Heber Valley Life

Tag: Healthcare

  • Wasatch Wellness

    Wasatch Wellness

    In the heart of Utah’s Heber Valley, Wasatch Wellness is redefining what healthcare can look and feel like for women. More than just a medical clinic, it’s a space intentionally designed to restore comfort, dignity, and empowerment to the healthcare experience—particularly in areas where traditional systems often fall short.

    Originally founded by a local family, Wasatch Wellness began as a general family practice; however, years later the practice was purchased by Camryn Smith. Over time—and after the arrival of co-owners, Crystal Miller, whose background is in pelvic and sexual health, and Kristen Fuller, a functional dietitian who specializes in personalized and science-backed nutrition care—the clinic evolved into a comprehensive hub for women’s wellness.  Together, they built upon the original vision, and introduced Wasatch Wellness featuring The Pink Remodel. This shift was born from a clear need: many women were seeking treatments that didn’t align neatly with conventional medicine or insurance models. Wasatch Wellness responded to that need, offering care that is as diverse and layered as the women it serves.

    Today, the clinic provides a wide spectrum of services tailored to women’s unique physical, emotional, and hormonal needs. These include hormone therapy, nutritional guidance, weight management, and aesthetic procedures like Botox, microneedling, and laser treatments. Routine care like cancer screenings, allergy management, and birth control are also available, ensuring that patients don’t have to choose between holistic and primary care—they can access both under one roof.

    At its core, Wasatch Wellness embraces a holistic philosophy. Holistic has been a word thrown around a lot nowadays, with it having many different definitions the practitioners here at Wasatch Wellness define it as looking at the whole person. Diving deep into a patient’s overall wellbeing by examining lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, family dynamics, work demands, and health history. This approach goes beyond addressing symptoms; it seeks to understand root causes and create sustainable paths to wellness. Whether it’s managing menopause, balancing hormones, improving sexual health, or learning about gut health and intuitive eating, each care plan is tailored not just to medical needs but to individual comfort levels and preferences.

    One of the most distinctive aspects of the clinic is its environment. From the moment patients walk in, they are met with an atmosphere that feels more like a spa or boutique than a sterile office. Warm colors, fresh flowers, soft lighting, cozy couches, and heated robes all work together to transform the healthcare experience into something welcoming and calming. These small yet thoughtful details go a long way in easing the anxiety that can accompany medical visits—especially those involving vulnerable topics.

    This focus on comfort also extends to financial accessibility. Wasatch Wellness operates two clinic models simultaneously—one insurance-based and another geared toward cash-pay patients. They accept most major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and offer payment plans and Health Savings Account (HSA) compatibility for those who need flexibility. The goal is to meet patients where they are, both in terms of care and cost.

    The clinic also prioritizes mental health as a crucial component of whole-body wellness. In-house therapy is available and sometimes recommended as part of a comprehensive care strategy, particularly in cases involving trauma or emotional stress. The belief is that true healing happens when both mind and body are supported—and this integrated model ensures that no part of a woman’s health is overlooked.

    Among its standout offerings is the Pink Remodel Project, a program dedicated to restoring pelvic and sexual health. By combining medical expertise with sensitivity and discretion, the project empowers women to address intimate issues that often go unspoken. It’s just one example of how Wasatch Wellness actively fosters a culture of openness and support.

    Education is another key pillar of the clinic’s mission. Monthly classes are held to help women better understand their bodies and options. Past topics have included sexual health, understanding testosterone, and weight loss, with upcoming sessions planned on managing menopause. These events not only inform but also create a sense of community—something many women are missing in their health journeys.

    Though the clinic has expanded significantly, including recent investments in cutting-edge sculpting equipment for muscle tone and fat reduction, the motivation behind it all remains deeply personal. Wasatch Wellness was built out of a desire to create something better—to give women access to informed, respectful, and comprehensive care in a setting where they feel truly seen and supported.

    Yet even with all its offerings, Camryn, Crystal, and Kristen, acknowledge that there’s more work to be done. Many services that could dramatically improve women’s quality of life are still considered “non-essential” or “aesthetic” by insurance providers, leaving gaps in coverage in care that could help women feel like themselves again. These systemic limitations only reinforce the need for clinics like Wasatch Wellness—places that advocate, adapt, and innovate in ways traditional healthcare systems often can’t.

    More than just a provider of services, Wasatch Wellness is a movement in itself. It’s a response to the longstanding need for a more inclusive, compassionate, and collaborative model of care. And it’s setting a new standard not just for how women are treated medically, but how they are treated as people—with curiosity, empathy, and respect.

