Laredo Medical Center heads to North Laredo with its second Laredo CareClinic

I llnesses and injuries don’t have regular business hours, which is why Laredo Medical Center (LMC) is proud to

announce that a second Laredo CareClinic will open in August in north Laredo at 10201 McPherson, Suite 300.

With its widely popular Laredo CareClinic south location, which opened in January 2016, officials at LMC say it made sense to offer Laredo residents living in north Laredo the same quality, affordable and convenient walk-in medical care.

“Laredo Medical Center understands that having immediate access to medical care after normal business hours is important when caring for yourself or your loved one,” said Enrique Gallegos, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, LMC. “After assessing the need in Laredo for after-hours, walk-in clinics, we determined that having two locations—one in the south part of town, and one in the north,

would be ideal for our community, and we are proud to be able to improve the accessibility of care for all Laredoans.”

While patients are encouraged to see their established physician for the best continuity of care, there are many people who prefer a retail-like experience for their minor and episodic care needs. At Laredo CareClinic, no appointment is necessary,

and the clinic is open during evening and weekend hours seven (7) days a week, with services for minor illnesses and injuries provided by a group of experienced practitioners. Furthermore, patients who work or go to school during the day, but find themselves needing a routine checkup or assistance in managing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, will find the care they need at Laredo CareClinic.

Laredo CareClinic understands that access to affordable medical care is a top priority, therefore, most major medical insurances are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Laredo CareClinic also offers medical discount programs to care for patients without access to health insurance.

“Numbers show that 80% of all ER visits can be easily treated at a walk-in, after-hours clinic,” said Gallegos. “Laredo CareClinic can treat general illnesses like colds and flu, x-rays, lab services, immunizations, minor

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Dear Friends,

Welcome to our August issue of Community Connections. We have much to share with you in this issue, including new services providing better access to healthcare for you and your family. I begin with our newest addition Laredo CareClinic, located in North Laredo (just across the street from United Day School). As you know, having immediate access to medical care after normal business hours is important when caring for yourself or your loved one, so we are pleased to be able to bring you a second extended-hours clinic that accepts most insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, with no appointment necessary. Read more about it on page 1 and 2.

This month, Laredo Medical Center (LMC) will also celebrate the opening of our new Laredo Bone and Joint Center, a comprehensive program based on a national best-practice model for hip and knee replacements. The Medical Director for the program is Arie Salzman, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, and will be supported by his fellow orthopedic colleagues here at LMC. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming free seminars (see dates on page 5).

With school just around the corner, if your child participates in any extracurricular activities that require a sports physical, please know that we have extended our free physicals into the month of August. These are offered at our south clinic located at 4415 U.S. Highway 83, Unit 100 (intersection of La Pita Mangana and Zapata Highway). Healthy kids make healthy learners, so we are here to help you get started with the new school year.

As always, feel free to contact me or a member of my Administrative Team if I can be of assistance to you.

Thank you, as always, for entrusting us with your care.

Sincerely,

Enrique Gallegos, CEO

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Continued on Page 2

Laredo CareClinic in north Laredo will open August 15, 2016. It is located at 10201 McPherson Rd., Ste. 300.

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 2 Laredo Medical Center

sprains, occupational health and more. Furthermore, using Laredo CareClinic will save patients money on medical expenses. A trip to any ER in town will cost significantly more than a visit to Laredo CareClinic.”

Local employers in the north part of town may also take advantage of occupational services provided at Laredo CareClinic. Companies needing to hire new employees right away may send prospective candidates to Laredo CareClinic for pre-employment physicals or drug screens. Businesses that have a second or third shift can also send employees to Laredo CareClinic if there is an injury on the job during evening or weekend shifts.

Laredo Medical Center urges patients to call 911 in emergency situations, however, Laredo CareClinic is available for all minor illnesses and injuries, including:

♦ Fevers

♦ Allergy symptoms

♦ Colds and coughs

♦ Earaches

♦ Flu-like symptoms

♦ Sore throat

♦ Pink eye

♦ Sinus infections

♦ Respiratory infections

♦ Stomach viruses

♦ Urinary tract infections

♦ Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

♦ Headaches and migraines

♦ Rashes or skin conditions

♦ Pulled or strained muscles

♦ Sprains, fractures and lacerations

♦ Other services include on-site lab and x-ray imaging

The new north Laredo CareClinic is located at 10201 McPherson Rd., Ste. 300 (across from United Day School). The clinic will begin treating patients August 15, 2016.

Meanwhile, the south Laredo CareClinic is located at 4415 U.S. Highway 83, Unit 100 (in the parking lot of Walmart).

Both clinics will maintain the same schedule:

Monday — Friday, 4:00 – 11:00pm Saturday and Sunday, 9:00am to 9:00pm

For more information, call Laredo Medical Center at (956) 796-3223.

