Our Acute Care Rehabilitation Services

At St. Charles, we offer a comprehensive range of acute care rehabilitation services designed to support patients recovering from surgeries, injuries and acute medical conditions. Our expert team of rehabilitation specialists collaborates closely with medical professionals to create individualized treatment plans that align with your medical needs, recovery goals and timeline.

Our acute care rehabilitation services include:

Physical Rehabilitation: Our expert physical therapists are skilled in helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function after a medical event or surgery.

Occupational Rehabilitation: Our occupational therapists focus on equipping you with the skills and techniques needed to perform daily activities independently.

Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Our speech-language pathologists assist patients in recovering speech and swallowing abilities after stroke, surgery, or other medical conditions.

Neurorehabilitation: For patients with neurological conditions, our neurorehabilitation programs are designed to promote neurological recovery and improve quality of life.

Why Choose St. Charles for Acute Care Rehabilitation?

Specialized Care: Our team specializes in acute care rehabilitation, ensuring that you receive the most effective and targeted treatment for your condition.

Collaboration: We work closely with your medical team to ensure a seamless continuum of care, from acute treatment to rehabilitation.

Patient-Centered Approach: Your unique needs and goals are at the center of our rehabilitation programs. We create personalized treatment plans to maximize your recovery potential.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our modern facilities are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to support your rehabilitation journey.

Start Your Journey to Healing Today

Recovery is possible, even in the face of acute medical challenges. Begin your journey to healing and restoration with the compassionate and expert care provided by St. Charles Health System. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future.

Welcome to St. Charles Outpatient Rehabilitation, where we are dedicated to helping you achieve a full and active life through our comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation services. Whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or seeking support to regain your mobility and independence, our team of experienced therapists is here to guide you on your journey to recovery.

Our Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

At St. Charles, we offer a wide range of outpatient rehabilitation services designed to address your unique needs. Our highly trained and compassionate therapists work closely with you to create personalized treatment plans, ensuring that your path to recovery is tailored to your specific goals and requirements.

Our outpatient rehabilitation services include:

Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists are experts in helping you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, whether you're recovering from surgery or managing a musculoskeletal condition.

Occupational Therapy: Our occupational therapists focus on improving your ability to perform daily activities, enhancing your independence and quality of life.

Speech-Language Pathology: Our speech-language pathologists help individuals of all ages overcome communication and swallowing challenges.

Why Choose St. Charles Outpatient Rehab?

Expertise: Our team of therapists comprises experts in their respective fields, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care.

Personalized Care: We understand that every patient is unique. That's why we create customized treatment plans to meet your individual needs and goals.

Convenience: Our outpatient services allow you to receive care without the need for an overnight hospital stay, making it more convenient for you to fit therapy into your schedule.

Compassionate Support: We are committed to not only treating your physical symptoms but also providing emotional support throughout your rehabilitation journey.

Get Started Today

Your path to recovery begins at St. Charles Outpatient Rehab. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced therapists and take the first step towards a healthier, more active life. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness.

Andy Davidson

Andy Davidson, president of Gallagher Healthcare, joined the board in 2023, bringing with him three decades of experience working with leaders from community hospitals, health systems, physician practices, payers, and health care technology companies.

From 2005 to 2019, Davidson served as president and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. He was also a founding board member of the Oregon Health Leadership Council and the Oregon Health Network, and he recently completed 12 years on the board of Central City Concern, one of Oregon’s largest Federally Qualified Health Centers and providers of low-income housing.

Davidson earned his degree in English literature from the University of New Hampshire and participated in the first Executive Leadership Program on Healthcare Policy and Reform at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Reason for service: “St. Charles exists to serve our patients and we have an obligation to consistently strive to meet them where they are. I see the work of the board and the health system as an extension of the communities we serve.”

Regina Forsi was training with the registration team at St. Charles Cancer Center when she got confirmation that she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

“A patient came up and told us, ‘You guys make this so much easier for people by bringing smiles and love and fun to the building,’” said Forsi, a scheduling specialist. “I immediately felt welcome and like I was making a difference. It was my second full week here and the place already touched my heart.”

It wasn’t the first time. In 2020, Forsi was 25 years old and working at a local vision clinic when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and sent to the Cancer Center for treatment.

“I really loved the nurses and everyone who took care of me,” she said.

