What's New in Primary Care?

Your Primary Care Office is Using Innovative Ways to Keep Your Health On Track

Innovations to help keep you healthy

Bassett has long been at the leading edge of what is now a national trend toward a medical team approach to keeping you and your family healthy. The medical home model, which includes teams of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and office staff, is being used throughout Bassett Healthcare Network's primary care practices and school-based health centers. Your primary care office is  now using innovative ways to keep  your health on track.

"The focus on your health doesn't end at the end of your office visit to your primary care provider," says Jennifer O'Reilly, MD, a family physician at Norwich Health Center. "Your care continues behind the scenes to keep you and your family on track for good health, whether you are young and healthy or have a chronic illness or a hectic life that sometimes means you get off-schedule for your annual checkup or immunizations."

What's Changed?

• When you are due for recommended preventive care, such as screening tests or immunizations, or chronic care follow-up, you may receive a friendly reminder phone call. Since fall of 2014, reminders have helped 23,000 people complete health care needs, including 2,581 women needing mammograms.

Heidi Gilmore, of Mt. Vision,  is a busy parent who appreciated  getting a reminder phone call about  an immunization that was due for  her 10-year-old daughter, and she was happy to make that appointment.

"We encourage people to welcome these reminders, so they can receive the necessary health care—no matter where they get care," says Dr. O'Reilly. "If the reminder is for screening exams, it is important to keep in mind that screening on time and regularly results in better outcomes."

• You will be asked some screening questions at your doctor's office to learn if you are at risk for falling, substance abuse or for mental health concerns. Brief early intervention may save your life or the life of someone you love.
• A chronic care management program is now available if you have challenges managing a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or congestive heart failure. Specially trained nurses, called care managers, will work closely with you to develop a care plan to help you limit the effect these conditions are having on your day-to-day living.
• You will be sent feedback  surveys after your office visit.  Your primary care team wants to hear your opinions and recommendations. Please take a few minutes to tell us how we are doing and how we can improve.