SVHC20-21reportpagesJuly27 - Flipbook - Page 12
IMPROVING CARE
A proactive approach leads
to better outcomes
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) primary care practices have always strived to provide care
that is respectful of and responsive to patient needs. In recent years, the practices implemented a more
proactive approach to care.
As Robert Schwartz, MD, Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s Medical Director for Primary Care
explains, “By engaging a team made up of front desk staff, nursing professionals, behavioral health
specialists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, nurse case managers, social workers, and doctors, we’re able
to positively impact patient health outside of their office visits. Through outreach and individualized
attention, we’re providing better patient experiences and outcomes.”
Those efforts were nationally recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
which re-designated SVHC’s five Vermont-based primary care practices as Patient Centered Medical Homes.
“The NCQA sets a very high bar for this honor,” says Schwartz. “Their recognition is a testament to
tremendous commitment and teamwork and serves as an assurance that we are meeting the highest
quality standard for our patients.”
All-new options for hand surgery and therapy
Patients needing hand surgery or therapy no longer must
travel great distances for care. In 2021, Dr. David Veltre of SVMC
Orthopedics began offering in-office options for procedures
previously performed at the hospital. In addition, SVMC Outpatient
Rehabilitation’s Michaelia St. Jacques, OTR/L, completed training
as a Certified Hand Therapist, ensuring patients receive the most
advanced hand therapy techniques in the region.
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