8
October / November 2013 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-7 The Spirit of Providence is designed exclusively for our associates and friends: Ascension Health Health Professional Affiliates Medical Staff/Retired Physicians Providence Health Center Board of Trustees Providence Foundation Board of Trustees Founders Society Providence Forum Providence Healthcare Network Advisory Board Ethics Committee Providence Volunteer Services Providence Health Alliance Board of Directors Providence Nursing School Alumni Family Practice Residency Staff SHARING THE PASSION WITH FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES OF PROVIDENCE HEALTHCARE NETWORK 2 A Letter from the President 2 BT Theraphy 3 Providence Foundation Founders Society Members 4 From the Heart 4 Notes from Sister C: What an Honor! 4 Thank You for Saving Lives 5 Compliance Corner: HITECH Changes to HIPAA 6 Chaplain’s Corner 6 Wellness Corner: Joint Decisions 8 Providence Surgeon Performs Waco’s First Robotic Single Site Cholecystectomy I N S I D E The Providence Education Center: Making it Easy to Understand the New Health Insurance Marketplace The Spirit of Providence is Going ONLINE! by Erin Rogers, Marketing and Communications Specialist Do I have to buy health insurance? How much will health insurance cost? Are pre-existing conditions covered? I f your friends and family members have these questions or more, the Providence Education Center can help! The Providence Education Center was created to help individuals, families and small business owners discover what’s best for their needs —and to help with applications and plan choices. Certified Application Counselors will be available to answer questions, assist with filling out applications, and navigate the online enrollment process. The Providence Education Center is conveniently located on the first floor of the Providence Health Center near the Main Lobby. Providence Education Center hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 254-751-4444 P rovidence is devoted to continually moving toward sustainability for the future as we serve our community’s healthcare needs. Our Associate Communications committee, made up of representatives from across the network, has been instrumental in discussing ideas that we as a ministry can implement to continue to be good stewards of our resources—both financial and environmental! They helped pioneer the transition away from the heavy use of Styrofoam in our cafeterias and are now advocating for a paper-free newsletter! By transitioning to an online format, this will result in about a $40,000 savings per year… and our trees will thank us, for sure! This will be our final mailed issue. We will skip a December issue and will be busy at work getting ready for an ALL NEW January/February online issue….with lots of the same great content and pictures, along with some new features, too! Committed to providing information that will inform, educate and encourage, the new online publication will focus on our ministry’s goals—within the framework of Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That is Safe and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind. This will help our readers gain a better understanding of our organization and team— where we we’ve been, where we are now and where we are headed. We hope you will continue on this journey with us! We are grateful to ALL of our readers as our publication reaches over 4,000 associates, volunteers, physicians, board members, Foundation members and community partners…and we want to stay in touch with each of you! If we do not have your most current eMail address, please go to www.providence.net, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and submit your preferred e-Mail address. The newsletter will also be posted to Providence.net and Focus for easy access. See you in 2014 for the all new January/February issue…ONLINE! Receive the Spirit of Providence Newsletter via eMail! Go to www.providence.net and submit your eMail address!

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Page 1: The Providence Education Center: Making it Easy to Spirit ... · “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but ... We will skip

O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3

“Now there are varieties

of gifts, but the same

Spirit; and there are

varieties of service, but

the same Lord; and there

are varieties of working,

but it is the same God

who inspires them all

in every one. To each is

given the manifestation

of the Spirit for the

common good.”

1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-7

The Spirit of Providence is designed exclusively for our associates and friends:

Ascension Health

Health Professional Affiliates

Medical Staff/Retired Physicians

Providence Health Center Board of Trustees

Providence Foundation Board of Trustees Founders Society Providence Forum

Providence Healthcare Network Advisory Board Ethics Committee

Providence Volunteer Services

Providence Health Alliance Board of Directors

Providence Nursing School Alumni

Family Practice Residency Staff

SHARING THE PASSION WITH FR IENDS AND ASSOCIATES OF PROVIDENCE HEALTHCARE NETWORK

2 A Letter from the President

2 BT Theraphy

3 Providence Foundation Founders Society Members

4 From the Heart

4 Notes from Sister C: What an Honor!

4 Thank You for Saving Lives

5 Compliance Corner: HITECH Changes to HIPAA

6 Chaplain’s Corner

6 Wellness Corner: Joint Decisions

8 Providence Surgeon Performs Waco’s First Robotic Single Site Cholecystectomy

I N S I D E

The Providence Education Center: Making it Easy to Understand the New Health Insurance Marketplace

The Spirit of Providence is Going ONLINE! by Erin Rogers, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Do I have to buy health insurance? How much will health insurance cost? Are pre-existing conditions covered?

