New Location Announcement: Murrells Inlet Joins the Your Health Family!

Your Health Primary Care is pleased to announce the official acquisition of Dr. Pugh’s practice, located at 4111 Murrells Inlet Road, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, effective June 1, 2025. This expansion reflects Your Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, personalized healthcare to communities throughout South Carolina. 

Dr. Pugh and his dedicated team will continue providing care at the same location, with the same trusted staff that patients have come to rely on. Now operating under the Your Health model, patients will benefit from enhanced access to a wider range of services, including specialty care through an extensive telehealth network, opportunities for in-home visits, and support for chronic care management. This transition supports a more convenient, comprehensive, and connected healthcare experience. 

Patients will continue to receive consistent care from Dr. Pugh along with other specialty providers, while also gaining access to a full care team model. This includes your doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, social worker, physical, occupational, and respiratory therapist, community health worker, and laboratory technician—available both in the office and for in-home visits. The Your Health approach emphasizes preventive care and long-term wellness, helping patients manage their health proactively. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about available services, visit YourHealth.Org or call us directly at 843-758-0045 or 803-740-3308. 

Your Health Wins 2025 Points of Light Award for Advancing Value-Based Care Through Data Collaboration

We’re proud to announce that Your Health has been recognized in the 2025 Points of Light Awards for our innovative role in improving care through data-sharing partnerships. This year’s awards honored leading organizations that are pushing the boundaries of value-based care, and our collaborative work with Humana and athenahealth stood out as a model of what’s possible when technology, trust, and teamwork come together.

These prestigious awards honor payers, providers, and health IT vendors who collaborate to achieve shared outcomes that improve patient care. Each submission is independently reviewed by KLAS Research through in-depth interviews with all partners, ensuring every recognized case reflects genuine, measurable, and collaborative success.

The case study, “Closing Care Gaps & Reducing the Administrative Burden Through Improved Data Sharing,” spotlights how Your Health helped tackle two major healthcare challenges: reaching hard-to-engage patients and easing clinician burnout caused by busted workflows.

The Challenge

Humana faced difficulty caring for members who didn’t regularly visit their primary care physician, leading to higher ER usage and missed opportunities to address care gaps. At the same time, clinicians were spending up to 15 hours a week manually chasing data to meet value-based care requirements, contributing to increased burnout.

The Solution

Through a collaborative initiative with athenahealth, we closed a care and diagnosis gap powered by Da Vinci APIs. This technology automatically flags care and diagnosis gaps and integrates that data directly into our clinicians’ EHR workflow before a patient’s visit. Your Health also established a dedicated quality team to work with both Humana and athenahealth to ensure accurate data interpretation and ongoing program improvements.

The Impact

Since implementing the tool:

• Clinicians at Your Health now identify 4.8 more care gaps and 4.7 more diagnosis gaps per member, enabling earlier interventions and better patient outcomes.

• Humana has already closed 35% of its CMS Star gaps, with Your Health playing a key role.

• Clinicians experience reduced administrative burden by working within one integrated system, improving efficiency and morale.

What’s Next

Our shared goal is to evolve this program to support a whole-patient care model, which includes integrating behavioral health and social determinants of health (SDoH) into the data exchange. Together, we’re building a system that puts the patient—not the paperwork, at the center of care.

This award is not just a win for Your Health—it’s a celebration of what’s possible when providers, payers, and technology partners work together to make healthcare better for everyone.

We’re honored to share this spotlight and excited for what comes next.

Congratulations to Dr. Yohannes Negash, Our Newly Appointed Chief Medical Officer

We’re proud to announce an exciting new chapter in leadership at Your Health. Dr. Yohannes Negash has been appointed as our Chief Medical Officer, bringing with him more than two decades of clinical expertise, medical leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing patient-centered care.

A Leader Rooted in Excellence

Dr. Negash's career is marked by a strong foundation in both clinical practice and healthcare innovation. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1995, following a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Loma Linda University. He went on to complete his internship and Internal Medicine residency at Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Throughout his career, Dr. Negash has held a variety of key clinical and leadership roles at respected institutions such as Prisma Health, ContinueCARE Hospital, and Dorn Veterans Medical Center. He notably served as Medical Director for the Providence Hospitalists Group and Prisma Health Tuomey Hospitalists, where he played a vital role in elevating clinical standards and improving patient outcomes.

