Augusta Health opened a new combined Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology in the back wing of the Fitness/Wellness Center on the Augusta Health campus on Monday.
The innovative approach to diabetes care in the community combines the Augusta Health Diabetes & Endocrinology practice and the Outpatient Diabetes Education program into one patient-centered space.
“We’re very excited to begin this new chapter of Diabetes and Endocrinology care to our community,” says Nelly Maybee, MD, medical director at Augusta Health Diabetes & Endocrinology. “Both diabetes and thyroid disease are prevalent here, and we have a growing need to provide care for both. Our new space will help us expand access to our patients, and make it easier to see a provider—all in one space. Since opening the practice more than 10 years ago, we’ve added two physicians and two mid-level providers, and we now have the ability to grow to meet the community need again.”
According to Augusta Health’s most recent 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, prevalence of diabetes in the Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro region increased from 13.9 percent in 2016 to 16.5 percent in 2019.
An additional 7.4 percent of adults in the area have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
Dr. Maybee added that location of the new center, with easy parking and access to the clinic and the addition of the diabetes educators, is also a benefit to patients.
“To be side-by-side with the diabetes educators and dietitians every day is wonderful for our patients,” Maybee said. “There are critical conversations that can now take place immediately, and the coordination of care for appointments with both a physician and a dietitian can be seamless and efficient. The location right next to the fitness center is great – it’s all a part of making a lifestyle change to manage diabetes or thyroid disease.”
Renovation of the space began in October. There are 11 exam rooms and two treatment rooms shared by six providers. he Outpatient Diabetes Education Program has a separate entrance with four consultation offices for dietitians and diabetes educators. These specialists work closely with patients and endocrinologists to create a personalized plan of care to match individual lifestyle, environment and beliefs.
There is a shared conference room to enhance coordination of care.
Ample, accessible, convenient parking is available in the lot at the back of the Fitness/Wellness Center at the Mule Academy Road entrance to the hospital campus.
This innovation in diabetes and endocrinology care is part of Augusta Health’s strategic plan, Journey 2025, to expand and enhance access to outpatient services throughout the region.
The Diabetes and Endocrinology schedule at the Augusta Health Multispecialty Clinic in Lexington will remain the same to provide convenient access and care to patients in the Rockbridge County area.
Augusta Medical Group is the employed physician group of Augusta Health. Augusta Health is an independent, community-owned, not-for-profit hospital whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of its community through access to excellent care.
Over the years, Augusta Health has been recognized by many external rating organizations: 100 Top Hospitals in America, HealthGrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals, US News and World Report Best Regional Hospital, and most recently Leapfrog Top Hospital 2020.
For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or its services, visit the website, www.augustahealth.com.
Support AFP
Share
Chris Graham