If your friends and family members have these questions or more, the Providence Education Center can help! The Providence Education Center

was created to help individuals, families and small business owners discover what’s best for their needs —and to help with applications and plan choices. Certified Application Counselors will be available to answer questions, assist with filling out applications, and navigate the online enrollment process.

The Providence Education Center is conveniently located on the first floor of the Providence Health Center near the Main Lobby.

Providence Education Center hours:Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.254-751-4444

Providence is devoted to continually moving toward sustainability for the future as we serve our community’s healthcare needs. Our Associate Communications committee, made up of representatives from across the network, has been instrumental in discussing ideas that we as a ministry can implement to continue to be good

stewards of our resources—both financial and environmental! They helped pioneer the transition away from the heavy use of Styrofoam in our cafeterias and are now advocating for a paper-free newsletter! By transitioning to an online format, this will result in about a $40,000 savings per year… and our trees will thank us, for sure!

This will be our final mailed issue. We will skip a December issue and will be busy at work getting ready for an ALL NEW January/February online issue….with lots of the same great content and pictures, along with some new features, too! Committed to providing information that will inform, educate and encourage, the new online publication will focus on our ministry’s goals—within the framework of Healthcare That Works, Healthcare That is Safe and Healthcare That Leaves No One Behind. This will help our readers gain a better understanding of our organization and team—

where we we’ve been, where we are now and where we are headed. We hope you will continue on this journey with us!

We are grateful to ALL of our readers as our publication reaches over 4,000 associates, volunteers, physicians, board members, Foundation members and community partners…and we want to stay in touch with each of you! If we do not have your most current eMail address, please go to www.providence.net, scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and submit your preferred e-Mail address. The newsletter will also be posted to Providence.net and Focus for easy access.

See you in 2014 for the all new January/February issue…ONLINE!

Receive the Spirit of Providence Newsletter via eMail!Go to www.providence.net and submit your eMail address!

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2 • The Spirit of Providence

Letter from thePresident

Brett Esrock,President and CEO

The fall season is upon us, bringing cooler weather, changing leaves and of course, football! It is during this season that many of us come together as families at Thanksgiving to reflect upon our many blessings. While we give thanks, we must also remember those less fortunate, who don’t have access to basic necessities, such as healthcare. Providence has been honored to compassionately care for the sick, poor and vulnerable in Central Texas for over 108 years, and we look forward to continuing our mission and helping the community we care for navigate the evolution of an ever-changing healthcare landscape. Most recently, Providence is assisting those who need better access to care by providing education on how they may be able to afford health care coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Marketplace was created by the federal government in support of a key component in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), which mandates that all Americans be covered by a Qualified Health Plan by January 2014. The ACA law provides qualifying individuals with subsidies that lower their premium costs and lowers a patient’s cost-sharing obligation. The Marketplace is now open to allow individuals and small employers with less than 50 employees to compare plans and their premiums, determine available subsidies and purchase health insurance.

To provide personal assistance, the Providence Education Center has been created on the first floor of the Health Center in the Women and Newborn Center lobby. There, certified counselors are available to answer questions and assist with the online enrollment process. Visit www.providence.net to learn more, to view educational videos, review frequently asked questions and to see which plans Providence participates in. By selecting one of these plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace, patients can see Providence Healthcare Network physicians, obtain safe, quality healthcare at any of our facilities and receive the full benefits that their selected plan covers.

We all have a role to play in the health of our community. Please join us in helping those who desperately need access to healthcare by spreading the word that Providence is committed to helping our community members navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace. Better access to care will result in a stronger, healthier, more financially stable community, which is something we can all be thankful for.

