HealthNotes A Health and Wellness Publication from Olmsted Medical Center www.olmstedmedicalcenter.org Hospital Converts to Paperless Medical Record System If you visited Olmsted Medical Center (OMC) s hospital over the past couple of months, you may have noticed that instead of jotting notes in a paper file, your provider entered information into a computer by your bedside and has all of your medical data available at his or her fingertips. That s because on May 1, OMC launched its hospital electronic health record (EHR) system, which completed OMC s transition to a 100% digital health record platform. Electronic health records aren t completely new to OMC, says Linda Williams, MD, chief medical information officer at OMC. We ve been using them at all our ambulatory clinics for over a decade, but this is a significant shift for the hospital, for staff, and for patients. Why It Clicks for Healthcare What does the change mean for you? You ll notice that our healthcare providers will spend more time at each patient s bedside because that s where he or she will do all of the medication administration, charting, and documentation, says Juleen Kluver, project manager for the hospital EHR at OMC. Previously, there was only one paper chart per hospital patient that all providers shared, so each provider had to enter the information whenever or wherever he or she could get ahold of the file. Now, all charting takes place in real time at the point of care, Kluver says. In addition to greater interaction with your provider for longer periods of time, here are some benefits you can expect: improved patient safety, because your health history, medication, and treatment information is in one place improved communication among providers more efficient care. A Commitment to Optimizing Care While the hospital EHR offers many payoffs for patients, providers appreciate how it improves their ability to care for you. I use our EHR for preoperative and postoperative evaluations, says Joseph Tricarico, MD, an anesthesiologist at OMC. In addition, this upgrade puts at our fingertips a fully integrated electronic record in the operating room itself, which means routine tasks, such as documenting a patient s vital signs, are now performed electronically instead of being entered manually. Together, all of these features allow us to focus more time and energy on caring for the patient. A New Look for Billing Statements As of May 1, 2013, the look of OMC s billing statements for hospital services changed. For a time, guarantors (account owners) may get up to three different statements: Statement for hospital services before May 1, 2013 (if there is still a balance due) Statement for hospital services after May 1, 2013 Statement for clinic services Questions? Visit MyOMC s secure online billing website or contact patient accounts at 507.287.2780. How charges are listed on your billing statement How guarantors are billed How guarantor statements differ Hospital services before May 1, 2013 Hospital services after May 1, 2013 Professional clinician charges for emergency room, inpatient, and outpatient surgery were listed on the guarantor s clinic statement Each guarantor received one collective statement for all patients on his/her account Statements for services received at the hospital before May 1, 2013, will include a related message at the top right-hand corner of the first page Charges for all services received at the hospital are listed on each patient s hospital statement Each guarantor receives a separate statement for each patient on his/her account Statements for services received at the hospital after May 1, 2013, will include a related message at the top right-hand corner of the first page INSIDE: A New Way to Get Care Do Multivitamins Help? Women s Health Pavilion SUMMER 2013
Telehealth A New Way to Bring Patients and Providers Together Does the idea of communicating with your healthcare provider through a video screen while you re elsewhere seem futuristic? Well, the future is here. In 2012, OMC launched a pilot program using a service called telehealth in which psychiatrists provided consultations with patients, through a flatscreen monitor, in two different locations. So far all of the patients I ve seen with telehealth wouldn t have been able to travel to the main office in Rochester, says Kathryn Lombardo, MD, psychiatry/psychology department chair at OMC. As a result, she s provided psychiatric services these patients wouldn t otherwise have. The telehealth option also helps patients feel more independent since they don t have to rely on friends or family for transportation. Increasing Access to Care Convenience is the cornerstone of telehealth. At OMC we ve always tried to be a partner to the communities we serve. Telehealth allows us to bring patients in some of the most distant communities the care they need, says Linda Williams, MD, chief medical information officer at OMC. Thanks to the success of the psychiatric visits using telehealth, OMC plans to expand telehealth capabilities to its branch clinics and, over time, provide services beyond psychiatric care. These services will include diabetes education, smoking cessation support, addiction treatment, chronic disease management, and more. Later this year, OMC