Spring Semester Survival Tips

January 25, 2018

Even though it’s “spring” semester, we have to suffer through a lot of long, cold, wintry weeks before we spot that first crocus peeking through the ground. Brittany Knight, one of our Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. students, surveyed some of her fellow grad students to learn what they do to survive the semester.

With long days approaching in the lab, Elise Pitmon, from the Department of Immunology, gets creative with her cuisine. She was happy to share recipes for overnight oats and chicken and avocado burritos. Striving for control over your eating habits helps keep your wallet and tummy full while also saving some time to relieve stress by exercising or meditating.

Cary Hardy, from the Center on Aging, shared a podcast by the Savvy Psychologist that suggests pairing resolutions, such as spending time meditating, to your normal routine, such as brushing your teeth, to ensure they become integrated into your daily habits. This way you can maintain a similar morning schedule while also improving stress and starting your day with positive thinking.

A student in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry shared they want to relieve stress and improve their daily routine by drinking tea, meditating, and reading scientific articles.

And Brittany reminds us to strive to keep your goals one day at a time — today, tomorrow, and the next day. The new year is a time to refresh your life, learn new skills, and improve routines for a healthier and happier you.

UConn Health February 2018 Programs, Events

January 19, 2018

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for February and early March 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 2/1)

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Feb. 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, March 13, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor large conference room S1501
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Feb. 12, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Feb. 26, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

(Canceled 2/1)
Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Feb. 28, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, March 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, large conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, March 3, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, March 7, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, March 15, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, March 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Directions to UConn Health are available at bit.ly/GetToUCH.

HealthONE: Secure Sign-on With Tap of Badge

January 2, 2018

Imprivata Reader
Users will be able to log in to HealthONE by tapping their badge and entering a password that enables them to tap in and out for four hours and 15 minutes without having to provide a password again. (Image provided by Imprivata)

(Updated March 27)

Physicians, nurses, and other providers will be able to quickly and securely access patient records simply by tapping their badge once UConn Health activates its electronic medical record system, HealthONE, in the spring.

The technology—which the vendor, Imprivata, calls “OneSign”—uses badge readers and prompts for a password. Once the password is entered, users will be able to log in to HealthONE by tapping in and out for four hours and 15 minutes without having to provide a password again.

“Using the ID badge instead of stopping to type in a name and password [every time] enables providers to get into the patient record instantly,” says Assistant Vice President for Information Technology Michael Catrini. “Those seconds saved really add up quickly over time and more importantly, you no longer have the patient interaction interrupted or delayed by keying in a password [at every encounter].”

It also enables a more a seamless transition from one provider to the next.

“In a patient room, the record is going to be up on the screen right where the nurse or the MA left off,” says information technology project manager John Virkler. “The nurse or the MA will go in and take vitals, they’ll put all that information in, and they’ll tap their badge. It’ll sign them out but it will leave the patient record up. The screen is blank, it locks up. The provider walks in, taps his or her badge, and it’s all ready for the provider.”

The technology will go beyond the EMR software and the associated ancillary programs that make up HealthONE. Kronos is one example.

“Users who already have a single sign-on ID will not have to enter their credentials to get into Kronos either, it’ll just automatically log them in to Kronos,” Virkler says. “The application just basically puts their user ID and password into any application that’s been profiled.”

Other planned components of this technology include e-prescribing and blood draw. It’s equipped to handle two-factor authentication for circumstances like that, when having a second person sign off is required.

“On the back end we’re building it out so we could easily add other workflows as they’re identified,” Virkler says.

Training on the new technology is part of the regular HealthONE training for users.

“There’s not much to it, you tap in, you tap out, it’s that simple,” Virkler says. “Like ‘wash in, wash out,’ we want to ingrain that. We want to get them into the habit of tapping in and tapping out. If they don’t tap out, it will eventually time them out.”

The idea is to have badge readers in every clinical area, and they eventually could be used in other areas too.

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.

