Coulee Medical Center joins national health and wellness program

Coulee Medical Center has announced its participation in the National Rural Accountable Care Consortium — a program designed to help rural Medicare patients live long, healthy lives.

As part of the new program, CMC will hire and train a care coordinator to work closely with patients — helping seniors stay healthy, get care when needed and avoid costly and wasteful repetitive tests.

The medical center will also have access to information to help its physicians evaluate the services of distant specialists, hospitals and other healthcare providers to make the best recommendations for patients.

“When our patients want support, they can come to us for advice and assistance,” said CEO Debbie Bigelow. “We will help them find the right healthcare providers, coordinate their care and help them get the best results. Our mission is to serve the community’s healthcare needs, and this program will help us do that better than ever.”

Initially, CMC will introduce the new programs for Medicare patients, but hopes to expand to other types of insurance as well.

“Coulee Medical Center is doing its part, but the community can play an even larger role in promoting health,” Bigelow added. “As a community, we need to take responsibility for our health and for each other, and encourage each other to stop smoking, eat healthful foods and get regular exercise.”

Bigelow also urged Medicare patients “to get a free Annual Wellness Visit to prevent disease and maintain your health.”

The consortium includes over 250 rural community health systems in 40 states, dedicated to helping rural providers achieve the highest level of healthcare quality, efficiency and customer service.