It’s The “Now” At HMG and The Future Elsewhere
59-year old Mark Holland says he‘s grateful to both his HMG primary care provider, Dr. Warren Jones, and HMG’s Integrated Health Management. According to Holland, the combination just may have saved his life. “Getting in with HMG Integrated Health probably means I’m going to live a lot longer than I would have otherwise,” explains Holland who has a family history of heart disease. “I’m really grateful to Dr. Jones for sending me to HMG Integrated Health. At Dr. Jones urging, Holland underwent a CT cardiac calcium scoring that revealed he was in the 98th percentile for calcium in the artery as compared with other men his age. With this score, Holland was heading for a probable heart attack. (The calcium score is one of the greatest indicators of an individual’s probability of a heart attack.) With a calcium score of 1,700, Holland was quickly referred to HMG Integrated Health Management where he received aggressive care by William H. Bestermann, MD, one of the nation’s leading vascular medicine specialists. (A calcium score greater than 100 or in the 75th percentile calls for aggressive care for blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A score greater than 400 or the 90th percentile calls for a stress test and or further interventional studies. “The consultation with Dr. Bestermann combined with medical therapy and dietary changes was of enormous benefit to me,” explains Holland who says both his father and brother suffered heart attacks early in life. The outcome achieved through HMG Integrated Health Management? Holland’s LDL particle number went from 1,016 to 496—an outstanding accomplishment considering leading preventive cardiologists attest that a number less than 700 is considered “good.” “Outcomes are what it’s all about. We’re wanting to move patients into the best venue to address their chronic medical conditions so that they can experience the best outcomes,” champions HMG Medical Director Robert C. Lee, MD, one of the principal architects of HMG Integrated Health. HMG Founder & President Jerry L. Miller, MD, echoes Dr. Lee’s sentiments. “I can give you dozens of examples, just like Mr. Holland, where the multi-disciplinary team approach of HMG Integrated Health Management resulted in outcomes that would not have been achieved otherwise.” Located on the fifth floor of the HMG Medical Plaza, Kingsport, HMG Integrated Health Management includes a diverse team of physician consultants, with specialized areas of focus ranging from endocrinology and vascular medicine to both pediatric and adult wellness coaching. The team is also comprised of pharmacists, certified diabetes educators, dietitians, certified personal trainers and behavioral health clinicians. “The best primary care provider combined with the best nurse cannot achieve the same outcomes as that of a focused, multi-disciplinary team effort. It’s impossible—not because the primary care provider is incapable—but because he or she doesn’t have the time nor the resources. Adequately managing chronic care while also trying to manage acute care is nearly impossible in a 10, 15, or even a 20 minute office visit,” explains Dr. Miller. Dr. Jones readily agrees. “Utilizing HMG Integrated Health Management means that my patients get more comprehensive care,” attests Dr. Jones. “My patients who have multiple medical issues or chronic conditions receive the focused aggressive treatment and intensive education that I’m not able to provide in a typical primary care office visit. “Without a doubt, HMG Integrated Health enables me to help my patients achieve better outcomes. And, that’s my goal as their provider.” Within HMG’s Integrated Health, patients have the option of “combined visits” with both a specialized physician and a member of a multi-disciplinary team who can provide detailed education and instruction. Diabetes is the perfect example of a chronic condition that requires a multi-disciplinary approach. “Diabetes is probably one of the most challenging of all diseases that a family physician handles and we see it every day,” begins HMG Primary Care Provider John Hollandsworth who also refers many of his chronic concerns patients to HMG Integrated Health Management. “Diabetes takes an enormous amount of resources to treat property and get the patient functioning at his or her best. It’s truly a multi-system disease that requires a multi-disciplinary team approach.” “Our outcomes within HMG Integrated Health Management are outstanding,” concludes Dr. Miller. “And, that’s what counts. That’s what our patients need and deserve.” Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure should talk with their HMG primary care provider to learn whether a consultative visit within the multi-disciplinary team of HMG Integrated Health Management would be beneficial to their care. You may also call HMG Integrated Health Management directly at 423-857-2790 to request an appointment. |