Rachel Hess,
MD, MS
Chief, Division of Health System Innovation and Research
Languages Spoken: English
As a General Internist, Rachel Hess, MD, MS, provides primary care for adults. She has a special interest in women's health, particularly mid-life women's health. She is board certified in Internal Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding and improving patient-centered outcomes, such as health-related quality of life. She directs the Univeristy of Utah's Health System Innovation and Research Program.
Clinical Locations
801-581-7790
Specialties
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Population Health Sciences
-
Professor Internal Medicine - Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Internal Medicine Health System Innovation and Research |
| Board Certification | American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine) |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.7/ 5
Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.7/ 5
My confidence in care provider
4.8/ 5
Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.7/ 5
Wait time at clinic
4.5/ 5
Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.7/ 5
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
June 09, 2018
I had a very good experience with Dr. Hess.
UofU Patient
June 02, 2018
Dr. Hess should get a 10+ she is an exceptional doctor. She always is professional, compassionate, and caring. I feel grateful to have her as my doctor.
UofU Patient
May 27, 2018
Dr Hess was very understanding and informative. I felt she really listened and took time to hear me.
UofU Patient
May 21, 2018
Dr Hess always listens, discusses, answers questions, and inspires confidence in her as a clinician. Warm and friendly as well.
UofU Patient
May 16, 2018
very pleased
UofU Patient
April 28, 2018
approachable personable knowledable - I am really pleased to be able to see Dr Hess
UofU Patient
March 02, 2018
This was my second visit to see Dr. Hess she is great. Professional, and very personable. I have been experiencing pain in my right shoulder and was afraid I'd have to have shots of wanted chemicals in my body. Dr. Hess suggested, demonstrated, then had me do the exercises that would help ease my shoulder pain.pain.
UofU Patient
February 07, 2018
I absolutely adore Dr. Rachel Hess. She is so informative and articulate. She cares about my concerns. I love going to her and I have recommended her to several people.
UofU Patient
August 04, 2017
Dr. Hess is extremely friendly and great at listening to my concerns. I absolutely trust her decisions about my health.
UofU Patient
June 24, 2017
Had to make a hard decision about one of medications, did a lot of research, and Dr. Hess discussed my decision with me in a very good discussion of the benefits and not so wonderful side effects. I really appreciate her!
UofU Patient
March 01, 2017
I have already recommended Dr Hess to a friend
UofU Patient
January 27, 2017
Dr. Hess was very thorough and caring. I appreciate her care and the resources she shared.
UofU Patient
December 01, 2016
Like my own doctor but would not care to see this doctor again.
UofU Patient
November 16, 2016
Only one visit but that quite enough to know I'm really happy with Dr. Hess. Appreciated fast follow up on a quite superfluous question on a subject that had bothered me. Fast, efficient, but clearly friendly, careful and talked to me, not down to me. A real person, not a "case"
UofU Patient
November 14, 2016
Really enjoyed working with Dr. Hess.
UofU Patient
August 24, 2016
Rachel spent a long time with me. She listened to my issues. I felt she took me seriously. She was very sympathetic.
UofU Patient
June 28, 2016
Very open and understanding physician
UofU Patient
June 27, 2016
Dr. Hess is wonderful! Quick, concise, professional, and friendly while being thorough and relateable throughout the entire appointment.
UofU Patient
June 05, 2016
I LOVE Dr. Hess and have already recommended her to a friend.
UofU Patient
June 03, 2016
very impressed with Dr. Hess! She was personable and compassionate!
UofU Patient
May 04, 2016
All positive, seems she has time and is not on a next patient clock.
UofU Patient
March 16, 2016
I went in for a physical. She never tested for my colestoral. She seemed rushed and not interested. I did feel like she even looked at my file. This was the second time this happen. The previous appointment was the same. Lake of interest.
UofU Patient
February 15, 2016
All excellent. Wonderful clinic and doctor.
