2018 August Newsletter

August 2018

Clinton Service Unit

Inside this issue: The Next Chapter

IHS Mission 2 Whenever I hear the question, “How is it working down in Clinton?” the response is quick and east. “It is great.
Area Director 3
Accreditation 4 The best experience of my career. I love the people. I have the most amazing staff, and have come to care

deeply for the Cheyenne and Arapaho people”.

Summer Send Off 5 I cannot have asked for more in this amazing mission. I am honored, passionate and privileged to work for our

Medicare 6 Native People. I believe we work as stewards for the treaties made between the Tribes and the United States

Mail Bag 7 Government. Our responsibility is large and not to be taken lightly. We care for our family, our friends, our

Nutrition 8 neighbors. We are sometimes the only hope our patients have.

Flu Shots 8
ACA 10 With that said, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for all that you do, each and every day, to help us reach
Spotlight 12 success in our mission. It is also with a deep sadness in my heart that I let you know that I will be leaving
Welcome 13 Clinton Service Unit this September.

Pop Stars 14 I am sure some of you may be aware that I have struggled with my health the last two and a half years. I am

now at a point where my health must take priority over my career and my time as your leader at CSU. I have waivered on this decision

for quite some time, but I now realize that I am just too tired, and have too many other health concerns that must take priority so I can

fight and become healthy again.

I want you to know that the executive leadership at Clinton has been supportive and I cannot express enough how much their su pport
through this has meant to me. I also want you to know that your executive team is poised and prepared with a succession plan that
will continue the strategic plan, continue the progress in expanding in El Reno, and continue with the vision and direction we have set
forth. The Oklahoma City Area Office is in full support of our interim plan to maintain leadership goals for the service unit. CAPT Joe
Bryant has agreed to step in the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. I have met with the Health Board and the Cheyenne and
Arapaho Health Director, and they agree with our plan for succession as well and have full confidence in your continued success.
While this will be a change, this will be one on Clinton’s terms and with Clinton Staff leading the challenges ahead.

I am so proud of all you have accomplished while I have been here. It has been an honor, and sincerely
my privilege to be your CEO. You are an amazing team with heart and passion. I have no doubt you will
continue to lead the way in ideas, teamwork and modernization of our Indian health facilities. I sincerely
wish you the best and want you to know YOU are the BEST Indian Health Service has to offer. Hold
your heads high, advocate for your people and our patients. There is no greater reward than seeing the
lives of the people serve improve.

April Wazhaxi-Jones
Chief Executive Officer

Fulfilling the Mission and Vision

Indian Health Service Mission

To raise the physical mental, social, and spiritual health of
American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

Clinton Service Unit Vision

To provide quality health care services focusing on
prevention, restoration and collaborative relationships that

are valued and “exceeds the needs” of our patients,
community, and tribal partners.

Clinton Service Unit is committed to providing the best quality patient care. The Indian Health
Service (IHS) mission and Clinton Service Unit (CSU) Vision are more than statements, it is how we

care for our patients, family, friends, and coworkers each and every day.

“To me, the IHS mission and the CSU Vision mean
as a member of the Clinton IHS team I will strive
every day to meet the needs of each patient pre-
senting to this clinic whether it be for a behavioral
health need or guidance to another department,”
said Afton Luttrell, behavioral health medical support
assistant. “Each patient deserves our full attention
once they step into our building. I have enjoyed get-
ting to know patients and helping to enhance their
physical, mental, social and spiritual health. I will
continue to strive and excel in my duties to meet all
patients’ expectations and needs as a Clinton IHS
employee.”

Pictured above: Afton Luttrell, behavioral health medical
support assistant.

Page 2

CAPT Travis Watts named
IHS Oklahoma City Area Director

CAPT Travis Watts, PharmD, a member of the Choctaw Nation, has been appointed as the Director
of the Oklahoma City Area Office, effective August 12, 2018. CAPT Watts has been serving as Act-
ing Director since September of 2017.