Guiding the Future of Care at Your Health

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Negash will lead Your Health’s clinical operations, serve as Chair of the Executive Quality Improvement Committee, and drive strategic efforts to enhance quality, safety, and performance across all areas of care. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our value-based care model, always with a focus on delivering better outcomes and experiences for our patients and communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Negash into this pivotal leadership position,” said Theresa Younis, Chief Quality Officer at Your Health. “His exceptional experience and unwavering commitment to patient care make him the ideal choice to guide our medical team into our future as a value-based care organization.”

Committed to Our Mission

Dr. Negash's appointment represents more than just a new title—it reflects our continued dedication to innovation, quality, and compassionate care. We are confident that his leadership will inspire progress and drive meaningful change throughout our organization.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Yohannes Negash on his new role and welcoming him as he leads Your Health into a bright and impactful future.

Your Health Hosts Advanced Wound Care Certification Educational Event

Your Health recently hosted a four-day Advanced Wound Care Certification educational event in collaboration with the Wound Care Education Institute and Relias.

This intensive course was led by a representative from the Wound Care Education Institute and attended by nine dedicated nurse practitioners (NPs) seeking to expand their expertise in wound management.

Throughout the comprehensive training, participants learned evidence-based best practices and advanced wound care techniques to better serve patients with complex clinical and wound care needs. Each of the nine nurse practitioners completed the course and are preparing to take the National Alliance of Wound Care (NAWC) exam to earn their Wound Care Certified (WCC) credentials.

These highly trained professionals will play a vital role in supporting Your Health’s Specialty Division Wound Care Program, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes through advanced clinical expertise.

“This certification will allow our team to provide an even higher level of specialized care to patients with wounds, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and recovery support,” said Janet DiNino, MSN, AGPCNP-C, CLNC, CHC, LNHA, CAPPM, Chief Clinical Officer at Your Health. “We are proud of our nurse practitioners for their dedication to professional growth and commitment to improving patient care.”

Your Health leverages technology and invests in innovative educational programs and clinical development opportunities to enhance healthcare services and promote proactive, preventative patient care.

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About Your Health:
Your Health is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care across various specialties. Through continuous education and clinical excellence, Your Health strives to improve health outcomes and enhance the well-being of the communities it serves.

Celebrating Our CCMA Program Success!

At Your Health, we believe in empowering our team members with the education, training, and resources they need to excel in their careers. That’s why we are proud to celebrate the success of our National Health Career Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) partnership—a program that is making a real impact!

Looking back from July 2024 to today, we are thrilled to share that 62 enrollees have taken their CCMA certification exam after completing the program, and an incredible 55 have passed, giving us an outstanding 89% pass rate!

This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication, perseverance, and commitment of our team members in advancing their skills and providing high-quality care to our patients. Certification is a milestone that not only validates their hard work but also enhances the level of care we deliver every day.

A special congratulations from Donna Anderson, Dava Smith, and David Teachey to each and every team member who has achieved their CCMA certification. Your success is a reflection of your passion and dedication to patient care, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Join Us in Celebrating Our Newly Certified CCMAs!

Thank you for your hard work, commitment, and excellence. Your achievements inspire us all and contribute to making Your Health a leader in patient-centered care!

Your Health Featured in Bamboo Health Case Study

We’re excited to share that Your Health has been featured in a Bamboo Health case study showcasing our success in improving patient follow-up care through real-time care intelligence.

By integrating Bamboo Health’s Pings™ solution, our teams now ensure that over 90% of patients receive timely follow-up care, improving care transitions and reducing hospital readmissions. This initiative has also led to a 61% decrease in home health spend, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing patient outcomes.

This recognition highlights our commitment to value-based care, patient-centered outcomes, and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Empathy The Heartbeat of Healthcare: A Skill, Not a Superpower – And Yes, You Can Learn It

When we think of successful workplace dynamics, one quality stands out: empathy.  

Yet, many people believe empathy is a personality trait, something that’s either hardwired into a person or absent altogether. But here’s the good news: Empathy isn’t just for the naturally “soft-hearted” – it’s a skill that can be learned, practiced, and transformed into a powerful tool for creating more collaborative, effective, and supportive work environments. 

