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RCMS News and Events

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​Scroll down to see the latest updates and click the button below to subscribe to The Pulse to get regular updates from RCMS directly to your email inbox.
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Annual Reports

Portable Generator Safety

12/17/2023

 
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​Portable generators are designed to be connected only to selected appliances or lamps. These generators never should be connected directly to a building’s wiring system.
  • Before starting your generator, carefully read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Be sure that the total electric load on your generator will not exceed the manufacturer’s rating.
  • Always locate your generator where its exhaust will vent safely.
  • Prioritize your needs. Use the lowest wattage light bulbs that provide a safe level of light, reserving power for additional lighting elsewhere or a small appliance. Remember that the greater the load on your generator, the more fuel it will use.
  • Keep cords out of the way so they don’t present a tripping hazard—especially in dimly lit doorways or halls. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord may go unnoticed.
  • ·Extension cords must be properly sized to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires or damage to equipment.
For more information please visit PG&E's website.

Meet our New Provider Holly Hamm

12/15/2023

 
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Holly is a new Nurse Practitioner and has worked for the last 10 years as an RN in the ED/ICU in Sonoma County-area hospitals. Her NP program was specifically focused on working in rural and underserved communities and she is looking forward to applying those skills and passions here on the Coast.
 
During her down time, Holly enjoys spending time with her kids and hiking with her Australian Shepherd, Kody. She also likes backpacking, snowboarding, traveling and anything else outdoors. She’s excited to be here will be found exploring our beautiful area on her days off.

​Medi-Cal/Partnership HealthPlan of California Transportation Benefits

12/13/2023

 
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​​Medi-Cal/Partnership HealthPlan of California Transportation Benefits: Getting to Your Medical Visits
Did you know that you may be able to get transportation to your Medi-Cal covered services?

There are 4 types of transportation services you can get as a Partnership HealthPlan of California member:
1) Emergency Transportation Services
Partnership covers ambulance services. Call 911 right away if you need emergency transportation. You do not need to ask your doctor.

2) Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Partnership covers transportation to medical services and appointments. This is for when you have a health issue that makes you not able to get to your visit by car, bus, train or taxi. Ask your doctor for NEMT services. Your doctor will know what kind of transportation service you need for your health issues. If you need help getting out of your house, getting into a vehicle, and/or getting into a medical office, you may be able to get NEMT services. Types of NEMT services are:
  • Ambulance
  • Air Transport
  • Wheelchair Van
  • Gurney Van
Call Partnership Transportation Services to ask for doctor-approved NEMT services at least 5 days before your visit. Call (866) 828-2303, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Please call as soon as possible for urgent visits.

3) Non-Medical Transportation (NMT)
Partnership also covers rides in cars, taxis, buses, or through gas mileage payments to get to medical visits. You may be able to get:
  • Gas mileage payments when a family member or friend takes you to a visit. In most cases, members cannot be paid directly.
  • Bus passes / para-transit tickets
  • Taxi vouchers
  • Train tickets
Partnership will pay for the lowest cost NMT service that meets your health needs. For example, you may get a bus pass but not a taxi if there is a bus route near you and your visit. Please call (866) 828-2303, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. to get NMT services. Call at least 5 days before your service or appointment. Please call as soon as possible if your need is urgent.

4) Additional Benefits for Travel Expenses
Partnership may cover:
  • Meals
  • Tolls
  • Lodging
  • Parking
  • Medical Attendant Reimbursement
You must ask Partnership for these services before the visit. Please call Partnership Transportation Services at (866) 828-2303, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. to get these added benefits. Call at least 5 days before your medical service or appointment. Call as soon as possible if your visit is urgent.
​

Call Member Services at (800) 863-4155, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for questions about Partnership benefits. TTY: Call (800) 735-2929 or 711. Please have your ID number or ID card ready.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness

12/12/2023

 
​Carbon monoxide, or “CO,” is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you.
 
Where is CO found?
CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
 
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms.
 
Who is at risk from CO poisoning?
Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning. Infants, the elderly, people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or breathing problems are more likely to get sick from CO. Each year, more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.
 
How can I prevent CO poisoning in my home?
  • Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home. Check or replace the detector’s battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. Place your detector where it will wake you up if it alarms, such as outside your bedroom. Consider buying a detector with a digital readout. This detector can tell you the highest level of CO concentration in your home in addition to alarming. Replace your CO detector every five years.
  • Have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
  • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors.
  • If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator have an expert service it. An odor from your gas refrigerator can mean it could be leaking CO.
  • When you buy gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories.
  • Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly. Horizontal vent pipes for appliances, such as a water heater, should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors, as shown below. This prevents CO from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fitted tightly.
  • Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris. This can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin.
  • Never patch a vent pipe with tape, gum, or something else. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper.
  • Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper.
  • Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal–red, gray, black, or white–gives off CO.
  • Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
  • Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
  • When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
CDC - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Winter Driving Safety Tips

12/9/2023

 
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Winter can be a challenging time to drive, but with a little preparation and caution, you can stay safe on the roads. Here are some tips for safe winter driving:
 
  • Check your windshield wipers
  • Check your tires
  • Fuel your vehicle
  • Slow down
  • Leave more distance
  • Avoid flooded roadways
  • Turn your headlights on

And the Survey Says...

12/8/2023

 
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​We send surveys to our patients to get their feedback on our service. The feedback helps us know what we are doing right and where we can get better.

The results of the survey are used by our performance improvement and quality improvement teams and are actively used to improve our delivery and provide you with the best possible service.

Here are some excerpts from our survey responses:

 
"The whole experience was enjoyable and informative. No changes necessary."

"All staff were very professional and very nice. I felt I was getting the best care possible."

"You know the answer - recruit more MD providers."

"I was seen immediately and the level of attention and examination was beyond! I was so incredibly impressed and grateful, I give my provider highest marks on all counts. The entire team was kind and helpful."

"RCMS Urgent Care is the best in Mendocino Co and Sonoma Co."

RCMS Holiday Hours

12/6/2023

 
Please note our hours by location this holiday season. Have a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year's.
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  • Home
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