Why Shared Knowledge Matters: Patient Perspective
Your Health supports patients during challenging times. Many feel overwhelmed managing their conditions and struggle for control. Our patient-centered care model enables care teams to deliver tailored solutions for emotional, mental, social, and physical needs.
WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER KISTLER
Your Health is for our patients when they need it most.
Many patients may feel overwhelmed when managing their conditions and feel as if they have lost the ability to control much of their lives.
Fortunately, Your Health’s patient-centered care model allows each patient’s care team to provide customized care solutions to meet their emotional, mental, social, and physical needs.
Did you know that something as simple as explaining our Model of Care empowers our patients?
Shared Knowledge of our care model gives the patient…
Peace of Mind – The patient has an entire healthcare team focused on their success.
Ownership – The patient understands their role in self-monitoring and managing their conditions.
Equip – Allows the patient to anticipate frequency of visits, their value, and who will be involved in their care.
All of this helps to create Trust – Explain things in a way the patient and family will understand.
Health Literacy is a real issue for most patients. Get the patient to give you feedback so you know they understand. Do what you say you are going to do. Share your knowledge and have the patient and family share theirs.
Silent Care: Timely Communication in Patient Care
“I had a kidney infection, and no one told me…………”
How would you feel, as a patient, if your lab work came back abnormal and your primary care provider failed to call you and discuss the results?
WRITTEN BY: KIM METZ, RN
“I had a kidney infection, and no one told me…”
How would you feel, as a patient, if your lab work came back abnormal and your primary care provider failed to call you and discuss the results?
How would you feel in a situation where your mom has an X-ray after a fall, and you never receive any update on her condition? Knowing there are no broken bones can relieve our patients’ and family members’ anxiety, but without that confirmation, you’re left worrying and uncertain.
How would you feel if your lab work came back abnormal and indicated a need for a slight lifestyle or medication change that could have improved the trajectory of your health…but no one ever told you?
Imagine how you would feel if you were worried about a serious condition like cancer, due to symptoms such as blood in your urine. After undergoing a urinalysis, it was discovered that it was merely a kidney infection, but the information was never relayed to you…
All scenarios are potential experiences our patients may face if we don’t take the time to discuss lab results, x-rays, and other test outcomes with them.
Did you know that according to the National Library of Medicine, 96% of patients prefer to receive test results online immediately, even if their healthcare provider has not reviewed them yet? A subset of respondents experienced feeling increased worry after receiving abnormal results. Therefore, studies prove patients want to be informed, even if it's bad news.
In Your Health’s most recent Patient Experience (PX) scorecard from United Healthcare, only 79% of our patients reported receiving follow-up from their primary care provider after blood tests, x-rays, or other exams. We aim for 89%. We can and must do better for our patients.
As a person who cares for others, or as someone who supports those who care for our patients, ask yourself these questions:
Are you teaching your patients how to use the portal?
Are you scheduling a follow-up the same day you order a lab or diagnostic test?
Are you taking the time to explain to the patient the reasons behind ordering the test?
Are providers promptly and efficiently alerted when results are posted in the patient's chart?
Have you identified opportunities to improve the process and taken steps to implement or share those ideas?
Are we improving our patients' experience and reducing their anxiety by providing and reviewing results as quickly as possible?
Our patients need to trust us. They deserve to receive their results promptly, which is the right thing to do.
Your Health Announces Nancy Johnson as Vice President of Population Health in Charleston
Your Health is pleased to announce that Nancy A. Johnson, MSN, RN, CPEN, has joined the organization as Vice President of Population Health in Charleston. Nancy will lead initiatives to improve population health outcomes and oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance patient care across the Tri-county community.
Columbia, SC – [July 11, 2024] – Your Health is pleased to announce that Nancy A. Johnson, MSN, RN, CPEN, has joined the organization as Vice President of Population Health in Charleston. Nancy will lead initiatives to improve population health outcomes and oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance patient care across the Tri-county community.
Nancy Johnson is a seasoned healthcare professional with extensive experience in nurse case management and population health. She has a proven track record of collaborating with clients, care providers, and clinical workers to ensure efficiency along the continuum of care. Nancy is committed to fostering a patient-centric, emotionally present, and relationship-based culture.
