LCO Health Center Provides Report for the Membership

4 days ago5 min read

LCO Health Center

Membership Report

There are several exciting updates to share with the membership about the progress and growth happening within our health services.

New Clinic Construction Underway

We all have seen the exterior of our new clinic taking shape, and the interior is coming together just as beautifully. The staff of the LCO Health Center will begin the relocation process on April 7, 2025. As a result, the LCO Health Center and Bizhiki will be closed for two weeks, beginning April 7 and reopening on April 21. Certain departments may reopen sooner than the two-week period if possible. We encourage patients to consult with their provider and pharmacy to arrange a 60- or 90-day medication refill in advance of the closure to ensure continuity of care. Additionally, we will be collaborating with Marketplace Pharmacy during the shutdown, so please ensure that all necessary requirements with the Purchase and Referred Care (PRC) Department are up to date.

The new clinic is a 64,000 square foot facility, a significant increase from our current 35,000 square foot space. The medical department will expand from IO exam rooms currently, to 16 exam rooms, with an additional exam room in the urgent care area. The medical lab will feature a separate blood draw area, unlike our current setup, providing enhanced privacy. The lab itself will be over twice the size of our existing lab, facilitating a more efficient workflow. The dental department will see an increase from 7 to 8 operatory rooms, plus 4 additional hygiene rooms. The new dental space will feature a dedicated waiting area, larger lab, expanded sterilization room, and a dedicated storage area for supplies, eliminating the need to store dental items in the basement like we do currently. The new pharmacy will be more than twice the size of the current pharmacy allowing for more storage space and consultation rooms for patients. A key highlight is the addition of a drive-up window for medication pickup. The Behavioral Health and MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) departments feature a private entrance for patients, along with two separate waiting rooms. The Behavioral Health area includes 15 offices, each designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for patients. The MAT area consists of a large prevention room, five office spaces, and exam rooms. Additionally, there is a dedicated consult room and storage areas for both departments. The radiology department will expand significantly, offering two overhead X-ray unties, ultrasound, mammography, and bone density services. These newly designed rooms offer enhanced privacy for patients. The Community Health Department has been reorganized to bring all services together, including the addition of optometry. An expanded retail space has also been introduced, providing patients with more options for glasses. The optometry department will offer a broader range of services than those currently available at the clinic.

Health iPass

We have recently purchased and implemented Health iPass as our new electronic registration system. Patients are encouraged to use this platform to upload and sign the necessary documentation. A text message with a link to access Health iPass will be sent to patients, or they may use a kiosk available in the lobby. Our registration staff is available to assist patients with this process, which will need to be completed annually.

We strongly encourage all patients to utilize this system as we transition toward a paperless approach.

Hiring of Telephone Receptionist

We're excited to announce that we've recently hired a dedicated receptionist whose sole responsibility will be to answer and transfer incoming calls. This step has been taken in response to the feedback we've received regarding the difficulty some have had reaching us by phone. By having someone specifically dedicated to this task, we aim to improve the overall experience for our callers, reduce wait times, and ensure that all inquiries are promptly addresses. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue working to improve our communication channels!

Mental Health Therapists in Schools

We are proud to have two dedicated mental health therapists working closely with Hayward, Winter, and LCO schools, providing essential support to our tribal youth. These therapists maintain a full caseload, offering tailored counseling and mental health services to students in need. This collaboration is incredibly beneficial, as it ensures that our young people have access to professional care within their school environment, helping them navigate challenges and promoting overall well-being. By integrating mental health support directly into the school system, we are fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for our students.

Hiring of New Social Worker

We are excited to announce a social worker will begin working at the LCOCHC on April 91\ 2025. A social worker can be essential in supporting the well-being of our members by providing services like case management, advocacy, and assistance in accessing important resources. They help ensure individuals receive the support they need to overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. This addition to our team will provide a holistic approach to addressing the various challenges that our members may face.

Dental Department

Our new Dental Director, Dr. Ascher, has been working closely with our former Dental Director, Dr. Harper, to further enhance and improve the dental department. We are in the process of re-hiring Dr. Mann and another new dental hygienist to enhance our capacity to deliver high-quality dental care. Additionally, they have been developing a new presentation aimed at the families of the Head Start and Daycare to improve

children's oral health. The first session took place on February 141\ 2025.

New Vehicle for Transportation Department

We're excited to share that we've recently expanded our transportation capabilities by purchasing a brand new 2024 Chrysler Pacifica for our transportation department. This addition will help us continue to provide reliable transportation for our patients, whether they need to travel to appointments here or out of town. To ensure we can accommodate everyone, we ask that patients schedule transportation at least 2-3 days in advance of their appointments. We're committed to making every part of the patient experience as smooth and convenient as possible, and we hope this new vehicle will make a positive impact on those needing transportation assistance.

New Mobile Medical Unit

We have recently purchased a new mobile medical unit, which will allow us to expand our outreach and provide medical services to members in remote or underserved areas. This idea and process began during the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. This new addition will enhance access to care and better serve our community's needs.

Pharmacy

The pharmacy is currently resolving issues with their system for automated text messages and pick-up reminders. Kindly update your phone number at the pharmacy window. Additionally, please provide the pharmacy with a copy of your prescription insurance cards, even if they have already been submitted to the reception desk. It is important that the pharmacy receives these as well.

MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)

The MAT department is collaborating with the Legal Department to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will authorize MAT providers and nurses to enter the Sawyer County jail to administer Vivitrol and Sublocade injections. These treatments could potentially be life-saving for members that are struggling with alcohol and/or drug addiction and become incarcerated.