TRUMAN TIMES
A Patient Centered Medical Home
Volume 25 November/December 2016
What’s Inside 1. Dear Patient 2. Pharmacy News Clinic Information 3. Have You Heard? 4. PrEP 5. At Your Appointment Alcohol and the GLBTQ Community 6. 29 New Year’s Resolution Ideas Did You Know?
7. How to Stay Healthy During the Holidays 8. PAC News Press Ganey Survey 9. TG Topics 10. PrEP 11. 8 Winter Tips for Healthy Living 12. Truman Times Classifieds 13. Diet Consciousness
14. Ryan White Program UNM Truman Safety Net Program
Just
A Note
Welcome to 2017!
Every new year most of us take the opportunity to make a new and fresh start. We make new year resolutions, begin to adjust our habits, and look at our communities with fresh eyes. But, how often do we stick with these changes? This year why not make an effort to obtain some new habits. With the uncertainty of the upcoming year and the changes in store for our community, we should look within ourselves to make these changes. Try making resolutions that are easy to obtain and motivate you. Take time to learn more about who you are and what you can accomplish. Reclaim your ability to make a difference and motivate others to do the same. This new year UNM Truman Health Services is working to change the patient experience by improving our communication and building stronger relationships within our clinic community. As a patient-centered medical home, UNM Truman Health Services focuses on you.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Offices Closed) January 16, 2017
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day February 7, 2017
Upcoming Events
2017 HIV Walk New Mexico April 23, 2017
Mindfulness and TRANScendence
Every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm in B-6 All Transgender clients are welcome to join. We are focusing on mindfulness and to practice m indfulness meditations 1
Pharmacy News
Secrets Every Pharmacists Knows (and You Should Too) 1. Mornings are the best time to have your prescriptions filled. Also call before you go, to confirm your prescription is ready for pick up. 2. If it takes longer than 15 minutes, please be patient. Getting the wrong prescription can have consequences, which is why it pays to be patient. 3. Doctors’ handwriting really is that bad. So bad in fact, that it can lead to mistakes-which is why pharmacists need to be extra careful when filling prescriptions.
UNM Truman Health Services Retail Pharmacy Hours are: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Closed weekends and holidays
4. You can’t-and-shouldn’t-always go generic. Keep in mind that not every drug has a generic version and even if one exists, a pharmacist may not recommend it. 5. Don’t wait until you are out of medication to order refills. Sometimes it takes a few days for your pharmacist to get a hold of your doctor. Good rule of thumb, let your pharmacist know when you have five or six pills left. 6. Build a relationship with your pharmacist. You wouldn’t switch doctors each month-the same approach should be applied to your pharmacist. In addition to getting more personalized attention, it is also more practical to stick with one place.
UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy does not carry, sell or dispense narcotics
7. Know the meaning of “as directed”. This message notifies your pharmacist that your doctor has already explained to you how to use the medication. 8. Don’t buy medicine on-line. Just because some medication is a click away doesn’t mean you should give into convenience-even if they cost a little less. The biggest problem with this, people use the medication without knowing the
You are more than a prescription We are more than a pharmacy
Remember: Home delivery is available. Be sure to ask your pharmacist for more information.
For more information on the UNM THS pharmacy contact us at THSRX@unmmg.org, 925-0996, or (844)-Truman1
side effects.
Clinic Information
Expanded Hours and Same Day/Same Week Appointments UNM Truman Health Services now offers same day or same week appointments for patients needing an acute care appointment. We have also expanded our hours to meet your scheduling needs. For more information please contact us at 272-1312.
The Affordable Care Act and the GLBTQ+ Community Some people in the GLBTQ+ community are wondering what will happen to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since the recent presidential election. As of right now we are asking patients to remember that it will take a long time for the government to make any changes to the ACA. UNM Truman Health Services will continue to monitor the situation and we will provide information as we hear it.
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Have You Heard? Have you heard that UNM Truman Health Services Has Nutritional Counseling? Did you know UNM Truman Health Services has nutritional counseling? At a counseling session with your nutritionist your eating habits will be assessed. They will help with any food related issues that may be affecting your health and/or life in a negative way. During a nutrition session, your Nutritionist will work with you to personally find the best food choices and eating habits for you. For more information on our nutritional services email us at THSInfo@unmmg.org
Quit Smoking Classes
Quit Smoking Classes will begin
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
from 11 am to noon This is a 7 week course To register call the clinic at 272-1312 and leave a message for Adam, or talk to your THS Medical Case Manager.
