OCH News
Thyroid Awareness Month
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to spotlight a small gland that has a big impact on your overall health, the thyroid. “The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones, such as T3 and T4, which help control metabolism, heart rate, body...
Media Inquiries
All media inquiries should be directed to:
Alexandra O’Dell
Media Relations Manager
E-mail: aodell@ochonline.com
Natalie Taylor-Moore
Director of Business Development
E-mail: ntaylor-moore@ochonline.com
Scott Taylor
Hospital Administrator
E-mail: staylor@ochonline.com
Please review the Media Policies for Ozarks Community Hospital. Take a look at our OCH Media Kit, and be sure to check out our Facebook page, or read our latest blog entry. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Winter Wellness: Managing Seasonal Depression & Low Energy
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many people notice changes in their mood, energy levels, and motivation. For some, this shift is mild and temporary; often called the “winter blues.” For others, the impact is deeper and more persistent, developing...
Understanding Diabetes
Understanding Diabetes: What Patients Should Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Care Diabetes is a common condition, but with early detection, consistent care, and the right treatment plan, it can be effectively managed. Routine monitoring and...
America Needs Rural Health
A Message from our CEO on National Rural Health Day Rural residents are more likely than urban residents to die from heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and morbid obesity. Deaths of mothers and babies from childbirth are more likely in rural America than in urban...
Understanding COPD
By Howard Bennett, RRT-SDSGravette Cardiopulmonary Manager Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, better known as COPD, is a long-term lung condition that makes it difficult for people to breathe. While it shares some similarities with asthma, the two conditions are...
OCH Evergreen Clinic Expands Access to Behavioral Health Services in North Springfield
Springfield, MO — The need for accessible mental health care in North Springfieldcontinues to grow, with many residents struggling to find timely support andtreatment. In response, OCH Evergreen Clinic is expanding access to behavioralhealth services, offering a full...
A Focus on Women’s Health and Wellbeing: 10 Big Ideas
A Focus on Women’s Health and Wellbeing: 10 Big Ideas By Dr. Coral Couchenour, Family Medicine Physician My name is Dr. Coral Couchenour, and I’m a family practice physician working in a rural health clinic in Anderson, Missouri. Over the years, through both my...
Media Policies
As a healthcare organization, it is our first priority to protect our patient’s health, legal rights and welfare. Our hospital cannot release any patient information to the media unless the patient has consented. We require all patients to sign a consent form before being interviewed or photographed by the news media or an in-house video/photographer. To request an interview, please contact Natalie Taylor-Moore, Director of Business Development.
Media Guidelines
On-duty reporters/photographers are not permitted in Ozarks Community Hospital without the permission of our Communications Department. Upon entering, media representatives must immediately report to Admissions or Administration and ask for Alexandra O’Dell, Public Relations Manager. Reporters and photographers are expected to wear proper identification including an “OCH Media Badge” while at Ozarks Community Hospital. Reporters and photographers who are not accompanied by a member of the OCH Communications Department will be immediately escorted from the building.
Videotaping and interviewing without the department’s involvement is only permitted off the hospital campus (outside the hospital buildings and beyond hospital property from the street). Reporters and photographers will be asked to leave the premises if found to be interfering with patients and hospital business.
News vehicles may not park in fire lanes or block hospital driveways.
Patient Condition
Under HIPAA law, the OCH Communications Department may only release a one-word patient condition without signed consent (granted the reporter/photographer already has the patient’s first and last name and the patient’s family has consented). Below are the hospital conditions as listed by HIPAA:
Undetermined – Patient awaiting physician and/or assessment.
Good – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
Satisfactory – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
Serious – Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
Critical – Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
Additional Restrictions
The law prohibits the Communications Department from releasing any information regarding patients listed as “protective status.” In addition, information will not be provided in instances where the safety and security of a patient and/or hospital staff may be jeopardized.
No information relating to psychiatric conditions, substances abuse or sensitive circumstances will be released.
Ozarks Community Hospital may provide identifying information in relation to a deceased patient after next-of-kin has been notified, unless the patient previously opted out of this release.