Please take a moment to learn about three important fraud efforts that are affecting individuals and healthcare organizations.
Ransomware
-
The FBI and other agencies have issued a warning of an imminent threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers.
-
A major ransomware assault is underway; a typical attack encrypts data such as patient records and billing information and requires payment of an exorbitant sum of money to unscramble data. At least 5 hospitals have been hit this week.
-
PLEASE BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS about opening, clicking on links, or trusting email from outside our organization. Contact IT if you have doubts. Read more.
Unemployment claim fraud
-
Kansas is seeing increased reports of fraudulent claims being filed using names and personal information of people who have not lost their jobs. The victim is usually unaware until they receive a determination notice from the Kansas Department of Labor or until their employer receives a notice to verify an employee's status.
-
If CHCS receives a claim, HR will contact the employee to see if they submitted it. If not, HR will ask for a typed statement and will reply to the claim that the employee still works for CHCS and will upload the statement. CHCS then reports it to the fraud department, and the employee is given instructions on what to do to ensure their personal information is protected.
Small Business Administration loan fraud
- A CHCS associate recently had an SBA loan taken out in her name, and the fraudster had all of her information (SSN, date of birth, address).
-
Fraud can be reported online to SBA's Office of Inspector General, or individuals can call 1-800-767-0385 or email OIGHotline@sba.gov.
-
Read a news story about a similar occurrence and what steps to take if this happens to you.
|
|
Illustration credit: HYACINTH EMPINADO/STAT |
|
We're in the middle of a dumpster fire, and we have a choice to make.
If you watch the news, the message in inescapable: Our nation is in the middle of a huge COVID-19 surge. Earlier this week, the country saw a record 77,000 new cases and hospitals are on the brink of capacity in multiple states, yet many people remain complacent. On the Today Show yesterday, Admiral Brett Giroir, a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, spoke about the situation we’re facing and described it as tenuous, which I thought was the perfect word. He said we could still control the virus by adopting smart policies such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, washing our hands, and being careful about the holidays. He concluded by saying, “cases will go up if we don’t make a change.”
As many of you know, our area, and indeed the whole of Kansas, is experiencing a significant surge. One month ago, Pottawatomie County was sitting at 265 total cases. Now we have 392 – a 48% increase. Nemaha County is much worse. A month ago, they were at 113. Today they are at 334, a 195% increase! KDHE and CDC have labeled the county as red! Stormont Vail in Topeka is reporting record numbers of COVID hospitalizations, and their med/surg bed capacity is at 97%. Yesterday, Via Christi in Wichita reported that it was “at capacity,” and Wesley Medical was nearing capacity. In western Kansas, where social distancing is somewhat natural, they saw 177 cases in one week in mid-September. Last week, they witnessed 601! Many of you are aware of the situation at Gove County Medical Center from a previous edition of the E-Connection. The point is, this is no longer a KC metro/Topeka/food processing plant issue. It now involves all of us.
But let’s cut to the chase. Are kids are still in school? How many football teams are still in the championship hunt? These are jeopardized by further growth in COVID-19 cases. Do we want our family members in Eastridge, Redbud, and the Manor to see their loved ones at Thanksgiving? That won't be happening if we are in the red, because KDADS doesn't allow it.
I’ll say it: How difficult is it to wear a mask?! If it means our kids stay in school and football continues and I can see my family at Thanksgiving, I’m wearing a mask!
We have a choice to make.
– Todd Willert, CEO
|
|
Celebrate Halloween safely!
Please encourage your friends, family, and community to celebrate Halloween safely!
-
Wear a mask or cloth face covering while trick-or-treating or attending events.
-
Maintain physical distancing while trick-or-treating or attending events. Stay away from crowds, especially indoors.
-
Carry hand sanitizer and clean hands often while out and about. If you're at home handing out treats, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and regularly clean and sanitize frequently touched items.
- Accept and/or distribute only commercially produced, non-perishable items.
-
Avoid communal bowls. Have one person dispense treats with a ladle or large spoon or with frequently sanitized hands. Do not allow trick-or-treaters to reach into bowls.
Reminder: Onaga associates are providing a Trick or Treat Trail outside Redbud from 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 30. Thanks to all who have signed up decorate tables and those who have donated candy. If you have trick-or-treaters in your family, bring them and have a great time!
