HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancer.

The HPV vaccine prevents infection from the most harmful kinds of HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is a very common virus. Nearly 80 million people - about one in four - are currently infected in the United States. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancer in men and anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx) and genital warts in both men and women.

Three things parents should know about preventing cancer:

  • HPV vaccine is cancer prevention

    HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that most commonly cause anal, cervical, throat/neck, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Most of these cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccine.

  • HPV vaccine is one of the vaccines recommended for preteens.

    Preteens need three vaccines at 11 or 12. They protect against whooping cough, meningitis and cancers caused by HPV.

  • HPV vaccine is best at 11-12 years

    Preteens have a higher immune response to HPV vaccines than older teens. While there is very little risk of exposure to HPV before age 13, the risk of exposure increases thereafter.

What is the HPV vaccine schedule?

Most adolescents 9 through 14 years of age should receive the vaccine in two doses, with the second dose 6 to 12 months following the first dose. For those that do not start the series before age 15, three doses should be given. The second shot is given between one and two months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first. Following these schedules results in the most effective protection.

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. The first HPV vaccine was available in 2006, and since then, more than 40 million doses of vaccine have been administered. There have been no serious safety concerns associated with HPV vaccination.

Is help available for the cost of vaccines?

Check to see if your health insurance covers the HPV vaccine. If your child does not have health insurance or does not have insurance that covers vaccines, ask your health care provider about Oregon’s Vaccines For Children (VFC) program or visit your local health department or school-based health center. Pharmacies can also provide immunizations for children who are 11 and older.

Beginning cancer treatment is a confusing and overwhelming time. It's essential that you receive clear, simple and complete information about how the process works, what to expect and what can be done to manage your symptoms.

Your oncology (cancer) nurses, radiation therapists, radiation oncologists (radiation therapy doctors) and medical oncologists (chemotherapy/hematology doctors) will be a great source of information.

Prior to your first visit, you may be instructed to download, print out and complete the applicable forms and bring them with you to your visit:

After the diagnosis: Breast cancer survivors share wisdom and hope

What is the High-Risk Breast Clinic?

The High-Risk Breast Clinic is a comprehensive program for women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The team of breast care specialists includes genetic specialists, breast surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and nurse navigators.

The clinic can provide a personalized care plan that includes:

  • Breast cancer risk assessment
  • Breast exams by a breast care specialist
  • Genetic risk assessment and testing
  • Personalized screening and prevention options

Who may be at risk?

Personal and family history of cancer

  • Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly before menopause.
  • Two or more close relatives - such as aunts, grandmothers or cousins - diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age.
  • Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in multiple family members.
  • Combination of breast and ovarian cancer occurring on the same side of the family.
  • Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative.
  • A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
  • History of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS).

Genetic risk assessment and testing

Although most breast cancers occur in women who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer, about five to 10 percent are hereditary. Researchers have identified genes that increase a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Other mutations can increase risk.

Based on your family history of cancer, you may benefit from a genetic risk assessment and genetic testing. We will discuss this at your first visit.

How the clinic works

Start by calling 541-706-6729 and participating in a phone interview with our high-risk manager. If you are determined to be at increased risk for breast cancer, and would like to participate in the clinic, you will be enrolled.

Your first visit will be with one of the participating providers who will review your history, answer all of your questions and establish a care plan.

The clinic will help schedule and coordinate regular clinical breast exams, radiology screening and preventative measures including lifestyle education and chemoprevention, based on your care plan.

Early diagnosis is key to the most successful treatment

Screening and techniques

Your breast care team will discuss options for cancer screening. High-risk screening may include:

  • Annual digital mammography: Annual mammography remains the standard for breast screening. Both 2D and 3D imaging may be used. 3D mammography is the newest screening and diagnostic mammography tool with improved breast cancer detection rates.
  • Annual breast MRI: Annual MRI is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology in women with a 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Often this will be staggered every six months with a mammogram.
  • Screening breast ultrasound: Screening ultrasound can be used in addition to mammography for some patients, particularly those who cannot undergo MRI.

Total Joint Classes

We have slowly started to offer our total joint classes again. Class size is limited since we continue to keep social distancing in the classroom. You need to be registered for class. We cannot take drop-ins at this time. You and you coach (someone that you live with) will need to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear your masks and be prepared to go through screening process at the front door. This will include health questions and temperature check. You will then be directed to the classroom. To inquire about class please call 541-706-4922 and leave your name and phone number.

Total Joint Exercises

Follow these exercises to strengthen your muscles prior to total joint replacement surgery.

Hip replacement surgery at St. Charles

When hip pain, stiffness and limited motion begin to interfere with your daily life, hip replacement surgery may be the right solution. At the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our experienced orthopedic surgeons offer advanced surgical techniques — including anterior hip replacement — to help relieve pain, restore function and get you back to the activities you love.

