1. Communication to Referring Providers and PCPs will soon be Automated
   • UTHP IT Team is working with individual departments to tailor an automated process so specialist clinic notes are sent directly to referents and PCPs. No longer will providers need to send the notes – that will automatically occur by default (unless manually turned off by provider). And yes, we are also working to ensure the referring provider and PCP fields are accurately completed and the provider library is regularly updated.

2. Patients can soon view their Clinic Notes through MyChart

2. • Patients currently have access to their notes but must follow a burdensome paper request process through HIM. Starting October 1 patients will be able to view their notes upon closure of the encounter. This is called “Open Notes” and has become the industry standard. A tip sheet will be provided to help you replace terms like “noncompliant” and “poor historian” with phrases more acceptable to the patient.

3. Orders and Consults directed to internal UTHP services will not be printed - starting October 1.
   • Orders for outside services will continue to be printed and the provider can always manually print an order if desired. Of course, all orders and consults will be listed on the printed AVS as they are today.

Learning and implementing best practices in operations can prevent mistakes, maintain a consistent flow of business to better meet patient demands and keep our clinical practice effective and productive. Below are a few updates of interest to our employees.

Labor Day closure

All UT Health San Antonio practices will be closed in recognition of Labor Day on Monday, Sep. 2. Phone operators at 210-450-9000 will be available during the holiday closure.

Plan to attend the Employee of the Year and Practice of the Year Award Ceremony 

Mark your calendar for noon Wednesday, Sep. 25. Join us on the first floor of the Medical Arts & Research Center as we announce the 2019 Employee of the Year and Practice of the Year winners. We will also be awarding the 4th quarter WOW awards. Enjoy cake and punch and celebrate the exceptional work we do every day at UT Health!

New hire orientation

The next UT Health Way Training and Certification class for new employees will be on Friday, Sep. 20. Contact Theresa Lomperski for more information.

CT Surgery adds a new location at the Mays Cancer Center

The cardiothoracic surgery practice has opened a second location on the fourth floor of the Grossman Building at the Mays Cancer Center. The new location will primarily see thoracic surgery cases. The location at the Medical Arts & Research Center will continue seeing primarily cardiac surgery cases. The scheduling number remains the same for both locations, 210-450-0999.

Your practice operations team is here to support all of you in your effort to provide exceptional care to UT Health San Antonio patients. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your practice operations leaders: Casey Peterson, senior director of practice operations; Jeanette Hernandez, director of practice operations; Johnna Nerios, director of practice operations; and Dina Wright, director of practice operations. 

It's Haiku-palooza!

All week long, faculty and providers can come to MARC conference rooms B or C for free lunch and help registering the Haiku app on your phones. Epic trainers will be there each day to help. All faculty and APPs are encouraged to download the Haiku app. Haiku provides mobile access for uploading pictures to Epic and easier communication with your patients and peers. 

Dates: All week - Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Place: MARC conference rooms B and C

Prize! Download Haiku for your chance to win an Amazon gift certificate!

For off-site clinics, Epic trainers will come out to your location soon.

Alternatively, you can register Haiku yourself by clicking the iPhone or Android link below from your phone.

Haiku for Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.epic.haiku.android&hl=en_US

Haiku for iPhone:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epic-haiku-limerick/id348308661

The implementation of LifeImage at all UT Health Physicians locations is complete. LifeImage is an image management system that allows staff to seamlessly upload, view and share images across UT Health San Antonio. Epic and LifeImage are now integrated, allowing making image upload and view functionality easier than ever.

In Epic, there are two new buttons, “LifeImage Upload” and “LifeImage View”, located under the Appointment Desk, Chart Review (Image Tab) and Schedule Toolbars.

Start using LifeImage:

There are required steps before using the LifeImage system:

One-time LifeImage registration – This single instance registration is required in order to have the ease of single sign-on (SSO) access between Epic and LifeImage, resulting in fewer clicks.

Register in Epic by clicking the "LifeImage Upload" or "LifeImage View" buttons. A screen with a blue “log in” link will display. 

Once you are registered, LifeImage will automatically log you in next time you click one of those buttons.

Review training materials – Take a moment to review LifeImage training materials below and also listed within Epic’s Learning Home.  Training is minimal, self-directed and should take approximately five minutes.

Viewing an Image Quick Guide

Uploading an Image Quick Guide

Nominating Quick Guide

Please contact your practice manager for more information or help with using LifeImage. Report any issues to the UT Health IT Help Desk 210-450-4800.

We are recruiting people who are passionate about making lives better through exceptional health care. Meet the newest providers and staff joining UT Health San Antonio.

Dorian Adams, medical records; Betty Arneson, volunteer; Indy Arredondo, radiation oncology; Mary Balderas, access center; Lydia Barrientes, radiology; Roger Cantu, access center; Jessica Collins, surgery; Olga Diaz, nephrology; Angelica Dominguez, cardiology; Sharon Flores, pathology; Susanne Frerdicksen, Ob/Gyn; Nia Garrick, access center; Linda Gomez, gastroenterology; Desiree Gonzalez, radiation oncology; Gretchen Keith, medical records; Christina Mendez, primary care; Ashley Mireles, coding support; Alicia Ramirez, neurology;Adriana Rios, orthopaedics; Denise Robles, primary care; Samantha Rodriguez, ophthalmology; Vanessa Rodriguez, otolaryngology; Jonathan Seaux, orthopaedics;; Julissa Storr, insurance follow up; Nathalie Suarez, primary care; Janie Turner, radiology; Valyssa Vega, dermatology; Sheila Wong, Ob/Gyn

Know someone who is passionate about making lives better? Let them know we are hiring at UTHealthSA.org.

Our ERT works hard to help make lives better by springing into action. This past month they were celebrated with an appreciation breakfast at the MARC. Special thanks to Myra Medina and her team for setting up this event in support of our coworkers.

Primary Care: Andrea Vernon, April Bernal, Charles Acosta, Diane Mireles, Rachel Rocha. Pulmonology: Alex Rodriguez, Gina Herevia. Medical Specialty: Myra Martinez. Neurology: Judy Rosales, Tracy Summers.