Meeting the demands of health care reform to lower costs and improve quality of care and patient satisfaction requires a new way of thinking and doing business. At Martin Health System in Stuart, two new services are significantly enhancing the experience for both patients and providers.
Comprehensive Health Management
To help manage the health of patients who have complex, chronic disease such as diabetes, obesity, heart and lung disease, Martin Health has placed pharmacists in its primary care practices. Known as Comprehensive Health Management, this service draws on the pharmacists’ expertise in medication management.
“When patients have multiple chronic conditions and more than five or six medications, their care becomes very complicated,” said Dave Harlow, assistant vice president for professional services and chief pharmacy officer. “These patients need a personal advocate who understands their conditions and the prescriptions they take, and can engage them in taking control of their health.”
Arthur Schultheiss, of Jensen Beach, was referred to the program by his physician, Paul Gaeta, MD, for help controlling his diabetes. Schultheiss was feeling constantly tired and his blood sugar was erratic. On some days, he required insulin shots four times a day.
Once he began meeting with Debra Antoon, a Martin Health pharmacist, Schultheiss saw almost immediate improvements. He began taking a new type of insulin and was able to eliminate at least five of his medications. Antoon referred him for diabetes education and consultation with a nutritionist. As he was able to take control of his diabetes, Schulteiss felt more alert and energetic.“Deb worked with Arthur and his family to help him understand his medications and their effects,” Dr. Gaeta said. “He is more knowledgeable and has become an active participant in his health care—and that has made a huge difference.”
Martin Health pharmacists are helping to make the entire patient care team more effective and efficient.
“This is a progressive and innovative approach to the management of complex chronic diseases,” Harlow said. “Our pharmacists are really making a difference for patients with chronic conditions by maximizing the benefits medications offer and improving outcomes.”
Care Coordination
When Martin Pediatric Care in Stuart was recognized last year as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, care coordination was a key element to providing patients with the highest level of care.
Jeannine Warren, a licensed practical nurse in the pediatric practice for 13 years, became its first care coordinator, working primarily with young patients who have special or critical health care needs. Warren provides support and resources for parents who are typically dealing with multiple challenges.“I see patients I’ve known for years,” Warren said. “Now I have the opportunity to work with them in a very different capacity.”
Now working within all three offices of Martin Pediatric Care, Warren’s focus is ensuring families receive continuity of care. She follows up in between office visits, makes home visits, connects families to community resources and problem solves with parents.
Parents of children with learning disabilities or other special needs benefit from having Warren by their side at individualized education program (IEP) meetings. “These school meetings can be intimidating and stressful for parents,” Warren said. “I help advocate for the child’s needs so he or she can be successful in school.”
Genon Wicina, M.D., a Martin Medical Group pediatrician, believes the care coordinator position has made a significant difference in the quality of care her families receive.
“Parents know they have someone in our office who can respond to them quickly with sound advice or a helpful resource,” Dr. Wicina said. “Jeannine goes above and beyond for our patients and we all benefit – the parents, the physicians, our office staff and most importantly, the child.”
