trouble decides what you eat, where you go, and how you feel. Get help for digestive and liver concerns such as acid reflux (GERD), IBS, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis, ulcers, and ongoing abdominal pain, along with liver conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis.

Pulmonology

Catching your breath shouldn’t be a daily effort, and a good night’s sleep shouldn’t feel out of reach. This specialty treats lung and breathing concerns, including COPD, asthma, sleep apnea, chronic cough, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and lung infections.

How to Get an Appointment

Ask your primary care provider for a referral, which your insurance company may require, or call 320.634.4521 to learn more. Appointments begin in August.

Glacial Ridge Hospital offers many more visiting specialists in Glenwood. See the full list of outreach services.