Imagine this: You’re in a meeting, and a colleague, who seems stressed, shares an idea that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Rather than brushing it off or immediately correcting them, you pause and ask, “How can I help?” or “Tell me more about your perspective.” In that moment, empathy isn't just about understanding; it’s about creating space for someone to feel heard and valued.

Can Empathy Be Learned? 

Absolutely! While some people may have an innate ability to sense others’ emotions, empathy is far from being a fixed trait. Empathy doesn’t require a special “personality” – it requires practice and intention. In fact, research shows that emotional intelligence—the foundation of empathy—can be cultivated through practice. Neuroscience has shown that our brains are wired for empathy, with certain areas activated when we experience or observe someone’s emotions. With training, these neural pathways can be strengthened, making empathetic responses more automatic. Whether you’re leading a team or working as part of one, developing empathy at work is a matter of making intentional efforts to understand and connect with others.  

Here are some practical ways you can start strengthening empathy in your own professional life: 

• Active Listening 

• Put Yourself in Their Shoes 

• Embrace Vulnerability 

• Recognize Non-Verbal Cues 

• Practice Compassion 

Why Empathy Is More Important Now Than Ever 

As work culture continues to evolve, empathy becomes even more critical. With remote work, hybrid teams, and increasingly diverse workforces, it’s easy to feel disconnected or misunderstood. Empathy helps bridge these gaps. Moreover, empathy can be a game-changer in managing conflict. It’s easy to get bogged down by misunderstandings, but empathetic approaches to conflict resolution create an opportunity for mutual respect and collaboration 

The Bottom Line: Empathy is a Competitive Advantage 

Empathy isn’t just about being nice—it’s about creating a workplace that thrives on connection and respect. 

So, whether you’re a manager trying to boost team morale or an employee looking to improve your relationships with colleagues, start with empathy. It’s a skill, not a superpower. It is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must-have. And yes, you can learn it! 

Your Health Announces The Closure of its Hartsville Location

Your Health announces the closure of its Hartsville location, effective December 16, 2024. The decision follows changes in the professional paths of Dr. Harless and Dr. Elder, who are transitioning to hospital-based care, and Dr. Mendez, who is pursuing a new professional venture.

This closure highlights ongoing challenges faced by independent healthcare providers. Over the past decade, Medicare reimbursements for primary care services have declined by 30%, with an additional 2.8% reduction announced for 2025. Meanwhile, hospital reimbursement rates have risen by 30%, prompting many physicians to shift to hospital-based roles.

Despite our extensive efforts for the owners to renew the lease for the Hartsville office an agreement could not be reached, leading to the closure. However, Your Health remains committed to serving Hartsville patients. The staff will continue supporting patients through telehealth visits, in-home care, and appointments at nearby locations in Florence and Bennettsville. To ensure continuity of care, Your Health is introducing new providers to support Hartsville patients during this transition. More details about their expertise is in the below links.

• Dr. Joseph Williams

• Sherry Elder, APRN

• Elizabeth Newsom, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

While the closure of our Hartsville location is disappointing, our priority is the health and well-being of our patients. We are committed to exploring options for a new Hartsville location while
continuing to provide accessible, patient-centered care.

Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted to discuss their options. For assistance or to schedule telehealth or in-person visits, please call (843) 917-4117. Your Health thanks the Hartsville community for its support and looks forward to continuing to serve you.

Your Health Team Heads to Denver for Advanced Biote Training

Your Health is proud to announce that 12 representatives will travel to Denver, Colorado, from December 5 to 8 for advanced Biote - bioidentical hormone replacement therapy training. This initiative underscores the organization's commitment to providing innovative, personalized healthcare solutions.

Biote is a leading hormone optimization platform that offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, empowering providers to address hormonal imbalances and improve patients' quality of life. The team includes one physician and seven nurse practitioners, all of whom will be certified as Biote Providers. Four other Your Health representatives will attend to support the certified Providers, ensuring a seamless implementation of these services across the organization.

“Our participation in this training reflects Your Health’s dedication to advancing patient care through evidence-based solutions,” said Brooke Howard, APRN, President of Clinical Services at Your Health. “By certifying our Providers in Biote, we aim to meet the growing demand for holistic health interventions that positively impact patient outcomes.”

