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For the average person, wounds aren’t an everyday worry. However, for at least eight million Americans, chronic wounds can pose a serious threat to health and well-being. From a person with diabetes experiencing painful neuropathy to a patient healing from a significant burn, caring for advanced wounds is a major part of their healthcare journey. Who do they go to get the care and guidance they need? The answer: Renown Wound Care. Serving patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, this department provides comprehensive, best-in-class treatments for severe and chronic wound healing and ostomy care. Our Wound Care team members have mastered the art of harnessing cutting-edge technologies and a patient-centric approach to redefine the standards of healing.  Advanced Care for the Best Repair  At Renown Health, we are fortunate to have a team full of nurses, physicians and more caring for patients with wounds caused by a wide variety of conditions. Those include:  Burns Trauma Vascular diseases Radiation therapy Pressure ulcers Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy Adding to the expert-level continuum of care, Renown is the only health system offering complete ostomy services in the entire region. The Wound Care team helps ostomy patients with the fitting of their medical bags, treatment of any skin conditions that may arise after ostomy bag placement, care coordination and much more.  With a multidisciplinary network of experts tailoring personalized treatment plans, there is never a dull moment on the floor. On the outpatient side, the team expects 50-60 patients in one day alone.  “As a clinician, wound care is a lot of ‘arts and crafts,’ so we get to use our creative and critical thinking skills to provide the best possible care,” said Samantha Moore, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Outpatient Wound Care. “Each patient has an individualized plan of care – we greet them as they come into the clinic, escort them back to their treatment rooms and get their latest health updates and life situations before providing wound or ostomy care. We prepare each morning doing chart reviews to determine patient needs, wound progression and referral needs.”  “We are a highly specialized, dedicated group of professionals with a passion to treat and heal our patients’ wounds,” added Lori Conner, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Outpatient Wound Care. “When a patient comes to our clinic for evaluation, they are given a dedicated appointment to thoroughly go over their medical and surgical history, medications and nature of the wound.”  Switching over to the inpatient care team, they operate like a well-oiled assembly line, navigating different daily assignments with precision and flexibility.  “On the inpatient side, our day starts in our office with triaging our consult list; after the triage process is completed, we get our assignments, which can consist of wound vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) patients, follow-up patients, ostomy education patients and new wound consults,” said Megan Uy, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “In the case of patients requiring wound VAC changes, we consider what kind of pre-medication for pain that they need. Although some patients may be seen on a time schedule, the day ends up flexible as patients are being seen by other specialties. This flexibility also benefits the patients, making them feel more empowered with their care.”  “Each day in the inpatient setting, we get to our office and sort through all the new consults that came in overnight, and the charge nurse makes the assignment for the day,” added Madison Arlin, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “After the assignment is completed, each nurse is responsible for researching their patients and organizing their day, typically by priority – wound VACs and ostomies usually take top priority.”  Now, how do these treatments actually work? This specialized field handles advanced methods of treating each condition, including:  Biological skin substitutes Surgical debridement Advanced wound dressings Negative pressure therapy Pre-ostomy markings and education Offloading techniques, such as padding or dressing “Before starting treatments, we communicate with our nurses and providers to make sure that the patient is comfortable prior to wound care,” said Dianna Seo, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “After we see the patient, if there is a need for escalated care, we contact the provider for additional testing or consults. We continue to follow-up on patients that have severe wounds, wound VACs and ostomies.”  In the hands of the Wound Care team, patients exit our hospital walls not only restored but also empowered, set on a trajectory for long-term healing. Your Expert Care Guides  No matter the case or the severity of the wound or condition, patient care, comfort and communication always come first – before, during and after treatment.   “Many of our patients have chronic needs, so we end up seeing them for several months, if not years in some cases; we stay up to date with their specific psychosocial needs and help remove barriers that would prevent their wounds from healing,” said Samantha Moore.  “I enjoy knowing that my positive attitude can improve our patients’ days,” added Maddie Pauley, Patient Access Representative for Outpatient Wound Care. “When they’re routinely coming to appointments they might not enjoy, hearing them praise our team and give their thanks is one of the most rewarding feelings.”  As a wound care patient, there can be a lot of unknowns when beginning their care journey. However, these team members carefully walk each patient through every step from beginning to end.  “When we go to see a wound care patient, our team is very consistent about explaining to the patients what our role is and what we plan to do with their wound, and then we continue to actively communicate throughout wound care each step that we are doing as we are doing it,” said Madison Arlin. “We also encourage some of our patients to listen to music that they enjoy during the wound care, or we will cover their eyes with a cloth if they request so that they don't have to see their wound. Sometimes, we will ask the family to stay at the bedside to hold their family member's hand.”  Education is crucial to ensuring each patient knows what to expect in order to care for their wound and understanding the stages of healing. Fortunately, this team is well-versed in the world of wound wisdom.  “A lot of education is provided on the type of dressing we are applying, and if the patient is going to be performing their own dressing changes, we will go over the entire change with them and provide supplies for discharge,” said Megan Uy. “Additionally, there will be written instructions in their discharge paperwork. In the cases of wound VAC dressing changes, each step is explained to the patient before doing it, and we also go over discharge options and expectations.”  “As a clinician who sees a lot of patients prior to having their ostomy placed (pre-surgical marking), one of the most important things we do is first sit with the patient and/or caregivers and talk about their fears, concerns, questions and goals,” said Samantha Moore. “We provide a lot of emotional support and education, helping identify community resources. For our wound patients, we spend a lot of time educating our patients/caregivers about how and why their wounds occurred. We try to connect with them on a personal level and help them identify ways to help their wounds heal.”  To see a patient’s care journey from the second they enter through our doors to the moment they return home is one of the most rewarding feelings for the Wound Care teams. In fact, they’ve had the pleasure of treating patients for years and seeing their wounds almost completely heal. The team collectively values the successful healing journeys of their patients as their proudest achievement.  “One of our team's greatest accomplishments was being able to see one of our long-term patients discharged with nearly resolved wounds,” said Megan Uy. “This patient had been in our care on-and-off for the past year with many hospitalizations and had complicated high-output enterocutaneous fistulas within his wound bed. These were incredibly hard to keep a dressing on successfully, and he often had issues with the dressing leaking. Eventually, we got a dressing that could remain intact until his next scheduled dressing change, and he was able to get surgery that fixed his fistulas. Being able to see him recover and heal his wounds was a very large accomplishment for us.”  The admiration and compassion this team has for their patients also extends to each other. The cohesive way they work together only further benefits their patients, offering the best-possible collaborative care.  “We have extremely skilled clinicians in our group that are not only incredible in the work that they do and the patient care that they provide but are also enjoyable to work with as well,” said Geane Weaver, Advanced Wound Care Specialist RN for Inpatient Wound Care. “There is something to be admired in each and every one of my coworkers.”  “Our team is very close and supportive of each other at all times,” added Madison Arlin. “I feel very lucky to work with such an amazing group of people. Our team is very proud of the work we do.” Fervently Fighting the Good Fight So, with the highly specialized nature of advanced wound care, how did these team members get inspired to join the Wound Care team in the first place?  Well, for many of these devoted employees, their first exposure to caring for wounds took place on different units – sparking their interest in making wound care their full-time career.  “Renown was the most welcoming towards me as a student nurse, and I liked that it was a teaching hospital,” said Madison Arlin. “I started in the General Surgical Unit (GSU) immediately after graduating nursing school and worked there for two years before transferring to wound care. I decided to apply to the wound team after watching the wound nurses do wound VACs and ostomy changes on the floor. I would ask them if I could watch, and I was always very fascinated by the wound healing process.”  “Prior to joining the inpatient wound team, like Madison, I was also a bedside nurse in GSU,” added Geane Weaver. “Working on that floor, I was already exposed to a lot of patients that were requiring some kind of advanced wound care in one way or another. Working in the GSU, I also cared for a lot of patients that had wound VACs and ostomies. These patients make up a huge group of the individuals that our team sees on a regular basis, and they've always been intriguing for me, so naturally, wound care has always been on my radar.”  For other team members, wound care has always been a point of curiosity throughout their education and career. From their very first exposure to this care area, they were hooked.  “I was always curious about wound care even through my nursing school experience,” said Dianna Seo. “When I was working on the floor, I would trade to do wound care for patients. When I had time, I would follow wound care and help when I could. I joined the skin team which drove me to be increasingly involved with wound care. As soon as there was a job opening, I applied for the position. I worked in outpatient wound care for approximately four years and now inpatient for another four years. I have enjoyed all aspects of wound care and patient care.”    “I had great clinical experience at Renown when I was in nursing school; I also was very interested in caring for trauma patients, and Renown being a Level II trauma center aligned with my interests,” added Megan Uy. “I began my nursing career in the GSU, but my dream job was always Wound Care. During my nursing school clinicals, I had the opportunity to watch some members of the wound team do wound VAC changes and thought it was incredibly intriguing and a great combination of utilizing the knowledge of anatomy and physiology while being creative with handicraft. A position opened on the team around the time I met the prerequisites to be eligible for the position, and luckily, I got it.”  Our Wound Care team has achieved significant employee and departmental milestones over the past year, reflecting their dedication to enhancing patient care and overall process improvement.  “We have had many accomplishments within the last year and are currently working on more to improve the hospital,” said Dianna Seo. “Madison Arlin won the DAISY Award for her great work with our patients. Megan Uy won Top Talent of the Quarter for helping a stranger. Ande Ferriera has worked tirelessly to improve our process improvement. Allie Saunders, as our leader, has worked to improve patient skin by getting new beds for Renown Regional. All our patients that have healed or are on their way to healing under our care is our greatest achievement that we as wound team is most proud of.”  “We are constantly updating protocols, notes and orders for bedside nursing so that it is a more straightforward and seamless charting process,” added Madison Arlin. “We have representatives of different supply companies come and present new products that we think may benefit our patients better. Our wonderful tech has even updated our department site on Inside Renown so that the nurses always have references available.”  Renown’s strong influence in the region – and the opportunity to give back to their community – was, and continues to be, a major draw for this team.  “Since I can remember, Renown has always been the most prevalent healthcare name for my family and has always taken the most amazing, thorough care of my loved ones,” said Maddie Pauley. “I have always wanted to work somewhere I could help people, and starting at Renown has really opened my eyes into how much of a difference each one of us can make.”  Our Wound Care department’s success stories and proactive approach not only reflect their passion for healing but also inspire a ripple effect of positive change throughout our health system. They proudly exemplify a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of all patients under their care.  “Being part of Renown and part of this team has been my blessing; I get to do a job I love with people that love it too,” closed Dianna Seo.

