Asante News archives 2020

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Published on July 6, 2020

Senior communications specialist and editor, Asante News

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June 30, 2020

Asante’s an eight-time 15 Top winner! IBM Watson, quality, excellence, award, nation, ARRMC, 100 Top Hospital
Hospital visitor restrictions ease: Temperature, entrance, screening, halted, Holly Nickerson, COVID-19, special
APP’s Doug Diehl, MD, to retire this summer: Leader, chief medical officer, VP provider engagement, wellness
Nunn to oversee primary care operations: Mike Nunn, APP, profile, director of operations, leader, Redding, Adventist Health, APPChat
“Can you please mute your mic?” Tool, PowerPoint, slides, WebEx, webinar, etiquette, download (document will appear at the bottom of your browser)
Banana smoothie: Preventing Snaccidents, cooking, demonstration, video, Leslie Looney, dietitian, healthy, snack, Asante Health Promotion
STAT: Secure Rx blanks will get even more secure: Amy Watson, drug, Omnicell, prescription, diversion, controlled, substance
EMTALA update: Patient transfer forms are now electronic in Epic: Compliance, law, Emergency Department
Photo contest returns: Summer vacation, staycation, distancing, safety, pictures

June 23, 2020

ATRMC ED holds virtual open house: Video, Emergency Department, expansion, beds, behavioral health, phase one, Christopher David, MD, Win Howard, Asante Foundation
Scanning or dictating passwords? Not safe! Alert, ITS, information security, risk, breach, privacy, Karen McMillen
APP announces organizational changes: New roles, Mike Nunn, Cassy Leach, Gary LaVenture, Katie Ledford, Doug Ward, Eric Loeliger, MD, Diabetes Care Center, clinics, primary care, specialty
Why it’s safe to go back to the doctor: Video, Jamie Grebosky, MD, safety, COVID-19, clinics, cleaning
Eric Loeliger’s role expands: APP, profile, oversight, Asante Urgent Care, Grants Pass, VMPA, ATRMC
Get credit for doing good in the community: Spirit of Service, volunteer, credit, quarterly, prizes
STAT: MRSA is still a problem; here’s how to prevent it: Holly Nickerson, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infection, IVs, colonization, case study
Video tribute: COVID-19, PRC, thanks, appreciation, gratitude, health care workers
Photo contest returns: Summer vacation, staycation, distancing, safety, pictures

June 16, 2020

ARRMC’s new Behavioral Health Unit opens, marking a leap forward in patient care: BHU, video, expansion, Sanctuary Model, AsanteForward, Mick Zdeblick, Jennifer Nidalmia, Asante Foundation
Automated appointment reminders piloted: APP, primary care, MRI services, text, email, voice recording
Listening sessions to be held at AACH: Leaders, restructuring, reorganization, employees, leaders, feedback, culture
Meet Courtney Wilson, MD: ARRMC vice president of Medical Affairs, Q&A, profile, medical staff, leader, physician, VMPA
Auditing software now detects drug diversion: FairWarning, automated, auditing, employees, behavior, activity, theft
Midyear enrollment, changes allowed for FSAs: Flexible spending accounts, COVID-19, IRS
STAT: DNV’s survey will look a little different this year: Melissa Bellm, remote, WebEx, summer, audit, ISO, quality
Calendar: ATRMC WebEx forums return June 16, 18
Photo contest returns: Summer vacation, staycation, distancing, safety, pictures

June 9, 2020

APP looks at life “post(ish)” COVID-19: Forum, Jamie Grebosky, MD, volumes, urgent care, primary, specialty, infection prevention, visits, immunization clinics
New rules coming for Asante passwords: 10 characters, reset, passphrase, June 15, ITS, Alfonso Powers, security
Asante stands for equality for all: Message, disparities, racial, justice
Construction to block ARRMC campus road: Medical Center Drive, pavilion, Cardiovascular Institute, traffic, detour, vault
How well do you know hand hygiene: Quiz, adherence, compliance, Survey Monkey, infection prevention, drawing, prize
MetLife offers dental premium refund: COVID-19, care, delay, shutdown
STAT: New mobility tool moves care forward: Sarah Carlyle, Asante Mobility Tool, launch, Epic, ALEC, training, adult patients, surgery
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up

