At Phelps Health, we welcome requests from the media and will assist news outlets with coverage of our medical services, facilities and more as well as interviews with our healthcare experts.
Please remember: All requests for interviews at Phelps Health – including those involving Phelps Health clinics, departments and employees – must be arranged and approved by the Phelps Health Marketing and Public Relations Department.
Per Phelps Health policy, all media must check with the Phelps Health Marketing and Public Relations Department before taking any photos or video on Phelps Health property or in Phelps Health facilities.
Media Inquiries: To contact the Phelps Health Marketing and Public Relations Department during normal business hours, please contact Sarah Potter, APR, director of Marketing Strategy and Public Relations, at (573) 458-7946 or sapotter@phelpshealth.org or Stefanie Van Wyk, content marketing coordinator, at (573) 458-7620 or svanwyk@phelpshealth.org.
For media requests after normal business hours, please call (573) 458-8899.
HIPAA Compliance/Patient Conditions
Phelps Health must abide by The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These comprehensive regulations mandate that hospitals and health systems protect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients and their protected health information.
To comply with HIPAA regulations, Phelps Health cannot release protected patient health information, without a signed written release from the patient. All patients have the right to have their presence at Phelps Health remain private and confidential. Conditions for minors (under the age of 18) can only be released if a signed written authorization form has been obtained from the parent or guardian.
The following are one-word conditions that can be released regarding patients whose names are listed in Phelps Health’s directory.
- Undetermined: Patient is awaiting physician assessment.
- Good: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
- Fair: 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.
- Treated and Released: The patient received treatment but was not admitted.
- Treated and Transferred: The patient received treatment and was transferred to a different facility.