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Dana and Mark Combs met through mutual friends and had a long friendship before they became a couple in 2009. They were married in 2011 in a private ceremony at a small Reno chapel, and a few months later had a big celebration with their family and friends.   Encouraging Others to Succeed  Over the years, the happy couple has spent much of their time volunteering and giving back to others in their community. Twenty-six years ago, Mark became a bilateral lower limb amputee. For the past 10 years, he has been a prosthetic consultant, helping other amputees learn how to cope with various challenges and encouraging them to keep living life to the fullest. “Mark is great with helping people,” said Dana.   Dana also does a lot of rewarding work through a Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O). She is an advocate for raising money to help women ages 18 and up gain an education. Dana also enjoys tutoring English as a second language.   Enjoying Quality Time, Hobbies & Travel When Dana and Mark aren’t helping others, they are spending time with their family and friends, their dog Mia (a 3-year-old Maltipoo) or enjoying one of their many hobbies. Some of Mark’s favorite things to do include playing Solitaire and strumming on his guitar.  “I love to garden and play crossword puzzles and word games,” said Dana. “I’m really looking forward to the springtime to spend more time in the garden.” She loves to work out and has a membership at the UFC gym in Reno through her Senior Care Plus gym benefit. Dana also has her own online Etsy store, where she sells homemade jam jars, candle holders and vintage dolls. “Last summer I sold my first edition Barbie that I got when I was 9 years old,” said Dana. “I made quite a profit on it.”

