Understanding Your Medicare Options

Enrollment: October 15 – December 7, 2013 • Coverage Begins: January 1, 2014Medicare Education Sessions: visit everettclinic.com/medicare

t The Everett Clinic, we understand that learning about Medicare options can be an

overwhelming experience. Many find Medicare and Medicare Advantage confusing and don’t know where to get answers.

We would like to help you understand the issues associated with Medicare at our complimentary information sessions. At these sessions, we will provide information to help you understand:

nBackground on MedicarenThe Everett Clinic Medicare Policy

nWhy managed Medicare Advantage plans are encouraged

nTools for decision-making nEnrollment periods

Open EnrollmentThe federal government regulates the open enrollment period for Medicare plans. This year, enrollment will occur from October 15 – December 7, 2013. Coverage begins January 1, 2014. The Everett Clinic will be holding Open Enrollment sessions for Medicare and Medicare Advantage patients to help guide you through any changes for

the upcoming year and to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your health. To find out the time and location of Open Enrollment sessions, and to register for these free sessions, visit everettclinic.com/medicare.

Medicare AdvantageMedicare Advantage is preferred by The Everett Clinic. Medicare Advantage plans enable us to provide high-quality care to Medicare patients with a strong focus on preventative care, disease management and coordination of care. To find out which Medicare Advantage plans are accepted at The Everett Clinic, and to find a list of resources that can assist you, visit everettclinic.com/medicare.

In contrast to other Medicare plans, Medicare Advantage plans encourage provider organizations to keep patients well and away from expensive hospital and emergency room care. Prevention and disease management programs result in early detection, improved quality of life for our patients, reduction in hospitalizations and an overall decrease in the cost of care. At The Everett Clinic, our goal is to keep patients healthy, not just provide care after patients are already sick. To learn more about Medicare Advantage and why The Everett Clinic thinks Medicare Advantage could benefit you, call our Medicare Advocate at 425-258-3901 or visit everettclinic.com/medicare.

FALL 2013

everettclinic.com

A Publication for Friends and Patients of The Everett Clinic

The Everett Clinic is pleased to make several of your in-person transactions easier and more efficient by providing self-service touchscreen kiosks at several of our locations. If you are being seen at our clinics in Smokey Point, Marysville or Lake Stevens, or checking in at the Pavilion for Women & Children for an OB/GYN appointment, you now have the option to perform the following tasks at a touchscreen kiosk:

Stanwood

Smokey Point

Marysville

Lake Stevens

Everett

Snohomish

Harbour Pointe

Silver Lake

Mill Creek

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

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Our Harbour Pointe

Walk-In Clinic now open

9 am to 8 pm Saturdays

and Sundays!

The right care at the right time

nCheck-in for your appointment

nUpdate personal information

nVerify insurance information

nSign electronic documents

nPay your bill or co-pay

Signing in with a kiosk will not only decrease your wait time, but also offers greater convenience and privacy. Reception staff is available to assist you as needed.

Manage your health at your convenience

The Everett Clinic’s convenient Walk-In Clinics are here for you, providing high quality, cost-effective care when

you need prompt medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions. If you are experiencing a potentially life threatening condition such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or severe headache, call 9-1-1 so that appropriate care is not delayed. We want you to have the most appropriate care for emergent conditions. Our board-certified providers and caring staff provide a friendly environment for both established and new patients of The Everett Clinic. With locations throughout Snohomish County, the Walk-In Clinics are open seven days a week and evenings with extended weekend hours at Harbour Pointe, Lake Stevens, Mill Creek and Smokey Point — no appointment necessary!

Check-Out our Self-Check-In Kiosks

Stay connected!Would you like to receive the Connection newsletter via email? If you are interested in receiving our e-newsletter, please sign-up at everettclinic.com/connection.

Win a Kindle Fire!The Everett Clinic implemented touchscreen kiosks to make patient transactions more

efficient and convenient. We would love your feedback on what you like about the kiosk, what functionalities you would like added or what you wish were different or improved. Your feedback can be anonymous, or you can leave your email

address to enter to win a Kindle Fire. Please give us your feedback at the link below.

We value your comments.

everettclinic.com/kiosk

You can access

your health information whenever you need it, wherever you are. With MyChart®, our online medical record system, you can take ownership of your health by having important information at your fingertips. Access to your online medical record as well as secure communication with your healthcare provider holds many advantages. With MyChart you can:

nView your health summary, current health conditions and health history

nCheck your test results and trend them over time

nView current medications and request prescription renewals

nView current allergies, immunizations and preventive care screenings

nSee upcoming and past appointments

nRequest an appointment

nView your account balance

nEmail your provider

Sign up for MyChart the next time you come in for an appointment. It just takes a couple of minutes! Once you sign up, you can access MyChart at myeverettclinic.com or download the MyChart app for your mobile device. Just visit your app store and search for MyChart.