CAPT Watts is responsible for the provision of comprehensive health care services to one of the
largest and most diverse service populations in the Indian Health Service (IHS). The Oklahoma City
Area serves over 350,000 patients annually and is home to 43 tribal nations in the states of Oklaho-
ma, Kansas, and Texas. The Oklahoma City Area Indian health system provides direct, preventive,
and contract health care services through a successful collaboration of tribal, urban, and federally
operated facilities.

CAPT Watts began his IHS career as a Commissioned Corps Officer in 1989 as a Junior Commis-
sioned Officer Student Training Extern at the Clinton Indian Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s degree
in pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in clinical pharmacy
from the University of Oklahoma. He completed an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
residency in primary care through the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma
City. CAPT Watts is certified in pharmacotherapy by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties and
has practiced as a national clinical pharmacy specialist.

CAPT Watts has more than 24 years of experience in clinical
pharmacy, hospital and clinic operations, Commissioned
Corps personnel services, and health care administration.
CAPT Watts has been married to his wife Sheila for 28 years
and together they have two children.

Please join CSU in congratulating CAPT Watts, and thanking
him for his dedication to the IHS mission and the patients we
serve.

CAPT Travis Watts, IHS Oklahoma City Area Director

Page 3

After Hours
Nurse Advice Line

1.844.399.5256

The three outpatient clinical facilities of Clinton Ser- onsite survey. During the review, a team of Joint
vice Unit (CSU), Clinton, El Reno and Watonga, are Commission surveyors with expertise in ambulatory
each accredited by the Joint Commission. In July health care, will evaluate compliance with ambula-
2016, CSU earned The Joint Commission’s Gold tory care standards, behavioral health standards
Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Health Care Ac- and PCMH requirements related to a variety of are-
creditation. This recognition demonstrates CSU’s as, including coordination of care, infection preven-
continuous compliance with the nationally recog- tion and control, management of medications,
nized standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a health literacy and patient education and training.
symbol of quality, reflecting an organization’s com-
mitment to providing safe and effective patient care. The CSU has been accredited by Joint Commission
since 1983, which at that time was the Clinton Indi-
To maintain accreditation, CSU is reassessed every an Hospital. When the hospital closed in February
three years. In 2019, CSU will undergo this reas- 2007, the new Clinton Indian Health Center was
sessment for our ambulatory care services and resurveyed under the Ambulatory Health Care Ac-
seek to expand our accreditation of services to in- creditation standards. CSU has maintained accredi-
clude Behavioral Health Care Accreditation and Pri- tation without lapse since 1983.
mary Care Medical Home (PCMH) Certification.
The survey process is a rigorous and unannounced

Page 4

Summer Send-Off Celebration

The Oklahoma Systems of Care, in partnership with multiple community organizations, hosted the Summer
Send-Off Celebration at the Frisco Center in Clinton on the evening of Friday, August 10th. Multiple depart-
ments of Clinton Indian Health Center hosted health information booths to provide education on back-to-
school related health care needs. Families were able to touch and feed animals at a petting zoo and free po-
ny rides were offered to the kids.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Staff of Clinton Indian Health Center had the chance to speak
with community members and educate on health concerns at
the Summer Send-Off Celebration in Clinton.

1. Dr. Sarah Hartnett, pediatrician, chatted with kids about
what bugs make them sick.

2. Public Health Nurse Lydia Garvey informed parents and
kids on immunizations.

3. Dr. Kala Rodgers, audiologist, provided information on
hearing and related disorders.

4. Pharmacist Jamie Shaddon had a booth on medication
safety.

Page 5

Understanding Medicare and
Medicare Advantage Plans

The advantages in choosing original Medicare and disadvantages of choosing Medicare Advantage Plan for patients of the
Indian Health Service (IHS).

What are the Advantages of Medicare?

