Highlands Medical Center, a 170-bed facility, is the flagship of Jackson County Health Care Authority (JCHCA). Highlands provides state-of-the-art services through Highlands Imaging Center, Highlands Maternity Center, Highlands Sleep Disorders Center, Highlands Surgery Center, Highlands Occupational Medicine Center, Highlands Rehabilitation Center, Highlands Sports Center, Highlands Home Health, Lithotripsy, and Cardiopulmonary Care. JCHCA services include Highlands Health & Rehab, Cumberland Health & Rehab and Highlands Ambulance Services

Highlands was the first facility in northeast Alabama to utilize the world’s most precise “cat” scan technology. The Aquilion Computed Tomography (CT) System from Toshiba America Medical Systems offers better image quality, shorter exam times, earlier detection of abnormalities that may not have been seen by conventional CT, quicker start of treatment, reduced X-ray exposure and a safe alternative to invasive diagnostic procedures.

The Emergency Room at Highlands Medical Center takes care of approximately 18,000 patients annually. The ER length of stay at Highlands is 20 percent below the national average.

Forty-two doctors represent the Medical Staff at Highlands. Specialties include Allergy, Anesthesiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Ear, Nose and Throat – Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine, Family Practice, Immunotherapy, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Pathology, Pediatrics, Surgery and Urology.

For physician referral, call 218.3600.

Here is a look at services available through Highlands and Jackson County Healthcare Authority:

Highlands Maternity Center
Highlands Maternity Center offers mothers and their families a state-of-the-art, home-like atmosphere for life’s most anticipated arrival. Modern tastefully decorated birthing suites and post-partum rooms ensure that mothers enjoy the benefits of a private room throughout their hospital stay. The spacious suites are designed with the entire family in mind.

A C-section room is available just down the hall from the birthing suites. This provides the infant and the mother with a level of safety from continuous instrument monitoring that would not be possible if the C-section room were on another floor.

Hearing screenings for all newborns are performed before the baby leaves the hospital. This is extremely important, since hearing loss is the most common disability at birth.

Highlands also offers several education classes for mothers and their families. Childbirth class sessions last seven weeks. Childbirth classes are free to mothers delivering at Highlands. A one-night sibling class is also scheduled as needed. Breastfeeding classes are also scheduled as needed. For more information on any of these classes, call 256.218.3340.

Dr. Paul Megehee, Dr. Jerry Pierce and Dr. Ivonne Vargas are the Obstetricians and Gynecologists on staff at Highlands. Dr. Mark Cooper, Family Practice, also delivers at Highlands Maternity Center.

Highlands Sleep Disorders Center
Are you a middle-aged male? Are you a male with a collar size of 17 inches or more?

Are you a post-menopausal female? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then your odds of needing the services of Highlands Sleep Disorders Center are greater than average.

Highlands Sleep Disorders Center diagnoses a wide variety of sleeping disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, periodic limb movements (PLM), restless leg syndrome, parasomnias and gastroesophogeal reflux disease.

Highlands Sleep Disorders Center, located on the sixth floor of Highlands Medical Center, is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Talk to your doctor about a sleep evaluation or call Highlands Sleep Disorders Center at 256.218.3639.

Highlands Surgery Center
When surgery becomes your best option, Highlands Surgery Center offers a wide range of modern, innovative techniques and procedures. Some of these include colonoscopy, hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repair, breast surgery, gastroscopy, thoracic procedures, hemorrhoids, laparoscopic gallbladder, laparoscopic appendectomy, skin lesions and gastrointestinal procedures.

Dr. Larry Herberholz and Dr. Wesley Knowles are General Surgeons on staff at Highlands. To reach their office, please call 256.259.0185. Dr. Daniel Ortiz and Dr. Darby Marshall (574.6100) are Highlands Ear, Nose and Throat surgeons. Dr. Darryl Britt (259.1735) is Highlands Urology surgeon. Dr. Paul Megehee, Dr. Jerry Pierce and Dr. Ivonne Vargas (259.5211) are Highlands Gynecology surgeons.

Highlands Imaging Center

Highlands Imaging Center offers Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine and X-ray.