For more information, or if you would like to sign up for MyChart before your next appointment, call 425-257-1440. For urgent medical matters, please contact your provider’s office immediately.

MyChart® Epic Systems Corp

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As the winter months get closer, it’s time to start thinking about protecting yourself and

your family from the flu. Flu seasons are unpre-dictable since the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from year to year. Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for every-one six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protection from influenza.

Flu shot clinics will begin in October at our locations in Everett, Marysville, Silver Lake, Mill Creek, Harbour Pointe, Lake Stevens, Smokey Point, Snohomish and Stanwood. For your conve-nience, pediatric and adult flu shot clinics will be

combined so families can get vaccinated at the same time. This will be subject to vaccine avail-ability. Younger children who have never had a seasonal vaccine will need two separate doses.

For information on flu clinics at The Everett Clinic, please visit: everettclinic.com/flu or call our Flu Hotline at 425-257-1400.

By Fritz Goset, Audiologist The Everett Clinic Hearing Aid Center

People have typically had a big complaint about hearing aids—they hear too much noise! Fortunately, modern, up-to-date hearing aids can help people hear better

without all the background sound.

Another concern is when hearing aids don’t work well or stop working. For the best experience, aids need to be fitted expertly and then adjusted over time.

Here are four tips for purchasing or replacing a hearing aid:

1. Find a professional audiologist. Look for a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A), an internationally-recognized credential.

2. Get fitted with Real Ear Measurements (REM). REM measures the sound in your ear with and without the hearing aid to ensure true, individualized settings.

3. Select a hearing aid for your needs and lifestyle. Your audiologist should be able to guide you to your best match.

4. Seek follow up care. Better hearing comes from a relationship with a trusted provider who will work for your best hearing for life. Your needs will change. Come in for adjustments.

Fritz Goset, Audiologist and Manager of The Everett Clinic Hearing Aid Center, has been fitting people with high-performing hearing aids for more than 35 years. He earned his Master’s degree in Audiology at Idaho State University and is a CCC-A certified professional audiologist by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

“We’re honored and pleased when people choose The Everett Clinic for their hearing help,” he says.

Community Classes

Neeta Bhogal, MDWalk-In ClInIC

Eliza Brink, ARNPBehavIoral healthMill Creek425-339-5453

Claire Fung, MDFamIly medICIneSnohomish360-563-8600

Julie Furlan, MDophthalmologyEverett425-339-5435

Maneesh Gupta, MDgastroenterologyEverett 425-339-5421 Smokey Point360-454-1921

Mary Harris, ARNPInternal medICIneHarbour Pointe425-493-6001

Judith Howard, LHBehavIoral healthMill Creek425-339-5453

Cannot be combined with any other offer or previous purchase. Coupon must be presented at time of order. Valid 10/9/2013 through 11/22/2013.

OFF any wireless hearing aid

Facial Rejuvenation: Looking and Feeling Your BestTuesday, October 22 • 5-6 pm Wednesday, November 6 • 5-6 pm Join Natalie Higgins, MD, for this compli-mentary evening seminar to learn more about treatments that can help give you a more rested and youthful appearance. Dr. Higgins will discuss both non-surgical options such as skin care, Botox and fillers as well as surgical options including upper and lower eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty) and facelifts. Light refresh-ments will be served. Space is limited and reservations are required. To register, call 360-454-1958

The Everett Clinic Smokey Point Medical Center2901 174th Street NE, Marysville

Is It Dementia?Wednesday, October 23 • 10:30 am-12 pmPresented by Dr. Michael Chun, a neurologist with The Everett Clinic, this class will cover definitions of memory problems, a discussion of causes and the approach to diagnosis and treatment. To register for this free seminar, call 425-388-7377.

Compass Health Administrative OfficesCentral Conference Room in Bldg. 2 4526 Federal Avenue, Everett

Accessing ' Managing Mental Health Care for Older AdultsThursday, October 24 • 9 am-12 pmLearn how to access and manage mental healthcare for older adults at a time when health insurance and services are changing rapidly. Find out about Older Adult Access, a local program that helps older adults find mental health and chemical dependency services in Snohomish County. To register for this free seminar, call 425-388-7019 or email s.novacek@snoco.org.