Read More About Sterling Silver Club Shining Stars: Mark & Dana Combs

Managing weight is a complicated and often difficult journey for many individuals, and obesity stands as a common and serious chronic health condition. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the prevalence of obesity in the US is greater than 40% in adults and 20% in children, and those numbers are continuing to climb. In Nevada, according to the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 28.7% of adults reported being obese. By 2030, almost 80% of American adults may be overweight and half of them will be obese. But obesity isn't just about the numbers on the scale; it's a multifaceted, lifelong, neurobehavioral disease triggered by a combination of factors. These include abnormal eating patterns, reduced physical activity levels, environmental stressors, genetics and various other contributors. Obesity extends far beyond appearance, often leading to the development of numerous medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, liver disease, various cancers and infertility. Join us as we delve into the complexities of obesity and explore strategies for effective weight management available right here in northern Nevada. Why Can Losing Weight be so Difficult? The challenge behind weight loss finds its roots in the Set-Point Theory of Obesity, a concept that says our bodies have a predetermined weight, or fat mass, within a defined set-point range. In other words, when an individual's weight deviates from this set point, the body initiates mechanisms to bring it back to the established range. So, if someone loses weight below their set point, the body may respond by increasing hunger and reducing metabolism, making it challenging to sustain weight loss. There Isn’t One Right Answer, But Renown is Here to Help Various weight management strategies can be utilized by patients struggling with obesity, which may lead to substantial weight loss, resolution of associated medical conditions and improved psychosocial health. In fact, the most successful strategy involves a multidisciplinary approach under the guidance of trained specialists that includes a combination of tactics, including: Behavioral adaptations Dietary modifications Physical exercise  Anti-obesity medications  Weight loss surgery

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When it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan, you’ve probably heard of the two plan types, HMO and PPO, but what exactly do these terms mean, and what is an EPO? Let’s learn more about these plan types and how you can choose the plan that meets your needs. What is an HMO Plan? HMO stands for “Health Maintenance Organization.” HMO plans contract with doctors and hospitals creating a network to provide health services for members in a specific area at lower rates, while also meeting quality standards. HMO plans typically require you to select a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain a referral from your PCP to see a specialist or to have certain tests done. If you choose to see a provider outside of the HMO’s network, the plan will not cover those services and you will be responsible for all charges. What is an EPO Plan? An EPO stands for “Exclusive Provider Organization.” This plan provides members with the opportunity to choose in-network providers within a broader network and to visit specialists without a referral from their primary care doctor. EPO plans offer a larger network than an HMO plan but typically do not have the out-of-network benefits of PPO plans. EPO plans do not require you to select a primary care physician (PCP) giving you a broader network of providers. EPO options are a great cost-saving option with more flexibility than a standard HMO plan. What is a PPO Plan? PPO stands for “Preferred Provider Organization.” PPO plans are often more flexible when it comes to choosing a doctor or a hospital. These plans still include a network of providers, but there are fewer restrictions on the providers you choose. PPO plans do not require you to select a primary care physician (PCP), giving you a broader network of providers. So, which plan should you choose? Each plan type has different benefits, so it depends on your health needs when choosing the right plan type. If you are looking for flexibility when choosing providers and locations, a PPO plan may better fit your needs. An EPO plan may be a better option if you want the flexibility of a larger network, but don’t necessarily need out-of-network benefits. If you regularly seek care in a certain geographic area and are looking for a health insurance plan at a lower price point, consider an HMO plan. To keep costs low, insurance carriers contract with providers and partner in plan members’ health to ensure quality care at the lowest cost. Whether you choose an HMO, EPO or PPO option, partnering with your health insurance carrier and your healthcare provider will help you receive the best care while controlling your out-of-pocket costs. Keep in mind that most insurance carriers offer emergency care coverage for all three plan options (HMO, PPO, EPO). Get the most out of your health insurance benefits! Established in 1988, Hometown Health is the insurance division of Renown Health and is northern Nevada’s largest and only locally-owned, not-for-profit insurance company providing wide-ranging medical coverage and great customer service to members.

Read More About Health Insurance Terms Explained: HMO, EPO and PPO Plans

Health insurance might be one of the most complicated purchases you will make throughout your life, so it is important to understand the terms and definitions insurance companies use. Keep these in mind as you are comparing health insurance plan options to choose the right plan for you and make the most of your health insurance benefits. One area of health insurance that can cause confusion is the difference between a plan's deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. They both represent points at which the insurance company starts paying for covered services, but what are they and how do they work? What is a deductible? A deductible is the dollar amount you pay to healthcare providers for covered services each year before insurance pays for services, other than preventive care. After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a copayment (copay) or coinsurance for covered services. Your insurance company pays the rest. Generally, plans with lower monthly premiums have higher deductibles. Plans with higher monthly premiums usually have lower deductibles. What is the out-of-pocket maximum? An out-of-pocket maximum is the most you or your family will pay for covered services in a calendar year. It combines deductibles and cost-sharing costs (coinsurance and copays). The out-of-pocket maximum does not include costs you paid for insurance premiums, costs for not-covered services or services received out-of-network.  Here's an example: You get into an accident and go to the emergency room. Your insurance policy has a $1,000 deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum of $4,500. You pay the $1,000 deductible to the hospital before your insurance company will pay for any of the covered services you need. If you received services at the hospital that exceed $1,000, the insurance company will pay the covered charges because you have met your deductible for the year. The $1,000 you paid goes toward your out-of-pocket maximum, leaving you with $3,500 left to pay on copays and coinsurance for the rest of the calendar year. If you need services at the emergency room or any other covered services in the future, you will still have to pay the copay or coinsurance amount included in your policy, which goes toward your out-of-pocket maximum. If you reach your out-of-pocket maximum, you will no longer pay copays or coinsurance and your insurance will pay for all of the covered services you require for the rest of the calendar year.

