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MN Medical Cannabis Program Expands Access

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has recently completed the process of adding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to the list of qualifying medical conditions for participation in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program. Effective July 1, 2023, Minnesota patients certified with either IBS or OCD can now enroll in the state’s medical cannabis program. Patients certified by a participating health care practitioner as having either of these conditions can buy medical cannabis at a medical cannabis dispensary starting Aug. 1, 2023. “As we continue to learn more about the benefits of medical cannabis, it’s important that we add this therapy option as a potential treatment to relieve conditions that can be debilitating,” said Minnesota commissioner of health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. Last November, MDH announced plans to add IBS and OCD to the state medical cannabis program’s list of qualifying medical conditions. The two new conditions were approved last year during MDH’s annual petition and public comment process. IBS is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and irregular bowel movements. It can result in diarrhea, constipation, both diarrhea and constipation, or bloating. OCD is characterized by recurring, intrusive thoughts that often cause significant emotional distress and anxiety. This can lead to behaviors that the affected person feels compelled to perform to reduce that distress. Research has shown that people who suffer from these conditions can see benefits from using medical cannabis to treat their symptoms. With the two newest additions, the medical cannabis program now has 19 qualifying medical conditions. People interested in the program can see the full list of qualifying medical conditions on the Office of Medical Cannabis website. To become a patient in the medical cannabis program, a person must be certified by a participating health care practitioner for at least one qualifying medical condition. Patient information on enrolling in the medical cannabis program is available at How to Become a Patient.

North Memorial Adds Two New EMS Helicopters

North Memorial Health recently announced the acquisition of two new Airbus H135 helicopters. They become part of North Memorial Air Care, providing emergency transport through out Minnesota with bases in eight statewide locations and one in Siren, Wisconsin. The H135 was introduced in 2014, requires 2 pilots and has a 349-mile range and 160 MPH top speed. Basic models cost about $6 million and H135 is the worldwide market leader in emergency medical services (EMS). The H135 comes with some of the lowest operating and maintenance costs of any twin-engine helicopter and is also one of the quietest helicopters in its class. Along with the two H135 helicopters, North Memorial Health acquired a HATS – Helionix® Advanced Tool Simulator – to help pilots continually enhance their skills, techniques and teamwork. This mobile aviation flight simulator is the first of its kind in the United States and offers an unmatched degree of realism for training pilots. “We are excited about the H135’s modern technology and what it means in terms of improved safety and advanced patient care,” said Scott Sampey, vice president and chief of ambulance services for North Memorial Health. “This is the most recent initiative in our commitment to provide safe air medical transport for our patients, communities and flight crews.” North Memorial Health’s Air Care fleet of nine helicopters provides 24/7 service throughout Minnesota, parts of Wisconsin, Iowa and the Dakotas. They respond to more than 2,600 service requests annually, ranging from motor vehicle crashes, strokes and heart attacks to the hospital-to-hospital transport of critically ill and injured patients. North Memorial Health Air Care also has transport capabilities to support the neonatal population and extend its Level III NICU/23-week gestational care capabilities farther into the community. “We are pleased to deliver two H135 helicopters to our new partners at North Memorial Health for their Air Care program, which serves as a vital lifeline for communities across the region,” said Treg Manning, vice president of sales and marketing for Airbus Helicopters, Inc. “As the worldwide fleet leader in EMS, the H135 offers the highest safety levels in its class, outstanding reliability and state-of-the-art technology that will benefit the Air Care team as they care for patients.”

Allina Announces Staff Layoffs

On the heels of negative feedback around care denials, problems handling a physician effort to unionize and a patient record data breach, Allina has recently announced that fewer than 350 team members would be laid off. Citing internal financial challenges, the company released a statement that the positions affected were in leadership or non-direct caregiver roles. It also noted that the layoffs would include severance pay, health benefits and outplacement resources. The announcement traveled quickly and was covered by major news outlets coast to coast, though many other health care systems have recently taken similar actions. Allina Health has 12 hospital campuses, more than 60 primary care clinics and 20 same-day and urgent care facilities throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. It employs close to 30,000 people in either full-or part-time positions, and the layoffs are taking place on a system-wide basis. In a video message, Allina CEO Lisa Shannon said, “I know that for many of you there is a disconnect on how people are feeling against this information. It’s not what you experience every day. We are extremely busy. So how can we be losing money? Simply put, it comes down to our expenses, [which] continue to outpace our revenues. We’re experiencing higher costs across the board for supplies and labor, and we continue to get paid less for the care that we provide.” Other Allina Health projects, such as a proposed new medical center in Cambridge, Minnesota, have been stalled or halted because of these financial issues. The health care system has only recently operated at positive margins and was operating at a large financial loss in the first quarter of this year. In the aftermath of COVID, many health systems across the country are facing unprecedented financial challenges. In announcing the layoffs, Allina stressed that its focus remains on ensuring they continue as a sustainable community asset for years to come.