A year ago, Connie couldn’t make her bed or do a load of laundry without risking an asthma attack. Just getting dressed in the morning could leave her breathless. At times, she had to speak in two word sentences and administer breathing treatments every two hours. She couldn’t even blow out the candles on her birthday cake.

Connie was diagnosed with asthma at eight months old. Learning and knowing her triggers, coupled with the available asthma therapies, helped her manage the condition, but at the age of 27, after the birth of her third child, her asthma became chronically uncontrollable. She tried dozens of medications, including a strong daily steroid, and still her asthma raged out of control. Tests identified over 240 asthma triggers: she never knew which triggers, or how many triggers could be in the air at any given time…forcing her to miss activities and enjoying the things she loved most. Watching her kids play sports, singing in the choir and daily chores were replaced with numerous doctor office visits and numerous emergency room visits. “I went through several stages of ‘why me?’ But then I realized I had to learn how to cope. I realized that I could not put off what could be done today, because I didn’t know what tomorrow would hold,” Connie said.

When pulmonologist Maydee Rosario, MD, of Waco Lung Associates, suggested she try Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT), a breakthrough procedure in the treatment of asthma, Connie was eager about the opportunity. Dr. Rosario explained that there is a muscle layer which actually gets bigger in people with asthma, causing them to contract more vigorously. With a 3-procedure process, BT burns away the thick muscles that line the airway. The procedure is for severe asthma sufferers and doesn’t replace anti-inflammatory therapy or cure asthma, but it does result in clinically meaningful improvement. According to Dr. Rosario, such results include decrease in severe exacerbations, decrease in healthcare utilization and decrease in missed days of work and most importantly, improved overall quality of life. And as for Connie, so far it’s been life-changing.

Connie’s first treatment was Mother’s Day, May 24 and her third and final treatment was this past August. The results have far exceeded her expectations, she said. She can do housework now, walk a mile in the pasture and enjoy activities with her eight grandkids. Though the allergies and other triggers still exist, they no longer cause such extreme exacerbation. Her once every two-hour breathing treatment regimen has been greatly reduced—she rejoiced in calling Dr. Rosario just to tell her she had gone five days without a single treatment! “Before the [BT] treatment, I was at the point where I had nothing to lose. Quantity of life is one thing, but if you don’t have quality, what are you living for? That is what I was looking for and I think I’ve found it!” Connie said.

After years of having her family members take care of her and her children while she was in and out of the hospital, she is now thankful to have to opportunity to take care of them. She can help take care of her parents and will travel to help take care of her brother after his surgery. She also remains thankful for the seemingly “little things” that might actually not be all that little after all. “I am looking forward to celebrating my next birthday….and blowing out my candles!” Connie said.

For more information about Bronchial Thermoplasty, go to www.gotasthma.orgFor information about asthma management classes go to providence.net/asthma

Revolutionary Treatment Allows Severe Asthma Sufferers to Breathe More Easilyby Erin Rogers, Marketing and Communications Specialist

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The Spirit of Providence • 3

Providence Foundation’s Founders Society

The Providence Foundation sponsors the Founders Society—a very special group of dedicated people who are committed to the mission of Providence: “To Serve the Sick-Poor.” These wonderful benefactors have provided financial gifts in support of major capital projects such as the F.M. & Gloria Young Tower, the Breast Health Center, and the Bill and Patricia Watson Women & the Newborns Center. They have also

supported the purchase of life saving , state-of-the-art medical equipment such as telemetry systems, Da Vinci Robot upgrades, Providence Sleep Center equipment and imaging equipment. In addition, the Founders Society has helped underwrite vital nursing scholarships and important programs such as our orthopedic services’ Joint Camp. Founders Society members contribute $1,000 or more to the Providence Foundation each year. If you would like to join this noteworthy group, please contact the Providence Foundation at 751-4762 or email Dave Guyer at [email protected].

