Please note: This is an internal Advocate Aurora Health newsletter and safe to open.
May 27, 2021
In this issue

  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Epic Connect
  • EpicCare Link
  • Malpractice Insurance Program
COVID-19 Updates
Click the "read full details" button below to read more on these timely updates.

  • Updated co-administration guidance: Following Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) guidance, all three COVID-19 vaccines can now be administered at the same time as other vaccines. Previous CDC guidance to administer the COVID-19 vaccine alone was provided out of an abundance of caution, not based on any safety concerns from co-administration.
 
  • COVID-19 testing changes effective June 1: As COVID numbers continue to decrease among our workforce and communities and as vaccine availability increases, a few current policies and procedures have been modified effective June 1.

  • Expanded visitor policy: An Expanded Visitor Policy for Advocate Aurora hospitals and emergency departments goes into effect June 1 to best accommodate the needs of our patients and their families, while also ensuring your safety.

  • Updated travel and meeting guidance: As more team members and clinicians are vaccinated and in line with our Safe Care Promise, meeting and travel guidance has been updated, including CME-related travel, to reflect the current environment.

  • Vendor access guidelines update: Advocate Aurora has updated Vendor Access Guidelines, which went into effect May 26, addressing screening expectations for our medical and non-medical vendors coming onto Advocate Aurora sites in line with our Safe Care Promise.
Message from the President & CEO
Watch Jim Skogsbergh's video for a look at our report card, news on team member engagement survey results* and highlights of available well-being resources and more.

*Note: Results are for the team member engagement survey in April 2021. Physicians and APCs take a separate survey later this year.
Epic Transformation
Epic Connect program
Overview: In April, we announced the relaunch of the APP Epic Connect program. In the coming weeks, we will provide additional information to eligible practices on the full program implementation timeline. You can learn more about the program on APP Pro. As a reminder, benefits of Epic Connect include:

  • One patient. One record: enhances safety and high reliability
  • Enhanced access from any device, from anywhere
  • Built for patients and clinicians: seamless user experiences
  • Seamless referrals
  • 360 degree patient view
  • Clinical decision support and alerts
  • Robust care gap and clinical risk adjustment features
First Practices: By early next week, all six of our first APP aligned practices will begin pre-implementation. What does this entail?

  • NDA signed
  • Epic Connect contract signed
  • Welcome meeting conducted
  • 3rd party contracting completed
  • First part of data conversion completed 
  • Billing option chosen

Virtual meetings have started with the following practices, pictured left to right: Savio G Manatt SC (South Suburban PHO) and Sandeep Chandra, MD SC (Christ PHO).
EpicCare Link updates
We appreciate your continued patience as we navigate system issues and resolutions. Click the "read full update" button for the latest on the following topics: 

  • Claims turnaround time 
  • Claims denials 
  • Claims rejections 
Clinical decision support for advanced diagnostic imaging

On June 16, a Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tool will be launched in Epic hyperspace at Advocate hospitals to support the ordering of advanced diagnostic imaging services, to help keep patients safe while also reducing backend work for ordering clinicians with only a few extra clicks. View tip sheet. More details to come on using this tool through EpicCare Link in your office. Learn more.
Advocate Aurora Epic upgrade on track
View this document to prepare for a smooth upgrade on June 16. This does not impact EpicCare Link.

Supporting Your Practice
  • Malpractice insurance discount: The APP Risk Purchasing Group (RPG) administered by Medical Risk Services provides an opportunity for physicians to obtain professional liability insurance premium discounts through ISMIE. Learn more.

  • Clinical Integration program: Review latest update.

  • Advanced Care at Home program: Learn how this program helps your practice manage the most challenging patients in their homes.


  • Your feedback in action: We continuously use your feedback to help make Advocate Aurora and APP the best place for you to practice. Check out the latest update.

  • Chicago Children's Health Alliance news: View the latest edition, including updates on pediatric outpatient center expanded services, research collaboration and more.
Elevating Our Expertise
  • Leadership announcement: Allison Wyler has been appointed president of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital.

  • Time is brain when it comes to stroke? So is team. Demetrius Lopes, MD, co-director of the stroke program; and Kiffon Keigher, program manager, cerebrovascular stroke system, penned a column explaining the symptoms and the importance of prompt treatment. Read more

  • New guidelines for colon cancer screenings. Andrew Albert, MD, medical director of digestive health at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, discusses why recent guidelines recommend getting colonoscopies starting at the age of 45. Watch.
Continuing Medical Education & Events
LGBTQ and older adults: Health, community and unique challenges 

June 16 | Noon–1 p.m.
 
Speaker:
Jennifer Carnahan, MD
Research Scientist, Indiana University Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute
Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine
 
Part of the ongoing timely topics on the care of older and aging adults, learn and understand how bias affect the health and care of LGBTQ older adults, along with the unique needs of this population as they age. Learn to recognize the epidemiological trends in the health of LGBTQ older adults for your practice.
APP Pro
COVID-19 Info Center
CME Website: Webinars & Recordings
Contracting