Hofer’s journey with Freeman Regional began during physician assistant school when she completed a three-month primary care rotation in 2015. Today, she’s bringing more than a decade of healthcare experience back to rural healthcare, where she looks forward to caring for her neighbors and serving the communities she knows so well.

Following graduation from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Hofer joined Avera Medical Group’s Oncology & Hematology team, where she has spent more than 10 years caring for patients with complex medical conditions. She also gained valuable experience in urgent care, treating patients of all ages and a wide range of healthcare needs. Before becoming a physician assistant, she worked as both an Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic while earning her bachelor’s degree in biology from South Dakota State University. Those experiences helped shape the provider she is today and prepared her to care for patients in both the clinic and emergency department.

“I’m excited to return to Freeman Regional and serve the community close to home,” Hofer said. “I enjoy the variety that rural medicine provides and the opportunity to care for patients through every stage of life. Building lasting relationships with patients and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of being a provider.”

Hofer and her husband, Patrick, have three children—Sarah, Simon and Elijah—and are looking forward to welcoming their fourth child in December. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, helping on the farm and tackling home improvement projects.

“We’re excited to welcome Laura to Freeman Regional Health Services,” said Karissa Podzimek, Clinic Manager. “Laura brings a unique combination of experience in emergency medicine, urgent care and oncology that will be an incredible asset to our patients and residents. Beyond her clinical expertise, she has a genuine passion for rural healthcare and building meaningful relationships with patients and families. We’re thrilled to have someone with her experience and compassion joining our provider team.”

Well-child exams provide a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s overall health and development and often include everything needed for a sports physical—plus much more. These visits help ensure children are healthy, up to date on immunizations, and ready for a successful school year.

Upcoming clinic dates include:

• Freeman: July 15, 22 and 29
• Marion: July 14
• Menno: July 14
• Bridgewater: July 16

Appointments may be scheduled at any of Freeman Regional’s four Rural Medical Clinic locations by calling 605-925-4000.

A well-child exam offers several benefits beyond a standard sports physical, including:

• Complete head-to-toe examination, including vital signs
• Review of allergies and medications
• Review and administration of recommended immunizations
• Evaluation of medical and social history
• Education on healthy lifestyles and behaviors
• Sports participation clearance when needed

Many well-child exams are covered by health insurance, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for families.

Students are encouraged to bring:

• A parent or guardian for consent
• Completed school or sports physical forms (if applicable)
• Insurance card for well-child exams

Sports physicals are available for $30 cash on the day of service and are not billed to insurance.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 605-925-4000.

Freeman
Marion
Menno
Bridgewater

Stay healthy, stay protected!

Clinic schedules can be found online at https://freemanregional.com/calendar/

At FRHS we understand the crucial role that healthy feet play in overall well-being and mobility. If you or an elderly friend or family member have calluses, need a toenail trim, dry, cracked heels, or ingrown nails, make an appointment today by calling 605-925-4000. This service is only $25 and would be a great gift idea. Gift certificates are available from the FRHS business office.

Dates for future Foot Clinics can be found on our calendar page under ‘Outreach’ or by clicking here.

Are a Well-Child Exam and Sports Physical the same?
Many students and their parents believe that a Sports Physical is equivalent to a Well-Child Exam, but this is just not true. The Sports Physical is designed to clear an athlete for participation in sports while the Well-Child Exam includes much more.
A Sports Physical usually includes a physical examination and a brief discussion of the child’s medical history. What is not included in a Sports Physical are developmental and immunization histories, long-term health concerns and risk factors, and advice for developing a healthy lifestyle. There is also the opportunity to discuss the important issue such as avoiding drugs, tobacco and alcohol. It helps develop an open, trusting relationship with the parents and patient so they can turn to the provider with questions or concerns during their child’s development.

How much does a Well-Child Exam cost?
Well-Child Exams will be filed with insurance. Many plans pay 100% for one wellness exam per year. If you are unsure about your coverage, call your insurance company. A Sports Physical is an out-of-pocket expense and will not be billed through insurance.

Does a Well-Child Exam count as a Sports Physical?
Yes, a Sports Physical Exam is part of the Well-Child Exam. The exam helps determine whether it is safe for a child to participate in a particular sport. The sports physical focuses on your well-being as it relates to playing a sport. A Well-Child Exam is much more comprehensive and gives the doctor, parents and child an opportunity to talk about nutrition, safety, immunizations and many important age-appropriate topics.

How does a Well-Child Exam benefit my school-age child?
As your child grows, his or her body is going through a lot. It is important to monitor these changes closely to know if the development is happening at a normal rate. Growth patterns tend to change as children enter the pre-pubescent/adolescent stage of life. The Well-Child Exam gives the practitioner a chance to provide the child with a thorough physical exam that also addresses any emotional, developmental, or social concerns. Well-Child Exams continue to be beneficial in providing education on any changes or challenges that may be present to middle schoolers, high schoolers, and their parents.

When are appointments available?
This year, Freeman Regional will not schedule a block of visits specifically for Sports Physicals. Instead, parents should call to schedule a Well-Child Exam for their adolescent or teen at a time that works with their schedule. This will meet the sports physical requirements for school activities in grades 7-12 and will help avoid large crowds of children coming into the clinic at the same time. Remember to bring the required sports physical paperwork.

Call one of our clinics today to schedule an appointment:
Bridgewater: 605-729-2421
Freeman: 605-925-4219
Marion: 605-648-3559
Menno: 605-387-5435