APP Key Messages | June 24, 2021

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June 24, 2021

In this issue

Epic Connect Testimonial
EpicCare Link Updates
Supporting Your Practice

CDC issues further guidance on Myocarditis/mRNA vaccines: The CDC has concluded that while there is a “likely association” between Pfizer -BioNTech and Moderna’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and myocarditis, an inflammatory heart condition, in individuals 30 and younger, these cases are extremely rare and the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risk of this side effect. The CDC and other health authorities still recommend vaccination for ages 12 and above. Read more.

Simplified screening: We are simplifying our patient and visitor screening process in line with updated CDC guidelines. Beginning Monday, June 28, we will no longer be administering temperature checks and will also modify the screening questions to include vaccination status. These modified questions will also appear in Safe Check and LiveWell apps.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic transition: By August 1, we will transition vaccine clinics from our large hospital sites to identified Advocate Aurora Health medical group clinics within each PSA. We are phasing this sunsetting of current vaccination sites to maintain first and second dose appointments already scheduled and to minimize scheduling impact on our patients and team members/physicians. Appointments will still be scheduled through the LiveWell app at AAH.org/vaccine or by phone at 866-443-2584.

Reminder: Updated pre-procedure guidance. Asymptomatic fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to procedures, imaging and non-hospital-based services unless they are immunocompromised or it’s deemed necessary by their physician. Pre-procedure COVID-19 testing will continue for patients who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Patient vaccination status can be assessed by: Patient/family interview, electronic health record or by viewing vaccine cards. See full updated testing guidance.

Epic Transformation

Epic Connect program

We continue to follow our first six practices on their Epic Connect journey. As a reminder, Epic Connect is the ambulatory platform of Advocate Aurora Health’s instance of Epic for APP aligned physicians and another significant step toward a single patient record that greatly enhances patient safety and high reliability.

This week, hear from William Tan, DO in the South Suburban PHO. In this video, he shares how things are going and what to expect. He also discusses why he looks forward to going live on Epic Connect.

“…This was pretty much a no-brainer as I’m sure you are all aware how much of a struggle and a time waster it is to have to chase down and look up patient records, notes and test results if they end up going to a different providers' office or even a different hospital. Sometimes we aren’t able to access them in a timely manner which is really a disservice to the patient, and so making this transition, along with having access to Care Everywhere, is going to be a huge time saver for my own clinic flow and I’m sure it will be for yours as well.” - William Tan, DO

EpicCare Link Updates

Effective June 22, Site Administrators* can now unlock/unblock ECL users at their sites if they become locked out from too many failed attempts. See tip sheet.

On July 1, site verification will take place. A Site Administrator* from each practice will need to log in and verify that all users are still current, or remove any that have left the practice. The practice account will be locked if this is not completed within two weeks. See tip sheet.

*Who is my Site Administrator? This is the member of your practice you designated to certify your practice users quarterly, most often your office manager.

Additional Epic Update

Clinical Decision Support reminder: Advocate Aurora Health recently launched a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool in Epic hyperspace at Advocate Aurora hospitals to support the ordering of advanced diagnostic imaging services, including CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and PET. This tool will help keep patients safe by avoiding unnecessary radiation from inappropriate or redundant procedures – while also reducing backend work for ordering clinicians with only a few extra clicks. More details to come on using this tool through EpicCare Link in your office. Learn more.

Watch Jim’s latest video for a look at the Advocate Aurora Health report card, updates on our safety efforts – including an evolution of our Safe Care Promise – and more about the ongoing decision-making process related to a potential COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Safety & High Reliability

Culture of Safety Survey reminder: June 28 to July 31

We’re first and foremost a safe clinical enterprise dedicated to ensuring safe, high-quality care for all patients. A critical part of our journey to zero serious safety events by 2025 is the annual Culture of Safety Survey that helps us prevent, better manage and create solutions for patient safety.

Watch your email for the survey coming from our external vendor, Perceptyx, starting June 28.

