The Health Promotion team at CHC/SEK plays a key role in supporting patients beyond the exam room. This team focuses on improving health outcomes, lowering the overall cost of care, and making the healthcare experience better for all the patients we serve.
Their work centers around patients who need extra outreach and support, whether it’s calling a patient due for a mammogram and reaching out to schedule an annual well child visit, the Health Promotion team is focused on better health for all. Patients in need are identified through data analysis that points to care gaps and through referrals from providers and care teams. Once identified, the team steps in to help patients take the next steps toward better health.
There are two groups within this department: Health Promotion Nurses and Health Promotion Specialists, each with a unique focus—but one shared goal—to keep patients engaged, informed, and connected to the care they need.
Health Promotion Nurses work closely with all CHC/SEK clinics. They’re involved in both Transitional Care Management (TCM) and Chronic Care Management (CCM). For Transitional Care, nurses contact patients who have recently been in the hospital or emergency department to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent readmission. Contact is done typically within 48 hours after discharge. Chronic Care Management is for established Medicare patients living with two or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, helping them manage their health between regular office visits through monthly outreach.
Health Promotion Specialists are based at the CHC/SEK Bicknell location, but they work alongside all other CHC clinics. Health Promotion Specialists focus heavily on prevention, wellness visits, and filling gaps in care. Their primary focus is reaching patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or Marketplace insurance to make sure they’re up to date on wellness visits, cancer screenings, immunizations, and other preventive care needs. They also follow up on missed appointments and help reschedule Medicare Wellness Visits. Additionally, specialists conduct Health Risk Assessments, outreach done prior to appointments to gather important health information, so doctors can focus more on patient care during visits and spend less time on chart documentation.
Altogether, the department includes seven specialists and eight nurses, with overall operations overseen by Kayla Jones. A lead nurse provides guidance and support to the nursing team, while a coordinator supervises and directs the work of the specialists. The Health Promotion departments work behind the scenes to keep patients engaged, informed, and empowered.
The work of the Health Promotion department is rooted in collaboration, patient education, and compassion. Whether they’re helping a patient get back on their feet after a hospital stay or encouraging someone to come in for a preventive screening, the Health Promotion team is there to support the long-term health and wellness of our communities.