- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogRon Nolte is Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Luminis Health. With more than 15 years’ experience in healthcare technology leadership, he brings expertise in digital transformation, holistic technology adoption, and strategy delivery to Luminis Health. Previously, Ron served as the Vice President of Applications at Luminis Health. He also held the position of Associate CIO at LHAAMC, had tenures at Northwest Community Healthcare in Illinois, and Epic in Wisconsin. He also brings a collaborative leadership approach honed as a healthcare technology consultant sharpened at organizations such as Providence St. Joseph and New York City Health + Hospitals. An expert in health and Epic technologies, he most recently led the Epic Refuel project, which focused on enhancing clinical and IT staff efficiency by innovating established processes. Ron holds Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Mathematics and Statistics, and a Master of Science in Mathematics from the University of South Alabama. He is a Certified Healthcare Chief Information Officer (CHCIO) and Certified Digital Health Executive (CDH-E) through the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives. Ron’s leadership in digital transformation will help us achieve better outcomes for our communities through our Vision 2030 strategy.
- Cancer Care, Patient StoriesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogSeven years ago, Howard “Howdy” Freedlander of Annapolis discovered that he had prostate cancer again. He met with Dr. Angel “Ted” Torano, a radiation oncologist at Luminis Health, to discuss treatment for the recurrence. “He was the most authentic and genuine doctor,” Howard says of Dr. Torano. In 2015, Howard traveled to Baltimore for the recommended surgery and now decided to receive eight weeks of radiation treatment under the care of Dr. Torano at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Howard underwent treatment from Monday to Friday, with each session lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. He commends the team for their professionalism and punctuality. The radiation therapists working with him also developed a personal connection. They nicknamed him Howdy, and upon his arrival for the afternoon treatment, they would cheerfully exclaim, “It’s Howdy Doody Time!” On one occasion, they even played the famous Howdy Doody song, and all of them, including Howdy, danced for a few seconds—a unique radiation preparation experience. After a total of 39 treatments, Howard celebrated his last day by ringing the bell in the Donner Pavilion. As a token of appreciation, he left a Howdy Doody bobblehead for the team to remember him by. He carries with him the memories of compassionate care. His advice to others affected by cancer is to maintain a positive mindset. He emphasizes the importance of respecting medical practitioners and appreciating the fact that they are working to save lives. They are motivated to help patients face cancer calmly and optimistically. “Many people who undergo treatment are fearful, anxious, and apprehensive. I chose to acknowledge the seriousness of the process, trust in it, and believe in its effectiveness. I am immensely grateful, as is my family,” says Howard. Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as the Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he held the position of executive officer in the Maryland National Guard and served as the community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, most recently at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In his retirement, Howard actively serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Philadelphia. If you would like to support the Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center by honoring a doctor, nurse, or caregiver, please consider making a gift.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogHealthcare scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting patients through various means, especially emails and other forms of communication. One area of concern is the MyChart Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, which is widely used for managing personal health information. At Luminis Health, we take cybersecurity concerns seriously and adhere to best practices to keep data safe. In addition to our security measures, there are steps you can take to safeguard your health data and personal information. As you review emails, texts and phone calls, here’s what you need to know: Understanding MyChart EMR Scams Scammers often exploit the trust and familiarity associated with well-known health systems and EMR platforms like MyChart. They aim to steal sensitive personal information or install malicious software on your devices. Here are the key red flags to watch out for: 1. Phishing Emails and Text Messages Phishing is a common method used by scammers. You might receive an email or text message that appears to be from your health system, prompting you to click a link or provide personal information. These messages often look legitimate but contain subtle errors or urgent language designed to create panic. Tip: Always verify the sender’s email address and look for grammatical errors or unfamiliar web addresses. If unsure, contact your healthcare provider directly using a trusted phone number. 2. Spoofed Caller ID Scammers can use technology to make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate healthcare provider’s phone number. During the call, they may ask for personal information or direct you to a fake website. Tip: If you receive an unsolicited call asking for personal information, hang up and call your healthcare provider back at a known, trusted number. 3. Fake Login Pages Scammers create fake websites that mimic the MyChart login page. When you enter your credentials, they capture your username and password, giving them access to your EMR. Tip: Ensure the website URL is correct before logging in. Genuine MyChart portals will have secure web addresses starting with “https://” and often include your healthcare provider’s name. 4. Unsolicited Requests for Personal Information Legitimate healthcare providers will never ask for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, password, or financial details via email or phone. Be wary of any unsolicited requests for such information. Tip: If you receive a suspicious call or message, do not provide any information. Instead, contact your healthcare provider to verify the request. 5. Unusual Account Activity Regularly monitoring your MyChart account can help you spot unauthorized access. If you notice any unfamiliar activity or changes, it could be a sign that your account has been compromised. Tip: Enable account notifications to receive alerts about any changes or logins. Report any suspicious activity to your healthcare provider immediately. Protecting Your Information Here are some steps to enhance the security of your personal information and communications: Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. A strong password includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app. Regularly Update Your Passwords: Change your passwords periodically to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your password every three months. