September 15-October 15, 2024


September 9, 2024

August 21, 2024

August 7, 2024

Call today to schedule your child’s sports physical!

June 5, 2024

The first article in a series to better know our providers at UMC!

UMC has been busy brainstorming how to be more present in the community and be more in touch with our patients. To do this, we thought doing more personalized interviews with our providers would be a good place to start. A lot of people forget that they don’t live at UMC, so what do they do when they aren’t here?  

Please follow along for the next few months to get acquainted with your provider! We started with our provider who has been with UMC the longest, and possibly our most beloved provider, Robin Richards.  

Q: With UMC being so small and rural, what attracted you to the area and made you want to provide here? How did you hear about UMC?  
A: I am actually from here, we moved here when I was a year and a half old. I went to school in Telluride. I moved away and couldn’t wait to move back to the area. 

Q: What is your approach to health care in such a small community?  
A: I feel like the patient’s health is in their hands and we are here to guide them with what to do with their health. My biggest goal is to provide what their options are and to educate them. 

Q: What are some challenges you have seen with being in such a rural community?  
A: Access to care, especially specialty care. We live 1.5-3 hours away from specialists and coordination of transportation, timing, etc. is an issue for all. We do the best that we can to work with specialists from afar.  
Follow up: Has telehealth helped?  
A: It really feels like it has, especially with those who can’t come into the clinic. It feels like the specialists are finally starting to understand the restrictions we and our patients face and have been more accommodating. 

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your patient base at UMC? 
A: Education and good health and well-being. Knowing how to take care of ourselves is the biggest thing. Continue to offer the best care we can. I am a big proponent of nutrition. I try to empower my patients with nutrition and lifestyle changes that will help them.  

Q: On a more personal note, what are some of your hobbies?  
A: I love running, hiking, biking, camping, skiing, really anything outdoors. My children, dog and husband are a big part of my life. I like to play the guitar and I like cooking and baking.  

Q: Do you have a favorite book, movie or tv show?  
A: Any documentary, particularly anything to do with health and longevity. Breakfast at Tiffany’s has been a favorite movie forever. Most recently the best novel I have read would be Where the Crawdads Sing. 

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?  
A: What free time (with laughter)? I like to go for a good run or learn a new song on the guitar. 

Q: In your career, what is something that you have accomplished that you are proud of?  
A: Being able to work in the community that raised me. I feel like I am giving back. 

Q: How far out is your schedule right now? Are you available for same days?  
A: I am available for some same days. Right now, my schedule is roughly two weeks out.  

 

 

April 16, 2024


 

February 12, 2024

UMC is aware that there are issues with phone calls connecting to our system. If this occurs, please email Ann at aoneal@umclinic.org with your carrier and phone number so she can submit a ticket with our phone team. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this is causing and we hope to get to the bottom of this soon. Thank you for your patience while we work through these issues. 

 

October 4, 2023

 

October 4, 2023

 

October 2, 2023

 

October 2, 2023

 

October 2, 2023

 

August 31, 2023

 

August 28, 2023

 

 

August 9, 2023

UMC has three focus groups that we would like your participation in for our needs assessment. Please see the flyers below and contact either Natalie or Gabby! We look forward to collaborating with you!

 

August 9, 2023

Hello everyone!! We are going to try to start doing a monthly blog with helpful information for our patients. So please keep a lookout for new information!

What is HIPAA? How is it different from UMC’s Notice of Privacy Practices? What does HIPAA mean for you as a patient? When filling out medical paperwork, do you know exactly what access you are giving to the contacts you choose?

Medical terms and acronyms are hard to understand when working in the medical field, much less as a patient. Let’s break it down to make it more understandable to you as a patient.

When you become a patient of UMC, you are given a Notice of Privacy Practices to review and to sign an acknowledgement that you have received them. While they are easy to understand how we will disclose your information and for what purpose, HIPAA is a little more in depth. Let us help you to better understand your privacy, security and HIPAA rights and provide you with more information when filling out medical paperwork.

What is HIPAA? HIPAA, the acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was passed by Congress in 1996. What this is, is a federal law that protects the privacy rights of individuals in the United States. It establishes a set of standards that protect against the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive and individually identifiable Protected Health Information (PHI). Aside from protecting privacy rights, the act has also helped to modernize the flow of PHI in the U.S. and has reduced national healthcare fraud and abuse.

HIPAA regulations do NOT apply to workplace health records held by an employer that relate to employee benefits such as life insurance, disability, workers compensation, or long-term care insurance.

So with all of this information, what exactly is protected? HIPAA provides federal protection for the following information:

  • Diagnosis and treatment information included in medical records by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals
  • Medical test results and other patient information
  • Records held by health insurance providers
  • Billing information relating to medical treatment
  • Prescriptions information
  • Any other individually identifiable health information

What are the identifiers for Protected Health Information (PHI)?

