HonorHealth Newsletter to the Medical Staff

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HonorHealth

December 2021

Colleagues,

As we celebrate the holiday season and look forward to 2022, I’d like to take a moment to pause and reflect on the why. Why did you choose a career in healthcare? Why HonorHealth? For me, it’s really about the joy of making a difference. For our team members. For our patients and their families. For our community.




Now at HonorHealth: Integrative Medicine

ADDITIONAL NEWS


Reach out for support from a trained peer

Important CPT code updates:

The CMS has performed their annual review of CPT codes as well as new and developing procedures in healthcare. There are over 300 procedures that were added to the list for 2022, as well as several that were removed.

For patients living with chronic health issues that aren’t easily managed by conventional treatments and medication, you may want to consider suggesting Integrative Medicine. These services use a holistic approach to care by combining current treatment plans with complementary (alternative) therapies. The therapies work towards improving overall health and wellness, while focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management.

"We aim to determine underlying causes of symptoms, and then focus on nutrition and lifestyle changes in order to treat different types of chronic conditions," said Melinda Atienza, DO. 

 

During these challenging times, we want to remind the Medical Staff that there is a confidential and free support system available. HonorHealth’s Well-being and Support Program for All Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers offers many options:

December updates with Dr. John Neil and Dr. Alpa Shah +WATCH NOW

Leadership update

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other digestive disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Adrenal disorders
  • Inflammatory disease
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Anxiety and depression
Watch the video

I’m moved to see how much these words mean to those reading these letters, and I hope this video serves as a reminder of all the ways you truly make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and their families. It’s more than just a job you do; it’s a special calling. I hope this brings a smile to your face (or even a tear to your eyes) and brightens your day.

I wish you and your families a happy holiday season and a healthy 2022.

With gratitude,

Todd LaPorte

CEO

HonorHealth

Regardless of your individual why, I know each of you aim to make a positive impact on our community and use your talents in whatever ways you can to make that happen. During this challenging time, you all continue to amaze me every day with your courage, strength and dedication, and I’m grateful for your contributions to the organization today and every day. Thank you.

I’m always honored to read the many touching letters we receive from our patients and families to hear how all of you go beyond to touch their lives. This is one of the reasons why we all do what we do. This holiday season, we compiled a video to illustrate how your actions are appreciated and recognized and make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.

  • Peer Support for all physicians and advanced practice providers: 
  • Careline for everyone: 
    • Hours: 7 a.m. -10 p.m.
    • Staffed with volunteer peer supporters
    • Provide guidance, a listening ear and access to other support resources
  • If you are currently distressed and need immediate assistance:
    • Crisis Preparation and Recovery: 480-804-0326
    • Terros Central AZ Crisis: 480-222-9444
    • EMPACT Crisis Services: 480-784-1500
  • If you are employed and enrolled in benefits with HonorHealth:
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): entitles you to several free visits with mental health/behavioral health provider: 1-800-954-3577 or contact your PCP to find out about other MH/BH providers embedded in some HonorHealth clinics
  • Tools for healthy habits and resilience
480-587-6500

Some common conditions that may benefit from an integrative & functional medicine approach include: 

  • Insomnia
  • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Arthritis
  • Eczema and psoriasis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Environmental and food allergies
  • Prediabetes, diabetes and insulin resistance
  • Women’s health disorders, such as PMS, menopause and polycystic ovary syndrome

HonorHealth Integrative Medicine is located at 8405 N Pima Center Parkway, Suite 203A, Scottsdale AZ 85258. The office can be reached by phone Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

480-587-6930

Dr. Atienza offers a wide range of treatments and therapies in both one on one and in group settings. She specializes in both integrative and functional medicine, and received her medical training from Midwestern University (fka: The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine). Dr. Atienza completed her Internal Medicine residency at Lutheran General Hospital, in Chicago, IL.

The list of CPT’s constitutes The 2022 Medicare Inpatient Only. This list has been published and there are over 300 procedures that were added to the list for 2022. (Many involve CPT’s that were removed in 2021, and have been restored for 2022) The procedures listed in the attached Medicare document (by CPT code) should be scheduled at HonorHealth as a “Pre-Inpatient” class and the class changed to INPATIENT with physician order after the surgical procedure and before discharge. Patient must remain in INPATIENT class through discharge in order for HonorHealth to be paid by Medicare for the hospitalization and surgery. Again, these procedures cannot be billed as OP. Of note, the Marketplace plan, Ambetter from Az Complete Health, also follows Medicare IP Only CPT guidelines and should be scheduled accordingly as you would your Medicare patients.

For CPT’s not included in this list and considered Outpatient, there is no change in 2022. In the event an OP scheduled procedure, converts intra-operatively we would expect the surgeon order the correct patient class post operatively. Utilization Management is available to assist the surgeon in these determinations. Should an OP scheduled case require extended recovery for reasons of active co-morbidities or complications contributing to the recovery such that the patient requires 2MN of hospitalization; these patient cases can and should be updated to Inpatient at that time, as well.

The following Honor Health contacts are available as a resource to you and your office staff should you have any questions or concerns;

View the list