Merrill Gardens at Mill Creek14905 Bothell-Everett Highway, Mill Creek

Ten Steps to Well-beingThursday, November 7th • 6-8 pmPaul Schoenfeld, PhD, will help participants learn how to improve their sense of well-being through emotional and physical self-care. Fee: $10. To register, call 425-339-5453.

Monte Cristo Conference Room3830 Hoyt Avenue, Everett

Weight Loss for LifeThis seven-week behavior-based Wellness Program will help you become more aware of the association of feelings and eating habits, understand portion control and how to track calories, learn mindfulness as a stress reduction technique to use while eating and more! For upcoming class dates and times, please visit: everettclinic.com/classes.

Your Life, Your WishesSaturday, November 9 • 10 am-2 pm Wednesday, December 11 • 1-3 pmJoin us for this complimentary class to learn about FIVE WISHES™, Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney and POLST, including specific instructions on how to complete these and other medical directive forms. Sponsored by the Snohomish County Council on Aging. To register, visit everettclinic.com/classes or call 425-339-4281.

Monte Cristo Conference Room3830 Hoyt Avenue, Everett

Couples Communication and Stages of GrowthSaturday, November 16 • 4-6 pmRelationship experts tell us the number one reason we are attracted to our significant other is because of our differences. Participants in this class will learn the different stages of a relationship and helpful strategies to move forward together as well as ways to resolve conflict, problem-solve, and communicate. Fee: $15. To register, call 425-339-5453.

The Everett Clinic Smokey Point Medical Center2901 174th Street NE, Marysville

Newborn BasicsJoin Everett Clinic pediatricians in this complimentary evening class as they help you prepare for your newborn’s first few months of life. Topics include: feeding, sleeping, soothing, safety, umbilical cord care, signs of illness and much more. Class is open to expectant mothers and a guest. For upcoming class dates and times or to register, call 425-258-3900.

Family Caregiver SupportThis complimentary group (available at Everett and Smokey Point) provides a caring place for caregivers to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also providing care to a person with dementia. Open to all care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia. Sponsored by The Alzheimer’s Association and The Everett Clinic. To register, call 425-317-3482.

Getting BetterWeekly on Thursdays • 9-10:20 amLed by Megan Merriwether, PhD, this group is for those dealing with pain (chronic or injury related) or other physical symptoms that affect their mental and emotional health. Participants will learn to cope more effectively with the anxiety and depression related to their physical symptoms. Fee: $79.95 per session (covered in part by most insurance plans). To register, call 425-339-5453.

The Everett Clinic at Mill Creek 15418 Main Street, Mill Creek

Welcome New Providers For detailed bio information, visit: everettclinic.com and click on “Find a Doctor”

Flu Season is Coming

SuPPorT · WELLnESS · InForMATIon

The Everett Clinic Hearing Aid Center4027 Hoyt Ave., Everett 425-339-5401 everettclinic.com/hearingaid

Four Tips for Better Hearing

Did you know? When you purchase hearing aids at The Everett Clinic, the cost includes all follow up service to adjust and maintain your optimum hearing over time.

“So there’s no excuse not to come back if you are not doing well,” says audiologist Fritz Goset. “We’re here to help!”

For better hearing, call our Hearing Aid Center at 425-339-5401 or visit: everettclinic.com/hearingaid.

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United

States. It can be a highly curable disease if detected and treated early.

Reducing Your Risk for Breast CancerAbout 1 in 8 (roughly 12%) American women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Some risk factors like age and genetics can’t be changed, but some, like limiting your alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight, are in your control. You may have an increased risk if any of the following apply to you:

n Family history of breast cancer: The amount of increased risk is variable and may depend on the particulars of a woman’s family history and the type of gene mutation(s) present.

n Previous breast cancern Menstruation history: Women who started their periods when they

were younger than 12 and/or who went through menopause after age 55 are at slightly higher risk for breast cancer.

n Age: After gender, age is the strongest risk factor for developing breast cancer. The older the woman is, the higher her risk. By the time she is 29, a woman only has a 1 in 2000 (0.05%) chance of being diagnosed with a breast cancer, but a 59 year old woman has a 1 in 50 (2%) chance.

n Obesity: Fat tissue may contribute to increased risk when present in higher amounts in the body.

n Alcohol: The risk for breast cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

In addition to being aware of risk factors, early detection plays a big role in cancer outcomes. The following screenings are recommended:

1. Screening mammogram can help detect the disease in its early, most treatable, stages. Experts have different recommendations for mammography. Talk with your provider about your personal risk factors before deciding when to have a mammogram.