The treatments Forsi received were effective, and by the spring of 2021, doctors could find no evidence of cancer in her body. Meanwhile, at her job, she found herself increasingly interested in the administrative side of health care and decided she wanted to pursue that as a career.

“My manager at the vision clinic really helped me learn more about insurance and billing,” she said. “And then this job at St. Charles popped up and I thought, ‘I know the back end pretty well. This is an opportunity to get to know the front end as well, and with (cancer patients) I feel like I could connect with.”

Forsi got the job, of course, and she’s ecstatic to be working in the Cancer Center.

“I always joked I’d come back,” she said. “Now that I’m here, I already know where all the candy drawers are.”

Now, Forsi is studying health information management at Central Oregon Community College and relishing the opportunity to take care of people in a place where she once received such great care.

“Honestly, it’s about the patients for me,” she said. “Patient care is something that I really love, and I just feel so fortunate and excited to be part of the team.”

St. Charles Health System is now accepting applications for grants aimed at reducing loneliness and increasing welcoming and belonging in Central Oregon. Community-based and nonprofit organizations, education systems and tribal entities that serve youth, older adults and/or vulnerable populations are now eligible to apply for St. Charles’ newest grant priority: Celebrate, Together; Celebrando Juntos. 

For the next three years, St. Charles will direct thousands in grant funding to community organizations to target loneliness and isolation, aimed specifically at organizations that are creating opportunities for communities to connect in person, with a focus on older adults and youth.

“We are increasingly seeing that loneliness and depression are root causes of a number of health problems and societal problems, and the pandemic has only exacerbated that issue,” said Molly Wells Darling, administrative director of Behavioral Health Services for St. Charles. “If we can help people feel less lonely by connecting with others and becoming part of a community, we know that Central Oregon will be healthier place.”

Carlos Salcedo, community partnerships manager for St. Charles, says that the goal is for these grants to address loneliness by providing a wide variety of activities that match the diverse interests of Central Oregonians. 

“We heard in our assessment interviews that community members are craving opportunities to come together, meet new people and rebuild their social networks coming out of COVID. Our hope is that each community will choose where to focus their time and energy around this issue. Maybe one will focus on creating innovative programming for middle school youth while another might focus on creating community walking groups,” said Salcedo. 

Organizations that are interested in expanding current group programming or piloting new projects that would allow their target populations to engage in a way that is most meaningful to them are encouraged to apply. 

Applications are due Sept. 30, 2023. To learn more about the grant requirements and application process, visit our webpage. 

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, nonprofit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

Seniors encouraged to choose traditional Medicare during open enrollment

Citing concerns related to patient care, access and affordability, St. Charles Health System is evaluating its participation in all Medicare Advantage plans, including those from Humana, PacificSource, HealthNet and WellCare.  

St. Charles continues to accept original (or traditional) Medicare, which is funded and operated by the federal government. Medicare Advantage plans are funded by the government but run by private insurance companies. 

Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles, explains that great thought went into the decision to reevaluate Medicare Advantage participation, and it was done only after years of concerns piled up not just at St. Charles, but at health systems throughout the country. “The reality of Medicare Advantage in Central Oregon is that it just hasn’t lived up to the promise. A program intended to promote seamless and higher quality care has instead become a fragmented patchwork of administrative delays, denials, and frustrations. The sicker you are, the more hurdles you and your care teams face. Our insurance partners need to do better, especially when nurses, physicians and other caregivers are reporting high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction.”

St. Charles is not alone in expressing concerns about Medicare Advantage plans. According to the American Hospital Association, the AHA “is increasingly concerned about certain (Medicare Advantage) plan policies that restrict or delay patient access to care, which also add cost and burden to the health care system.” Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans are under Congressional investigation for delays and denials in coverage. 

“We are seeing different outcomes for patients based on the type of insurance they have; with those on Medicare Advantage experiencing higher rates of denials and longer hospital stays, meanwhile our providers must jump through hoops in order to get the care their patients need approved,” said Matt Swafford, chief financial officer for St. Charles. “We recognize changing insurance options may create a temporary burden for Central Oregonians who are currently on a Medicare Advantage plan, but we ultimately believe it is the right move for patients and for our health system to be sustainable into the future to encourage patients to move away from Medicare Advantage plans as they currently exist. We want to share this notification with seniors in Central Oregon so they have enough time during open enrollment this fall to sign up for traditional Medicare.” 

