Frequently Asked Questions about the SIMON Paging System

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A list of frequently asked questions to help you with the SIMON paging system.

Answers to your questions

1. Can I use a pager from another vendor instead of a paging system pager in the Medical Center?
Yes, but you may miss some pages. There are some areas in the Medical Center that an outside pager cannot reach.

2. How do I get a paging system pager?
Fill out the Paging Access Form or go to Communication Services in Room 1075 in McKim. The form must be signed by your departmental Manager.

3. Is there a charge for a paging system pager?
Yes. Your department is charged $23/month for your pager. There is also a $235 initial deposit.

4. What if my SIMON paging system pager breaks?
You may get a loaner from Communication Services in Room 1075 in McKim Hall to use while your pager is in the repair shop.

5. What if I forget my SIMON paging system pager?
You may get a loaner from Communication Services in Room 1075 in McKim Hall.

6. Is there a charge if I lose my SIMON paging system pager?
Yes, you will be expected to reimburse the hospital $100.00 and your department shall be responsible for the balance of the current replacement cost for loss or any damage other than normal wear and tear.

7. Where can I get a battery for my paging system pager?
You may obtain a new battery from Communication Services in Room 1075 in McKim Hall.

8. Can I get a PIC number if I don't have a paging system pager?
Yes. Fill out a Paging Access Form or go to Communication Services in Room 1075 in McKim. You may be reached with a PIC regardless of whether you have a University pager, a pager from an outside vendor, a cell phone, or any combination of these devices.

9. How do I find out a person's PIC number?
PIC numbers may be found in the UVa Telephone Directory, the Paging Directory, in the Medical Information System (MIS), and on the Health System website. PIC numbers are also available from the University Operators.

10. I don't want my PIC number published. Is that possible?
Yes. When completing the paging access form enter the letter "R" in the DIR Code field, this will restrict the number from being published.

11. How do I decide if I need an outside pager?
SIMON paging system pagers have a range of 25-30 miles but the signal can be interrupted by hills, valleys, and various buildings. If you travel further than this distance or if the pager does not work at your house or at other important locations, you will probably need to look into getting a longer range pager.

12. Can I use my cell phone as my outside pager?
Yes, but the system cannot send a page to your cell phone. The person trying to page you will be given your cell phone number.

13. How does the system know whether to page me on my paging system pager or my outside pager?
When you leave the Medical Center you call the University Operators and tell them you are available on your outside pager (or cell phone). When you return to the Medical Center you call and tell them you are available on your paging system pager.

14. What are the status codes?
10 - Available for radio paging (paging system pager or outside pager).
16 - Calls are being taken by user/function ID number
17 - Can be reached at (telephone number)
18 - Unavailable until date and/or time (Use the "*" key as a delimiter.)
19 - Not on Call
20 - Not available. Messages being stored.
21 - Available on outside pager (This code would only be used if you have a pager from an outside vendor which has not been set up for automatic paging).

15. How can I page someone if I don't want to give them a call back number?
If you need to reach someone but it isn't feasible to send a page with a call back number, i.e. calling from a pay phone or not wishing to give the person to be reached the call back number, you can call the University Operators (924-0000) and give them the name/PIC number of the person to be reached. The operator will put your call on hold and page the person using a Communication Services call back number. When the person calls in, the operator will connect the two of you.

16. Can pages be assigned a priority so that critical ones override others?
Pages are assigned a priority to insure that critical pages override all others. The priority depends on the source of the page. Pages sent by individuals using the SIMON system are priority 1. Pages sent by the operators are priority 2. Emergency Groups are a priority 3. Emergency Groups are pre-specified (although the message that is transmitted may change with each page).

17. Are pages logged?
All pages are logged, so an audit trail does exist.

18. Can pagers display both a call back number and text message?
Hospital paging system pagers can display either call back numbers or text messages. If you page someone by dialing "500" from a UVa telephone, you are limited to sending a call back number. Paging groups are created in advance with a fixed set of users. The actual text message sent to the group can change with each page.

19. What about audible overhead paging?
Audible Overhead pages are sent on demand for any stat page, code, fire, etc. They are announced overhead three times and include the individual or team needed, the type of emergency, and location. Overhead pages are also sent to the group's pagers. There are no preset overhead pages; however, a request for an overhead page is screened by the University Operators' Supervisor to insure the criticality of the overhead page and/or to reduce the amount of overhead paging within the Medical Center. University Operators are the only ones authorized to transmit an overhead page within the Medical Center.

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