Dr. Kay Y. Kelts, DO
Family Practitioner
717 Saint Francis St Rapid City SD, 57701About
Dr. Kay Kelts is a family practitioner practicing in Rapid City, SD. Dr. Kelts specializes in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family practitioners also put focus on preventative care with routine checkups, tests and personalized coaching on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Kelts possesses immense general knowledge on maintaining health and today, family practitioners provide more care for the underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty.
Education and Training
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Medical Degree 0
Provider Details
Dr. Kay Y. Kelts, DO's Expert Contributions
Concussion?
If you’ve been ok and this came out of no where and you did not hit your head or fall hard on your butt then I’m not sure if they are related. Regardless it sounds like you should see your regular doctor to get worked up and make sure everything is ok. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Folate deficiency?
Honestly hard to know as it depends on how your body does with absorbing. Usually being on something like omeprazole does not cause a folate deficiency but can in some. I would start with 1mg of folic acid daily and have your levels rechecked after a few months. If it’s not increasing well I would also consider getting your MTHFR gene checked as some people with mutations need a special type of folic acid for their bodies to absorb well. READ MORE
How bad are these cuts?
It is hard to tell from this picture how deep the cuts are. From the picture they appear overall shallow which is good. The biggest thing to watch out for with cat scratches is making sure it does not get infected. Make sure to keep it clean and if the skin starts turning red or hot or having discharge you need to be seen immediately. Same if you start having a fever. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
My doctor prescribed both muscle relaxers and Tylenol 4?
Yes you can take both at the same and should be safe. I always recommend trying these types of medications when you can be home as they can make you feel different and need to be careful. Tylenol #4 should only be taken for as long as you really need it as it can have addictive properties if taken for too long. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Vitamin B6?
The vitamin B6 level being high is not dangerous. Luckily B vitamins are what we call water soluble meaning anything extra your body has will just pee it back out. It’s why when your on a B vitamin or a complex your urine often is highlighter yellow in color. Usually when docs check vitamin levels, we often do no have patients stop their supplement that way we know what the body is doing in that moment. If your worried it’s always ok to stop the complex. Technically most people who eat a well balanced diet should get all their B vitamins unless you’ve had a gastric bypass or have other absorption issues from gut issues. Not sure if that actually answers the question or not. For nausea I do often have patients try low dose vitamin b6 as it can help people. If your supplement has very high doses maybe try lowering it and see how you do. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Not sure what to do?
Hopefully by now you are feeling better. If you had that recent diagnosis of covid we wouldn’t expect you to get infected again but we also can’t say you wouldn’t. But it’s also possible you had a co-infection. Meaning you could have gotten another virus if you’ve been around other people. If your not getting better then I’d recommend getting evaluated. Regardless supportive care is good such as hydration and rest. Kay Kelts READ MORE
How to heal a swollen epiglottis?
Generally a swollen epiglottis can occur with viral infections. It is more commonly an issue with young children as it can cause issues with their breathing and they tend to drool a lot. It is not seen as often in adults. If you are breathing well and not having issues swallowing then it is just taking care of yourself. Keep yourself hydrated. Tea with honey can be soothing sometimes. If your having any issues with breathing or swallowing you should seek medical attention immediately. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Gonorrhea treatment?
If you know you have gonorrhea, then someone must have tested you, in which case they should be giving you antibiotics. If you’ve been exposed, then you should see a provider to get appropriate treatment. Kay Kelts, DO READ MORE
Seizures getting worse?
I am sorry to hear all of this. My first question back to you would be why the neurologist is not helping or helpful? If they are not listening or willing to work with you it may be worth getting another opinion if your able. I noticed that you stated your not on any medication. With how many seizures you are having you definitely need to be on some form of medication as that’s what is going to help stop and control the seizures. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Why does blood pressure drop with spinal anesthesia?
