HPC welcomes board-certified pediatrician Cheri El-Halawany, MD, FAAP

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Cheri El-Halawany, MD, FFAPHealth Partnership Clinic (HPC) welcomes Cheri El-Halawany, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician, to its team of talented medical professionals. Beginning Tuesday, August 17, she will see patients through age 21 at HPC’s Shawnee Mission office, 9119 W. 74th Street. She speaks English, Spanish and Arabic.

Dr. El-Halawany joins HPC following nine years of clinical and instructional work at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where she was recognized for both teaching excellence and her impact on graduating students. She earlier practiced in both Colorado and Southern California, where she completed her pediatric residency.

No stranger to the KC area, she completed in 2007 the combined six-year program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Medical School, where she also earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. She earlier graduated from Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, Mo.

Working in underserved areas and participating in a 2010 ARPAN Global Charities Mission trip to Egypt – her family’s country of origin – have inspired Dr. El-Halawany. An avid traveler, reader and classical pianist, she is excited to again focus on clinical work that allows her to care for children of all ages, regardless of insurance, and to benefit the community.

Asked about her care style, she commented, “It’s simply to care, to listen to parents’ and patients’ concerns, and make sure to explain things clearly before they leave.”

Dr. El-Halawany is passionate about patient comfort. “I use patience and play, especially for the younger kids who are scared to see a doctor,” she says. “For teens, I think it is important to take an interest in their affairs and ask the right questions. Kids are smart, they can tell if you care.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. El-Halawany to the HPC team!

Ottawa location welcomes pediatric dental patients

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Health Partnership Clinic is proud to announce that Dr. Emily C. Day, a pediatric dentist, is now providing pediatric dental exams, cleanings, sealants and treatments at the Ottawa office, 107 S. Main St. Services are available to children 12 and under on Friday mornings.

To schedule an appointment, please call 913-276-7004. Health Partnership accepts KanCare/Medicaid and commercial insurance. For those uninsured or underinsured, a Sliding Fee program is available to those who qualify based on income and household size.

To learn more about Dr. Day, visit her profile.

Pediatric Dental Services - Ottawa

 

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas offers Transportation Assistance

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UnitedHealthcare members can receive transportation services through UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kansas.

Unlimited Rides

UnitedHealthcare provides unlimited roundtrip rides to non-emergency medical appointments which also includes COVID related rides.

Rides to Support Group Meetings

UnitedHealthcare provides 12 roundtrip rides to Support Group Meetings

Bus Passes

Members in Sedgwick, Wyandotte and Johnson Counties can get $25 in bus passes annually. Due to the Public Health Emergency these rides are currently free.

Additional Value-Added Benefits Rides

UnitedHealthcare’s Value-Added Benefits plan provides up to 12 additional roundtrip rides annually to locations such as pharmacy trips, grocery store, food bank, WIC, prenatal classes, and other select rides to job activities for members who qualify.

Call ModivCare at 1-877-796-5847 to Request Transportation

For any questions, contact Member Services at 1-877-542-9238, TTY 711, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT, Monday – Friday.

Patient Services Representatives Day/Receptionist Day is May 12

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By Debbie Sparks, Development and Marketing Manager

CelebrateSince 1991, National Receptionist Day has been celebrated on the second Wednesday of May, this year falling on Wednesday, May 12. HPC would like to take this opportunity to recognize our Patient Services Representatives (PSRs) who fill the role of receptionist and so much more!

According to Billie Reese-Turner, Director of Billing and Patient Services, this past year working during the pandemic has been quite challenging, but our PSRs have risen to the occasion.

“We have had a constant shortage of staff with many having to quarantine due to personal exposure or exposure to a close family member. We are taking extra steps sanitizing, and our protocols change and evolve continuously to ensure the safety of our staff and patients,” Billie says.

“One remarkable thing is that through it all, we have seen patient satisfaction increase and a decrease in abandoned calls,” Billie adds. “The teamwork and collaboration between billing staff and PSR’s working together for all locations has been exceptional.”

Staff Recognition - PSRs

Thank you to our wonderful team of PSRs: Ally Blume, Jean Cast-Martin, Joseph Delgado-Ramirez, Dania Guzman, Claudia Islas, Daniela Palacios, Maria Pena, Kristina Stubbs, Cecilia Yarick and Veronica Flores Manager of Patient Services.

