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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.
WHAT’S INSIDE Page 2
Dear Patient While at Truman
Page 12
PAC
Page 3 Page 4
PrEP
Page 13
New Employees
Hepatitis C Vaccine Trials Curant Phone Calls
Page 14
Flu Facts
Page 5
UNM THS Pharmacy Did You Know?
Page 15
Support Groups
Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9
Way To Go!
Page 16
Privacy Policy
Have You Heard TG Topics Safety Net Mindfulness At Truman
Page 17
World AIDS Day Events
Page 20
Healthy Relationships
Page 21
The Power of Your Intentions
Page 22
Classified
Page 10 Page 11
Keeping & Making Resolutions
Transgender Support Groups
Truman Health Services | 801 Encino Place NE Building F | Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-272-1312 | www.unmtruman.com
January/February 2016 Volume 20
Dear Patient,
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At UNM Truman Health Services YOUR health comes first! In our on-going effort to ensure we are meeting your health care needs, we are asking for your assistance in the following:
Medications– Please bring your medications The new year is here, and the facility changes at UNM Truman Health Services are finally complete! when you are scheduled to meet with your provider. Your If you haven’t had a chance, stop by and take a provider will compare them with the list of medications in look around; we have updated our upstairs waiting your medical record. room, added some new exam rooms and more. Other Appointments-If you’ve been seen by a provider Our new pharmacy is now working with Blue Cross outside of the UNM Truman medical system, please let us Blue Shield Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial. know so we can request your treatment record. THE THS Patient Safety Net is now in place, so be sure to talk to you case manager about whether or Hand Hygiene-You may be asked if the clinical not you qualify. staff practiced good hand hygiene during your visit. Clinical If you didn’t know, we offer smoking cessation staff should clean their hands every time they enter and classes, SMART Recovery classes, relationship leave the exam room. classes, and have several support groups. Take a Reminder Calls–You will receive a reminder call look in the newsletter to learn more about days about your appointment. The caller may also need to share and times. important information during this time to help you prepare We love feedback, so please feel free to share for the appointment. your comments on this newsletter or any of the services provided here at UNM Truman Health Services. Send your feedback THSInfo@unmmg.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Offices Closed January 18, 2016
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day February 7, 2016
D A T E S
Remember
January/February 2016 Volume 20
PrEP
UNM Truman Health Services Now Offers PrEP for HIV Prevention
PrEP is recommended for people at substantial risk for HIV infection according to the CDC. Substantial risk includes:
Are You At High Risk?
Having an HIV-positive sexual partner or drug injection partner Having a high number of sex partners Recently diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Inconsistent or no condom use Participation in sex work Sharing injection equipment
PrEP is a way of preventing HIV by taking a combination of two (2) HIV medications, tenofovir and emtricitabine. These medications work by blocking important pathways that HIV uses to set up an infection. If you take PrEP daily, the presence of the medication in your bloodstream can often prevent HIV from taking hold and spreading in your body.
The Facts
PrEP is available as a prescription from your healthcare provider. PrEP requires consistency to be effective. PrEP does not prevent pregnancy or STIs. PrEP is only available to people who DO NOT have HIV and have potential risk of contracting the virus. PrEP is not a vaccine.
You must be able to take PrEP every day and be able to return to your doctor every three (3) months for it to be effective.
How Can You Start PrEP? If you think you may be at high risk for HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about PrEP. If you qualify you will need to come in for a general physical, blood tests for HIV, and tests for other infections that you can receive from sexual partners. Call us at 505-272-1312 and ask to schedule an appointment with our PrEP nurse for more information.
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PLEASE REMEMBER Phone calls MUST be returned to Curant or your medication may not be delivered.
Ryan White Program Eligibility UNM Truman Health Services is required to certify that all of our patients meet New Mexico residency and income qualifications to receive Ryan White benefits.
UNM THS will need from each patient their proof or residency (this can be in the form of a driver’s license or state identification card, a lease or mortgage statement, a utility bill in the patient’s name, or any other information that proves residency). We will also need proof of income (SSI or SSDI award letter, last tax return, investment income, alimony, child support, bank statements, retirement income, and/or your last three pay stubs). Please contact your case manager to begin your certification.
