Frequently Asked Questions

We know that you may have questions about the acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center and what it means for you, your family and your neighbors here in west Texas. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you learn more about our vision and what we’re trying to achieve together. You can also submit a question of your own in the box to the right.

Updated May 1, 2021:

What are the new names for San Angelo Community Medical Center, Community Medical Associates (CMA) and other clinics?

Both facilities – San Angelo Community Medical Center and Community Medical Associates – have joined Shannon as our South Campus in San Angelo.

  • San Angelo Community Medical Center and its departments are now Shannon South.
  • The CMA clinics are part of Shannon Clinic.
    • CMA 1 is Shannon Clinic South 1
    • CMA 2 is Shannon Clinic South 2
    • CMA 3 is Shannon Clinic South 3
  • The Express Care Clinic on Bryant is now Shannon Urgent Care Bryant.
  • The Community Surgery Center is now Shannon Surgery Center South.

What changes can patients expect now that San Angelo Community Medical Center and Community Medical Associates are part of the Shannon South Campus?

While the facilities have new names, we do not plan to make any changes with any of the facilities and services at this time. Patients can still receive care from their providers at our Shannon South Campus. As Shannon honors existing insurance plans, we expect many patients will now have greater access to local providers and specialists. Patients may choose to receive care at either facility or from any provider in our Shannon network.

One benefit that Shannon Clinic South (former CMA) patients can see is the transition of the registration, billing and medical records system to our Shannon Epic system. Patients also have access to MyChart, our Epic patient portal. Most importantly, all of the Providers and Associates throughout our expanded Shannon network remain committed to delivering exceptional care and service to our patients and guests.

Health Information/Medical Records

Where can I get copies of my previous medical records at San Angelo Community Medical Center or Community Medical Associates?

Shannon’s Information Management department (HIM) will be available to help you get your records from Shannon, Community Medical Center and Community Medical Associates. For all records requests, you may contact our Shannon HIM Department by emailing ROIRequests@shannonhealth.org or by calling 325.657.5198. We will ask you to complete an authorization for the release of medical records to return along with a copy of your valid picture ID. This form is available for download from the Shannon website. These may be returned via email to ROIRequests@shannonhealth.org or by US mail to:

 

Shannon Health System

Attn: HIM/Release of Information

120 E. Harris Ave

San Angelo, Texas 76903

 

Please allow 7-10 days for processing. You will be contacted when your records are ready. Records will be sent to you via MyChart, which is the preferred method. If you do not have a MyChart account, you can sign up by visiting the Shannon website at www.shannonhealth.com. Records can also be mailed to you by request. Records requested to be sent to other facilities or third parties will be sent directly to them.

How can I access my health information for visits now that Community is a part of Shannon?

MyChart is the Shannon Patient Portal. MyChart enables you to see visit summaries, access test results, schedule and request appointments, message your provider and pay your bill. To set up a MyChart account or to learn more about the system, visit mychart.shannonhealth.org.

How can I set up a Shannon MyChart account?

To register for a new account, go to mychart.shannonhealth.org and select SIGN UP NOW. After your account is activated, you may continue to access MyChart using this web address. You can also download the Shannon MyChart app for Android and Apple devices. To see more about MyChart features, visit mychart.shannonhealth.org.

Billing/Insurance

Who should I call if I have a question about my bill?

Please call 325.657.5307 and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you.

Will Shannon accept my insurance plan?

Yes. Shannon honors all existing insurance plans and patients can receive care at either facility. We expect this will expand access to local providers and specialists for many patients.

Appointments 

Can I see other Shannon doctors now that my insurance is accepted at Shannon? How do I schedule appointments with other providers?

Yes. Patients may see any provider within our expanded Shannon network. Most insurance plans require you to obtain a referral from your primary care provider to see a specialist. We suggest you contact your PCP to inquire about a referral to a specific provider. You may also contact the office of any Shannon provider for additional information.

Can I still make appointments on the website?

The Shannon MyChart patient portal allows patients to conveniently schedule appointments online with their family practice provider and also request appointments with a specialist. For more information on setting up a MyChart account, visit mychart.shannonhealth.org

Provider Contact Info/Locations

Will my provider’s office still be in the same building/location?

Yes. Your provider’s office, as well as services within the hospital building will remain in the same location and will also maintain the same phone number at this time.

The Community Medical Associates buildings have been re-named as they will became part of Shannon Clinic. CMA 1 will be Shannon Clinic South 1; CMA 2 will be Shannon Clinic South 2 and CMA 3 will be Shannon Clinic South 3.

Will the hospital departments and providers still have the same phone numbers?

Yes. We are not changing the existing phone numbers at this time. You may access a full listing of our locations and provider directory on our website at www.shannonhealth.com.

Where do I call if I need to reach my provider outside of office hours?

If you need to reach your provider after hours, please call 325.481.2002. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Services

May I have my labs drawn at any Shannon location now?

If your labs are ordered by a Shannon Clinic South (former CMA) provider you may visit any of our lab locations to have your labs drawn. To request information on testing requirements, call 325.481.2050. For a complete list of our lab locations and hours, visit www.shannonhealth.com/labs.

Are both emergency rooms open? Can I choose which one I go to?

