barton health

Rheumatologist Leah Krull, MD joins team at Barton Health

Board-certified rheumatologist, Leah Krull, MD, has joined the team of medical experts practicing at Barton Health. A physician skilled at addressing autoimmune and joint diseases such as inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, gout, and lupus, Dr. Krull is treating patients at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe.

Rheumatology manages conditions that affect joints and the body as a whole due to systemic inflammation.

Local agencies ask public to mask up and be socially distant to #KeepTahoeSafe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Chamber, Barton Health, and Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority came together to produce a Public Safety Announcement (PSA) asking folks to socially distance and wear a mask as people return to Tahoe.

Over the last four months, we have learned a lot about COVID-19 transmission, most notably that people who are infected but are asymptomatic or presymptomatic play an important part in community spread. The use of face coverings by everyone can limit the release of infected droplets when talking, coughing, and/or sneezing,

Column: Wear a face mask to help your community stay healthy

As temperatures at Lake Tahoe are heating up, so are discussions about wearing a face mask in public. While science continues to reveal new information about the coronavirus, one thing is clear: wearing a face mask slows the spread of COVID-19, if enough people wear them.

Virtual Town Hall meeting with Tahoe Chamber and Barton Health

Event Date: 
June 26, 2020 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Chamber is holding another virtual town hall meeting on Friday, June 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This week will be a health update on COVID-19 from Barton Health.

Speakers will include:

- Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO, Barton Health
- Steve Teshara, CEO, Tahoe Chamber

There will also be an update on testing for the coronavirus underway at Lake Tahoe Community College.

Register in advance for the Virtual Town Hall at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UuLB7cK8Qka6He4_6ibHtA

Tahoe Bike Challenge expands to full month starting June 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The 15th annual Tahoe Bike Challenge begins on June 1 for a full month of bicycling excitement throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. Hosted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition, the Bike Challenge is a basin-wide celebration of biking and a friendly competition to see who can record the most rides.

Tahoe Homeless Coalition housed 148 people this winter; New services now offered

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) had settled into their new winter home on 3rd Street in South Lake Tahoe when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing them to look for a larger space to get more people off the streets.

The City of South Lake Tahoe opened its recreation center to the nonprofit as it was already closed due to the pandemic, allowing TCH to add more beds and services and become a 24/7 facility.

Tahoe Chamber announces list of 2020 list of 40 Under 40 honorees

The Tahoe Chamber has announced the 2020 list of 40 Under 40 honorees. The 40 Under 40 program highlights and honors the South Shore's brightest young community leaders and business professionals’ accomplishments, community involvement, and leadership.

Local mountain lifestyle brand moves from ski and snowboard masks to face masks

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that people are wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a change in masks can become a fashion statement instead of just a health statement.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County businesses move towards green light on reopening

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses will be able to open soon, but not until they have plans in place that comply with the State’s COVID-19 guidelines and the State approves and publishes the public health director's signed Variance Attestation and supporting documents.

Column: 2020 - Year of the Nurse

Back in 2019, the World Health Organization, the American Nurses Association and others pronounced 2020 Year of the Nurse, and in 2020 it would celebrate nurses and nursing. They chose this year because it’s the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing who trained nurses to focus on compassion with a commitment to patient care.

Tahoe Chamber holds Virtual Town Hall with Barton Health

Event Date: 
May 8, 2020 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber is holding another Virtual Town Hall this Friday, May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This week's meeting is with Barton Health and will provide the community a health update and answer questions about COVID-19 testing.

Speakers will include:

- Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO, Barton Health
- Steve Teshara, CEO, Tahoe Chamber

Barton Health Doctor of the Year: Dr. Kandra Yee

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dr. Kendra Yee received a "landslide" of nominations from staff and physicians to be the 2020 Barton Health Doctor of the Year.

Dr. Yee is Chief of COVID-19 Emergency Operations, Chief of Staff, Medical Director of the Emergency Department, and a practicing Emergency Medicine Physician at Barton Memorial Hospital.

Heartfelt nominations for Dr. Yee spoke to her vision and dynamic leadership on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, and steadfast care for patients and healthcare workers alike:

Barton Health receives seventh "A" in patient safety from watchdog group

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Memorial Hospital received news of another ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group. Assessment data from 28 quality measurements demonstrated better patient outcomes at the Lake Tahoe hospital; the result of collaborative, team-driven systems in place at Barton Health that protect patients from harm.