Don’t forget UNM Truman Health Services is a SafeZone and we offer SafeZone training. For more information on our SafeZone policies or to setup a training session please email us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
January/February 2016 Volume 20
NOW OPEN!
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The UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy News We currently accept the following insurance companies: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial. Patients who use Curant and have their medications shipped to the clinic can now get their medications from the Truman Pharmacy for your convenience.
Patients will now need to pick up their own medications at the Truman Pharmacy. Our Pharmacists will talk to you about your medication and you will need to sign for it.
You are more than a prescription We are more than a pharmacy For more information on the UNM THS pharmacy contact us at THSRX@unmmg.org, 925-0996, or (844)-Truman1 UNM THS Pharmacy is located at: 801Encino Place NE, Suite B-4 Did you know your mouth may be the first part of your body to show signs of HIV infection? Some oral opportunistic infections like thrush, may be the first indication of a more serious issue. Anyone can have oral health issues, but HIV can make you more susceptible to: Oral warts which can lead to oral cancer Fever blisters Oral Hairy Leukoplakia Thrush Canker sores Cavities Gum disease (periodontist or gingivitis) You may also experience dry mouth due to some HIV medications. The best way to maintain your oral health is to: See your dentist regularly Brush your teeth twice a day Floss everyday Take your HIV medications on a regular basis to help protect your immune system Let your primary care physician know if your medications are causing dry mouth Examine your own mouth regularly (AIDS.gov) For more information about these services, please contact us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.
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We know your time is precious and so is ours, if you have more than one appointment scheduled in a day, it is YOUR responsibility to tell your doctor. If your first appointment runs over, you may miss your second appointment and need to reschedule.
Employee Recognition Program UNM Medical Group, Inc. (UNMMG) is committed to recognizing exceptional employee performance and/or contributions to UNMMG. The Rewards and Recognition Committee developed an Employee Recognition Program named Way2Go. Visit the front desk for forms to nominate a THS employee. Nominees must meet at least one of the following in order to be eligible:
People-Respect, diversity, teamwork, collaboration, reliability
Quality-Continuous improvement, innovation, commitment to exceptional quality work
Service-Excellent customer service, exceptional service to UNMMG and community, dedication and exemplary commitment as a UNMMG employee, environmentally conscientious
Finance-Initiatives and/or efforts by staff that may impact revenue
Growth-Professional development, self-motivation, initiative
October Way To Go Winners
Suzanne Rodriguez
November Way To Go Winners
Bobby Tafoya
Lawrence Lee
Samantha Kahn
Monica Pacheco
Renee Valdez
Phu Nguyen
Suzanne Rodriguez
Transportation Options for Patients Sometimes getting to your appointment is difficult, we understand. If you are having issues getting to your appointments because of lack of transportation, be sure to speak with one of the UNM Truman Health Services case managers about receiving assistance. Patients with full Medicaid and are enrolled with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Molina, Presbyterian, or United Health Centennial Care, will receive transportation through Medicaid to medical and behavioral health appointments. Please note you have to arrange for transportation services at least three (3) business days in advance. An additional transportation option is Sun Van. Sun Van provides door-to-door rides for patients with disabilities. There is a written application process, a portion of which must be completed by a physician, and an interview. Once approved, there is a $2.00 per ride fee. Albuquerque Rides buses are another possibility, but if you are having a difficult time getting a bus pass, check with your case manager for possible solutions. You may qualify for a free or reduced-priced bus pass through another agency or from UNM Truman Health Services. For more information on transportation services contact your case manager or email us at THSInfo@unmmg.org.
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Have You Heard Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, follow us on Instagram, and find us on Google+ Looking for the most up-to-date information on
Thank you! UNM Truman Health Services faculty and staff would like to take a moment to thank you for your patience during our renovations. We are excited about the new space and hope you are too. For more information about what is going on at Truman please contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org.
what is happing at UNM Truman Health Services? Like us on Facebook (UNM Truman Health Services) or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Google +. Great tips on staying healthy, UNMTHS activities, clinic closings, outreach activities, and more can be found here. Stay in-touch and stay informed!
