Practice Tactics
Gym Memberships Now Through YMCA Only
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) continues to support the health and wellness of our members. To improve access to fitness resources, UHA has partnered with the Roseburg YMCA to provide gym membership opportunities.
Please note the following updates:
- Gym memberships are now available only through the Roseburg YMCA.
- UHA will no longer accept Flex Services requests for gym memberships.
- Members interested in enrolling should contact the YMCA directly for membership details and pricing.
Roseburg YMCA
Phone: 541-440-9622
Additional information is available on the YMCA website: www.ymcaroseburg.org
Encourage members who are interested in fitness programs to contact the YMCA to learn more about available membership options.
Behavioral Health Prior Authorization FAQ
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) has developed a new resource to help providers navigate prior authorization requests for behavioral health services.
The document, Prior Authorizations – Behavioral Health Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), addresses common provider questions about authorization requirements and submission processes.
Providers can access the FAQ here:
Reviewing this guide can help streamline authorization requests and reduce delays in care.
THW Connections Corner
No announcements this month.
CME for Thee
Suicide Postvention Training — April 13
The Connect Postvention training helps professionals and community partners support individuals, families and communities after a suicide death.
The training will take place at the Douglas Education Service District in Roseburg.
Training Details
- Date: April 13, 2026
- Location: Douglas Education Service District
- Address: 1871 NE Stephens St., Roseburg, OR 97470
- Cost: Free
What Participants Will Learn
- Suicide loss and postvention in Oregon
- Grief responses in individuals, families and communities
- Best practices for youth suicide postvention
- How postvention supports prevention efforts
Suicide Postvention Trainer Training
The Connect Training of Trainers prepares professionals to lead suicide postvention trainings and support communities after a suicide death.
The training will take place at the Douglas Education Service District in Roseburg.
Training Details
- Date: April 13, 2026
- Location: Douglas Education Service District
- Address: 1871 NE Stephens St., Roseburg, OR 97470
- Schedule: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch provided
- Cost: Free
Training Structure
- Day 1: Participate in Connect Postvention training
- Days 2–3: Practice facilitating the training
- Deep dive into postvention concepts
Clinical Corner
Resources to Improve Childhood Immunization Rates
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) offers incentives, clinic materials and quality improvement support to help clinics improve immunization rates and meet quality metrics.
Healthy Start Gift Card Program
UHA members ages 0–6 can earn a $15 Sherm’s Thunderbird Market gift card per eligible service, up to $75 total, for completing:
- Well-child visits
- Preventive dental visits
- Childhood immunizations
The program runs through Dec. 31, 2026.
- Clinic action: Request Healthy Start postcards to share with families. Spanish versions are available.
Immunization Reminder Magnets
UHA offers childhood and adolescent immunization reminder magnets to help caregivers track which vaccines their child needs and which have been completed.
- Clinic action: Request magnets to distribute to patients. Spanish versions are available.
Quality Improvement Support
The UHA Quality Team can work with your clinic to strengthen immunization workflows and increase vaccination rates. Support may include identifying barriers and testing solutions through guided quality improvement sessions.
- Clinic action: Contact the UHA Quality Team to learn more about quality improvement support.
Finding the Formulary and Prior Authorization Criteria
The UHA formulary is available on the pharmacy services page: UHA Pharmacy Services
Scroll to Find a Drug to access the formulary.
The formulary includes:
- Covered medications
- Utilization management requirements, including prior authorization, step therapy and quantity limits
- Coverage notes and restrictions
Providers are encouraged to reference the online version to ensure they are viewing the most up-to-date information.
Where to Find Prior Authorization Criteria
Prior authorization criteria are available on the UHA website under Prior Authorizations.
Navigate to:
- Prior Authorizations
- Pharmacy Prior Authorizations
- Pharmacy Prior Authorization Criteria
The criteria outline:
- Clinical requirements for approval
- Required documentation
- Step therapy expectations, when applicable
- Diagnosis or clinical parameters used for review
Quarterly Updates
The formulary and PA criteria are reviewed and updated quarterly following UHA Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee meetings.