Housed in the recently renovated MRI suite, the 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI technology helps Highlands physicians evaluate cancer, torn ligaments, soft tissue masses and much more. Highlands’ MRI provides the clearest, most detailed diagnostic images in Jackson County

With the Aquilion Computed Tomography System from Toshiba America Medical Systems, exam times drop from minutes to seconds, and more accurate diagnosis result. The new multi-slice CT system (also called a CAT scanner) yields more precise images of bones and organs than older CT systems. It can be a life-saving technology, particularly for trauma patients like auto accident victims. In one 360-degree revolution, the scanner acquires 16 slices, or views, of the human anatomy. The CT system’s computer assembles the 16 slices into three-dimensional images that are interpreted by a radiologist.

The Aquilion CT also brings new diagnostic capabilities for elective tests (not covered by insurance) to Highlands. These tests are geared toward health conscious consumers, who are willing to invest in testing that could lead to early diagnosis of diseases that are hidden and progressing silently. Among the elective diagnostic tests that Highlands offers are coronary artery calcium scoring, whole body CT screening, angiography of the abdomen and legs for stenosis (narrowing of an artery) and lung cancer screening.

Highlands Imaging Center was the first hospital-based facility in northeast Alabama to introduce ultrasound services. Highlands recently enhanced its ultrasound technology with two new Philips High Definition Imaging systems. The ultrasound systems feature 3-D imaging and SonoCT, which provides enhanced diagnostic confidence for your ultrasound exams.

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Highlands Imaging Center is accredited for MRI and ultrasound from the American College of Radiology. Both the MRI and ultrasound accreditation programs evaluate qualifications of physicians, clinical personnel, equipment performance, effectiveness of quality control measures and quality of clinical images.

“These are primary factors that impact the quality of patient care,” said Brenda Lusk, Director of Highlands Imaging Center. “The level of scrutiny that our radiologists and technologists receive during this process makes me especially proud of our accreditation ranking.”

Highlands has implemented digital diagnostic software for its electromyography (EMG) testing and electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment. This software enhances diagnoses for carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, lunar nerve compression syndrome and epilepsy, among other conditions.

Lithotripsy – busting kidney stones
The most common, non-invasive form of relief for substantial kidney stones can be found at Highlands. It is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Lithotripsy uses high-energy shock waves to pulverize and shatter kidney stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. An X-ray is taken to determine the exact location of the stones. The focused shock waves are then passed through the body until they strike the dense stones. Once the stones have been disintegrated into sand-like particles, they are more easily passed through the urethra and out of the body in the urine. This occurs over several weeks.

“This procedure is a highly effective way for the body to rid itself of kidney stones,” said Dr. Darryl Britt, an Urologist on the medical staff at Highlands. “At least 80 percent of kidney stone patients previously diagnosed for surgery can now be successfully treated with lithotripsy.”

Lithotripsy is typically performed on an outpatient basis and eliminates the need for lengthy hospital stays and extensive recovery periods associated with surgery.

Highlands uses the Dornier Compact Delta, provided by UroTech, as its lithotripsy technology. The Dornier Compact Delta is universally acclaimed in academic circles as the “gold standard” in lithotripsy. Research has confirmed that the Compact Delta provides the lowest retreatment rate and highest stone-free rate of any lithotripter. It can treat all types of renal and ureteral stones. The Compact Delta is commonly used to retreat patients who have been unsuccessfully treated with other second-generation equipment. For more information about lithotripsy services at Highlands, please call 256-218.3743.

Highlands Occupational Medicine Center
Highlands Occupational Medicine Center, led by Dr. James Johnt, caters to industry and business in Jackson County. The clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Our main purpose is to be a healthcare partner with industries, businesses and their employees,” said Dr. Johnt. “We help fit the employee to the task. We provide medical screenings, surveillance and address wellness. Our goal is to get employees back to work after work-related injuries and illnesses. The fact that we’re hospital-based, with immediate access to the emergency room, radiology, the laboratory and rehabilitation services, will be a major advantage for our industry and business partners and their employees.”

Highlands Occupational Medicine Center offers pre-employment screenings, work-related injury treatment, 24-hour on-site alcohol and drug testing, return-to-work evaluations, physical and occupational therapy, vision and hearing screenings, flu shots, hepatitis A and B, and tuberculosis skin testing. Also available are sleep disorder screenings, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, health fairs and educational programs.

Dr. Johnt is board certified in Emergency Medicine. He has more than 20 years of experience in Emergency Medicine, General Practice and Occupational Medicine.

Highlands Rehabilitation Center
Highlands offers a broad range of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, sports medicine at Highlands Sports Center, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and industrial rehabilitation.