As a Nurse Team Lead with UpStream Care Company, Nancy led the South Carolina Market of Nurse Case Managers, promoting population health-based Chronic Care Management services in collaboration with Medicare guidelines and various organizations statewide. Nancy expertise in case management was honed in her years of service at the Medical University of South Carolina and at Summerville Medical Center where she collaborated with senior leadership to develop and achieve department goals, promoted professional standards, ensure regulatory compliance and optimized care from both clinical and administrative perspectives.
Nancy received her Master of Nursing Science, Clinical Nurse Leader and her Bachelor of Nursing Science from the University of South Carolina.
“Nancy Johnson’s extensive experience and dedication to patient care make her an invaluable addition to our Your Health team. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Your Health is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and improving population health outcomes in Charleston and beyond.
Your Health Welcomes Lisa Bricker as New VP of Population Health
Your Health is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa Bricker as a new Vice President of Population Health in the Lowcountry. With over 25 years of healthcare experience, Ms. Bricker brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of leadership and operational excellence to our organization.
Columbia, SC, [July 11, 2024] – Your Health is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lisa Bricker as a new Vice President of Population Health in the Lowcountry. With over 25 years of healthcare experience, Ms. Bricker brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of leadership and operational excellence to our organization.
Ms. Bricker joins Your Health from the Harrisonburg Community Health Center in Virginia, where she served as Executive Director since May 2016. During her tenure, she successfully recruited 15 providers, expanded the staff from 30 to 140 team members, and grew the center’s budget from $2 million to over $10 million. Her strategic vision and leadership transformed a struggling organization into a thriving healthcare entity that significantly benefits the community.
Ms. Bricker's experience also includes a 15-year tenure at Sentara RMH Medical Center, where she held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Operations and Quality Coordinator. Her expertise spans practice management, provider and staff recruitment, training, process evaluation and improvement, budget development and management, and change management. She has a demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams, implement strategic initiatives, and drive organizational success.
Ms. Bricker holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership from Saint Joseph's University and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Organizational Development from Eastern Mennonite University. She also holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Shenandoah University.
“We are excited to welcome Lisa Bricker to our team. Her extensive experience and dedication to driving improved healthcare outcomes align perfectly with our mission. We are confident that under her leadership, Your Health will continue to provide exceptional care and make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
Your Health is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and improving population health outcomes in Charleston and beyond.
Governor Henry McMaster Appointed Melissa May-Engel to the South Carolina Board of Nursing
Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment of Melissa May-Engel, LPN, to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Melissa May-Engel, associated with Your Health, will serve as the LPN at Large, bringing her extensive experience and dedication to the nursing profession to the Board.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment of Melissa May-Engel, LPN, to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Melissa May-Engel, associated with Your Health, will serve as the LPN at Large, bringing her extensive experience and dedication to the nursing profession to the Board.
The mission of the South Carolina Board of Nursing is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the safe and competent practice of nursing. This mission is achieved through several key initiatives:
Assuring Safe Initial Practice: The Board ensures that all licensed nurses in South Carolina meet rigorous standards for initial practice. This involves comprehensive licensure processes for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Continuing Competency: The Board promotes ongoing education and professional development to maintain and enhance nursing competency throughout a nurse’s career. This is vital to updating nursing practices with the latest medical standards and innovations.
Promoting Nursing Excellence: The board fosters an environment of excellence by supporting high standards in nursing education and practice. This includes surveying and approving pre-licensure nursing programs to ensure the quality education of future nurses.
In addition to licensure and education, the Board investigates complaints against nurses and takes disciplinary action when necessary to uphold the integrity and trust of the nursing profession. Through these efforts, the South Carolina Board of Nursing ensures that the highest standards of nursing care are provided to the public.
Matt Staub, CEO of Your Health, expressed confidence in May-Engel's appointment, noting her commitment to nursing and her ability to contribute to the Board’s mission.
"Melissa’s dedication to patient care and professional expertise make her an invaluable addition to the South Carolina Board of Nursing. I am confident she will help advance our mission to ensure the health and safety of all South Carolinians."
Melissa May-Engle shared her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honored to be appointed to the Board and look forward to working with my colleagues to continue promoting excellence in nursing. Together, we will strive to ensure that every nurse in South Carolina practices with the utmost competence and compassion."
