St. Croix Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) in Frederic, Wisconsin, is a critical access hospital that serves northeastern Wisconsin and nearby Minnesota. As a small rural hospital with outpatient and inpatient services, SCRMC focuses on accessible, community-based care. This profile explains the hospital’s departments, specialties, cancer program, rehabilitation services, and what patients and families should know about visiting, pay and billing, and how the hospital integrates with larger health systems.
Overview and Service Area of St. Croix Regional Medical Center
St. Croix Regional Medical Center operates as a critical access hospital in Frederic, Wisconsin, with a service area that spans parts of Polk, Burnett, and Dunn counties in Wisconsin, as well as adjacent areas in Minnesota. The hospital’s small-size, rural design allows it to offer personalized care while relying on partnerships with larger health systems for subspecialty support. SCRMC provides emergency care, general medical-surgical services, outpatient procedures, and a clinic-based medical group that coordinates primary and specialty care for the region.
Departments and Clinical Services
SCRMC organizes its clinical services around several key departments that cover the most common needs of its rural population. These departments coordinate inpatient and outpatient care, diagnostics, and specialty clinics that would otherwise require long-distance travel. Below is a factual overview of core departments and typical offerings at SCRMC.
Clinical Departments and Service Lines
| Department or Service | Typical Offerings and Notes | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Department | 24/7 emergency care for acute injuries and illnesses; level of physician coverage varies by shift | Hospital public information/Medicare provider data |
| Medical Surgical Inpatient | General medical-surgical beds for observation, routine admissions, and post-acute recovery | Hospital public information/Medicare provider data |
| Outpatient Clinic | Primary care, specialty clinics, and follow-up visits; many services require referral | Hospital website/Provider directories |
| Cancer Center | Outpatient infusion services and oncology clinics, often with regional oncology partners for complex care | Hospital cancer program materials/Oncology accreditation summaries |
| Rehabilitation Services | Inpatient and outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy; focus on restoring function after illness or injury | Hospital service line materials/State therapy association listings |
| Diagnostic Imaging and Lab | On-site radiology (X-ray, limited CT/MRI as available), ultrasound, and clinical laboratory services | Hospital service descriptions/Equipment inventories |
| Maternal Child Health | OB/GYN clinic services, prenatal and postpartum care; delivery services may be limited or referred | Hospital women’s health materials/Maternity care reports |
| Behavioral Health | Outpatient mental health and substance use services; inpatient psychiatric care usually arranged through partners | Hospital behavioral health materials/Regional behavioral health plans |
Cancer Program and Specialty Care
SCRMC operates an outpatient cancer center that provides infusion services and oncology clinics for patients with various diagnoses. Because it is a small rural hospital, complex cancer cases and specialized therapies are often coordinated with larger cancer centers in nearby cities, ensuring patients can access advanced treatments when needed. The cancer program typically includes nurse navigation, infusion services, and supportive care, with an emphasis on timely access to treatment in a community setting. Referrals to regional medical oncologists and radiation oncologists help fill gaps where on-site resources are limited.
Inpatient, Outpatient, and Rehabilitation Services
Inpatient services at SCRMC include general medical-surgical care, observation stays, and short-term admissions for conditions that do not require higher levels of acuity care. The hospital’s medical staff coordinates with consulting specialists to manage complex cases while stabilizing patients locally. Outpatient services cover clinic visits, diagnostics, minor procedures, and chronic disease management. Rehabilitation services play a key role in recovery after hospitalization, with physical, occupational, and speech therapy available on-site or through closely affiliated providers.
Visiting Policies and Family Support
SCRMC maintains visiting policies that balance patient care, infection control, and comfort for patients and families. Typically, the hospital allows designated support persons and visitors during set hours, with adjustments for special circumstances such as end-of-life care or pediatric units. Policies regarding masks, vaccination, and visitor limits may change based on local public health guidance. Families are encouraged to check current visiting rules on the hospital website or by contacting the nursing unit directly.
Pay, Billing, and Financial Considerations
Patients receiving care at SCRMC are responsible for understanding their insurance benefits and any financial obligations. The hospital works with a range of commercial insurers and Medicare, and financial counselors are usually available to help estimate costs, review payment plans, and assist with financial assistance applications. Uninsured or underinsured patients may be eligible for charity care or discounts, depending on household income and hospital policies. Before non-emergent care, it is advisable to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket liability with both the hospital and your insurance plan.
Medical Staff and Physician Recruitment
SCRMC relies on a mix of employed hospitalists, rotating physicians, and community specialists to cover medical staff requirements. Rural hospitals often face challenges in recruiting and retaining physicians, especially in specialties like anesthesia, psychiatry, and certain surgical fields. When specialty coverage is limited, the hospital may rely on telehealth, locum tenens providers, or transfers to higher-level facilities for time-sensitive care. Physician recruitment efforts typically highlight rural lifestyle, call schedules, and support for professional development to attract clinicians.
Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Standing
As a Medicare-participating hospital, SCRMC reports quality measures and adverse events to federal and state agencies, and it undergoes periodic surveys to maintain accreditation. Patients can review hospital performance on readmissions, safety indicators, and patient experience through public report cards and state health department data. While specific performance metrics can vary year to year, the hospital is generally expected to meet state licensure and CMS conditions of participation, with any deficiencies addressed through approved plans of correction.
Key Facts at a Glance
St. Croix Regional Medical Center at a Glance
- Type: Critical access hospital with outpatient services
- Location: Frederic, Wisconsin
- Service Area: Northeastern Wisconsin and adjacent Minnesota
- Key Services: Emergency care, medical-surgical inpatient, outpatient clinic, infusion/cancer services, rehabilitation
- Insurance: Medicare and commercial plans accepted; financial assistance available
- Visiting: Designated hours and support persons; subject to infection control and safety policies
When to Seek Emergency Care and How to Prepare
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or present directly to the SCRMC Emergency Department. If feasible, bring a list of current medications, allergies, primary care and specialist contact information, and any advance directives or insurance cards. For non-urgent concerns, contact your primary care provider or the appropriate specialty clinic to avoid unnecessary emergency visits. The hospital can also help arrange transfers to higher-level care when necessary, and the medical team will coordinate with receiving facilities as needed.
Conclusion
St. Croix Regional Medical Center serves as an essential community hospital, offering core inpatient and outpatient services with a focus on accessible rural care. While it may rely on regional partnerships for certain subspecialties, SCRMC provides emergency services, general medical-surgical care, rehabilitation, and outpatient cancer infusion services. Understanding its service lines, visiting policies, billing and pay options, and quality and safety context can help patients and families make informed decisions and navigate the hospital experience confidently.