Do Condoms Still Matter? Adapted from Poz.com, written by Benjamin Ryan There is a movement in the community that condoms are no longer necessary because of medications like PrEP and PEP to help prevent the transmission of HIV, but what about other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Sexually transmitted infections, outside of HIV, are not prevented by the use of antiretroviral medications like PrEP or PEP, and can spread to the community rapidly. These infections may be passed through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Even rubbing during foreplay can increase the risk of transmission and may eventually cause a serious condition if not treated properly. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of STD Prevention show that certain STIs have become resistant to most forms of treatment and will eventually become resistant to all treatments. “CDC estimates that over 800,000 gonorrhea infections occur yearly. And the bacteria has acquired resistance to nearly all of the antibiotics that have been used for treatment”. According to Robert Kirkcaldy, MD (CDC) “There is only one remaining treatment option that is recommended by the CDC, and it is only a matter of time before gonorrhea gains resistance to this treatment”. Think about the bigger picture, the overall health of the community and yourself. Use a condom or a dental dam to help reduce the spread of other STIs, including HIV. *Free condoms and lube are always available here at UNM Truman Health Services.
January/February 2016 Volume 20
TOPICS Key Transgender Healthcare Concerns Adapted from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Program for LGBTI Health (2012) Transitioning between two sexes can be a difficult time for Transgender people. There are many health concerns surrounding these changes such as; Transgender people tend to have higher rates of substance use, depression and anxiety, and issues associated with hormone use. Finding the right primary care doctor, support groups, and educational opportunities can help reduce the risk of certain types of chronic diseases. One of the biggest issues for Transgender people is finding healthcare, and most tend to avoid visiting physicians for fear of being rejected. There is also the issue that not all providers understand a Transgender person’s needs. Insurance does not always cover Transgender services and may become an obstacle in Transgender people getting the medical care they need. Hormones are another serious risk for Transgender people. Testosterone can damage the liver, especially if taken in high doses or orally, and estrogen may cause high blood pressure, increase blood glucose (sugar) levels, and blood clotting. Anti-androgens, like Spironolactone, may lower blood pressure, disturb electrolytes and cause dehydration. While hormones can be safe and effective they should only be taken when prescribed by a physician who can monitor the effects. Transgender men and women are both at risk for cancer of the reproductive organs and should regularly be screened. Some Transgender people use silicone injections to match their gender expression. If not injected by a physician, the silicone can move throughout the body causing serious harm to organs. Studies have shown there is a higher rate of substance abuse in Transgender people. Substances like drugs and alcohol can impair decision making and can put the person at risk for violence, STIs like HIV, and serious health issues. Tobacco use has a much higher rate among Transgender people and can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease and cancer. Lack of social support sometimes leads to depression and anxiety in Transgender people. Finding support groups and behavioral health care is imperative to maintain a positive mental health outlook. Finding the right primary care physician is important and even more so for Transgender people. The Transgender clinic at UNM Truman Health Services has a healthcare team focused on the well-being of our patients. To learn more about our clinic or other services available contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org.
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UNM Truman Health Services Safety Net Program UNM Truman Health Services’ Safety Net Program is a program that provides assistance to cover co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance, and non-covered care for qualified patients of UNM Truman Health Services. This program is available to all patients of UNM Truman Health Services that meet the residency and income guidelines set by UNM Truman Health Services. Contact a case manager or eligibility specialist to enroll. Patients are required to enroll annually and re-certify with the program every six(6) months with an authorized staff member. Consistent enrollment is crucial to maintaining eligible services.
How do I qualify:
Proof of residency in the state of New Mexico (driver’s license, state identification, etc.)
Household income-refers to the sum of money received in a year by ALL members of the household. *Food stamps and student financial aid are not considered as income.
Ways to confirm household income are: -Current paystubs -Social Security award letters -Public Assistance/Denial letters -1040 Tax Return from previous year/Self-Employment form -Letter of support -Other income documentation (child support, alimony, retirement distribution, etc.)
