Consent for Reproductive Health-Related Services: In California, a minor of any age may consent for any reproductive health services. This includes consenting to receiving contraceptives, abortion, prenatal care, and treatment for STI’s. Minors age 12 and above may also consent to care that is rendered due to a sexual assault.

Consent for Outpatient Mental Health Services: With respect to mental health services, a minor age 12 and above may consent to outpatient mental health if deemed by their provider to be mature enough. Minors may not independently consent to receiving psychotropic drugs, convulsive treatment, or psychosurgery.

There are several other situations where minors may consent for their own care, such as:

Self-Sufficient Minors: Self-sufficient minors may consent for their own medical treatment in California, though they must be at least 15 years old and be living apart from their patents/ legal guardians/ and must be managing their own affairs.

Emancipated Minors: This includes minors who are legally emancipated by court order, minors who on active military duty with the U.S. armed forces, and minors who have been married.

The post California’s Special Rules for Minors and Consent for Treatment appeared first on UCR Health.

Event Recap: Life Way Church Community Health Fair (September 13, 2025)

UCR Health connected with nearly 200 Inland Empire community members at the Life Way Church Health Fair. Dr. Brenda Ross, Clinical Research Program Administrator Herlinda Bergman, and our medical students provided education on Peripheral Artery Disease and the Milk Depot, while building stronger community relationships. The event also created meaningful opportunities to expand our outreach in senior care.

Event Recap: New Highlander Welcome (September 18, 2025)

At the September 18 New Highlander Welcome, CEO Tim Collins emphasized the value of the UC Blue & Gold Health Plan, encouraging employees to choose UCR Health for their care. He also shared updates on UCR Health’s growth and commitment to expanding access across the Inland Empire.

Event Recap: Dr. Tuqan's Senior Lecture (September 24, 2025)

UCR Health launched its new senior lecture series at the Janet Goeske Center, where Dr. Alia Tuqan led an engaging session on healthy aging and preventive care. The event brought together Riverside seniors eager to stay informed and proactive about their health, reflecting UCR Health’s ongoing commitment to community wellness. Read Dr. Tuqan's Q&A for more insights on healthy aging.

Event Recap: UCR SOM Latino Physician Celebration Day (September 30, 2025)

UCR Health participated in the Latino Physician Celebration Day on September 30, connecting with over 40 attendees from across the Inland Empire. The event provided an opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and community members about UCR Health services and the UC Blue & Gold Health Plan ahead of Open Enrollment.

The post In the Community – September 2025 Event Recaps appeared first on UCR Health.

This is an exciting time for UCR Health. We are preparing for growth, expanding our clinical network, securing new managed care agreements, and increasing the size of our physician network and the geographic reach of UCR Health. These efforts will not only transform our organization but also enhance access to care for patients throughout the Inland Empire. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for the future—one that embodies the best of UC and meets the needs of our rapidly growing, diverse community.

Quality and Patient Experience: A Team-Driven Success

Since July, our quality scores have significantly improved thanks to the leadership of our department chairs and the dedication of their teams. Departments have worked hard to enhance documentation practices, ensuring that patient records accurately reflect the care provided. Our Clinical Informatics team has redesigned workflows in Epic to simplify, enhance, and improve the precision of documentation—improvements that are now yielding measurable results.

Our clinical staff have also been reaching out directly to patients—closing care gaps, scheduling follow-up visits, and ensuring that care planning is proactive and comprehensive. This hands-on approach is strengthening patient relationships and keeping more patients connected to the care they need.

The results speak for themselves: our MIPS score has risen to 93 out of 100, up from the 70s and 80s just a few years ago. This achievement positions UCR Health among the nation’s top-performing practices and reflects the hard work of our teams. Looking ahead, the launch of our UCR Health Brand Promise will provide a transparent way to measure and monitor how we meet standards for service, access, and quality—holding us accountable to our patients and community.

Operational Realignment: Streamlining Workflows and Strengthening Revenue

We are launching a realignment initiative in November designed to enhance scheduling, clinic visit preparation, and daily workflows. Standardizing best practices across our network will minimize variation, streamline processes, and boost the consistency and efficiency of both the patient and staff experience.

