’s
November 10, 2017
The Pulse
Your regular check up on SCKMC activities Share your thoughts, story ideas, and comments by e-mail to claytonp@sckrmc.org.
Direct Care Clinic to Open January 1st
Contest Winners Announced
SCKMC is planning to bring a new concept in health and wellness to Cowley County through a new clinic which will open in January. The clinic will be located on the medical center campus and is offered through a partnership with Revere Healthcare Solutions Inc. (RHS). The clinic will be providing direct access to primary care with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare. “It’s a concept different from what we are used to. What we are used to now is that you wait until you’re sick to go to the doctor. With this concept we are going to be proactive and start looking at wellness as the central core of our healthcare delivery going forward for our employees,” said Virgil Watson, SCKMC’s CEO. The clinic is employer driven, meaning that it is designed to be offered as a benefit to a company’s employees with no out of pocket deductibles or office visit copays for individuals that are covered through the program. RHS’s business strategy is based on the belief that because there is no out-of-pocket cost to the members, it is more likely that patients will not only receive treatment earlier but also take advantage of preventative services such as annual physicals, personal health improvement plans, and chronic condition management for such issues as diabetes, obesity, or tobacco addiction. As the employee population becomes healthier, insurance claims go down and the combination allows employers more leverage when negotiating their insurance premiums, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. Kansas Senator Larry Alley is a proponent of the direct primary care model. He attended the hospital’s October Board of Trustees meeting to discuss the benefits of the direct primary care model for both the medical center and for the community. “There has got to be a better way to deliver healthcare to Kansas. I think this is something that can benefit our hospital here, it can benefit our community. I really believe that if we change the discussion of healthcare from dollars to what’s best for the patient, how can we improve healthcare for that patient, it will be a great thing,” Senator Alley said. Employers interested in learning more about the Direct Primary Clinic should contact Virgil Watson at South Central Kansas Medical Center by calling (620) 442-2500.
The votes are in and the winners of the 2017 SCKMC employee costume contest are Julie Jones and SCK Clinic. Jones, PA for the emergency department, won best individual costume as the “poo magnet”. The best group costume went to the staff of SCK Clinic who were the Dr. Thomson clones. Winners were determined by the Facebook posts with the most “likes”. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to make our patients holiday a little more enjoyable. One Step At A Time Reminder: If you signed up to take part in the SCKMC walking team, tracking cards are due to Michelle Belindo in Purchasing no later than Thursday, November 30th to be eligible for the December prize.
The Pharm Forum with Homer Mah, D.Ph. It is true, you can overdose on candy. To be more specific people can overdose on black licorice. The FDA recommends not over indulging on black licorice if you are 40 years of age or older. Eating 2oz of black licorice a day for two weeks may lead to irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia. It contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which may cause your potassium levels in the body to drop. Potassium levels are usually restored when consumption stops. Other symptoms high blood pressure, edema, and lethargy. No matter your age, do not consume large amounts of black licorice at a time.
November Employee of the Month Congratulations Brenda Richard, RN for the Surgery Department, for being named the SCKMC employee of the month. Brenda was nominated by a patient for providing a great, relaxed experience. Brenda was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Surgery Team Leader Laura Ramirez and Director of Nursing Tracy Austin. Brenda will have a special parking spot reserved for her throughout the month. Great job Brenda!
Looking for the best healthcare for your family?
We’ve Got You
Covered.
The SCKMC Specialty Clinic now offers
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic Schedule: 1st Thursday of each month Ask Your Provider for More Information or Call Us at (620) 441-5711 to schedule an appointment.
Tuan Nguyen MD, FAAP Pediatric and Fetal Cardiologist
Board Certification: American Board of Pediatrics 2011 A.B.P. – Pediatric Cardiology 2016 Dr. Nguyen is a native of Kansas and practiced pediatric hospitalist medicine in Wichita for 2 years prior to pursuing pediatric cardiology training in Miami, FL. He now provides care for heart disease in patients from infancy to early adulthood. He keeps himself busy outside of the office with his 3 children and is a big sports fan for KU and WSU basketball, and KC Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys football.
www.sckmc.org 6401 Patterson Parkway, Arkansas City (620) 442-2500