Patient Depends on Collaboration and Access to Local Services

  • Winter 2019

Susan Rufer Image
Susan Rufer

Susan Rufer has had a very challenging 10 years. Her thyroid quit functioning. She has balance troubles and migraines. She had Alzheimer’s

symptoms. At one point, she was practically comatose. She was bedridden and had to stay with her sister in Kentucky.

The convenience of having access to a PET/CT scan at Brookings Health System has made her care more convenient. While her specialist is still in Kentucky, she can get her tests done right here, without having to travel. 

While in Kentucky, Rufer started seeing Dr. Gregory Jicha, a neurologist who specializes in memory and aging. From the start, he was in close contact with her Brookings physician, Dr Matt Bien, an internal medicine physician at Avera Medical Group.

Jicha diagnosed Rufer with paraneoplastic syndrome, a very rare disorder that can affect the nervous system, immune system, brain and spinal cord. Rufer’s paraneoplastic syndrome caused encephalomyelitis, resulting in inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

“I still go and see Dr. Jicha for two weeks every year,” says Rufer, “but Dr. Bien is wonderful. I have an autoimmune illness so something small can lead to something bigger. I have coordinated health care, so when I have issues, they all work together.”

Last time Rufer was in Kentucky consulting with Dr. Jicha, he ordered a PET/CT scan of her brain. These scans are often used by physicians to diagnose and determine the extent of neurological disorders.

Rufer couldn’t schedule a scan while she was there, so Dr. Jicha called Dr. Bien, who quickly got her an appointment in the mobile PET/CT truck which comes to Brookings Health System the second and fourth Monday of each month.

“It was very convenient to have the PET/CT scan done here,” says Rufer. “I didn’t have to go to Mayo or to Sioux Falls. 

“I went to radiology, where I rested for 45 minutes while the dye went through my body,” she continues. “Then I had the scan in the semi truck and went right home. The staff was wonderful and very caring.”

There is no cure for Rufer, but she is functioning the best she can, even raising her granddaughter. She is grateful for the care she receives.

“I am fortunate to have a good hospital and clinic right here in South Dakota,” she says. “I would recommend them because they care about their patients. They look for answers and refer me on if they need to. I don’t have to pay for a motel or spend gas money. It’s very convenient to drive a short distance, get it done and get on with my life.”

Watch more about Susan’s story at brookingshealth.org/SusanR.