Not in Onaga? Most other locations are participating in trick-or-treat events with COVID-19 precautions. Be sure to send photos of your Halloween hijinks!
P.S. Can I dress up for Halloween at work?
Associates are allowed to wear costumes provided they have the approval of their manager or director and the costumes are not violent or offensive. Costumes must adhere to the dress code and should not include fake blood or weapons or incite controversy. Questions? Contact Cindy Flentie at cindyflentie@chcsks.org or extension 5026.
|
|
Governor orders flags to be flown at half-staff
Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags in Kansas to be flown at half-staff to honor Kansans who have died as a Result of COVID-19.
Kansas surpassed 1,000 deaths due to COVID-19. In honor of the lives lost and the families they left behind, Governor Kelly yesterday ordered flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state until sundown on Friday, October 30.
|
|
You've registered, you've suffered through the mailings, calls, and ads, and you've made decisions. Now it's time to make plans to vote!
All counties offer in-person advance voting; contact your County Clerk for details. You can also vote on election day. You can view a sample ballot by visiting the Kansas Secretary of State Voter View website and entering your name and date of birth. You can also find your polling place by entering your address.
If you requested a mail-in ballot, it must be postmarked on or before election day and must be received by November 6. You can also take your ballot to your County Clerk's office to turn it in if you aren't able to mail it on time.
Work should not be a barrier to voting! If you have scheduling problems and need time to vote, talk to your manager.
|
|
HealthStream due December 15 |
|
Associates hired before January 1, 2020 are required to complete training assignments in HealthStream by December 15.
All courses have been assigned. Access your training courses by visiting the For Associates page of the CHCS website, then scroll down to the HealthStream box and click "Complete training."
Any associate who has not completed assignments by December 15 will not be allowed to work until all assignments are completed.
|
|
CHCS recognized for newborn screening |
|
Required screenings include those for critical congenital heart defects, hearing loss, and metabolic and genetic conditions.
“When a baby is born, a lot of things have to happen in a short period of time to ensure that the baby is healthy and gets whatever it needs to thrive,” said Mindy Olberding, CHCS chief nursing officer.
CHCS was recognized for:
- Successfully submitting complete demographics for all newborns;
- Screening 100% of newborns for critical congenital heart defects;
- Collecting metabolic screening samples before babies reach 30 hours of age; and
- Exceeding lab sample transit time goals.
|
|
In the Midwest, "Watch for deer" means "I love you!" (It's even in the Urban Dictionary!)
But seriously, deer are active this time of year, and the likelihood of accidents rises. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, more than 11,000 crashes involving deer occurred in 2019, 556 people were injured, and 8 were killed.
Take a few moments to review some tips for avoiding crashes with deer.
- Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk when deer are most active;
- If you see one deer, watch for others, because they are seldom alone;
- Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or water sources;
- Don't swerve to avoid hitting a deer;
- Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the road ahead to watch for deer;
- Always wear a seat belt and use appropriately fitted child safety seats; and
- Honk your horn with one long blast to frighten animals away; do not rely on deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.
|
|
|
Just for fun
We love photos from around the system! Here are two submitted earlier this week. Send photos of special activities or everyday fun anytime to sarahhancock@chcsks.org or news@chcsks.org. Don't forget to identify the individuals and describe what they are doing!
|
|
|
Who is that masked man?! Donny Leger, St. Marys EVS, models a fun outfit. |
|
|
Welcome
We are happy to have the following associates joining us. Welcome to CHCS!
-
Taj Bailey, dietary aide, Onaga
-
Cienna Rezac, nurse aide, St. Marys Manor
|
|
|
Christmas tree needs a home!
Onaga Hospital has a 12-foot pre-lit Christmas tree with lights that don't work. We are replacing the tree this year. Other than the problem with the lights, the tree is in excellent shape.
Do you know of a nonprofit organization or school that would like to have the tree? Please contact Lorraine Meyer at lorrainemeyer@chcsks.org or extension 5014.
|
|
|
Coffee Shop special
November 2-6
Campfire mocha
- Toasted marshmallow, dark chocolate, and white chocolate
- 16 oz., $4
|
|
|
Note: St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
|
|
Final funnies (we couldn't choose just one this week!) |
|
Did you miss your Connection?
Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.
|
|
|
Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