Read More About Health Insurance Terms Explained: Deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Health insurance is complicated, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Understanding terms and definitions is important when comparing health insurance plans. When you know more about health insurance, it can be much easier to make the right choice for you and your family. A common question when it comes to health insurance is, "Who pays for what?" Health insurance plans are very diverse and depending on your plan, you can have different types of cost-sharing: the cost of a medical visit or procedure an insured person shares with their insurance company. Two common examples of cost-sharing are copayments and coinsurance. You've likely heard both terms, but what are they and how are they different? Copayments Copayments (or copays) are typically a fixed dollar amount the insured person pays for their visit or procedure. They are a standard part of many health insurance plans and are usually collected for services like doctor visits or prescription drugs. For example: You go to the doctor because you are feeling sick. Your insurance policy states that you have a $20 copay for doctor office visits. You pay your $20 copay at the time of service and see the doctor. Coinsurance This is typically a percentage of the total cost of a visit or procedure. Like copays, coinsurance is a standard form of cost-sharing found in many insurance plans. For example: After a fall, you require crutches while you heal. Your coinsurance for durable medical equipment, like crutches, is 20% of the total cost. The crutches cost $50, so your insurance company will pay $40, or 80%, of the total cost. You will be billed $10 for your 20% coinsurance.

Read More About Copays vs. Coinsurance: Know the Difference

As the holiday season draws near, we find more reasons to celebrate with loved ones. At Renown Health, we are kicking off the celebrations early this November with American Diabetes Month. Approximately 37 million Americans, including 270,000 Nevadans, have been diagnosed with diabetes with as many as 95% of those diagnosed living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). What is Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs because your body is not using insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells use the food we eat for energy) as well as it should, resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is important to obtain a diagnosis for T2DM and ensure it is well-controlled to prevent serious health complications. Those with diabetes are at higher risk for blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation. Tips for Supporting Your Health with Type 2 Diabetes Know Your Blood Sugar Levels: Work with your healthcare provider to establish target blood sugar levels, and make sure to monitor your levels regularly as advised by your healthcare provider to prevent or delay health complications associated with T2DM. Focus on Your Plate: Eating foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats or plant-based proteins, healthy fats and whole grains supports diabetes management. If choosing healthy foods is difficult due to your busy schedule, cost or simply because you aren’t sure where to start, talk with your healthcare provider who may refer you to a registered dietitian. Registered dietitian nutritionists are certified nutrition specialists who can provide education and practical tips for eating to support your T2DM diagnosis with visits covered by many insurance plans. Prioritize Staying Active: Engaging in regular exercise is good for everyone, especially those living with T2DM. Exercise helps your cells become more sensitive to insulin and therefore supports healthy blood sugar levels. Always check with your healthcare provider prior to beginning a new exercise plan. Support Stress Reduction: Stress is unavoidable but can be managed through regular exercise, getting enough quality sleep (7-8 uninterrupted hours per night) and practicing meditation and other mindfulness techniques. Plan Ahead for Holiday Gatherings: There’s still room for celebration while focusing on blood sugar management. Consider bringing a healthy dish to your gathering, focus on filling your plate with vegetable sides and eating those first and incorporate a family walk after dinner. If traveling, pack nutritious snacks that support your health and keep you full. Lastly, enjoy the special dishes and desserts this season has to offer in single-serving portions.