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Truvada Medication Information
Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/prep_gl_patient_factsheet_truvada_english.pdf
Brand name: Truvada (tru va duh) Generic name: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine Why is this medication prescribed? • Truvada is one of several medications that are currently used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus infection. • Truvada is now being used to prevent HIV infection. • Truvada is sometimes prescribed to some people who do not have HIV infection (for example, those who do not always use condoms or who have a sex partner that has HIV infection) to help reduce their chances of getting HIV infection. • When you take Truvada to prevent HIV infection, doctors refer to this use as “pre-exposure prophylaxis” or “PrEP”. How does Truvada (PrEP) help prevent HIV infection? • HIV is a virus that attacks your body’s immune cells (the cells that work to fight infections). • The 2 medications that make up Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) block important pathways that viruses use to set up infection. • If you take Truvada as PrEP daily, the presence of the medication in your bloodstream can sometimes stop the virus from establishing itself and slow the spread of HIV in your body. • By itself, PrEP with Truvada does not work all the time so you should also use condoms during sex for the most protection from HIV infection. How should this medicine be used? • You must take one tablet of Truvada by mouth every day . • Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. • Do not stop taking Truvada without talking to your doctor. When your supply of Truvada starts to run low, contact your doctor or pharmacist to get more. • You may be at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV if you miss doses or stop taking Truvada than if you take it every day. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking Truvada (tenofovir and emtricitabine) you must do the following: • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tenofovir, emtricitabine, or any other medications. • Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription medications, (vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products) you are taking. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. • Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding
What special dietary instructions should I follow? • Continue your normal diet unless your doctor tells you otherwise. What should I do if I forget a dose? • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. • Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. What side effects can this medication cause? You may experience the following side effects while taking Truvada: • upset stomach • headache • vomiting • loss of appetite These side effects usually fade during the first month of taking Truvada for PrEP. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Truvada may cause other side effects. Some side effects can be serious. Call your doctor immediately if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication or if you have any of the following: • fever or chills especially with • sore throat, cough, rash or other signs of infection If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program on-line (at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088). How should I store Truvada in my home? • You should keep Truvada in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. • You must store it at room temperature and away from excessive heat and moisture. • Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication. What should I do in case of emergency/overdose? • In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the person has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. What other information should I know? • Do not let anyone else take your medication. • Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about refilling your prescription. • Write a list of all of your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as any vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements that you take. • Bring your medication list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. Keep it with you always in case of emergencies
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At Your Appointment You can make sure you get the best care possible by being an active member of your healthcare team. Being involved means being prepared and asking questions. Asking questions about your medical treatments and medications can improve the quality of your health care. Taking the following steps can help you make the most of your time with your provider. Use a notebook to keep track of appointments, results, questions for your provider (and answers), medications, etc. Keep a symptom tracker list. Let your provider know if there have been any issues with your medication or any other health concerns since your latest appointment. -This will help your appointment go faster and run more smoothly -Being prepared will also help elevate your mood because you can see your progress. If you are newly diagnosed, bring a list of questions about your diagnosis. Write your appointment date and time on the calendar so that you won’t miss it. -Keeping track of your appointments, keeps your progress on track. If you have a cell phone, use it to help you keep track of appointments and any notes from your latest appointment. Cell phone apps are also available to help you with medication adherence. Share any information on issues with your medication with your provider. While at your appointment, let your provider know how you are feeling. Be honest and don’t leave out any details. Your provider cannot give you the best care possible if you don’t share all of your health information, and don’t worry about being embarrassed, your provider has heard it all. Keep an open mind. Write everything down. This will help you keep track of your health progress and can alert your provider immediately if anything changes
HIV Guide For the Newly Diagnosed Adapted from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
How Can I Stay Healthy With HIV? • Take medication called ART (antiretrovial therapy) the right way, every day, regardless of how long you have had the virus. • Stay in medical care. Visit your healthcare provider regularly. • Find a local support group, talk to other who have HIV.
How Can I Get Help Paying for ART? • If you have health insurance, your insurer is required to cover some medications used to treat HIV. • If you don’t have health insurance or your can’t afford your co-pay or co-insurance amount, you may be able to get help through Medicare, Medicaid, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and community health centers. Visit www.cdc/gov.hivtreatmentworks
How Can I Protect Others? • Take ART everyday. This can keep you healthy and greatly reduce your chance of transmitting HIV. • Tell your sex or drug partners that you are living with HIV. • Use condoms the right way every time you have sex. • Choose less risky sex like oral sex. If you inject drugs, never share your needles or works. • Talk to your partners about taking daily medications to prevent HIV. • Get tested and treated for other sexually transmitted diseases. • Remind your friends and partners to get tested regularly.
