Last month, we introduced you to a new option designed to offer a more holistic approach to caring for older adults, The Parkview Advantage Clinic (PAC).
Headed up by Carol Garrean, MD, PPG – Internal Medicine, and Eileen Muzzillo, MD, PPG – Internal Medicine, PAC delivers a more comprehensive, team-based approach to navigating the complexities that go hand-in-hand with managing multiple chronic medical conditions, as well as the changes that accompany aging. In the coming months, we’ll feature some of the experts available to PAC patients to serve as dedicated guides along their health journey.
Nurse Navigator
Erica Billingsley, nurse navigator, Parkview Advantage Clinic, helps patients and families maneuver through the many facets of the healthcare system. “I’m very intentional about getting to know our patients and their families beyond their diagnoses,” she said. “I spend a lot of time learning about the nuances that make them unique. We sit down and reflect on their goals, values and treatment preferences to identify ways I can better support them.”
During these conversations, Erica is also working to identify any barriers the patient might be experiencing in regard to their treatment or care. This might include:
- A need for transportation assistance
- Connecting to community resources for food insecurity
- Psychosocial and emotional needs
- Community resources for patients struggling financially
Erica also follows up with patients after every ER or hospital stay to make sure they have the tools and resources they need to prevent readmission.
She collaborates with the PAC pharmacist to make sure the patient is confident from a medication management perspective as well. She ensures they have the medications they need, understand why they are taking them and how to take them. This is particularly important after a patient receives a new diagnosis.
“My key piece of advice is to just bring it all!” Erica said. “Bring your questions, your fears, your goals and your family, so we can collaborate and have a comprehensive first appointment to make sure everyone’s questions are asked and answered in a way that the patient can implement in their day-to-day life.”
Who is PAC for?
PAC is a good option for senior patients who have been diagnosed with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, arthritis, etc.
PAC accepts Medicare Advantage, MR UHC, MR Humana, MR Anthem and MR Aetna insurance. To make an appointment, please call 260-425-5600.