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Meet and get to know Patty Warren, our featured Sterling Silver Club member this fall. You may recognize her from the latest Senior Care Plus commercial on television, where she joins a coffee chat discussing the many benefits of being a Senior Care Plus member. She’s one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet – and has a positive outlook on life that we should all strive for. Patty's Story Patty was born and raised in a small Kansas town called Baxter Springs, where she grew up with an older brother, an older sister and two younger sisters. She and her siblings all enjoyed playing sports like softball and basketball, in addition to playing instruments. Patty developed a love and passion for music at a young age that carried into her adulthood. “I wanted to be an opera singer,” said Patty. “I decided to go to college at Pittsburg State University in Kansas where I majored in vocal performance.” After college, Patty moved to Manhattan in New York City to audition to be an opera singer, but she soon realized it wasn’t what she wanted to do after all. She eventually decided to work in the brokerage industry.   After living and working in New York for three years, Patty moved back to Kansas where she later met the love of her life, Michael. “In 1992, I had put a dating ad in the local newspaper,” said Patty. “I received over 30 responses, and I went out on quite a few dates.” Then she had her first date with Michael, and the two of them quickly realized how much they liked each other. He asked her to marry him on Valentine’s Day in 1993, and they went on to get married in front of the Justice of the Peace on May 3, just a few months later. “We had a small wedding so that we could move into our first home together,” said Patty. A few years later in 1999, Patty and Michael moved to Arizona, where they lived for 22 years. Patty worked at Edward Jones Investments for 18 of those 22 years and loved her job and the people that she worked with. She retired in January 2021 during the pandemic, and three days later she and Michael moved to Sparks, Nevada.

Read More About Patty Warren A Woman of Strength and Resilience

Are you looking for health insurance coverage for the upcoming year? In that case, it's time to browse your options for an Individual or Family Plan. The Open Enrollment Period is from Nov. 1, 2023 until Dec 15, 2023. So, if you're looking for coverage by Jan 1, 2024, you must enroll by Dec 15, 2023. Get a Quote Online Suppose you don't qualify for a health insurance subsidy, no need to worry! You can still choose an individual and family health insurance plan from Hometown Health. Get a quote online by providing your location, the type of coverage you're looking for and your personal/family details. Once you've provided this information, you'll receive health plan options and pricing. And, if you find a plan you like, you can easily self-enroll online. Get Your Online Quote Today Enroll Through the Nevada Health Link Hometown Health offers Individual and Family health insurance plans on Nevada's Healthcare Marketplace, the Nevada Health Link. Through Nevada Health Link, eligible Nevada consumers can shop for, compare and purchase quality and affordable health insurance plans with ease. Nevada Health Link is the only health insurance resource that can provide eligible candidates with federal tax credits and subsidies to help cover the cost of your health insurance. Use Hometown Health's Insurance Subsidy Federal Poverty Level Calculator to see if you qualify for a tax credit or subsidy. Enroll via Nevada Health Link Work with a Health Insurance Broker  Hometown Health is northern Nevada's local insurance provider and if you have questions about Individual and Family Plan insurance benefits, you’re in luck! Hometown Health partners with our local health insurance brokers who will work with you, typically at no cost, to help you understand health insurance plans and benefits and find the plan that is best for you. Need assistance finding a broker? Connect with our team by submitting the form below. They'll provide you with a list of our local broker partners. Find a Broker Near You

