Stress and depression can be a big part of the holiday season. There is so much going on this time of year. On top of normal activities, you have to shop, prepare, clean, bake and visit with relatives and friends.
It can be too much sometimes.
Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Take steps to prevent stress and depression. Learn to recognize your triggers such as money problems or personal demands. Be positive. Plan ahead. Seek support.
Here are some tips that should help you manage your holiday stress or depression.
Acknowledge your feelings. It's normal to be sad or grieve when you have lost someone you love. It's normal to miss a friend or family member who you can't visit this year. It's OK to cry or express your feelings.
Reach out. Seek out community, religious or other social events if you feel lonely or isolated. Volunteering to help others is a great way to lift your spirits.
Be realistic and set aside differences. You shouldn't expect everything to be perfect. Traditions often change as our families grow and change. Be open to new traditions and find new ways to celebrate. Try to accept family and friends for who they are. Pick another time to discuss grievances.
Stick to a budget and plan ahead. Decide how much you can afford to spend before you go shopping. Don't try to buy happiness with gifts you can't afford. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking and preparing for guests. Plan menus and make a shopping list. This will help you avoid scrambling around at the last minute.
Don't abandon healthy habits. The holidays should not be your excuse to go wild with food and drinks. This can add to your stress or depression.
Learn to say "No," and take a breather when you need it. Always saying yes can make you feel bitter or overwhelmed. Budget your time. You can't control everything, but say, "No," if you need to, when you can. Your friends will understand. Make time for yourself. Listen to music. Go for a walk. Calm your breathing. Clear your mind and relax.
Seek professional help if you need it. If you are constantly sad, anxious, irritable, hopeless, or can't sleep, talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home.
Your PCP will help you decide on a treatment plan. If needed, your PCP will refer you to mental health specialists. Illinois Health Connect can help you locate mental health specialists. Call 1-877-912-1999 (TTY 1-866-565-8577). This call is free.
If you are in a crisis or think you may hurt someone, including you, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
If you are not in crisis, but want to speak with someone, there are options.
NAMI Illinois and NAMI Chicago offer peer support groups. The support groups draw on the experience of people living with mental illness, family members and mental health professionals.
The Warm Line is a service that offers peer and family support. It is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 1-866-359-7953 (TTY 1-886-880-4459). This call is free. Select option 2 for consumers and families and then option 5 for the Warm Line.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
CDPH report shows positive changes in Chicago birth data
Illinois Health Connect would like to congratulate the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the encouraging results presented in its recent report titled "Births in Chicago 1999-2009," which provides comprehensive data related to births in the city during that 11-year period.
Data presented in the report includes the number of births, fertility rates, age and health of mothers, and infant birth weight. The data is presented by age, race-ethnicity and Chicago community area. Among the findings:
Data presented in the report includes the number of births, fertility rates, age and health of mothers, and infant birth weight. The data is presented by age, race-ethnicity and Chicago community area. Among the findings:
- Chicago's teen birth rate decreased 33 percent during the period. This decrease is outpacing the 21 percent national decrease.
- Women seeking prenatal care during the first trimester increased 10 percent to a new high of 84.3 percent.
- The percentage of babies delivered at low birth weight decreased to 9.7 percent.
- The number of births to Chicago women who reported smoking while pregnant was cut by more than half to 3.8 percent in 2009.
- Birth rates for women 35-44 years old increased 40 percent.
Watch what and how much you eat at holiday gatherings
Especially around the holidays, it's not just what you eat, it's how much. It's important to control the amount you eat. It all adds up even a little at a time.
It is easy to lose track of calories in a party situation. The buffet table usually offers every possible bad choice. Since those bad choices are tasty, this makes it easy to keep eating more and more.
Little plates and cocktail napkins can serve up big meals!
A good tip for holiday parties is to focus on the activities. Food and beverages should be a part of the event, not the center of attention. Get people moving and enjoying each other. Dance! Play active games!
Make smart choices with the dishes you prepare. Serve a raw vegetable tray with a spicy bean dip. Offer fresh fruits. Use whole grains and veggies to make a savory, healthy salad. Offer non-fat or light dressings.
