Nursing and Rehab Center Residents and Families FAQ
We are excited for this new partnership and ability to expand our medical director program within the NRC and to other care levels. We understand there are many questions about this transition. We hope the information below will answer some of your questions. If you have any further questions, or would like to discuss the transition process, please contact Natalie Wynegar, NRC Administrator, at (540) 776-2616 or nwynegar@nullvlhnet.org.
Do I have to sign myself or my loved one up for this service?
No. You, or your loved one, are welcome to keep your current primary care provider if you wish. However, there are many benefits to utilizing our on-site medical team.
If I, or my loved one, currently use Brandon Oaks’ on-site medical director and would like to continue with Universal Health, what do I do?
Simply let Natalie know you would like to continue with our services and we will transition you when Universal Health comes on board in April.
Are Universal Health providers covered by major health insurance carriers and considered in-network?
Yes, they are credentialed and partner with all major insurance carriers.
Are the provider’s services billable to insurance?
Yes, if additional payment is needed for services performed, the resident will receive a bill from Universal Health after insurance has been billed and paid their portion.
Will this provider take the place of my primary care physician?
Yes, our physician through Universal Health Corp. would become you, or your loved one’s, primary care provider.
How do I switch from my current provider to Brandon Oaks’ medical director?
Let your administrator know that you would like to switch providers and our staff will put in an order to be seen by the physician or nurse practitioner. Our nursing staff and the Universal Health team will then complete the necessary paperwork to transfer your records. If you or your loved one is currently seen by Dr. Nottingham and would like to continue with our on-site services with Universal Health, please let Natalie know.
As the resident’s new PCP, will all of their needs be handled by the Universal Health provider?
Yes, all concerns and acute events will be handled by the Universal Health providers, unless a specialist is required.
Where will my loved one be seen?
The providers will see patients in their room.
How will it benefit me or my loved one to use Universal Health providers?
Universal Health providers are an extension of our staff. We work directly with them to improve the quality and availability of care for our residents. Additionally, working with our on site providers means there is less time waiting for an order to be signed, direct communication between providers who are on-site, they see you or your loved one regularly rather than once per year, or less. This allows them to have a better assessment of you or your loved one’s current state of health. Utilizing our providers will also allow for a smoother transition when moving between levels of care. The provider is already familiar with you, or your loved one.
How can I communicate with the Universal Health providers about my loved one?
Family members, or the resident, can express their concern or desire to speak with a provider with the facility nursing staff. The staff will transfer that message to the provider on-site or on-call.