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According to the Global Sepsis Alliance, 1 in 5 deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis. If not recognized early and treated promptly, sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including viruses such as COVID-19. We spoke with Jeremy Gonda, MD, a critical care physician from Renown Health’s Sepsis Committee to increase public awareness of this preventable medical emergency. What is sepsis? Sepsis is a response to infection—bacterial, viral or fungal—and can start anywhere in the body and spread into the bloodstream. The body is trying so hard to fight an infection that it begins releasing chemicals into the bloodstream that cause inflammation and the shutdown of multiple organ systems. “It carries a very poor prognosis in general unless you catch and treat it very early,” said Dr. Gonda. “Any infection can lead to sepsis. Typically your immune system takes care of the infection. It doesn’t progress, but in cases where the infection becomes severe, or the immune system doesn’t function properly, people can certainly die. So there’s, unfortunately, a very high mortality rate associated with sepsis.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year at least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis. While you can recover from sepsis if caught early, many sepsis survivors suffer from long-term physical and psychological effects. What are the signs of sepsis? One way to spot sepsis is to use the acronym SEPSIS: S – Slurred speech and confusion E – Extreme shivering or muscle pain/fever P – Passing no urine all day S – Severe breathlessness I – “I feel like I might die” S – Skin mottled or discolored Keep in mind that sepsis symptoms can vary depending on where the infection starts. “Patients may experience urinary burning if they have a urinary tract infection or a cough and shortness of breath if they have pneumonia first,” said Dr. Gonda. “However, often symptoms are more generalized or subtle such as fevers, confusion and malaise.” How do you develop sepsis? When germs enter your body, they can cause an infection. If you don’t stop that infection, it can cause sepsis. Areas of infection that more commonly result in sepsis include: Lungs, such as pneumonia Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system Digestive system Bloodstream (bacteremia) Catheter sites Wounds or burns Who is most at risk? People with compromised immune systems are at greater risk for sepsis, such as “The very young, the elderly and any people who may have conditions that suppress your immune system,” said Dr. Gonda. “For instance, if you have diabetes or if you’re an organ transplant patient who is on immunosuppressant therapy, you’re at somewhat higher risk.” Sepsis is often considered a hospital-acquired infection, but a study in The Journal of American Medical Association found that 80% of sepsis cases occur outside of a hospital. That’s why it’s especially important to remember any infection can lead to sepsis, and anyone can develop sepsis from an infection. What do I do? Timing is critical in the case of sepsis and septic shock. According to a study on septic shock patients, there is a 7.6 percent decrease in survival for each hour treatment is delayed. On the other end, if treatment is given within an hour of the first drop in blood pressure, the survival rate is 80 percent. Because sepsis can be so deadly, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. “If you’re not getting any better, if you think symptoms are progressively worsening – you should definitely be evaluated by a doctor,” said Dr. Gonda. You can help #StopSepsis by getting involved at worldsepsisday.org.

Read More About Sepsis: Causes & Symptoms

Becoming a Hometown Health plan member opens you up to the largest provider network in our region. As northern Nevada’s only not-for-profit health insurance company, the hometown advantage goes beyond your health coverage – and you may not be using all the perks available to you. Here are three benefits that Hometown Health is proud to offer all members to enhance wellbeing and connect the dots between healthcare and technology.  MyChart  MyChart is Renown Health's and Hometown Health’s secure online member portal that gives you direct access to your health and benefit information. From 24/7 access to your benefits and important documents to scheduling an appointment with your provider, this free tool is a great way to keep track of your family’s health. If you have a Renown primary care provider, you can use MyChart to:  Securely email your healthcare provider. Get your test results faster and view your After Visit Summaries. Request prescription refills. Schedule and check-in for appointments. Pay your bill. Request your medical records and review immunization records. Manage designated health care agents and upload end-of-life documents, such as advance directives and a living will. View or download your documents: Member ID Card, Summary of Care, Explanation of Benefits, Referrals and Authorizations. Get in touch with our Customer Engagement Center.  Telehealth  Virtual visits have never been easier thanks to Renown Telehealth and Teladoc. These two tools are convenient options that allow members to be seen by a qualified doctor via phone or video chat who can diagnose, recommend treatment and prescribe medication for many non-emergent medical conditions – no matter where you are. Some of the health issues your virtual provider can treat include:   Cold and flu Allergies Sore throat Sinus infection Respiratory infection Stomach bug Ear infection Urinary tract infection  Both Renown Telehealth and Teladoc are also staffed with specialists in behavioral health, where you can speak with a therapist or psychiatrist on a wide variety of issues, including:  Stress and anxiety Depression Trauma Grief Burnout Medication management  Renown is also proud to offer access to top-level specialty care to address your ongoing condition and help guide you through illness maintenance and education. Through Renown Telehealth, Hometown Health members have access to a variety of specialties, including (but not limited to):  Adolescent Medicine Cardiology Hematology, Oncology and Pediatric Oncology Nephrology Pediatric Endocrinology Pediatric Neurology Pulmonary and Pediatric Pulmonary Sleep Medicine  New in recent years, Teladoc is now proud to offer both dermatology and nutrition visits. Teladoc dermatologists can treat conditions like acne, rosacea and rashes, while their registered dieticians can help you manage your nutrition and weight goals.  Booking an appointment with Renown Telehealth is easy by heading over to MyChart and selecting “Schedule an Appointment.” To book an appointment with a Teladoc provider, visit teladoc.com or download the Teladoc app.  Renown Telehealth is available within the state of Nevada, and Teladoc is available in all 50 states. Your copay can be as low as $0 for each visit; check your plan documents for more information.  Doctoroo  The house call has returned – avoid long urgent care waits with Doctoroo. Through Doctoroo, Hometown Health members have access to in-home urgent care services at the same price as your regular urgent care copay. A call to Doctoroo will dispatch a fully equipped medical team consisting of an EMT and either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to your home within a few hours. Whether you need treatment or testing, each team is ready to provide care in the comfort of your own home with their over 60 medications and antibiotics, EKGs, wound dressings, IVs, catheters and more.  Doctoroo care teams can address and treat many non-emergent care areas and conditions, including (but not limited to): Respiratory Ear, Nose, Throat Eye Wound Care Cardiac Care Musculoskeletal Gastroenterology  Doctoroo is open year-round from 7 a.m. to midnight. Book a house call in minutes in the Doctoroo app or by calling (888) 888-9930.