After each meeting:
- Approved formulary changes are published
- Updated PA criteria are posted
This process supports alignment with current clinical evidence, new FDA approvals and ongoing review of safety, effectiveness and cost.
Staying Up to Date
Because updates occur quarterly, providers should:
- Check the website before prescribing high-cost or specialty medications
- Review PA criteria before submitting authorization requests
- Ensure clinic staff know where to locate these resources
Questions
For questions about formulary coverage or PA requirements, contact the UHA Pharmacy team.
Community Announcements
Ongoing Community Wellness Activities
Community programs offer a practical way to bridge clinical guidance with daily routines. The ongoing activities described here are free, locally available and designed for consistent participation. These options can be aligned with care plans when community-based support is appropriate.
Mindful Movement Wednesdays
- When: Wednesdays, noon–1 p.m.
- Where: The Vortex Center, 865 SE Court Ave.
- Cost: Free
Cow Creek Health and Wellness Walking Group
- When: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 9–10 a.m.
- Where: Millsite Park, Myrtle Creek; meet at the covered bridge at the southeast end of the park
- Who: Open to all community members
- Contact: Claire Grubb, RD, at (541) 672-8533, ext. 5266
Restorative Yoga: The Rest Ritual
- Date: Second Saturday of each month
- Next session: March 14
- Time: 4–5:15 p.m.
- Location: The Vortex Center
865 SE Court Ave., Roseburg - Donation-based: Pay what you’re able
Third Thursday Community Art Night
- Date: Third Thursday of each month
- Next session: March 19
- Time: 4:30–7 p.m.
- Location: Umpqua Valley Arts Association
1624 W Harvard Ave., Roseburg
Several upcoming Douglas County programs support maternal mental health, heart health and diabetes prevention. Providers may wish to share these opportunities with patients and families.
Maternal and Infant Mental Health Session
- Date: March 18
- Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m
- Location: Green Elementary School
- Free meal and on-site childcare available
Heart Health Class Series
- Location: Village Station, Roseburg
- Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- April 1 — Hypertension
- May 6 — Irregular heart rhythms
- June 3 — Heart valve disease
- July 8 — Heart failure
Cow Creek Diabetes Prevention Program
- Location: Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center South Clinic
- More Information: info-healthyliving@cowcreek-nsn.gov
National Diabetes Prevention Program
- Format: Group education and individual sessions
- Duration: Six weeks
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Coverage: Covered by Medicare and Medicaid in Oregon
- Contact: (833) 673-9355
Cow Creek Grocery Shopping Tour
- Date: March 31
- Time: 4–5 p.m.
- Location: Sherm’s Thunderbird Market
Cow Creek Cooking Demonstration
- Date: March 25
- Time: 5–6:30 p.m
- Location: Healthy Teaching Kitchen, Roseburg
Shamrock Quest
- Date: Saturday, March 14
- Time: Noon–3 p.m.