For more information about the South Carolina Board of Nursing and its initiatives, please visit www.scbon.sc.gov.
Your Health is a leading provider of primary care services dedicated to delivering high-quality medical services in our primary care offices and in patients' homes across South Carolina.
By Land Or Sea
If you have been with Your Health long, you have heard someone use the tagline, "Wherever You Call Home."
That is not just a tagline; we mean it. Recently, our Grand Strand Team received a call from a case manager from a hospital near Georgetown. The case manager worked on a discharge plan for a patient who needed help going home. The big problem she was dealing with was that this patient lived on Sandy Island, about 30 minutes via boat off Georgetown's coast.
Naturally, our Grand Strand team accepted the challenge from this hospital case manager and began to figure out a way to provide patient care after her discharge. The team let the case manager know that we are all set, have access to a boat, and will begin seeing her at home.
For the last few months, Kristi Miller, APRN, has been making regular boat rides so that this patient would get the care she needed WHEREVER SHE CALLED HOME, even if the home was an island with only boat access. Kristi has even found other required support agencies willing to take the boat ride to the patient.
We are all healthcare problem solvers, and by working together, we can solve any problem for the communities we live in and serve.
Great job, Grand Strand Team!
Social Determinants of Health
We at Your Health are fortunate to offer mental health services as primary care providers.
Excellent healthcare doesn't separate physical and mental care; they are equally vital to a patient's success.
We have tremendous social workers who provide talk and cognitive behavioral therapy daily. However, we also have another side of our Social Work Program that helps patients with resources and daily needs like food, shelter, social support, and more.
It doesn't matter how good your provider or therapist is; the patient will continue to struggle if we don't meet all these social determinants of health. Recently, our very own Bryan Melton (Social Worker) helped someone we will call "Joe".
Joe has significant health struggles, including going to dialysis a few times a week, but one of his most significant needs is stable housing. Brian worked his social work magic and community resources and found Joe stable housing. By meeting this crucial need, Joe can focus on his health issues, and worrying about where he will live will not be a distraction.
Joe recently left a message for our Chief Behavior Officer, Jimmie Williamson, Ph.D., LMSW, to let him know about Bryan's impact on his life.
You can hear the voicemail testimonial below by clicking the play button.
We can provide the most incredible physical and mental healthcare, but the social determinants of health are the foundation for our’ genuinely living their best lives.
Well done, Bryan and Social Work Team!
Your Health Primary Care Celebrates Successful Grand Opening in Moncks Corner!
Moncks Corner, SC – We are excited to share that the grand opening of our newest Your Health Primary Care location at 117 E Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC, was a fantastic success! On October 24, we welcomed community members and healthcare enthusiasts to our Open House, where attendees had the opportunity to meet our dedicated healthcare team, tour the new facility, and learn about our comprehensive, patient-centered services.
Moncks Corner, SC – We are excited to share that the grand opening of our newest Your Health Primary Care location at 117 E Main Street, Moncks Corner, SC, was a fantastic success! On October 24, we welcomed community members and healthcare enthusiasts to our Open House, where attendees had the opportunity to meet our dedicated healthcare team, tour the new facility, and learn about our comprehensive, patient-centered services.
Highlights from the Event:
The Open House showcased our commitment to building strong, trusting relationships with our patients. Attendees enjoyed engaging discussions about our proactive healthcare approach, which emphasizes regular check-ups and preventive care to promote long-term wellness.
About Your Health Primary Care – Moncks Corner:
Our Moncks Corner clinic focuses on providing accessible, high-quality healthcare tailored to the needs of our community. We offer a range of services, including in-home visits, telehealth, and comprehensive preventive care.
Meet Our Team:
Adrianna Deise, our board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, shared her insights and passion for patient-centered care. With her diverse experience in orthopedics, pediatrics, intensive care, and clinical education, Adrianna is a vital asset to our team and the Moncks Corner community.
Services Offered:
Primary Care
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
In-Home Visits
Telehealth Services
Lab & Diagnostic Tests
Vaccinations
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making the opening celebration memorable! Special thanks to Danielle Lanigan and Deeanna Enfinger for their coordination and efforts in partnership with the City of Moncks Corner.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please contact our clinic supervisor, Danielle Lanigan, at 1-843-872-3894. We look forward to serving the Moncks Corner community and supporting your health journey!