Understanding hip pain

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the femoral head (the ball) fits into the acetabulum (the socket) of the pelvic bone. Articular cartilage cushions the joint and allows smooth movement. When this cartilage wears away — often due to arthritis, injury or infection — bones rub together, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

When is a hip replacement needed?

Your doctor may recommend a total hip replacement (also called hip arthroplasty) if:

  • Hip pain or stiffness limits your daily activities
  • You experience pain even while at rest
  • Imaging shows joint damage, cartilage loss or bone-on-bone contact
  • Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications or injections are no longer effective

What to expect from surgery

Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone, then replacing them with implants made of metal, ceramic or durable plastic. These implants are designed to replicate your natural joint and restore smooth, pain-free motion.

Depending on your health and specific procedure, your surgery may be done as an inpatient or outpatient. Many patients return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Your surgeon will help determine the best option for you.

Anterior Hip Replacement

St. Charles also offers anterior hip replacement — a minimally invasive approach using a small incision at the front of the hip. This technique avoids cutting through major muscles, which can result in:

  • Less pain after surgery
  • A faster recovery
  • Improved joint stability
  • Easier wound care

Physical therapy usually begins the day after surgery, and most patients return home within one or two days.

Recovery and returning to life

While some people experience pain relief immediately after surgery, recovery varies. Most patients see major improvements within 8 to 12 weeks, though full recovery may take up to a year. You will receive detailed instructions for:

  • Caring for your incision
  • Physical therapy exercises
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Preparing your home for recovery, including the use of a walker or arranging help with daily activities

Long-term outlook

Hip replacements are highly successful. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, they are among the most effective surgeries in medicine, with most implants lasting 15 years or more.

To protect your new joint and maintain long-term success:

  • Avoid high-impact sports
  • Stay active with low-impact exercises
  • Learn safe techniques for lifting or bending
  • Maintain a healthy weight

Orthopedic expertise in Central Oregon

From X-rays and therapy to advanced hip replacement surgery, St. Charles offers comprehensive orthopedic care for patients across Central Oregon. Our team stays current with the latest advancements, including outpatient joint replacement and robotic-assisted techniques such as MAKOplasty.

To learn more about joint replacement or schedule a consultation, call 541-382-3344.

Laboratory Reference Library

Lab National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) Alphabetical Index
Lab Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs)

Please contact support services with any questions.

Please contact Lab Outreach and Information Systems Analyst for questions with electronic orders and results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need laboratory tests?

Laboratory tests provide valuable information for making health care decisions. Practitioners use them to help assess your health status, diagnose disease, determine appropriate treatment or monitor treatment.

What hours are the labs open for walk-in services?

We have several outpatients labs in Central Oregon. Click here for a full list of locations and hours of operation.

What if I have an urgent lab need after hours?

Our inpatient lab is open 24 hours a day, every day.

Can I order lab tests on myself without an order from a doctor?

ORS 438 allows specific tests to be performed without a practitioner's order. St. Charles has several tests called Public Screen Testing that you may request without an order from a doctor. Patient should be fasting 10-12 hours prior to collection. 

Click here to fill out public screen test request form. Print and take to any St. Charles outpatient center.

Who may order and interpret lab test results?

In the state of Oregon, only certain licensed health care professionals may order laboratory tests. However, you may get blood glucose, cholesterol or lipid panel testing at health fair prices on a walk-in basis at our outpatient draw sites.

When are lab tests completed?

Most test results are delivered within 24 hours. If urgent care and lab results are needed rapidly, tests are ordered "STAT" and results are reported to the doctor within minutes or hours.

May I have a copy of my lab results?

Lab results are released via MyChart, our electronic health records system, as soon as they're available. Please be aware that the patient and the ordering provider receive them simultaneously, so you may see results before your provider has had a chance to review them.

Log into MyChart   Sign up for MyChart

If you would rather pick up a copy of your results in person, a release form is required. Please visit our Medical Records page for more information. 

Are lab tests covered by Medicare?

Medicare will pay for these screening tests under the following conditions:

  • Cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL (lipid panel): Once every five years.
  • Glucose: Once a year (365 days) for those without pre-diabetes; twice a year for those with pre-diabetes.
  • PSA screening: Once a year (365 days) for men age 50 years and over.
  • Occult blood screening: Once a year (365 days) for age 50 years and over (no specific diagnosis code required).

Other screening tests might not be covered by Medicare, which only pays for tests considered medically necessary. To be covered, tests must be ordered with a specific, Medicare-related diagnosis code.

Medicare Preventive Services

Can I test for certain conditions with a home kit?

Yes, but caution is advised. Currently kits are available for blood glucose, cholesterol, HIV, occult blood, ovulation and pregnancy testing. Home-based testing kits will only give reliable results if the directions are followed exactly.