Next steps

St. Charles Health System is evaluating its Medicare Advantage contracts with PacificSource, Humana, HealthNet and WellCare this fall and winter.  

Should St. Charles no longer be considered “in-network” with these Medicare Advantage plans, patients who are currently on these plans may need to choose another insurance plan to avoid changes in insurance coverage or payment responsibilities. 

“We strongly encourage anyone currently on a Medicare Advantage plan living in Central Oregon to review their health insurance coverage during open enrollment this fall and consider making a change to traditional Medicare,” said Dr. Mark Hallett, chief clinical officer for St. Charles. “When a patient is on traditional Medicare, physicians determine a patient’s care and what is medically necessary. When a patient is on a Medicare Advantage plan, the insurer determines what is medically necessary. Medicare Advantage plans provide great benefits for people who are healthy, but we are concerned patients may not understand the barriers to care they could experience on an MA plan if they are seriously ill or require hospitalization.” 

Central Oregonians who wish to explore insurance options, can contact: 

• Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) at 800-722-4134, option 2, 
• 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 
• Council on Aging of Central Oregon at 541-678-5483,
• or an insurance broker of your choosing.

St. Charles Foundation is pleased to announce the arrival of its new Executive Director, Jennifer O’Bryan. She brings to the Foundation more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including donor relations, strategic planning and event execution.

O’Bryan is an Oregon native who has spent the past two decades working in the nonprofit sector, first with the Portland Rose Festival Association, and then as Senior Vice President of Revenue and Development at the Children’s Cancer Association in Portland. 

“For the past few years, my family has been fortunate enough to live in Bend, where we get to enjoy the incredible way of life that Central Oregon has to offer,” O’Bryan said. “I am excited and humbled to now play a part in promoting health and wellbeing in this beautiful region.”

O’Bryan earned her business degree from Western Oregon University in Monmouth. She said she is deeply inspired by what the Foundation has been able to accomplish through its generous donors.

“It is my belief that access to high-quality health care is one of the most critical components of a community’s infrastructure,” O’Bryan said. “I am confident that through collaborative partnerships and strengthening community connections, we can continue to bring innovation, clinical excellence and world-class health care to Central Oregon.”

Over the past several years, the Foundation has provided funding for much-needed advancements for the region, including leading-edge equipment, scholarship programs, grants, patient services and multiple capital projects like the Bend patient tower, which houses St. Charles’ 24-bed Intensive Care Unit and 28-bed Progressive Care Unit.

“St. Charles Foundation is critical to the long-term success of St. Charles Health System and the stability of access to health care services throughout Central Oregon,” said Jim Lussier, St. Charles Foundation board chair. “We are thrilled to have Jenny join our team and lead the Foundation into the future.”   

O’Bryan is an ideal person to lead the Foundation as Central Oregon continues to grow, said Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles.

“We are so fortunate to have someone with Jenny’s experience and expertise overseeing the Foundation’s important work,” Gordon said. “Jenny has already hit the ground running and I’m excited to partner with and support her in becoming a key figure and a familiar face in the community for St. Charles.  Please join me in welcoming her to her new role.”

For more information about St. Charles Foundation, please visit stcharlesfoundation.org.

About St. Charles Health System

St. Charles Health System, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Ore., owns and operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond. It also owns family care clinics in Bend, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, Redmond and Sisters. St. Charles is a private, not-for-profit Oregon corporation and is the largest employer in Central Oregon with more than 4,500 caregivers. In addition, there are more than 350 active medical staff members and nearly 200 visiting medical staff members who partner with the health system to provide a wide range of care and service to our communities.

It’s not every day you set out to change a state law and actually succeed. That’s what happened this summer, as caregivers from St. Charles Health System partnered with members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to advocate for the passage of new state legislation that allows health care organizations to better support patients’ cultural and spiritual beliefs.

The new legislation, SB 189, which passed in July and will be signed into law on Jan. 1, 2024, allows Oregonians to have a say in what happens to their amputated body parts in accordance with their cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs.

“Today, we at St. Charles are celebrating the passage of this legislation along with our friends and partners in the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. It’s a great example of listening to our community, hearing a concern, thinking creatively and taking responsive action alongside those who are most impacted to make a difference,” said Dr. Steve Gordon, president and CEO for St. Charles.

