Provides care for patients with chronic conditions or limited financial resources
The UNMC Physicians Turner Park Clinic has moved to 139 S. 40th St. and will now be called UNMC Physicians Midtown.
The move took place on Jan. 30. The clinic, which was located at 2955 Farnam St., receives approximately 10,660 patient visits each year. The majority of patients are dependent on the health care services provided by the community clinic.
An integrated, team approach to health care sets UNMC Physicians Midtown apart from most other primary care clinics in Omaha. Case workers, nurses, pharmacists and physicians collaborate with the patient every step of the way, from diagnosis to advanced treatments.
The clinic, which features better parking for patients, employs a patient-centered approach that focuses on the care of the whole person. It offers greater patient capacity along with a dedicated staff of professionals who help motivate patients to take control of their own health.
“Our patients truly define who we are,” said Julie Schluter, clinic manager. The clinic is run by resident physicians and primarily is used by patients with chronic conditions or with limited financial resources. A dozen UNMC faculty members supervise the resident physicians.
The clinic caters to the needs of its clientele by subscribing to the patient-centered medical home model, an integrated, team approach to health care that ensures case workers, nurses, pharmacists and physicians collaborate closely with patients on care plans.
“Using the medical home model, we will continue to meet the needs of our current patients, but also attract new ones,” said Rebecca Runge, M.D., ambulatory care chief resident. A patient-centered medical home transcends social and economic boundaries by helping patients with multiple medical issues, regardless of financial status, she said.
Patient education is a mainstay of the medical home model – one that case manager Susan Burbach strongly believes in. She said the increased space in the new clinic will allow her to provide better educational opportunities for her diabetes patients.
She is planning walking sessions and healthy cooking classes with hopes that those who are struggling with weight gain over the holidays will participate and discover the benefits of regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
In addition to more classroom space for physical health, the move to midtown means that Katherine Kueny, Ph.D., director of behavioral medicine, will be able to have a room dedicated to mental health.
“We will finally have a therapy-friendly room with a warm environment to consult patients,” Dr. Kueny said.
Both Burbach and Dr. Kueny used exam rooms for their consults at the old clinic. These rooms were small and didn’t accommodate special needs patients. The new clinic will offer wider doorways, allowing for wheelchair access.
For diabetes patient Cannizzaro Wilson, the relocation means access to educational resources that help him manage his diabetes.
“The clinic makes me responsible for weekly sugar checks,” Wilson said. “I call in or they call me to help monitor improvements. No other clinic has ever reached out to me like this.”
Wilson was first diagnosed with Type I diabetes 17 years ago but did not become an active participant in his treatment until several months ago at the old clinic.
“We see healthier outcomes when patients and doctors work together,” Dr. Runge said.
Wilson checks in on a weekly basis to report his blood sugar levels. Burbach oversees his diabetes care, measuring his progress and consulting periodically with others involved with his care at the clinic.
“Success is possible when the right services and the right accountability are provided for patients,” Burbach said.
The clinic, which offers laboratory and X-ray services, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For more information on the clinic, call 402-595-3939.
UNMC Physicians is the physician group practice of the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 513 physicians represent 50 specialties and sub-specialty areas ranging from primary care to oncology, transplantation and cardiology. With a history dating back to 1952, UNMC Physicians is committed to leadership and excellence in patient care, research and education. UNMC Physicians can be found online at www.UNMCphysicians.com