Part A Medicare

Part A Medicare is hospital insurance covering inpatient care at hospitals, hospitals that specialize in critical care and skilled nursing
facilities. In addition, Part A also covers the home health and hospice care.

Part B Medicare

Part B Medicare is medical insurance that pays for necessary medical services and supplies. With this coverage, you may be required
to pay a premium. Part B Medicare covers doctor services, outpatient care, various home care and physical or occupational therapy.

Who is Eligible?

Those who are eligible for Medicare are those who are 65 or older and those who are eligible for Railroad Retirement or Social Secu-
rity benefits. Those who are 65 or older and have a spouse or former spouse who receives Railroad Retirement or Social Security
benefits. Those individuals who have worked 40 works quarters and social security was taken out or who have been receiving Social
Security disability benefits for at least 24 months, or have the end stage of kidney disease, are also eligible for Medicare.

Advantage to the IHS patients who enroll in the original Medicare patients can go to any health care providers who accepts
Medicare.

IHS accepts Medicare and their physicians can make referrals. IHS can pay for medical services because the providers are
able to make referrals to their patients.

The Disadvantages of choosing Medicare Advantage Plan

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage as an alternative to original Medicare hospital and medical coverage. Medi-
care Advantage plans usually pay for prescriptions, unlike original Medicare. In addition, these plans generally charge a lower premi-
um than original Medicare, or none at all. Nonetheless, Medicare Advantage plans are not necessarily the best for everyone because
they restrict your choices and have other disadvantages.

You have fewer Choices

Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least as much coverage as Medicare A and B for hospital and medical insurance. After that,
the insurance companies make the rules. These plans operate as health maintenance and preferred provider organizations, so they
use a network of approved health care providers.

If you want to go outside the network, you may pay more or have no coverage at all. The company decides when you must have a
referral to see a specialist, and what care is medically necessary and therefore covered by insurance.

A disadvantage to IHS patients who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan must use a network approved health care providers
to get their medical referrals to see an outside specialist.

IHS providers are not authorized health care providers in the Medicare Advantage plan network and cannot make medical
referrals to outside specialists.

The Purchased Referred Care cannot pay the medical cost to outside specialist because the IHS providers cannot make
medical referrals to outside specialists.

You Can’t Join or Change at Will

You can only join a Medicare Advantage plan or change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another during the open enrollment
period, which is between October 15 and December 7 of each year. You can switch from Medicare Advantage to original Medicare
both during this open enrollment period and from January 1 to February 14.

Outside the enrollment periods, you cannot change plans, even if the insurance company has dropped your doctors from its
network. You also cannot enroll in an Medicare Advantage plan if you have end-stage kidney disease.

Page 6

From the Mailbag...

“This is the most amazing clinic I’ve ever used,” said Clinton Patient. “Phenomenal.”

“So helpful with all her info and instructions,” said Clinton Audiology Patient.

“I would recommend this facility because of the fast and friendly service,”
said Clinton Patient.

“She (Cassandra, Clinton pharmacist) provided exceptional, excellent service.”

“Dr. Geiger is caring and thoroughly explained everything to me,” said Optometry patient.

“Jon Soto in the lab has always been polite, respectful and kind,” said Clinton patient. “My
sister, niece, daughters, and I love the way he listens to us. Jon is a very awesome person

beside a lab tech. We really appreciate all he does for our family!”

Employee Association

2018—2019 Officers

Employee Association

President Billie Kionute (580) 331.3401

Vice President/ Michael Meeks (580) 331.3411

Treasurer

Secretary Phoenix Keesie (580) 331.3382

Pow-Wow Committee

President Billie Kionute (580) 331.3401

Vice President Jackie Reynolds (580) 331.3383

Secretary/ Michael Meeks (580) 331.3411

Treasurer

Committee Member Pam Heap Of Birds

Committee Member Deborah Weaselbear

Committee Member Jamie Shaddon

Committee Member Julie Cox

Page 7

Let your diet feed your health! Food is important to our daily lives and what we eat has a
direct impact on current and future health. Clinton Service Unit offers nutrition counseling to

assist patients in making the connection between nutrition and health through providing
evidence-based support to guide patients’ efforts.