s providers will also offer pre-operative visits, nursing visits, endocrinology and cardiology services, postoperative surgical examinations, and other services via telehealth, says Christian Milaster, OMC s telehealth implementation consultant. How It Works During a televisit, the provider sits in front of a large flatscreen monitor equipped with a digital camera while the patient sits in a private room at an OMC branch clinic or nursing home. During the course of the visit, the provider and the patient interact in real time. Many of the psychiatric consultations we provided early on were with older nursing home patients and they adapted very quickly to this technology, Dr. Lombardo says. Especially for patients with chronic medical conditions in remote areas, telehealth offers a great opportunity to manage their health, prevent complications, and stay well. Telehealth is just one of the many ways OMC continues to pair the latest medical technology with the personal approach of its caregivers. Another is the new free MyOMC secure patient portal mobile apps we recently released on Apple itunes and Google Play. Not a portal user yet? Call 507.287.2780 to sign up! Clinic Billing for Preventive Exams Health insurance and patient account owners are billed based on what patients do during a Preventive Medicine Exam. Here is some guidance on different types of OMC appointments: Your visit is a Preventive Medicine Exam when you talk about general healthy living or receive common preventive services like Pap tests, mammograms, and immunizations. Your visit is not a Preventive Medicine Exam when you talk about health problems (such as high blood pressure, urinary problems, pain) or have tests done because of health problems. Your visit is not a Preventive Medicine Exam if you are making sure a health problem is in control or you re refilling a prescription. Looking at lab tests, medicine refills, or talking about living with health problems is not preventive. Your pre-surgery visit is not a Preventive Medicine Exam; it only makes sure you can have surgery. Remember: Check with your health plan before your visit. If your plan offers a preventive service exam, clearly tell your provider upfront that s what you want. Otherwise, the exam and related tests may become non-covered expenses. Be ready to make some future visit(s) to talk about non-preventive issues like medicine or specific health problems. Call Olmsted Medical Center s Business Office at 507.287.2780 with any questions about appointment types and billing. 2 summer 2013 Healthnotes
Be Part of Our Women s Health Pavilion Promise Olmsted Medical Center has long been a leader in obstetrical care in Southeastern Minnesota, and in recent years has expanded its women s health services, including comprehensive primary preventive care and gynecological services, state-of-the-art breast healthcare, and life enhancement services, which offers psychiatry and psychology, plastic surgery, rehabilitation services, weight management, and much more. But our aging facilities and limited space for these services no longer meet the needs or expectations of our patients and their families or our clinicians and staff. That s why we re building the Women s Health Pavilion, another improvement to how we deliver exceptional patient care. Our patients, families, and communities will benefit for years to come. Many of us know someone who has experienced exceptional patient care in OMC s BirthCenter. My family and I have personally benefited from the extraordinary commitment of OMC staff in caring for my health and that of our daughter. I am a proud supporter of the Women s Health Pavilion as it promises to bring a well-planned complement of women s services coordinated for our patients at one convenient, up-to-date facility. And, because this initiative impacts all the communities in our region, we are asking for community support. Your support will help make this dream a reality! We invite you to learn more about how you can create a better environment for our patients and accomplish your own philanthropic goals. If you choose to give, OMC Regional Foundation wants you to select the best gift plan to meet your needs. A representative from OMC Regional Foundation would be happy to meet with you to discuss giving options in detail in order to create your gift plan for the OMC Women s Health Pavilion Promise Campaign. Please call us at 507.292.7200 or e-mail foundation@ olmmed.org for more information, to schedule a tour, or to establish a meeting time that is convenient for you. OMC Regional Foundation team members (l-r) Michelle Maeder-Hickey, Stacey Vanden Heuvel, David Herder, and Richard Christiana, MD. Not pictured: Lisa Kelm. The Women s Health Pavilion: Project Scope To date, OMC has acquired the land to the west of the OMC Hospital and razed the former city maintenance garage buildings. OMC also engaged HGA to assist with planning and design. The construction manager selection process is complete and Weis Builders, construction manager for Olmsted Medical Center Rochester Northwest, will be the project s general contractor. As OMC has stated in the past, building a new BirthCenter has always been a priority associated with this project. However, many other patient care services for women will be very important in this project. Thank you for your consideration and support! Stacey M. Vanden Heuvel Vice President, Marketing and Philanthropy Olmsted Medical Center and OMC Regional Foundation foundation@olmmed.org 507.292.7200 www.olmstedmedicalcenter.org 3