The PSRs are part of the Revenue Cycle Management team and work closely with Mayra Bocanegra, Billing Coordinator; Iveth Alvarado, Enrollment Specialist; Michel Ramirez, Patient Account Coordinator; Billie Reese-Turner, Director of Billing and Patient Services and Diana Zamora, Financial Aid Coordinator.

April HPC Staff Recognitions

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National Dental Hygienists Week, April 4-10

Christina CookEach year in April, we recognize the contribution of dental hygienists and their focus on maintaining good oral health practices which impacts overall health.

  • There are more than 200,000 dental hygienists in the United States. In Kansas, there are more than 2,000 dental hygienists.
  • Dental hygienists provide preventative oral care under a dentist’s supervision. They clean patients’ teeth and examine their mouths for signs of damage, gingivitis, and other diseases. Hygienists teach patients how to maintain good oral health.
  • The education of dental hygienists typically includes prerequisite courses prior to obtaining either a dental hygiene certificate or associate degree, which is typically a three-year program. Dental hygienists may go on to obtain a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Dental Hygiene.
  • In Kansas, dental hygienists may obtain an Extended Care Permit (level one, two or three) which allows them to practice under indirect supervision in settings like schools or nursing homes. There are 32 dental hygienists that hold Extended Care Permits.

Thank you to HPC’s dental hygienist Christina Cook for her hard work and dedication to our patients!

National Administrative Professionals’ Day

Susan WallaceNational Administrative Professionals’ Day, also known as Secretaries Day or Admin Day, is observed on the Wednesday of the last full week of April each year. This year it is celebrated on Wednesday, April 21. It is a day to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists and other administrative support professionals.

Shout out to Susan Wallace, our executive assistant at HPC. Susan supports all the Senior Leadership Team members in addition to coordinating meetings and schedules, supports the Policy Committee, HR functions and taking notes for the Board of Directors and Quality Improvement monthly meetings and so much more. We thank and salute Susan for all she does for HPC!

Health Partnership Holds COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics in Miami and Franklin Counties Saturday, March 27

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

Your best protection from COVID-19 will be a combination of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least six feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often. No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic.

The good news is that Health Partnership Clinic (HPC) is providing no cost COVID-19 vaccines to Miami and Franklin County residents on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The vaccines will be offered at HPC’s clinics in Paola and Ottawa. The clinics are located at 1604 Industrial Park Dr., Paola, KS 66071 and 107 S. Main St., Ottawa, KS 66067.

Appointments are required.

To schedule an appointment, call 913-276-7012. Callers should leave their name, date of birth and contact information slowly and clearly. HPC staff will contact callers to schedule an appointment.

At the Saturday vaccine clinics, adults 18 and older in Phase 1-4 will be vaccinated. Remember, pre-registration is required to determine eligibility by calling 913-276-7012. Participants should bring a government-issued I.D. card, insurance card and proof of address.

For Phase eligibility, refer to the graphic below. Viewers are invited to download and share the vaccination flier with their friends, neighbors and family living in Miami and Franklin counties.

Download the Vaccination Flier (English | Spanish)

Phase Eligibility

Kansas Vaccination Phases

Ask the Doctor! Chief Health Officer answers COVID-19 Vaccine questions.

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Wael S. Mourad, MD, MHCM, FAAFPPost written by Wael Mourad, MD, MHCM, FAAFP, Chief Health Officer

Turn on the TV and you’re bound to hear breaking news about the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination plans. It has spurred many questions and concerns from parents and the communities we serve.

At Health Partnership Clinic, our providers are talking with patients every day about the new COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, we have a very limited supply of vaccines and will only be vaccinating current HPC patients who meet the established criteria of both the state and county. We ask that HPC patients request a vaccine from his/her provider through the clinic’s patient portal or call 913-276-7012.

We’re thrilled so many people are interested in becoming vaccinated to save lives. Community members are encouraged to contact their health providers and/or the county health departments. Meanwhile, Dr. Wael S. Mourad, MD, Chief Health Officer and a family physician, answers some “Frequently Asked Questions” to help you better understand COVID-19 vaccines.

Link for English Questions and Answers

Link for Spanish Questions and Answers

Ask the Doc: COVID-19 Vaccinations Ask the Doc: COVID-19 Vaccinations

Now Accepting Appointments! Marketplace Special Enrollment from February 15th to May 15th.

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The Special Enrollment period is now open for individuals and families for Marketplace health insurance coverage in response to COVID-19.

Read more

Health Partnership Clinic Shares Updates on COVID-19… With YouTube Videos!