NUTRITION DEPARTMENT
580.331.3458

Clinton

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Watonga

Thursday

El Reno

Friday

Flu Shots Available Soon!

Stop in anytime for a flu shot at any of our three clinics
or

Bring the whole gang to the Family Flu Shot Clinic, starting
October 4th at Clinton Indian Health Center’s Outpatient Clinic

available on Thursdays from 9am to 4pm.
Appointments are needed.

Page 8

For the privacy of our patients,
no photography or video is allowed
in the facilities of Clinton Service Unit.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For when the unexpected happens...

Clinton’s Saturday Convenient Care Clinic

9 am to 1 pm

Walk-ins Only
No appointment needed

Clinton’s Saturday Convenient Care Clinic provides treatment for minor medical needs:

Sore Throat Eye and Skin Infections Earaches
Insect Bites and Rashes Sinus Congestion Minor Cuts and Wounds
Cough Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Fever
Pregnancy Tests Bladder Infections Allergies

Chronic health needs such as diabetes, follow-up appointments, routine prenatal care, pain management, and chronic medication refill renewals
will require an appointment in the primary care clinic, and will not be seen in the Saturday Convenient Care Clinic.

Page 9

Affordable Care Act

Clinton Service Unit (CSU) in collaboration with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of
Oklahoma have teamed to host monthly insurance outreach events to assist patients with signing up for free to low-cost health insur-
ance. CSU’s next outreach events are scheduled for El Reno Indian Health Center on October 23rd and Clinton Indian Health Center
on October 24th. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Oklahoma is the only vendor in the state approved to provide options for those who
qualify through the Health Insurance Marketplace provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Page 10

Page 11

Provider Spotlight

Susan Wood, BSN, MSN

Clinton Service Unit (CSU) is pleased to welcome
CDR Susan Wood, chief nurse executive, to the team.
CDR Wood graduated from the University of Tulsa in
1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a in
2016 with a Master of Science in Nursing focusing on
leadership with an emphasis on healthcare systems.

CDR Wood began her career in 1994 at Claremore
Indian Hospital as an Indian Health Service scholar-
ship recipient, where she worked in Women’s Health
and Med/Surg. In 1998, she transferred to Cherokee Nation’s W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah,
where she worked as the Nursing Manager for the Women’s Clinic. She transferred back to
Claremore Indian Hospital in 2008, where she held a Nursing Supervisory position over the inpatient
and outpatient areas. For the past eight years, she has served as the Women’s Health Nurse Man-
ager for the Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve as the Chief Nurse at Clinton,” said Wood. “I look for-
ward to serving for years to come.”

CDR Wood has been married for 28 years to her husband, Reed, who works for the Oklahoma
Bridge Company out of Edmond. “We have 2 children,” said Wood. “Nathan is 22 years of age and
is attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in Nursing. “Sarah is 18 years of age and will
attend the University of Central Oklahoma in the spring.” CDR Wood has two step children, Kristin,
who is 35 years of age and is married with two children (Sebastian - 7 years and Landon 5 years);
and Addison, 32 years of age, who was recently married and in his third year of residency in Fort
Worth, Texas, specializing in orthopedic surgery.

Please join CSU in welcoming CDR Wood to our team!

Page 12

WELCOME!
CSU’s Newest Team Members

Brittany Thiel
LPN

El Reno Indian Health Center

Jamie Prairie Chief Susan Wood
Budget Analyst Chief Nurse Executive
Clinton Indian Health Center
Clinton Indian Health Center
Page 13

CSU “POP” Stars

Personal Outstanding Performance

The “POP” Award recognizes Clinton Service Unit employees who exhibit
“Personal Outstanding Performance”. It is designed to encourage and acknowledge employees for

their everyday efforts and customer service.