American ClassifiedsMr. & Mrs. Mark Ayers

Mrs. Anne L. AynesworthBrian & Sarah Aynesworth & Family

BRD ManagementDr. & Mrs. T. Marc Barrett

Ryan & Heather BeckEdna Frei Becker

Dr. & Mrs. Gary L. BeckerTamara Beckner

Mr. & Mrs. Brian P. BivonaDr. & Mrs. James A. Bowden

Mr. & Mrs. John C. Bowden FoundationMr. & Mrs. Jimmy BoyettMr. & Mrs. Mark Brinkley

Mr. & Mrs. George E. BrockettMr. & Mrs. Trent Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Bob BuckDrs. Michael & Cathy Burbidge

James & Debra BusbyMr. & Mrs. Ross Campbell

Mr. & Mrs. Wade CanutesonDr. & Mrs. Larry W. Cartmell, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Steven T. CatesJohn & Michelle Chamberlain

Mrs. T. George ChaseBilly & Vanessa Clendening

Clifton FoundationMrs. Carol Crosthwait

Michael Cuscurida, Ph.D.Bill & Linda Davenport

Mr. & Mrs. Ray M. DeaverMr. Drew A. DickensonMr. & Mrs. Leslie DuPuyBrent & Shannon Eckley

Mr. & Mrs. Bronson B. T. EdenEducators Credit Union

Dr. & Mrs. Ronald J. EppsMr. & Mrs. Brett A. Esrock

Dr. & Mrs. M. Wayne FalconeSusie Farley

Mr. & Mrs. Scott M. FeltonJames W. Ferguson, M.D.

Field Forms & Promotions, LLCMr. & Mrs. Jonathan D. Ford

Mr. Winton E. FrankelDeanna J. Garon

Deacon Gregory & Cathey GeorgeGeorge’s Restaurant & Catering

Mr. & Mrs. Rondy T. GrayMr. & Mrs. David E. GuyerMr. & Mrs. Jerry W. Hawk

Jim & Nell HawkinsKeith Hopkins & Peggy LaneMr. & Mrs. David G. Horner

Melanie Illich, M.D.Dr. & Mrs. Kerry D. IronsAllen & Jamie Jackson

AnonymousBecky & Jerry Johnson

Dr. & Mrs. Sid JonesMrs. Dorothy B. Jurecka

Mr. & Mrs. Kent A. KeaheyMrs. Lynn W. Klatt

Rachel & Daniel KronkeDeborah A. Kucera

Mr. & Mrs. Roger KuceraDavid B. Kultgen

J. H. Kultgen FamilyKurt & Abigail Kurtz

Drs. Bosibori & Derek LeeBob & Sylvia Lemley

Mr. & Mrs. George F. LoganDavid H. Lowe, Ph.D.

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. LundeenDr. & Mrs. Charles E. Mangum

Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Marable, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Timothy D. Martindale

Mr. and Mrs. Paul McClintonMr. & Mrs. Robert E. McEachern

Drs. Douglas & Jill MichaelsBrenna MiddletonDonald G. MoesPamalla K. Moes

Mr. & Mrs. John W. MoranMr. & Mrs. Barron Motz

Mr. & Mrs. Jack G. MunsonPatti Neckar/NSight Graphics

Josh R. NeffTodd & Donna K. Nichols

Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. OlmsteadMr. Colin H. O’Neill

Mr. & Mrs. James M. O’NeillMr. & Mrs. Billy Jack PabstDr. & Mrs. Dennis L. Parks

Mr. & Mrs. Donald W. ParksMr. & Mrs. William M. Parrish, Jr.

Jenny & Jeff PeelMr. & Mrs. William PerkinsPinnacle Insurance Group

Providence Volunteer ServicesPeggy Pustejovsky

The Providence Foundation wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to these Founders Society members:

Providence Surgeon Performs Waco’s First Robotic Single Site Cholecystectomy

The evolution of surgery has made great strides—from open technique that resulted in lengthy hospital stays, extended recovery time and potential for substantial pain and scaring, to robotic surgery using single site incisions that leave virtually no scars and result in a more rapid recovery time. Such advancements can alleviate many of the fears associated with surgery.

