Title
Medical Director’s Report - Dr. Zun
Body
Physical Health
Provider Collaboration
• Four physicians were interviewed for two open provider positions. Those positions are located at Midlakes Health Center and North Chicago Health Center.
• The four new APRNs are now being integrated into LCHD primary care clinics, after their initial role in our COVID-19 response.
Clinic Operations
• The clinics resumed their pre-COVID-19 hours of operation for nights and weekends.
• Patients were surveyed on if they want earlier, later, and/or Sunday appointments, and the majority opted for continuation of the operating hours as they currently are.
• Following the CDC guidelines for proper social distancing, provider schedules are being staggered between in-person and telehealth appointments to limit the number of patients entering the clinics.
• The vaccination clinic at Zion will be providing services at the School-Based Health Center on Fridays to serve the western region of Lake County.
External Relations
• A limited number of medical students returned to primary care and physician assistant students to Women’s Health in the OB rotations.
• Medical students are being integrated into the telehealth care process.
• The Round Lake School District has asked for additional resources for school physicals and immunizations for their back-to-school plans. We are waiting for them to provide us with estimated numbers as a result of the email they sent to parents.
• There are plans to modify medical care for the homeless (PADS) to accommodate patients in their current housing situation.
Regulatory
• Preparation is ongoing for The Joint Commission visit. The focus this month was waived testing.
• The mock tracer process has begun in the clinics to review their readiness for The Joint Commission visit.
Psychiatry - MAT
Provider Collaboration
• No new psychiatric or addictions providers have been hired since last report.
Clinic Operations
• No-show rates have been reduced by approximately 50% since telehealth started.
External Relations
• Dr. Joshua Nathan, Behavioral Health Medical Director, was a panel member for a Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force Zoom and Facebook Live event on July 30, 2020.
• Dr. Nathan will present in October at the Illinois Association for Problem-Solving Courts on the topic of Psychiatric Workforce Shortage.
Regulatory
• Preparation for The Joint Commission visit is ongoing.
Dental Health
Provider Collaboration
• Dental staff have been reengaged into the department as we are now providing dental examinations with a dental cleaning in addition to emergency care.
Clinic Operations
• On July 13, 2020, we expanded dental services provided to patients to include new patient and recall examinations.
• During our first week of operation we conducted approximately 170 patient visits. We are looking to expand capacity consistent with demand in August.
• Steps are being taken to ensure patient safety.
1. All patients contacted prior to their visit are being screened.
2. Temperature of all dental patients is taken and documented in the clinical record.
3. Chairside screening is done, as well.
4. We call the patient after the visit to ask if they have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms.
5. A four-handed dental technique is used when performing procedures generating aerosol.
6. We plan to procure mitigation systems for aerosol reduction as well as HEPA systems for our treatment rooms. The equipment is funded by a grant from Delta Dental Foundation.
7. A workflow for the care of patients from long-term care facilities (LTCF) is being developed. Those patients will have their dental services provided at our Northshore location.
Regulatory
• The dental team members underwent an educational session conducted by the Infection Preventionist regarding the latest infection control guidance in caring for patients in the era of COVID 19.
• Guidance on PPE and N-95 mask utilization was part of the required training for staff prior to their engaging in the newer services which began on July 13, 2020.
• We continue to prepare for the upcoming The Joint Commission visit.
Suggested Motion
None, for information only.