Make small changes to your old recipes to make them healthier. There are plenty of ways to make healthier food choices. Use olive oil, soybean or canola instead of butter, shortening or margarine. Use brown rice instead of white. Try whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Use non-fat or 1 percent milk instead of whole or 2 percent milk.
When you attend a party, be mindful of the food choices you make. Limit the amount of indulgences in sweets as well as fried, salty snacks.
Instead of potato chips, try popcorn with light butter or unsalted pretzels. Avoid lunch meats like salami, pepperoni and bologna. Instead, eat lean options like turkey, chicken and ham. If you have a choice, pick a baked potato or baked sweet potato instead of French fries. When it comes to sweets, one cookie is OK, not one cookie every ten minutes!
Think about these choices before the party and stick to your plan. Have fun! Enjoy your family and friends! That's what the party should be about.
It is easy to lose track of calories in a party situation. The buffet table usually offers every possible bad choice. Since those bad choices are tasty, this makes it easy to keep eating more and more.
Little plates and cocktail napkins can serve up big meals!
A good tip for holiday parties is to focus on the activities. Food and beverages should be a part of the event, not the center of attention. Get people moving and enjoying each other. Dance! Play active games!
Make smart choices with the dishes you prepare. Serve a raw vegetable tray with a spicy bean dip. Offer fresh fruits. Use whole grains and veggies to make a savory, healthy salad. Offer non-fat or light dressings.
Make small changes to your old recipes to make them healthier. There are plenty of ways to make healthier food choices. Use olive oil, soybean or canola instead of butter, shortening or margarine. Use brown rice instead of white. Try whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Use non-fat or 1 percent milk instead of whole or 2 percent milk.
When you attend a party, be mindful of the food choices you make. Limit the amount of indulgences in sweets as well as fried, salty snacks.
Instead of potato chips, try popcorn with light butter or unsalted pretzels. Avoid lunch meats like salami, pepperoni and bologna. Instead, eat lean options like turkey, chicken and ham. If you have a choice, pick a baked potato or baked sweet potato instead of French fries. When it comes to sweets, one cookie is OK, not one cookie every ten minutes!
Think about these choices before the party and stick to your plan. Have fun! Enjoy your family and friends! That's what the party should be about.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
After-hours access reduces emergency department use
The Center for Studying Health Systems Change recently published its findings from a national survey that found that people reporting difficulty reaching their Primary Care Provider (PCP) after hours were significantly more likely to use the emergency department or go without needed care.
Of the 9,577 survey respondents who said they have a usual source of primary care (PCP), 1,470 reported that they attempted to contact their PCP after hours in the past year. Of that group, 20.8 percent said it was "very difficult" or "somewhat difficult" to reach their PCP after hours.
The reported use of the emergency department was 37.7 percent for people who had a difficult time contacting their PCP after hours versus 30.4 percent for those reporting less difficulty with after-hours access. The rate of people going without needed care was also higher for those reporting difficulty with after-hours access: 13.7 percent versus 6.1 percent for those reporting less difficulty.
Illinois Health Connect requires its enrolled PCPs and medical homes to provide 24/7 coverage for IHC clients. This after-hours access must be in the form of an answering service/paging mechanism, or other approved arrangements. Automatic referral to a hospital emergency department does not qualify.
PCPs who do not comply with this component of the IHC Primary Care Provider Agreement are at risk of termination from the IHC program. IHC Quality Assurance Nurses (QAN) will work with practices to help them meet this requirement and avoid unnecessary emergency department use.
QANs are available to meet with IHC providers on an appointment basis to support the work of medical homes through the use of IHC Quality Tools and other clinical trainings. Contact information for QANs is available on the IHC Provider Portal, which can be accessed through the HFS MEDI System, or by calling the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999, extension 3.
Of the 9,577 survey respondents who said they have a usual source of primary care (PCP), 1,470 reported that they attempted to contact their PCP after hours in the past year. Of that group, 20.8 percent said it was "very difficult" or "somewhat difficult" to reach their PCP after hours.
