Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce Dan Reiffenberger, MD has accepted the new position of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System effective January 1, 2024. Dr. Reiffenberger will also serve as the Primary Care Medical Director.

“The Chief Medical Officer role will lead efforts to advance clinical quality and standards at Prairie Lakes,” said John Allen, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System CEO. “Dr. Reiffenberger’s experience and expertise are key additions to our executive leadership team.”

Dr. Reiffenberger earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls. He attended the University of South Dakota Medical School in Sioux Falls where he completed his medical degree in 1991. His medical education continued through his internship and residency at the Sioux Falls Family Practice Center. Dr. Reiffenberger is board-certified with the American Board of Family Practice and has a Certificate of Added Qualification (Board Certification) in Sports Medicine. Dr. Reiffenberger and his wife, Dr. Sarah Reiffenberger, have been primary care physicians with Brown Clinic for 30 years. He has served as the CMO at Brown Clinic for the past 11 years.

Dr. Dan Reiffenberger’s clinical availability will be reduced, but a care team for his practice has been established as part of the options for patient care. Current patients of Dr. Reiffenberger will also be provided with options to transition their future care to other Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic providers.

Prairie Lakes Maternal Child Health Looks Forward to Helping You Prepare for Your Baby!

Our Childbirth Educators present updated relaxation & breathing techniques along with childbirth trends that help the expectant mother and her support person prepare for labor and delivery during a three-week series of classes. It is recommended to attend a series a few months before your delivery date. 

2024 Upcoming Childbirth Class Series:

  • Series 1: January 4, 18, 25
  • Series 2: February 1, 8, 15
  • Series 3: February 22, 29, March 7
  • Series 4: April 4, 11, 18
  • Series 5: May 2, 9, 16
  • Series 6: May 30, June 6, 13
  • Series 7: August 15, 22, 29
  • Series 8: October 10, 17, 24
  • Series 9: November 7, 14, 21

Register for a Childbirth Class Series

Each class will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Medical Office Building (MOB). The MOB can be most easily accessed through the Main Entrance and continue past the Campus Pharmacy to take the stairs or elevator to the Lower Level. 

You are encouraged to dress in comfortable layers and welcome to bring a drink and/or snack. 

Recently Dr. Casey Johnston, Prairie Lakes Orthopedic Surgeon, sat down with KXLG to share a bit about his experience and how orthopedics "found him."

Dr. Johnston and his wife settled in Watertown 13 years ago after visiting the area, during a blizzard no less, and immediately realized the community would be the perfect fit for their family. 

When asked about his favorite part of being an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Johnston replied, "The job overall is very satisfying - just helping people and being available to correct problems that limit people from doing certain things."

It's very common for people to approach a doctor when they are out and about in the community to ask about a nagging pain or discomfort. Dr. Johnston welcomes it. He exclaimed, "It doesn't bother me at all... you can approach me anytime!" 

To make an appointment with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics, call 605-882-2630. With three orthopedic surgeons on staff, one is in the clinic every single day to meet with patients, making access very simple. 

Change your lifestyle, change your eating habits, change your attitude and change your life!

What to expect during the Core4 Program:

CORE4 is an Adult Weight Management program developed by Sodexo Registered Dietitiansdietitians smallPLHS/Sodexo Registered Dietitians

Revised in 2023, the course utilizes evidenced-based research and guidelines from The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) as well as other national organizations.

The "core" of CORE4 is Eating, Exercise, Education and Energy. The program encompasses nutrition education, physical activity, and the role of behavioral therapy in weight reduction and weight management.

This twelve-week program includes both individual and interactive group settings to encourage weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes in addition to weight maintenance.

Core4 takes place every Wednesday at noon for an hour each session.

The 12-Week Core4 Program

  • Week 1: Individual Appointment with a Registered Dietitian
  • Week 2: Getting Started
  • Week 3: Taking Control - Behavior Modification
  • Week 4: My Plate Portion Sizes and Label Reading
  • Week 5: Meal Planning and Dining Out
  • Week 6: The Power of Exercise
  • Week 7: Choosing Wisely: Fat, Cholesterol and Triglycerides
  • Week 8: Choosing Wisely: Carbohydrates and Fiber
  • Week 9: Choosing Wisely: Protein, Stress, Sleep Hydration
  • Week 10: Choosing Wisely: Vitamins and Minerals
  • Week 11: Grocery Store Tour
  • Week 12: Moving On

Early-Bird Incentive: Purchase your ticket before 12:00 pm on Wednesday, January 3rd, and receive $20 off the $140 registration fee. Sessions are limited to 10 attendess.

Register Today for Core4

For questions about the Core4 program, please contact the Nutritional Services department at 605-882-7874.

Construction activity on the 2nd floor east wing of the patient care area at Prairie Lakes began in May 2023 to make way for relocation of the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Construction was completed at the beginning of November 2023 and the space is now fully operational on the 2nd floor. The renovated CCU consists of 8 patient rooms:CCU rendering actual

  • 4 Standard CCU patient rooms
  • 1 Bariatric/Isolation patient room (room accommodations for larger patients)
  • 1 Standard Isolation patient room (negative airflow room)
  • 2 eICU patient rooms (electronic intensive care unit - allows our physicians and staff to consult with offsite critical care specialists via high-speed data networks.)