June 2, 2020

Change brings opportunity for Asante Ashland and our system: Scott Kelly, CEO, leadership, transition, oversight, reorganization, Asante Way, Lee Shapley, MD, administrator, Amanda Kotler, Kristi Blackhurst, Doug Ward, Cassy Leach, Dawn Wipf, Mike Mehl, Sheila Clough
ATRMC opens first phase of ED, adds IMCU: Emergency Department, expansion, beds, triage bay, hold rooms, Chris David, MD, Intermediate Care Unit, second floor
Midyear enrollment, changes allowed for FSAs: Flexible spending accounts, COVID-19, IRS
AACH honors a departed colleague: Kurt Hoeptner, facilities engineer, died, 2018, memorial, garden, bench, plaque
BodyFIT classes take on a new shape: Risk prevention, medical weight management, online, Asante Health Promotion
Quarantine eating? Prevent those snaccidents: Eating, healthy, hangry, dietitians, series, WebEx, lessons, class
Employees are shining on and off the job: Spirit of Service, volunteer, hours, donate
Fruits and veggies return for employees: Community Sponsored Agriculture, produce, delivered, ATRMC, ARRMC, organic, summer
STAT: HAI fundamentals are as important as ever: Holly Nickerson, hospital-acquired infection, CAUTI, CLABSI, MRSA, C. diff, surgical site, hand hygiene
Meet Jefferson: Asante website bot helps visitors find the right care, COVID-19
Hellgate Excursions offers health care workers discounted tickets
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up

May 26, 2020

Asante elective surgeries, routine imagine services flicker back to life: Reopening, COVID-19, hospitals, outpatient, precautions, volumes, cleaning
As summer begins, YMCA partnership ends: Emergency child care, June 15, support, day camps, services, employees
EMS barbecue returns with a twist: ARRMC, emergency, responders, BBQ, COVID-19, distancing, Smullin, Facebook
ATRMC HR shuffles with new roles: Heather Richter, Ashley Crews, Sarah Elkinton, Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, employee relations
Community gratitude continues to move: Asante Foundation, PPE, meals, local, businesses, donations, frontline, staff, COVID-19
Apply now for a nursing scholarship: Ruth Evans, AACH, Asante Community Hospital Foundation, OHSU, Rogue Community College
STAT: How we’re tailoring care to prevent falls: Desiree Torassa, prevention, evidence-based, Morse Fall Scale, customized
Calendar: CME video conference (Jo Shapiro, MD)
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up

May 19, 2020

How we’re supporting our providers: Doug Diehl, MD, APP, COVID-19, engagement, wellness, video
Sheila Clough to leave Asante for new role: CEO, AACH, Mercy Flights, executive, leadership, Contact Center, Family Birth Center, orthopedics, quality, CMS five stars, seven years
Two iconic events canceled due to COVID-19: Miracle Baby Reunion, ARRMC, NICU, Ashland, Old-Fashioned 4^th of July Celebration, parade, sponsor
#AsanteStrong video brings Asante pride: Comments, readers, responses, feedback, reaction, video, Asante Health Care Week
Asante welcomes new leaders: Katrina Bywater, finance; Andria Johnson, APP–Urology; Kala Lenn, Resource Management; Kimberly Schauer, Communications and Marketing; second quarter
Staff turn the tables, pay tribute to Asante: AACH, surgical services, thank-you, appreciation, leadership
It’s bumpy out there, be a smart investor: Retirement, funds, stock market, benefits, economy
STAT: Patient experience in the time of a pandemic: Amanda Kotler, scores, Words That Work, RELATE, communication, responsiveness
Calendar: ATRMC forums; CME video conference (Jo Shapiro, MD)
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up

May 12, 2020

In trying times, we are #AsanteStrong: Video, Health Care Week, tribute, appreciation, thanks, leaders, Scott Kelly, Greg Wojtal, Dennie Conrad, Jamie Grebosky, MD, Mick Zdeblick, Win Howard, Lee Milligan, MD, Sheila Clough
Thank-you letters arrive in mailboxes: Health Care Week, employees, #AsanteStrong stickers, gift, card
Asante says farewell, hello to clinical leaders: Scott Wilber, MD; Susan Montgomery, RN; Courtney Wilson, MD; Eric Loeliger, MD; Melissa Bellm, RN; Julie Zetterquist, RN; Renay Carpenter, RN; medical affairs, APP, ARRMC, AACH, Infection Prevention
ARRMC pavilion work begins with water line: AsanteForward, tower, building, campus, Black Oak, trench, construction
Help a co-worker beWell, facilitate a webinar: Health Promotion, online, self-care, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, social
Take RVTD’s survey and be entered to win: Rogue Valley Transportation District, commute, employees, gift, card, REI
An easier way to document disclosures: Compliance, Epic, HIPAA, patients, rights, privacy
STAT: Clearing up the confusion over masking: Holly Nickerson, COVID-19, screening, mandatory, employees, visitors, medical staff, buildings
We have a winner: Asante Communications Survey, random, drawing, Maria Melendez Rangel, AACH, $25, Tango card
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up

