We Ask Because We Care

We Ask Because We Care is a health equity initiative that will allow us to learn more about our patients and their backgrounds. Through this initiative, Stormont Vail Health patient services team members and health providers will ask patients questions about their demographics, like race and ethnicity.

As the communities we serve grow larger and more diverse, this information will allow Stormont Vail to identify areas of improvement and strengthen our patient-centered care framework. The goal is to improve cultural competency and prevent inequities at all levels of our organization, from clinic rooms to the boardroom.

You can confirm or update your demographic information at your next visit to our clinics or hospitals or via MyChart, our online patient portal. To update your MyChart profile:

1. Select "Menu"
2. Click "Personal Information"
3. Go to "Details About Me" and tap "Edit"
4. Complete the form and press "Save Changes"

Your answers are more than data; they provide valuable insights that give us a better understanding of our diverse patient population. After all, when we understand our patients better, we can offer better resources to improve access to care and their quality of care.

These answers ensure we treat each patient with respect and dignity and correctly address each patient's unique identity. Additionally, this information helps us:

• Meet federal requirements
• Deliver culturally competent care
• Improve patient stays and care quality
• Build trust between patients and health professionals
• Create and modify strategies accordingly and in a timely manner
• Identify gaps in care and health needs among different patient groups
• Improve resources and programs, like interpreter services and online health tools

A Stormont Vail team member may ask you to update or verify your demographic information during your next visit to a Stormont Vail Health location. We will ask these questions in a private setting and keep them confidential.

Although we train our team to ask these sensitive questions appropriately, we understand that some patients may not feel comfortable sharing this information with someone else. Patients who consent to these questions but don't want to answer them in person are welcome to use MyChart.

This information is available on our electronic medical record system, so it is only visible to Stormont Vail Health care team members responsible for your direct and individual patient care. This data is private and protected under the law.

Like any other protected health information, your answers are protected by law. We will securely store your information in our electronic medical record system. Only those involved directly in your care can access this data.

No, these questions aren't mandatory, and patients don't have to answer them if they don't want to. If you choose not to answer these questions, your decision will not affect the care you receive.