UofU Patient
February 10, 2016
Dr. Hess is one of my favorite physicians she is always genuinely concerned for her patients well being. On this visit she made a point to ask about all of the over the counter meds I was taking concerned that they may have spiked by BP. She takes her time goes over all details of her analysis of the problem & a solution/remedy. She is GREAT!
UofU Patient
February 05, 2016
Dr Hess is very competent and intelligent with kind concern for her patients. I am very pleased to be able to have her as my Dr.
UofU Patient
January 29, 2016
I like that I don't feel rushed with Dr. Hess and all of my concerns are thoroughly addressed.
UofU Patient
January 07, 2016
Dr. Hess is wonderful. I love her approach to patient care and medicine and she always makes me feel as though she's put the utmost thought into her care plan for me. She always takes the time to listen to whatever is going on and is an excellent doctor.
UofU Patient
October 21, 2015
What a great provider. I do like her no-nonsense approach, only doing tests that are needed and relevant, and she actually looks away from the computer and listens to what one is saying. First doctor ever who has done a full auscultation of heart and lungs
UofU Patient
October 05, 2015
My visit with Dr. Hess was very informative. She took as much time as I needed to fully understand answers to my questions, and she made sure all of my questions were answered. I am very happy that Dr. Hess is my physician!
UofU Patient
July 25, 2015
It would always be nice to have more time.
UofU Patient
June 12, 2015
I appreciate the provider's clear interest and engagement with me as a whole person. Also her respect for my own participation as a partner in my own assessment/treatment.
UofU Patient
May 08, 2015
Dr. Rachel Hess, the Internal Medicine Clinic and the nurses and assistants are all incredible. Top quality every visit!
UofU Patient
May 01, 2015
Love Dr. Hess! I have & will continue to recommend her to others. She has a great bedside manner she shares all facts, options, is straight to the point, allows you to decide & ask questions regarding outcome. A Very informative, honest, positive manner in the way she conveys not necessarily the easiest information to share with one, that I wish more Doctors would adapt!!! So thank you much Dr. Hess!
UofU Patient
April 27, 2015
Although Dr. Hess seems fine, I would not recommend simply because of her schedule in Utah. Even though there is a team of Dr's at Madsen, patients like to see their own doctors. I left with more questions than answers and have wondered if I should send an email to address those issues. Might be my fault, might be hers. She did ask several times what my concerns were and had a great bedside manner, but never went over my initial patient's sheet with me where all of my concerns are written down. I guess I should have asked to go down the sheet so things weren't missed.
UofU Patient
April 23, 2015
Dr. Hess is wonderful. She takes the time to ask about all aspects of life. Have already recommended her to several friends and family.
UofU Patient
March 16, 2015
Dr. Hess is fantastic. Caring and sensitive to all my needs and concerns.
UofU Patient
March 07, 2015
Rachel Hess, MD saved my life. I was deeply depressed and within a few weeks brought me back. She is currently working with me on another special issue and I am fully confident that I will be helped!
UofU Patient
January 21, 2015
Highly recommend Dr. Hess, she is wonderful!
UofU Patient
December 24, 2014
I've gone through many doctors without enough time to develop a long-standing relationship, because of moving, insurance changes, etc... and sadly the same is true with Dr. Hess, who is not "in network" with the insurance my employer is forcing me to switch to in January, but of all the doctor's I've seen and communicated with, she is my favorite. She's very forthright, but kind, calming, and seems to care and see me as a person, not an object. I will miss her.
UofU Patient
December 10, 2014
Dr. Hess was kind, respectful and helpful. She answered all my questions with good, practical advice.
UofU Patient
December 04, 2014
Very friendly
UofU Patient
November 07, 2014
I enjoyed meeting Dr. Hess and feel confident in her care.
UofU Patient
October 23, 2014
she was recommended to me and I see why, absolutely love Dr. Hess, she was amazing. I have already told family and friends to see her.