Congratulations to all of our POP Stars!

Alexzandra Dedmon

“Alex was assigned to Dr. Jones (orthopedics),” said Deonda Roberson. “She not only provided
exceptional patient care, but she screened 16 patients in the morning alone. Even with the high

volume, I witnessed her commitment to keeping appointments running on-time. She showed
exceptional customer service to each patient served by communicating their appointment time

status. She thanked each patient for their patience and the opportunity to serve them.
Her communication to patients and customer service provided was outstanding and should be

recognized.”

Amanda Low & Celia Ramirez

“Thanks to the Lab Staff for putting out extra hard work and dedication getting our patients taken
care of while we were extremely short staffed over the last month,” said Vickey Fletcher, lab super-

visor. “I appreciate all of your above & beyond effort to make the patient results available for the
patients’ visit. Thank you both!”

Charlene Wassana

“Charlene Wassana, RN, has worked for nearly two days on finding a hospice company to accept
care for a terminally ill patient,” said Deonda Roberson. “She called multiple companies trying to
secure home care and equipment to meet the patient’s need. The compassion she has shown the
patient and family is sincere and truly reflect our goal of providing patient centered care—the best

health care possible at all stages of life.
Her kindness has provided reassurance to both the patient and family.”

Page 14

Challenge Accepted!

#SGFIT

Seventy-one percent of young adults in the United States (U.S.) are ineligible for military service, as many are
unable to meet the basic physical requirements. Our Nation's lack of fitness is not only a public health issue,
but also a national security issue. The 20th U.S. Surgeon General, VADM Jerome Adams, has issued a
challenge to all Public Health Service (PHS) Officers to improve allover fitness and flexibility. “It is imperative
we recommit ourselves to our Nation's health and readiness,” said Adams.

Officers in the Indian Health Service Oklahoma City Area are answering VADM Adam’s call to increase
physical fitness by challenging one another to increase the number of push-ups they are able to perform. On
August 21st, both PHS Officers and Civil Servants across all three clinical facilities of Clinton Service Unit
joined forces for a push-up challenge outside their respective clinics.

1.

Staff of Clinton Service Unit’s three facilities compete
in a push-up challenge.

1. Clinton Indian Health Center

2. El Reno Indian Health Center

3. Watonga Indian Health Center

2.

3.

Page 15

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’
Diabetes Wellness Program
Community Outreach - 2018

The Diabetes Wellness Program would like to inform all current clients and invite potential new
clients to our community outreach visits at the locations below. The nurse, dietitian and optometry
technician will be available for foot exams, dietitian consults and eyeglasses.

If you plan to come in, call the office first, so we may pull your chart and see if you will need to
bring in any documentation such as a shoe script, eyeglass script or address verification. Please call

one of the numbers below.

Lana LittleElk (administrative assistant) 405-422-7723
Tara Conway, RD/LD (dietitian) 405-422-7685
Kathy Shawnee, RN (nurse) 405-422-7867
Yolanda VanHook (optometry technician) 405-422-7530

DATE TIME LOCATION
Oct. 2 11 am – 2 pm Hammon Community Center
Oct. 9 11 am – 2 pm Seiling Community Center
Oct. 11 11 am – 2 pm Canton Community Center
Oct. 17 10 am – 2 pm Watonga Community Center
Oct. 23 10 am – 2 pm Independent Living Center/Clinton
Oct. 30 10 am – 2 pm Geary Community Center

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
CDIB
Current driver’s license or state ID
Proof of residency (electric, gas, cable, rent receipt, etc.)
Prescriptions for eyeglasses or Nike wellness shoes
Proof of diabetes

Page 16

Page 17

Clinton Service Unit

Phone Directory

CLINTON INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (580) 331-3300
10321 N. 2274 Road ~ Clinton, OK ~ 73601