2. Clinical breast exam (CBE) is a physical examination of the breast done by a health care provider. Women should talk with their provider about their personal risk factors and when they should have a CBE.

3. Breast self-examination (BSE) is the best way for a woman to become familiar with how her breasts normally feel so that she can provide information as to whether lumps or thickenings are new or have been present for a long time.

For more information, go to everettclinic.com/cancer and click on Cancer Partnership.

David Lu, DOFamIly medICIneLake Stevens425-397-1704

Steve Martinez, MDsurgeryMedical Office Building425-339-5442

Elana Minami, MDheart & vasCularEverett425-339-5411

Jean Jacques Nya Ngatchou, MD endoCrInologyEverett425-339-5431

Kathi Shelton-Woods, OpticianoptometryHarbour Pointe425-493-6065

Grace Anne Turner, ARNPpedIatrICsHarbour Pointe425-493-6002

Pamela Waterbury, OpticianvIsIon & eye CenterEverett425-339-5436

The Everett Clinic Ophthalmology department is now offering specialized ophthalmic care for patients who suffer from conditions involving the posterior segment of the eye. Julie Furlan, MD, a vitreoretinal specialist, will provide medical and surgical treatment of conditions that affect the retina and vitreous, such as:

nmacular degeneration n diabetic retinopathynmacular holes n uveitis (inflammation of the eye)n venous occlusions n retinal tears and detachmentsnmacular puckers

Dr. Furlan works closely with our ophthalmic and optometric team to provide the highest quality medical and surgical retinal care to Everett Clinic patients. To find out more, call The Everett Clinic Ophthalmology department at 425-339-5435 or visit everettclinic.com/eye.

The Everett Clinic is pleased to welcome fellowship-trained breast and endocrine surgeon Dr. Steve R. Martinez to our cancer care team. Dr. Martinez comes to us from the University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center where he was Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology. His training and experience allow Dr. Martinez to offer his patients the most advanced and minimally-invasive procedures in breast surgery. He incorporates

several advanced techniques into his practice, including the use of the sentinel lymph node biopsy, skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy and onco-plastic lumpectomy for breast cancer. Learn more about our dedicated breast surgeon, Dr. Martinez at everettclinic.com/Martinez.

Retinal Specialist Services

For more information about Dr. Furlan, visit everettclinic.com/furlan.

The Providence regional Cancer Partnership is a collaboration of The Everett Clinic, Providence regional Medical Center Everett, Western Washington Medical Group, and northwest Washington radiology oncology Associates.

We offer all aspects of outpatient cancer care under one roof. our team approach allows us to develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each patient that benefits from the extra time and knowledge we devote to their care. The Cancer Partnership is a Commission on Cancer accredited program.

Whether you need treatment for an eye condition, want to have your vision tested, or just would like to pick out a new pair of glasses, you can get all of your needs met at our Harbour Pointe clinic. For more information or to make an appointment, call 425-493-6065.

Now at Harbour PointeComprehensive vision services are now available.

Also available at Harbour Pointe: ■ Pediatrics ■ Internal Medicine ■ Family Medicine ■ Walk-In Clinic

4410 106th St. SW, Mukilteo WAeverettclinic.com/harbourpointe

Dr. Lizabeth Raemont Ophthalmologist

Kathi Woods-Shelton Optician

Dr. James SantoroOptometrist

Breast CanCerAwareness By Steve Martinez, MD, The Everett Clinic Surgical Oncology

A Message from Bartell’son behalf of everyone at Bartell Drugs, we are thrilled to become a part of The Everett Clinic community as of June 10, 2013. As a local, family-owned business, we strive to provide exceptional service – service that advances the health, happiness and well-being of all our northwest neighbors. With our “people first” philosophy in mind, you can count on us to deliver the high level of patient care you are accustomed to.

As an additional benefit, you may also choose to have your prescriptions filled or re-filled at any of our 61 Bartell Drugs locations. We very much look forward to serving you and your community!

IN THIS ISSUE:

3901 Hoyt Avenue n Everett, WA 98201 n everettclinic.com

Customer Services:425-258-3900Monday – Friday: 7 am – 8 pmPhysician Selection, Questions, Feedback, Information & More

Advanced ImagingAllergy, Asthma & Immunology

AnesthesiologyBehavioral Health

Cancer/OncologyCosmetic and Facial Plastic Surgery

Critical CareDermatology

Diabetes/EndocrinologyEar, Nose & Throat

Family MedicineGastrointestinal & Liver Disease CenterGeriatric CareGynecologyHand CenterHead & Neck SurgeryHearing Aid CenterHeart & Vascular CenterHematologyInfectious DiseaseInternal MedicineLaboratory ServicesMohs, Laser & Skin SurgeryNephrologyNeurologyObstetricsOccupational MedicineOphthalmologyOrthopedicsOutpatient Surgery Centers