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing accounts with sensitive information, like MyChart, over public Wi-Fi networks which are often less secure. Verify Communications: Always verify the sender or contact of suspicious emails, text messages and phone calls. Look for signs of legitimacy, such as official logos, correct email addresses and proper grammar. Reporting and Responding to Scams If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam or that your MyChart account has been compromised, take immediate action: 1. Report the Incident: Contact your healthcare provider’s support team to report the issue. The Luminis Health MyChart Support team can be reached at (833) 254-3600 or [email protected]. 2. Change Your Password: Update your MyChart password and any other accounts using the same credentials. 3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your medical and financial accounts for any unusual activity. For more information on recognizing and avoiding healthcare scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website on healthcare scams. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect your MyChart EMR and personal health information from scammers. Sources: • Federal Trade Commission, “Health Care Scams,” accessed May 17, 2024, FTC Healthcare Scams • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Protecting Personal Health Information in Electronic Health Records,” accessed May 17, 2024, HHS Protecting PHI
- UncategorizedGeneral Page Tier 3BlogWe all know we shouldn’t eat fast food, but most of us can’t help ourselves. The convenience, speed, and flavors of fast food make it tempting, but it’s important to recognize that ultra-processed foods come with health risks. While there are many definitions, think of ultra-processed as food you can’t make from scratch. Sixty percent of the average American adult’s diet consists of ultra-processed food. Diets heavy in ultra-processed foods are linked to higher risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart problems, cancer and more. That’s because the food industry designs these foods so we crave and buy them more. As a result, these foods contain higher amounts of sugar, salt, and fat, and lower amounts of fiber compared to less processed alternatives. One study found that people ate 500 more calories a day when offered diets based on canned or processed meats and frozen potato sides, compared to those who ate fruits, vegetables, and fresh meats. The good news? It’s easier than you think to cut back on ultra-processed foods. Eat ultra-processed food in smaller quantities Trying to cut out your favorite ultra-processed snacks altogether could set you up for failure. Instead, try to eat ultra-processed foods in smaller quantities. That way, you won’t fill up on high-in-calorie, low-in-nutrient food. Don’t eat chips straight from the bag. Instead, put a handful in a small bowl to prevent overeating. At your favorite ice cream shop, order one scoop instead of two and skip the toppings. A rule of the thumb? Order the kids portion if possible. Choose healthier ultra-processed options Not all ultra-processed foods are created equally. Plain pretzels and whole-grain crackers and hummus are better than chips, since they have less saturated fat and calories. Some ultra-processed foods can even be healthy. Whole grain bread without added sugar is technically ultra-processed but it’s also high in fiber and nutrient dense. When buying highly processed foods, compare calories, fiber, sugar, and salt content to make a healthier choice. Watch your drinks Beverages can be heavily processed too. Sports drinks and sodas have a long list of chemical ingredients. Caffeinated drinks can also be high in sugar and artificial flavors. A vanilla latte at a popular coffee shop might pack around 250 calories. Stick to non-sweetened drinks like water and tea as much as possible. If you’re craving soda, try mixing juice and soda water. If you want to order coffee, choose one without flavors, as flavored coffees often include sugary syrup. You can also make your coffee healthier by skipping the whipped cream and requesting skim milk instead of whole milk. Make smart choices at restaurants We all need a break from cooking once in a while. Making healthier choices when going out to eat can be as simple as ordering a small burger without fries or soda. On the side, consider a small salad and ask for a vinaigrette dressing, which packs far fewer calories than cream-based dressings. Avoid salad toppings, like croutons, bacon bits, or tortilla chips, which can be high in fat and salt. Check the ingredients list Foods low in sugar or fat are healthy, right? Not exactly because they are often packed with salt and additives. Pay close attention to the ingredients list and look for chemicals, like guar gum, polysorbates, mono- and diglycerides, carrageenan, and soy lecithin. Strive for products with fewer additives, as this often indicates a higher proportion of real food ingredients. Pay attention as well to the daily value percentage, or how much of the maximum daily amount of sodium, fat, and sugar a product contains. If a package of beef jerky has more than half of the salt you should consume in a day, it’s probably not worth it. The bottom line: small steps can add up Whether you order your coffee with skim milk, skip the fries with your burger, or decide to have whole grain crackers as a snack, you are taking little steps that can make a big difference in your overall health. Author Nowreen Haq, MD, is an endocrinologist at Luminis Health who focuses on cardio metabolic outcomes, complex diabetes, obesity and transgender endocrinology.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center have received high marks and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 16th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). Out of the 1,065 healthcare facilities who participated in the survey, only 462 were distinguished as high performers. “As we celebrate Pride Month, this recognition reinforces our commitment to equitable treatment for all individuals and reaffirms Luminis Health’s on-going dedication to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI),” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “Discrimination has no place at any of our hospitals, and we remain steadfast in delivering exceptional patient experiences that enhance the health of the people and communities we serve.” The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care; LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; and, Patient and Community Engagement. Luminis Health recognizes the importance of providing compassionate and inclusive care to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By offering implicit bias training for our staff, we ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and respected. The health system also understands the significance of asking patients their preferred pronouns, as it acknowledges and affirms their identity. Luminis Health proudly cultivates a supportive atmosphere within the organization with a dedicated LGBTQIA+ Business Resource Group for employees. We actively engage with the LGBTQIA+ community by sponsoring and participating in annual Pride events. Internally, the health system fosters an environment of openness through regular meetings, encouraging candid discussions where concerns and ideas are freely shared. “Everyone who enters our facilities should feel valued, understood, and supported on their journey to wellness,” said Deneen Richmond, Luminis Health’s Chief Quality, Equity and Population Health Officer.. “This dedication is reflected in our values of Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence. At Luminis Health, we RISE by lifting others.”
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