Jon Sancen started as clinic manager of Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers’ Parkway Clinic in Milwaukee just before COVID-19 hit the U.S.
As the virus spread, Sancen led the operational response, from forming a team to fit clinical staff for N95 masks and implementing one of Milwaukee’s first drive-through testing sites to heading the clinic’s post-pandemic recovery.
In addition to the drive-through testing, which included a medical visit with each test to address acute needs and prevent complications, he also created a follow-up protocol where patients got their results in 24 to 48 hours, were reexamined for complications and had contact tracing performed.
To further maximize access, Sancen leveraged partnerships with many local health systems for much-needed manpower when vaccines became available.
Sancen also steered the center’s front desk team through the launch of a new electronic medical records system, delivering additional training. The new system led to a 40% increase in the accuracy of patient registrations, while coping with a reduced workforce, according to Elizabeth Claudio, vice president of operations.
