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  • Message from the CEO – August 2025

Tim Collins, EdD, MHA, FACHE, EMT

Dear UCR Health Community,

We are excited to share some exciting developments that will significantly enhance healthcare access, quality, and convenience for our UC colleagues and their families. From joining the UC Blue and Gold HMO network to expanding our clinical services and digital tools, UCR Health is making meaningful strides to bring high-quality, patient-centered care closer to home — right where you live, work, and learn.

UCR Health to Join the Blue and Gold HMO Network – Effective January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, UCR Health will officially join the UC Blue and Gold HMO network for employees. This means UC employees and their dependents will have direct access to our growing network of doctors and specialists through their UC-sponsored health plan.

We are also collaborating with UCR’s Student Health Services to open a conveniently located on-campus clinic that provides accessible care for UC employees right where they work. To make scheduling easy and convenient whenever you need it, we are creating a prioritized phone line and a dedicated website specifically for UC employees, allowing you to book appointments in person or online with ease.

Additionally, we are launching a simplified connection to our customer service team, so whether you have questions about a referral, an authorization, or just want to check the status of your care, help will be just a click or call away. Our goal is simple: to make your healthcare as accessible and personalized as possible, because your health is our shared priority.

Enhancing Clinical Quality Through Data-Driven Tools

Our Clinical Informatics and Quality teams have made impressive progress in improving patient care, especially in critical areas like hypertension and diabetes. By developing advanced Epic tools that identify gaps in clinical care, our care teams can provide targeted interventions that enhance outcomes and overall wellness. These efforts reflect our commitment to delivering data-driven, patient-centered care.

Whether it’s managing blood pressure, tracking HbA1c levels, or coordinating specialist care, these tools help ensure that each person gets the right care at the right time. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up for the Epic MyChart portal and schedule your annual wellness visit. A quick check-in with your provider can go a long way in preventing illness, managing chronic conditions, and staying on top of your health goals.

Your Health, At Your Fingertips

We are continuing to expand the use of our Epic MyChart portal, allowing direct communication between patients and their care teams. You can now message your doctor, request medication refills, review lab results, and get answers to your health questions—all through a secure and easy-to-use online platform. Our goal is to be accessible so we can address all of your questions and needs.

Looking Ahead

It is an exciting time at the UCR School of Medicine and UCR Health. We continue expanding our services, and soon we will be opening more clinic locations. Keep an eye on the provider network, as we expect significant changes in our provider locations this coming year. All of these efforts show our strong commitment to the UC community and to creating a healthcare experience based on access, transparency, and clinical excellence. We are proud to serve you and your families, and we appreciate the opportunity to grow together, with your health remaining our top priority.

Thank You!