The reported use of the emergency department was 37.7 percent for people who had a difficult time contacting their PCP after hours versus 30.4 percent for those reporting less difficulty with after-hours access. The rate of people going without needed care was also higher for those reporting difficulty with after-hours access: 13.7 percent versus 6.1 percent for those reporting less difficulty.
Illinois Health Connect requires its enrolled PCPs and medical homes to provide 24/7 coverage for IHC clients. This after-hours access must be in the form of an answering service/paging mechanism, or other approved arrangements. Automatic referral to a hospital emergency department does not qualify.
PCPs who do not comply with this component of the IHC Primary Care Provider Agreement are at risk of termination from the IHC program. IHC Quality Assurance Nurses (QAN) will work with practices to help them meet this requirement and avoid unnecessary emergency department use.
QANs are available to meet with IHC providers on an appointment basis to support the work of medical homes through the use of IHC Quality Tools and other clinical trainings. Contact information for QANs is available on the IHC Provider Portal, which can be accessed through the HFS MEDI System, or by calling the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999, extension 3.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Adults can improve health at any age!
It is possible to improve your health at any age. Adults can get back to how they felt when they were younger. They can also feel better at 60 years old than they did at 50 or 40!
Small changes can make a big difference. Adding exercise to your routine is one way to feel better.
Falls are a common cause of injury for older adults. Being active can prevent these falls. Regular exercise strengthens bones and muscles. This will make you less prone to falls and bones are less likely to break when a fall occurs. Keeping your muscles strong can make everyday tasks easier.
Regular exercise is also good for your brain. People who exercise on a regular basis are better able to make decisions than those who are inactive. It is recommended to get 30 minutes of exercise a day. You don't have to do it all at once.
Try a brisk walk. Do something else if walking doesn't sound like fun. Dancing, gardening, fishing and swimming are other great options. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you have questions about exercise.
Another way to improve your health is to eat more fiber. Fiber helps you in three ways. It helps your colon. It reduces the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and Type-2 diabetes. It may help lower your cholesterol level.
You can add fiber into your diet with small changes. Eat whole grain bread in place of white bread. Eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. Eat popcorn instead of potato chips. There are lots of tasty foods that are high in fiber. Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and dried fruits are great options. So are legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils or baked beans.
Start making some little changes to your routine today. If you stick with it, you will feel better for years to come!
Small changes can make a big difference. Adding exercise to your routine is one way to feel better.
Falls are a common cause of injury for older adults. Being active can prevent these falls. Regular exercise strengthens bones and muscles. This will make you less prone to falls and bones are less likely to break when a fall occurs. Keeping your muscles strong can make everyday tasks easier.
Regular exercise is also good for your brain. People who exercise on a regular basis are better able to make decisions than those who are inactive. It is recommended to get 30 minutes of exercise a day. You don't have to do it all at once.
Try a brisk walk. Do something else if walking doesn't sound like fun. Dancing, gardening, fishing and swimming are other great options. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you have questions about exercise.
Another way to improve your health is to eat more fiber. Fiber helps you in three ways. It helps your colon. It reduces the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and Type-2 diabetes. It may help lower your cholesterol level.
You can add fiber into your diet with small changes. Eat whole grain bread in place of white bread. Eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. Eat popcorn instead of potato chips. There are lots of tasty foods that are high in fiber. Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and dried fruits are great options. So are legumes, such as chickpeas, lentils or baked beans.
Start making some little changes to your routine today. If you stick with it, you will feel better for years to come!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
VFC providers must register with I-CARE
All providers who participate with the Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program must get registered with I-CARE in anticipation of a merger between VFC Illinois and the I-CARE immunization database. The deadline for submitting an I-CARE application is December 31, 2012, for VFC Illinois providers.
The I-CARE registration does not need to be completed prior to December 31, but providers need to have proof they submitted the application. If an I-CARE application has not been submitted by December 31, providers will not be able to order vaccines.
Registration with I-CARE is mandatory for VFC providers as the ordering of VFC vaccines will be strictly online through I-CARE. The VFC Illinois roll out date is expected to be June 2013.
The merger for VFC Chicago providers will roll out once VFC Illinois merger is finalized. VFC Chicago will notify all of its providers with sufficient time to register and train on the I-CARE online odering module.