- Location: Aviva Health Parking Lot
150 Kenneth Ford Drive, Roseburg
South County Rendezvous Resource Event
- Date: Wednesday, March 18
- Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: Harvest Christian Assembly
227 S Main St., Myrtle Creek
Network News
Network Changes
Termed Providers
The following providers have been removed from the Umpqua Health Alliance network:
| Provider Name | Effective Date | Facility |
| Ashley Davis, NP | 1/1/2026 | PeaceHealth |
| Ashley St. Germain, MD | 1/31/2026 | PeaceHealth |
| Mark Bogle, CRM | 02/03/2026 | Adapt |
| Brandon Cole, QMHA | 02/12/2026 | Adapt |
| Jordan Ayres, LCSW | 02/05/2026 | Adapt |
| Kimberly Bock, MD | 10/29/2025 | PeaceHealth |
| Tiffany Chaille, NP | 01/06/2026 | PeaceHealth |
| Lawrence Arefieg, DMD | 02/16/2026 | Advantage Dental |
| LaFaye Grooms, QMHP | 02/09/2026 | Adapt |
| Brad Koschel, DO | 02/10/2026 | CEP America |
| Beatrice May, PMHNP | 02/10/2026 | Adapt |
| John Alharsami, CADC | 02/17/2026 | Adapt |
| Michael Bruno, CADC | 02/19/2026 | Adapt |
| Amanda Lybarger, FNP | 02/18/2026 | Adapt |
| Jai Jung, MD | 02/10/2026 | PeaceHealth |
| Meghan Higley, MD | 06/01/2025 | Roseburg Radiologists PC |
| Jason Mitchell, MD | 06/01/2025 | Roseburg Radiologists PC |
| Kelsey Leroy-Gomez, QMHA | 06/25/2025 | Douglas CARES |
| Anisa McKenzie, QMHP | 02/25/2026 | Adapt |
New Providers
The following providers have joined the Umpqua Health Alliance network:
| Provider Name | Effective Date | Facility |
| Aleksandr Lyashenko, DDS | 04/17/2024 | Advantage Dental |
| Syed Umer, DMD | 01/12/2026 | Advantage Dental |
| Olivia Kerr, QMHP | 01/29/2026 | Adapt |
| Donna Buick, PSS | 01/27/2026 | Adapt |
| Dilbert Gibson, QMHA | 01/26/2026 | Adapt |
| Kimberly Gilbert, QMHP | 01/20/2026 | Adapt |
| Ignacio Aguilar, CRNA | 02/05/2026 | CEP America Anesthesia |
| Shane Petersen, MD | 02/05/2026 | CEP America Anesthesia |
| Christopher Escobedo, CHW | 02/18/2026 | Evergreen Family Medicine |
| Abigail Anderson, PAC | 02/12/2026 | PeaceHealth |
Meet the Umpqua Health Provider Relations Team
The Provider Relations team works closely with clinics and providers across the Umpqua Health network to build strong partnerships and support high-quality care delivery.
The team provides guidance, answers questions and connects providers with the right internal resources when issues arise.
What the Provider Relations Team Supports
- Provider onboarding and training
- Guidance on policies and operational processes
- Communication of network updates and changes
- Support with provider questions and issue resolution
- Coordination with internal teams to address provider concerns
- Advocacy for provider experience within the health plan
Meet the Team
Kammy Fegles — Manager, Provider Relations
Leads the Provider Relations team and focuses on building consistent, collaborative support for providers across the network.
Chanda Wells — Provider Relations Specialist
Supports provider claim inquiries and works to ensure timely and accurate claim resolution.
Joy Kimbrough — Provider Relations Specialist
Provides responsive support to providers and helps address operational questions and concerns.
Jenn Johnston — Provider Relations Representative (HRSN)
Supports providers participating in Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) programs with training and guidance.
McKenna Burns — Provider Relations Representative
Works with both new and established providers to strengthen relationships and support ongoing communication.
Sarah Jergens — Provider Relations Representative (Behavioral Health)
Supports the behavioral health network with onboarding, training and provider support.
Keeley Clark — Provider Relations Representative
Serves as a liaison for providers, helping address questions and coordinating solutions with internal teams.
Nick Rogers — Provider Relations Coordinator
Manages provider data updates and maintains the accuracy and integrity of the Provider Directory.
Contact the Provider Relations Team
Providers can reach the team for support, questions or assistance.
- General Provider Services
Email: UHNProviderServices@umpquahealth.com - Claims Inquiries
Email: UHAclaims@umpquahealth.com - Phone
541-229-4842
2026 Language Access Plan for Providers
Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) developed the 2026 Language Access Plan to support equitable and comprehensive care for members who prefer a language other than English.
The plan outlines key expectations and resources to help providers ensure patients can access care in their preferred language.
Key Components of the Plan
The plan addresses several areas related to language access across the provider network:
- Interpreter service requirements and available offerings
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA) certified and qualified interpreter requirements
- Bilingual provider language proficiency verification
- Language access data submission expectations
- UHA resources and provider support tools
These components are designed to strengthen compliance, improve data accuracy and support high-quality care for members across the UHA service area.