In September, Todd Moffatt, M.D. performed Waco’s first robotic single site cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, through a single incision, using Providence’s da Vinci® Si™ Surgical System. Robotic single site surgery has many of the same benefits of single incision laparoscopic surgery including low rate of major complications, low blood loss, low rate of wound infection, short hospital stay and virtually no scars. However, the scope of functionality that single incision laparoscopic surgery offers is limited. Using robotic “arms” that provide range of motion, robotic single site surgery provides surgeons functionality more like traditional laparoscopic surgery that uses 3 incision sites, creating triangular access—but with just one incision at the base of the belly button!

Dr. Moffatt is no stranger to surgical innovation: in May 2011, he performed Providence’s first cholecystectomy using the latest advancements in Covidien SILS™ technology. Shortly after, he performed Waco’s first single incision sigmoidectomy—resection of the lower colon. So what drives Dr. Moffatt’s pursuit of technological advancement? “There is definitely a future for robotic surgery. It is important to be on the front end of the curve, not trying to play catch-up,” Dr. Moffatt said.

Providence is committed to providing safe, quality care—offering the latest in robotic advancements is just another example of our commitment to excellence. To learn more about the Providence Robotic Institute, go to www.providencerobotics.org

Rainey & Rainey, LLP Ms. Melissa A. Rains

Mr. & Mrs. Billy D. RichardsonDr. & Mrs. Rodney C. Richie

MGEN. & Mrs. Kenneth L. RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Steve Robinson

Erin & Scott RogersMr. & Mrs. Scott J. Salmans

Mrs. Krista N. SalomeTom & Martha Salome

Mr. & Mrs. Adrian SchmidhauserMr. & Mrs. Alan A. Schreiber

Mr. & Mrs. William G. SchroederAnonymous

Mrs. Jane R. ScruggsMr. & Mrs. Rocky SehonMr. & Mrs. Casey Shaw

Mr. & Mrs. Fredrick J. SheedyMr. John F. Sheehy, Jr.

Dr. & Mrs. Charles A. Shoultz, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Sivess, Jr.

Dr. & Mrs. Harry W. SladeMs. Deborah Stafford

Mr. & Mrs. Kenny T. StevensMr. & Mrs. Terry W. StevensMr. & Mrs. Richard N. Stout

Judge & Mrs. Ralph T. StrotherMr. & Mrs. Jody R. TaylorMr. & Mrs. Alan Tindell

Mrs. Carol TreeseMr. & Mrs. Robert E. Tunmire

Mr. Charles B. TurnerJodi Van Zandt

Dr. & Mrs. Kurt vonAhnMs. Shirley A. Vrba

Mr. & Mrs. Donald E. WallAnonymous

Mrs. Patricia M. WatsonRev. & Mrs. John T. Wells

Mrs. Marjorie S. WentworthMr. & Mrs. Hal M. Whitaker

Drs. Patricia & Robert WilcoxMr. & Mrs. Bob Williams

Andrea & Matthew WrightMr. & Mrs. Glenn H. Yamada

Mr. & Mrs. Eddie YoungMr. & Mrs. F. M. Young

Gary & Bebe YoungKenneth & Carol YoungMrs. Sophie J. YoungMr. & Mrs. Ben Zilka

by Erin Rogers, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Make Plans to Attend the Providence Christmas Strol l !Tuesday, December 10 • Providence Health Center

by Dave Guyer, CFRE, Vice President, Development; Executive Director, Providence Foundation

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4 • The Spirit of Providence

What an Honor!

by Jennifer Furrer, Breast Health Center Coordinator

Thank You for Saving Lives!

Here it is September already and the big event for us is Founder’s Day—St. Vincent dePaul’s Feast Day on September 27th! Friday!

So besides being a day that we get a free meal (hearty stew, salad, bread and fruit) it’s also a time to refresh ourselves on what St. Vincent

means to us. He, along with Louise de Marillac, started the Daughters of Charity in 1633. They made a commitment to care for the sick, poor and vulnerable. What was different about that was that we were not “nuns” living in cloistered monasteries, but out with the poor and in with the sick. Vincent said, “you have for a monastery, the homes of the sick; for cloister, the streets of the city or the wards of a hospital.” It was a very profound calling then and our commitment to what they began over 108 years ago remains strong today.