At the same time, we are enhancing our revenue cycle operations to ensure our financial health aligns with our clinical excellence. Efforts are underway to improve payment posting, claims management, denial follow-up, patient billing, and collections.

Access and Engagement: Building Connections with Patients and Employees

We remain committed to enhancing both patient access and employee engagement as we expand. Patients are increasingly using online scheduling, with a 15% rise in digital bookings since launch. This flexibility offers patients more control while reducing workload for clinic staff.

Equally important is engaging our employees in the journey ahead. Over the next few months, leadership will visit each clinic to implement an employee engagement initiative. These sessions aim to keep staff connected to organizational changes and ensure their feedback shapes new processes. Our surveys clearly show that employees want more standardized practices, and this engagement effort will help us develop them together.

Looking Ahead: Blue & Gold HMO and UC Care

Starting in January 2026, UCR Health will launch the UC Blue & Gold HMO network, greatly increasing access to coordinated care in the Inland Empire. To support this, we are creating a dedicated Blue & Gold portal where enrollees can schedule appointments, manage referrals, email providers, review medications, and access care all in one integrated system.

In collaboration with UCR Student Health Services, we are also working on an on-campus clinic to provide direct care to our UC employees. This new access point demonstrates our commitment to supporting our UC family while expanding our reach throughout the region.

Together We Grow

With stronger quality scores, redesigned workflows, expanded access, and new managed care partnerships, UCR Health is entering an exciting new chapter. Our collective efforts are making a real difference for patients and positioning UCR Health as a leader in care for the Inland Empire. None of this progress would be possible without your dedication.

Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.

The post Message from the CEO – October 2025 appeared first on UCR Health.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a chance for all of us to unite as a community and shine a light on an issue that is frequently disregarded. According to the CDC, in 2023 there were approximately 49,000 deaths by suicide in the U.S. — that’s nearly one life lost every 11 minutes. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable. Each of us plays a role in breaking the silence, reducing stigma, and reminding those who are struggling that help is always available.

At UCR Health, we believe mental health is as important as physical health. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care, accessible resources, and a safe environment that enables individuals and families to find help. Our behavioral health specialists, primary care providers, and counselors work collaboratively to make sure patients have the skills to navigate all challenges related to mental health and find hope for tomorrow.

UCR Health Resources for Mental Health Support

• Behavioral Health Services: UCR Health provides outpatient psychiatric and counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults.
• Primary Care Providers: Our providers routinely screen their patients for mental health issues, and connect patients to specialized care when necessary.
• Community Education & Support: We utilize community workshops, health fairs, and outreach programs to raise awareness for mental wellness.
• Crisis Resources: If you, or someone you know, is having an immediate mental health crisis, please do not hesitate to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

How You Can Help

• Start the Conversation: Simply asking, “Hey, how are you, really?” can encourage someone to talk about their feelings.
• Know the Signs: Withdrawal, changes in sleeping habits, feelings of hopelessness, or talking about being a burden are all warning signs to be aware of.
• Share Resources: Let friends, family, and colleagues know that support is available and recovery is possible.

At UCR Health, we support those who are struggling and we honor those we have lost. Suicide prevention is not just about elevating awareness, it is about building a community of compassion, connection, and care. Together, we can make a difference.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 to connect to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately.

The post Hope and Healing: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month at UCR Health appeared first on UCR Health.

September is Healthy Aging Month, a reminder that aging well is about more than adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years. It encourages us to take a more proactive approach to ensure that we have vitality, independence and well-being as we get older.

