UW News

October 28, 2010

Answers to your questions about obtaining health care at UW Medicine




Last year, UW Medicine surveyed UW employees to learn about their perceptions of the health care provided by UW Medicine health system and their priorities in choosing primary and specialty care services. UW Medicine’s mission is improving health, both locally and globally. The UW Medicine health system includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center, Northwest Hospital & Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians and Airlift Northwest.


In responding to the survey, employees cited privacy, convenient and timely access to health-care professionals who know them, continuity of care, the range of primary and specialty care offered, and system complexity as important considerations in making decisions in choosing health care for them and their families.


The Q & A below addresses some of the perceptions that UW employees have about receiving their health care through UW Medicine.


Frequently Asked Questions


In 2009, UW Medicine surveyed UW employees and faculty to learn more about their perceptions of the health care provided by our health system. The Q & A below addresses some of the most common concerns .


Q: As an employee, can I be assured that my records are private?

A: UW Medicine Health System takes its responsibility to protect patient information very seriously. We have strict policies that limit the use and disclosure of your medical information, and we require all workforce members to be trained on the principles of privacy protection. In order to safeguard your privacy, we routinely monitor and audit record access to assure compliance.


Q: What if I’m seen at one of your facilities and need additional care?

A: UW Medicine Health System patients have the benefit of receiving care at seven neighborhood clinics and, if needed, they will be referred to more specialized care at one of our medical centers. UW Medicine is one of the partners of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) along with Seattle Children’s and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In fact, all adult SCCA inpatient encounters are at UW Medical Center; children are treated at Seattle Children’s.


Q: Will I be seen by real doctors or doctors in training?

A: UW Medicine Health System is proud to be an academic health system, training the next generation of physicians and health professionals. You will always be seen by a fully licensed physician. In all our medical centers, physicians are available 24/7. For many people, there is peace of mind knowing that their care will be reviewed by not only an attending physician but also a fully licensed resident.


Q: It is important for me to have easy access into the system. Can you assist me if I am not sure where to go?

A: Yes, we offer a dedicated telephone number for staff to access our system  Please call 206.520.5050 to schedule an appointment . If you have a general question about a service or you aren’t sure how to navigate our system, please use our convenient online email address navigate@uw.edu.


Q: What about billing?

A: In August, UW Medicine Health System implemented a new patient billing system. This system provides statements that are timely and easy to read. Feedback from our patients has been very positive!


Q: What kind of insurance does UW Medicine Health System accept?


A: UW Medicine accepts most major insurances. For UW employees, Uniform Medical is the insurance plan option that includes UW Medicine physicians on its roster of preferred physicians.


 


Q. What about Employee Health Services? Can they provide us with care?


 



A: Employee Health Services ensure a safe work environment and should not be a substitute for seeking care from a physician or other health-care professional outside of the work place. Staffed primarily by registered nurses, Employee Health Services provide work-related preventive services, occupationally related vaccinations, screenings for TB and consultations to employees that may become sick or injured on the job.