Text Message Appointment Reminders
Dear Patient:
UM Health-West has recently implemented additional features to make your interactions with us easier and safer.
You’ll now receive appointment reminders and instructions for your visit via text message. Please watch for these text messages and save them to refer back to at the time of your appointment. The message will come directly to your cell phone, so you will not need to download any new applications.
We’ve also created a “virtual waiting room” when you arrive to UM Health-West facilities. You’ll receive instructions to text us from your car when you arrive for your appointment, and we’ll send you a text message when we’re ready for you to enter the building. However, if you don’t receive a message to enter within 10 minutes, please feel free to come in the building and check-in with us.
All of these innovations are in an effort to continue to keep our patients safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Please direct any questions you may have through MyChart or by calling your provider’s office.
Thank you for continuing to trust us with your health care needs.
COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling
Please note that we are currently opening the schedule week by week based on vaccine availability. Vaccine availability is reviewed every Wednesday. When the schedule for available weekends is full, no appointments will appear until the next weekend is released. Please check back frequently.
21st Century Cures Act
Recently finalized, the 21st Century Cures Act requires patients be provided with increased access to their electronic health information. Therefore, you’ll begin to see all of your provider’s medical notes in your MyChart account. Some of this information may be unfamiliar or confusing, and we encourage you to contact your provider to explain anything that may be unclear.
Additionally, your test results on any tests performed will now be sent directly to you and your provider. Test results often have what is called a ‘reference’ range. Results outside this range may state “abnormal,” however this does not necessarily indicate a problem. It may simply mean your results fell outside of the normal range for that particular lab. As always, your provider will contact you directly to explain your results and any needed follow-on treatment.
Please remember your provider is available to answer any of your questions or concerns. Thank you for placing your trust and confidence in UM Health-West.
New Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI)
UM Health-West is committed to being a safe, inclusive organization to our entire patient population. This includes welcoming individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
We recently added new questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to our Medical Record forms
Why are we asking you about your sexual orientation and gender identity?
These questions are asked of all adolescent and adult patients, regardless of age, gender, race, marital status, income level, etc. Like questions about physical and mental health, a patient’s gender identity, sexual orientation and sexual health are also important for delivering appropriate health services. Every patient has unique health needs. Research shows the needs of some groups are going unmet because these groups are often invisible within our healthcare system, e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc.
As always, please discuss any concerns or questions with your provider.
COVID-19 Visitor Policy
To protect our patients and the community, we have updated our visitor policy. The new policy impacts inpatient and outpatient visits. Visit here for more information.