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News

At Astera Health, we believe that where there is teamwork, pride in what you do, and unceasing drive to do better, wonderful things can be achieved.

News Releases

There are constantly new and exciting things happening at Astera Health. We provide information and updates to the media and general public through news releases and articles in Healthy Times, our external newsletter, and newspapers. Please check this section frequently for our latest news.

Media CONTACT

Michael Denny
Content Strategist
Email: michael.denny@asterahealth.org
Office: 218-632-8181

Need a medical story resource for a story?

Journalists should always work with our team first to coordinate interviews and we are happy to arrange interviews with our medical professionals where possible. Please call us if you would like to set up an interview. Thank you.
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Patient Condition Update

Our first priority is always the safety and privacy of our patients and their families. With that in mind, we strictly enforce HIPAA laws that limit the amount of patient information we may release without written consent from a patient or patient representative. We cannot elaborate on a patient’s injuries, illness or prognosis without specific written consent by the patient or the patient’s family. This would be done only under limited circumstances. When asking for a patient’s condition update, you must first provide the media representative with the patient’s full name and date of birth.
We use standard language acceptable under HIPAA laws and American Hospital Association guidelines to describe patient conditions. They are:

Undetermined

Patient is awaiting physician and/or assessment.

Good

Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.

Fair

Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.

Serious

Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.

Critical

Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Treated and Released

This could mean the patient was sent home or to another facility.

Confirming patient deaths

We will report or confirm a patient’s death only after signed consent from next of kin.