Looking at Us: Allan Peterson, Parking Czar

December 21, 2017

Allan Peterson, director, Parking, Transportation and Event Services (Photo by Kristin Wallace)

Parking has been known to be a polarizing issue on our campus. But most would agree that as the Bioscience Connecticut construction led to the addition of three garages, we’re at a much better place today. The man who oversees parking (and transportation, and event services) is Allan Peterson. Allan’s been at UConn Health for three years now. He lives in Griswold with his wife and the two youngest of their four children.

How has parking and transportation on our campus improved over the last few years?

In terms of parking the key improvement has been increased capacity (spaces) in high-demand areas. This has allowed us to offer additional Area 1 permits which in turn led to more convenient Area 3 spaces becoming available. We were also able to provide evening and weekend enhancements for our students and residents. And although smaller in scale, the repaving and restriping of several surface lots simply makes it easier to get in and out of spaces. We’ve also had some nice improvements in transportation services on campus with our new shuttles, well trained drivers, and the handy mobile app and desktop link which let you know where your shuttle is. CTtransit and CTfastrak have also been great partners by improving access to our campus from throughout the region. They are now carrying more than 4,000 passengers per month to and from our campus.

To what do you attribute that success?

To me it’s really a great story about teamwork. It all started with buying into our leadership’s vision of what Bioscience Connecticut and UConn Health would become. Then the people responsible for planning, safety, and operations worked together to understand the traffic and parking demands so we could create the best possible experience for the whole community. Of course there will always be bumps along the way when you undertake this type of amazing growth, but with everyone’s hard work, patience and perseverance we’re beginning to see some very good outcomes.

Allan Peterson

Favorite
sports team:
Go Huskies!

Favorite delicacy:
My wife’s grilled fish on top of spinach and mashed potatoes.

Favorite way to unwind:
Waterskiing

Favorite vacation:
A few days exploring a national park with family and friends.

Something about you today that your younger self would never believe:
I drive a Prius.

People may not realize, your work is about more than lots and garages. What else does your office handle?

Although parking is a big piece, it’s not everything. Here’s a snapshot of what we handle.

  • 6,500 parking permits for staff, students, residents and contractors
  • Parking for more than 2,000 patients and visitors daily
  • 5,100 campus wide parking spaces
  • Valet parking at the University Tower, Main Building & Outpatient Pavilion
  • Campus shuttles which transport over 40,000 passengers annually
  • Partnering with CTrides and CTtransit to promote regional transportation services
  • Maintenance of the garages and parking equipment
  • Room scheduling for more than 4,000 meetings and events annually
  • Coordination of special event services

What would you say is the most misunderstood thing about parking?

One of the most common questions we hear in the parking world is, ‘Why do we charge for parking’? You will hear this from time to time at many institutions and municipalities across the country, especially during times of major growth. There is a great book (for transportation geeks like me), The High Cost of Free Parking, written by Donald Shoup, Ph.D., professor of urban planning and economics at UCLA. The book examines parking’s impact on society, the economy and the environment, and how a shift in the approach to transportation planning, engineering and operations can lead to many long-term benefits. The gist of the book is that for many decades the real costs of parking—maintaining driveways, sidewalks, lots, garages, and signage—were hidden by free or subsidized parking spaces, which in many cases lead to additional costs driven by declining infrastructures, traffic congestion, pollution, lost time, etc. One of Shoup’s recommendations, which has been widely adopted, was to first understand the planned utilization and demand of parking areas, and then to set pricing based on the distance from the destination, traffic demands, and fair market rates. Among the benefits would be reduced traffic congestion and pollution (by cutting down on ‘cruising for parking’), time savings, and modest revenues that can be reinvested into the community for maintenance, repairs, and other sustainable transportation programs.

What’s left to do in terms of parking on our campus?

