For the Media

Special Instructions for Media During COVID-19

As we walk through the evolving changes of COVID-19, we want to be as transparent as possible. Given how quickly things are changing and developing we will do our best to communicate effectively and efficiently, and to provide interviews when possible. We want to make sure the information we provide is the most up-to-date and accurate and thank you in advance for your patience in any delay in providing answers to your questions.

Please remember our number one priority, as always, is to provide care for patients.  Physicians may not be available for interviews, as much as we would like to be able to share our expertise. We will do our best to manage your request and provide you with an expert, which means how that may happen during this time may change.

How we will communicate with you:

  • Please feel confident that if there is a significant message to share we will reach out to you to make sure you are informed and have the latest and most accurate information.
  • Media interview with health care employees:
    • In-person/on-site media interviews will be determined in a case-by-case request
    • Virtual interviews through Zoom may sometimes be the best option due to limited access to being on-site
    • Pre-planned virtual interviews may be conducted through TVU or Zoom at the Saint Luke's Studio at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City
  • Please keep an eye on our website and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – for updates as things evolve.

If you need information or an interview:

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Media are not allowed on any Saint Luke’s campus without a member of our media team with them.
  • If you are interested in an interview, contact the media relations team first to coordinate, even if you have the physician's contact information.
  • If you come to a location to get video, please remember:
    • You are able to get b-roll of any of our locations from off-campus such as across the street, sidewalks, etc.
    • Please avoid getting full video of people walking in and out of the entrances as this could violate HIPPA/patient privacy.

Thank you for understanding that the normal way of conducting interviews may change temporarily and we appreciate your patience.

Information for members of the print and broadcast media

Saint Luke's Health System welcomes the opportunity to help you with stories, arrange interviews, and provide information.

A media relations representative is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to media inquiries.

Interviews with employees, patients, or physicians

For information, a photo or an interview with a staff physician, a Saint Luke's Health System employee or a patient hospitalized at Saint Luke's, please start with the office of media relations. We'd be happy to field your request, provide or verify additional information and secure the necessary advance clearances for interviews with patients.

Release of patient information

Federal privacy regulations strictly govern whether and how health systems can share patients' personal health information.

Saint Luke's Health System follows HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and American Hospital Association guidelines.

How to get patient information

To get a condition report on a patient, you must provide the patient's first and last name. We cannot release information without this.

HIPAA privacy standards limit Saint Luke's to one-word condition reports. Here's what those words mean:

  • Undetermined — The patient awaits physician assessment.
  • Good — Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
  • Fair — Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
  • Serious — Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. The patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
  • Critical — Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. The patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
  • Treated and released— The patient was treated but not admitted.
  • Deceased

Never "stable": The term “stable” should never be used as a condition or in combination with other conditions.

Covering an accident? Please call the hospital where the patient is transported for a condition report. Reports at the accident scene are not official condition reports. We can make an official condition report only after a physician assesses the patient.