Lutheran Health Network Opens On-Site Clinic at Easter Seals Arc

12/14/2016

Fort Wayne, Ind. - Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana and Lutheran Health Network today celebrated the opening of an on-site Lutheran Medical Group clinic at Easter Seals Arc. The clinic is part of a partnership designed to provide individuals with disabilities the right health care, at the right time, and at the right place.

"Having a Lutheran Medical Group clinic at our facility gives our consumers increased access to care they need, when they need it, in a place where they are comfortable," Donna Elbrecht, CEO/Easter Seals Arc explained. "We believe this clinic partnership can significantly improve our consumers' overall health and well-being, while reducing health care costs."

Easter Seals Arc is providing the space for the clinic in its Adult Day Center, while Lutheran Health Network is providing the nurse practitioner; a certified medical assistant/receptionist; an electronic medical record/billing system; and ongoing supplies.

"Through the Employment Readiness Academy at Lutheran, we have formed a strong bond with Easter Seals Arc and its clients," said Scott Weiskittel, chief operating officer, Lutheran Hospital. "Providing these individuals with an enhanced patient experience at a location and in an environment where they feel most comfortable is something we've been excited to be part of. We believe this provides all involved with a real opportunity to receive lasting health benefits."

The clinic offers clients easy access to a nurse practitioner and assistant in a familiar environment with equipment such as special lifts to ensure they get the care they need. The clinic staff can:

• Provide on-site exams and physicals
• Diagnose and treat acute conditions
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests such as EKGs, lab work, and x-rays
• Prescribe medications
• Educate clients and caregivers on disease prevention and healthy life choices

Easter Seals Arc will collect data to measure the clinic's impact on consumer health in areas such as reduction in visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers; reduction in hospital admissions and readmissions; and increases in achievement of health care goals related to weight, blood pressure and management of diabetes.

"We are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities be engaged in the community, and being healthy is often the first step to being active," Elbrecht said.

As an added benefit, Easter Seals Arc employees and their dependents will be eligible to use the clinic beginning in January 2017.

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Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. We provide a wide range of services and programs that nurture independence based on each individual's goals and choices while providing advocacy and promoting community inclusion.

Media Contact:
Janet Schutte, Director of Communications and Marketing
(260) 456-4534 ext. 344
jschutte@esarc.org

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