Dialysis

Avera Gregory Healthcare Center dialysis unit offers residents of South Central South Dakota and North Central Nebraska the ability to lead a normal life without extensive travel time and associated expenses.

Hemodialysis is the most widely utilized form. Nearly 84% of all patients receiving dialysis are treated this way. Hemodialysis is the process of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood, utilizing an artificial kidney machine.

In hemodialysis, blood is pumped out of the patient's body to the artificial kidney machine. This machine has a special filter called a dialyzer that cleans the blood by filtering out the wastes. Through the dialyzer, blood flows on the inside of the semipermeable membrane (a membrane that will let some substances pass through it, but not others) and special dialysate solution is on the outside of the semipermeable membrane. The blood cells will not go through the membrane because they are too large. However, the waste products and water molecules, which are smaller, do fit through. The clean blood is returned to the patient's body by tubes that connect to the kidney machine.

The principal advantages of hemodialysis are that trained professionals are with the patient at all times and minimal interruption of lifestyle is required between treatments.

Radiology

Avera Gregory Healthcare Center's Diagnostic Imaging Department offers state-of-the-art equipment in a warm, home-town environment.

The department's services range from general radiology, mammography, CT scanning to mobile nuclear imaging, bone densitometry, and MRI exams.

Those interested in scheduling diagnostic imaging should call our Outpatient Services Department at 605-835-8394. We have a female full-time mammography tech on staff! Imaging procedures require a physician referral.

Rehabilitation Services

Physical Therapy is provided by an experienced team of therapists, assistants, and aides who can guide you through the care plan prescribed by your physician.

An endless pool is also available for water therapy and community use.

Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy services and aquatic therapy are also available in our rehab department.

For information on any of the above services and to determine the need for physician referrals to these services, call 605-835-8394.

Cardiac Rehab at Avera Gregory Healthcare Center is also a vital part of our rehab services. The program is administered in phases, some of which is covered by insurance and some of which is self-pay. For information or assistance in determining eligibility and need for physician referral for this program call our Outpatient Services department at 605-835-8394

Surgical Services

Our skilled, competent surgeons and support staff provide high quality surgical care in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. This includes pre-operative exams and follow-up care. We have expertise in general surgery, ophthalmology, gynecologic, neurology, urology, and orthopedic surgery.

Visiting Specialists

In order to meet your specific medical needs, expert specialists are here every week to provide quality healthcare. Specialists include urology, ophthalmology, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonology, neurology, nephrology and others.