Benefits Provided By Safety Net May Include:
Primary medical care or consulting infectious disease services
Behavioral Health Counseling
Psychiatric Services
Nutrition Counseling
Prescription services
Complementary Therapies
Dental services
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.
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Mindfulness at Truman Please join me starting in January 2016 for a 4-week introductory course and practice on Mindfulness meditation.
What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. Though it has its roots in many traditional schools of meditation a practice of mindfulness has been introduce in recent years to hospitals and schools in part through the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and his Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, which he launched at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979.
Mindfulness is good for the body, for our minds, for our brains and for our relationships. It will help us to focus, to foster compassion and to enhance the experience of being fully alive, right here and right now. Look for flyers at the Truman clinic for dates and times. There will be two groups at different times, one for our English speaking clients and another one in Spanish. Registration is required.
If you received your flu shot at another location please bring documentation with you to your next medical visit so we can update your electronic health record.
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Making and Keeping NewYear’s Resolutions It’s that time again! Most people start each year by making one or more New Year’s Resolutions. Often, they have difficulty maintaining them past the first month. If you want to make your resolution become a habit, it helps to plan. The following steps can help you continue to keep your resolution through the whole year:
1. Identify the change you want to make. Break it down into smaller steps. Start small.
2. Be as specific as you can in the change you want to make. “I will start exercising” is too general.
3. Identify your goal. The best goals are the ones that improve your overall well-being. Think about how you will measure success.
4. Focus on an activity that you feel you can do. “I will reduce my cigarette smoking from a pack to ½ pack” may be more doable than “I will quit cold turkey”.
5. Get support from others! When we talk about our goals, we are more likely to work toward them.
6. Decide how you will reward yourself! Rewarding yourself for each day or week you practice your new behavior will help you maintain it.
7. Anticipate the barriers. There are always things that occur that will stop you in your tracks.
When this happens, ask for help. Write down reminders of why you want to make this change.
8. Remember, excellence is the goal, NOT PERFECTION. If you stumble, learn from your mistake and keep on going. Change takes time.
Happy New Year, from the Truman Behavioral Health Team!
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P A C
Patient Advisory Council News
Medical Case Management: Making it Easier to Live with HIV UNM Truman Health Services Medical Case Managers provide a range of services that link our patients with health care, psychosocial support, and other services. For you, our patient, this can be so important to improve your health and wellness. UNM Truman Health Services Medical Case Managers can help you by: Assessing your service needs, Developing a comprehensive, individualized service plan and then periodically reevaluating it, Providing referrals to outside agencies that may assist you with housing, food, Domestic Violence Resources (DVR), Helping you with paperwork required by outside agencies, Arranging transportation to/from appointments, Applying for emergency financial assistance (Common Bond), Connecting you to prescription services. Call UNM Truman Health Services today at (505) 272-1312 and ask to speak to a Medical Case Manager!
COMING SOON! HIV WALK NEW MEXICO & 5K FUN RUN WHEN: SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016 WHERE: UNM North Golf Course TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: THSinfo@unmmg.org
www.HIVwalknm.com
Social and Family History On your next medical visit you may need to complete a social and family history form if haven’t already done so. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with a family history of disease have the most to gain from lifestyle changes and screening tests. Screening tests can detect diseases like cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable. Screening tests can also detect disease risk factors like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can be treated to reduce the chances of getting disease. Being aware of your family health history is an important part of a lifelong wellness plan.
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WE ARE GROWING AGAIN! Please give a warm welcome to our newest employee
Brandon Smith Financial Analyst
For more information on our up coming LOVE workshops please contact Curtis at 505-925-7399 or THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
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ThingsYou Should Know About the Flu! 1. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu
2. Some people are at high risk for developing serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections which can result in hospitalization. 3. Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. 4. CDC (2015/16) recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. 5. A flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are made with viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and not infectious or with no flu vaccine viruses.
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
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Preparing For Your Next Visit
UNM Truman Health Services Support Groups
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.
Women Outloud has changed times! We will still be meeting the 1st Monday of every month, but our time is now from 1:30-2:30 pm. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org
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.
SPEAK, our men’s support group is meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This is your opportunity to enjoy good company in a positive healing environment. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
LIVE, is one of the newest UNM Truman Health Services Support groups. This all gender group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information please contact us at THSOutreach@unmmg.org.