    As more women seek care that aligns with their values and lives, Wasatch Wellness continues to lead by example—proving that when healthcare is centered around the whole person, the results are not only healthier, but more human.

    Located at 150 N Main Street, Suite 105 in Heber City, Wasatch Wellness offers flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments, to accommodate the busy lives of women.

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit wasatchwell.com or call 435-709-5201. Experience a healthcare environment where your wellness is the priority, and your care is as unique as you are.

  • 25 Years Caring for the Community

    25 Years Caring for the Community

    As the golden autumn leaves flutter across Heber City, Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital commemorates a remarkable milestone — 25 years of providing compassionate healthcare and serving as a pillar in the community. Since its doors first opened in October 1999, the hospital has grown alongside the Heber Valley, evolving from a modest facility into a critical-access hospital renowned for its quality care and specialized services.

    A Quarter Century of Progress

    The recent celebration for the hospital’s caregivers was a lively and heartwarming affair. The Wasatch High School Marching Band filled the air with music, while staff members enjoyed celebratory cupcakes and were gifted commemorative sweatshirts and stickers. The event was more than just a party — it was a tribute to the enduring connection between the hospital and the community it serves.

    Hospital president, Si Hutt, reflected on the growth, noting, “Over 25 years, Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital has expanded to match the growing population of the Heber Valley and Wasatch County. What started as a small 43,000 square-foot hospital has become an award-winning 68,000 square-foot critical-access hospital with a medical campus and clinics that include 21 medical specialties and 69 local medical providers.”

    The hospital’s growth is mirrored in its annual numbers: in 2023 alone, there were 7,653 emergency room visits, 1,190 surgeries, and 230 babies delivered, with nearly 2,000 patients receiving charity care worth $1.5 million. The facility now employs 202 staff members and operates with 19 licensed beds, serving thousands of residents and visitors alike.

    LifeFlight at the Grand Opening, 1999
    Groundbreaking for the Heber Valley Hospital
    The first hospital, which is now the St. Lawrence Thrift Store
    Randall Probst addresses attendees, Grand Opening of Heber Valley Hospital in October 9, 1999
    Randall Probst, RN, Heber Valley Hospital Administrator, groundbreaking for the Heber Valley Hospital

    Milestones That Shaped the Hospital’s Legacy

    The hospital’s evolution over the years is marked by several key milestones that not only expanded its capacity but also enhanced its ability to deliver comprehensive healthcare. In 2002, during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games, Heber Valley Hospital was one of five Intermountain hospitals selected to provide medical support to athletes and visitors, highlighting its readiness to serve on a global stage.

    The years that followed saw numerous expansions and innovations: in 2011, the women’s imaging center added digital mammography and bone density testing, while 2013 brought about a successful $1 million fundraising campaign to establish a dialysis center in the Wasatch Back—a need that was met the following year with the opening of the Heber Valley Dialysis Center and the addition of physical therapy services.

    2015 marked a significant achievement when the hospital received a Level IV Trauma designation, further cementing its role as a critical-access facility equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

    A $43 Million Transformation

    Perhaps the most transformative chapter in the hospital’s history came in 2020, with the completion of a $43 million expansion and modernization of its campus. This ambitious project vastly improved the hospital’s infrastructure and services. A new nine-bed emergency department and state-of-the-art trauma rooms were unveiled, along with a same-day surgery unit and enhanced operating rooms. Upgraded birthing rooms and a new nursery now offer families a more comfortable, family-centered birth experience.

    The expansion also increased inpatient bed capacity by 16 percent and introduced a negative pressure room to treat patients with airborne contagious illnesses, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to public health needs. The new infusion center supports cancer patients with chemotherapy and tele-oncology services, while the addition of a permanent MRI machine, an endoscopy suite, and a cutting-edge CT scanner significantly expanded the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.

    The Heart of Heber City Healthcare

    Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital is more than just a healthcare facility; it is a reflection of Heber City’s history and resilience. The hospital’s commitment to the community is evident not only in its growing medical campus but also in its environmental stewardship, with recent efforts to install LED lighting, energy-saving measures, and water-wise landscaping.

    For Heber Valley, a town with deep historical roots stretching back to the 1850s, the hospital symbolizes progress and the promise of a healthier future. From its early days as a small-town serving pioneers and settlers, to its current role as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and growing families, Heber City has always been a place where community matters — and Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital is at the very heart of it.

    As the hospital embarks on its next chapter, the story of Heber Valley continues to unfold — a tale of growth, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to living the healthiest lives possible.