Your Health Partners with WGU to Expand Educational Opportunities
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 25, 2024) — SC House Calls, Inc., DBA Your Health, has signed a collaboration agreement with accredited online Western Governors University to provide its employees with the opportunity to upskill and further their careers by pursuing educational opportunities to advance personal goals and the work of the organization. Through this collaborative, WGU will provide Your Health employees with personalized learning pathways to education, including academic degrees, certificates and credentials.
Employees eligible to apply for Healthcare Partner scholarships
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 25, 2024) — SC House Calls, Inc., DBA Your Health, has signed a collaboration agreement with accredited online Western Governors University to provide its employees with the opportunity to upskill and further their careers by pursuing educational opportunities to advance personal goals and the work of the organization. Through this collaboration, WGU will provide Your Health employees with personalized learning pathways to education, including academic degrees, certificates, and credentials.
Employees of Your Health will now be able to apply for $2,500 scholarships through the WGU Healthcare Partners Fund. WGU offers more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the fields of healthcare, business, IT and K-12 education. Tuition is around $4,000 per six-month term and students can take as many courses within a term as they wish, with the consent of their assigned program mentor.
Your Health offers a comprehensive and specialized care model that extends beyond traditional primary care services to meet the healthcare needs of a wide variety of patients, including those with multiple chronic conditions and disabilities. The organization employs more than 2,000 professionals and operates 14 physicians’ offices and 12 Your Health House Calls across South Carolina and Georgia.
“Your Health has long been committed to fostering the most qualified and highly educated workforce in the healthcare space. This unique partnership gives our employees an additional avenue in which to pursue academic pursuits. We are hopeful that by continuing to pave the pathway for our employees with WGU and other higher education partners, we will be able to realize our goal of having one of the most technically trained and competent workforces in the industry.”
“We are grateful to partner with Your Health to provide this opportunity to its employees. Our asynchronous, online model is a good fit for working adults who desire pursue their educational and professional goals. With more than 11,000 current students enrolled throughout South Carolina and Georgia, WGU is filling the need of many adult learners.”
ABOUT WGU
Western Governors University, the nation’s leading nonprofit, online university, is transforming higher education to be more student-centric, affordable, accessible to all and relevant to the workforce. Established in 1997 by 19 visionary U.S. governors, WGU creates life-changing pathways to opportunity for those underserved by traditional institutions — working adults, historically underrepresented communities, and a diverse, growing number of learners looking for a flexible, online model that better suits their life circumstances. WGU’s competency-based education model allows students to demonstrate mastery as they progress through programs at their own pace.
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, WGU operates in all 50 states and offers more than 80 programs in health, education, technology, and business. WGU serves more than 175,000 students nationwide, with more than 340,000 alumni, and has awarded more than 380,000 degrees. Learn more at wgu.edu. Follow WGU on X at @wgu and on LinkedIn.
The Least of These
At Your Health, we help people from all walks of life, well-off people, and those on the other side of the spectrum, whom we call The Least of These.
Recently, our Charleston social work team got a call from a former patient from a skilled facility, they were not doing well after discharge. This person, whom we will call “Jerry,” also had recently been in the ER and had a short hospital stay. After release, Jerry had been scammed out of resources and found himself homeless and living in a downtown Charleston parking garage. Jody Crawford & Jasmine Marion (Social Workers), and the Charleston team went into action to asses and find solutions to this man’s problems.
First, it was food; Cam Cunningham brought this person some dinner to the parking garage one evening while other team members began finding additional resources to find him more food in the coming days.
The second need they filled was shelter. Through the residents of the Cane Bay community, they collected resources to get Jerry some nights at a hotel, plus more groceries, until they could get him a more permanent home. After a few days of getting the proper medical evaluations, Jerry was placed in the A’leia Residential Care in Yemassee.
Thirdly, now that his food and shelter problem has been solved, Jerry is getting regular provider and social work visits to give him a chance to thrive in his new home.
Your Health is so much more than JUST primary care! It gives people their dignity back and a chance at a better life.
GREAT JOB, Charleston Team! You are truly making a difference from those well-off to The Least of These, like Jerry!