Former South Lake Tahoe resident donates protective gear to Barton medical staff

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The generosity of a former South Lake Tahoe resident is keeping nurses and other members of the medical team at Barton Health safer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brian Gignoux, who spent grades K-10 and early adult life in South Lake Tahoe, heard how medical personnel across the globe were having problems obtaining life-saving protection items like surgical and N95 masks. His medical field friends in South Lake Tahoe were no different.

He talked to Barton RNs Siobhan Keller and Rachelle Pakes, friends of his from childhood, and asked what they needed.

Kudos: Thank you Barton healthcare workers

We would like to express our sincerest appreciation and deepest thanks to the Barton Health team for their efforts to address the coronavirus COVID-19 crisis. This is an unprecedented time to work in health care, and the staff, physicians, and administration have risen to this challenge while showing perseverance, nimbleness, and strategic creativity. The dedication to their job and the brave face they don each day while arriving at work is humbling. As Board members and community members we are deeply moved by this courage.

Opinion: Barton Health is prepared to meet the needs of our community

As we approach the one-month mark of socially distant living, I want to assure our community Barton Health takes the risk presented by COVID-19 seriously. We have planned, prepared and implemented pathways for patients to receive appropriate care in the safest possible environment.

This is an unprecedented time in health care and Barton, like the rest of the nation, is working to care for current and future patients during this pandemic, sometimes using new and innovative ways to reach and treat them.

Barton Health community update: Patient surge planning almost complete

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While determining the exact timing and scope of coronavirus’ peak in the Lake Tahoe region is difficult, Barton Health is working diligently to be prepared to respond accordingly and address the needs of patients in the community. Surge planning is almost complete including more than doubling hospital bed capacity and expanding facilities to accommodate those who may be infected by the virus.

Barton Hospital prepared for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Hospital is prepared to handle a surge in COVID-19 patients with an extra 150 beds identified for use if needed, and if that supply is used, more space is ready to be used through the help of community partners.

This was from Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO & president of Barton Health who participated in a virtual Town Hall meeting on Friday, hosted by the Tahoe Chamber.

Barton Health community update: Medical Corps needed, 1300 masks made

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Working closely with state and county health agencies in a regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Barton Health is preparing for an anticipated patient surge by more than doubling its hospital bed capacity as well as expanding its facilities to accommodate patients who may be infected by the virus.

Tahoe Chamber hosts virtual Town Hall with Barton Health

Event Date: 
April 10, 2020 - 11:00am

The Tahoe Chamber is holding another Virtual Town Hall on Friday, April 10, this time with Dr. Clint Purvance, CEO of Barton Health, and Chris Kiser, Executive Director of the Barton Foundation.

From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tahoe Chamber CEO Steve Teshara will lead the conversation as they discuss the hospital's efforts to combat the coronavirus crisis, the COVID-19 Response Fund, and what the community can do to mitigate the spread.

Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.

Warm Room expands and relocates to assist South Lake Tahoe homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) as relocated its Warm Room operations to the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center in order to provide a 24/7 shelter for the most vulnerable residents until at least April 30.

In addition to their expanded operations they have also made the following changes:

● Set up 8 isolation bays for people experiencing non-COVID-19 symptoms.
● Providing 22 private motel rooms for our vulnerable seniors and those experiencing complex underlying health conditions.

Barton Health's community updates and advisories on coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues to adapt and respond to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in the community. The health and safety of patients and care providers is the top priority, and operational changes continue to evolve at Barton Memorial Hospital and across Barton’s coordinated network of medical offices in preparation for any potential surge in patient care.

Barton Health accepting the medical supplies in high demand and short supply

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As people watch the news they see the stories about a global shortage of the supplies needed by medical professionals fighting the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Barton Health is South Lake Tahoe is preparing for a potential influx of patients seeking care and is making every effort to ensure their supplies are adequate. They are working with regional health partners, new and existing vendors, local businesses and community members to procure the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to keep their healthcare workers and patients safe.

El Dorado County COVID-19: Three new cases in county including South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County has announced three new COVID-19 cases. As of 4:45 p.m. Friday, March 27, 12 people have tested positive for the virus. Health officials said the virus has been identified in both the West Slope and South Lake Tahoe areas.

There have been no numbers released on how many confirmed cases are in each area.

The best way to prevent the spread is to stay inside, and if going to an essential service such as the grocery store, maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.

Is South Lake Tahoe prepared for the coronavirus?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many have asked, what if our community starts getting COVID-19 cases, are we prepared? Many different groups, agencies, and the government have been working diligently and collaboratively on emergency plans to prepare.

