Newsroom

CMS distinction highlights top 12% national ranking for safety, staffing, and clinical quality ORO VALLEY, Ariz. — The skilled nursing unit (SNU) at Oro Valley Hospital has officially been designated as a High-Performing Facility by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Introduced under updated CMS standards, the national recognition places Oro Valley Hospital in the top ~12% of facilities nationwide—and distinguishes it as the only skilled nursing facility in the Tucson area to earn t... ... Read More

By  Manjul Srivastava, M.D. Are you making the most of your Medicare benefits? Whether you are brand new to the program or have been a member for years, Medicare covers a dedicated preventive health visit every 12 months at $0 out-of-pocket cost to you. Many patients confuse these visits with a traditional physical exam. However, a Medicare wellness visit is uniquely designed for proactive, long-term health planning rather than diagnosing new illnesses. It is your dedicated time to partner with you... ... Read More

When Jacqueline welcomed her baby boy, Mason, the team at at Northwest Women’s Center helped make his Sept. 21 birthday even more special. “Alicia was my labor and delivery nurse, and she was absolutely phenomenal!” Jacqueline says. “She truly cared and was one of the sweetest nurses I have ever met. She was so kind, patient, attentive, and reassuring…she genuinely cares about her patients and truly loves what she does. I am so grateful that she was there with me during such an important and unforgettab... ... Read More

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With varying news reports about breast cancer screening, many women are left wondering: When should I actually start? Northwest Healthcare is encouraging women to work with their physician to develop a personalized roadmap for breast health. The consensus among breast imaging experts at Northwest Healthcare remains clear: early detection is the single most effective tool for survival. However, the screening schedule isn’t always the same for everyone. “We are en... ... Read More

As we enter the final months of the year, to-do lists usually fill up with holiday planning and activities. Northwest Healthcare is encouraging the community to add one more essential item to that list: their health. Many families don’t realize that by mid-year, they may have already met their health insurance deductibles. This means that for the remainder of the year, medical services – from elective procedures to specialized screenings – are often significantly more affordable. Now is a good time to r... ... Read More

Alan Lost 230 Pounds And Turned His Health Around With Bariatric Surgery Alan, a 38-year-old attorney and brown-belt jiu-jitsu athlete, didn’t see himself as someone who needed bariatric surgery. He thought of himself more as an ex-football player and all-around “big guy” who just needed to size up his pants – again. “When you gain 15 pounds a year for 10 years, it adds up,” Alan says. “As I got into my mid-30s, the effects of eating large quantities of food – and the speed at which I ate it – were hard... ... Read More

Unlike acute inflammation, which helps the body recover from injury or infection, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system remains activated for months or even years. That ongoing response gradually damages healthy tissues and organs, contributing to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. "Inflammation is one of the body's most important defense mechanisms," says Dr. Jonathan Ma, D.O., an inte... ... Read More

Oro Valley Hospital, part of Northwest Healthcare, partnered with local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management agencies on Sept. 17 for a large-scale emergency preparedness exercise designed to strengthen coordination and response capabilities during a potential emergency. The planned exercise brought together hospital team members and community emergency response partners, including Golder Ranch Fire District, AMR, Oro Valley Police Department, City of Tucson Dispatc... ... Read More

While falls are a health and safety concern for people of all ages, they are more common, and more dangerous, for older adults. One out of every four people age 65 and older experience at least one fall each year – some requiring orthopedic surgical treatment – but healthcare providers say these incidents are frequently preventable. “Falls can have serious life-changing consequences, including hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and a long-term loss of independence,” says orthopedic surgeon Antony ... ... Read More

Not feeling well, but don’t want to rearrange your day in order to wait an urgent care lobby? Northwest Urgent Care is now offering virtual visits. A provider can assess your symptoms from home, work or wherever you are – and help you determine a safe path forward, whether that means getting a diagnosis online or arranging for in-person care. Not all urgent care visits are appropriate to be made virtually. However, virtual visits may be appropriate for: Colds and allergies Minor flu symptoms Sinus infec... ... Read More