(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Once, a young college graduate, the son of parents born in Mexico, wanted to be a doctor. It wasn’t money or prestige that drove him, but simply a desire to make things better for people.
More than 30 years ago, that young college graduate was Dr. Albert Arteaga, a graduate of La Sierra University in Riverside. After completing his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Dr. Arteaga began his medical practice in Fontana in 1984.
His practice has since grown to a chain of five medical clinics in the Inland Empire, known as LaSalle Medical Associates. Dr. Arteaga also is chairman of the Latino Health Collaborative, and is widely regarded as an expert on health care.
He enjoys a successful practice, but perhaps his greatest success is helping thousands of people get quality health care who might not otherwise have received it. He treats all patients with dignity and respect and expects his staff to do the same, and as one of the top enrollers in all of California for Healthy Families, he has helped more than 20,000 children and their families obtain health care coverage.
Now another young college graduate, 22-year-old Evita Limon, so admires what she sees in Dr. Arteaga she aspires to follow in his footsteps.
This summer, the 2007 graduate of the University of California, Riverside will enroll in the University of California, Los Angeles medical school, taking part in a special program called UCLA-Prime. The program, which she will attend at UCR for two years and in Los Angeles for three, allows her to obtain both a Master’s degree and a medical doctorate (M.D.) in five years.
Dr. Arteaga is a guest lecturer at UC Riverside, and it was in Limon’s Health Care Disparities class at the university where she and her mentor first met. This course examines a subject Dr. Arteaga is working hard to overcome, that of how race, income and lack of insurance affect the quality of health care one receives.
“He gave a wonderful talk,” Limon said. “I sensed how passionate he was about this subject.”
After graduating from UC Riverside, Limon took an internship with the Health Careers Connection with the Latino Health Collaborative, and became further acquainted with Dr. Arteaga. A few months later she moved onto a second internship with Health-Net and another job with the Loma Linda University School of Religion, but recently began her third internship, this time at LaSalle Medical Associates.
In many ways, Limon is already much like Dr. Arteaga. Both are native Californians. Both have close family born in Mexico, and both are passionate about health care to help people.
For now, they also both work at LaSalle Medical Associates. Dr. Arteaga is the owner and president, and his new employee is an intern, helping both the physician and his wife Maria, the head nurse, in their administrative duties.
“I am truly inspired by the work they are doing in this community,” Limon said. “Mrs. Arteaga took me on a tour of one of the clinics and I wanted to be a patient there, because of the phenomenal treatment given to the patients.”
Limon plans to return to the Inland Empire after graduating from UCLA After three or four years of residency, she hopes to work first as a clinic physician, and later in an administrative role that will help her bring about significant change in health care policies.
“This very talented young lady is passionate about making a difference in this world,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Yet she is also passionate about people, and so I know that she will accomplish great things in health care in the very near future.”
It’s quite possible she will accomplish all of her goals through a new working arrangement with LaSalle Medical Associates, as she so strongly believes in its mission to provide quality and affordable health care to everyone, with dignity and respect.
“Working with patients and being able to improve the doctor-patient relationship initially drew me to pursue a career in medicine,” Limon said. “But after my experiences with the Latino Health Collaborative, my ultimate goal is to enact policy to improve the quality of health care.”
If Limon succeeds in her professional goals, she will walk very close to the path Dr. Arteaga has taken over the years. After graduating from medical school in 1976, working in social service programs and medical internships in the United States and Mexico, and completing his residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Dr. Arteaga began a private practice in Fontana about 25 years ago.
As Dr. Arteaga’s practice grew to five clinics, so did his passion for helping underserved populations – especially minorities, low-income people and the uninsured. In his role as president of LaSalle Medical Associates, which has 115 employees (including 13 physicians), many view him as an influential voice in efforts to make quality health care affordable to everyone. LaSalle welcomes patients at all five of their Inland Empire clinics: 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana; 1505 Seventeenth Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino; 16455 Main St. in Hesperia; and 31762 Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore.
Appointments aren’t required, but are recommended by calling (909) 890-0407.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “For the 20-plus years I have been in practice, we have never turned away a patient because they couldn’t pay,” Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates says. “As the son of an Adventist minister, I know I have an obligation to help whenever I can.”
And help he does, from aiding Inland Empire Hurricane Katrina survivors to outwardly welcoming low income, elderly and disabled Medi-Cal patients. It’s been pointed out that many physicians refuse to see Medi-Cal patients simply because doctors make vary little money doing so. “For us at LaSalle, it’s one more chance to give back to our communities, helping people who are reluctant to seek medical attention because they fear they just can’t afford it. Ultimately, though, it’s the children who would suffer. And I don’t want that,” Arteaga says.