Laredo CareClinic north location Continued from Page 1

Community Connections “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 3 Laredo Medical Center

Beat the Beat the Beat the

Back to School Back to School Back to School Rush!Rush!Rush!

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS!FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS!FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS! Bring your student athlete, cheerleader, band member (or any other organization that requires a school physical) on:

• Wednesday, August 3, 12noon – 11pm

• Saturday, August 6, 12noon – 9pm

• Wednesday, August 10, 12noon – 11pm

• Saturday, August 13, 12noon – 9pm

• Wednesday, August 17, 12noon – 11pm

• Saturday, August 20, 12noon – 9pm

Student Services: Bring the student’s Immunization Record for a courtesy check on up-to-date immunizations. The following vaccines will be provided: Meningitis, Tetanus (Tdap) and TB. Cost is $10 for one vaccine, $20 for two vaccines.

FREE Parent Services: Blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI), and Glucose Checks.

Informational health pamphlets will also be provided for students and parents.

For more information, call Laredo Medical Center at (956) 796-3223.

4415 U.S. Highway 83, Unit 100 (intersection of La Pita Mangana and Zapata Highway)

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4415 U.S. Hwy. 83, Unit 100

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Community Calendar “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 4 Laredo Medical Center

L aredo Medical Center (LMC) is changing the

way patients and their families think about and experience Joint Replacement Surgery with the introduction of the Laredo Bone and Joint Center, a comprehensive program that is based on a national best-practice model for hip and knee replacements, and structured around the fundamental principles of wellness.

“This is not your typical hospital program or hospital stay,” according to Arie Salzman, M.D., Medical Director of the Center. Dr. Salzman is one of five orthopedic surgeons who, along with the administrative and clinical team at LMC, helped launch this innovative program to improve outcomes and provide a superior experience for individuals having hip or knee replacement surgery.

“First and foremost, we do not see our patients as being sick,” Dr. Salzman explained. “Instead, we see our patients as healthy individuals who are coming to the hospital because they have hip or knee pain, and want to live a better quality of life by having joint replacement surgery.”

This fundamental concept of wellness is executed throughout the entire program, which incorporates advanced, minimally invasive, analgesic, and rapid-recovery surgical techniques —with an environment that maximizes patient recovery through education, a culture of early mobility, family involvement, and group interaction.

The Laredo Bone and Joint Center Experience

An important aspect of the program is that individuals having elective surgery are considered students, not patients. Each student chooses a coach—usually a family member or loved one—who is an active participant in their care before, during, and after being discharged from the hospital. Both student and coach are required to attend a pre-operative class one to two weeks prior to surgery, where they meet their Laredo Bone and Joint Center team, in addition to learning in detail about the procedure, what to expect in the hospital, and how to care for oneself after discharge.

A dedicated Care Coordinator oversees the student’s entire stay, and is their resource before, during, and after discharge. All staff at the Laredo Bone and Joint Center receive special training, and are chosen to work on the unit because of their expertise, positive upbeat nature, and high motivational skills. Coaches learn the program right along with their loved one, and provide encouragement and support every step of the way.

The fundamental concept of wellness is also demonstrated throughout the individual’s stay in the hospital. Students do not wear hospital gowns, but rather are expected to bring comfortable clothes—t-shirts, shorts, etc.—to wear during the day. Students also follow a regimen that begins at 5am the morning after surgery on a unit devoted only to individuals having joint replacement surgery. Each day, students receive a daily newsletter—Knee Keys or Hip Hints, depending on their surgery—with their breakfast, letting them know the agenda for the day, along with tips on how to care for themselves later. Two group therapy sessions are held on the unit daily—one in the morning, and a second in the afternoon. Group therapy is supplemented by individual in-room sessions.

Furthermore, motivational distance posters are located throughout the halls, and provide a guide for patients to measure their walking success. These posters also serve as a ‘trip down Laredo’s history.’ Through a partnership with the Webb County Heritage Foundation, 12 posters featuring beautiful photos of some of Laredo’s most well-known historical buildings such as La Posada Cathedral, Casa Ortiz, Old City Hall, and others, have been strategically placed along the halls offering specific distance measurements that students are challenged to reach. Patients compete with one another each day, with progress tracked on a large exercise board posted in a common area. This exercise board provides visual reinforcement of goals. Patients find the camaraderie both challenging and rewarding.

Care doesn’t end after discharge or graduation. Graduates receive calls from the Laredo Bone and Joint Center staff within 72 hours of discharge, and again one to two weeks later. Reunions for Laredo Bone and Joint Center graduates

Pictured is Gladys Martinez, RN, Coordinator of the Laredo Bone and Joint Center, and Ms. Cuquis Ramirez, who is learning more about the program.