Request to establish chart: (580) 331-3369

Cedar Medical Home SweetGrass Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Nakia & Michelle Beshaw Dr. Maqbool & Jessica Van Den Berg Dr. Egan & Dr. Hartnett
Apts: (580) 331-3424 Apts: (580) 331-3412 Apts: (580) 331-3466
Nurse: (580) 331-3424 Nurse: (580) 331-3412 Nurse: (580) 331-3466
PRC: (580) 331-3363 PRC: (580) 331-3513 PRC: (580) 331-3307
(580) 331-3420
DEPARTMENTS Chiropractic: (580) 331-3439
Audiology: (580)331-3482 Optometry: (580) 331-3413
Dental: (580) 331-3423 Behavioral Health: (580) 331-3485 Podiatry: (580) 331-3439
Pharmacy: (580) 331-3351 Nutrition: (580) 331-3458 Radiology: (580) 331-3415
PHN: (580) 331-3471 Physical Therapy: (580) 331-3439
Release of Info: (580) 331-3377 PRC: (580)331-3590
Wound Care: (580) 331-3439

EL RENO INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (405) 234-8400
1801 Parkview Drive ~ El Reno, OK ~ 73036

Request to establish chart: (580) 331-3369

Eagle Medical Home Otter Medical Home Wolf Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Garcia Dr. Renshaw Monica Halcomb Dr. Mejias
Apts: (405) 234-8411 Apts: (405) 234-8411 Apts: (405) 234-8411 Apts: (405) 234-8411
Nurse: (405) 234-8411 Nurse: (405) 234-8411 Nurse: (405) 234-8411 Nurse: (405) 234-8411
PRC: (580) 331-3336 PRC: (580) 331-3419 PRC: (580) 331-3307 PRC: (580) 331-3419

Behavioral Health: (405) 234-8426 DEPARTMENTS PHN: (405) 234-8430
PRC: (580) 331-3590 Specialty: (580) 234-8402
Pharmacy: (405) 234-8423
Release of Info: (405) 234-8403

WATONGA INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (580) 623-4991
1305 S. Clarence Nash Boulevard ~ Watonga, OK ~ 73772

Request to establish chart: (580) 623-4991 ext. 3000

Turtle Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Ali Dr. Mejias

Apts: (580) 623-4991 Apts: (580) 623-4991
Nurse: (580) 623-4991 Nurse: (580) 623-4991
PRC: (580) 331-3336 PRC: (580) 331-3307

Pharmacy: (405) 623-4991 DEPARTMENTS PRC: (580)331-3590

PHN: (580) 623-4991
Release of Info: (405) 234-8403

Page 18

Page 19

Good Questions
for Your Good Health

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist,
use the Ask Me 3 questions to better understand your health.

Clinton
Service Unit

CLINTON What is my main problem?
What do I need to do?
10321 N. 2274 Road
Clinton, OK 73601 Why is it important for me to do this?
(580) 331.3300
Tell us how we’re doing...
Cedar (580) 331.3424
Sage (580) 331.3389 We invite you tell us how we’re doing and take
SweetGrass (580) 331.3376 our short online patient survey.
Peds (580) 331.3466
Fax (580) 323.2579 For a paper copy, please stop by registration.
Hours of Operation
2018 CSU Patient Survey
Monday—Friday
8 am to 5 pm https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSUPatientSurvey
Saturday
CSU VISION
Convenient Care Clinic
9 am to 1 pm Provide quality health care services focusing on prevention, restoration and
collaborative relationships that are valued and “exceed the needs” of our
EL RENO patients, community and tribal partners.

1801 Parkview Drive
El Reno, OK 73036

(405) 234.8400
Eagle, Otter & Peds

(405) 234.8411
Fax (405) 234-8435
Hours of Operation

Monday—Friday
8 am to 5 pm

WATONGA

1305 S Clarence Nash Blvd.
Watonga, OK 73772
(580) 623-4991
Turtle & Peds
(580) 623-4991
Fax (580) 623-5490
Hours of Operation
Monday — Friday
8 am to 5 pm