ESSENTIA HEALTH

Essentia Health Refusing Some Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Essentia Health will no longer accept Medicare Advantage insurance plans administered by United Healthcare and Humana. Essentia has started to inform patients that, due to excessive prior authorization requirements and denial of care, it will no longer serve as an in-network provider effective January 1. They say UHC and Humana delay and deny approval of care…

As Crime Increases, Mental Health Concerns Rise

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — From the case of the Pride Parade stabbing to a man arrested for cutting wires at several businesses and facilities, they were both known as individuals by the public for causing a disturbance or obstruction to property. “I think when people are in survival mode …they are often driven to make decisions and choices they probably…

Avoiding heat-related illnesses

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — With summer in full swing and our temperatures rising, people are at a higher risk of heat related illnesses. Essentia Health says that during these high summer temperatures they see more cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People who ignore the early signs of heat exhaustion, can end up needing a trip to the hospital….

Marshfield Clinic To Merge With Sanford Health

Would Combine 56,000 Employees and 56 Hospitals

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KVRR/KFGO) — Marshfield Clinic Health System has reached a memo of understanding to merge with Sanford Health. Should the merger go through, the combined system would bring together nearly 56,000 employees and 56 hospitals. Sanford Health would serve as the parent company and the headquarters would remain in Sioux Falls. Marshfield Clinic Health System based in Wisconsin…

Fosston officials say a survey provides misinformation in dispute with Essentia Health

FOSSTON, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) — Fosston Mayor Jim Offerdahl says a survey being sent to area residents is meant to “sway public opinion” about its dispute with Essentia Health. The closure of the labor and delivery unit goes to arbitration this summer. Offerdahl says the survey has some legitimate healthcare questions, but a lot of disinformation. “They name me and so…

Kratom supplements, sold legally, can pose addiction risks

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Kratom, a psychoactive tea from Southeast Asia, has gained a popularity as a replacement for drugs like fentanyl. It is sold legally over the counter as a supplement, but it still poses a risk for addiction. Many smoke shops in the area have begun selling products containing Kratom. The products boast many purported health benefits, from…

Leap Day Baby Born at Essentia Health in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — A baby born four weeks early comes into the world on Leap Day at Essentia Health in Fargo. Proud parents Madison Scott and Joshua Morgan of Fargo welcomed Scottie Monroe Morgan at 10:14 p.m. on Thursday, February 29. Scottie weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Scottie’s name includes both of her parents’…

Post-Holiday respiratory illnesses on the rise across the U.S.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Health and Human Services data shows an increase of hospital stays in the U.S. after the holiday travel rush due to respiratory illnesses. According to Essentia Health, those issues haven’t necessarily hit the Midwest, but more so on the East and West coast. They say by getting vaccinated, it can help prevent the spread of illnesses…