Latest efforts by Barton Health to prevent community spread of COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Operational changes, including hospital visitation, screening protocols and testing facilities, continue to be made in the wake of El Dorado County’s first reported cases of coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 is a concern. Regardless of confirmed cases in South Lake Tahoe, the advice of Barton Health medical experts is to assume COVID-19 is in the community and stay home unless absolutely necessary, keeping a distance of 6 feet from others if you must leave the home.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe rescheduled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another event casualty due to the coronavirus is the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Originally set for Sunday, June 7, it has been rescheduled to combine with the 18th annual Tour de Tahoe, set for Sunday, September 13, 2020. This due to the uncertainty of current and changing CDC coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions and mandates by national, state and county health agencies.

Message from Barton Health and other regional healthcare systems

The following is a press release from Barton Health, Carson Tahoe Health, Marshall Medical Center and Tahoe Forest Health System:

With the continuing spread of COVID-19 within the U.S., the healthcare providers of the greater Lake Tahoe/El Dorado Region are working closely with each other and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as California and Nevada health authorities, to care for affected individuals. We are also jointly taking steps to limit person-to-person spread within our communities.

Information about COVID-19

Barton Foundation opens COVID-19 Response Fund for community aid

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With the anticipated impact of coronavirus COVID-19 in the area, the Barton Foundation has created a COVID-19 Response Fund aimed at helping community members and healthcare workers affected by the outbreak. Barton Health will match donations up to $75,000 to build the fund and help provide relief for residents.

Latest Barton Health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe community

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its work with city, county, and state health agencies to provide screening and appropriate care for coronavirus COVID-19. The health and safety of patients and care providers is Barton’s top priority, and community spread of COVID-19 a serious concern.

LTCC on snow delay; School lays out its response to COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) is on a delayed start of 10:00 a.m. this morning to allow time for snow removal operations to catch up around town.

LTCC plans on being open this coming week with staff on hand to assist students. They have moved face-to-face Winter quarter final exams to March 16-20 and have put social distancing measures into place on campus to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

South Lake Tahoe Senior and Recreation Centers closing in response to COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All public activities at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center and Senior Center have been suspended for the time being. The City of South Lake Tahoe is closing those activities per recommendations from Governor Newson's response to the threat of coronavirus-COVID 19.

At this time, the County Meals on Wheels program that operates out of the Senior Center will continue but the senior's in-person lunch program will cease for the time being.

The City of South Lake Tahoe has partnered with Barton Hospital, El Dorado County

Tahoe Chamber 2020 Business Expo - Canceled

Event Date: 
May 29, 2020 - 4:30pm

The 2020 Expo has been canceled. They plan on returning in March 2021.

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The annual Tahoe Chamber Business EXPO will be held on Friday, May 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Harrah's Tahoe. It was originally scheduled for March 27 but postponed due to coronavirus concerns.

Pink Heavenly event canceled to limit chance of spread of coronavirus COVID-19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Pink Heavenly, the annual fundraising event at Heavenly Mountain Resort to raise funds for Barton Health's cancer support services, has been canceled.

Originally planned for March 21, 2020, organizers with the Barton Foundation canceled the event to "protect community members, employees and care providers in the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19."

Area agencies planning and using precaution in case COVID-19 hits South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Over 34 million Americans have caught the flu this year with over 20,000 deaths recorded, but its the coronavirus COVID-19 that is getting all the headlines.

There are no current reported cases of COVID-19 in South Lake Tahoe/El Dorado County, Alpine County or Douglas County, but local agencies want to be prepared, just in case people come down with the virus.

Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra invites community to a Brain Health discussion

Event Date: 
February 27, 2020 - 7:30am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Soroptimist International Club of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) invites the community to their weekly meeting on Thursday, February 27 when they feature Barton Health's Neurology Specialist, Rituparna Das, MD. The doctor will share insights on brain function and brain health.

The meeting will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Coffee will be served and both men and women are invited.

Column: Nutrition for a Healthy Heart

Besides being known for bringing candy hearts and lots of snow, February is National Heart Health Month. Heart disease is identified as the leading cause of death in both men and women by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to screenings that can be done to monitor your heart’s health, there are fundamentals of following a preventative heart health lifestyle that can help prevent heart disease and maintain heart health.