UofU Patient
August 25, 2014
Dr. Hess is a doctor that all healthcare providers should be, or at least strive to be! Love her she is a Doctor I would highly recommend.
UofU Patient
August 15, 2014
Dr. Hess was very personable and I immediatly felt comfortable with her. She had a good sense of humor also.
UofU Patient
August 11, 2014
Dr. Hess is a new provider for me. She is excellent and I trust her completely. She is knowledgeable and honest in answering questions. I hope she stays at the U, as I have had 4 different doctors (aprn's) in the past 7 years. I want to stick with Dr. Hess, as I am now aging (68 yo).
UofU Patient
July 25, 2014
Some of the information she put in my chart was not accurate based on what I said and wrote in my patient history.
As a General Internist, Rachel Hess, MD, MS, provides primary care for adults. She has a special interest in women's health, particularly mid-life women's health. She is board certified in Internal Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding and improving patient-centered outcomes, such as health-related quality of life. She directs the Univeristy of Utah's Health System Innovation and Research Program.
Academic Locations
Williams Building
801-587-1694
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Population Health Sciences
-
Professor Internal Medicine - Professor |
| Academic Divisions | General Internal Medicine Health System Innovation and Research |
| Board Certification | American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine) |
Education History
| Fellowship | University of Pittsburgh and VA Pittsburgh Medical Center General Internal Medicine, Women's Health Fellow |
| Graduate Training | University of Pittsburgh Clinical Research M.S. |
| Chief Resident | Western Pennsylvania Hospital Internal Medicine Chief Resident |
| Internship/Residency | Temple University Hospital Internal Medicine Intern/Resident |
| Professional Medical | University of New Mexico, School of Medicine Medicine M.D. |
| Undergraduate | Washington University Mathematics B.A. |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Sharareh N, Hess R, Wan N, Zick CD, Wallace AS (2020). Incorporation of Information-Seeking Behavior Into Food Insecurity Research. (Epub ahead of print) Am J Prev Med.
- Gaufin M, Hess R, Hopkins ZH, Biber JE, Secrest AM (2019). Practical screening for depression in dermatology: using technology to improve care. Br J Dermatol, 182(3), 786-787.
- Avis NE, Levine B, Goyal N, Crawford SL, Hess R, Colvin A, Bromberger JT, Greendale GA (2020). Health-related quality of life among breast cancer survivors and noncancer controls over 10 years: Pink SWAN. (Epub ahead of print) Cancer.
- Sharareh N, Hess R, White S, Dunn A, Singer PM, Cochran J (2020). A vulnerability assessment for the HCV infections associated with injection drug use. Prev Med, 134, 106040.
- Van Tassell JC, Shimbo D, Hess R, Kittles R, Wilson JG, Jorde LB, Li M, Lange LA, Lange EM, Muntner P, Bress AP (2020). Association of West African ancestry and blood pressure control among African Americans taking antihypertensive medication in the Jackson Heart Study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 22(2), 157-166.
- Thackeray A, Hess R, Dorius J, Brodke D, Fritz J (2017). Relationship of Opioid Prescriptions to Physical Therapy Referral and Participation for Medicaid Patients with New-Onset Low Back Pain. J Am Board Fam Med, 30(6), 784-794.
- Bress AP, Bellows BK, King JB, Hess R, Beddhu S, Zhang Z, Berlowitz DR, Conroy MB, Fine L, Oparil S, Morisky DE, Kazis LE, Ruiz-Negrn N, Powell J, Tamariz L, Whittle J, Wright JT Jr, Supiano MA, Cheung AK, Weintraub WS, Moran AE, SPRINT Research Group (2017). Cost-Effectiveness of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control. N Engl J Med, 377(8), 745-755.
- Thomas HN, Hamm M, Hess R, Borrero S, Thurston RC (2017). Patient-Centered Outcomes and Treatment Preferences Regarding Sexual Problems: A Qualitative Study Among Midlife Women. J Sex Med, 14(8), 1011-1017.