Read More About 3 Unexpected Perks of Choosing a Hometown Health Plan

Did you know that 218,000 veterans and their families call Nevada home? That is almost 7% of our total population who served this country and will require quality access to healthcare at some point in their lifetime.  When faced with a daunting diagnosis or procedure, such as cancer or surgery, Renown rises to the occasion to provide veterans and their loved ones with the highest caliber of care possible to protect the lives that protected ours.  Accessing that care, however, can be a challenge for some. As Renown serves veterans across 100,000 square miles, veterans living in rural communities often must travel long distances – with the costs of overnight lodging standing in the way, making healthcare access out-of-budget, and sometimes, nearly impossible.  That’s where Veterans Guest House comes in. Veterans Guest House provides veterans and their families with temporary overnight accommodations while receiving medical treatment in the Reno/Sparks area. Founded in 1993 in response to the growing number of veterans sleeping in their cars to access healthcare, the nonprofit embraces veterans and their families who would otherwise not be able to obtain the medical care they need because of inabilities to pay for overnight lodging.  A support system for veterans, especially veterans who are senior citizens, is vital to their overall health and well-being – and seniors at Veterans Guest House never have to feel alone in their care journey.  Enter Dyana Parks, a senior care assistant working with Veterans Guest House. A friend to Renown Health and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, Dyana goes the extra mile for seniors staying at Veterans Guest House – she not only helps them navigate the logistics of their care, but she also is one of their biggest mental well-being champions.  A Helping Hand for Guests in Need  A proud member of a veteran family herself, senior and veteran in-home care is a family affair for Dyana. With a sister experiencing post-accident brain damage, elderly parents – one of whom facing dementia – and a son and daughter-in-law in the same field of work, Dyana has a unique passion for in-home and dementia care and holds several decades of hospice experience. As such, when she was assigned to help the clients at Veterans Guest House in September 2022, it was a natural fit for her, and she immediately jumped into action.  Dyana takes special time during her work hours to transport seniors in need to their appointments at Renown (and keeps track of all of them), sits with them through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, ensures patients stay hydrated and nourished after major procedures, picks them up from surgery and always ensures everything goes well with each patient’s care. When patients coming from Veterans Guest House need extra emotional support, Dyana is always there to make sure they are okay and push them to keep going.  “I always say to my seniors, ‘never give up,’” said Dyana. “If a need arises, I am there to help. I love getting to know my clients and helping them go home healthy.”  As a ‘frequent flier’ at Renown and the William N. Pennington Cancer Institute, many of our team members are thrilled when they see Dyana walking through the doors with her clients, as they know that their patient is going home with one of their strongest advocates. To Dyana, Renown is akin to a family for both herself and her clients.  “I love Renown,” said Dyana. “Everyone there makes my clients feel as though they are more than just a patient – they make them feel like family, especially when going through a scary diagnosis like cancer. As someone who has been going there with my own family forever and who now guides veteran seniors through the process, I will always recommend Renown to anyone.”  Dyana emulates exactly what it means to make a genuine difference in the health and well-being of our community, all while raising awareness for both Renown and Veterans Guest House.  “More people need to know about Veterans Guest House,” said Dyana. “When I came here, I was in awe. They do so much for every guest, making them feel comfortable at home while not having to worry about finances. Almost everyone that comes here, whether it be from the rural surrounding towns or all the way out to Alaska and even the Philippines, needs treatment of some kind, and I know Renown will always give them the best care.”  To learn more about Veterans Guest House, visit veteransguesthouse.org.

Read More About A Friend to Veterans, A Friend to Renown