Another Blog for JS Free Clinic Providers

At last night's clinical services meeting Winston Liaw, our medical director,  suggested that we keep track of provider updates on a Blog. So today's updates are in this post in addition to the  email.

The thing about a blog is that it is not just a one way  memo. It can be a forum for questions and answers, corrections, and additions. So consider using it that way, and let's see  how it goes.

All of this is in an effort to keep all our providers updated on the information we all need to take care of the patients.

Pharmacists at JS Free Clinic

NOVAScripts pharmacists Sarah Long and Huyen Nguyen are now on site  for patient counselling and provider consultation  Monday through Friday 9 AM to 1 PM. Seek them out, introduce yourself, see how they can help our patients. 

 

Insulin Availability --PAP ONLY 

For the approximately 10 patients that we have who do not have a Social Security number and are using Insulin, we have applied to Lilly for Humulin (NPH, R, 70/30), as we cannot obtain Sanofi or NovoNordisk products for them. Most of us are more familiar with treating patients with Lantus, Apidra, Levimir and Humalog or Novalog--so it's time to refamiliarize ourselves with how the older insulins work. 

We have been placing  an encounter note in these patients' charts documenting the insulin ordered  and an a starting dose, so that when supplies of their current insulin are exhausted, they can be switched to the new regimen.

 

All other patients using insulin need to apply to a PAP program if they have not already done so to continue to receive their insulin. Victor has been trying to sign up all patients as they come in. Check with Victor or your patient at the time of a visit to make sure the application has been signed. 

 

Men's Support Group

Doug is starting a   Men's Support Group. Please mention it to any male patients who seem like they might benefit or be receptive.  Sign-up sheets have been placed  on a clipboard in the medical provider area and at the front desk with Marlena.   Please contact  Social Workers Grace or Doug with any questions. 

 

Diabetes Education

1) Individual Appointments with a trained nurses for diabetes education with an established curriculum are now available. Please make a  general note about your concern--such as "review diabetic diet", "instruct in testing Blood glucose fasting and 2 hrs post largest meal 3x weekly", or "diabetic patient has never had any education --needs to start with general information and diet instruction".

2) GMU Nursing Graduate Students are holding Spanish and English Group Diabetes Education classes  through April 2012. Patients can still enroll.

3) Kim Gauthier, Volunteer Dietician from Sanofi-Aventis, holds Spanish and English group diabetes classes that focus on diet for patients using Insulin; Classes are held on Wednesdays one time a month.

 

Order all diabetic education on the exit sheet.

If you are unsure  about what might work best for your patient contact Diane Henzey NP, Adult Clinic Coordinator. 

 

GYN clinic provided by GMU Path program

On two Wednesdays per month  GYN clinics led  by Renee Milligan, GMU faculty NP with expertise in GYN will be offered in the afternoons started at 2 PM.  If you would like your patient to be seen in this clinic for a GYN problem or for a Pelvic and Pap, write the request on the Exit sheet. Contact Renee or Kathy Dickman NP, director of the GMU faculty practice with questions. 

Flu Vaccine

We still have vouchers for flu vaccine for our patients. Continue to ask your patients if they've received flu vaccine and give out vouchers.