- Bress AP, Kramer H, Khatib R, Beddhu S, Cheung AK, Hess R, Bansal VK, Cao G, Yee J, Moran AE, Durazo-Arvizu R, Muntner P, Cooper RS (2017). Potential Deaths Averted and Serious Adverse Events Incurred From Adoption of the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) Intensive Blood Pressure Regimen in the United States: Projections From NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Circulation, 135(17), 1617-1628.
- Gibbs BB, Tudorascu D, Bryce CL, Comer D, Fischer GS, Hess R, Huber KA, McTigue KM, Simkin-Silverman LR, Conroy MB (2017). Diet and Physical Activity Behaviors in Primary Care Patients with Recent Intentional Weight Loss. Transl J Am Coll Sports Med, 2(18), 114-121.
- Bress AP, Tanner RM, Hess R, Gidding SS, Colantonio LD, Shimbo D, Muntner P (2016). Prevalence of Eligibility Criteria for the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial in US Adults Among Excluded Groups: Age <50 Years, Diabetes Mellitus, or a History of Stroke. J Am Heart Assoc, 5(7).
- Bress AP, Tanner RM, Hess R, Colantonio LD, Shimbo D, Muntner P (2016). Generalizability of SPRINT Results to the U.S. Adult Population. J Am Coll Cardiol, 67(5), 463-72.
- Mann DM, Hess R (2015). Academic Medical Center R&D: A Call for Creating an Operational Research Infrastructure within the Academic Medical Center. Clin Transl Sci, 8(6), 871-2.
- Hanmer J, Feeny D, Fischhoff B, Hays RD, Hess R, Pilkonis PA, Revicki DA, Roberts MS, Tsevat J, Yu L (2015). The PROMIS of QALYs. Health Qual Life Outcomes, 13, 122.
- Avis NE, Crawford SL, Greendale G, Bromberger JT, Everson-Rose SA, Gold EB, Hess R, Joffe H, Kravitz HM, Tepper PG, Thurston RC, Study of Womens Health Across the Nation (2015). Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med, 175(4), 531-9.
- Corbelli JA, Shaikh N, Wessel CB, Hess R (2015). Low Dose Transdermal Estradiol for Vasomotor Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Menopause, 22(1), 114-21.
- Prairie BA, Wisniewski SR, Luther J, Hess R, Thurston RC, Wisner KL, Bromberger JT (2015). Symptoms of depressed mood, disturbed sleep, and sexual problems in midlife women: cross-sectional data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. J Womens Health (Larchmt), 24(2), 119-26.
- Hess R, Tindle H, Conroy MB, Clark S, Yablonsky E, Hays RD (2014). A randomized controlled pilot trial of the functional assessment screening tablet to engage patients at the point of care. J Gen Intern Med, 29(12), 1641-9.
- Hess R, Fischer GS, Sullivan SM, Dong X, Weimer M, Zeith C, Clark S, Roberts MS (2014). Patterns of response to patient-centered decision support through a personal health record. Telemed J E Health, 20(11), 984-9.
- Sherifali D, Hess R, McTigue KM, Brozic A, Ng K, Gerstein H (2014). Evaluating the feasibility and impact of an internet-based lifestyle management program in a diabetes care setting. Diabetes Technol Ther, 16(6), 358-62.
- Simonetti JA, Fine MJ, Chen YF, Simak D, Hess R (2014). Racial comparisons of diabetes care and intermediate outcomes in a patient-centered medical home. Diabetes Care, 37(4), 993-1001.
- Thomas HN, Chang CC, Dillon S, Hess R (2014). Sexual activity in midlife women: importance of sex matters. JAMA Intern Med, 174(4), 631-3.