Yes, we are not changing any services at this time at the Shannon South Campus. The Emergency Room is still providing the same services to patients. Patients may choose to seek care at either facility.

If I need to be admitted to the hospital, which one will I go to?

Your admitting provider will determine the best facility for you. If you have specific questions, please call your provider’s office.

Are there any changes to my membership at the Health Club?

The facility will be renamed the Shannon Health Club, but there are no changes to the services or membership provisions at this time. We look forward to continuing the great programs offered by the facility and staff.

Updated September 21, 2020:

Shannon doesn’t take my insurance right now. Will they do so going forward?

Once we complete this process, we intend to honor all existing insurance plans and patients can receive care at either facility.

Will I still be able to see my doctors at Community?

Patients will have access to their current doctor and an even broader number of providers and specialists. Patients can receive care at either facility or from any providers in our combined network.

Won’t the loss of competition negatively impact the community? How do we know prices won’t increase?

We believe the proposed acquisition will improve care for everyone in West Texas, while also ensuring that local healthcare dollars and decision-making stay right here in our community, where they belong. One benefit of a COPA is that it protects the interests of the community and ensures the cost of care remains affordable for local employers and patients. The state regulatory review provided by the COPA will prevent Shannon from raising prices above the competitive level to benefit our community’s employers, patients, and payors.

How will employees at San Angelo Community Medical Center be impacted? Will there be a loss of jobs or change in wages?

It is our intent to continue working with all employees in good standing, honoring years of service and compensation. There are nearly 300,000 people across 25 counties in our region who count on all of us for their healthcare. Like other regional providers, Shannon competes for talent with health systems and hospitals throughout Texas and the country.  We will and must continue to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain staff following the proposed transaction.

I have always received great care at Community. What if I don’t want to lose that?

We understand our patients have preferences on who cares for them. We are committed to building on the strengths of both organizations to make our combined organization the very best it can be for patients and employees. All changes will include the feedback of physicians and staff at both facilities to make sure we are incorporating best practices from both to ensure the best care and experience for patients.

Updated April 20, 2020:

How can I stay updated? Where can I learn more?

We are committed to keeping our community informed as we move through this process. Please view our Stay Informed page to receive email updates about Shannon Medical Center.

What is being announced?

Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital have signed an agreement to acquire the assets of San Angelo Community Medical Center  from subsidiaries of Nashville-based Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS), advancing its commitment to preserve and expand access to high-quality, community-based healthcare for west Texans.

Who made this decision?

After thoughtful consideration, The Shannon Board of Trustees has acted on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine the strength and expertise of our community’s hospitals and reinvest cost savings to preserve and expand access to much needed healthcare services.

Through the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center, Shannon has the opportunity to protect healthcare and local healthcare decision-making in our community, expand service offerings and ensure west Texans have access to highest quality healthcare for generations to come.

Why was this decision made?

At Shannon, we feel a deep sense of obligation to ensure our friends, family and neighbors in west Texans continue to have access to the care they need when and where they need it.

As a community-owned and led health system with an 85+ year history of serving west Texas, we are seizing on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine the strength and expertise of our community’s hospitals and reinvest cost savings to preserve and expand access to much needed healthcare services.

Through the proposed acquisition, Shannon has the opportunity to protect healthcare and local healthcare decision-making in our community, expand service offerings and ensure west Texans have access to highest quality healthcare for generations to come.

How long will the process take?

We expect to finalize the acquisition by fall of 2020, subject to regulatory approval.

What will change for the employees at San Angelo Community Medical Center?

There will be no changes in either organization for at least the next 120 days as we go through regulatory approval. Once we complete this process, all San Angelo Community Medical Center employees in good standing will be retained at their current salary and years of service.

What will happen to Community Health Club?

This acquisition does include Community Health Club. It is a great facility, and we look forward to continuing its services.

How will patients benefit from this acquisition?

Through the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center, Shannon Medical Center will be able to preserve and strengthen local governance, quality and access.

  • Local governance: Through the proposed acquisition, healthcare decision-making will stay in our community, and so will revenue that will be reinvested in local jobs and making care better. Just as Shannon has done since its founding, every decision will be made with our community in mind.
  • Quality: Shannon is committed to improving the health – and quality of life – for individuals and families throughout west Texas. Through the proposed acquisition, Shannon will be able to make an even bigger impact in addressing the most significant health issues facing our region including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
  • Access: The proposed acquisition will enable Shannon to preserve and expand access to care for the people we serve across west Texas. Care will be delivered through more access points than ever before and through new opportunities in telemedicine – bringing desperately needed services to the most remote parts of our region. The proposed acquisition will also allow Shannon to further investments in indigent care and charity care for patients.

Will my insurance still be accepted?

There will be no changes in either organization for at least the next 120 days as we go through regulatory approval. Once we complete this process, we intend to honor all existing insurance plans and patients can receive care at either facility.

Will there be service changes as a result?

It is important to know nothing changes immediately today for patients or employees of either organization. San Angelo Community Medical Center and Shannon will continue to operate as separate and independent organizations, serving the community just as they have for many years. For the long term, the vision Shannon’s Board of Trustees is pursuing is focused on advancing its commitment to expand access to high-quality, community-based not-for-profit healthcare for west Texans.

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