IHC has a webinar about VFC and I-CARE scheduled for January 23, 2012. Go the IHC webinar page or call the IHC Provider Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999, extension 3 for more information.
I-CARE is a statewide immunization database operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. I-Care is free and web-based, meaning there is no additional software required. Technical assistance is available at no charge. Registration takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
To request an I-CARE application and get started with registration, send an email to dph.icare@illinois.gov. For additional I-CARE training, complete this survey to be added to the training promotion list.
If you are currently using Electronic Health Records (EHR), you can transfer your immunization records to I-CARE through a secure data exchange. If your EHR vendor can create HL7 immunization messages and can transfer the messages securely, please have your vendor contact Robin Holding at IDPH (robin.holding@illinois.gov).
If your EHR vendor cannot create HL7 messages or cannot transfer them securely, a public health node has been developed to assist your vendor with transferring immunization records to I-CARE. Please contact Mike Jadala at IDPH (mike.jadala@illinois.gov).
The I-CARE registration does not need to be completed prior to December 31, but providers need to have proof they submitted the application. If an I-CARE application has not been submitted by December 31, providers will not be able to order vaccines.
Registration with I-CARE is mandatory for VFC providers as the ordering of VFC vaccines will be strictly online through I-CARE. The VFC Illinois roll out date is expected to be June 2013.
The merger for VFC Chicago providers will roll out once VFC Illinois merger is finalized. VFC Chicago will notify all of its providers with sufficient time to register and train on the I-CARE online odering module.
IHC has a webinar about VFC and I-CARE scheduled for January 23, 2012. Go the IHC webinar page or call the IHC Provider Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999, extension 3 for more information.
I-CARE is a statewide immunization database operated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. I-Care is free and web-based, meaning there is no additional software required. Technical assistance is available at no charge. Registration takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
To request an I-CARE application and get started with registration, send an email to dph.icare@illinois.gov. For additional I-CARE training, complete this survey to be added to the training promotion list.
If you are currently using Electronic Health Records (EHR), you can transfer your immunization records to I-CARE through a secure data exchange. If your EHR vendor can create HL7 immunization messages and can transfer the messages securely, please have your vendor contact Robin Holding at IDPH (robin.holding@illinois.gov).
If your EHR vendor cannot create HL7 messages or cannot transfer them securely, a public health node has been developed to assist your vendor with transferring immunization records to I-CARE. Please contact Mike Jadala at IDPH (mike.jadala@illinois.gov).
Friday, December 7, 2012
HIV Care Connect offers free services for clients
Illinois HIV Care Connect offers free medical case management services for HIV-positive clients regardless of income. There are eight regional offices throughout the state.
Individuals may qualify for other HIV Care Connect services based on income and insurance status. Services available include, but are not limited to, outpatient healthcare, mental health, oral health, medical nutritional therapy, and outpatient substance abuse counseling.
Providers should contact the regional project director for referral to a case manager. Case managers will inform clients of which services are available to them.
Those interested in providing services through HIV Care Connect should contact the regional director in their area. IHC has a webinar about HIV Care Connect scheduled for February 27, 2013. Go to the IHC webinar page or call the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3 to get further information.
There is free and low-cost clinical training programs and consultation services available for Primary Care Providers through the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center.
Individuals may qualify for other HIV Care Connect services based on income and insurance status. Services available include, but are not limited to, outpatient healthcare, mental health, oral health, medical nutritional therapy, and outpatient substance abuse counseling.
Providers should contact the regional project director for referral to a case manager. Case managers will inform clients of which services are available to them.
Those interested in providing services through HIV Care Connect should contact the regional director in their area. IHC has a webinar about HIV Care Connect scheduled for February 27, 2013. Go to the IHC webinar page or call the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3 to get further information.
There is free and low-cost clinical training programs and consultation services available for Primary Care Providers through the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Drug Prior Approval policy moves to seven prescriptions per month
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has announced a continued implementation of the Four Prescription Policy. Effective December 5, HFS clients will need prior approval to fill more than seven prescriptions in a 30-day period.