Language access policies help ensure that patients can:
- Understand diagnoses and treatment plans
- Participate in informed decision-making
- Access preventive and specialty care
- Receive care in their preferred language
Supporting language access improves patient experience and helps reduce disparities in care.
Provider Responsibilities
- Review the 2026 Language Access Plan.
- Ensure your clinic follows interpreter service requirements.
- Confirm bilingual staff language proficiency verification when applicable.
- Submit language access data as required.
For questions or support related to the Language Access Plan, contact the UHA Quality Improvement team.Email: UHQualityImprovement@umpquahealth.com
Preventive Dental Resources for Your Patients
In recognition of World Oral Health Day on March 20, Umpqua Health Alliance (UHA) is highlighting preventive dental resources available to support providers and their patients. Early and routine dental care plays an important role in overall health, particularly for young children.
Available Preventive Dental Resources
Healthy Start Gift Card Program
Children ages 1–5 who receive preventive dental services may be eligible for a Sherm’s Thunderbird Market gift card through UHA’s Healthy Start Gift Card Program.
- Encourage families to schedule preventive dental visits for young children.
- Inform eligible families about the Healthy Start incentive program.
First Tooth Training
Clinics interested in expanding preventive oral health services may request First Tooth training, which teaches providers how to apply fluoride varnish and integrate oral health screening into routine care.
- Contact UHA to schedule a First Tooth training for your clinic.
- Consider integrating fluoride varnish into preventive visits.
Referrals to Advantage Dental
Providers are encouraged to continue discussing oral health with patients and referring UHA members to Advantage Dental for preventive dental care. Referrals can be submitted through the Advantage Dental Partner Request Form.
- Refer UHA members who need preventive dental services.
- Discuss the importance of early dental care with families.
Dental Day Event
Advantage Dental, in collaboration with UHA, will host a Dental Day event providing preventive dental services for children.
- Date: April 22
- Location: Newton Creek
- Eligibility: UHA members ages 1–14
This event offers preventive services and is open to all eligible UHA members.
- Share information about Dental Day with eligible families.
- Encourage patients who may not have a regular dental provider to attend.
Quality Metrics Subcommittee Meeting
The Quality Metrics Subcommittee meeting on March 12 at 12:15 p.m. will focus on preventive dental care.
The session will include discussion on strategies to close preventive dental gaps and improve quality measures.
- Attend the meeting to learn strategies for improving preventive dental metrics.
For more information about any of these programs, contact the UHA Quality Improvement team.
On the Lookout
World HPV Awareness Day
HPV Awareness Day happens in March this year. Douglas County has one of the highest HPV related cancer death rates and the highest cervical cancer deaths per 100,000 in the state. Awareness of prevention, screening and treatment options is important to communicate to patients. HPV is highly contagious and can cause cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, vaginal and penile cancers. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent HPV and subsequent cancer. The ideal age for vaccination is 11-12 years old, but it is approved for up to age 45. Screening for female patients includes provider collected samples, typically through a pelvic exam and Pap test. There are also self-collection kits for patients if an appointment or pelvic exam is a barrier. There is currently no approved routine HPV test for men, but biopsies can be an option. There is no cure for HPV. Treatment focuses on managing HPV-related health problems such as genital warts, precancerous cell changes and cancers. Please see the infographic below, that DPHN and UHA staff created and share with your patients.
Dental Digest
Blue Light Glasses for Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Screens are no longer just for adults. Today, they are a massive part of a child’s daily life. From tablets and laptops used in the classroom to TVs, smartphones, and gaming systems at home, children spend more time than ever looking at digital screens. While this technology helps kids learn and stay connected with friends, it can also have a real impact on their overall health.
Because of the rise in screen time, blue light glasses have risen in popularity. But, do they actually help? You may even be wondering what blue light is, how it affects children and how professional pediatric eye care can support healthy vision for a lifetime.