Tips for Healthy Aging

Aging well means making simple, consistent choices that help you take care of your body, as well as your mind. Here are some evidence-based tips and resources at UCR to help you implement them:

• Stay active: Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity most days. UCR provides access to employee fitness and wellness options through recreation and health programs on campus.
• Eat for wellness: Eating a balanced, healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins promotes heart and brain health. Visit UCR Dining Services for healthy eating tips and resources.
• Challenge your mind: Reading, doing puzzles, or learning new things keeps your brain sharp. UCR also offers professional development and enrichment programs that nurture thinking.
• Stay connected: Social ties improve mood and protect against cognitive decline. Take advantage of UCR community events and wellness initiatives to strengthen those connections.
• Prioritize sleep: Sleep can restore energy, and improve mood and memory. Ask about sleep strategies from wellness coaching at UCR.
• Schedule check-ups: Routine health screenings or primary care services from UCR Health can often catch issues early, which supports lifelong health and wellness.

A Doctor's Perspective

Dr. Ramy Sadek, a board-certified physician in Cardiovascular Medicine and Internal Medicine at UCR Health – Riverside Downtown (Primary Care), emphasizes that healthy aging begins with prevention.

“Maintaining heart health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine checkups can significantly improve quality of life and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events,” says Dr. Sadek. “Preventive care allows us to detect and manage conditions early, helping older adults stay active, independent, and engaged in their communities.”

Stay Connected with UCR Wellness Resources

In addition to both clinical care and community programs, UCR also offers resources to support the faculty and staff on their own wellness journey. One simple way to stay engaged is to subscribe to the UCR Faculty and Staff Wellness Newsletter: Faculty and Staff Well-being Bites. Faculty and Staff Well-being Bites is a newsletter with wellness tips, highlights of upcoming wellness events, and resources to help support wellness year-round.

UCR Health’s Commitment to Healthy Aging

At UCR Health, our mission is to help individuals embrace aging with strength and dignity:

• Primary Care & Preventive Screenings: Proactive visits to manage ongoing health and prevent illness.
• Geriatric Medicine: Focused care tailored to the unique needs of the older adult population.
• Community Engagement: Workshops, DocTalks, and outreach events that equip the community with tools for long-term wellness.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

Aging is a natural and beautiful journey, and when it is supported with intentional habits and care, it can be one of life's most fulfilling chapters. This Healthy Aging Month, let UCR Health be your partner in building a stronger, happier tomorrow.

The post Celebrate Healthy Aging Month with UCR Health appeared first on UCR Health.

Event Recap: Celebrating Black Motherhood 8/16/2025

On August 16, UCR Health joined the Celebrating Black Motherhood Community Health Fair at the IEHP Center for Innovation and Learning. The event drew ~80–100 attendees and featured a powerful panel of maternal health experts who shared insights and opened the floor for community stories. UCR Health was proud to support this celebration of maternal health and equity.

Event Recap: ONT x LAFC Watch Party 8/23/2025

On August 23, UCR Health participated in the ONT x LAFC Community Fair and Watch Party, which drew ~150–200 attendees. Over 80 visitors stopped by our table, engaging with our team and sharing positive feedback. The energy of the sports-focused crowd made for a lively event, and we were proud to connect with community members from both Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. 

Event Recap: Spill the Tea, Not the Milk 8/28/2025

On August 28, UCR Health joined the Spill the Tea, Not the Milk celebration at Living Way Christian Fellowship in Moreno Valley, held in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week. The event drew over 100 Black mothers in person, with additional attendees tuning in virtually for featured speakers. UCR Health’s table served as an important resource point—several attendees received information on pediatric services and Dr. Ross’s clinic, with at least four individuals planning to schedule visits. Many community members also picked up flyers on the Milk Donor program, highlighting ongoing interest in maternal and infant health initiatives. The event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Black motherhood and strengthen connections to care in the Inland Empire.

The post In the Community – August 2025 Event Recaps appeared first on UCR Health.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an opportunity to reflect on the importance of vaccines to protect not just individual health, but community health as well. UCR Health recognizes immunizations as a foundational component of preventive care and part of our broader commitment to equitable access to care.

Vaccines are vital in preventing the transmission of serious, avoidable diseases, reducing hospitalizations, and protecting vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. However, the importance of vaccines is more than just biology. While vaccination programs have biological underpinnings, they require transparent communication, trust, and systems that respond to the community needs.