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, keep 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.
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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. For more information, or questions regarding this information, please contact: Sonya L. Smith Clinical Compliance Manager UNM Truman Health Services 505.272.1312 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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World AIDS Day December 1, 2015
GETTING TO ZERO Zero New Infections, Zero Stigma, Zero AIDS Deaths Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2015 World AIDS Day events. We had over 200 people brave the cold at our candlelight vigil and over 1,100 people ‘Paint Albuquerque Red’ . A special thank you to the World AIDS Day planning committee, Marissa Wood, Cathryn McGill, Javier Rios (All Families Matter), Lady Hawk, Roxanne Allen (Results), Savannah Gene (ABQ Area Indian Health Board), New Mexico AIDS Services, New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus Q-Tones, the Highland High School chorus, the ABQ Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, and Southwest CARE Center.
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PHARMACY INFORMATION Outpatient Pharmacy Services UNM Truman Health Services now offers Outpatient Pharmacy Services through Curant Health (formerly HealthStat RX). Personal Care managers, free home delivery, and free bubble packing are currently available. For more information ask your Nursing Team.
Need Medication Refills? No Refills Left? Call your pharmacy for all refills 14 days in advance
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CLINIC MEDICATION REFILL PHONE NUMBERS UH Pharmacy 272-2309
DOH in Santa Fe 1-800-254-4689
Curant Health (HealthStat RX) 1-866-437-8040 ext. 245 or ext. 224
Remember-Narcotic pain medications cannot be called into your pharmacy by your physician, and therefore cannot be filled at night or on the weekends. Please DO NOT call the after-hours answering service to request pain medication refills. Plan ahead to be sure you renew your prescriptions before your run out.
Remember-To update your new phone number and address with the pharmacy too. They may need to contact your about any medication issues or concerns. Remember– UNM Truman Health Services will not accept any medications for disposal. Please stop by the front desk for a list of local disposal sites. Note-only pills will be accepted at the sites listed.
To Help Us Keep Your Records Up-To-Date Please be sure we have your most recent insurance card on file. Let the front desk staff know if your insurance has changed. If you have an emergency or urgent care visit outside of the UNM system, please fill out a Release of Information form while you are still there. This will allow the Truman care team access to any notes taken during your visit. Have the information faxed to 505-272-2240. Did you get a new phone? We need to know. If you doctor needs to cancel or change your appointment, or contact you for any reason, we will send a letter to your home if we try calling you two times with no response. Also, if we leave a message asking you to call us back, please be sure to do so, the information may be important. Have a new address? We would like to know that too! Sometimes we have to mail information to you and we want to be sure it gets in your hands. If you have any questions about the information we need be sure to ask the front desk after your appointment. Tell us what you think of the Truman Times layout and let us know what you would like to see in this publication. Your feedback is important to us. So come on, Share!
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UNM Truman Health Services Pharmacy Selection UNM Truman Health Services supports the patient’s right to select a pharmacy that will best suit their needs. Our providers will gladly submit your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice. UNM Truman Health Services provides mail order pharmaceutical services to our patients if our patients so chose from Curanthealth. Curanthealth offers specialized pharmacy services designed to improve the therapy results of your specific chronic condition. Their core focus is to provide a more personal approach to patient care, so they can create a customized medication plan to fit your lifestyle. All proceeds from prescriptions filled at Curant comes back to UNM Truman Health Services to help enhance and expand our patient services for people with HIV. *Access to all pharmacies for your prescriptions, including Curanthealth, will depend on your insurance coverage.