Remodel and tech investments expand medical imaging at Barton Health

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health continues its expansion of medical imaging technology, investing in the latest equipment that enhances services, expands care, and improves the patient experience. The acquisition of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system has equipped Barton to now offer advanced MRI prostate and breast screenings. In addition, Barton’s Nuclear Medicine Suite recently completed a $1.2 million remodel to accommodate a new hybrid SPECT/CT scanning system that provides a new view on health issues within the body.

Managing Cholesterol Through Your Diet - A free heart health talk

Event Date: 
February 27, 2020 - 6:00pm

Learn how a plant-based diet approach can help manage your cholesterol and improve heart health during then next free community wellness lecture hosted by Barton Health on Thursday, February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Do a little self-care during National Heart Health Month, and hear from cardiologist Dr. David Young at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, 2170B South Ave., South Lake Tahoe on the Second Floor.

Attend four or more lectures in a year and be entered to win a $150 gift certificate to a South Lake Tahoe business of your choice.

Barton Foundation gives over $360,000 to community health improvements

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation provided more than $360,000 in funding during 2019, delivering a profound community impact made possible by philanthropy and donor generosity over the year. Medical equipment, new technology, care provider education, and support, expanding access to mental and behavioral health services, and funding for local organizations were all aspects of the Barton Foundation’s scope of giving last year, as part of its commitment to community well-being through Barton Health.

Barton Health nurse receives international award for exceptional care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Wednesday, February 5, Ashley Collard, RN, BSN, was honored by Barton Health with the international DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses. A nurse in the Medical/Surgery Department at Barton Memorial Hospital, Ashley’s compassion and skill received sincere gratitude from a patient’s family, and a nomination to be this quarter’s DAISY Award® winner.

Barton expands walk-in orthopedic care services in South Lake Tahoe and Carson City

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health is expanding its orthopedic medical services, offering same-day care to address a variety of musculoskeletal injuries with no appointment necessary. Walk-in orthopedic care is now available at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness in South Lake Tahoe, Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and at the same time on Tuesday and Wednesday at Barton’s Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine office, located at 935 Mica Drive in Carson City.

CANCELED - Go Pink at Heavenly for South Lake Tahoe cancer patients at Barton

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Pink Heavenly will be held on Saturday, March 21 at Heavenly Mountain Resort. The Barton Foundation is inviting community members and visitors to register now and start fundraising for the fun event.

All proceeds from the slopeside fundraising event benefit Cancer Support Services at Barton Health, dedicated to improving the lives of community members fighting cancer.

Barton Health offers acupuncture treatments at Center for Orthopedics & Wellness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health has expanded acupuncture services at its Center for Orthopedics & Wellness to now offer community acupuncture treatments. Community acupuncture provides similar health and wellness benefits of private acupuncture but differs from the private clinical room setting – taking place in a group environment with lower costs per treatment.

New audiologist joins Barton Health team

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Barton Health welcomes audiologist Marina Mulvey, Au. D., to its Ear Nose & Throat Department, and Barton Audiology office. Dr. Mulvey’s expertise and scope of practice expands audiology care at Barton, as patients can now obtain hearing aids locally and not have to travel for these medical devices. Dr. Mulvey has more than 25 years’ experience dispensing hearing aids.

The evolution of health care benefits

The health insurance industry in America has undergone an unprecedented amount of change since its origins in the 1900s, and according to Health Affairs, it was just 40 years ago when workers began sharing in the cost of their health care coverage. Rising medical costs, plus an increased demand for medical care, have contributed to growth within the health insurance industry, and it’s become increasingly complex with the introduction of new plan designs and government reforms.

Birth Announcement: First Baby of the Year 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It took almost a full week of the new year to welcome in the first baby born at Barton Memorial Hospital. Everett James Haen came into the world at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

Everett was born at the hospital's Family Birthing Center to Robert Haen and Shaina Willen, MD. He weighed six pounds 15 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Long time locals are the parents of first baby born in 2020 in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It took almost a full week of the new year to welcome in the first baby born at Barton Memorial Hospital. Everett James Haen came into the world at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7.

Everett was born at the hospital's Family Birthing Center to Robert Haen and Shaina Willen, MD. He weighed six pounds 15 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long.

Column: Meet the experts on your care team in South Lake Tahoe

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there is currently a shortage of physicians in the United States – a shortfall that can be as high as 104,000 doctors by 2030. This issue, as well as an aging population, is changing health care and the need to increase providers to meet the demand of patients and expand access.

Barton is committed to providing our community with the care they need when they need it. We are expanding access to care by adding new experts throughout our healthcare system to work alongside Barton doctors.

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