At UCR Health, we provide support to improve access to immunizations through community-based events, clinical outreach, and culturally-informed care. Our teams support accurate information, answer questions, and deliver vaccinations in a timely and approachable way, no matter where the patient begins their journey.

This work is reflective of our brand promise: care that is coordinated, compassionate, and built on trust. We do our best to alleviate confusion and follow up as much as possible, and we want patients to take comfort in the care they receive. During a back-to-school visit, a wellness appointment, or when working at a health fair, we consider every immunization to be an opportunity and to be part of a larger system of support.

While National Immunization Awareness Month is in full swing, we encourage individuals and families to check in with their providers, review their immunization schedule, and ask any questions. UCR Health is ready to assist that process and strive to collectively build a healthier and better connected community.

To speak with a doctor about your vaccinations and how they can be beneficial to you, visit: https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/

Want to learn more?

Tune in to our podcast episode "Measles Outbreak 2025 & Vaccine Questions Answered" featuring Dr. Naveen Raja and Dr. Jean Russell. Listen on Youtube or Spotify.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With four medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post National Immunization Awareness Month: Advancing Health Through Immunization appeared first on UCR Health.

High blood pressure (also called Hypertension) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. In 2022, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 685,875 deaths in the United States. The CDC reported that in the U.S., high blood pressure affects approximately 32% of adults and costs between $131 and $198 billion annually, including costs of medications, health care services, and loss of productivity from premature death. A primary care physician plays a critical role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating hypertension.

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure that occurs when blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. High blood pressure happens when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.

• Normal blood pressure is less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom.
• Prehypertension levels are 120-139 on top and 80-89 on the bottom.
• High blood pressure, stage 1 is 140-159 on top and 90-99 on the bottom.
• High blood pressure, stage 2 is 160 or higher on top and 100 and over on the bottom.

There are 2 types of high blood pressure:

Primary hypertension. This is also called essential hypertension. It has no known cause, and it is the most common type of hypertension. This type of blood pressure usually takes many years to develop. It probably is a result of your lifestyle, environment, and how your body changes as you age.

Secondary hypertension. This occurs when a health problem or medication is causing the high blood pressure. The following can cause secondary hypertension:

• Kidney problems
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• Some medications

What causes high blood pressure?

There are different factors that may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure such as:

• A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol
• Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol
• Family history or genetics (especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure)
• Lack of physical activity
• Older age (the older you are, the more likely you are to have hypertension)
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Race (non-Hispanic black people are more likely to have hypertension than people of other races)
• Some birth control medicines and other medicines
• Stress
• Tobacco use or drinking too much alcohol

What are the symptoms?

It is important to know that most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer.” It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.  Some people experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with hypertension; however, those symptoms can mimic many other things (serious or non-serious). Usually, these symptoms occur once blood pressure has reached a dangerously high level over a period of time.

HealthDay (6/12, Thompson) reported that "more than a third of Americans (37%) erroneously think high blood pressure always has noticeable symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath,” according to a new survey by the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center.  In actuality high blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms to indicate its presence, according to the CDC.  In addition, 39% of respondents mistakenly believe that feeling calm and relaxed is an indication that blood pressure is normal, the poll shows.  And few people – only 13%-- know the correct reading that reflects high blood pressure, 130/80, poll results show.”

How do we treat?

The best way to lower blood pressure begins with making lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. If changes to your lifestyle aren’t enough to reduce your blood pressure to a normal level, your doctor will prescribe antihypertensive medications.

The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels. Medications for treatment are often highly successful. If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medication, you’ll likely need to take it for the rest of your life. It is common to need more than one medication to help control your blood pressure. Don’t stop taking the medication without talking with your doctor. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Living with hypertension

It is important to know that controlling your high blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. You will always need to monitor your weight, make healthy food choices, exercise, learn to cope with stress, avoid smoking, and limit your alcohol intake.

