HJNO Nov/Dec 2019

34 NOV / DEC 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of New Orleans   Healthcare Briefs Immunization Records Now Available Free Online The Louisiana Department of Health is remind- ing residents that immunization records are avail- able online, and at no cost, without the need to contact a healthcare provider at LA.MyIR.net. LA.MyIR.net is available, for free, to all state res- idents, and allows them to securely view, down- load, and print official copies of their immuniza- tion records on demand. These printed records are accepted by schools, employers, state agen- cies, and other organizations that require proof of immunization.  “Having easy access to your family’s immuniza- tion records is the first step to maintaining your and your family’s health,” said Dr. Alex Billioux, assistant secretary of the Office of Public Health. “We want to remind residents, especially parents, that immunization records are available online in the event that they need their children’s immu- nization records for school or recreational activ- ity registration.” LA.MyIR.net is also useful for anyone seeking to track their or their family’s immunization boosters and yearly vaccines, like the flu shot, and is an effi- cient way to share vaccine information when vis- iting a new healthcare provider for the first time.  “LA.MyIR.net is a simple, convenient and secure way for state residents to access their immuniza- tion records anytime, anywhere they need them,” Billioux said. “This program will serve as a way to improve immunization rates throughout the state, reduce the administrative burden of immu- nization records requests for healthcare provid- ers and empower patients to take greater con- trol over their health.” By using the LA.MyIR.net website, residents can register for an account. This account can be per- sonalized for each family member. Accounts are linked to the state immunization registry. Once activated, official immunizations records for the user and/or their family can be viewed, down- loaded or printed. Gov. John Bel Edwards signed Act 192 into effect on June 11, expanding the statewide immunization registry, Louisiana Immunization Network (LINKS). The Louisiana Board of Phar- macy requires pharmacist vaccinators to enter the vaccines they administer into LINKS. Patients whose immunization records were already stored in LINKS will be able to access their records through LA.MyIR.net. People who sign up for LA.MyIR.net who are unable to access their records should ask their immunization provider to enter their records into LINKS. LA.MyIR.net is part of a pilot program funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the National Coordi- nator for Health IT (ONC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Vaccine Program Office.  Primary Care Plus Opens NewClinic in Slidell Primary Care Plus has opened its sixth clinic in Louisiana and its first in Slidell. An open house and tours of the clinic, at 1520 Gause Blvd., will be held at a later date. Primary Care Plus Slidell doctors specialize in senior care and offer primary care services includ- ing routine physicals, immunizations, and treat- ments for illness and injury. Miguel Culasso, MD, joined Primary Care Plus in July to care for patients at the Slidell clinic. “The addition of Dr. Culasso to our team posi- tions us to provide local seniors with the same high-quality healthcare services that have become synonymous with the Primary Care Plus name,” said Rachel Hery, Primary Care Plus director of clinic operations. “We look forward to bringing Primary Care Plus’s unique approach to special- ized senior care to Slidell.” Primary Care Plus provides senior-focused pri- mary care at five other clinics serving the Baton Rouge, Gretna, New Orleans, and Westwego communities. LCMCHealthCare Partners, Humana Enter Value- Based Agreement LCMC HealthCare Partners, LLC, and Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) have entered into a value-based agreement to help Humana Medicare Advantage members achieve their best health. The value-based contract expands upon Huma- na’s and LCMC Health System’s existing Medi- care network contract, which will continue to pro- vide Humana Medicare Advantage members in Greater New Orleans with access to LCMC facili- ties throughout Greater New Orleans. The expanded agreement provides in-network access for Humana Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health plan mem- bers across New Orleans seeking care at LCMC’s newly formed clinically integrated network, LHP. LHP is a physician-led organization, focused on delivery of value to patients, providers, and pay- ers through a population health model of care. The LHP network is comprised of over 900 pro- viders, including physicians employed by LCMC Health, community physicians, LCMC’s five mem- ber hospitals, and post-acute specialists. “Humana is excited to announce this value- based agreement as we continue our dedica- tion to enhancing the member experience and improving health outcomes for our more than 175,000 Medicare Advantage members across Louisiana,” said Humana Regional President Matt Berger. “We’re excited to partner with LHP and LCMC Health, the latter which has a 10-year his- tory of delivering care to Louisiana communities.” “LHP’s value-based partnership with Humana enables us to focus resources on preventative medicine and provide an enhanced level of care coordination across the healthcare continuum,” said Dr. John Heaton, LCMC president of clinical and system operations. “LHP and Humana share the same vision of improving the quality and effi- ciency of healthcare services delivered to our patients, while also reducing health care costs.” Louisiana Department of Health HostsMaternal Mortality Summit The Louisiana Department of Health recently held the first Maternal Mortality Summit, a meet- ing of public health professionals, providers, pol- icy makers, and community leaders focused on improving childbirth outcomes. Between 2011 and 2016, maternal mortality in Louisiana increased at a higher rate than the rest of the United States—many of those deaths were preventable. The summit featured panel discus- sions and breakout sessions that covered key themes surrounding maternal mortality. These included clinical practices, communication, and strategies on ending disparities through health equity work.  Helping to lead current efforts to reduce pre- ventable maternal death is the Louisiana Perinatal