Some other features and benefits of the new CCU space include:

  • Fold out patient room doors for easier maneuverability of patient beds
  • Private bathrooms in each patient room
  • Nursing station pods outside each room
  • 2nd floor location allows CCU, Telemetry, and Respiratory Therapy staff to collaborate more efficiently
  • Central Nursing Station that serves the CCU and Telemetry Unit
  • Respiratory Therapy has a new space right outside the units
  • Larger family waiting room

The Prairie Lakes Critical Care Unit provides nursing care and intervention to adult cardiac, medical, and surgical patients for a variety of critical conditions. We serve patients who have undergone surgery, multi-trauma injuries, diagnostic invasive monitoring, and complex medication administration.

The pre-existing CCU space on first floor is currently undergoing construction for the relocation of the Dialysis Unit currently on the 4th floor. A completion date of the new Dialysis Unit on 1st floor is expected in Spring 2024.

View photos of the new space below:

We are excited to celebrate Home Care & Hospice Month during the month of November. This is the time to recognize and celebrate the people — from administrators to clinicians to social workers and volunteers — who bring exceptional healthcare into the homes of some of the most vulnerable patients in our community. They make an everlasting impact on the lives of the patients and families they serve.

Prairie Lakes Home Care

  • Provides skilled and non-skilled home health services to over 300 patients
  • Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.

Prairie Lakes Hospice

  • Serves an average of 25 patients daily across this same region, including 10 nursing homes and 6 assisted living centers.
  • Counties Served: Clark, Codington, Day, Deuel, Grant, Hamlin, and Roberts.

To cover this expansive region, we employ:

  • 29 nurses
  • 16 homecare aides
  • 6 physical therapists and PT assistants
  • 3 occupational therapists and OT assistants
  • 2 social work staff
  • A spiritual care coordinator.
  • Billing and Home Connections Coordination staff

Julie Sampson, Director of Home Health, Hospice & Home Connections adds, “I am beyond blessed to work with such an outstanding team of home health and hospice caregivers here at Prairie Lakes.  As difficult as our work can be, it is truly a blessing to serve people in their homes, which is where they want to be.  And, when it comes to end of life care, we consider it a gift and an honor to care for patients and families, making that final journey the very best that’s possible medically, emotionally, and spiritually.” 

The holidays can be a difficult time for families and friends remembering a lost loved one.

Prairie Lakes Hospice invites you to join us on Thursday, November 30th from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the Prairie Lakes Chapel for our "Hope for the Holidays" Memorial Service.  Chapel small

Prairie Lakes Hospice will host this memorial service to remember those who have died, celebrate those who are living, and accept the changes and transitions that are occurring in our own lives.

The program will include a brief, nondenominational spiritual dedication. You will have an opportunity to honor your loved one’s name and receive an ornament, symbolizing transformation, love and hope.

This event is open to the community.

To register, please call 605-882-7714.

For more information on Prairie Lakes Hospice and the services we provide, please visit our website or call 605-882-7745 where somebody is always available to answer your call.  

National Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible contributions of NP professionals.

Nurse practitioners are highly educated and trained medical professionals. They serve in a variety of direct patient roles and are valuable members of the patient care team.

From the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, "For more than half a century, NPs have held many different titles and positions across the country. They are recognized nationwide as leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the health of the communities they serve. NPs are the providers of choice for millions of Americans seeking high-quality health care — blending their comprehensive knowledge with a personal touch and evidence-based care."

At PLHS we are lucky to have eight (8) excellent NPs in our family that provide exceptional care and service to our patients each and everyday:

NP Week 2023 v4

Our team of employed APPs (Advanced Practice Provider) includes 10 Physician Assistants and 8 Nurse Practitioners. National Physician Assistant Week was October 6-12, 2023! We like to celebrate all of our wonderful APPs. 

Prairie Lakes Dermatology Clinic now offers Professional Chemical Peels!

They offer a variety of professional chemical peels by Glytone to remove damaged skin cells and improve the appearance and texture of the skin being treated. Chemical peels, which are a cosmetic treatment, are being offered in two different depth options, based on your clinical need.

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layer. The skin that grows back is smoother and healthier. Depending on the skin condition and desired outcome, patients can choose from different types and levels of chemical peels.

Why get a chemical peel?

Chemical peels can reduce or improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin coloring and other skin imperfections. This restorative cosmetic procedure can help reduce signs of aging. Chemical peels can also improve many skin issues.


Professional Chemical Peel Options at Prairie Lakes

For Signs of Aging (fine lines and wrinkles)

    • Level 1 Glycolic Peel: $75
    • Level 2 Glycolic Peel: $100

For Hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin)

    • Level 2 Renewal Peel: $100
    • Level 2 Jessner Peel: $100

For Acne & Oily Skin

    • Level 1 Salicylic Peel: $75

For Redness & Sensitivity

    • Level 1 Mandelic Peel: $75

To learn more or schedule an appointment for a chemical peel with Prairie Lakes Dermatology, please call 605-882-7777.

View Dermatology Services Here

National Physician Assistants (PA) Week occurs each year as a way to showcase the profession and its contribution to the nation's health. 

The American Academy of Physician Associates (Assistants) (AAPA) is celebrating in 2023 with their "Go Beyond!" campaign raising awareness of how PAs "go beyond" the general scope of healthcare practice:

  • Leading with experience and expertise: every PA student completes 2,000 hours of clinical rotations
  • Listening with compassion: PAs ensure patients feel heard and respected
  • Empowering patients with personalized, quality care: PAs provide essential preventative care to ensure an improved lifestyle for patients
  • Strengthening the core of the healthcare system: PAs fill the gap by providing quality healthcare, especially with a rapidly growing population

At PLHS we are lucky to have ten (10) excellent PAs in our family that "Go Beyond!" for our patients by providing exceptional care and service each and everyday:

PA Week 2023 v2

National Nurse Practitioner week is November 12-18, 2023 - be on the look out as we celebrate all of our wonderful APPs.