Recent News

Breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Dr. Clint Merritt, breast surgical oncologist with Utica Park Clinic, sat down with News on 6 to talk about the importance of early detection, and why you may need to get a mammogram earlier if you have a family history of the disease. Click here to view the full story.

Mammograms are encouraged for women over the age of 40 or who have a family history of breast cancer. A mammogram is a non-invasive procedure that usually takes less than 15 minutes to complete and is designed to show any abnormalities,... Read More »

SILAS program at Hillcrest providing care for families facing infant loss

The SILAS program at Hillcrest Medical Center (HMC) is the only formal perinatal palliative program in Tulsa. HMC staff offer care and compassion for grieving families, often during the hardest moments of their lives. Dr. Stephanie Carner, neonatologist and NICU medical director at HMC, spoke to KOTV - News On 6 about why perinatal palliative care is so important. You can watch the full story here.

A program at Hillcrest Medical Center supports families with terminally ill newborns and helps parents cope with their loss. Alan and Daniela Kline were excited when they... Read More »

Breast Health Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and can serve both a reminder and an opportunity to take care of YOU!

Breast health begins with a sense of what is normal for your breasts, also known as breast awareness. To promote breast health, consider doing regular breast self-exams. With practice, you will discover how your breasts vary in sensitivity and texture at different times during your menstrual cycle.

For many women, breast health includes concerns about breast lumps, breast pain or nipple discharge. Know what is normal and when to consult your doctor. It is also... Read More »

New Collaboration Between OU Health, Hillcrest Brings Highest Level of Cancer Care to Region

 

OU Health is collaborating with Hillcrest HealthCare System to bring the highest level of research-driven cancer care to Tulsa and the surrounding region. The collaboration combines the expertise of the state’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center (NCI) with the strength of the Hillcrest HealthCare System to deliver advanced cancer therapies and clinical trials to the residents of northeast Oklahoma. 

The Hillcrest Medical Center medical oncology clinic and infusion center will become OU Health’s newest location, OU Health Stephenson Cancer... Read More »

Five ways to decrease your risk of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women; it is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a month set aside to increase awareness and education of colon cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, almost half (47%) of colorectal cancer could be prevented or significantly delayed with lifestyle and diet modifications. Here are five ways to help you fight colorectal cancer.

1. Plant food intake that is high in fiber.

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines... Read More »

Hillcrest Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital South earn an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Hillcrest Medical Center (HMC) and Hillcrest Hospital South earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“We are proud to have earned a fifth consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Xavier Villarreal, CEO of HMC. “This... Read More »

Heart problem cases increasing in young adults

Heart specialists are seeing more young patients with a variety of heart issues. Jim Neel, M.D., FACS, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, joined KOTV - News on 6 to explain what kinds of issues young people are experiencing and how they can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

Dr. Neel said that the age range of patients who typically experience heart issues is trending younger.

"We would traditionally see patients in the 50s, 60s and 70s but now we're seeing patients in their 30s and 40s," said Dr. Neel. "Heart disease is something that... Read More »

What to do if... you're burned by a firework

As July 4th approaches, we want to make sure that families around Oklahoma can celebrate safely. The Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest treats around 50 burn cases within the week of the holiday. Weera Chainakul, M.D., FACS, medical director at the burn center, said these burns range from 2nd degree burns with painful blistering to 4th degree burns that could lead to amputation.  

What should you do if you are burned?  

Rinse the affected area with lukewarm water   Never rinse the area with cold or ice water  Cover the area with a clean, dry bandage... Read More »

What to do if... you get heat stroke

July and August typically include some of the hottest temperatures of the year. Jeffrey Johnson, M.D., emergency medicine specialist at Hillcrest, offers tips if you or someone you know experiences heat stroke.

What do you need to know about heat stroke?

Most often, heat stroke happens in people who exercise in hot weather without drinking enough water.

• Heat stroke can affect older adults and those with chronic health problems if they are in hot conditions, even without exercise.

• People in hot conditions can get heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System reaches agreement with UnitedHealthcare

April 27, 2023 

Dear Valued Patient,  

Thank you for entrusting Hillcrest HealthCare System with your care. Hillcrest has been working in good faith with UnitedHealthcare to achieve an agreement that protects your in-network access to care. 

We are pleased to... Read More »