For years, caregivers at St. Charles experienced a barrier to care for some patients. Under existing state law, amputated body parts are considered pathological waste and their disposal is required.

“Many of our Native American patients that were in need of medical intervention requiring amputation of a body part didn’t want to seek necessary care if they weren’t able to receive the body part back after surgery,” said Dr. Shilo Tippett, manager of caregiver experience and inclusion for St. Charles. That’s because many members of the Tribe believe they must be buried whole to travel to the spirit world after death.

While the new law will likely only directly impact a handful of individuals each year, its significance is hard to overstate.

Jonathan Smith, Tribal Council Chairman for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, said that the passage of the law as well as the partnership that brought about this change means a great deal to the Tribes.

“We are very happy. We knew it was a concern and it had been on the books for a long time. It was really good to see St. Charles support us in this,” said Smith. “Our continuing partnership is going to be a key for success in the future.”

St. Charles caregivers began the effort to change the law last summer when they surveyed members of the Warm Springs community during a health fair. Overwhelmingly the residents said they wanted the law to change.

“It felt so unfair to our Tribal people and to our staff who wanted to support their patients. It felt morally wrong not to be able to do this,” said Tippett, who is also an enrolled Tribal Member. St. Charles staff worked alongside a lobbyist from the Tribes and collaborated with many groups, including Tribes from across the state, to move the legislation ahead.

“This is huge. For native people, this is removing a barrier to journey into the spirit world and it feels wonderful to know that we at St. Charles had a hand in that,” said Tippett.

In so many ways, I can’t believe one year has gone by since I took on the interim role of president and CEO for St. Charles Health System.

It has been a remarkable 12 months. Before I pause to reflect on all that has happened, it’s worth revisiting my three main goals I shared with you in my July 2022 column:

• Create a better experience for St. Charles patients, caregivers and physicians.
• Improve the health system's financial situation.
• Find and hire an inspiring new president and CEO to lead us forward.

Since then we’ve weathered extraordinary challenges, and we’ve made exceptional progress. We reorganized ourselves around service lines, streamlined decision making and renewed our focus on and investment in our people. Our turnover rate has stabilized at below pre-pandemic levels. Month after month, people are choosing to work for St. Charles and are choosing to stay with us. Financially, we have maintained a positive operating margin for the first half of 2023 at a time when health care finances remain uncertain throughout the state and nation.

I hear regularly from grateful patients about the excellent care they receive at St. Charles. That makes me incredibly proud because I know that excellence happens one patient at a time, but creating conditions for excellence takes perseverance, focus and a continuous improvement mindset. Across the health system, we have maintained a care delivery environment we can be proud of, not just because we provide that care to the communities of Central Oregon, but because it is as good as care delivered anywhere.

Like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the state of health care in America today. I fear that despite our best efforts, St. Charles will continue to face intense external pressures and we will see little in the way of relief from insurers, policy makers and regulators. We are beginning to work on a three-year strategic plan to ensure we are all rowing the boat in the same direction. We are also continuing our focus to reduce administrative burdens through negotiations with insurance companies by evaluating our ongoing participation in Medicare Advantage plans. We hope to share more about both of these important efforts soon.

It’s easy to see how much we’ve accomplished toward the first two goals I outlined one year ago. When I wrote out that third goal, I fully intended that we would find someone other than me to serve permanently as CEO. Instead, working alongside our great caregivers, physicians and providers inspired me to stay on, and I remain energized to keep building upon our recovery and to preserving, strengthening and evolving our services sustainably into the future.

Sincerely,
Steve

Grand Rounds - July , 2023
"GLP‐1 Agonist and Weight Loss Management"

Speaker: Adrienne Youdim, MD, FACP. Associate Professor of Medicine, UCLA; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

Objectives

1. Diagnose obesity and co‐morbidities of obesity.
2. Manage obesity with lifestyle management and pharmacotherapy.
3. Employ weight loss pharmacotherapy for the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Accreditation: St. Charles Health System is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. St. Charles Health System designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM.

The period to claim credit for this activity expires one year after its original publication. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Claim Credit

Target Audience: Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Health Professionals

Accessibility/Program Questions: St. Charles Health System encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Continuing Medical Education at [email protected].

Oher CME or Clerkship questions: also contact Continuing Medical Education at [email protected].