But back to St. Vincent—since he lived in a time before instant communication, we have many, many letters from Vincent and so we have access to his words and advice. And if they were spoken to the Sisters they were spoken to all who care for the sick.

One of my favorites is on the sign outside “God has honored us in our call to serve you.” (the patients)

It is both a calling and an honor which we have every day—all we have to do is recognize that. No matter what job we do it all serves the sick, and therefore serves God…what an honor!

To keep us centered, Vincent said “If God is the center of your life, no words will be needed. Your mere presence will touch their hearts.” Just walking through the halls, saying “hi” or looking kindly at those who come to us, can bring God’s presence to them. (And to us!)

So as we celebrate our founders with a feast, we know we are part of a long history of service, continuing the loving ministry of Jesus as Healer centuries of love and fidelity! What an honor to be called to be here at Providence! Happy Feast! See you at the Soup Pot!

Sister C

Dear Providence Family,

Kent and I have recently had surgery at Providence. We want to share our appreciation for each member our Providence family. It takes all of you tomake this ministry so special. We feltthe loving care of Christ through your hands and gentle touch. We were comforted and cared for with compassion by exceptionalprofessionals. You eased our fears,relieved our pain and ministered to our souls. That is truly the healing ministry of Christ.

We have always been so proud of Providence and all of you. Now we have found a new depth of appreciation for our shared ministry. When we were at our most vulnerable you cared for us with such competence, kindness and compassion! Thank you.

With loving appreciation, Bev and Kent Keahey

According to a community profile by Central Texas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 34% of women age 18-64 in Central

Texas are uninsured. Lack of insurance is one of the main barriers to receiving necessary medical care, not to mention preventative exams such as screening mammograms. These people often show up in local emergency rooms needing acute care for issues that have gotten out of control due to lack of early attention. Some of them have no other option at that point but extensive and expensive treatment.

With the help of our community, and with our own Providence Employees, we’ve raised approximately $45,000 for our Providence Pink Partner Fund! In just a month’s time, we have been able to help 15 people get the breast health services they need. Keep in mind that 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in her lifetime. 97% of patients with early stage cancers live cancer free after treatment. The Providence Pink Partner Fund allows more women to get mammograms. The more mammograms performed, the more cancers we are able to detect early enough for more and better treatment options leading to survivorship. Just think, one of your neighbors may have a mammogram that detects an early stage cancer, receives breast conserving surgery, and continues to enjoy a full life with her family and friends all thanks to your donation to the fund.

So from all of us at Providence Breast Health Center and Providence Foundation, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your generosity!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! If you or someone you know are interested in becoming a Providence Pink Partner, you can contact the Providence Foundation office by calling 751-4762 or by emailing [email protected] .

Providence Foundation Founders Society Oktoberfest

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Saturday, October 26

It will be held on the grounds of Historic Waco Foundation’s East Terrace House located on

Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Please call 751-4762 for more information.

Blood Drive Reminder!

December 1111 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Located in the classrooms across from the InProv Cafe.

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The Spirit of Providence • 5

HITECH Changes to HIPAA–Effective September 23, 2013The following changes to HIPAA were issued through federal regulations known as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) Final Rule.

Business Associates

Business associates are our vendors and contractors that perform services for us using Protected Health Information (PHI). The HITECH Final Rule expands the definition of business associate and requires changes to our business associate agreements. Before sending PHI to a new vendor, check to see if the vendor is a business associate and has signed a business associate agreement.

Data Breaches

All wrongful uses and disclosures of PHI, and of failures to safeguard PHI, must be reported up to the Privacy Officer (Diana Holub), Security Officer (Jay Scherler) or the CRO (Karen Richardson. Under the HIPAA Breach Notification Rule, certain breaches of PHI must also be reported to the individuals affected and to the government. The HITECH Final Rule makes some changes to the Breach Notification Rule. If you suspect a breach or a failure to safeguard, report it immediately.

Marketing

Under HIPAA, we may not use PHI to market products or services, except in limited circumstances. The HITECH Final Rule tightens up the Marketing Rule and makes it more restrictive. Before using any PHI to create a marketing-type communication, get it approved!