UNM Truman Health Services No Show and Utilization Cancellation We understand that issues may occur, and you may need to cancel an appointment. If this happens, we respectfully ask that you contact our office in advance to reschedule your appointment. Please note for dental and complementary therapies you must be an active UNM THS patient receiving primary medical care at the clinic, and be seen at least once every six months as directed by your provider. Our complementary therapy providers (acupuncture, chiropractic and medical massage therapy) want to be available to meet the needs of all our patients. When a patient does not show up for a scheduled appointment, another patient loses an opportunity to be seen. If patients do not contact our office to cancel or reschedule a complementary service appointment, preferably 24 hours in advance, any future appointments will be canceled. Two (2) consecutive no shows or cancellations will result in future appointments being canceled and you will not be able to reschedule with our complementary providers for six (6) months. This policy will enable us to open otherwise unused appointments to better serve the needs of all patients. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Looking For More Information? UNM Truman Health Services now has two ways for you to get in touch with us. For general information or questions please contact us at THSinfo@unmmg.org. For information on educational events and HIV rapid testing locations around Albuquerque contact us at THSoutreach@unmmg.org.
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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
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender elders) is the country’s largest and oldest organizations dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBT older people, and provides the training for aging providers and LGBT organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBT Aging. SAGE Albuquerque has become a major program of the Common Bond New Mexico Foundation mission and is directly managed by an Advisory Board comprised of seniors who are key leaders within the LGBTQ community. Monthly support/social meetings, local senior outings and bereavement support group. To learn more about the Albuquerque Chapter of SAGE, including meeting place and time, please contact Katherine Palmer at Kath_Col@yahool.com or call 505-710-6987.
When at Truman... Please be sure to turn your phone off or to silent when you enter the building. Stay in the lobby once you have checked in. This means you cannot go outside for a cigarette or any other reason. We are happy to provide you beverages from our beverage cart, but remember, if you provider is ready to see you when you check in, you may have to wait for that tasty treat. If you are not available when we call you, you will have to wait until your doctor has an opening later that day, or you will have to reschedule to a different day altogether.
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The Power of Your Intentions Patrick West RD LD Happy New Year to all Truman Health Services patients, partners, providers, and staff. I am very excited about 2016 and have a new concept to share with you. Every New Year we talk about setting resolutions or goals, and we try to follow them exactly. When we falter, we may feel let down and give up that resolution for the rest of the year. I recently read an article about intentions instead of resolutions. The way intentions work you decide on 3-4 intentions you have for yourself. For example: •
I want a vibrant, healthy body
•
I want to eat what my body needs
•
I want plenty of energy
These intentions are phrases or mantras we can repeat to ourselves on a daily basis if needed. For
example; there is a birthday party for one of your co-workers and of course, there is a cake or sweets. Instead of looking at this situation and thinking you have to deprive yourself of eating a piece of cake you instead repeat your intentions. Say to yourself ‘I want a vibrant, healthy body’, and then you ask yourself if you want that piece of cake. Whatever it is you decide to do, do it without judging yourself. Some people think the feeling of disappointment after eating a piece of cake has more of a negative effect on our wellness than the cake itself. The idea of the intention is something we can continue to follow, and these intentions may help us make healthier decisions.
Intentions stay with you as long as you feel they are serving you and cannot be sabotaged by our unsuccessful and unrealistic quest for a perfectly accomplished goal or resolution. Remember, we are all human and make mistakes. I truly hope this concept will help you this year and many more to come.
SMART Recovery® sessions are Thursdays 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 us at THSInfo@unmmg.org
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Classified
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!
Free Lab Draws & Testing For your convenience you can now get your labs drawn at UNM Truman Health Services. Lab draws at UNM Truman Health Services are by APPOINTMENT ONLY during the following days and times:
Tuesday 1pm-4pm
Wednesday 8am-11am
Thursday 1pm-4pm
Friday 8am-11 am
*Note: Presbyterian patients will need to go to directly to Tricore for any lab draws and testing
We Will Miss You Please let Truman staff know if you are planning to move away from the area. That way we can:
Ensure you have your medications for a couple of months. Supply you with all of your most important records for your new provider. Help you find resources in your new community.
Don’t let your medical care lapse!
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LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE BE THY FOOD –HIPPOCRATES
WELLNESS GROUP TUESDAYS FROM 4:00-5:00 PM
Free fruits and vegetables provided to participants
Each week a different health related topic will be discussed in the group
Special expert guests may join the group based on the topic
Find the lifestyle that helps you reach your maximum wellness
RESERVE YOUR SPOT BY CALLING 272-1312 & ASKING FOR PATRICK