- Lyden JR, Zickmund SL, Bhargava TD, Bryce CL, Conroy MB, Fischer GS, Hess R, Simkin-Silverman LR, McTigue KM (2013). Implementing health information technology in a patient-centered manner: patient experiences with an online evidence-based lifestyle intervention. J Healthc Qual, 35(5), 47-57.
- Hess R, Huang AJ, Richter HE, Ghetti CC, Sung VW, Barrett-Connor E, Gregory WT, Pinkerton JV, Bradley CS, Kraus SR, Rogers RG, Subak LL, Johnson KC, Arya LA, Schembri M, Brown JS (2013). Long-term efficacy and safety of questionnaire-based initiation of urgency urinary incontinence treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 209(3), 244.e1-9.
- Fischer GS, Hess R, Landeen BM, Weimer M, Zieth CR, Dong X, Clark S, Roberts MS (2013). Electronic reminders to patients within an interactive patient health record. Telemed J E Health, 19(6), 497-500.
- Rief JJ, Mitchell GR, Zickmund SL, Bhargava TD, Bryce CL, Fischer GS, Hess R, Kolb NR, Simkin-Silverman LR, McTigue KM (2013). Promoting patient phronesis: communication patterns in an online lifestyle program coordinated with primary care. Health Educ Behav, 40(3), 311-22.
- Thomas S, Ness RB, Thurston RC, Matthews K, Chang CC, Hess R (2013). Racial differences in perception of healthy body weight in midlife women: results from the Do Stage Transitions Result in Detectable Effects study. Menopause, 20(3), 269-73.
- Schwarz EB, Parisi SM, Williams SL, Shevchik GJ, Hess R (2012). Promoting safe prescribing in primary care with a contraceptive vital sign: a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med, 10(6), 516-22.
- Buranosky R, Hess R, McNeil MA, Aiken AM, Chang JC (2012). Once is not enough: effective strategies for medical student education on intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women, 18(10), 1192-212.
- Joffe H, Chang Y, Dhaliwal S, Hess R, Thurston R, Gold E, Matthews KA, Bromberger JT (2012). Lifetime history of depression and anxiety disorders as a predictor of quality of life in midlife women in the absence of current illness episodes. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 69(5), 484-92.
- Huang AJ, Hess R, Arya LA, Richter HE, Subak LL, Bradley CS, Rogers RG, Myers DL, Johnson KC, Gregory WT, Kraus SR, Schembri M, Brown JS (2012). Pharmacologic treatment for urgency-predominant urinary incontinence in women diagnosed using a simplified algorithm: a randomized trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 206(5), 444.e1-11.
- Hess R, Thurston RC, Hays RD, Chang CC, Dillon SN, Ness RB, Bryce CL, Kapoor WN, Matthews KA (2012). The impact of menopause on health-related quality of life: results from the STRIDE longitudinal study. Qual Life Res, 21(3), 535-44.
- Williams SL, Parisi SM, Hess R, Schwarz EB (2012). Associations between recent contraceptive use and quality of life among women. Contraception, 85(3), 282-7.
- Xu H, Thurston RC, Matthews KA, Bryce CL, Hays RD, Kapoor WN, Ness RB, Hess R (2012). Are hot flashes associated with sleep disturbance during midlife? Results from the STRIDE cohort study. Maturitas, 71(1), 34-8.
- Abdel-Kader K, Fischer GS, Li J, Moore CG, Hess R, Unruh ML (2011). Automated clinical reminders for primary care providers in the care of CKD: a small cluster-randomized controlled trial. Am J Kidney Dis, 58(6), 894-902.
- Prairie BA, Scheier MF, Matthews KA, Chang CC, Hess R (2011). A higher sense of purpose in life is associated with sexual enjoyment in midlife women. Menopause, 18(8), 839-44.
- McTigue KM, Bhargava T, Bryce CL, Conroy M, Fischer GS, Hess R, Simkin-Silverman LR, Zickmund S (2011). Patient perspectives on the integration of an intensive online behavioral weight loss intervention into primary care. Patient Educ Couns, 83(2), 261-4.