St. Charles is committed to improving the health and well-being of the community it serves, starting with its own caregivers, providers and their families. Engage for Health is a comprehensive well-being program designed to meet caregivers, providers and family members where they are in their health and wellness journey. Through a variety of free resources and services, there is something for everyone. Resources include:

  • Behavioral health support including counseling services, spiritual care and crisis response
  • Fitness centers on hospital campuses
  • Mindfulness resources
  • Secure wellness platform providing resources, activities, tracking tools and social groups
  • And much more

For more information about the Engage for Health wellness program, please visit engageformyhealth.org or contact Wellness Program Manager, Jennifer Schostalo Hall, at [email protected] or 541-706-5950.

*Must be a caregiver or spouse of a caregiver enrolled under a St. Charles health plan

Behavioral Health Support Services

St. Charles offers a wide variety of emotional wellness and wellbeing services to caregivers and their dependents, including:

  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
  • Caregiver behavioral health support helpline
  • Outpatient Behavioral Health Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP)
  • Spiritual Care
  • Doctor on Demand virtual behavioral health visits
  • County Crisis Line Resources

Click HERE to assess any of these services.

Caregiver Assistance Program

The Caregiver Assistance Program (CAP) is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist
you and your eligible family members with any personal problems, large or small. See a summary of services. 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EDMR) and Group Traumatic Event Protocol (GTEP)

Upon request, Central Oregon clinicians trained in EMDR offer free Group Traumatic Event Protocol to health care professionals who have/are experiencing distress related to Covid-19. GTEP is conducted in a group context, however it is an individualized process. Both EMDR and GTEP are evidence-based trauma interventions that are used worldwide to address recent or ongoing trauma or stress. It is a group process and an alternative to Crisis Incident Stress Debriefs (CISD). With CISD, the individuals can process stressors or trauma without sharing the stressors/trauma with the group. If any participants feels they need additional support, individual assistance can be arranged. Contact Molly Wells Darling at 541-706-5865 or [email protected]

Fitness Centers

On-site fitness centers are located at all four hospital campuses hosting a myriad of strength, cardio and stretching equipment.

St. Charles Bend

  • The caregiver fitness room is located on the lower level, behind the staffing office.
  • The caregiver fitness room is available to use 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

St. Charles Madras

  • The caregiver fitness center is in the basement of the St. Charles Family Care Clinic in Madras. Caregivers may access the fitness center at the northeast door of the building. This ensures patient care is not disturbed.
  • Available for use 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
  • Remember this location is below a patient care area, so please be respectful and keep noise to a minimum.

St. Charles Prineville

  • The caregiver fitness center is in the Rehab Department.
  • Specialized pieces of equipment that are not available to caregivers will be clearly marked “patients only.”
  • Caregivers have access to the fitness center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend access is permitted, however, please be sensitive to patient needs.
  • Use personal headphones for any music or TV to respect other people in the room.

St. Charles Redmond

  • The caregiver fitness room is in the Annex building.
  • Available for use 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

The use of personal headphones for any music or TV is required in all Fitness Center locations.

Dietitian Counseling Services and Body Composition Analysis 

Nutrition counseling and meal planning services are available through St. Charles Nutrition and Diabetes Services. Check with your health plan to verify your coverage available for these services. Please note, body composition scales are currently available at the Bend and Redmond campuses (Madras and Prineville coming soon). To schedule an appointment, contact [email protected].

HeartMath-Resilience Advantage

Created in 1991, HeartMath has researched and refined a set of unique tools and proprietary technology designed to boost resilience, performance, and health while dramatically reducing stress. HeartMath is a workshop for caregivers and health care professionals to learn how to reduce stress and improve the quality of life. The Resilience Advantage workshop incorporates advanced scientific research in resilience, coherence and intuition with easy-to-learn self-regulation tools and technology. The program engages the natural intelligence of your heart to reduce the impact of stress and improve your health, performance, and happiness.

Visit Workday Learning to register or learn more. 

Mind-Body Groups

Mind-Body Skills Groups teach participants how to integrate mind-body skills into one’s life in a real and practical way. Mind-body approaches use the conscious mind to directly affect the workings of the brain and the rest of the body to create beneficial changes in many of the body’s physiologic responses. Our initial fight-or-flight responses to trauma and stress are healthy and designed to preserve us. However, when prolonged, induce biological damage and psychological consequences. Mind-body skills are the antidotes to the fight-or-flight, stress, and freeze responses. They reestablish broken brain connections and promote the healthy integration of thoughts and feelings. Skills include quiet and expressive meditations such as guided imagery, autogenic training and biofeedback, breath work, movement, and self-expression. Benefits gained from these groups include increased self-confidence and self-awareness, improved self-perception, enhanced immune system function, improved ability to cope with pain, fatigue and other symptoms, and improved ability to recognize and handle stress on this model.