Pediatric/Adolescent CarePhysiatry Spine

Physical Medicine & RehabPhysical Therapy

PodiatryPulmonary & Sleep Medicine

Rheumatology & ArthritisSleep Center

Sports MedicineSurgical Specialties

UrologyVision Centers

Walk-In Clinics

Medicare Options | page 1

MyChart | page 1

Flu Season | page 2

Hearing Aids | page 2

Breast Cancer Awareness | page 3

Retinal Specialist | page 3

Managing Asthma | page 4

Join the conversationfacebook.com/TheEverettClinictwitter.com/EverettClinicyoutube.com/TheEverettClinicFamilytalkblog.com

THE EVERETT CLINIC “CONNECTION” IS PUBLISHED By THE EVERETT CLINIC MARkETING DEPARTMENT, MEGAN STUBBLEBINE, EDITOR nTO BE ADDED OR REMOVED FROM THE CONNECTION MAILING LIST, PLEASE VISIT: EVERETTCLINIC.COM/CONNECTION OR CALL 425-304-1132.

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PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

P A I DEverett, WA

Permit No. 308

EvErEttHarbour PointE

LakE StEvEnSMarySviLLEMiLL CrEEk

SiLvEr LakESMokEy Point

SnoHoMiSHStanwood

For many patients with asthma, fall and winter can be a challenge.

To keep your asthma under control, follow these guidelines:

Stay HealthyGet your annual influenza

vaccination, wash your hands and get enough exercise. Influenza vaccinations usually become available in September or October of each year. Get yours early since it takes a few weeks to be effective. The flu can cause more problems if you have asthma.

Manage/Eliminate TriggersIf you have allergies, they can make your asthma harder to control. Your physician can recommend medications to treat your allergies and he or she may recommend that you have allergy testing to pinpoint what’s driving your symptoms. Other triggers can be irritants like cigarette smoke.

Pediatric Family Patient Representatives WantedThe goal of our pediatric family patient representative program is to gather

feedback from the most important people in our line of business—our patients. We are looking for mothers, fathers or guardians of our pediatric patients to volunteer to be a patient representative, please visit: everettclinic.com/pedsrep.

Smokey Point Medical Center Turns One!On September 4, 2013, our Smokey Point location celebrated their one year anniver- sary. Smokey Point provides comprehensive care in one community location and reduced wait times for patients in its two-story 60,000 square foot space and currently offers 20 medical specialties.

EverettnHarbour PointenSmokey Point425-339-5436 | everettclinic.com/vision

Skin Cancer: Prevent. Detect. Live.Mohs, Laser & Skin Surgery marks 10 years of skin cancer treatmentEach year more than 1 million people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer. Early detection is key, so it is important to be screened regularly and referred to a specialist for treatment. For the last 10 years, The Everett Clinic has been able to offer Mohs Micrographic Surgery, a highly-effective surgical treatment for certain forms of skin cancer.

“The Mohs surgery technique not only offers the highest cure rate at 98 percent, but also allows us to spare as much normal skin and tissue as possible resulting in smaller defects,” said Dr. Gail de Imus, a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologic surgeon who founded the Clinic’s Mohs Surgery Center 10 years ago. “I have treated more than 10,000 people with various types of skin cancer.”

Bring in this coupon for

30% off Nike, Nine West or

Michael Kors frames with lens and frame purchase.

Coupon valid through 11/29/13. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Not compatible with most insurance plans.

See in Style!

Top Doc HonorsCongratulations to two Everett Clinic physicians who were named a “Top Doc” by two regional publications announcing top doctor lists: Seattle Magazine and Seattle Met Magazine. The surveys ask medical peers to name providers who they would seek out for their own care or the care of a loved one.nDianna Chamblin, MD – OccupatiOnal MedicinenPaul McBride, MD – allergy, asthMa & iMMunOlOgy

Dr. Brett Buchmiller, in Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology at The Everett Clinic, sees patients at our Smokey Point Medical Center.

Manage Your Asthma, so it Won’t Manage YouBy Brett Buchmiller, MD, The Everett Clinic Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Take Your MedicationsKeep your medications available and use them as directed. “Rescue” medications like albuterol are for when you are having symptoms and need quick relief. You may also need a “controller” medication to lessen the frequency of attacks and maintain long term control. If your doctor has prescribed this, it is important to take it regularly, even if you feel fine.