healthNEWS 2 Upcoming classes and events Register for classes at gcmh.link/events or scan the QR code to the left. Payment is requested at registration for classes that require it. Walk With Ease Kickoff Weekly, Sept. 18–Oct. 13 GCMH Live Well Cooking Series: Fall Into Healthy Kitchen Habits Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24 Healthiest State Walk on GCMH’s LiveWell Loop Oct. 1 Walk With a Doc Oct. 8 and Nov. 12 GCMH’s Mini- Medical School Nov. 4, 11 and 18 First Aid/CPR Oct. 7 and Dec. 9 What’s new at GCMH At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to delivering the best possible care experience. In support of this mission, we’re excited to share several key initiatives aimed at improving access, communication and convenience. From new technologies to expanded resources and in-person availability, we are innovating to better serve patients every step of the way. A new website, coming soon Another exciting step forward is the development of our new website, built with patients in mind. Designed for ease of use on desktop and mobile, the site offers clearer navigation; faster access to key information; and better tools for finding providers, locations and scheduling. This refresh will provide an online experience that better reflects the highquality care patients can expect when they walk in our doors. As we roll out these improvements, our focus remains the same: patient-centered innovation that makes care more accessible, responsive and compassionate. Extended hours for Grundy Center Primary Care Clinic in Fall 2025 In an effort to enhance access to acute care services, UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine–Grundy Center will soon offer extended hours for urgent or acute health concerns. Staffed by Shannon Appel, ARNP, these visits provide quick access for nonemergency needs such as allergies, cold or flu symptoms, earaches, fevers, minor injuries, rashes, sore throats, UTIs, and more. The extended hours, which are set to begin later this fall, will be from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Stay tuned for more information! Enhanced appointment communication We recently started using Artera, a new communication platform that automates appointment confirmations and reminders. Built to complement MyChart, Artera helps ensure that patients receive timely updates—making it easier than ever to stay connected about your care. For most outpatient departments, Artera sends a text message or call eight days before an appointment, asking for confirmation. If no response is received, follow-ups go out three days and one day prior. Once confirmed, a reminder is sent one day before the visit. But Artera goes beyond reminders. Patients can ask logistical questions—like where to park or how to find the clinic—and receive instant answers. Inquiries related to billing or medical records are routed to the appropriate teams, reducing patient frustration and improving staff workflow. As we continue integrating this tool, we’re confident it will enhance patient satisfaction and efficiency. Shannon Appel, ARNP
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