Your Health’s embrace of Biote demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing wellness and supporting patients’ long-term health. Following the training, these certified Providers will be equipped to integrate Biote’s cutting-edge solutions into their practices, expanding access to hormone optimization therapy across our communities.

Celebrating Thanks at Your Health

“As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to each of you.

At Your Health, we have the privilege of caring for our patients, often during their most vulnerable moments. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and it’s your dedication, skill, and compassion that make it possible to fulfill this calling every day.

This Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for our incredible teams — doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, support staff, and leadership. You are the heartbeat of our practice. Your unwavering commitment to serving others transforms lives and strengthens the communities we serve.

In the midst of a busy and demanding profession, you continue to show kindness, respect, and a genuine desire to make a difference. That spirit of care is what sets Your Health apart.

I hope this holiday season provides you with moments of rest, joy, and connection with those who matter most to you. Thank you for all that you do and for being such an essential part of our mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!”

• Matt Staub, CEO

• Charleston Thanksgiving Food Drive: A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Team and Community

  This year’s Thanksgiving food drive was a huge success, thanks to the incredible support from our community and team. We partnered with Claiborne to provide cooked meals, while the community generously contributed non-cooked items like canned goods, turkeys, and monetary donations. Together, we were able to help 225 patients in the Lowcountry enjoy a special holiday meal. Volunteers and employees worked tirelessly to deliver the food, ensuring that no one was left out. This event truly showcased the power of teamwork and community spirit. We couldn't have made it happen without everyone’s dedication and support. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many!

Giving Thanks in the Office

Several offices throughout the company celebrated with a Thanksgiving potluck to gather and catch up with their co-workers.

Ongoing Commitment to Excellence: Achieving the CPXP Certification

Ongoing Commitment to Excellence: Achieving the CPXP Certification

Your Health Patient Experience’s Ongoing Commitment to Excellence: Achieving the CPXP Certification

At Your Health Patient Experience, we are always striving to elevate the care and service we provide to our patients. Our commitment to enhancing the human experience in healthcare goes beyond words—it's embedded in every action, decision, and initiative we undertake. One of the latest milestones in our journey is the recent achievement of the Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) certification by Rebecca Dillard.

While Rebecca’s certification is a notable personal accomplishment, it represents so much more. It underscores our organization’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence in patient experience—a core value that drives us to continuously improve and innovate across the healthcare continuum.

Why CPXP Certification Matters to Your Health's Patient Experience

The CPXP certification, awarded by the Beryl Institute in partnership with the Patient Experience Institute (PXI), is a globally recognized credential that signifies expertise in managing and improving patient experience. This certification process is rigorous, involving both extensive learning and application of best practices across patient-centered care, leadership, and service excellence.

At Your Health, we believe that earning the CPXP certification is not just about individual achievement—it’s about continually advancing our collective knowledge and skills. As an organization, we recognize that great healthcare is built on great experiences—both for the patients we care for and the people who provide that care.

A Shared Commitment to Transforming Healthcare

The CPXP certification is a reflection of the collective effort we put forth every day to create positive, patient-centered experiences that extend across all touchpoints in the care journey.

This achievement is just one example of the steps we’re taking to ensure that the human experience remains at the forefront of everything we do. From improving patient communication to enhancing the overall atmosphere of care, our organization is continually focused on creating a space where both patients and healthcare providers feel heard, valued, and supported.

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Investment in Patient Experience

Rebecca’s CPXP certification is part of our broader strategy to invest in human experience and set high standards across every aspect of care. But our commitment doesn’t end here. We will continue to focus on Your Experience Matters training and other initiatives that enhance patient experience, colleague experience, improve outcomes, and ensure every individual who interacts with Your Health feels the difference we strive to make.

A Unified Effort Toward Excellence

At Your Health Patient Experience, we are proud of the collective efforts that go into achieving excellence in healthcare experience. 

Thank you for being a part of our commitment to high achievement in patient experience. Together, we will continue to create meaningful, positive changes that impact the lives of everyone we serve.

Medical Adherence Reducing Hospitalizations

Your Health recognizes the critical role of medication adherence in reducing hospitalizations and improving overall health outcomes. We understand that many patients face barriers such as medication costs, transportation challenges, and lack of understanding about their prescriptions. To address these social determinants of health, we offer a range of pharmacy benefits designed to enhance access and compliance.

