The majestic mountain tops jutting into the varying blue hues of the skyline above them provide an ever-changing seasonal backdrop inside the state-of-the-art main entrance at Casper’s Summit Medical Center. The crackle of logs in the fireplace and the smell of fresh brewed coffee only add to the peaceful aura. For patients waiting for surgery, general healthcare services, lab work or X-rays, a few minutes in this homey environment can provide a quick mental respite.
And the nurturing environment doesn’t stop there. Individuals, whether they are there for a quick visit, a brief stay or the day, experience other memorable boutique-like amenities at Summit, including plush white robes, warm blankets and hospital gowns, hardwood floors, beautifully tiled restrooms and, of course, more of those gorgeous views of the Wyoming skyline.
“It’s the little things that we think are the most important in making a patient feel warm and homey and, when undergoing a procedure, even a bit less scary or uncomfortable while they are here,” said Kimberly Elliott, manager of the Summit radiology department.
Individuals will soon have even more reasons to visit the hospital's radiology and lab for care. In addition to the comprehensive regular services such as mammography, CT scans (advanced 64-slice), ultrasounds and MRI scans, as well as the innovative Calcium Scoring, the hospital is now working on a new wellness lab that will allow individuals to test for a variety of factors without a doctor's order. "The community chooses Summit Medical Center for a variety of reasons, one of which is convenience. We are looking forward to extending that choice to wellness labs,” Elliott said. This means people can have tests performed to check for prostate-specific antigens, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues and blood work, among other chemical panel-related tests, all as a walk-in patient and without a physician's order. Even better, patients will be able to pay directly for the service and not claim it on their insurance. Results will be uploaded to the hospital’s new patient portal, allowing the individual to then follow up with their own physician as needed.
A Summit physician will oversee the walk-in wellness lab’s testing and results.
Lab manager Danielle Edberg said Summit patients had been looking for such a convenient service to augment their regular checkups and doctor visits since the facility opened in 2015.
Lab hours are from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The department is planning some quarterly weekend on-site clinics and mammogram screenings, beginning this summer. Updates and logistics will be posted on the hospital’s Facebook page.
For detailed information about Summit Medical Hospital's lab and radiology department services, please call 307-232-6600 or visit the Summit website.
