Essentia Health South University Clinic: Comprehensive Services in Fargo
Essentia Health-South University Clinic in Fargo stands as a pillar of medical care, offering a wide array of services to the Fargo-Moorhead area. With a rich history rooted in community partnership and a commitment to exceptional patient care, Essentia Health-Fargo provides everything from routine checkups to advanced treatments, all within a single, convenient location. Whether you're looking for a primary care provider, specialized treatment, or emergency services, Essentia Health-Fargo is dedicated to guiding you on your journey toward good health and healing.
A Legacy of Care
Previously known as Dakota Clinic and Innovis Health, Essentia Health-Fargo boasts a long and storied history in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The journey began in 1926 with the founding of the Dakota Clinic through a physician partnership consisting of 10 employees. Key figures in this early endeavor included Dr. Kent Darrow, Dr. Frank Darrow, Dr. Paul Burton, Dr. William Long, and Dr. Ralph Weible. The original clinic building was located at 702 1st Avenue South, near Island Park in downtown Fargo.
The organization's growth continued with the opening of the South University clinic in 1957. The building expanded throughout the 1960s, reflecting the increasing demand for medical services in the region.
In 1963, the new 80-bed Dakota Hospital on South University Drive opened, marking a significant milestone in the clinic's development.
Recognizing the need to extend its reach, the clinic developed outreach programs, leading to the establishment of 21 clinics over the next 20 years, beginning in 1980.
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The concept of Innovis Health was formed in 1998 through the efforts of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the physicians of Dakota Clinic. This collaboration led to the opening of the Innovis Health campus at 3000 32nd Avenue South in 2000.
In 2008, Innovis Health and Dakota Clinic began their integration into the Essentia Health System, an affiliation of the Benedictine and SMDC health systems. The clinic and hospital joined under one name to become Innovis Health, LLC.
Essentia Health fully integrated its health systems in 2010 to create efficiencies and reduce health care costs, solidifying its position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
Comprehensive Medical Services
Essentia Health-Fargo is a full-service regional medical center with a community feel. The hospital, with 133 beds and 10 newborn intensive care beds, is in the same building as the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic. The facility is equipped with a birthing center and a 24-hour emergency room. As a Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, Essentia Health-Fargo provides life-saving teams ready to respond to critical medical needs.
Primary Care
Everyone needs a primary care provider. Partnering with a provider who can help you stay healthy throughout your life is essential. The family medicine team at Essentia Health-South University Clinic provides primary care services to your whole family. Notably, family medicine providers may offer prenatal care as part of their services-even if they don’t deliver babies.
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Specialty Care
Essentia Health offers a wide range of specialty care, some of which is available at the South University Clinic. These specialists have extra training in diagnosing and treating conditions in specific areas of the body. Getting an expert or second opinion can provide clarity and peace of mind when facing complex medical decisions.
Cancer Center
The clinic is home to the Essentia Health-Cancer Center in Fargo, North Dakota. The center offers advanced cancer treatments, screenings, and clinical research studies. The center aims to guide patients on their journey toward good health and healing.
Optical Shop
Whether you’re on a budget or looking for high-end frames, South University Clinic’s optical shop has options for you. You can try on frames and order a new pair of eyeglasses right on site, making it convenient to address your vision needs.
Commitment to Quality and Patient Experience
Essentia Health-Fargo is accredited by the Joint Commission, an internationally recognized symbol of quality. This accreditation represents a commitment to providing exceptional patient care, ensuring that patients receive a high level of care from friendly, knowledgeable providers.
Amenities
Essentia Health-Fargo strives to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients and visitors. The onsite cafeteria, the Harvest Grill, offers hot and to-go items. A chapel on the ground floor provides a tranquil, healing space for meditation and prayer, welcoming people of all faiths.
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Financial Transparency
Essentia Health is committed to price transparency and provides a full list of services offered at this hospital and the related standard charges. This commitment helps patients understand the costs associated with their care.
Emergency Services
For emergency care, follow the emergency room signs to the back of the building. The 24-hour emergency room is equipped to handle severe or life-threatening medical concerns.
Birthing Center
Essentia Health-Fargo's Birthing Center is dedicated to supporting you throughout your birthing experience. The center aims to follow your birth plan while keeping you and your baby as safe and comfortable as possible.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a vital part in everyday life at Essentia Health-Fargo. By volunteering, you can make a difference in the lives of patients, families, and staff.
Location and Accessibility
South University Clinic is an outpatient department of Essentia Health-Fargo, located off I-94, about two miles south of North Dakota State University. For general hospital visits, park or drop off patients by our main door right off 32nd Avenue. You’ll find free parking throughout our hospital’s surface lot. The hospital is in the same building as the Essentia Health-32nd Avenue Clinic.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Services
Understanding the difference between inpatient and outpatient services is essential for navigating hospital care. If you have a test or procedure performed at a hospital but are not admitted, you’re an outpatient. Common outpatient procedures may include X-rays, labs, and emergency room visits. If your doctor admits you to the hospital for an overnight stay, you’re typically an inpatient. One exception to this is if your doctor places you on observation status. In this case, you may stay overnight in the hospital but are still considered an outpatient. If you’re a Medicare patient, your status can affect your coverage.
Supporting Essentia Health-Fargo
If you have been inspired by the care you or a loved one received, you can support your local hospital and clinic by donating to the Fargo Foundation. Your contributions can help enhance the services and resources available to patients and the community.
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