Prescribers are strongly encouraged to submit prior approval requests using the HFS MEDI System. Entering PA requests via MEDI results in a more efficient review process as it does not require HFS to do data entry. PA requests are typically reviewed within two hours if entered via MEDI, but can sometimes take longer. If a PA request is sent using MEDI application, prescribers can check the status using the confirmation number provided in MEDI.
PA requests can also be submitted using the online form on the HFS Four Prescription Policy page. The HFS Pharmacy phone and fax number, along with the fax form and the online form to check the status of a non-MEDI request, are also available on the Four Prescription Policy Page. Prescribers are strongly discouraged to send PA requests via phone and should not call the HFS Pharmacy number to check the status of a PA request.
Medications exempt from the policy include antibiotics, contraceptives, oncology agents, immunosuppressives, anti-retroviral agents, over-the-counter drugs and non-drug items such as blood glucose test strips and monitors. At this time, this policy does not apply to clients less than 19 years old.
Prescribers are strongly encouraged to submit prior approval requests using the HFS MEDI System. Entering PA requests via MEDI results in a more efficient review process as it does not require HFS to do data entry. PA requests are typically reviewed within two hours if entered via MEDI, but can sometimes take longer. If a PA request is sent using MEDI application, prescribers can check the status using the confirmation number provided in MEDI.
PA requests can also be submitted using the online form on the HFS Four Prescription Policy page. The HFS Pharmacy phone and fax number, along with the fax form and the online form to check the status of a non-MEDI request, are also available on the Four Prescription Policy Page. Prescribers are strongly discouraged to send PA requests via phone and should not call the HFS Pharmacy number to check the status of a PA request.
Medications exempt from the policy include antibiotics, contraceptives, oncology agents, immunosuppressives, anti-retroviral agents, over-the-counter drugs and non-drug items such as blood glucose test strips and monitors. At this time, this policy does not apply to clients less than 19 years old.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Getting a flu shot won't give you the flu
Getting a flu shot won't give you the flu. Flu shots do not have live virus in them. Nasal sprays have weak viruses that can't cause illness.
If you suffer flu symptoms after getting a flu shot, it doesn't mean the shot caused the flu. It can take two weeks after the shot for immunization to build. Prior to that, you can still get sick. It could also be another illness other than flu.
Everyone older than six months old should get a flu shot. It is especially important for those with health conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Children less than five years old and seniors are also at higher risk of the flu.
But even healthy adults and children can get very sick from the flu. You can also protect yourself and others with these tips.
Wash your hands frequently. Cover your cough and sneeze. Stay at home if you are sick.
Talk to your Primary Care Provider at your medical home about getting a flu shot. It is a covered service for all HFS medical card holders. Flu shots are also available from health departments and pharmacies.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. Flu season lasts until May. If you need help finding a provider that offers flu shots, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999. This call is free.
If you suffer flu symptoms after getting a flu shot, it doesn't mean the shot caused the flu. It can take two weeks after the shot for immunization to build. Prior to that, you can still get sick. It could also be another illness other than flu.
Everyone older than six months old should get a flu shot. It is especially important for those with health conditions such as diabetes and asthma. Children less than five years old and seniors are also at higher risk of the flu.
But even healthy adults and children can get very sick from the flu. You can also protect yourself and others with these tips.
Wash your hands frequently. Cover your cough and sneeze. Stay at home if you are sick.
Talk to your Primary Care Provider at your medical home about getting a flu shot. It is a covered service for all HFS medical card holders. Flu shots are also available from health departments and pharmacies.
It is not too late to get a flu shot. Flu season lasts until May. If you need help finding a provider that offers flu shots, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999. This call is free.
Monday, December 3, 2012
IHC Provider Spotlight: Rural Physician of Excellence Award winners
This post is part of the IHC Provider Spotlight series that will periodically highlight IHC providers for their achievements or for their approach to providing medical homes to IHC clients.
The Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) has honored five physicians with the 2012 Rural Physician of Excellence Award, including four doctors who work at Rural Health Centers (RHC) enrolled as medical homes with Illinois Health Connect.