As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s five Inland Empire clinics, Dr. Arteaga set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explains, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”
Another of Arteaga’s major objectives is that every single patient is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their station in life. A recent survey of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100% of those surveyed said, “The physician listened carefully, explained things to me and was respectful.” And this feeling goes beyond the doctor in question, extending to the entire staffs at all the LaSalle clinics with 98% of the patients noting, “The LaSalle staff was very courteous and respectful.”
As any businessperson knows, however, to continue helping people, the company has to keep its doors open, to be profitable. And, in spite of focusing on the uninsured and low-income patients, LaSalle does just fine. “Our goal is to keep our expenses low while providing everyone high quality health care,” Dr. Arteaga said. “It is a challenge, but I have found this approach to be successful. The customers who can pay do so, and it more offsets those who can’t.”
Born in San Diego of a Seventh-day Adventist missionary father from Michoacan, Mexico, Arteaga says, “As the son of an Adventist minister, I know I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do.” He came by his love of, and cares for, people honestly. It was natural that the young man took to medical training and completed his degree from Universidad LaSalle in Mexico City. His graduation in 1976 was followed by four years of general practice. Following of his internship at Loma Linda University Medical Center he opened practice in Fontana in 1984.
The practice expanded, doctors and staff were added to efficiently serve the growing patient load. Soon enough, LaSalle Medical Associates, formed in 1996, added two clinics in San Bernardino, one in Hesperia and another in Lake Elsinore. Today, the LaSalle staff totals 115 employees with 13 physicians, two physician assistants and a nurse practitioner. In 2007, the LaSalle clinics welcomed 108,061 patient visits.
While initially focusing on serving children of the lower income and disabled, Arteaga then realized there were even greater community needs. With his guidance, LaSalle expanded its service to include family and internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology. All stemming from Arteaga’s “obligation to help whenever I can.”
Preventive healthcare is another of the LaSalle objectives. “Prevention is so much easier for patients than healing later problems,” Arteaga says. His free Immunization Fairs are an example. For more than seven years the clinics have offered these for Inland Empire children. He adds, “Our objective with these fairs, and so many of our other 150 or so community programs (three times more than in the Los Angeles area), is to help parents understand how to keep their children well in the first place.”
How often have any of us made a doctor appointment, showed up right on time if not early – and then waited an hour. Another of Dr. Arteaga’s pet peeves: “How long will I have to wait” is the first question most people ask, Arteaga points out. “Everyone’s time is valuable to them,” he says, “and sitting what may seem endlessly in a waiting room is not what they had in mind. Respectful care includes respecting our patients’ time.”
But, sometimes it just can’t be helped. LaSalle welcomes walk-in patients at all five clinics, but sometimes that simply means things can get backed up. “We may get an emergency,” Arteaga explains, “or someone comes in much sicker than they led us to believe on the phone. A mother, on the other hand, may have arranged to bring in a child, but showed up with three who needed to be seen. Another may have arranged for a basic immunization for her daughter only to arrive with paperwork from the school for an entire physical.” He adds, “We want patients to be on their way as quickly as possible, of course. But first, we want to get it right, get it pleasant, and then get it fast. People understand that things come up unexpectedly, as long as you let them know what’s up. If you level with them, they’ll level with you.”
Life is not without its snags, however. In the case of medical practices accepting Medicare patients, the proposed 10% reduction in government medical payment is attention getting to most providers. For LaSalle, however, it’s not time for hand wringing. “Because of our organization’s structure,” explains Dr. Arteaga, “we can take more patients, if Medicare allows us to, to make up for the repayment reduction, and if we continue to increase our patient retention, we’ll have additional patient visits that will offset any reduction in Medicare payments.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. In his efforts to provide healthcare services to the Inland Empire’s children, Arteaga was awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for his outstanding contribution to the community.
And the clinics were selected by the Inland Empire Health Plan as Riverside’s and San Bernardino’s best healthcare provider, while the African American Health Initiative selected LaSalle as a “model provider” of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County The San Bernardino Board of Supervisors has presented Dr. Arteaga the Resolution Award for his outstanding community efforts, and the Inland Empire Health Plan awarded LaSalle Medical Associates a Proclamation Award in appreciation of outstanding community work and for being the state’s number one enroller of the Healthy Families program, an insurance plan for children of low- to middle-income families.
“These awards,” he says, “are not just for me, but for the entire team of doctors, nurses and staff at LaSalle’s clinics. These are recognition of the entire company’s dedication to our patients and our communities we serve.”
Dr. Arteaga lives in Grand Terrace with his wife, Maria, his son and his two daughters.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and in Lake Elsinore at 31762 Mission Trail.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 8
90-0407 or go on line to lasallemedical.com. -end-
Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, five clinics employing 115 people including 13 physicians and serving more than 100,000 patient visits yearly. Dr. Arteaga has received awards from the San Bernardino County Medical Society and the African-American Health Initiative for his efforts to provide affordable, quality healthcare to all.