May 5, 2020

National Nurses Week: Video, Amanda Kotler, Laura Magstadt, Susan Montgomery, Scott Kelly, tribute, thanks, appreciation
Staff screening begins at Asante hospitals: COVID-19, temperature check, wellness, symptoms, wristband, campuses, AOC
Changes in store for Hospital Week: Name change, Asante Health Care Week, mailing, stay-at-home, systemwide, observance, gift
Survey asks for employee feedback: COVID-19, communications, preferences, frequency
Helping a worried family find peace: DAISY Award, Jacquelene Falk, ATRMC, C/D unit
May means extra money in your pocket: Triple-paycheck, deductions, semimonthly, FSA, HSA
Child, adult care benefit available: Care.com, backup, membership, co-pay, home services
STAT: Don’t let good blood go bad: Chris Jostad, blood bank, temperature, 30 minutes, best practices, waste
APPChat: What this pandemic has taught us about flexibility: Jamie Grebosky, MD, staffing, recruiting, innovation, video, web
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings

April 28, 2020

Chalk art honors our caregivers: Mindy Bath, Smullin, ARRMC, pavement mural, video
Asante pay protection extended: COVID-19, employees, May 9, Human Resources
Asante renews focus on hand hygiene: Pandemic, incentives, accountability, prizes, incentives, Infection Prevention, May
At Asante, it’s beard today, gone tomorrow: Shave, N95 mask, PPE, Paisley Meyer, Jesse Beasley, Paul Schneider, Brian Byrne, Paul Rutter, Justin Shelton, DO
Pandemic or not, the bike challenge goes on: Get in Gear Challenge, Asante Health Promotion, May, prize drawing, social distance, log miles
MyChart now offers self-service signup: Video visits, mobile device, no activation, online, register
Sunburned eyes? Yes, it’s a thing: VSP, prescription sunglasses, Asante benefit, health plan, tips
STAT: Medication administration: the five rights and the human factor: Chris Jostad, risk, safety
In the news: Jamie Grebosky, MD, discusses restarting elective procedures; Carl Seger MD, explains crowd sourcing face shields
BeWell webinars: See what’s coming up
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings

April 21, 2020

When patients are alone, staff members become their visitors: ARRMC, CNA, Lindsay McLean, COVID-19, 6T, conversation, support, isolation
Asante aims to prevent workplace violence: Robert Begg, HR, program
Relying on community good will: ATRMC, nurses, scrubs, donation, Goodwill
Got nails? Make sure they’re up to code: policy, compliance, artificial, pathogens, germs, fingernails
Asante legal services benefit changes name: Hyatt Legal Plans, MetLife, pre-paid
STAT: Simple infographic explains hospital zones: Holly Nickerson, COVID-19, hot, warm, cool
Call for photos: COVID-19, preparation, extraordinary, care
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings

March 17, 2020

As the coronavirus reaches Southern Oregon, Asante stands ready: Scott Kelly, preparedness, planning, safety
COVID-19 preparation at a glance: Screeners, visitor restrictions, triage phone line, PPE, attendance exceptions
Hospital visitor restrictions tighten: Screening stations, guidelines, masks, hand sanitizer, policy
Mobile site collects COVID-19 test specimens: Swabbing, drive-thru, Medford, Asante Contact Center
Asante cancels many campus events: Employee Engagement Fair, town hall forums, EMS conference, sales, Fidelity on-site appointments, classes, support groups
Asante aims to prevent workplace violence: Robert Begg, HR, program
Video visits urged for symptomatic employees: myChart, urgent care, APP, mobile app, COVID
Employee Health to move out of ARRMC: Relocate, Barnett Road, Black Oak Drive, Asante outpatient building, March 30
STAT: Special precautions, new PPE guidelines in place: Holly Nickerson
COVID-19 info hub: Updates, resources, FAQs
Help wanted: Referral-bonus job openings

