Health care providers in the Treasure Valley have been making preparations for the closure of Saltzer Health clinics this week.
Intermountain Health, a company based in Salt Lake City that owns Saltzer Health clinics in Idaho, recently announced its plans to either sell or cease operations by March 29 due to financial concerns. The Treasure Valley region, where the provider has over 400 staff members, will be significantly impacted by this decision.
Glen Beeby, a spokesperson for Saltzer Health, stated in a March 21 email that the company is currently engaged in discussions with other organizations regarding the potential purchase of certain services. As these discussions are still ongoing, Beeby mentioned that they are unable to provide specific details at this time.
According to Beeby, the company is actively engaging with patients to ensure minimal disruption to their care. Once the changes are finalized, caregivers and patients will be promptly informed.
The company’s provider page showcases the future work destinations of many healthcare professionals and provides information on how patients can schedule appointments. Some of the prominent employers listed include St. Luke’s, Saint Alphonsus, Primary Health, and a soon-to-be-launched obstetrics and gynecology clinic called Grace Women’s Health, established by one of the physicians in Nampa.
Primary Care Need
The Importance of Primary Care
Primary care plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting overall health and well-being. It serves as the foundation of the healthcare system, providing individuals with easy access to comprehensive and continuous medical care. Primary care providers, such as family doctors, internists, and pediatricians, are often the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare services.
The Need for Primary Care
In today’s fast-paced and complex healthcare landscape, the need for primary care has never been more apparent. Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to address a wide range of health issues, from preventive care and chronic disease management to acute illnesses and mental health concerns. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide holistic, patient-centered care, focusing on the individual’s physical, emotional, and social well-being.
The Benefits of Primary Care
Having a primary care provider offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it establishes a long-term, trusting relationship between the patient and the provider. This continuity of care ensures that the provider has a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical history, allowing for personalized and tailored treatment plans. Moreover, primary care providers coordinate and collaborate with specialists and other healthcare professionals, ensuring a seamless and integrated approach to healthcare delivery.
Primary care also plays a vital role in preventive care. By identifying risk factors and screening for potential health issues, primary care providers can intervene early, preventing the development or progression of diseases. They also promote health maintenance and disease prevention through vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle counseling.
The Importance of Accessible Primary Care
Ensuring access to primary care is essential for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Accessible primary care means that individuals can easily and affordably obtain the care they need, when they need it. This includes timely appointments, shorter waiting times, and convenient locations. Accessible primary care is particularly important for vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, seniors, and those living in rural areas, who may face barriers to healthcare access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, primary care is a fundamental component of the healthcare system, addressing the diverse healthcare needs of individuals. Its focus on preventive care, continuity, and accessibility makes it an invaluable resource in promoting and maintaining overall health and well-being. By recognizing the importance of primary care, we can work towards building a stronger and more equitable healthcare system for all.
Primary Health and St. Luke’s staff are expecting a rise in primary care patients as a result of the Saltzer closures.
According to the Idaho Press, Primary Health Medical Group President Brian Windau stated in February that there is an anticipation of a rise in patients requiring continuous care.
According to the statement, Saltzer had a significant number of primary care patients who will still require medical services. These patients may choose to stay with their current healthcare providers or seek care from other sources.
Primary Health recently had conversations with a number of Saltzer physicians who expressed interest in transitioning their practices to Primary Health, according to Windau. The Saltzer website currently displays a list of three doctors who will be joining Primary Health in April.
According to Windau, a physician typically sees around 1,600-2,000 patients annually. However, it will take some time, possibly a year or two, to determine if those patients will continue seeking care from the same doctor at their new location or if they will opt to see another physician.
According to Windau, it is important to note that as a patient, your needs for services may not arise until a year from now. Therefore, it is only during your next appointment that we will be able to fully assess and understand your current situation.
St. Luke’s staff conducted an analysis on the available space to accommodate any physicians after learning about Saltzer’s closure, according to Dr. Jason Bronner, a service line medical director at St. Luke’s.
“We haven’t generated additional job opportunities, but we do welcome conversations with those who are interested in joining the St. Luke’s team to determine if it aligns with their goals,” Bronner mentioned to the Idaho Press in March. As of Monday, the Saltzer provider page displayed six physicians transitioning to positions at St. Luke’s, including one in McCall.”
According to Bronner, all St. Luke’s clinics in the area where Saltzer operates are welcoming new patients.
According to Bronner, there is a significant demand for primary healthcare providers in the Treasure Valley due to the rapid growth in the area. In response to this, efforts are being made to recruit and add different team members to address this issue. Bronner believes that relying solely on physicians will not be sufficient to solve the shortage of primary care providers, as there simply aren’t enough of them available.
According to the speaker, this implies the inclusion of roles like nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Saltzer’s provider page indicated that 13 physicians are scheduled to join Saint Alphonsus locations in the upcoming months. Unfortunately, the hospital did not provide a response to our interview request for this story.
