Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Celebrating Healthcare Compliance and Ethics Week
• Medical Services Professionals Recognized this Week
• Radiologic Technology Week is Time to Say ‘Thanks’
• November is Native American Heritage Month
• Current Status at Stormont Vail Health

Celebrating Healthcare Compliance & Ethics Week

November 6-12 is Healthcare Compliance & Ethics Week. Stormont Vail Health’s mission, vision and values depend on each of us adhering to the highest ethical standards. Report to compliance if you suspect that there may be an occurrence of billing for services not provided, unnecessary services or up-coding.

The Stormont Vail Ethics and Compliance Reporting Line is a 24/7 phone and web-based reporting system. All fraud, waste, or abuse plus patient privacy issues can be reported confidentially and anonymously at 833-SVH-Up2U. Learn more by visiting Up2U.ETHICSPOINT.COM today.

Medical Services Professionals Recognized this Week

This is National Medical Staff Services Awareness Week, which recognizes medical services professionals who are dedicated to investigating and verifying the credentials of healthcare practitioners. These professionals use their expertise in areas such as medical staff organization, accreditation, regulatory compliance and provider relations in their role as gatekeepers of patient safety. Please let these medical services professionals know how much they are appreciated.

Radiologic Technology Week is Time to Say ‘Thanks’

We’re in the midst of Radiologic Technology Week, which is an annual recognition to showcase the work of medical imaging and radiation therapy processionals. This week annually coincides to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1894. That’s a very rad piece of information you can share with your friends. And while you’re at it, please let our peers in radiologic technology roles know this week how much they are appreciated.

November is Native American Heritage Month

On Aug. 3, 1990, President George H.W. Bush declared the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and important contributions of our nation’s first people. Native American Heritage Month is also a time to learn about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to overcome these challenges.

Learn more about Native American Heritage Month:

https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

https://www.doi.gov/blog/celebrate-native-american-heritage-month

Current Status at Stormont Vail Health

Kansas Department of Health and Environment increased Shawnee County’s COVID-19 incidence rate to “high,” which is defined as more than 100 cases per 100,000 population per week. Other counties in the region moved to the high incidence rate category last week are Osage, Jackson, Pottawatomie, Geary and Coffey. The data below is pulled from Stormont Vail’s weekly COVID-19 scorecard, which is posted on the Stormont Vail website. Here are highlights:

• 16 inpatients are COVID-19 positive. This compares to 19 last week.
• 98% of recent COVID-19 admissions are unvaccinated or had last dose/booster more than 6 months ago.
• COVID-19 inpatient discharges (previous week): 28. Deaths: 1.
• 6 COVID-19 positive patients in the outpatient Enhanced Primary Care program.
• 13.1% of people tested for COVID-19 at Stormont Vail facilities the past seven days were positive. That is similar to 13.6% last week.
• 35 team members and 2 providers on contact leave for COVID-19. The total of 37 people on contact leave this week compares to 39 last week.
• 106,509 vaccinations (included boosters) administered.
• To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:
  • Use online scheduling assistant at stormontvail.org/covid19/vaccine
  • Call (785) 270-4786.

We together,
Dr. Kenagy