• Frequently Asked Questions

Ambulance Services

• Q: What is the difference between your ambulance and the volunteer ambulance?
  A: The volunteer ambulances in the area are basic life support. The scope of practice includes splinting, first aid, and spinal immobilization along with some basic airway management for patients. They can provide oxygen to people who need it. The PMHC ambulance is an advanced life support ambulance. This means we provide advanced care similar to what is found in the emergency room. We carry a wide variety of medications for cardiac, respiratory, and other illnesses; advanced airway techniques (intubation); cardiac rhythm interpretation with 12 lead ECG capabilities; as well as splinting and spinal immobilization. We also provide long distance transfers of patients who need specialized care that can not be provided at some hospitals. We are a paid service with paramedics on staff 24 hours a day.




Birth Certificates

• Q: How do I get a copy of my Birth Certificate?
  A: You will find that there are many occasions that mandate the use of a certified copy of a birth certificate. You need one for such things as; opening a bank account, to enroll a child in kindergarten, participation in sports, and for issuance of a driver's license. You may obtain this by completing an application form and sending it to Vital Records, PO Box 95065, Lincoln, NE 68509-5065, along with an $8.00 fee and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Application forms are given to mothers of newborns at PMHC, and are also available in the Medical Record Department at PMHC during working hours, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For any other questions, you can call (402) 471-2871 or check out the Nebraska Health and Human Services Web Site at: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/ced/bicert.htm




Children

• Q: When is the Childhood Immunization Clinic and who is the contact person?
  A: The Immunization Clinic is hosted by PMHC for Mid-Nebraska Community Services the fourth (4th) Thursday of each month (no clinic in November). It is held in the lower level PMHC Community room, 2:00-4:00 p.m., for an appointment call Phyllis Osborn, 1-877-209-3723.



• Q: How do children (age 0-21) qualify for an OT/PT eval through the educational system?
  A: A referral can be made by a child's parent, physician, caretaker, or other health professional working with the child. (Parent/guardian consent must be given.) Such referral should be made to the local services coordinator, or special education director of the home school district. The referral will then be forwarded to the OT/PT. The child's home school district is financially responsible for the cost of the OT/PT eval and subsequent services provided.




Masssage Therapy

• Q: Does insurance pay for massage by a massage therapist?
  A: Usually no; but check with your own individual insurance policy for any exceptions. If your insurance policy does cover this as a benefit, you will need to send it in to the insurance company. Receiving massage from the massage therapist is a cash pay service.




Occupational Therapy

• Q: What is Occupational Therapy?
  A: O.T. is a profession concerned with human lives that have been disrupted by physical injury or accidents, birth defects, aging, emotional, psychological, or developemental problems.
  The O.T. works on improving:
  • Impaired muscle strength, ROM and physical endurance.
  • Impaired eye-motor coordination.
  • Impaired concentration, attention span through organization and problem solving.
  • Imparied perception, body scheme, body awareness.
  • Impaired daily living skills such as money management, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, feeding, assertiveness, coping skills and self-concept.
  The main tool of a O.T. is "purposeful activity" for treatment.




Physical Therapy

• Q: How long will it take each time I come in for therapy?
  A: It will vary based on your diagnosis and the treatment plan your therapist creates for you, but the first visit is usually about an hour and subsequent visits between 45 minutes and an hour. If you need to leave by a certain time, you can notify your therapist and your treatment will be planned accordingly.



• Q: Will I see the same person each time?
  A: We have 13 employees, so you will likely have different people working with you at different times, but the therapist that you see on your first visit will be your primary person to contact if you have concerns and that person will check on you at least weekly if not each time you come in for treatment. You can request a certain individual any time and we will try to accommodate you.



• Q: Should I use ice or heat for my injury?
  A: You should use ice only for the first 48-72 hours after injury. This will help decrease inflamation and pain. After the first 72 hours either ice or heat can be used. Preference and results will dictate.



• Q: How long should I leave the ice on?
  A: Generally one should ice 15-20 minutes or until area is numb. Then one should remove the ice; wait 40 minutes, then you can repeat the cycle. The real benefit of ice comes after you take the ice off once the area is numb. Your body produces vasodilation of the surrounding blood vessels to warm the area back up. This vasodilation causes significant increased blood flow to the area which will:
  • Provide fresh oxygen and nutrients to help the injury heal.
  • Help whisk away all the cellular debris caused from the injury.
  Leaving ice on longer than 15-20 minutes or past numb will only delay the vasodilation response.