Stillwater Medical Group & Lakeview Hospital

11/06/2025

What to pack, who’s going to walk the dog, who is going to shovel… there’s a lot to consider when planning a surgery or hospital stay. But first, make sure both your doctor and hospital are in network.

11/06/2025

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition tied to high readmission rates.

That’s why we created our Transitions Clinic, to support patients hospitalized with COPD. It offers a follow-up visit within a week of discharge, either virtually or in person, to help patients stay on the path to recovery. The clinic aims to prevent complications that often land patients back in the hospital.

Since launching in 2024, the clinic has delivered outstanding results. During its first year, only 7% of patients were readmitted within 30 days compared to our historical average between 11-13%. That success places HealthPartners among the top-performing health systems in the nation.

“Having a dedicated time and space to review a patient’s hospitalization, walk them through their next steps, and make sure their medications are right has made a huge difference,” says Dr. Michael Schnaus, medical director of quality, hospital specialty services and the Transitions Clinic.

Based on the strong outcomes, the clinic expanded this spring to serve patients with congestive heart failure, with plans to eventually include pneumonia and other high-risk conditions.

It’s one more way we’re helping patients heal with confidence and stay healthy, long after they leave the hospital.

11/05/2025

A new plan year often means a new member ID card. And it can be easy to mix up old and new cards during the transition. But using the right card at the right time is key to avoiding delays or gaps in your pharmacy coverage.

If your HealthPartners plan for 2026 includes prescription drug coverage, you’ll get a new member ID card with updated details that pharmacies will need starting January 1, 2026. Watch for your new member ID card to arrive by mail in the coming weeks and keep it somewhere safe until the new year. Continue using your current member ID card through 2025. If you haven’t already, download our HealthPartners mobile app to access your most current ID card anytime, anywhere.

Questions? We’re here to help! Review our frequently asked questions or call Member Services at the number on the back of your ID card if you need more support. https://bit.ly/3X9PVU3

11/04/2025

Is the time change messing with your baby’s sleep schedule? Try these tips to get back on track.

A baby’s sleep schedule changes a lot in the first year. Learn about babies’ sleep patterns, what to expect as they grow and how to help them sleep better.

11/04/2025

Many of us will soon have the chance to review or change insurance plans during open enrollment. Make confident choices for the year ahead by considering these factors:

1. Decide who you want your plan to cover
Consider the age, health care needs and typical appointments of anyone you want your plan to cover.

2. Check if your doctors and clinics are in each plan’s network
Use your plan’s clinic search tool or call Member Services. Getting care outside of your plan’s network will generally increase your costs.

3. Find your medicines in the drug list
Look at each plan’s drug list (often called a formulary) to see if your regular medicines will be covered.

4. Search for pharmacies near you
Save time and money by using in-network pharmacies.

5. See if you can save money
Explore advantages of available accounts for health-related expenses, such
as flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), health
reimbursement accounts (HRAs) and lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs).

6. Know what’s covered and what’s new
Ask your employer for your Open Enrollment materials or Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to see all your plan details in one place. If you’re renewing an existing plan, make sure you know anything that’s changing about your benefits, drug list or network in the new year.

7. Compare coverage and weigh your costs
You’ll need to decide what combination of deductible, premium, and out-of-pocket maximum works best for your budget, then compare cost estimates based on your expected care needs.

11/03/2025

Does a cup of coffee last you all day or just long enough to get through the morning? Your genes could be the reason.

The myGenetics research study can help you understand your genes and reveal health traits like how your body processes caffeine: https://bit.ly/3WiIr0y

11/02/2025

Open enrollment is a great time to take a fresh look at your health plan choices. One option that can be tempting due to lower premiums is the high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

For some people, it’s a smart way to save money. But how do you know if it’s the right fit for you?

•HDHPs usually come with lower monthly premiums — which can be appealing. But before jumping in, think about your situation. A high-deductible heath plan could be a good match if:

•You’re generally healthy and don’t expect a lot of medical bills this year.

•You’d rather pay less each month and are OK with paying more out-of-pocket if something unexpected comes up.

•You have some savings to cover bigger bills if you need it.

•You like the idea of putting money into a tax-free health savings account (HSA) or limited-purpose flexible spending account (FSA).

If you want to lower your monthly premiums and like the idea of building tax-free savings, an HDHP might be a smart choice.

So you’ve selected a high-deductible health plan, or HDHP. You’re not alone. More members are choosing HDHP plans every year. […]

11/02/2025

Knowing which doctors are part of your health plan’s network can help you make smart decisions about where to get care. Learn how to search your network with the help of our Member Services team.

11/02/2025

Lung cancer is the third-most common cancer among men and women in the U.S. The biggest risk factor is smoking.

To learn when and why you should get screened, visit healthpartners.com/blog/lung-cancer-screening-guidelines.

11/01/2025

We know fitting a mammogram into your busy schedule can be tricky. Several of our clinics have same-day and same-week appointments available so you can get the care you need, when you need it.

Schedule now: https://shorturl.at/3hPNA

11/01/2025

Myth = busted: Only older adults are at risk for heart disease. Hear from Dr. Wexler why heart disease and age don't always go hand in hand.

11/01/2025

Our HealthPartners® Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) (HMO SNP) plan bundles Medicare and Medical Assistance into one simple $0 premium plan. See in-network doctors and providers at no cost and get access to a care coordinator and valuable extra perks. You can enroll whenever you're eligible!

Learn all about MSHO:

If you’re dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in Minnesota, learn how a HealthPartners MSHO plan can provide more benefits to help you live healthier.