Be Part of Our Story Olmsted Medical Center s growth has been measured and focused over the past decade. Our vision to be the healthcare provider of choice in Southeastern Minnesota focusing on quality, safety, and service remains central to all that we do, including our planning for the Women s Health Pavilion. The women and families that we serve are expecting more and deserve better from Olmsted Medical Center. In order to accomplish our mission and our vision, we must remain competitive, achieve our dream, and deliver on our promise to provide the very best care to women and families in the region. We invite you to join us in writing this next chapter in our story. The Women s Health Pavilion is a nearly 80,000-squarefoot, $25 million facility, and we are seeking $5 million in support for OMC Regional Foundation from friends, neighbors, and community partners. We look forward to counting you among them and welcome your investment. Opportunities for Giving Main Hospital Entrance: A naming or honor opportunity exists for an improved, more accessible, and more welcoming primary facility entrance. As the main entrance to the hospital, this entrance will welcome patients and their families as well as visitors and guests. Lobbies and Waiting Areas: The lobby and waiting area in the women s health clinic, along with other important welcoming waiting spaces, are available for recognition as well. BirthCenter Rooms: OMC s pride in its labor-deliveryrecovery-postpartum services model is a key to patient satisfaction in the BirthCenter. We need new, larger rooms with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as private baths and soaking tubs. Other rooms are available for naming as well. Women s Health Pavilion Entrance: The entrance to the newest wing of OMC Hospital, the Women s Health Pavilion, carries a naming or honor recognition opportunity. This entrance will be used by women of all ages and their families as they receive health services co-located at the hospital. Gifts of all sizes are valued! There are many items to benefit patients and their families on our wish list. Giving opportunities at many levels allow for all to participate in this important initiative. No gift is too small!!! To learn more, contact us at 507.292.7200 or foundation@olmmed.org. 4 summer 2013 Healthnotes Special Women s Health Pavilion Promise Section
Should You Take a Multivitamin? Multivitamins seemed revolutionary when they were developed back in the 1940s. Now, they claim space in the medicine cabinets of about 40% of Americans. But do they really work? And are they right for you? Some Supplements Have Benefits Your healthcare provider may recommend a multivitamin or other supplement based on your personal diet or health needs: A blend of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E seems to slow the progress of age-related eye disease. Folic acid prevents birth defects in pregnant women. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of fractures in older women. Older adults have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 and may need an extra dose. Mixed Messages on Multivitamins Two large studies recently showed multivitamins reduced the risk for cancer, but not heart disease, in men. And a 2011 research review found older women taking multivitamins had a slightly higher risk of death over a 19-year period. The issue is murky for several reasons. There are many different formulas of vitamins. Also, your daily needs for vitamins and minerals change with age and gender. Finally, health-conscious people who take multivitamins are often already eating a nutritious diet and may not need the extra nutrients. It s usually best to get your vitamins and minerals from food. But, if you have concerns about your diet, talk with your primary healthcare provider. Keep in mind that vitamins could interact with prescription medications, including blood thinners. And, large doses of certain nutrients especially vitamin A and iron can be harmful. New OMC Locations and Services Olmsted Medical Center has invested in several new ways to meet patients healthcare needs: Rochester NW Pharmacy Opened earlier this year, this full-service retail pharmacy is open to the public, is located inside the Rochester Northwest clinic s main lobby, and is also available online. Spring Valley OMC s Spring Valley branch clinic soon will be relocated to a larger building only blocks away from its current location. The new facility will offer more space for patients and healthcare providers. Apple and Android Patient Portal Apps These free mobile device apps debuted on the Apple itunes store and Google Play market earlier this year. Cannon Falls Scheduled to open later this year, OMC s newest outpatient branch clinic will be located in Cannon Falls, MN, and will provide primary and some specialty healthcare services. Sports Medicine and Performance Enhancement This 15,000-square-foot facility, which will be located next to our Rochester Northwest