March 10, 2020

Asante prepares for COVID-19: Coronavirus, task force, planning, contingency, pre-incident command, pandemic
Asante lifts flu-season masking requirement: Conserve, supplies, employees, patients
One-stop employee hub for COVID-19 info: myAsanteNET, updates, news, documents, workflows, website, intranet
Get COVID-19 smart with these FAQs: Coronavirus, frequently asked questions, screening, testing, vaccine
BodyFIT classes to begin this spring: medical weight management, loss, risk, prevention, BMI, diabetes, support
Don’t access your own records in Epic: MyChart, snooping, privacy, HIPAA
Courses help you gain financial muscle: Wellness Program, retirement webinar, financial workshop, incentive, benefits
STAT: COVID-19: Proper PPE donning and doffing: Holly Nickerson
APPChat: When patients ask our clinics for a COVID-19 test: Jamie Grebosky, MD
Calendar: ATRMC Town Hall Forums canceled, Annual EMS Conference canceled, onsite biometric screenings

March 3, 2020

Shadow IT is popular — and a threat to Asante’s security: Karen McMillen, thumb drives, wireless devices, cloud applications, ITS, security, cybercrime, privacy
HR reorganizes with new roles, new hires: Cassie Payton, Barb Reich, Janell Melgoza, Roberg Hegeman, Alicia Lorenz, Jennifer Susi, employee relations, talent acquisition
Video: A patient’s lifesaving gift: Honor walk, organ donor, ATRMC
Mini survey will check employees’ temp: HR, engagement, quarterly, opinion, feedback, workplace
Biometric screenings offered every month: Know Your Numbers, on-site, exam, health, premium credits
Create your own luck, plan for retirement: Fidelity, appointments, on-site, March
Asante changes disability request vendor: The Standard, absence management, long-term, short-term
STAT: Where patients go when there aren’t any beds: Matt Southmayd, boarding, ED, discharge planning
Transamerica notices: Why you got those messages and what they mean
Coronavirus info hub: Information, updates, myAsanteNET
News video: Cancer Center breaks ground
Calendar: ATRMC Town Hall Forums; Annual EMS Conference

Feb. 25, 2020

See the people behind our award-winning cardiovascular care: ARRMC, 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospital, video,
Roger Hall, MD
DAISY Award: ATRMC nurse recognized for outstanding care: Gretchen Atzet, Med/Surg, A/B Unit, ATRMC
How one doctor’s legacy lives on: late Donald McGeary, MD, Doug McGeary, hospice, carved doors, caduceus, regional cancer center, preserved, video
When help is needed, Asante shows up: Spirit of Service, first-quarter, FY 2020, volunteer, drawing winners
Miracle Jeans fundraiser returns on May 1: Asante Foundation, organizing, swag, donate, teams, employees, captains
1095-C form is in the mail: Tax form, IRS, health coverage, ACA
STAT: New tool will help early mobility in med/surg, critical care patients: Kate Wallace, rollout, Banner’s Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool, Asante Mobility Tool, protocol, policy, proactive
STAT: Southern Oregon GI Conference, March 6-7
Clarification: Cisco phones
Calendar: Cancer center groundbreaking, Feb. 29
Asante’s new brand: Community lives here

Feb. 18, 2020

Asante unveils new brand identity: Community lives here, advertising, billboards, television, real people, design, language, authentic
Asante to get a new phone system: Cisco, rollout, workstations, function, Contact Center, Jabber, Outlook sync, mobile pairing
Construction to start on regional cancer center: ARRMC, Medford, outpatient, groundbreaking, Doctors Park Drive
Asante welcomes new leaders: Wendy Moore, Kelsea Robinson, Julie Zetterquist, Lisa Dancel, Shannan Widboom, video
Webinars help you learn retirement savings: Fidelity, finances, college, investing, online, America Saves Week
De-stress at work through 15-minute therapy: Care of the Caregiver, ARRMC, massage, reiki, reflexology, sound healing
STAT: What’s harder on a patient than going to the hospital? Going back into the hospital: Holly Nickerson, readmissions, preventing, discharge, follow-up, Heart Care Clinic, access, care pathways, navigators
Take the confidential Culture of Safety Survey: Asante or APP
Royal escort: Video, ARRMC, bikers, patient, Facebook
Calendar: Fidelity on-site visits, Mercy Flights sign-ups, Cooking Demonstration