- Thurston RC, Sutton-Tyrrell K, Everson-Rose SA, Hess R, Powell LH, Matthews KA (2011). Hot flashes and carotid intima media thickness among midlife women. Menopause, 18(4), 352-8.
- Thomas HM, Bryce CL, Ness RB, Hess R (2011). Dyspareunia is associated with decreased frequency of intercourse in the menopausal transition. Menopause, 18(2), 152-7.
- Mullins J, Cook R, Rinaldo C, Yablonsky E, Hess R, Piazza P (2011). Influenza-like illness among university students: symptom severity and duration due to influenza virus infection compared to other etiologies. J Am Coll Health, 59(4), 246-51.
- Osborn CY, Mayberry LS, Mulvaney SA, Hess R (2010). Patient web portals to improve diabetes outcomes: a systematic review. Curr Diab Rep, 10(6), 422-35.
- Cook RL, Xu X, Yablonsky EJ, Sakata N, Tripp JH, Hess R, Piazza P, Rinaldo CR (2010). Demographic and clinical factors associated with persistent symptoms after West Nile virus infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg, 83(5), 1133-6.
Review
- Snyder CF, Aaronson NK, Choucair AK, Elliott TE, Greenhalgh J, Halyard MY, Hess R, Miller DM, Reeve BB, Santana M (2012). Implementing patient-reported outcomes assessment in clinical practice: a review of the options and considerations. [Review]. Qual Life Res, 21(8), 1305-14.
- Naik N, Hess R, Unruh M (2012). Measurement of health-related quality of life in the care of patients with ESRD: isn't this the metric that matters? [Review]. Semin Dial, 25(4), 439-44.
- McTigue KM, Hess R (2011). What role can the Internet play in preventing diabetes? [Review]. Diabetes Manag (Lond), 1(1), 9-12.
Editorial
- Hess R (2016). Capsule Commentary on Linzer et al., Work Condition Interventions Affect Quality and Errors in Primary Care? Results from the Healthy Work Place Study. Journal of General Internal Medicine.
- Mann DM, Hess R (2015). Academic Medical Center R&D: A Call for Creating an Operational Research Infrastructure within the Academic Medical Center. Clinical Translational Science, 8(6), 871-2.
- Corbelli JA, Hess R (2012). Hormone therapy prescribing trends in the decade after the Women's Health Initiative: how patients and providers have found a way to sleep better at night. Patient Exp J, 19(6), 600-1.
Abstract
- Hess R, Chang CH, Ness RB, Hays RD, Kapoor WN, Bryce CL (2011). The Associations of Menopause and Health-Related Quality of Life with Health Services Utilization: Results from the STRIDE Study [Abstract]. Med Decis Making, 31, E.
- Hess R, Hays R, Chang CH, Matthews KA (October 2010). Predictors of preserved physical functioning across the menopause: results from Do Stage Transitions Result in Detectable Effects [Abstract]. Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society.
- Xu H, Thurson R, Matthews KA, Bryce CL, Hays RD, Kapoor WN, Ness RB, Hess R (May 2010). Are hot flashes associated with sleep disturbance during mid-life? [Abstract]. Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society.
- Hess R, Hays RD, Bryce CL, Chang CH, Dillon SN, Ness RB (2010). Better sexual functioning is predictive of improved health-related quality of life across the menopausal transition [Abstract]. J Gen Intern Med, 25(Suppl 3), S232-3.
- Taylor R, Hess R (2010). Do attitudes towards aging and menopause vary by menopausal status, age, and symptoms? [Abstract]. J Gen Intern Med, 25(Suppl3), S256.
Report
- Aaronson N, Choucair A, Elliot T, Greenhalgh J, Halyard M, Hess R, Miller D, Reeve B, Santana M, Snyder C (2011). User's guide to implementing patient-reported outcomes assessment in clinical practice. International Society for Quality of Life Research.
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