Additionally, you will need to get used to regular blood pressure checks. Your doctor may want you to come to the office regularly, or your doctor may ask you to check your blood pressure at home and keep track of your numbers. Some pharmacies and retail clinics have blood pressure machines on site. You can buy your own, automated arm blood pressure cuff for use at home. Your doctor may want you to check your blood pressure several times a day. Another option is to use an ambulatory (wear as you are moving about) blood pressure monitor.

When is it best to consult advice of medical professionals?

It is important to have regular medical checkups, but you should talk with your health care team right away if:

• You think you have high blood pressure.
• If you've been told you have high blood pressure but do not have it under control.

By taking action to lower your blood pressure, you can help protect yourself against heart disease and stroke, also called cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What to do to prevent?

Taking these measures can help lower High blood pressure.

• Maintaining a healthy weight

Talk with your health care team about ways to reach a healthy weight, including choosing healthy foods and getting regular physical activity.

• Regularly exercising

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking or bicycling, every week. That's about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.

• Eating a healthy diet

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan is a healthy diet plan with a proven record of helping people lower their blood pressure.

• Reducing salt intake
• Do not smoke

Smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. If you do not smoke, do not start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink

Do not drink too much alcohol, which can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, and women should have no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.

• Get enough sleep
• Manage stress

Resources:

• https://familydoctor.org/condition/high-blood-pressure/
• https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/index.html
• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
• https://www.healthday.com/health-news/cardiovascular-diseases/misconceptions-abound-regarding-high-blood-pressure-poll-finds
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan
• https://odphp.health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines

The post High Blood Pressure Awareness appeared first on UCR Health.

• What is the update? The DUO app is decommissioning SMS, phone call, and downloadable MyAccount Passcode verification, requiring users to verify via Duo Mobile Push.
• Why does it matter? Failure to utilize DUO mobile Push for Multi-Factor Authentication may result unable to log into UCR / UCR SOM account
• Who should you contact for questions? Engage SOM IT Client Services: (951) 827-7676 or SNOW Incident Ticket

Phishing Awareness

• What is it? Phishing is an attack where individuals trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, personal data, or information that may grant attackers access to your account. Attacks are very common via email, text messages and phone call. The attacker may impersonate another user, supervisor, or IT support to get sensitive information from you. Users are highly recommended to read emails and text messages carefully, verifying the email or sender is legitimate. If a URL link is provided, hover over URL links and verify the request is legitimate. Users are advised to report phishing emails to the SOM IT security team for investigation, via the Phishing Alarm.
• Why does it matter? Lack of awareness or reporting phishing emails can lead to credential comprises, or institutional harm. Users can be the number one defense against phishing email is delivered.
• Who should you contact for questions? To report suspicious emails, utilize the Phishing Alarm which sends suspicious emails to the security team. Additionally, submit a ticket for a SNOW security-incident ticket. The SOM IT Security team may be reached at: Info-Security@medsch.ucr.edu

The post Cybersecurity Reminder: DUO Update & Phishing Awareness appeared first on UCR Health.

Better health for all

April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM) and this year's theme is Be the Source for Better Health. UCR Health is committed to being that source by working with public health and community-based partners to provide quality care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, and economic and environmental circumstances. We’re here to help make health better for all.

This month, we’re celebrating YOU

Many of our communities face health care challenges including limited access to care, higher rates of chronic conditions, and poor health outcomes. For example, African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease, 50 percent more likely to have a stroke, and 30 percent more likely to have asthma. Hispanic Americans and Latinx are 70 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. 

UCR Health and National Minority Health Awareness

UCR Health is committed to addressing minority health issues as we work to improve access to quality, compassionate care. It's our goal to provide healthcare programs that specifically address the health of those considered minorities. We want to:

• Incorporate the perspective of lived experiences
• Integrate safety net providers
• Include community-based organizations in our plans

During National Minority Health Awareness Month and all months, we’re working toward eliminating avoidable differences in health outcomes, increasing access to the kinds of better care that will help, and getting you out and moving to help ensure better health for all. 

To speak with a UCR Health physician, please visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

Additional Resource: hhs.gov/national-minority-health-month/

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

The post National Minority Health Month appeared first on UCR Health.