Why Providing Your Insurance Information Matters:

Did you know that insurance companies give hospitals and healthcare providers a limited amount of time to submit claims for payment? This is called the timely filing limit.

If a claim is not submitted within the insurance company's required timeframe, it may be denied, and the patient could become responsible for the balance.

One of the best ways you can help us submit your claims on time is by:

· Presenting your current insurance card at every visit.

· Notifying us of any changes to your insurance coverage before or at the time of service.

· Providing complete and accurate insurance information when registering.

Common Insurance Timely Filing Limits:

Insurance:	Timely Filing Limit:
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield	90 Days
Nevada Medicaid	180 Days (Primary) 365 Days (Secondary)
Medicare	365 Days
Aetna Commercial	120 Days
Aetna Medicare Advantage	365 Days
UnitedHealthcare	180 Days
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage	365 Days
Cigna Commercial	90 Days
Humana Medicare Advantage	365 Days
TRICARE	365 Days
TriWest / VA Community Care	180 Days (Authorization Required)

Remember: Timely filing requirements vary by insurance plan and are subject to change. Providing accurate insurance information at the time of service helps us process your claims as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Thank you for helping us provide you with the best care while ensuring your insurance benefits are used appropriately!

🦠 Bug of the Month: Cyclospora- The Tiny Parasite Making Big News

Meet this month's bug: Cyclospora! It is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis — and right now, it's making a lot of noise.

Why is it "popular" right now?
Cyclosporiasis case counts typically climb during spring and summer, with the CDC marking May 1 through August 31 as the annual "cyclosporiasis season." But this year is anything but typical: over 6,700 confirmed or probable cases have been reported nationwide so far in 2026, compared to just 2,700 cases in all of 2025. Michigan and Ohio have seen a growing outbreak now topping 3,000 cases, with investigators suspecting lettuce or salad greens as a likely source, though no specific grower or product has been officially confirmed.

What is it?
Cyclospora is a single-celled parasite spread through food or water contaminated with human stool. Good news: it doesn't spread person-to-person like a cold, since the parasite needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious.

What does it feel like?
Symptoms usually start about a week after exposure (range: 2–14 days) and include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes low-grade fever. Left untreated, symptoms can linger — or come and go — for weeks.

How can you protect yourself?

• Washing produce under running water is still good practice, but it won't reliably remove Cyclospora — its tough outer shell resists water and chemical produce washes.
• Cooking is the only method proven to kill it. Heat produces to at least 158°F when possible.
• For raw greens, choose whole heads over pre-washed bags and discard outer leaves.
• See a provider if diarrhea lasts more than a few days, about a week after eating fresh leafy greens or other raw produce — diagnosis requires a specific stool test and is treated with prescription antibiotics. 

Fun facts!
Cyclospora is only about 8–10 micrometers across—roughly one-tenth the width of a human hair! Tiny enough to be invisible to the naked eye, but capable of causing weeks of illness. Remember: fresh is healthy, but taking a few extra moments to wash your produce is one of the easiest ways to help keep this summer bug off your plate!

Winter Safety: A Guide from Mt. Grant General Hospital

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it also presents unique safety challenges. By taking proactive steps, you can help ensure a safe and healthy winter for you and your family. Here's what you need to know about vehicle and household preparedness, as well as preventing common winter injuries.

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Vehicle Preparedness

Driving in winter conditions can be hazardous. Being prepared is the best way to prevent accidents and avoid being stranded.

• Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit for your car that includes essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food, water, and an ice scraper.
• Tires: Check your tire pressure regularly, as it can drop in colder temperatures. Consider installing winter tires for better traction on snow and ice.
• Fluids: Ensure your vehicle's fluids are topped off, especially windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.
• Battery: Have your car's battery checked by a mechanic before the cold weather hits. Cold temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance.

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Household Preparedness

Preparing your home for winter is crucial for staying safe and warm.

• Heating System: Have your furnace or heating system serviced by a professional to ensure it is running efficiently and safely.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly. Replace the batteries as needed.
• Pipes: Protect exposed pipes from freezing by insulating them. Keep cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Generators: If you use a portable generator during a power outage, always operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falls are a leading cause of injury during the winter, often resulting in fractures and sprains.

• Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear with good traction to navigate icy sidewalks and driveways.
• Clear Walkways: Keep your sidewalks, steps, and driveway free of snow and ice. Use salt or sand to improve traction.
• Lighting: Ensure outdoor lights are working to illuminate walkways and prevent falls in the dark.
• Be Mindful: Walk slowly and deliberately, especially on wet or icy surfaces. Use handrails on stairs and hold onto sturdy objects for support when needed.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of winter-related injuries and stay safe throughout the season.