  • Premium Access is Now Available Through Concierge Health

    Premium Access is Now Available Through Concierge Health

    “I have been a patient before. I can understand from that perspective that if your experience is slow in getting a response, and you’re not a medical professional, that can create a lot of anxiety and mental anguish.” Dr. Boker and his partner, Dr. Wyatt Horsley, aim to eliminate as much of that distress as they can through their work with the Intermountain Healthcare Concierge Health program.

    What, exactly, is concierge medicine? Dr. Bokor describes concierge medicine as “creating a more personalized healthcare experience with direct access to your primary care provider. In that vein,” he explains, “we have set out to create a very patient-centric and personalized experience for each of our patients.” Patients in the program pay a yearly membership and, in exchange, receive access to services such as: round-the-clock access to their doctor via cell phone communication, annual preventative exams and testing, assistance navigating what is becoming an increasingly complex medical and hospital system, and an overall higher level of care than what might be available in a traditional primary care practice. By relying on the membership model as opposed to a traditional insurance-based practice, Concierge Health is able to limit the number of patients in the program; meaning that each patient has greater access to their doctor and more of their doctor’s time available to them. And according to Dr. Bokor, that time is what makes all the difference.

    “We were able to lower one of our patient’s drug costs by $450 per month,” he says, “because we were actually able to look at each medication…and actually have time to one-by-one go through those medicines with their insurance plan. We were able to overcome those barriers and get their medicine costs down to the point where they’re saving $5400 per year.”

    “And I think the difference between us and regular clinics is time.” He continues, “They don’t have that kind of time. As a physician that operated in the insurance-based space for many years, I didn’t have that kind of time. My patients didn’t have that kind of access to me; to be able to set aside time just to review medications and go through them one-by-one to see if we can lower costs.”

    And while saving money is a benefit Dr. Bokor can frequently offer his patients, he also often saves his patients time, and sometimes their lives. His clinic’s experience with the healthcare system, and the extra time they are able to devote to individual patients, allows Dr. Boker and his team to aid patients who need specialized care to receive that care sooner. Utah’s high rate of growth means that many patients in the state find themselves waiting many months or sometimes up to a year for access to specialist care. “With our patients,” Dr. Bokor explains, “we’re curating those visits and they’re getting in more smoothly and more quickly.” One patient who required a surgery was able to access that care weeks earlier than they would have otherwise had they not had the assistance of Concierge Health. “So again, we’re getting people back to that previous state of health faster than they would have otherwise been able to achieve that.”

    Dr. Bokor tells the story of another patient — a patient who had spent a decade living with an undiagnosed condition. After ten years with no answers, Dr. Bokor and his team were able to diagnose the illness on their very first visit with the patient. “Had we not seen that patient,” Dr. Bokor shared, “I fear that [they] would have succumbed to their illness within the year. So just by catching things and being active and spending time with our patients we are saving lives. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

    When asked what kinds of patients might benefit the most from a program like Concierge Health, Dr. Bokor insists that nearly anybody might receive a benefit from the program. “If somebody wanted more convenience where they have more direct access and their doctor’s cell phone number,” he says, “that patient benefits from concierge medicine. The patient that has a high-deductible plan would save money — probably more often than not — by using concierge medicine…so any of those patients that want prompt healthcare delivery and that’s important to them. Anybody that feels their healthcare is a priority, they also benefit from concierge medicine because they’re actually having a personalized relationship with their doctor — a personalized dialog with that provider.”

    Dr. Bokor’s goal, and the goal of IHC Concierge Health, is to “serve individuals that also take an active role in serving their families and communities.” From business leaders and employers, to single parents. “We take care of anybody at any socio-economic level that wants to put their best foot forward in their health.” Dr. Bokor describes the program as “an investment in your health…most people look at their cell phone charge as a necessary charge,” he points out. “That goes on their bill every month, and they just pay it. How much is your healthcare worth to you? And I ask that rhetorically to all patients that are considering this. How much per month or per year is your health worth to you? And how much is it worth to you to have a doctor in your corner when you need them the most? We’re there for those people.”

    How successful does Dr. Bokor think concierge health has been so far?

    “I think we’ve been very successful. I think the biggest evidence of that is that we’re creating more and more new relationships. That’s the best sign of growth in this day and age; creating more positivity and more relationships that are beneficial to all participants.”

    Dr. Bokor describes his practice as a two-way street, where he can be there for his patients, and his patients can count on him and his clinic. And that, he says, “is a really formidable goal in medicine, with all the distrust and changes to our healthcare system. We have not only set out to do that, but we’re growing and achieving that goal.”

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