Laredo Medical Center Introduces New Concept in Joint Replacement Surgery with opening of Laredo Bone and Joint Center

The Laredo Bone and Joint Center is accepting new

patients. Call (956) 796-3009 or (956) 796-3223 to reserve

your spot at an upcoming free seminar!

Continued on Page 5

Community Calendar “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 5 Laredo Medical Center

Attend a FREE seminar to learn more about the Laredo Bone &

Joint Center

A�end our free seminar and

learn about the causes of knee

or hip pain. You’ll also hear about the latest treatment op�ons available, including

medica�ons, nutri�on and exercise. We look forward to helping you take the next

step against pain.

Laredo Medical Center – Tower B, 1st floor, LMC Community Center

Space is limited.

To register, please call 956-796-3009

or visit LaredoMedical.com.

Thursday, August 25 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 29 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 27 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 10 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 15 6:00 p.m.

and their coaches are held quarterly with surgeons and their entire team.

The End Result: Better Outcomes

“We evaluate each patient on multiple clinical, functional, and patient satisfaction metrics.” explained Enrique Gallegos, FACHE, Laredo Medical Center CEO. These outcomes are then analyzed during monthly performance improvement team meetings, and enable the staff of the Laredo Bone and Joint Center to continually improve processes and identify ways to better serve our patients. So, when we say we offer superior outcomes, we have the data to prove it.”

Laredo Bone and Joint Center Continued from Page 4

Community Calendar “Always Committed to Excellence” Page 6 Laredo Medical Center

• Tuesday, August 2—Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 7:00pm. Those taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease are invited to attend this free support group. For more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Thursday, August 4—Laredo Cancer Association ‘Cancer Friends Meet’, A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center, Tower A, 1st floor, LMC, 6:00pm. The ‘Cancer Friends Meet’ gathers twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Meetings are open to cancer patients and family members. For more information, call (956) 796-4725. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Monday, August 8—Laredo Stroke Support Group, San Martin de Porres Church, Family Life Center, 7:00pm. All stroke survivors, family and caregivers are welcome to attend. Share your story, encourage others and hear informative speakers. For more information, call 286-0641, 763-6132 or email: knowstroke956@gmail.com. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Tuesday, August 16—Tiny Toes Prenatal Class, LMC Tower B, Community Center, Rm. 1, 6:00pm. The Tiny Toes Program is a free service and includes a variety of exclusive amenities and special access to baby experts. For more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Wednesday, August 17—Webb County Domestic Violence Coalition, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12noon. Members of the community will meet for their monthly luncheon at LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12noon. Those individuals wanting more information on resources available may attend. For more information, call Sister Rosemary Welsh at 718-6810.

• Wednesday, August 17—Surgical Weight Loss Seminar, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 6:30pm. Learn more about bariatric surgery at this free seminar, hosted by Board Certified Surgeon Dr. Michael Morris. For more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Thursday, August 18—Healthy Lifestyle Luncheon for Senior Circle members, LMC Tower B, Community Center, 12:00noon. Members of LMC’s Senior Circle Program will meet for their monthly, healthy gathering with featured speaker to be announced. For membership information, call 796-2222. (FREE WITH $15 PER YEAR MEMBERSHIP)

• Thursday, August 18—Tiny Toes Prenatal Class, LMC Tower B, Community Center, Rm., 1, 6:00pm. The Tiny Toes Program is a free service and includes a variety of exclusive amenities and special access to baby experts. For more information, call 796-3223. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Thursday, August 18—Laredo Cancer Association ‘Cancer Friends Meet’, A.R. Sanchez Cancer Center, Tower A, 1st floor, LMC, 6:00pm. The ‘Cancer Friends Meet’ gathers twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Meetings are open to cancer patients and family members. For more information, call (956) 796-4725. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Thursday, August 18—Celiac Disease Support Group, LMC Tower B, Community Center, Rm. 2, 7:15—8:15pm. This support group is intended to provide a warm and caring environment where people with Celiac Disease, their family members, caregivers and loved ones can share their experiences, as well as gather accurate information about Celiac Disease and gluten-related disorders. For more information, email laredo@celiac.org, or call 818-716-1513. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

• Monday, August 29—Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, LMC Tower B, Community Room, 6:30pm. Those taking care of a loved one with Parkinson’s Disease are invited to attend this free support group. For more information, call 796-3223, 724-5610 or 645-8649. (FREE TO PUBLIC)

Healthy Kids—and Grownups—make for

Healthy Learners!

August 2016 Calendar of Events!

www.laredomedical.com

LMC Medical Update

KGNS Pro8 News: Thursdays at 6pm & 10pm

and Mondays at 6am & 12noon

LMC Minuto de Salud

Univision: Wednesdays at 5:00pm

Please contact LMC’s Marketing Dept. at (956) 796-3223 if you have questions on any of the above calendar items.

Laredo Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.

Back to

School!