PHARMACY CONSULTS:

· Medication Reviews: Providing personalized consultations to help patients understand the purpose and benefits of their medications.

· Follow-Up on New Medications: Ensuring patients feel confident with new prescriptions through thorough follow-up discussions.

· Cost-Effective Alternatives: Recommending alternative medications that are more affordable or may have fewer side effects.

· Patient Assistance Programs: To discuss available programs to help alleviate the financial burden of medications.

DISPENSING PHARMACY (SC HomeRX):

· Home Delivery: Convenient home delivery of medications, either through shipping or direct delivery by a d(SC Home RX)river.

· Multi-Dose Blister Packaging: For ease of use, we provide multi-dose blister packs that simplify medication management.

· Traditional Bottles: We also offer medications in standard bottles for those who prefer them.

By leveraging these benefits, patients can take control of their health, leading to improved medication adherence, better health outcomes, and an enhanced healthcare experience.

Someone was Unkind to Me

Incivility—a silent threat often manifested in subtle snubs, condescending remarks, or passive-aggressive behavior—is a subtle yet pervasive issue significantly impacting employee engagement and patient experience.

The impact on a company as a whole is astounding. From decreased employee engagement to diminished patient experience, and ultimately the financial implications, such as increased turnover, decreased productivity, higher healthcare costs associated with stress-related illnesses, and increased sick days, can all significantly impact an organization's bottom line.  

A study by the Workplace Bullying Institute in 2017 revealed a staggering statistic: 98% of healthcare workers reported experiencing incivility, with 19% encountering it daily. Such widespread exposure to unkindness can lead to a host of negative outcomes. According to a 2022 survey, 76% of workers experience incivility at least once a month, and 78% witness it at least once a month.

According to Carnegie Mellon University’s Binyamin Cooper and colleagues (2022), rudeness constitutes a “low-intensity negative behavior that violates norms of civility” that can interfere with a person’s ability to get work done.   

Building a Culture of Kindness: Why People Are Rude and Unkind (and Why It’s Not About You) 

Try to believe that people are inherently good, and only do bad things in reaction to bad situations. Being unkind, more often than not, is a reaction to anger with ourselves or our perceived inadequacy. When you find people being rude to you in your everyday life, they are being mean to themselves.

They have likely convinced themselves that they are unworthy, which is the biggest tragedy. You don’t have to tolerate it when others are not nice, but it’s not something to take personally. You don’t have to internalize the meanness as a fault of your own. You can recognize that the rude person struggles with their problems and needs a way to cope. You cannot control the actions and behaviors of others, only your reactions to them.

“How people treat other people is a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves.”

— Paulo Coelho

If you are the unkind one, it is time for self-reflection. Why do you attack people? What are you trying to protect yourself from? The critical thing to remember, whether you are receiving or giving unkindness, is that you are inherently good, too, and what you or someone else tells you doesn't matter.   

Healthcare organizations can improve employee engagement, enhance patient experience, and ultimately deliver high-quality care by taking proactive steps to foster a positive and supportive work environment.   

“Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or a person from any walk of life trying to make a difference, you’re going to be judged for the little moments, so please make the most of them. In every interaction, you have a choice. Do you want to lift people up or hold them down? Who do you want to be?”

— Christine Porath

Dexcom Integration with Clinii

We are excited to announce that the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can now be seamlessly integrated with our Clinii remote patient monitoring (RPM) kits. This integration will provide a more efficient way to monitor patients’ blood glucose levels, as their Dexcom data will now sync directly with their Clinii mobile device, as well as with their Athena chart and Clinii profile.

Key Features:

• Real-time data sync: Patients' blood sugar readings will automatically appear in the Labs section of their Athena chart and their Clinii profile.

• Streamlined monitoring: This integration allows for continuous tracking of glucose levels, improving patient care and enabling better decision-making.

NEW RELEASE: THE HUB

Introducing The Hub App: Your One-Stop Resource for Organization and Efficiency

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Hub, a powerful new tool designed to bring clarity, efficiency, and alignment to all our company processes and protocols. The Hub is more than just an app—it’s our new single source of truth, a dedicated space for employees to find up-to-date company documents, workflows, procedures, and administrative files. By housing all resources in one place, The Hub ensures that every team member is equipped with consistent, accurate information to perform at their best.