Fundraising

Under HIPAA, we may use certain types of PHI for fundraising activities. The HITECH Final Rule expands the types of PHI that may be used for fundraising. The HITECH Rule strengthens the requirement that individuals be provided notice of their right to opt-out of fundraising communications. Before using PHI to send out fundraising communications, get it approved! If a patient requests to opt-out, direct them to our opt-out process.

Sale of PHI

The HITECH Final Rule prohibits the sale of PHI, which means the exchange of PHI for payment. There are several exceptions to this rule, such as for public health, research, treatment, corporate transactions, business associate services, to the individual, and when required by law. Before providing PHI to a third party where payment is involved, make sure an exception applies.

Research Authorizations

The rule permits research authorizations to be combined with other types of authorizations, if certain provisions are in place. If you are working on a compound research authorization, use our template or get it approved.

Right to Electronic Access

Individuals have always had a right to get a copy of their medical record under HIPAA and under state law. The HITECH Final Rule confirms that individuals have the right to an electronic copy of their electronic medical record or EMR in their requested format. If the individual requests their medical record, refer them to the Release of Health Information Department.

Right to Request Restrictions

Under HIPAA, patients have the right to request certain restrictions on how their PHI may be used and disclosed. Requests may be granted or denied by the Privacy Officer. Under the HITECH rule, if the patient wants to pay for a service in cash for a service and not have a claim or other information submitted to their health plan for that service, we must grant this request. If the patient wants to be a self-pay patient and does not want a claim submitted to their health plan, refer them to Patient Accounting. If a patient requests another type of restriction, refer them to the Privacy officer or a manager.

Decedents

As a general rule, we treat decedents’ PHI the same as living patients’ PHI. The HITECH Final Rule clarifies that we may disclose PHI to involved family and friends to the same extent as we could while the patient was living. This means we may continue to communicate with a patient’s involved family and friends after the patient’s death, unless the patient specified otherwise.

Compliance Corner, continued on page 7...

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6 • The Spirit of Providence

by Deacon Greg George

Joint Decisions Knee and hip replacements aren’t just for the elderly. Boomers have started getting them sooner rather than later. In 2010, 39% of the 453,663 patients who received hip replacements were under age 65, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. And 42% of that year’s 721,443 knee replacements were performed on patients ages 45 to 64. What’s more, the number of joint replacements in that age group is expected to increase six fold by 2030.

Why are so many people too young for Social Security seeking new joints? One reason is that we play more sports and work out more than our parents did, and have refused to give up these activities as we’ve grown older. Playing competitive sports well into your 50’s or later may lead to more wear and tear on joints at younger ages. On the other hand, being overweight can also cause joint problems. Because of the physics of body structure, for each pound of weight gained, pressure on the hips and knees increases by three pounds. That means 15 pounds of extra body weight feels like an extra 45 pounds to your joints.

The Top Knee-Saving Exercises

If you have knee problems, you probably already know that low-impact workouts, weight control and proper footwear are keys to protecting your joints while you stay active. But there’s one more important step you should take: build your leg muscles. When the surrounding muscles are strong, they take pressure off the joints, which allows for greater activity with fewer aches and pains. Exercises that strengthen the quads, hips and glutes (think squats and lunges) are musts. Aim to do 2 or 3 sets of 10 reps of each 3 times weekly.

Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me. (Matt. 25:40)

Sometimes, those of you who work at Providence might wonder, “What does a chaplain do?” Sometimes, we as chaplains, wonder the same thing, too. Our role as caregivers is different than many other caregiver responsibilities at Providence. Ours is that of a particular

presence, a compassionate, non-anxious presence, which seeks to build relationships of trust and provide support to patients, residents, families, volunteers and our entire network staff.

Hopefully, the caring presence we bring aids in healing the body but, moreover, encourages the healing of spiritual, social and emotional conflicts as well. Changes in modern healthcare affect our ministry, too. We don’t get a lot of time to spend with individual patients. They are usually here only one or two days, so we have to assess their needs more effectively and rapidly. We work closely and collaboratively with other care professionals to help people adjust to their illness and to motivate them to search for meaning and purpose through difficult times. Offering spiritual care, helping those in crisis situations, including end of life care, family and relational issues, bereavement and Advance Directive consultation are usual areas in which chaplains are often involved.