Mind-Body groups are generally limited to six participants and consist of 90-minute workshops once a week for eight weeks.

Contact Lin Becker to discuss enrollment at [email protected].

Mindfulness Headspace and More

All caregivers and up to four family or friends have a free subscription to Headspace. Access your free Headspace account through your Virgin Pulse account. Go to Virgin Pulse, click the BENEFITS button, click Headspace, and scroll to bottom ENROLL NOW. This is free to all caregivers. Headspace is more than just a meditation app, it hosts a variety of podcasts, music, workouts, and much more.

Suicide Support Services

Suicide Support Services If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services and treatment options that may help. If you or someone you know need immediate help, call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988

Oregon Wellness Program

A statewide group focused on the well-being of health care workers offers free, confidential mental health counseling to RNs, APRNS, LPNs and CNAs at St. Charles. 

  • OWP will provide each patient with up to eight complimentary counseling sessions per calendar year.
  • All OWP providers have experience caring specifically for health care workers.
  • Telehealth appointments are available with most of the participating providers.
  • There is no paper trail and no insurance involved. OWP does not report to any boards or health systems.

Visit OregonWellnessProgram.org or call 541-242-2805 to find a list of participating providers.

Wellness Coaching

Get support in establishing, achieving and maintaining healthy habits, wellness coaching with a St. Charles Wellness Program Manager is available by video or by phone at no cost to caregivers. Appointments typically last 15 minutes and offer guidance in developing self-care practices and improving overall well-being. Contact Engage for Health at [email protected] or 541-706-5950 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Wellness and Wellbeing Program Platform-Personify Health (formerly Virgin Pulse)

Engage in our online wellbeing portal, powered by Personify Health, to complete your wellness assessment, track healthy habits, participate in wellness challenges, join social groups, and much more. Participation earns points which equate to a monetary incentive for caregivers enrolled in a St. Charles health plan. To enroll, please visit engageformyhealth.org.

Pharmacy Residency Program Overview

St. Charles Health System is pleased to offer a pharmacy residency program and welcomes applications from self-directed learners who are interested in developing competent clinical generalist skills. Participants in our program will become a part of our interdisciplinary health care team and will contribute to our model of patient-centered, evidence-based care.

Upon completion of the program, residents will have a solid foundation in clinical pharmacy practice including patient care and practice management. Additionally, successful residents will develop strong leadership skills the ability to excel in a variety of clinical practice areas. We are seeking motivated residents who are personally invested in gaining the skills, knowledge and values consistent with progressive, high quality clinical pharmacy practice.

Apply Today!

Pharmacy Services at St. Charles

St. Charles Health System is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,800 caregivers including nearly 50 pharmacists. St. Charles owns and operates four hospitals including St. Charles Bend, a 292-bed Level II trauma center, St. Charles Redmond, a 48-bed community hospital, and two critical access hospitals in Madras and Prineville. St. Charles Health System is the largest provider of health care in Central Oregon and the only Level II trauma center east of the Cascades. Pharmacy services exist in a variety of roles across the health system including inpatient, outpatient, oncology infusion and ambulatory care services.

Virtual Information Session

Nov. 15 at 1-2 p.m. PST.

Please join us for a virtual information session for the PGY1 Residency Program at St. Charles Health System.

Click here to join the meeting

Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 249 901 996 467
Passcode: iGKEFg

Download Teams | Join on the web

Join with a video conferencing device

Tenant key: [email protected]

Video Conference ID: 117 714 554 8

Program Contacts

Cody Sorenson, PharmD  
Residency Program Director
[email protected]

Rachel Sullivan, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Residency Program Coordinator
[email protected]

What to expect for clinical onboarding and orientation

Nursing and clinical orientation gives you the tools to successfully serve our patient population with the highest level of care, empathy, quality and safety while keeping in mind our mission, vision, values, organizational structure, evidence-based practice and national patient safety standards. We utilize the synergy between the Donna Wright model of competence and the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) as the gold standard for orientation and onboarding.

The entire system-wide onboarding process includes:

  • System orientation on Monday
  • Allied and nursing (combined) clinical orientation on Tuesday
  • Nursing (only) clinical orientation on Wednesday
  • Electronic health record (Epic) training on Thursday and Friday (depending on your specialty area)

The clinical orientation process is didactic in nature with a hands-on approach to validate knowledge, skills and abilities as you join St. Charles.
We look forward to meeting you and please do not hesitate to ask questions.

Finding clinical orientation

Click map for directions.

Orientation schedule

Allied health and nursing orientation occurs every other week. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays: allied health 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays: nurses 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: nurses 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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