KEY FEATURES OF THE HUB

1. Streamlined Document Management

   • The Hub enables all document creation, review, and approval processes to take place within one platform. This makes it easy to track each document’s status, reducing the need for manual updates and promoting a streamlined process from start to finish.

2. Locked-Down Approval and Disapproval Process

   • With The Hub’s secure approval system, every document is vetted by our designated team to ensure it aligns with current company standards. Employees can submit new documents or suggest revisions, with full transparency on status changes (e.g., “In Review,” “Approved,” or “Denied”). Feedback is provided for any disapproved documents, so revisions can be made swiftly and efficiently.

3. Customized Access and Permissions

   • The Hub’s permission structure ensures that each employee sees only the documents relevant to their role. Files are labeled as “Downloadable” or “View Only” based on access needs, with restricted permissions where needed (e.g., HR, Management). This ensures each team member has secure and appropriate access to essential information.

4. Protocol Compliance and Accountability

   • Following best practices and our established document management guidelines is crucial for consistency across our organization. Unauthorized document creation or distribution outside of The Hub is strictly prohibited, helping us maintain high standards and avoid referencing outdated materials. Our commitment to accountability is reinforced through The Hub, where supervisors can ensure that team members adhere to established protocols.

5. Training and Support Resources

   • The Hub includes a detailed user guide to support all employees in accessing and navigating the app. Whether you’re accessing training guides, workflows, or regulatory documents, the app’s clear layout will guide you to the resources you need with ease.

STAYING ALIGNED WITH THE HUB’S GUIDELINES

The Hub is here to enhance the way we work by improving consistency and efficiency in every department. All employees are encouraged to rely on The Hub to access protocols and procedures, stay up-to-date on revisions, and track document requests. This transition is key to maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring every team member is informed and empowered with the most current, accurate information.

Our new standard for accuracy, consistency, and alignment starts here. We’re excited to introduce The Hub as a core tool for our company’s continued growth and excellence, and we’re here to support you every step of the way as we all get acquainted with this dynamic platform. Here’s to a more organized, informed, and connected future!

Get Started Today: Access The Hub via your Employee Intranet login and explore everything it has to offer!

2024 Your Health Provider Conference

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the 8th Annual Your Health Provider Conference! This year’s event was remarkable, thanks to the enthusiasm of our attendees, the expertise of our speakers, and the support of our sponsors and vendors. Together, we created a weekend filled with inspiration, knowledge-sharing, and memorable experiences. From karaoke nights to engaging team-building activities, we strengthened connections across departments and fostered a collaborative spirit that will benefit our entire organization.

We were thrilled to welcome internationally recognized speaker Dr. Calvin Chou, who led a powerful workshop on relationship-centered communication, effective feedback, conflict resolution, and remediation in healthcare. Dr. Chou emphasized the importance of listening to understand, referencing Stephen Covey's insight: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” His practical guidance on the Ladder of Inference and strategies for empathetic communication inspired attendees to prioritize active listening in patient and colleague interactions.

The conference also featured focused tracks to address the diverse needs of our healthcare community:

• Medical Track: This track provided clinicians with insights into the latest medical advancements and patient care strategies, focusing on enhancing treatment for chronic conditions and integrating technology in healthcare.

• Social Work Track: Dedicated to social workers, this track offered sessions on trauma-informed care, professional boundaries, and critical social issues like hoarding, addiction, and mandated reporting.

• Leadership Track: This track empowered healthcare leaders with sessions on team-building, regulatory navigation, and patient-centered leadership. Emphasizing patient satisfaction and value-based care, these sessions equipped leaders with strategies for impactful decision-making.

In addition to educational sessions, a unique workshop with a professional magician brought a fresh perspective on problem-solving and innovation, reminding clinicians of the “magic” they bring to patient care.

Be sure to check out our blog and social media pages for photos and highlights from the weekend. Please share the memories and help us extend our gratitude to everyone who made this event a truly unforgettable experience. For more conference details, visit the Your Health Conference website.

Why Shared Knowledge Matters: Patient Perspective

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? 

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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. 

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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

WRITTEN BY: KIM METZ, RN

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“I had a kidney infection, and no one told me…”

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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

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.”

— Matt Staub, CEO of Your Health

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

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.”

— Matt Staub, CEO of Your Health

Your Health is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and improving population health outcomes in Charleston and beyond.