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Home
is where the
heart is
4 tips for finding your
medical home
Are you looking for your medical home sweet home — a place
where your primary care provider (PCP) “gets” you and where
you feel comfortable with your care?
Consider this advice fromMelissa Gerdes, MD, ABFM, FAAFP,
assistant vice president and chief medical officer of outpatient
services and accountable care organization strategy for
Methodist Health System.
1.
Make a list.
Look ahead to the next year and evaluate
all the things that could come up for you and your
family, such as annual checkups, ill children, and
chronic disease issues. Jot down how your ideal
medical home would make your life easier and
meet your health needs.
2.
Listen to your friends.
“Most people find their PCPs by
word of mouth — friends, co-workers, church members,
or even people they play golf with,” Dr. Gerdes says.
“Since those people know you, they can usually steer
you the right way.”
3.
Check the map.
Location and accessibility can be deal
breakers or deal makers for some people. Dr. Gerdes says
to decide if you’d prefer a clinic near your home or your
workplace. “For example, if you have trouble taking time
off of work and need care after hours, you’ll want to find a
medical home that can accommodate you.” See page 19
for a map of Methodist’s Family Health Center locations.
4.
Meet the PCP, nurses, and office staff
. “Good communication
is key to a medical home,” Dr. Gerdes says. “Make sure
everyone listens to you, respects your feelings and opinions,
and is helpful in coordinating your medical needs.”
For more help finding a PCP who is right for you,
call the physician referral line at
214-947-0000
or go to
www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/FamilyHealth
, where you
can also watch physician interviews.
Methodist’s Family Health Centers and Medical Groups are owned and operated by MedHealth and are
staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth. The physicians and
staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.
info
Show your heart some love at
this fun, free, heart-healthy
event, designed to encourage
women and their families and
friends to stay heart-healthy and
improve overall wellness.
At Heart to Heart, you can:
w
w
Get up and move with
dance demonstrations
by the Dance Council of
North Texas
w
w
Enjoy special deals and sales
frommerchants throughout
the shopping center
w
w
View cooking demonstrations
of delicious, healthy recipes
w
w
Participate in free health
screenings
w
w
Get advice from physicians,
nutritionists, and exercise
experts
w
w
Shop to your heart’s content!
Call
214-947-0000
or visit
www.MethodistHealthSystem.org/H2H
to register and view a complete
schedule of events.
Jump-start your health at Heart to Heart
Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Uptown Village at Cedar Hill (Highway 67 and Pleasant Run Road)
info
FREE
event
Methodist Health System
•
❁
Spring 2012
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