The 2012 honorees are: Dr. Katherine Austman (Family Healthcare of Gibson), Dr. Philip Siefken (Greenville Medical Associates), Dr. Reid Sutton (Family Medical Center in Paris), Dr. Penelope Tippy (West Frankfort Family Medicine) and Dr. Timothy Garrett. Each of the winners were honored this fall in a ceremony in their community.
Calling the shortage of physicians in rural areas one of the nation's "biggest challenges in healthcare," the IRHA developed the Rural Physician of Excellence Award to recognize those doctors who have accepted the calling to serve rural communities and go out of their way to make an impact. Illinois Health Connect, SIU Medical School and Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services were the award sponsors for 2012.
Dr. Austman is the Chief of Medical Staff at Gibson Area Hospital. Serving a rural community has been her focus since she graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford's R-Med Program, which prepares doctors to practice in a rural setting.
Dr. Austman is certified in neonatal resuscitation, advanced life support for obstetrics, pediatric advanced life support and advanced cardiac life support. In servicing her community, Dr. Austman sometimes treats patients at her home when her clinic is closed.
"It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of my profession," Dr. Austman said. "Though I feel very grateful to receive this accomplishment, I would also like to recognize the staff of Family Health Care of Gibson City -- Nela Medina, Rikki Ricketts, and Sherry McCrants -- who help me every day in providing such a high level of care to our patients. This would also not be possible without the support of my family, friends and community."
Dr. Siefken is board certified in both pediatrics and family practice. According to IRHA, Dr. Siefken is the only pediatrician in Bond County. He was honored in recognition of his dedication to improving healthcare in southern Illinois.
In addition to working at Greenville Medical Associates, Dr. Siefken is on staff at Greenville Regional Hospital. He previously worked and taught in Indiana after completing his residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He returned to his hometown of Greenville in 2006.
"I really appreciated the opportunity to win this award amongst my family, friends, patients and co-workers," Siefken said. "It is wonderful that the IRHA recognizes the hard work rural physicians provide."
Dr. Sutton, a family physician, is the Chief Medical Director at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center where he has worked for 35 years. He is the supervising physician for the PCH/FMC weekend walk-in clinic, is the medical director at several nursing homes and works closely with a home for the disabled.
The IRHA cited him for the compassion he shows for his county's most vulnerable citizens residents: the seniors and those with developmental disabilities.
"On behalf of the medical staff, we couldn't be more proud," said Dr. Leland Phipps, who is a colleague at PCH/FMC. "(Dr. Sutton) is astute, kind, and always a gentleman. His excellence doesn't just start and stop at the clinic door. It also includes his service to the community and this institution."
Dr. Tippy, who recently retired as the Director of the Southern Illinois University Family Medicine Residency Program, is the medical director for the SIU Family Practice Centers in Carbondale, Sesser and West Frankfort. She also is the Medical Director for the Physician Assistant Programs at SIU and St. Louis University.
The IRHA noted that Dr. Tippy's affect on healthcare extends beyond the patients she treated. Through teaching in the family practice residency program and the physician assistant programs, Dr. Tippy has indirectly improved the health of numerous others.
"Dr. Tippy's contribution to the healthcare system in Southern Illinois is beyond measure," said Dr. Robert Wesley, who is a IRHA board member and the Executive Director for Regional Medical Programs at SIU Medical School. "When she assumed directorship, the SIU Carbondale Family Practice Residency Program was in perilous straits. Her strength, determination and dedication saved the program from tumbling over the brink. Under her guidance, the program became one of the premier rural family medicine residency programs in the nation."
The Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) has honored five physicians with the 2012 Rural Physician of Excellence Award, including four doctors who work at Rural Health Centers (RHC) enrolled as medical homes with Illinois Health Connect.
The 2012 honorees are: Dr. Katherine Austman (Family Healthcare of Gibson), Dr. Philip Siefken (Greenville Medical Associates), Dr. Reid Sutton (Family Medical Center in Paris), Dr. Penelope Tippy (West Frankfort Family Medicine) and Dr. Timothy Garrett. Each of the winners were honored this fall in a ceremony in their community.