This is a common side effect that occurs after any type anesthesia just cause of how the medication works. This usually resolves on its own but it’s always recommended to stay hydrated if your allowed to drink. It’s also good to watch for other symptoms that could mean something else is happening but just the low blood pressure by itself is common as long as not too low. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Is high blood pressure after COVID vaccine normal?
I wouldn’t say normal but yes it can happen. Many peoples bodies respond differently to vaccines and medications. Depending on how high it is and if you have other symptoms will dictate what needs to be done. If your blood pressure is just a little high but still less than 150s/90s and your not having other symptoms of high blood pressure then you can keep an eye on it for a day or so and if it’s not improving see your doctor. If it’s higher than that and your having other symptoms not typical of the vaccine then you should see a provider sooner. Symptoms to watch out for with high blood pressure can be things like blurry vision, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath or funny heart beats. If you are concerned then you should see someone. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Paracetamol tablets?
If you have truly spaced it out to be paracetamol 500mg tablets, 2 tablets every 6 hours then it is safe assuming you do not have liver disease. It is not recommended to do this long term though as that is the maximum dose allowed within a 24 hour period. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Taking vitamins and marijuana?
Depends on what type of vitamins you are taking. But yes, there are some things that can interfere from smoking marijuana. It also depends on the amount you are smoking. Kay Kelts, DO READ MORE
Constant headrush- should I be worried?
From what you’ve written I’m hoping you either saw a health care provider or it has gotten better. Based on your description it could be several things like BPPV or labrynthitis depending on if laying makes it worse or not. But since you mention it’s more with movement I would be concerned with BPPV or something else. Definitely good to see someone though. Hope you are better Kay Kelts READ MORE
Strange bug bite?
From what your describing you need to be seen by a medical provider. It’s unlikely a bug crawled in there but it is possible that the bite got infected and you may need antibiotics or for it to be properly cleaned out so it does not become an infection like an abscess which is a pocket of infection. It is especially important with the area your describing as that area can become infected easily. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
I still am sick after a month?
I am sorry that you are still not feeling well after a month. That is never pleasant. Depending on what you originally had when you first became ill this could be normal or not normal. If you have not seen a health care provider, ideally PCP in a little bit I would recommend starting there. The symptoms you describe could be many things depending on your physical exam as well as some other details which I am not able to determine on this platform. Until your able to be seen some things that generally help with cough and such are honey with tea, nasal saline spray twice a day then blow your nose well to assist with post nasal drip. Generally staying hydrated is very helpful as well. Good luck and I hope you feel better. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Chronic hiccups and burping?
If the hiccups have not gotten worse and you have been evaluated for them already, then you should be okay to wait until your GI doctor calls you back. But obviously if it gets worse or you encounter more symptoms like trouble breathing, then you should definitely go to the ER. The baclofen usually also takes multiple doses taken regularly for it to truly help. Good luck, Kay Kelts, DO READ MORE
COVID or parasite?
You have a lot of symptoms and possibilities as explanations. Ideally you should work with your primary care provider to try and narrow these possibilities down. If you had abnormal blood tests aka the creatinine and thyroid, that is not normal and should be addressed. With the thyroid in particular this sometimes includes additional testing needed to see if you have true hypothyroidism vs sub clinical which means your body was just stressed at the time and not a true thyroid issue yet. Autoimmune is always a possibility and would require some specialized blood test to see. If you’ve had covid it would be something like long covid or just lasting symptoms that have not gone away. As I said the list of possibilities is long. If you have not had other items tested like autoimmune or follow up thyroid tests or vitamin d and such I would discuss further with your primary care provider and try to work through it. Good luck in your search. Kay Kelts READ MORE
What stops the itching of eczema?
There are several things that can stop the itch from eczema. Things as simple as not taking long hit showers and doing shorter showers or not using super hot water can often help. Good moisturizing is key to helping the skin heal. There are several good moisturizers out there. Using a no fragrance one is important. I often recommend vanicream as it works well and it’s not too expensive or using Vaseline also works well but is more greasy feeling. When the skin is very bad sometimes you will need prescription strength cream or ointment and then should see your medical provider. I hope this helps. Kay Kelts READ MORE
I'm having a side affect after taking the vaccine?
