SLU MEDICAL HOME

The SLUCare Medical Home is a new program, open exclusively to our employees and their dependents. Conveniently located at the Saint Louis University Doctors Office Building, the SLUCare Medical Home combines the talents of a team of health care experts from different disciplines, led by a SLUCare family physician, who work together to keep patients healthy. The program is ideal for those who recognize the value of protecting their health and welcome the support of the health professionals best equipped to help. It is an excellent option for those who don’t have a primary care physician, want to change doctors or have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or weight problems. When it begins in January, the SLUCare Medical Home will be open five days and two evenings a week. A representative will be present during the open enrollment sessions to explain the program in detail. There will be a link on the open enrollment screens on Self-Service Banner for employees who would like to enroll in this program.

Dr. Gillian Stephens will be the Medical Director for the SLU Medical Home. To learn more about Dr. Stephens click on the link to her profile below.


For more information about what a medical home is check out these links!
Medical Home Brochure.pdf
http://www.transformed.com/
http://pcpcc.net/

Read our article from Newslink!
There’s No Place Like Home
New Medical Care Option: An Employees-Only Benefit

Many of us look at doctors as the people to see when we’re sick.

The Medical Home, a new primary care office that will open exclusively for Saint Louis University employees and their families, takes a different perspective.

“We’re in the business of keeping people well or helping them to get healthy,” said David Schneider, M.D., chair of family and community medicine, the department that is spearheading the initiative.

“Of course, as medical professionals , we treat illness. Our overarching goal, though, is to promote wellness. We arm patients with information and give them the skills to have a healthy lifestyle.”

The Medical Home hangs up its shingle in January in the Doctors Office Building. It will open its doors to 600 employees and their dependents – those don’t have a primary care doctor, want to make a change or are interested in trying an innovative, team approach to medicine that combines the skills and expertise of many health care professionals.

It could be particularly appealing to those with chronic medical conditions such as metabolic syndrome, weight problems, diabetes or hypertension, Schneider added.

A family doctor leads a team of health experts – a social worker, dietitian, physical therapist, pharmacist, occupational therapist, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant and medical assistant – who each bring different skills to the patient care mix. The team meets weekly to evaluate the needs of each patient and track his or her progress toward becoming healthier.

If a patient needs to be referred for specialized care, the Medical Home will continue to be involved with that patient’s medical care, managing the specialist’s consultation, reviewing results of visits and shepherding the patient through what can otherwise be a confusing maze of health care.

“We are advocates who are committed to supporting our patients in all aspects of their medical care,” Schneider said.

A nurse with extensive clinical experience and advanced education will serve as the point person who connects the patients and doctor.

“This is the proactive, aggressive, full-featured provision of health care,” Schneider said. “There will be many more medical minds conferring than typically found in primary care offices weighing in on our patients’ medical care.”

Patients who have similar health issues will be grouped together for classes. For instance, those who have just been diagnosed with diabetes might meet with the dietitian who can suggest ways to satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping blood sugar levels in check. Or those who want to lose weight could attend a class taught by a physical therapist for exercise suggestions.

“This program is for those who have that ‘take care of yourself’ mindset,” Schneider said.

The Medical Home will be open during the business week and have evening hours two nights a week. Employees and their dependents who purchase medical insurance through the University are eligible. Enrollment for the program continues through Nov. 30. For information call 977-3500.

 

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