  1. Full names or last name with initial
  2. All geographical identifiers smaller than a state
  3. Dates (other than year) directly related to an individual such as birthday or treatment dates
  4. Phone numbers including area code
  5. Fax number/s
  6. Email address/es
  7. Social Security number
  8. Medical record numbers
  9. Health insurance beneficiary numbers
  10. Bank account numbers
  11. Certificates/drivers license numbers
  12. Vehicle identifiers (including VIN and license plate information)
  13. Device identifiers and serial numbers
  14. Web Uniform Resource Locators (URL’s)
  15. Internet Protocol (IP) address numbers
  16. Biometric identifiers including fingerprints, retinal, genetic information and voice prints
  17. Full face photographs and any comparable images that can identify an individual
  18. Any other unique identifying number, characteristic, or code except the unique code assigned by the investigator to code the data

The rule of thumb is that if any of the information is personally recognizable to the patient or if it was utilized or discovered during the course of a healthcare service, it is considered to be PHI. We protect this information and do not disclose it without your authorization or unless we are legally required to or for purposes of billing and to continue your treatment with another provider. Individuals have the right to view all data held by a covered entity and to receive notice when your personal information is used and shared.

Aside from the HIPAA privacy rule, covered entities are also governed by the Privacy Rule which establishes minimum federal standards for protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information. They set the standards for protecting PHI, and the Security Rule which specifies safeguards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic Protected Health Information (PHI).

Any breach of personal health data must be notified to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

What does all of this mean to you as a patient and why are we explaining this? When you fill out any medical paperwork, there is always a form asking you who you would like as a contact and what kind of contact you want them to be, for example emergency contact only. When you select emergency contact only, that person is exactly that, only there in the case of a medical emergency so someone knows where you are. But what if you select a person to have access to everything? What does is mean for them to be HIPAA compliant within your medical chart? Making someone HIPAA compliant means that they are able to have full access to your medical chart and they can make the request for all of this information because you have given them permission. Please make sure you are selecting this option for someone you really intend to have access to all of this information. If you have questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask someone on the medical staff to help you better understand so you and your private health information is kept safe.

July 25, 2023

Join us for our Annual Community BBQ!!

 

July 24, 2023

UMC would like to introduce you to Dr. Andrew Baker!

 

July 24, 2023

 

July 10, 2023

“Did you know that July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Awareness month? An estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. — that’s 1 in 250 kids — are affected by some form of JA. This disease takes a unique physical and emotional toll on kids, often resulting in debilitating pain and feelings of loneliness or depression. JA can make it especially challenging for kids to say Yes — Yes to playing, Yes to hanging out with friends, Yes to spending time with family, Yes to being a kid!” #StrongerThanJA #ValueCHCs #UMC #norwoodcolorado #CoCHCs

July 4, 2023

UMC will be closed for Independence Day on Tuesday July 4th, 2023. Have a safe weekend!

May 23, 2023

UMC will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday May 29, 2023. Please plan accordingly if you need your medications. Have a safe weekend!

February 22, 2023

Due to the inclement weather, the pharmacy is going to be closing at 2:30 p.m. so our staff can safely get home before dark. 

Please continue to check our page for any closure updates. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe!

February 13, 2023

Teen Dating Violence Awareness

Did you know that teen dating violence affects nearly 10% of all teenagers throughout the U.S.? February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we wanted to put this on your radar if you are a teen yourself or if you have teenagers. 

Teen dating violence is affecting approximately 10% of all teenagers between the ages of 12 to 18. That is an average of 4105 teens who fall victim DAILY to dating violence.

This violence includes stalking, harassment, physical, mental or sexual abuse. According to the CDC, teen dating violence has both serious short-term and long-term consequences. While healthy relationships can have a positive effect on your teen’s emotional development and future relationships, abusive relationships can have the opposite effect. Victims of dating violence are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, antisocial behaviors, depression, anxiety, as well as engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and/or drug use. 

Unfortunately, many of these violence cases go unreported because victims are afraid to talk to their family or friends. If you or someone you know are experiencing dating abuse, please get help immediately. 

Information was gathered from Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention | Info on Teen Dating Violence (teendvmonth.org) and more information can be found by clicking the link. They also include a list of resources that will help you should you need them. 

February 6, 2023

When was the last time your child was seen by a dentist? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Did you know that children should see the dentist starting as soon as they get their first tooth? Schedule your child with our excellent dental team today! Call 970-327-0527 to schedule with us today!

#UMC #norwoodcolorado #CoCHCs #americandentalassociation

February 2, 2023

February is America Heart Month! How healthy is your hear? There are always things we can do to improve heart health. Make an appointment with us and we can give you tips! Call 970-327-4233 to schedule with us today!

#norwoodcolorado #americanheartassociation #AmericanHeartMonth #CoCHCs #UMC

January 30, 2023

UMC wants to partner with you to make customized plans for your cancer screening.
We have implemented the CARE Program to connect you with resources to better understand your cancer risks, options to address those risks, and determine whether you qualify for the hereditary cancer testing. With this end-to-end program, you’ll have information and support at every step, including the option to speak to a genetic counselor about your test results. 

Contact us at: 970-327-4233 or www.umclinic.org to schedule your screening today.

www.ambrygen.com/care

#UMC #CARE #AmbryGenetics #YourCAREJourney

January 23, 2023

Attention Patients: 
Rocky Mountain Health Plan (RMHP) has merged with United Healthcare (UHC) and this has been causing some administrative issues. Please note that we are currently accepting both RMHP and UHC insurances. If you receive any mail from either insurance after your visit with UMC, please bring it in so that we can address it directly. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please reach out to Ann ONeal at 970-327-4233. Thank you!

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