Calling the shortage of physicians in rural areas one of the nation's "biggest challenges in healthcare," the IRHA developed the Rural Physician of Excellence Award to recognize those doctors who have accepted the calling to serve rural communities and go out of their way to make an impact. Illinois Health Connect, SIU Medical School and Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services were the award sponsors for 2012.
Dr. Austman is the Chief of Medical Staff at Gibson Area Hospital. Serving a rural community has been her focus since she graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford's R-Med Program, which prepares doctors to practice in a rural setting.
Dr. Austman is certified in neonatal resuscitation, advanced life support for obstetrics, pediatric advanced life support and advanced cardiac life support. In servicing her community, Dr. Austman sometimes treats patients at her home when her clinic is closed.
"It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of my profession," Dr. Austman said. "Though I feel very grateful to receive this accomplishment, I would also like to recognize the staff of Family Health Care of Gibson City -- Nela Medina, Rikki Ricketts, and Sherry McCrants -- who help me every day in providing such a high level of care to our patients. This would also not be possible without the support of my family, friends and community."
Dr. Siefken is board certified in both pediatrics and family practice. According to IRHA, Dr. Siefken is the only pediatrician in Bond County. He was honored in recognition of his dedication to improving healthcare in southern Illinois.
In addition to working at Greenville Medical Associates, Dr. Siefken is on staff at Greenville Regional Hospital. He previously worked and taught in Indiana after completing his residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He returned to his hometown of Greenville in 2006.
"I really appreciated the opportunity to win this award amongst my family, friends, patients and co-workers," Siefken said. "It is wonderful that the IRHA recognizes the hard work rural physicians provide."
Dr. Sutton, a family physician, is the Chief Medical Director at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center where he has worked for 35 years. He is the supervising physician for the PCH/FMC weekend walk-in clinic, is the medical director at several nursing homes and works closely with a home for the disabled.
The IRHA cited him for the compassion he shows for his county's most vulnerable citizens residents: the seniors and those with developmental disabilities.
"On behalf of the medical staff, we couldn't be more proud," said Dr. Leland Phipps, who is a colleague at PCH/FMC. "(Dr. Sutton) is astute, kind, and always a gentleman. His excellence doesn't just start and stop at the clinic door. It also includes his service to the community and this institution."
Dr. Tippy, who recently retired as the Director of the Southern Illinois University Family Medicine Residency Program, is the medical director for the SIU Family Practice Centers in Carbondale, Sesser and West Frankfort. She also is the Medical Director for the Physician Assistant Programs at SIU and St. Louis University.
The IRHA noted that Dr. Tippy's affect on healthcare extends beyond the patients she treated. Through teaching in the family practice residency program and the physician assistant programs, Dr. Tippy has indirectly improved the health of numerous others.
"Dr. Tippy's contribution to the healthcare system in Southern Illinois is beyond measure," said Dr. Robert Wesley, who is a IRHA board member and the Executive Director for Regional Medical Programs at SIU Medical School. "When she assumed directorship, the SIU Carbondale Family Practice Residency Program was in perilous straits. Her strength, determination and dedication saved the program from tumbling over the brink. Under her guidance, the program became one of the premier rural family medicine residency programs in the nation."
Sunday, December 2, 2012
IHC catches up with osteopathic providers
Making a fifth consecutive appearance at the Illinois State Osteopathic Medical Society (IOMS) Annual Meeting, Illinois Health Connect staffed a booth in the exhibit hall at the event held November 30 and December 1 in Lombard.
IHC Provider Training Specialist Danielle Parrillo interacted with a variety of osteopathic providers, educating them further about the IHC program.
The learning objectives during the two days IHC was at the event included: integrative therapies, nutrition communication, cardiac emergencies, pulmonary embolisms, podiatric skin conditions, rheumatology injections and aspirations for primary care, and interventional modalities to treat chronic pain.
IHC Provider Training Specialist Danielle Parrillo interacted with a variety of osteopathic providers, educating them further about the IHC program.
The learning objectives during the two days IHC was at the event included: integrative therapies, nutrition communication, cardiac emergencies, pulmonary embolisms, podiatric skin conditions, rheumatology injections and aspirations for primary care, and interventional modalities to treat chronic pain.
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