Over the coming year we will be installing a new wayfinding sign package and bringing two visitor parking lots back on line. We’ll also continue to assess traffic demand and where it makes sense to initiate programs that improve efficiency and sustainability. Nevertheless, the real key to our long-term success is our staff’s caring, attentive approach, and diligence in making sure that we are providing a clean, welcoming, and safe environment so that everyone’s arrival and departure is as seamless as possible. We have this saying that goes, “Every day we have an opportunity to create an exceptional first and last impression for everyone at UConn Health.” That’s what we’re striving for: everyone, every day!

 

Ugliest Sweater Contest 2017

Winner of the 2017 Ugly Sweater Contest is Daisy Galvan, medical assistant from Dermatology.
Ambulatory care services at UConn Health got into the holiday spirit Tuesday with an “Ugliest Sweater” contest. View the photo gallery to see a sampling of the contestants from across campus – along with the winner.

New Signage Designates Upper, Lower Campus

December 20, 2017

A mock-up of a sign directing patients and visitors to the newly designated Lower Campus (Photo by Carolyn Pennington)

The transformation of signage on the UConn Health campus is underway.

Phase 1 of the project to install wayfinding signs that help establish destination zones to be known as “Upper Campus” and “Lower Campus” is scheduled for completion by mid January. It includes Main Road from the Farmington Avenue entrance to the main building and University Tower entrances, and West Road to the emergency department.

Upper Campus refers to the main building, University Tower, and academic entrance. Lower campus locations include the Outpatient Pavilion, Musculoskeletal Institute, and the UConn Health Surgery Center.

“Buildings on the Upper and Lower Campus are listed on the signs as you enter the campus, but after the initial listing, Upper and Lower Campus are the terms used to guide visitors,” says Tom Trutter, associate vice president for campus planning, design and construction. “This is similar in concept to airports using Terminal A and Terminal B where the airlines are listed for each terminal initially but dropped as you get closer to the destination.”

 Parking Area Redesignation

Currently Becoming
Lot K A1
Lot A/B A2
Lot C A3
Lot D A4
Lot J A5
Lot G M1
Lot F M2
Lot H H1
Lot L L1
Shuttle Lot 2 L2
Shuttle Lot 3 L3
Circle Road L4
ASB Lot L5
ASB Accessible L6

Phase 2 includes the rest of the campus, ideally completed by spring.

With the new signage comes a renaming of parking lots, with a letter representing the adjacent main building entrance, followed by a number. For example, Lot C, which is near the academic entrance, will become Lot A3. Lower Campus lots will have an L designation.

UConn Health is the first UConn campus moving to a university-wide standard for wayfinding signage.

More information about campus wayfinding is available at http://uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/wayfinding.

Wish Granted – MAs Get New Lab Coats

December 14, 2017

You may have noticed that our medical assistants are sporting new lab coats. The change has been in the works for more than a year after several MAs made the request during the “Under the Umbrella” discussions with VP of Ambulatory Services Anne Horbatuck. Now the medical assistants across campus and at all off-site locations have changed from blue to gray lab coats. Not only that, they now have more options – a scrub jacket long or short-sleeved and/or a scrub top. “It sounds like a simple issue but for many it was their top one, so we’re pleased we could accommodate their wishes,” says Horbatuck.

UConn Health January 2018 Programs, Events

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for January and early February 2018. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Last updated 1/19)

(Canceled 1/2)
UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, Large Conference Room S3301
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Jan. 6, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 6th floor, Conference Room S6300
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, Jan. 6, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2 p.m., UConn Health, University Tower lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at the UConn John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, University Tower, 2nd floor conference room
Men and women affected by heart disease meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heart-healthy recipes, coping strategies and resources. Significant others and caregivers are also welcome to attend. Please call Sue at 860-679-3633 for more information.