Thank you for getting your coronavirus vaccine. That is super helpful to both you as well as your community. As for what you are experiencing. From what you have stated it sounds like one of the common side effects. The temperature you listed is not considered a true fever but may be an elevated temperature for you. This is common after vaccinations. Most will only last a couple days after but it can take longer for it to be your normal temperature as long as it’s not a true fever. A true fever is defined at 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees F. The muscle aches are common and many can experience this for several days. I recommend staying hydrated as this often helps. If you have no other medical problems taking some ibuprofen and/or Tylenol is ok to help with the aches. I hope this helps. Kay Kelts,DO READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Associate Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Arnot Ogden Medical Center -
Professional Memberships
- American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
- American Board of Family Medicine
Fellowships
- Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Osteopathic Manipulation at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado
Professional Society Memberships
- STFM, AAFP
Articles and Publications
- Previous Associate Program Director at Arnett Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY - Previous Regional Dean of Medical Students for LECOMM Elmira Campusprevious Core Faculty at Advocate Lutheran General Family Medical Residency - Lectured at numerous STFM conventions, along with many other presentations and workshops on a national and regional level
What do you attribute your success to?
- Her energy, passion, and hard work. She loves what she does. She believes in family medicine, and that\'s why she\'s done pretty well in her career thus far. If you love what you do it shines through and in family medicine it\'s about making connections. She\'s willing to listen and stay openminded and she tends to be holistic in nature.
Hobbies / Sports
- Spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling, and cooking
Dr. Kay Y. Kelts, DO's Practice location
Rapid City, SD 57701Get Direction
Dr. Kay Y. Kelts, DO's reviews
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Media Releases
Get to know Family Physician Dr. Kay Y. Kelts, who serves patients in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Dr. Kelts is a trusted family physician at Medical Arts at Rapid City Medical Center. She practices full-scope family medicine including in-office procedures, women’s health, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Treating a wide variety of health conditions, she enjoys working with patients of all ages. She believes in treating the whole person, helping each patient achieve his or her personal health goals and live life to the fullest.
Established in 1948, Rapid City Medical Center is a medical practice comprising eight locations, including an urgent care clinic in Rapid City, South Dakota. Building an on-going tradition of excellence in healthcare, the group boasts a team of more than eighty physicians and caregivers whose specialties include dermatology, ENT, family medicine, gastroenterology, internal medicine, OB/GYN, eye care, plastic and reconstructive surgery, podiatry, rheumatology, surgery, urgent care, urology, and more.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Kelts completed her undergraduate education at St. Olaf College where she met her husband, Dr. Andrew Kelts. She completed her medical school training at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine where she was part of their inaugural class. While in medical school, she was also an inaugural pre-doctoral osteopathic principles and practices fellow specializing in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
After her training, Dr. Kelts performed her residency in family medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She was awarded a core faculty position upon completion of her residency, practicing full-scope family medicine including OB deliveries, inpatient services, nursing home services, and outpatient clinic. In addition, she was responsible for resident education and was instrumental in osteopathic accreditation for the program.
After her husband accepted a gastroenterology fellowship position, Dr. Kelts moved to Elmira, New York. While there, she practiced full-scope family medicine and served as the Associate Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. She continued in these roles — providing both inpatient and outpatient services while teaching residents — until moving to Rapid City.
Passionate about her profession, she is double board-certified in family medicine through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians & the American Board of Family Medicine.
Family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages. The specialist is called a family physician or family doctor. A family physician is often the first person a patient sees when seeking healthcare services. They examine and treat patients with a wide range of conditions and refer those with serious ailments to a specialist or appropriate facility.
In her spare time, Dr. Kelts enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling, and cooking.
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