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29 New Year’s Resolution IdeasMake This Your Best Year Ever By-Marlisa Faberga www.daretolivefully.com
What will you write for the next chapter in your life? It’s entirely up to you. Take the first step to make sure it is a great chapter by setting New Year’s resolutions. Here are 29 ideas to get you started: 1. Start a meditation or mindfulness practice 2. Learn something new every day 3. Pick up a hobby 4. Eat fewer calories 5. Play more 6. If you are wanting to start a business, write a business plan 7. Move more 8. Read more books 9. Be more grateful 10. Stop procrastinating 11. Set aside one-hour-a-day to achieve your dreams 12. Spend more time in nature 13. Start doing planks every day 14. Enjoy the little things 15. Become more confident 16. Be more conscientious 17. Increase your charisma 18. Increase you IQ. 19. Increase your emotional intelligence 20. Learn a new skill 21. Bring more peace into your life 22. Be kinder to yourself 23. Create a positive attitude 24. Tame your inner monkey mind 25. Strengthen your personal relationships 26. Keep a journal 27. Keep your documents in order 28. Travel 29. Volunteer
Did you know the because HIV causes a breakdown of your body’s immune system, all areas of the body, including the eyes, are susceptible to infection. Most people living with HIV who are healthy are not as likely to experience eye problems. However, an estimated 70% if patients with advanced Stage 3 (AIDS) experience eye disorders. Some of these disorders may include: 1. HIV retinopathy 2. CMV retinitis 3. Detached retina 4. Kaposi’s sarcoma 5. Squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctive But, there are ways to reduce your risk: 1. Get regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist who specializes in HIV treatment 2. Work with your primary care provider to ensure you stay healthy. Talk to your UNM Truman Health Services primary care physician to determine your risk factors and learn more about how you can reduce your risk. For more information on eye health or other Did You Know topics, contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.
A new year is like a blank notebook. You get to write anything you want in it. Fill the first page of your notebook with your New Year’s resolutions. Use the 29 ideas above for your inspiration. Live your best life by setting resolutions to make 2017 your best year ever. 6
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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day February 7, 2017 Facts from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
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D are National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 1999 by 5 national ness organizations (Concerned Black Men, Inc; Health Watch Information and Promotion Services, Inc; Jackson State University-Mississippi Urban Research; National Black Alcoholism and Addiction Council; National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS). The purpose of this event is to focus on four components: Education, testing, involvement, and treatment. This year’s theme is “I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Fight HIV/AIDS!”
Black/African American’s have the most sever burden of HIV of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. They account for higher proportions of new HIV diagnosis, those living with HIV, and those ever diagnosed with HIV. • In 2014, 44% (19,540) of estimated new HIV diagnosis in the United States were among African Americans who comprise 12% of the U.S. population. • Among all African Americans diagnosed with HIV in 2014, an estimated 73% (14,305) were men and 26% were women (5,128). • Among African Americans diagnosed with HIV in 2014, an estimated 57% (11,201) were men who have sex with men. Of those men 39% (4,321) were young men aged 13-24. • From 2005-2014, the number of new HIV diagnosis among African American men who have sex with men as increased by 22%. But, that number has stabilized in recent years, increasing less than 1% since 2010. • From 2005-2014, the number of new HIV diagnosis among young African American men who have sex with men (age 13-24) increased by 87%. The level has decreased by 2% since 2010. • In 2012, an estimated 496,500 African Americans were living with HIV, representing41% all African Americans living with the virus.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
SMALL-GROUP INTERVENTION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV FREE FOOD AND INCENTIVES Please Contact Art for Information on Upcoming Dates and Times 505-925-7500 or arsalazar@unmmg.org
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PAC
Patient Advisory Council
PAC NEWS Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA administers the Ryan White program) will be performing a site visit in 2017. HRSA will be spending time in our clinic including lunch with the Patient Advisory Council (PAC). We are working hard to prepare for this and will add this as a set topic in the future. HRSA may ask patients about the following: • 90% of our patients are virally suppressed. • 98% of our patients are on antiretrovial therapy (ART) • Our gap in medical visits is 16%- we are working on a quality improvement project to improve this. • Other quality improvement projects are : Diabetes condition management, care coordination, PHQ9, screening (behavioral healthdepression screening) and prior authorization approval rates.
