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Trinity Fort Dodge Goes Live With Epic
On Monday, October 3, Trinity in Fort Dodge became the first hospital within the Iowa Health System to go live on the new Epic information system. During the IQ4 implementation, there were 10 physicians from other Epic institutions on hand to help with the implementation along with chief medical information officers from across Iowa Health System, and more than 50 IQ4 team members and Iowa Health System information technology representatives. Thirty super-users were deployed, and more than 100 Epic representatives were present over a two-week period. The implementation has been very successful so far. Allen Health System is scheduled to go live on the Epic System in December of 2012, so it is reassuring to hear of the success at Trinity Fort Dodge.
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Health Insurance Third Party Administrator Change
The Principal Financial Group has processed claims and has been the third-party administrator for Iowa Health System’s employee health insurance program for the past few years. Since the Principal Financial Group is exiting the health insurance business, Iowa Health System engaged in a process to identify a partner to administer our health insurance program. After considering a number of options, IHS picked Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield as our third-party administrator effective January 1, 2012. The decision was based on their ability to process claims timely and accurately while supporting care management programs. This change will not impact your current coverage or the providers that you can receive care from. As our third party administrator, Wellmark will provide support to our health plan members on questions related to benefits, services or claims. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all employees and your families.
Relative to this, a number of open enrollment meetings for your 2012 health benefits are scheduled during October and November. These are posted for your reference and include October 28 and 31 and November 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9. Please make sure to attend one of these to make sure you understand your options this year and to get properly enrolled.
A Thank You to Cath Lab and ICU Staff
We received a letter from Sheriff Tony Thompson thanking the cath lab and ICU staff for the great service provided to one of his staff members. He wrote in part, “Your compassion and commitment to excellence was evident in your interaction with my staff and with the family… (f)rom the bottom of my heart, I cannot express enough to you both my admiration and my appreciation for the work you all did for his family….” Great work!
Patient Satisfaction for the Month of August
Congratulations to these Allen departments who hit their stretch goal for patient satisfaction scores. Click here to see Poster 1 and Poster 2. Each department is studying their patient satisfaction surveys and identifying ways to give patients and their families the very best care.
Splash of Color 1st Annual Fundraiser 3K Walk
Benefiting Beyond Pink Team
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Sullivan Park, Waterloo
$18 Adult, $10 Child (Under 12)
Sponsors: Your tax deductible donation of $100 or more will get your name on the back of the event T-shirt. Click here for more information and registration form.
Open Forum Questions and Answers, September
Click here to review the questions and answers for the September Open Forum.
ATTENTION RNs:
NDNQI survey is available to take on AllenNet from October 3 - 23. Click here.
Associate Vaccination Flu Clinics - FINAL WEEK!
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Allen Hospital
Elevator B to 4th Floor – Old Social Services office on 4 Tower
Monday – Thursday, October 10 - 13
7:00 - 10:00 am
2:00 - 5:00 pm
United Medical Park
Ambulatory Surgery Center
Monday, October 10
10:00 - 11:30 am
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Win Free Tickets
We have orchestra tickets available for October shows at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls. To register, click here.
AHEC Recognizes National Primary Care Week
October 10-14, 2011
National Primary Care Week is upon us. The American Medical Student Association describes the annual event as one intended to highlight the importance of primary care hoping to bring professionals together to discuss and learn about generalist and interdisciplinary health care. They are specifically focused on highlighting the importance of primary care in serving the underserved. Particular emphasis is placed on informing healthcare professionals, and those in training, of barriers to care issues and encouragement of the pursuit of primary care careers in health care.
Allen Hospital hosts a program with intentions directly aligned with the mission of National Primary Care Week: The Northeast Iowa Area Health Education Center (NEI AHEC). Most of the hospital is familiar with AHEC in serving one purpose at the hospital: coordinating student experiences. These experiences include a range of audiences while coordinating high school and undergraduate job shadows, undergraduate cooperative education experiences, medical student rotations and, even, resident rotations throughout the hospital and surrounding community. While all of this and then some are facilitated by AHEC, it’s with a long-term goal in mind.
The mission of AHEC is to recruit and retain health care professionals specifically to provide primary care to the rural and underserved populations in Northeast Iowa and the entire state. Most of us are aware that there are existing shortages of professionals to serve with the forecast showing more shortage areas to come or an even larger gap in existing health care professional shortages. For this reason, we keep addressing all of the audiences previously mentioned with the hope of having some impact on the needs of our community in the short-term and long-term.
Many students who have completed rotations through AHEC’s facilitation have become professionals in this area since the program’s inception 3 years ago and many in primary care roles while all serving the populations needing it most: rural or underserved. All of Waterloo, most of Black Hawk County, and much of Northeast Iowa is federally defined as falling into one of those two categories. More students are reaching graduation and seeking opportunities to continue this trend whether it be in pursuing local career placements or primary and Psychiatry) with hopes of returning to the communities of and surrounding our center and Allen Hospital.
www.neiowaahec.org
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HRA and Biometric Screening
Deadline October 14
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Health insurance plan participants and their covered spouses are required to complete the online Health Risk Assessment (HRA ) and Biometrics screening if they wish to have their choice of health plans during the 2012 Benefit Open Enrollment.