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By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach

There’s been a flurry of news articles and TV and radio segments about COVID vaccines, distribution plans and more. It can be overwhelming and confusing.

Here at Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we’re trying our best to educate our patients and community. The latest updates can be found on our website, hpcks.org or Facebook @HPChealth.

COVID-19 Vaccination

HPC COVID-19 VaccinationHPC has a very limited supply of vaccines and will only be vaccinating current HPC patients who meet the established criteria of both the state and county at this time.

Clinic patients should request a vaccine from his/her provider through the clinic’s patient portal (https://hpcks.org/patient-portal/) or call 913-276-7012. We are asking patients to leave their name, date of birth and contact information slowly and clearly. A member of our staff will make contact when vaccines become available. Please realize that we do not know what our supply will be or when we will receive allocated doses. It will only delay response times if multiple messages are left.

Understanding Quarantine vs Self-isolation and more

Patients and communities still have questions about quarantine and self-isolation. Wael S. Mourad, MD, MHCM, FAAFP, the clinic’s Chief Health Officer and a family physician, lays out this information in the below video:

How HPC is addressing COVID-19?

We’ve taken a number of steps to ensure the health and safety of our staff, patients and community. Learn more by viewing our latest video:

Healthy reminders

HPC COVID-19 UpdatesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that if we use all the tools we have, we stand the best chance of getting our families, communities, schools and workplaces “back to normal” sooner:

  • Get vaccinated (when vaccines become available!)
  • Stay six feet from others and avoid crowds.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Wash hands often.

County Vaccine Resources

If you are not a HPC patient, below are some resources regarding accessing COVID-19 vaccines.

Johnson County

https://redcap.jocogov.org/surveys/?s=8KWLNLWWHL

https://redcap.jocogov.org/surveys/?s=TLPNW37RPP (Spanish)

Franklin County

County residents who would like to get on a list to receive the vaccine when it becomes available to them based on age and medical conditions, call 785-229-3531.

Miami County

https://www.miamicountyks.org/161/Community-Health-Department

 

 

Healthy weight. Healthy eating. Healthy you.

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Note: Health Partnership Clinic is committed to helping patients and the community under their Medicaid insurance options and benefits. The clinic accepts Kansas Medicaid and partners with UnitedHealthcare Community Plans, Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Sunflower Health Plan in many ways. This includes promoting preventive care and reducing disparities. Over the next several months, our partners will provide helpful educational content to our readers.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plans

United Healthcare LogoWhen you eat more calories than you use, your body stores the extra calories as fat. A few extra pounds are not bad for most people, but too many extra pounds and too much body fat can be bad for your health. Doctors call this being “overweight” or “obese.”

Doctors use a measurement called body mass index (BMI), using your height and your weight to determine how much body fat you have. The best way to stay at a healthy weight or to lose weight is to make good food choices.

Healthy Eating. Healthy You.

Here are some easy ways to do that every day:

  • Try to eat more vegetables and fruit than any other type of food whenever possible.
  • Choose low-calorie foods or smaller portions when eating out.
  • Pick healthy side dishes like apple slices or apple sauce instead of french fries. If you are really craving fries, try eating something healthy like a salad, apple slices or apple sauce first, then split a small portion of fries with a few other people.
  • Drink water or milk instead of soda.
  • Check the label – can you recognize all the ingredients? If not, it might have a lot of extra stuff you don’t need, so look for other options. Try nuts or whole grain crackers instead of chips.
  • Try replacing sugary snacks with things like yogurt or dried fruit (without added sugar). If you have a sweet tooth, try a small portion of your favorite sweet only once a day.

Welcome to UnitedHealthcare’s Kitchen!

Veggie Noodle PastaCheck out our healthy recipe:

Veggie noodles are a nice change from pasta. Zucchini, carrot and sweet potatoes work well. A spiralizer is best to make veggie noodles, but a box grater can work too. Top healthy veggie noodles with this easy Pomodoro Sauce for a quick and simple meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 28 oz. can of whole, peeled tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2-3 coarsely chopped garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. sugar
  • Coarse salt

Prep:

  1. Healthy weight. Healthy eating. Healthy you.Use a blender to coarsely chop the tomatoes with their juice just until you have a thick sauce.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan and add the chopped garlic. Cook for about two minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not brown.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the saucepan. Season to taste with a little salt.
  4. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes and serve over cooked veggie noodles.

 Serving Size:

  • Makes 4 servings of Pomodoro sauce