What Press Ganey Survey and What You Need to Know UNM Truman Health Services measures all aspects of patient satisfaction. To ensure that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards, we partner with an independent patient satisfaction company, Press Ganey of South Bend, Indiana. For more than 25 years, Press Ganey has been the industry’s recognized leader in health care patient satisfaction. Press Ganey works with more than 10,000 health care organizations nationwide, including 50% of all U.S. hospitals, to improve clinical and business outcomes. Press Ganey was founded in 1985 by Dr. Irwin Press, PhD. and Dr. Rod Ganey, PhD. Who Receives the Survey? The electronic Medical Practice survey is emailed to UNM Truman Health Services patients within a few days of their appointment. Patients take a 20 question survey and provide comments regarding specific aspects of care. We use this feedback to improve all aspects of the clinic experience. Our goal is to provide each patient with an exceptional experience of care. Do you review all comments? We are committed to reviewing positive and negative feedback. However, we do not post comments.
Questions Do We Ask? - Sample of Survey
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TG
Ovarian Cancer and Trans Men
Ovarian cancer, although very rare, accounts for a disproportionate number of deaths because it is often not diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. For men, ovarian cancer posses an extra challenge, due not only to the risk factors and the decreased access to the trans community, but also due to the increased levels of discrimination faced by the trans community. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there are approximately 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer a year and that nearly 14,000 people died from the disease. If caught early the five year survival rate for ovarian cancer is 90%. Most people are unaware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer, this is especially true in Trans men who may feel particularly disconnected from their reproductive organs. Risk Factors • Regular medical care-because of concerns around revealing their gender identity trans people tend to feel less comfortable about health care. • Testosterone use-there is still not a lot known about the role of testosterone might play in the development of ovarian cancer in Trans men. • Family/genetic history-people with a family history of ovarian cancer are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer themselves. • Race/ethnicity-ovarian cancer rates are higher in caucasian than other racial groups. Age-the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Obesity or BMI (body mass index)-evidence suggests that obesity is associated with increased risk of cancer. Tobacco use-smoking reduces overall health. ‘Symtoms • Bloating • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Difficulty eating or feeling too full • Urinary symptoms (urgency, frequency) • Additional symptoms may include- fatigue, indigestion, back pain, or constipation.
Topics TGRCNM Support Groups
The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico is hosting a series of support groups for the Transgender community. Transfeminine support group: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month starting at 7 pm Transmasculine Support Group: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month starting at 7 pm The Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico is located at 149 Jackson Street NE. Albuquerque, NM 87108 For more information please call 505-200-9086
Transgender Health Resources and Helpful Apps
Looking for a safe place to use the restroom? Try the new app refugerestrooms.org. This app was created to help transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming individuals find near by restrooms that are safe.
The TransHealth app for iPhone and Android measures things like your weight or blood pressure by connecting to your blood pressure cuff.
Gendertalk.com is a website devoted to gender issues both inspiring and informative. It covers topics like activism, Intersexuality, personal issues, and more. http://www.gendertalk.com/
The National Center for Transgender Equality offers information on transgender rights, health care issues, HIV, and transgender youth. http://www.transequality.org
When to See A Doctor If you have any of these symptoms almost daily and persisting for more than a few weeks call your healthcare provider.
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What is a Patient-Centered Medical Home?
A Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is a care delivery model where patient treatment is coordinated through their primary care physician to ensure they receive the necessary care when and where they need it, in a manner they can understand.
World AIDS Day 2016
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2016 World AIDS Day events. • Our Paint Albuquerque Red campaign had over 3,000 people in the community help us promote the importance of HIV education and awareness through a simple t-shirt. • And, over 250 people braved the cold to remember those we have lost to AIDS and honor those currently living with HIV.