At no cost, you will receive valuable feedback about your health and your risk factors for chronic diseases. You will also enhance your ability to make the best decisions to enhance and maintain your wellness - today and in the future.
If you do take the HRA and Biometrics screening, you will have your choice of all three new medical plan options for 2012, including the plan with the lowest deductible. If you do not take the HRA and Biometrics screening, you will be able to choose from two of the new medical plans for 2012.
You should have received information at your home on all the details. For your convenience, we have links below to that material:
Allen Wellness HRA Letter. Click here
Wellness Biometric Form. Click here
Wellness Physician Biometrics Form. Click here
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Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
The month of October is recognized every year as a remembrance of pregnancy and infant loss. October 15 is specifically for remembering the ones we have lost. If you have lost a pregnancy or infant, reach out to your friends and family, as well as EAP. If you know someone who has lost a pregnancy or infant, take extra time with them this month. You can also read and share the resources listed here for newsletters and information on support.
http://nationalshare.org
www.october15th.com
www.facesofloss.com
Allen Materials Management
We want to thank Materials Management for all they do to support Allen Hospital in celebration of Materials Management Week! Your hard work is appreciated!
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Phone Upgrade Reminder
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We will be upgrading the Allen Hospital and UMP Voice Mail System Sunday evening, October 9, through early Monday morning, October 10. This upgrade is expected to be completed by 6 a.m. Monday morning. After the upgrade, you will need to reset your voice mail. Please listen carefully to the phone prompts next week when you call Voice Mail. Your default password will be the number 9. That will prompt you to change your password and re-record your name. You will also need to go into Option 3 to re-record your personal greeting. Voice Mail instructions can be found on AllenNet under the Quick Links section and on the home page. The instructions have been updated this week to reflect several changes in the system, so please read the instructions if you have any problems with the upgrade. Please send any questions to Sharee Fairchild by email at fairchsr@ihs.org.
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Tickets are now available for Allen College Alumni & Friends at My Fair Lady
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Saturday, October 29
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Centre, Cedar Falls
2:00pm matinee
Tickets $40.80 (face value)
Reception in Davis Hall immediately following the performance (courtesy of Allen College).
Contact Dina in Student Services for tickets at 319-226-2000. Payment required to hold reservation.
Allen Gift Shop News
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Allen Hospital Auxiliary members, watch your mailboxes for your invitation to our “Celebrate the Season Event” to be held in the Gift Shop on Thursday, Nov 10th
You will have the opportunity to invite your friends and family to join you for the “Invitation Only Event!”
Not an Auxiliary member but would like to be invited to our evening event? Contact Sara at 3164 to join today!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
October 27 and 28 - Scrubs Sale
November 22 - Masquerade Jewelry Sale
December 12 and 13 - South Bend Chocolate Sale
SOCIAL ACTION ALERT
We are advised by the Cedar Valley Hospitality House and Waterloo Catholic Worker that there is an immediate need for winter clothing and blankets.
The Hospitality House is in need of gently used men's winter coats, stocking caps, gloves, sweatshirts, hoodies and blankets. These items will be distributed to the homeless who are living outdoors. Items can be dropped off at the Hospitality House at 1003 Mulberry St. in Waterloo daily between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. 319-234-1311
St. Francis Catholic Worker is in need of winter hats, gloves and toilet paper for guests who are staying overnight at the Worker House. Items can be dropped off at the Worker House, 321 East 8th St. in Waterloo weekdays after 4:00 pm. 319-232-2116.
Start Somewhere Walk is Today
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad recently announced his goal to have Iowa rank as the nation’s healthiest state. To kick off the initiative, Governor Branstad is asking for Iowans to participate in the “Start Somewhere Walk” at noon on October 7.
If you’re planning to walk on Oct. 7, click here and then click on the “Get Started/Take the Pledge” page to register.
Trash and Yard Waste Changes in Waterloo
Due to the increase in the amount of trash and yard waste dropped on the streets of Waterloo from vehicles traversing the city, the Waterloo City Council adopted an ordinance requiring all loads hauled within the city limits of Waterloo be covered. Associated with this requirement a process for fines is in place starting at $200.00 for the first violation and progressing.
Waste Management Services Department of Waterloo through Code Enforcement will start to enforce this Code. We are asking that the public work with us and cover all loads coming to the yard waste site and any neighborhood cleanup and the city wide cleanups. We may refuse your load and you could be fined.
The basis for ordinance can be traced to the Federal Clean Water Act and EPA’s requirement to enact laws protecting waters within the United States. For more information contact Waste Management at 291-4553.
5K Run Walk Roll Benefiting Pathways
Benefit for Pathways Behavioral Services aiding in their work to prevent and treat substance abuse. Click here to go to the web site.
October 29, 2011 at 9:00 am
Click here for full details and registration form.
