The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 32 COVID patients today, down from 35 Friday. Other significant numbers:
- 22 with the active virus today, 24 Friday
- 1 in ICU, 2 Friday
- 1 on ventilator, 2 Friday
- 10 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 11 Friday
Key points from today’s guests:
Jason Grundstrom, Executive Director Continuum of Care
- Encourages everyone to be familiar with what their health insurance covers and what it does not
- Financial counselors and social workers are ready and eager to help navigate healthcare finances
- Don’t just let medical bills pile up. Call financial counselors to work it out so the bill doesn’t get sent to collections, and damage credit.
- Financial resources are available for patients with no insurance
- Telehealth has been “phenomenal,” especially with the high cost of gas, in keeping patients in touch with their doctors. Currently see about 700 patients a day through this service.
Gail Saunders, Social Worker Manager
- American Cancer Society grant provides patient with gas cards, cab passes and bus vouchers to help them come to clinic visits
- Hope Lodge provides free housing for families of cancer patients coming a long distance
- Helps patients understand the importance of not delaying health care because of cost. Cost can always be dealt with, but health problems can become worse by delaying treatment.
- Works with doctors and pharmacists to help make sure needed medicines are affordable
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Despite recent surge of hospitalized COVID patients, the numbers are not anywhere near the delta and omicron levels
- While Monkeypox may have been circulating since 2018, we do not need to declare an emergency with current cases
- Vaccination works, as revealed in a Lancet study showing vaccines have prevented 20 million deaths worldwide.
- Second booster not currently recommended for healthy young adults, just for those over 50 or immune compromised
Wednesday, June 29 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Open Mics With Dr. Stites. Support is critical for women in the criminal legal system. But how can we help provide the social support they need? You'll meet the local team empowering women to take control of their health... including their sexual health. Tomorrow, we look back at how COVID impacted those working in the ICU.
ATTENTION: media procedure for joining:
Zoom link: https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone Zoom link: 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID: 782 897 8628
TVU Grid link: UoK_Health_SDI
Restream links: Facebook.com/kuhospital
YouTube.com/kuhospital
Send advance questions to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