It is a model of achieving primary care excellence so care is received in the right place at the right time, in a manner that best suits the patients needs. A patient-centered medical home is a place where patients are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and enables strong and trusting relationships with their providers and staff. Patient-Centered: It is a partnership among practitioners, patients, and their families that ensures that decisions respect patients wants, needs, and preferences, and that patients have the educational support they need to make the decisions and participate in their own care. Comprehensive: A team of care providers is wholly accountable for a patient’s physical and mental health need, including prevention and wellness, acute care, and chronic care. Accesibility: Patients are able to access services with shorter waiting times, “after hours” care, 24/7 electronic or telephone access, and strong communication. Committed to quality and safety: Clinicians and staff enhance quality improvement to ensure that patients and their families make informed decisions about their health. For more information about a Patient-Centered Medical home visit http://www.ncqa.org/about-ncqa
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8 Winter Tips for Healthy Living By Wendy Fries www.webmd.com
Holidays, stress, post-holidays, even more stresswho has time for taking care of ourselves? You do! Resolve to follow these eight diet, exercise, and lifestyle tips and you can be good to yourself this winter and all year long. 1. Enjoy the benefits of yogurt. It’s creamy smooth, packed with flavor and it just may be the wonder food you are craving. Yogurt may help prevent: • Osteoporosis • Reduce your risk of high blood pressure • Aid in gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowl disease 2. Help holiday heartburn. Getting hit with heartburn? Help is at hand. Try these hints to stop heartburn before it starts. • Nibble: Enjoy your favorite foods-but in moderation • Know your triggers: Certain foods feed heartburn’s flame. Typcial triggers include foods full of sugar and fat. • Get up and stretch: Stretching out for a nap post-meal is a great way to guarantee you’ll get reflux. Instead keep your head higher than your stomach or do some light exercise like walking. 3. Kiss holiday cold sores good-bye. If you find you are more prone to cold sores (also called fever blisters) during the season you may be your own worst enemy . That is because lack of sleep, too much alcohol or sugar, and close physical contact can contribute to outbreaks.
4. De-stress with meditation. With bad weather, the seasonal pace and work may make your stress meter spike. It may be time to close your eyes and breath. Try banishing thoughts focus on your breathing, and repeat a single word or phrase. 5. Start a winter tradition: Group workouts. Why not get everyone involved with some simple workouts. 6. Eat locally. Organic maybe today’s healthyeating watch word, but don’t forget this phrase eating locally. Some nutritionists think eating locally is even more important than eating organically. 7. Try these three simple diet and exercise tips: • Go slow: You don’t need a slash-andburn diet. If you cut just 200 calories per day you’ll see a slow and easy weight loss. • Start small: Make small easy changes in the beginning. • Just show up: Even if you don’t feel like working out, just by showing up at the gym or class will help motivate you. 8. Invest in your health-literally. If you have a high deductible insurance plan consider a HSA (health savings account). It will help you sock away savings now for medical expenses later. Whichever healthy steps you take this year are an investment in your future. 11
TRUMAN Times CLASSIFIEDS Due to health concerns for patients and staff, UNM Truman Health Services is a fragrance free zone. This includes perfumes and colognes. Please refrain from using these until after your appointment.
New Time!
SPEAK, our men’s support group is meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. This is your opportunity to enjoy good company in a positive healing environment. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
SMART Recovery® sessions are Fridays from 5 pm to 6 pm Support groups will be in the UNM Truman Health Services Conference Center B-6 For more information please contact Adam, Behavioral Health Therapist at 505-272-1312
We now offer you a way to see your medical information on-line! MyHealth UNM is a new patient portal you can use any time, day or night, as long as you have Internet access. Through MyHealth UNM you can: • View future appointments • View clinic notes • View lab results • Send a message to your care team. Find out how you can get an account from UNM Truman Health Services today!
My Health UNM Patient Portal myhealthunm.iqhealth.com
Notice of Privacy Practices
Your providers and staff members at Truman Health Services want you to know your rights, and our responsibilities when it comes to your health information.
YOUR Rights include…
• Copies of your electronic or paper medical record—submit requests to Health Information Management • Corrections to your medical records—if you find incorrect information in your record, let us know so we can assist • Request confidential communications—you can ask us to contact you in a specific way; for example, home or office phone, or by mail • Ask us to limit what we use or share about your health information—there are specific guidelines to this request so please ask for assistance • Get a list of those with whom we have shared information—again, there are specific guidelines to this request so please ask for assistance • Get a copy of the UNM Health Sciences Privacy Notice—copies of this document are kept at our reception desk, and are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese • File a complaint if you feel your rights have been violated—please ask us for assistance
OUR Responsibilities include…
• We are required by law to maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information • We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy of security of your information • We must follow the duties and privacy practices described in the UNM Health Sciences Privacy Notice, and offer you a copy • We will not use or disclose your information without your written consent. Please see your case manager for assistance with the, “AUTHORIZATION TO USE OR DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION” form. Reference Information: UNM Health Sciences Center & UNM Health System, Notice of Privacy Practices, September 23, 2013. Visit: hsc.unm.edu/admin/privacy
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Diet Consciousness
By Patrick West, RD LD CLT EPC
For about 50 years people in the U.S. have been “dieting” to lose weight. This strategy consists of restricting calories and increasing exercise. Recently there are a few people in the scientific community questioning whether or not this strategy is working for us. A recent article highlighted some research on people who have participated in the show “the Biggest Loser”. This research found that most of the participants had gained back the weight they had lost within one to two years after the show. Although surprising the results are consistent with the recent research that 96-99% of people who lose weight in the traditional manner will gain the weight back within one to two years. Simple science demonstrates why the traditional strategy man not be working. Our bodies are naturally programmed to survive starvation, and react to the stressor by producing more insulin and cortisol. These
What is TSNP? UNM TSNP is a program that provides financial assistance to patients who are uninsured, under insured or do not have adequate financial resources to pay for healthcare services. TSNP covers co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and non-covered care for qualified patients of UNM Truman Health Services (UNMTHS). It does not cover inpatient, emergency department and ambulance services. This program is available to all patients of UNMTHS that meet the New Mexico residency and income (less than/equal to 750% Federal Poverty Level) guidelines set by UNMTHS. Contact an eligibility specialist to enroll.
