Recent News

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 »

Heart-healthy tips for pregnant women

The heart undergoes natural changes during pregnancy to support a growing life. Heart complications can appear as the mother's body undergoes the stress of pregnancy. Cardiovascular disease is also the leading cause of pregnancy complications, so it is important to stay on top of heart-healthy habits for the benefit of the mother and the child.

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Larissa... Read More »

Amy Rea called walking miracle after pulmonary embolism recovery

Amy Rea is being called a walking miracle. After an hour in cardiac arrest, her pulse returned thanks to a tireless, determined and dedicated team of professionals at Hillcrest Hospital South performing non-stop CPR. It all started on a normal workday.

Headed to the hospital

Rea, 48, was at work in Broken Arrow on Monday, Aug. 15, 2022. She was short of breath that morning and told a coworker she felt like she was going to faint.

"By the time I got out of my car and walked to the front doors of the building, I could not breathe," said Rea. "You know when you go... Read More »

Hillcrest HealthCare System partners with CommunityCare

Hillcrest HealthCare System is partnering with CommunityCare to provide in-network medical care for plan members at all Hillcrest facilities. Effective Feb. 1, 2023, Hillcrest accepts CommunityCare employer group, individual and family plans, in addition to their Medicare Advantage plans.

“Hillcrest HealthCare System is proud to partner with CommunityCare to expand our award-winning medical care to additional patients,” said Hillcrest CEO Kevin Gross. “Hillcrest has more than 500 providers across eight hospitals and 80-plus primary and specialty care clinics through Utica Park... Read More »

What to do if ... your child has RSV

RSV is a respiratory virus that is often confused with the common cold because it has very similar symptoms. The virus is most dangerous to young children, and it is spreading earlier than usual this season. Theresa Horton, M.D., pediatrician at Utica Park Clinic Owasso, has some tips about what you should do if your child contracts RSV.

What is RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, enters the body through contact, usually through the eyes, nose, mouth and mucus membranes. The virus mutates frequently, so it is possible to contract it more than once. There is currently... Read More »

Valerie returns to Hillcrest Medical Center after years, ends up receiving life-saving treatment

When Valerie Kemp’s severe headaches returned after three years, she knew exactly where she needed to go for help: somewhere she felt heard and seen.

In 2019, just two months after she moved to Tulsa, Kemp spent weeks in and out of emergency rooms, trying to find someone who could treat a tremendous headache.

“I kind of felt ignored,” said Kemp. “I knew something was wrong. They just sent me home.”

When she arrived at Hillcrest Medical Center, the emergency room doctor listened to Kemp about her headache and ordered several tests. Kemp was admitted. A few days later... Read More »

Hillcrest hosts Black Men in White Coats youth summit

Hillcrest HealthCare System hosted the first Black Men in White Coats youth summit in Tulsa on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022. Around 200 Tulsa Public Schools students participated in the event on the University of Tulsa campus, where they went through clinical rounds, networked with providers and learned about the importance of minorities in the health care industry.

KOTV - News on 6 covered our event. Click here to view the story.

Practicing CPR and learning how to properly insert a breathing tube are just a few of the hands-on activities hundreds of Tulsa Public School... Read More »