our services: River Hospital - Serving the Thousand Islands ... Close to home

River Hospital's Laboratory provides a variety of on-site clinical diagnostic testing services to inpatients, as well as outpatients.  The staff includes phlebotomists and NY State Licensed Medical Technologists. The Laboratory Director is a Board Certified Pathologist. The laboratory staff is dedicated to accurate and timely results. Routine and emergency testing includes: Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Endocrinology, Bacteriology, Virology, Blood Bank, Serology, Urinalysis and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Laboratory testing requires an order from a physician or other authorized provider. Some blood tests require fasting. Ask your physician or call the laboratory at 315-482-1112 if you have any questions. Scheduled Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If these times are not convenient to your schedule call (315) 482-1114 for an appointment.

River Hospital offers many general and specialized radiography exams. The department is staffed by Board Certified Radiologists and Registered Radiology Technologists. The department is proud to be an American College of Radiology Accredited facility and FDA approved for mammography. The department has 24-hour emergency, and inpatient, with the outpatient services available by appointment. Services include: Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Fluoroscopy, Emergency and Routine X-ray, CT Scan, Ultrasound, and Bone Densitometry. Outpatient procedures are by appointment and can be scheduled with the department by calling 315-482-1122. Scheduled Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday - 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

CT SCANNER The Siemens Somatom Emotion Scanner testing aids in diagnosing multiple conditions, such as unexplained pain, post surgery needs, chemotherapy and radiation evaluation, injuries and stroke.

BONE DENSITOMETER River Hospital utilizes the LUNAR bone densitometer for axial measurement of bone density. The diagnosis of osteoporosis is facilitated by bone mineral density (BMD) measurement of the lumbar spine and hip using dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA). This highly sensitive densitometer identifies bone loss at the major fracture sites, such as the femur and spine, in just minutes. In addition to the standard sites we also offer: Dual Femur measurement to assess the average density of both femurs for confident patient management; and Total Body measurement for both bone density and body fat assessment. This is an excellent tool to assess weight loss therapies and endocrine/growth disorders for pediatric and adult patients with secondary osteoporosis.

ULTRASOUND [SONOGRAM] The Anteras ultrasound machine is versatile and expands the range of testing available in the department, such as obstetrical exams, breast exams, abdomen and pelvic exams, arterial and venous exams, testicular and prostate evaluation.

MAMMOGRAPHY River Hospital offers Mammography services with new Digitized R2Checker technology and Stereotactic Breast Biopsy capabilities to aid in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Women are encouraged to have annual mammograms which are done by a registered technologist certified in Mammography. River Hospital is a certified Softer Mammogram Provider, a distinction awarded only to an elite group of healthcare facilities. River Hospital is contributing to the increase in the number of area women who follow recommendations for regular screenings.

AmericanCollegeof Radiography Accredited Mammography Imaging Facility.

Physical Therapy and Evaluations

"Our goal is to increase physical activity, restore mobility, strength, and encourage independent living through personalized programming." River Hospital offers rehabilitation services to the St. Lawrence River Communities. Our friendly, licensed, professional staff provides high quality care in a friendly atmosphere with an amazing view overlooking Boldt Castle. Maintenance Programs and Gym Memberships designed by licensed and professionals are available to decrease stress and enhance health and wellness. Services available include McKenzie Treatments/Techniques; Myofascial Release/Craniosacral Techniques; Training in the use of Adaptive Equipment (i.e. crutches, walkers); Pain Management Modalities: (ultrasound, electric stimulation, hydrotherapy, etc.); Exercise Programming for strength, endurance, range of motion, flexibility, balance and coordination; Soft tissue mobilization and massage; Postural Education and Body Mechanics.

CARDIAC REHABILITATION Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation For those who have had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass, angioplasty, angina and those at risk for heart disease who have not experienced a recent cardiac event. Phase III offers continued supervised exercise sessions after a patient has completed phase I & II. Cardiac Rehabilitation exercise and education classes conducted by experienced licensed Physical Therapists for persons who have had a heart attack, bypass surgery, or treatment of angina. Classes include heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, individually prescribed exercise sessions three times a week and development of a home exercise program. Education sessions include angina and heart disease, stress management, heart healthy diet and medications. A doctor's referral is required for admission into the program. Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation A program designated for the most stable, experienced exerciser. If offers a more flexible schedule with periodic evaluation and assessment by the staff. The monthly fee is based on frequency of visits. Check with your health insurance carrier for coverage eligibility concerning Phases III and IV.

SPORTS CONSULTATION This service is an evaluation of acute sports injuries provided by a New York State Certified Athletic Trainer. Appropriate referrals are then made to primary care physicians within 24 hours.

SENIOR PROGRAM This program is designed for healthy lifestyles to increase flexibility, balance, posture, strength, endurance and more.

OSTEOPOROSIS PROGRAM Designed to relieve pain, improve body alignment and restore body height, this program can also help individuals with degenerative disc disease, spondylothesis, slipped disc and other conditions that may be causing neck and/or back pain.