Highlands Sports Center is a comprehensive sports medicine provider for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Highlands Sports Center provides physical therapy, educational seminars, pre-season physicals, Certified Athletic Trainers for high school games, and the Friday Night Injury Clinic during football season.

Highlands Rehabilitation Center hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Other appointment times can be scheduled with notice. To contact Highlands Rehabilitation Center, please call 256.218.3760.

Cardiopulmonary Care

Services offered by Cardiopulmonary Care include EEG testing, cardiac stress testing and Holter monitoring, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary function testing and other respiratory care procedures. To contact Cardiac Rehabilitation, call 218.3766.

Total Health
The Total Health program provides a comfortable environment to exercise on top-of-the-line equipment in the presence of a medical professional. Total Health focuses on prevention of disease, weight loss and maintenance and improvement in the quality of life. Membership is open to the public, age 19 and up, and is specifically suggested for seniors, cardiac patients and diabetics. Approval from your family physician is required. Total Health members benefit from the expertise of athletic trainers, physical therapists, registered dieticians, registered nurses and respiratory therapists. For more information, please call 256.218.3765.

Highlands Home Health
Highlands Home Health treats patients in Jackson, DeKalb, Madison and Marshall counties. Services include nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

A physician referral is required to initiate Home Health services. A registered nurse visits each patient in their home and develops a plan of care with their physician. All nurses, therapists and other staff stay in close communication with the patient’s doctor and will notify him or her of any changes in the patient’s conditions or needs. Home Health can make arrangements for special equipment, such as hospital beds and wheelchairs, and will process all insurance claims.

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations accredits Highlands Home Health.

For more information on Highlands Home Health and patient qualifications, please call 256-259.4840.

Nursing Homes
JCHCA operates two nursing homes -- 100-bed Cumberland Health & Rehab in Bridgeport and 50-bed Highlands Health & Rehab in Scottsboro.

Cumberland Health & Rehab, built in 1992, is located in a scenic setting in northeast Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Cumberland currently provides medical/nursing services, rehabilitation, physical therapy, speech therapy and respiratory therapy.

“We know we’re helping our residents and their families,” said Nancy Summers, dietary supervisor at Cumberland. “We get notes back on the trays that let us know they loved the food. Families visit and go home knowing that we’re taking good care of their loved one. We have a good reputation at Cumberland Health & Rehab, and I like being a part of that.”

For more information about Cumberland Health & Rehab, please call 256.437.7260 or 256.437.1116. For admissions information, please call Jennifer Johnson, Director of Social Services, at 256.437.7264 or 256.437.1118.

Highlands Health & Rehab, a 50-bed facility located in Scottsboro adjacent to Highlands Medical Center, currently provides medical/nursing services, rehabilitation, physical therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy and Alzheimer’s care.

“We are very proud of the quality of care that we provide,” said Robin Bradford, Administrator at Highlands Health & Rehab. “We create a real ‘home’ for our residents, in every sense of the word. We have a very dedicated staff.”

For admissions information, please call Sharon Nippers, Admissions Coordinator, at 256.218.3708, www.highlandsmedcenter.com

We have approximately 7,000 people who commute out of the county for work each day. The majority (4,000 +) of them work in Huntsville. Many work at Redstone Arsenal which is an easy 45 minute commute from Scottsboro on scenic U.S. Highway 72. You encounter less than 5 stop lights from Scottsboro to the Arsenal gates. The drive to and from Huntsville on Highway 72 is one of the prettiest drives in the southeast with many water and mountain features along the roadway.

The Emergency Room at Highlands Medical Center takes care of approximately 18,000 patients annually. The ER length of stay at Highlands Medical Center is 20 percent below the national average.

Relevant web site: www.highlandsmedcenter.com

There are a variety of mental health facilities in Jackson County.

To reach the Jackson County Group Home in Dutton, please call 256.228.6514. Mountain Lakes Behavioral Healthcare (256.259.1774) provides services in the area of treatment and prevention for mental health issues and substance abuse (mlbhc.com).

The ARC Achievement Center works with mentally challenged clients (256.259.1603), as does Valley Industries (256.259.3636).

Two Hospice organizations, New Beacon Hospice (256.574.4622) and Wiregrass Hospice (256.259.3181) serve Scottsboro and Jackson County.

Relevant web sites:

• www.newbeacon.org
• www.wiregrasshospice.org