Breast Cancer Support Group
Thursday, Jan. 18, 7 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This is a support group intended for women under the age of 45 who’ve been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Women at any point in their cancer survivorship journey are welcome. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month. To register or more information, call 860-679-7820 or email tillinghast@uchc.edu.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, Jan. 18, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, Jan. 24, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

(Added 1/17)
Breast-feeding Class
Thursday, Jan. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, Jan. 29, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Living Well With Epilepsy: A Support Group for Young Adults
Saturday, Feb. 3, noon to 1:30 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor, Large Conference Room S3301
The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, in partnership with the UConn Health Department of Neurology, offers a support group for young adults who live with epilepsy. This group is open to those aged 18 to 30 who would like to join others to share experience, gain peer support, and learn together about epilepsy and overcoming its challenges to live well. The group generally meets on the first Saturday of the month. Please call 860-346-1924 or email manzelone.efct@sbcglobal.net for more information.

(Date changed again 1/19)
New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, Jan. 9 Jan. 30 Feb. 6, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, Feb. 13 March 6 March 13, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor conference room S1501
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

UConn Health Epilepsy Support Group
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 6th floor, Large Conference Room S6300
The UConn Health Department of Neurology invites those with epilepsy to a monthly group meeting surrounding life with epilepsy. Discussion topics include coping methods, support systems, and resources. The group generally will meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Please call 860-679-3186 for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 to 10 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 1st floor large conference room S1501
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, Feb. 12, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 4th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will teach women how to cope with skin changes and hair loss using cosmetic and skin care products donated by the cosmetic industry. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Please call 860-679-7820 to register (required).

Directions to UConn Health are available at bit.ly/GetToUCH. (New link added 1/19)

 

Preparing the Revenue Side of HealthONE

December 7, 2017

HealthONE application architect Trisha Faraday addresses analysts and subject-matter experts at the parallel revenue cycle testing kickoff meeting in the Massey Auditorium Dec. 4. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

Five months ahead of the debut of UConn Health’s new electronic medical record system, UConn HealthONE, comes a shift in focus to the complicated world of health care reimbursement.

About 60 HealthONE analysts and subject matter experts are leading the effort known as “parallel revenue cycle testing,” which started this week and runs through early March.

“This is a key driver of our ensuring reimbursement,” says UConn Health’s Carolyn Orrell, who’s directing the access and revenue cycle portion of HealthONE. “It’s the next validation of what we built in the system, such as the charges generated from the tests, procedures, and supplies used to provide patient care that will be on the bill/claim sent to various payers.”

This testing phase involves scenarios created in Epic, the software at the heart of HealthONE, designed to measure the effectiveness how the system handles charges, claims, and coding to optimize how UConn Health collects reimbursements.

“This is where we push further and test how scheduling, access, coding, clinical operations, billing and our charge master all integrate with the final goal of getting a claim designed with the right charges and ultimately paid,” says UConn Health Chief Financial Officer Jeff Geoghegan. “This is an important test for the revenue cycle and will determine how well our foundation work has been designed.”

Many of the scripts will be based on services, both inpatient and outpatient, that translate into claims that are considered high frequency, high dollar, complicated, or some combination of those characteristics.

“It will get us to the point that we’ll have confidence that when the claim goes to the payer that we are going to get paid correctly,” Orrell says.

The plan is to run a half dozen scripts each week that represent professional (physician)-based claims and hospital-based claims. Those that don’t pass would be corrected and retested.

“We are shadowing claims that we generate from our current systems to make sure all our Epic processes have the same output, so we can bill correctly and get payment back,” Orrell says. “This will give us opportunities to identify what’s working and what needs to be fixed. It also will help ensure that we won’t be missing out on claims we’re collecting on now.”

The parallel revenue cycle testing will take place on the fourth floor of the Connecticut Tower, a testing area converted from an old John Dempsey Hospital patient floor.

“Success will be when every one of these scenarios is verified to meet our criteria so when claims go out they will look right,” Orrell says. “With minimal delays and accurate data on a claim, we’ll be able to receive payment in a timely fashion.”

This is the last part of the testing phase, which is followed by the training phase on the HealthONE timeline for the April 28, 2018, go-live date.

Watch for additional HealthONE updates in Lifeline, in the Pulse, at uconnhealthexpress.uchc.edu/emr, and now on Twitter @UConnHealthONE.