52
Neighbors
July 16 - August 5, 2016
www.SanTanSun.com
3 Chandler physicians join MDVIP to focus on patients’ wellness Three Chandler doctors, Donna DeSantis, Thomas G. Hopkins and Paige Walend, are joining MDVIP to deliver a higher level of personalized health care with an emphasis on prevention, not just the treatment of illness. Specializing in family medicine and recognized by patients as top doctors in the local community, DeSantis, Hopkins and Walend join MDVIP’s national network of more than 850 affiliated physicians, including 20 located in the Valley. Their practice is located at 1455 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 4, Chandler; 480-855-1946. “I believe good communication is fundamental to the physician-patient relationship,” Hopkins said. “Maintaining a high volume of patients typical in traditional primary care makes it nearly impossible to focus on the individualized needs of each patient. Under the MDVIP model, my patients and I will have a partnership to keep them healthier 365 days of the year, not just in the doctor’s office.” DeSantis added, “By affiliating with MDVIP, I will have more time to listen, time to examine, and the time to determine the goals of my patients so I can best serve their needs and interests. I’ll be able to dedicate myself to delivering personalized care with improved outcomes and significantly lower hospitalization rates for patients.” The peer-reviewed American Journal of Managed Care published a study on lower hospital utilization rates in the MDVIP personalized health care model. The study found a 79% reduction in hospital admissions for Medicare patients, and a 72% decrease for patients with commercial insurance between the ages of 35-64 in MDVIP-affiliated practices. As a result, MDVIP delivered to the health care system a one-year savings in excess of $300 million. The study also found dramatically lower MDVIP hospital readmission rates for Medicare members when compared to readmission rates for non-MDVIP Medicare patients, for such conditions as heart attack, congestive heart failure and pneumonia. MDVIP readmission rates are below 2% for these conditions compared to the national averages that range from 16% to 24%. This improvement is linked to the
Paige Walend
Thomas G. Hopkins
physicians’ ability to spend more time with patients to engage in preventive care and to intercede quickly. The preventive and wellness services offered by MDVIP can help lower costs, prevent illness and save lives.
same- or next-day appointments that start on time. Office visits are unhurried, running 30 minutes or longer if necessary. Physicians provide patients their cellphone number and email address, enabling patients to contact them 24/7. Through the travel and reciprocity program, patients who need to see a doctor due to an urgent or emergency care situation while traveling in another state can see any of the MDVIP-affiliated physicians across the country on the same day. Patients in the MDVIP model renew annually at 90% and report a 92% satisfaction rate.
Focus on wellness and prevention MDVIP-affiliated practices are significantly smaller than traditional practices, allowing physicians to have closer relationships with their patients and a more thorough knowledge of their lifestyle, medical history and overall well-being. Each patient receives the MDVIP Wellness Program that encompasses screenings and diagnostic testing and physician counseling focused on important health issues and wellness areas. Included are heart health, emotional well-being, diabetes prevention, respiratory health, quality of sleep, hearing and vision, sexual health, nutritional assessment, weight management, bone health, comprehensive risk factor analysis and face-to-face physician counseling. As part of the membership, MDVIPaffiliated physicians work with their patients to ensure they receive the recommended prevention services. Each patient is provided with a personalized wellness plan to make him/her healthier. Smaller practice sizes also allow MDVIP-affiliated physicians to provide an enhanced level of service, including
Donna DeSantis DeSantis earned her medical degree from the Drexel University College of Medicine, formerly the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and completed her internship and residency in family medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Board certified in family medicine, she is affiliated with Chandler Regional Hospital. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association and Arizona Academy of Family Physicians. For the past ten years, she has been a principal investigator for research studies, which has allowed her to be on the frontline of cutting-edge treatment for health conditions such as diabetes, COPD and hypertension.
Donna DeSantis Thomas G. Hopkins Hopkins earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine in San Diego, California. He completed his internship and residency in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. Board certified in family medicine, he is affiliated with Chandler Regional Hospital, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Desert Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. He is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians and Arizona Academy of Family Physicians. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine. Paige Walend Walend earned her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. Board certified in family medicine, she is affiliated with Dignity Hospital in Chandler. She is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians and Arizona Academy of Family Physicians. She serves as adjunct faculty for the Doctorate Program for nurse practitioners at ASU.
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