clinic, will house a clinical sports medicine program along with athletic performance-enhancement services. Canine Companions Program Debuts Friendly animals have long been used to supplement the work of healthcare providers. Now, OMC hospital patients can enjoy the benefits that come from interacting with our furry friends! OMC s Volunteers in Patient Care program recently introduced pet visitation at OMC s hospital to improve patients social interaction, provide companionship, and encourage a positive environment for healing. OMC s Canine Companions are tested and certified through nationally accredited therapy dog organizations, and are handled only by trained and experienced volunteers. Hospital care teams will help arrange visits with our Canine Companions based on a patient s individual needs, interest, and companion availability. For more information, call 507.292.7210. OMC President to Retire OMC internist Roy A. Yawn, MD, has announced his plan to retire from medical practice following the end of his term as OMC s president on July 1, 2013. Yawn has seen patients at OMC since 1990 and has held several administrative leadership positions while maintaining his clinical practice. If you have a story you d like to share about Dr. Roy Yawn, please visit www.olmmed.org/patient-stories, e-mail foundation@olmmed.org, or call 507.292.7200. www.olmstedmedicalcenter.org 5
HealthNotes Roy A. Yawn, MD President David E. Westgard, MD Chief Medical Officer OMC Regional Foundation 210 Ninth Street SE Rochester, MN 55904 Postmaster: Please deliver between June 17 and 21 Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID OMC Regional Foundation Tim W. Weir Chief Executive Officer Stacey M. Vanden Heuvel Vice President, Marketing & Philanthropy HealthNotes is published four times a year by Olmsted Medical Center and OMC Regional Foundation. HealthNotes is a service to educate people about subjects pertinent to their health, not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider. Please call OMC Regional Foundation at 507.292.7202 or e-mail foundation@olmmed.org with any questions or comments. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list that receives HealthNotes, please write to OMC Regional Foundation, 210 Ninth Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Printed on Recyclable Paper 739M Recipe: Southwestern Burgers These tasty, low-fat burgers use extra-lean ground beef combined with mashed black beans to reduce fat content and make moist, flavorful patties. The jalapeño pepper, cumin, and cilantro add a kick. Ingredients 1 c. reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed ¼ c. minced red onion 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped 2 tsp. ground cumin ¾ lb. extra-lean ground beef (at least 90/10) ¼ c. tomato sauce (low sodium or no added salt) 1 egg white 2 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro Directions In a small bowl, mash black beans with a fork. Add onion, jalapeño pepper, and cumin. Mix well. Place ground beef in a large bowl, followed by the bean mixture. Add sauce, egg white, and cilantro. Blend well with a fork. Form into four ¾-inch patties. Broil or grill for five to six minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Per serving: 145 calories, 40 calories from fat, 4.4 g total fat (2.2 g saturated fat), 52 mg cholesterol, 173 mg sodium, 5.9 g carbohydrate, 1.7 g fiber, 20.4 g protein www.olmstedmedicalcenter.org Dining Out? Choose Healthy Eating from the Menu American families now spend as much as 40-50% of their food budgets on meals away from home. Not surprisingly, the obesity rate among kids and teens has skyrocketed right alongside rates of eating out. And while fast food gets most of the blame, sit-down dining establishments shouldn t be overlooked. Both add extra calories to kids diets. Calculating the Charges A difference of 50-150 calories a day is all it takes for children to gain weight. New research in the journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine reports that on a day including a fast-food meal, kids and teens consume between 125-310 extra calories. Full-service dining adds between 160-267, depending on the child s age. Ways to Reduce the Damage Skip all-you-can-eat buffets. Everyone is more likely to overeat there. Take a family walk before or after a meal. Choose places with calorie counts on the menu, or find nutrition information online. One study showed parents with this information ordered 100 fewer calories of fast food for their children. Order a salad before your meal, and choose grilled rather than fried foods. Eating Out with Kids Choose a restaurant that has a healthy children s menu with smaller portion sizes. For kids meals, choose milk as a beverage and fruit for dessert. Order plain foods with sauce on the side. Substitute healthier sides, like carrots or apple slices, in place of fries. Choose two or three suitable menu items, then let your child pick one. Let kids order their familiar favorites when they eat out. For new foods, offer a bite or two from your order. Calcium especially is important for growing bones. Give your kids low-fat or fat-free white or chocolate milk or add a slice of cheese to their sandwich. Choose dairy-based treats, like yogurt or a smoothie.