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is the particular type of training and preparation which chaplains are required to have. CPE sharpens skills for useful pastoral care ministry and hones chaplains in good listening and spiritual counseling techniques. Some PHN chaplains are board certified by one of several national associations. Certification requires extensive CPE training, preparing and discussing case studies, experience in evaluating theological, emotional and psychological needs, and being interviewed by a team of certified chaplains. Those who are not yet certified are working toward that goal.

Often times we are challenged to help patients, families and staff understand the relationship between their faith and the particular physical, social, emotional or work related situations that may arise. It is difficult to measure the effectiveness of spiritual care ministry. We can’t perform a physical exam or take a blood test to measure a patient’s progress. Often times we don’t even know if our ministry makes a difference in others’ lives. However, there is one thing of which I can assure you. That is that we will be there, always trusting in God and providing a non-anxious, loving, caring and compassionate presence. Please call on us.

The Providence DePaul Center Senior Gateway (SGW) program has new wheels! Thanks to the generosity of the Waco Foundation, Providence was granted $47,000 to purchase a new 15 passenger mini bus to replace their older “aging” bus.

SGW is a specialized intensive outpatient treatment program that was developedto address the sometimes troublesome changes associated with getting older. Senior Gateway participants receive three hours of therapeutic group programing overseen by quality mental health staff and doctors, a nutritious lunch and transportation as needed. Transportation consistently ranks as a top concern for seniors and is often a barrier for services. As a way to reduce barriers to quality mental health services, Senior Gateway offers transportation for those who are unable to provide transportation on their own.

Having the new van will allow SGW to regain full operating capability by providing quality, reliable transportation to seniors in our community.

Senior Gateway Participants Ride in Style

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Immunizations

Under the HITECH Final Rule, we may now disclose immunization records to a school upon the request of a parent (or adult student). The request may be made verbally or in writing. If verbal, the request must be documented in the record. If a request for PHI is limited to an immunization record, follow this new rule-a HIPAA Authorization is no longer required.

Notice of Privacy Practices

The HITECH Rule requires us to make changes to our Notice of Privacy Practices. The new Notices are posted in our lobbies and on our website, will be provided to new patients, and are available upon requests. Please take a few minutes to read our new Notice of Privacy Practices.

HITECH Changes to HIPAA–Effective September 23, 2013

Our Providence Rehabilitative Services department cares for many military veteran patients each day, whether for acute injuries or for chronic ones from past military experiences. On Saturday, September 14, ten rehab services associates took their ministry

into the community and participated in the first annual Waco Wounded Veteran 5K run. “I was looking for a good way for us to get together as a team and help

the community at the same time, said team organizer, Mary Cantu, PT, DPT. “We look forward to participat-

ing again next year!” All proceeds benefit the Wound-ed Warrior Foundation.

On July 29 Providence Park hosted a retirement reception honoring Gladys Wilson, CNA,

St. Catherine Center’s Neighborhood 3. Gladys began working as a CNA for CHRISTUS The Regis/St. Elizabeth, then transitioned to Providence Park. Altogether, Gladys provided 36 years of service in

caring for residents.

Friends, family and coworkers gathered to celebrate the retirement of Linda Jackson on July 31. Linda joined

the Providence laundry team 11 years ago and will be greatly missed.

Compliance Corner, continued from page 5...

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8 • The Spirit of Providence

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The Spirit of Providence is published bimonthly for associates and friends of

Providence Healthcare Network.

For address changes or corrections, write or call Providence Marketing and Public Policy,

6901 Medical Parkway, Waco, Texas 76712, (254) 751-4070.

Jana WhitakerExecutive Editor

Jana Whitaker, Jonathan Ford, Erin Rogers, Mandy Sharp

and Brenna MiddletonContributing Editors

NSight Graphics & Digital DesignPatti Neckar

Design/Production

Opinions or assertions contained herein are

the private views of the authors and are not

to be construed as official or as reflecting the

views of Providence Healthcare Network,

its staff or attending physicians.

Submissions may be edited.

© 2013 Providence Healthcare Network