Avera Dells Area Hospital

The first hospital in Dell Rapids was built in the late 1880s, and the Dells Area health system has continued to grow along with the population it serves. In 1905, providers began practicing in a building in downtown Dell Rapids, and the hospital then moved to its present-day building, which was constructed in 1959. A new clinic was built in 1981, and the hospital joined the Avera family under the name Avera Dells Area Hospital in 2003. In 2006, an updated clinic was built adjacent to the hospital, making for greater integration of care.

• Patients and visitors may park in the main parking lot on the south side of the hospital.
• All non-emergency, non-therapy patients and visitors are welcome to enter through the main entrance on the southeast side of the building and check in with reception. Emergency patients and visitors may use the emergency entrance on the north side of the building off of 10th Street. Therapy patients may use the entrance on the east side of the building.
• Most general care areas welcome visitors during the day. Please keep in mind that doors to the facility lock after 5 PM for security purposes.
• We recommend no more than two visitors at a time. Minors and dependent adults must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• We may restrict visitors, temporarily close and adjust hours to protect the safety of patients and staff.
• Find a quiet place for prayer or meditation in the chapel on campus.
• Learn about your patient rights, responsibilities and role in safe health care.
• If you have concerns or a complaint about your care:
  • Contact the department or clinic manager.
  • For written concerns or complaints, contact the hospital’s main phone number and ask to speak to the risk management department.
  • Should you have a concern that is unresolved, you have the right to contact the South Dakota Department of Health at 600 East Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 or at 605-773-3361.

We offer innovative imaging technology, including CT, bone density scanning (DXA) and digital and 3D mammography, as well as MRI and nuclear medicine available via mobile unit and ultrasound outreach. Experts conduct comfortable and quick imaging, so you receive an accurate diagnosis, which will determine the right treatment for your health.

Avera Dells Area Hospital offers digital and 3D mammograms, an important health screening for women ages 40 and older. Request an appointment at this location or call 605-428-5446.

Right inside our facility, you have access to a wide range of laboratory services that contribute to accurate diagnoses of medical conditions. Expert specialists conduct safe and reliable lab testing, helping you and your provider get the results you need to start an effective and personalized treatment plan.

This location also offers Avera Lab Direct Access Testing, which lets you quickly and confidentially order a variety of tests without a doctor’s order. These tests help you monitor ongoing risks — such as complete blood count, glucose, lipids or hemoglobin — but shouldn’t be a replacement for the personalized care of your primary care provider.

Location: Main floor of the hospital. Stop at the front desk for directions to your appointment.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 4 PM

We provide sleep medicine services to address sleep disturbances such as sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Our physicians work closely with your primary care provider and other specialists as needed, so you can sleep better.

When you need a procedure, your doctor and care team will schedule you for surgery at our hospital when possible. You will receive any special instructions beforehand to go over important details such as time of arrival and of surgery. 

It is important to follow staff instructions in preparing for your surgery and recovery. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring insurance, medication and supplement information, as well as paperwork provided by your surgeon. Leave valuables at home, and if you will have anesthesia, you need to arrange for a ride home.

Visit Avera's board-certified experts in Dell Rapids for comprehensive treatment of wounds, burns and therapy. You have access to the latest technology and treatment measures, including:

• Compression wrapping
• Debridement
• Gradient compression garments
• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Orthotics
• Pain management
• Pressure relief appliances such as mattresses, cushions, etc.
• Specialized dressings
• Therapeutic exercise
• Topical medications

For an appointment to see a physician, call 605-428-5446. Outreach specialty services include orthopedics, podiatry, general surgery, dietetics, wound care and coordinated care.

The best way to know your unique risk for cardiovascular disease is with a Planet Heart screening — available for men ages 40+ and women ages 45+. Most patients get both screenings done with one appointment. Call us today at 605-428-5446 to schedule your personalized appointment in Dell Rapids, SD. Appointments are required.

• The $75 heart screening includes: calcium score CT, blood pressure, cholesterol and limited nutrition and tobacco cessation counseling (as needed).
• The $75 vascular screening includes: carotid artery screening, abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, lung scan and peripheral artery disease screening.
• The all-in-one, $125 screening includes everything listed for the heart and vascular screenings.

Location: Check in with reception inside the front door of the hospital.

Count on the specialized care and oversight provided by our board-certified infectious disease specialists to diagnose and treat a variety of infections via telemedicine, including:

• Fevers of unknown origin
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Bone and joint infections
• Pneumonias and respiratory infections
• Abdominal infections
• Gynecologic infections
• HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases
• Infections due to multi-drug-resistant organisms
• Infections in patients with a decreased immune system such as transplant recipients
• Central nervous system infections
• Parasitic infections, zoonotic infections and tick-borne illnesses
• Fungal and viral infections
• Endocarditis and cardiovascular infections

This hospital is a swing bed provider under federal regulations, meaning that it can use hospital beds, as needed, to provide either acute or skilled nursing facility care. Post-hospital extended care services provided in a swing bed hospital are allowed coverage under Medicare Part A. This allows a patient to continue receiving services in the hospital even though acute care is no longer required.