WELLNESS / ADULT FITNESS PROGRAM Designed for individuals interested in a general exercise/fitness program, a Gym Maintenance program is individually customized and supervised by professionals at a low monthly fee. Convenient Flexible Hours: Monday - Friday 6:00 a .m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call (315) 482-1116

Cardiology Services

Breathing problems can affect you and your family's entire life. We are here to help you breathe better, easier and longer. River Hospital's family of services includes a dedicated Cardiopulmonary staff who work with the medical and nursing staff to provide therapies and diagnostic procedures needed to assess and treat lung and heart problems. NYS Licensed Respiratory Therapists are on staff to provide routine inpatient and outpatient pediatric and adult testing. Routine and emergency services include: Transport Ventilation, Ambulatory/Nocturnal Pulse Oximetry, Patient Education for Asthma/Respiratory Medication Treatment, Heart and Lung Diagnostic Testing, to include 24 Hour  Holter Monitor and 30 Day Cardiac Event Monitoring, and Electrocardiograms. For questions call (315) 482-2511. Weekend appointments are also available.

The connection between diet and disease has been firmly established in medical research. Reductions in overall fat intake, particularly saturated fat and cholesterol, accompanied by increased intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits has shown to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes, some forms of cancer, heart disease and obesity. To teach you how to incorporate healthy nutrition habits into your lifestyle, River Hospital provides up-to-date nutrition education and counseling.

At River Hospital, our New York State certified, registered dietitians are dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized nutrition counseling and education to enhance your ability to achieve your health goals. We consult with your physician and work with your healthcare team to ensure your nutrition plan meets your specific health needs.

Our registered dietitians will assist you in prioritizing nutrition and lifestyle changes to meet your individual health goals, as well as work with you each step of the way to monitor ongoing progress. Our nutrition counseling and education program will enhance and complement the treatment plan prescribed by your physician, improving your overall health and wellness.

Our services include: Medical Nutrition Therapy [MNT] for all age groups, including a comprehensive nutrition evaluation & assessment, personalized instruction including appropriate educational materials, nutritional support and meal planning, guidance with individual goal setting, as well as follow-up education and on-going support as you work toward your health goals. In addition, The River Hospital has one of the only Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE) in Jefferson County providing diabetes education and individualized diabetes self management education.

Many insurance companies are covering MNT with a physician's referral. Check with your insurance company to see if your visit with our Registered Dietitian and/or Certified Diabetes Educator will be reimbursed. For more information on individual nutrition counseling, diabetes education or to schedule an appointment, call [315] 482-1128.

We look forward to helping you meet your individual nutrition goals through behavior modification.

The old proverb "You are what you eat" still rings true. To help you learn how to incorporate a healthy diet into your day, River Hospital provides up-to-date nutrition education and counseling. The impact and role of diet and disease has been firmly established in medical research. Reductions in overall fat intake [particularly saturated fat and cholesterol], accompanied by increases in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits have been shown to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes, some forms of cancer, heart disease and obesity.

At River Hospital, our registered, certified dietitians are dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized nutrition counseling and education to enhance your ability to achieve your goals. We consult with your physician and work with your healthcare team to ensure a nutrition plan that meets your specific health needs.

Through the close monitoring of our patient's dietary needs and making lifestyle modifications and healthier nutrition choices, overall health and wellness can improve. Such improvements will complement the treatment plan prescribed by your physician. Our services include: Comprehensive nutrition evaluation & assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy [MNT] for all age groups; Personalized instruction including appropriate educational materials, nutritional support and meal planning, and guidance with goal setting; Follow-up and on-going support; Obesity Counseling; and Diabetes Counseling.  Many insurance companies are covering nutrition counseling with a physician's referral. Check with your insurance company to see if your visit will be reimbursed. For more information on individual nutrition counseling or to schedule an appointment, call [315] 482-1128. We look forward to helping you meet your individual nutrition goals through behavior modification.

Our social worker is available to provide compassionate case management to accommodate the needs of each patient in our Acute and Swing Bed Units. For our patients, a holistic care plan is implemented upon admission to ensure a smooth transition, with the utmost consideration for the emotional, spiritual, personal and physical needs of each individual. Along with admission coordination, River Hospital's social worker also provides intervention with families, counseling on an as needed basis, and discharge planning.

Our social worker serves as a liaison with community agencies that support residents in-house and after discharge. For further information Phone: 315-482-2511 ext. 165.

River Hospital is concerned with the health and welfare of our patients and the community. Concern for the environment is of growing importance within our culture. Safe disposal of medical waste from home health care patients is a significant concern. This directly affects your safety, particularly with healthcare workers and waste collectors. River Hospital currently uses approved procedures for disposal of medical waste.

If you are a home health care patient we offer you the ability to use our existing services to safely and efficiently dispose of your medical waste. We are committed to assisting you in creating a healthier and safer environment in your home.

Medical Waste - Medical waste is sharp or penetrating materials, also referred to as "Sharps" that might come in to contact with blood or other bodily fluids and present a health hazard to others. Such items include: needles, syringes, scalpel blades and any other sharp objects used in your treatment activities.

Required Materials - To protect against accidental contact with contaminated sharps, containers with walls and caps heavy enough to prevent sharps from coming through are required. Such containers include hospital grade "sharps containers". These are red containers constructed of heavy plastic with safety lids. Heavy plastic laundry detergent containers with solid caps will also work.

Guidelines - All "sharps" must be placed in puncture-proof containers. Hospital grade red "sharps" containers are available from River Hospital. Please inquire about receiving yours at the Admissions desk in our reception area.

Disposal And Transporting Medical Waste - Once your container is full, simply close the lid and return it to the hospital's Admissions desk. We will provide you with another unused container and safely dispose of your full one. Your medical waste materials will be accepted from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you have any questions or concerns you may call Rick Bain or Valarie Bain at (315) 482-2511.

We are pleased to provide this service and to assist you with your home health care medical waste needs.

Environmental Management and Regulatory Compliance Department
(315) 482-1144
(315) 482-1121