The Ryan White Program
cause the body to store more fat and decrease muscle as protection from the starvation. Add intense exercise to the restriction of calories and our bodies will begin to overcome the stressor by requiring us to feed it. Our bodies tell us what food it needs for nutrition. Because of this we need to find a diet that works for us. Ever person is different and a onesize fits all diet does not meet our specific personal needs dictated by our DNA. We need to begin a new discussion and thought process with ourselves to help us recognize why we gain weight and how we can overcome it. By listening to our bodies, and not what is dictated by society, we can change the way we feel and begin to accept ourselves for who we are meant to be. Start this new year with a fresh perspective on your relationship with food. Take time to explore what truly feeds you. Remember the power to change is within you, you just have to listen to your body.
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) provides a comprehensive system of care that includes primary medical care and essential support services for people living with HIV who are uninsured or under insured. To qualify to receive Ryan White benefits, you must be HIV+, you must be a New Mexico resident and you must meet income qualifications. UNMTHS is required to certify that patients meet these criteria before offering Ryan White benefits.
To learn more about how to change your eating habits and find a diet plan that will work for you, contact Patrick at 272-1312.
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UNM Truman Health Services, in an effort to eliminate barriers and meet federal legislation requirements, has a Sliding Fee Scale and Cap on Out of Pocket Charges* available to Ryan White and/or Truman Safety Net Program enrolled patients. * Only available for Ryan White enrolled patients.
Sliding Fee Scale
Patients enrolled in Ryan White and/or Truman Safety Net Program will be charged a nominal fee based on their Federal Poverty Level. Patients will not be denied service for inability to pay the fee. Individual FPL ≤
Nominal Fee
100% of FPL
$0
101% to 200%
$1
201% to 300%
$2
301% to 400%
$3
401% to 750%
$5
Outside Services paid by THS (excluding patients ≤ 100% of FPL)
$10
*Outside services excludes inpatient, emergency department and ambulance.
Cap on Out of Pocket Charges
Patients that qualify for the Ryan White Program will have a Cap on Out of Pocket Charges. Cap on Out of Pocket Charges includes (but not limited to): insurance premiums, insurance co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles; office visits, labs, radiology, diagnostic testing, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, glasses and hearing aids. UNM THS cannot pay inpatient, emergency room and ambulance charges, but these expenses can be applied to the patient’s Cap on Out of Pocket Charges. Patients are responsible for tracking Cap on Out of Pocket Charges. All UNM Truman Health Services charges will be tracked on behalf of the patient. If you would like outside service charges added, please bring in your applicable receipt(s). Patient FPL )3/ ≤ 100%
of FPL
Annual Cap on Out of Pocket Charges
No out of pocket expenses
101% to 200%
Actual patient gross income multiplied by 5%
201% to 300%
Actual patient gross income multiplied by 7%
301% or greater
Actual patient gross income multiplied by 10%
Truman Safety Net Program
For information on the TSNP and the Ryan White Programs call 272-1312 and ask to speak to your Medical Case Manager or an Eligibility Specialist 14
UNM Truman Health Services is a level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH)! What does that mean for you? You will continue to receive the highest quality of care and service at every visit. This widely recognized symbol of quality shows the hard work and dedication UNM Truman Health Services provides to our patients.
UNM Truman Health Services and the UNM Medical Group are now accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Be sure to take a moment and congratulate our providers and staff for all of their hard work to make UNM THS the best place for your healthcare.
At UNM Truman Health Services you are the center of your health care