Feb. 11, 2020

Asante unveils ambitious growth plan covering two counties: Master Facilities Plan, ARRMC, regional cancer center, ED expansion, new patient pavilion, medical office buildings, APP clinics, urgent care, CEO Scott Kelly
How did we do in the first quarter? PEAK, FY 2020, incentive, bonus, operating margin, goals, performance, patient experience, hospital-acquired infection, MyChart, access to care
Everything you need to know about VIAs: Values in Action, blueberries, acknowledge, submit, nominate, online, QR code, badge upgrade
Time to renew your Mercy Flights membership: Emergency, transport, discount, campus, on-site, sign-up
Grief and bereavement: We can do better: Asante Palliative Care, committee, hospice, service, support, patients, loved ones
Plan now for a sweet retirement later: Fidelity, on-site, visit, appointments, planning, one-on-one, counseling
STAT: Asante revises workflows to screen for coronavirus: Holly Nickerson, inpatient, outpatient, ED, novel, 2019-nCoV, infection, symptoms, travel, exposure
Take the confidential Culture of Safety Survey: Asante or APP
Calendar:ATRMC Town Hall Forums, Positive Conflict webinar
APPChat: How we’re expanding access to care through video visits: Jamie Grebosky, MD, MyChart, urgent care, postop, follow-up, remote, appointments, Megan Frost, MD

Feb. 4, 2020

All Asante hospitals earn 5 stars: CMS, Overall Hospital Quality, performance, clinical, top-rated, honor, recognition, best
What you should know about coronavirus: Infection Prevention, hospitals, symptoms, precautions, identify, isolate, inform
Yes, the Culture of Safety email is legit: Employees, phishing, Professional Research Consultants, PRC, not spam
Flu cases rise, staff immunization at 90%: Influenza, vaccination, mask, hospitalization, cases, positive, testing, visitor restriction
Editor’s pick: Diabetes benefit delivers on its promise: Livongo, review, free test strips, smart meter, Asante health plan
AACH school nurse program gets a boost: Donation, Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, nutrition, health
Form 1095-C to be available by March 2: Tax, IRS, health coverage, document, filing
STAT: Have a say in your practice; join a nursing council or committee: Anne Hansen, standards, policies, protocols, involvement
Calendar: ARRMC scrubs sale; “The Tale of Two Hearts”; ATRMC Town Hall Forums
APPChat: The story behind Asante’s New Patient Access Team: Jamie Grebosky, MD, health plan, primary care, patients, members
Social media: When hockey players stuff pillows

Jan. 28, 2020

Why Asante changed its patient experience performance measures: Hospitals, inpatient, HCAHPS, composite, score, PEAK, Balanced Scorecard, Win Howard
Central Point walk-in clinic to close: APP, urgent care, Pine Street, low volumes, minor conditions, Jan. 31
When you need that form ASAP: Comic tutorial, find, locate, myAsanteNET, online
Warm, fuzzy — and restricted at Asante: Animals, policy, therapy, service, rules, prohibited, miniature horse, facilities, hospital, campus
Need urgent care? See a provider online: Video visits, expanded, MyChart, mobile app, no appointment, minor condition, telemedicine, telehealth
Are you eligible for this tax credit? Saver’s Credit, IRS, low-income, eligibility, 2019, return
STAT: Amanda Kotler takes on new role: Nursing, AACH, ARRMC, shared leadership, executive, Sheila Clough, announcement
Calendar: Introduction to Health Care Finance; ARRMC scrubs sale; “The Tale of Two Hearts”
Job of the week: Transfer/admit center nurse, ARRMC; referral-bonus openings

Jan. 21, 2020

Asante winds down on plastics: Ban, Oregon law, straws, bags, paper, cafeteria, café, reusable, recycle, Jade Zdeblick, Asante Nutrition Services
Survey: Need help finding Asante information? Resources, content, helpful, job, coffee card, myAsanteNET, forms
Wellness just got easier with mobile app: Empower, Regence, rewards, fitness, track, notifications, content, HealthEquity, benefit, health plan
#IAmAsante: Kathy Stalker: ITS specialist, hairdresser, singer
Spiritualist, educator joins Asante Ashland: Rosanna Ferraro-Jensen, lead chaplain
Changes are in store for the W-4 form: Tax, withholding, 2020, federal, IRS, Asante Payroll, FAQs
STAT: We’re not cleaning our hands enough, and this is a problem: Julie Zetterquist, infection prevention, hand hygiene, adherence, video
Calendar: Creating Happiness Workshops, Fidelity reps on-site
Job of the week: Clinical documentation specialist, ARRMC; referral-bonus openings
Winter blues explained: Beth Coker, Better Health, video