Severe National Blood Shortage

Advocate Aurora Health's blood supply partner (American Red Cross) is experiencing a severe national shortage of blood products; especially type O and B red blood cells and platelets. You can help by adhering to Advocate Aurora’s evidenced-based guidelines for transfusion of blood products.

Supporting Your Practice

Clinical Integration program: Review latest update.

Tools to support patient care: New opioid and benzodiazepine taper tools have been created to assist you in safely and effectively weaning your patients down or off opioids and benzodiazepine. Learn more on APP Pro.

Virtual health reimbursement coverage: Refer to the payer overview and summary outlining the latest virtual health insurance coverage changes.

Don't miss the latest policies: Advocate Aurora Health's policies have been updated to stay consistent, safe and compliant with laws and rules, including the new security requirements for the capture, storage, access, use and disclosure of photography, videography and audio recording captured at Advocate Aurora.

Return to Care: Primary Care Campaign Launches

We’ve launched a primary care wellness campaign to encourage consumers and patients to seek the preventative care they need – at our facilities and virtually - from annual checkups to back-to-school physicals and immunizations. Many people put off these visits during the pandemic, so we're emphasizing why now is the perfect time to make an appointment to stay healthy, reduce risks and avoid unforeseen health issues. This campaign drives new patients to our PCPs, with downstream impact on our specialists – giving you the opportunity to help more people live well.

PRIDE in our patient care

Through our commitment to inclusive health care, every Advocate Aurora Health hospital has undergone the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) accreditation process provided by the Human Rights Campaign. This national benchmarking tool evaluates health care facilities’ policies and practices related to equity and inclusion for LGBTQ patients. Last year, all 26 of Advocate Aurora’s hospitals were accredited as health care equality leaders with a perfect HEI score of 100.

Supporting our LGBTQ patients

As a Healthcare Equality Index (HEI)-accredited health system, Advocate Aurora's LGBTQ-Inclusive policies and practices protect our patients against discrimination while ensuring they receive consistent, equitable patient care to meet their health needs. In addition to caring for our LGBTQ patient communities, we’re committed to providing equitable care and support for our LGBTQ physicians, nurses and team members. These new guidelines for transitioning team members offer information and guidance during this important and critical journey. Through these actions and our Code of Conduct, we strive to continue to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere of inclusion and compassion for all patients. Learn more about our HEI accreditation in the DE&I Impact Report.

Tips from your colleague

Over the years, Catherine Creticos, MD has worked closely with the LGBTQ community while also caring and advocating for HIV patients - including researching new treatments and vaccines to support the U.S. goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Read more for Dr. Creticos' tips for treating these two overlapping communities.

Elevating Our Expertise

Mary Beth Kingston among 50 most influential clinical executives. Modern Healthcare has chosen Advocate Aurora Health's Chief Nursing Officer, Mary Beth Kingston, to be listed among the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. Kingston was recognized by her peers and an expert panel as the most influential in demonstrating leadership and impact. At Advocate Aurora, Kingston is responsible for patient experience and system nursing leadership related to practice, standards, education, research and workforce in all care settings.

Some suburban hospitals report having no COVID-19 patients. Justin Macariola-Coad, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Advocate Sherman Hospital, discusses the milestone and highlights the importance of vaccinations. Read article.

Avoid the ICU, get a COVID-19 shot. Robert Citronberg, MD, Executive Medical Director of infectious Disease and Prevention, comments about the importance of educating those who have yet to get vaccinated about how it can reduce their risks. Read article.

Continuing Medical Education & Events

14th annual highlights of ASCO: A review of the latest updates in cancer

July 17 | 7:30 a.m. - noon

Learn the latest in cancer treatment as various Advocate Aurora Health and guest speakers review practice-changing clinical updates and findings highlighted at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. Highlights include advances in clinical and translational research, identifying emerging trends and strategies designed to improve the quality of symptom management and survivorship care, and evaluating tools and resources in specific areas of cancer management that can be used to achieve effective cancer care delivery and improve the patient experience.