St. Luke’s Announces Affiliation with Aspirus Health

Aspirus Health and St. Luke’s Duluth have signed a letter of intent for St. Luke’s to affiliate with Aspirus Health creating a comprehensive health care system to better serve residents of northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The organizations recognize a unique opportunity to join and build on the high-quality care they already deliver. Aspirus Health and St. Luke’s are like-minded organizations with closely aligned missions, visions and values that center on creating thriving communities and serving patients with compassionate and comprehensive care. “We envision a future where access to excellent health care is easier and more seamless for patients. Aspirus has a history of being nimble, innovative and forward-thinking in how we deliver care for the communities we serve,” said Matthew Heywood, Aspirus Health president and CEO. “We welcome the opportunity to expand into Minnesota with St. Luke’s and look forward to learning from one another and building upon our collective strengths to benefit our teams and patients.” The combined organization will achieve these goals through improved access to capital, strong and unified technology platforms, increased scale and efficiencies and a health plan focused on maximizing value for patients and employers. “From our founding days in 1881, St. Luke’s has remained patient-focused above all else. Joining forces with Aspirus Health enables us to expand access and better support clinical staff to reach even more patients,” said Nicholas Van Deelen, MD, St. Luke’s co-president/CEO and chief medical officer. “The like-minded missions of St. Luke’s and Aspirus are rooted in serving people — our patients and the people who care for our patients. It is with people in mind that we make this bold move to grow in a way that maintains our exceptional quality and patient experience.” The combined organization will operate 19 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations, with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. The system will operate headquarters in Wausau, Wisconsin, and maintain a corporate office in Duluth, Minnesota. The parties hope to complete the affiliation process in early 2024, following all due diligence, regulatory reviews and necessary approvals.

Tareen Dermatology Acquires Crutchfield Dermatology

Crutchfield Dermatology, an independent Eagan-based practice founded in 2001, has recently been acquired by Tareen Dermatology. This move will ensure Crutchfield patients continue to receive the highest level of care provided with the highest levels of dignity and respect. Faced with the untimely loss of Dr. Charles Crutchfield, a second generation, Mayo-trained physician and true Minnesota icon, his work and vision will continue through Tareen Dermatology. Dr. Crutchfield was a highly respected and beloved dermatologist who dedicated his life to providing exceptional care to his patients and built one of the most successful independent practices in the twin cities. With a shared commitment to excellence in dermatological care, Tareen Dermatology is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition for all former Crutchfield Dermatology patients. Dr. Mohiba Tareen, who founded Tareen Dermatology in 2011 and now provides care in six statewide locations, expressed her deep condolences for the loss of Dr. Crutchfield. She emphasized her commitment to upholding the high standards of care that he established.

Dr. Tareen stated, “Dr. Crutchfield was a true pioneer in the field of dermatology, and his contributions to patient care and passion for [the skin of people of color] were invaluable. Dr. Crutchfield was a friend and mentor to me and so many young dermatologists. We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends and former patients. At Tareen Dermatology, we are honored to continue his legacy by providing the same level of exceptional care that patients have come to expect.” Dr. Crutchfield was one of the first physicians in the country to recognize the lack of knowledge many dermatologists have about skin conditions in people of color, said Dr. Maria Hordinsky, a professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota, where Crutchfield taught medical students. One of the many medical students influenced by Crutchfield was Dr. Nathan Chomilo, a pediatrician, professor and director of the state Medicaid and MinnesotaCare programs, who said Crutchfield was someone who could make a medical student feel seen, even if they talked only briefly. Tareen Dermatology is renowned for its comprehensive range of dermatological services, including medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments. Former Crutchfield Dermatology patients can expect a smooth transition to Tareen Dermatology, with all medical records and treatment plans seamlessly transferred to ensure continuity of care at the Eagan location.

Herself Health Raises $26 Million

Herself Health, the health care company providing comprehensive primary care exclusively to women 65+, recently announced it has raised $26 million. This latest round of financing comes just six months after the company raised $7 million in seed funding. Herself Health currently operates one clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota, with plans to expand its footprint substantially over the coming 18 months. The company was founded in 2022 to provide value-based care to women 65+ with a focus on helping women feel seen and heard as they age in a way that the current health care system does not provide. The company utilizes a holistic approach that goes beyond labs, medication, imaging, more doctors, and surgery. They emphasize looking at the whole picture of a patient’s health and wellness, including mobility, mental health, social health, the patient’s life journey and quality of life.  “Women 65+ face unique health and social challenges as they age, and for far too long, their concerns, needs and desires have been ignored,” said Kristen Helton, CEO of Herself Health. “That’s why we are designing Herself Health to be a value-based solution to improve outcomes and help women find joy, purpose and better quality of life. Our fundamental goal is to elevate the patient experience and provide meaningful in-person and virtual support for women 65+ with a primary care experience designed specifically for them. In the few months since our launch the incredible interest from patients clearly demonstrates this model was desperately needed. This funding will allow us to expand our physical footprint, grow our digital, in-person and community offerings and continue to build a world-class team of providers and experts to serve this community in the manner they deserve.” With the new funding, the company is launching two more clinics in the broader Minneapolis-St. Paul region in 2023 and planning additional clinics based on patient demand in the coming 18 months. They plan to add at least one new market in 2024. It will also build staffing and expand on its early success in delivering virtual care to its patients for follow-up visits or for those who live too far from the physical clinic.

Essentia Breaks Ground on New Staples Clinic

Essentia Health recently broke ground on a new clinic and pharmacy in Staples, Minnesota. The new multimillion-dollar project will result in a 16,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art clinic and drive-through pharmacy. Staples has a population of about 3,000 and is located about 30 miles west of Brainerd. The new clinic will also provide closer access to care for patients in Wadena. “We are always looking for ways to more effectively deliver care to the patients and communities we’re privileged to serve,” said Sandy Zutz-Wiczek, vice president of clinical operations at Essentia Health. “This clinic and pharmacy help us achieve that goal while deepening our roots in Staples.” In addition to primary care, the new clinic will offer orthopedic care five days a week.