What Dr. Arteaga will give a presentation to future doctors enrolled in a class called Healthcare Disparities at the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Arteaga’s presentation will be on the healthcare delivery system provided by LaSalle Medical Associates.
Why? Students in this class are studying the topic of barriers to healthcare. This presentation is intended to give one view on what can and is being done today to address the issue and encourage others to work towards the cause of guaranteeing healthcare access for all.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 20 at 6 p.m.
WHERE: University of California Riverside Biostatistics building (B 600), 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521
CONTACT: Ellen Porter, (909) 888-0321, Ellen@DameronCommunications.com
San Bernardino City Councilman Rikke Van Johnson congratulates LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc President Dr. Albert Arteaga for helping 38 local residents receive free or low cost prescription drugs. The Montel Williams’ “Help is Here Express Bus” visited LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino recently and helped 38 people enroll in a program offering free and low-cost prescriptions.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc President Dr. Albert Arteaga watches as the The Montel Williams’ “Help is Here Express Bus” helps 38 people enroll in a program offering free and low-cost prescriptions. The bus visited LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino recently. Those needing help with prescription drugs should call toll-free 1-888-4PPANOW or go online to www.pparx.org and sign up for the free service.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “Montel Williams’ bus goes all over the country to promote prescription assistance,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “He and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance understand that sometimes, people need help in the form of medicine, and that no one should be denied that help simply because they can’t afford to pay for it.”
The Montel Williams’ “Help is Here Express Bus” visited LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino recently and helped 38 people enroll in a program offering free and low-cost prescriptions.
The bus, operated by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, came to at LaSalle Clinic at 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. The bright orange, 45-foot long bus loaded with information and helpful people parked in clinic parking and helped people from the start to finish.
The Salle staff called their patients who don’t have insurance and invited them to come and apply fro the free Prescription medications. “We wanted to make sure our patients without insurance had an opportunity to get the free coverage, said Dr Arteaga.
The PPA left brochures and information for those who could not attend the event. Those needing help with prescription drugs should call toll-free 1-888-4PPANOW or go online to www.pparx.org and sign up for the free service.
“Millions of patients are already receiving free or nearly free drugs from these programs, but it is clear that millions of other Americans from all over the country — in cities and rural areas alike – are not taking advantage of the help that is available to them,” said Montell Williams, who regularly addresses critically important societal issues on his television talk show. He is the national spokesman for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.
The PPA’s goal is to educate uninsured and under-insured patients about drug assistance programs. It makes an effort to match patients with programs that appear to meet their needs.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (toll-free, 1-888-4PPANOW; www.pparx.org) is the only resource providing a single place to find more than 475 patient assistance programs, which include more than 180 programs offered by the pharmaceutical industry, according to www.pphrma.org , a website for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
More than 70 national health care organizations, as well as more than 1,000 local organizations make up the partnership. The national organizations include the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. has 115 employees (including 13 physicians). LaSalle welcomes patients at all five of their Inland Empire clinics: 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana; 1505 Seventeenth Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino; 16455 Main St. in Hesperia; and 31762 Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore.
Appointments aren’t required, but are recommended by calling (909) 890-0407. -end-
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Montel Williams’ “Help is Here Express Bus” will visit LaSalle Medical Associates in San Bernardino Wednesday, May 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The bus, operated by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, will stop at LaSalle Medical Associates, 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. The bright orange, 45-foot long bus loaded with information and helpful people will park in the lot next to LaSalle’s clinic to enroll people in a program offering free and low-cost prescriptions.
“Millions of patients are already receiving free or nearly free drugs from these programs, but it is clear that millions of other Americans from all over the country — in cities and rural areas alike – are not taking advantage of the help that is available to them,” said Williams, who regularly addresses critically important societal issues on his television talk show. He is the national spokesman for the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.
The organization’s goal is to educate uninsured and under-insured patients about drug assistance programs. It makes an effort to match patients with programs that appear to meet their needs.
“Montel Williams’ bus goes all over the country to promote prescription assistance,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “He and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance understand that sometimes, people need help in the form of medicine, and that no one should be denied that help simply because they can’t afford to pay for it.”
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (toll-free, 1-888-4PPANOW; www.pparx.org) is the only resource providing a single place to find more than 475 patient assistance programs, which include more than 180 programs offered by the pharmaceutical industry, according to www.pphrma.org , a website for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. More than 70 national health care organizations, as well as more than 1,000 local organizations make up the partnership. The national organizations include the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. .
Montel Williams Comes to San Bernardino at LaSalle Medical Associates May 7
Who: The Montel Williams show “Help is Here Express Bus” Possibly – Montel Williams and Dr. Albert Arteaga President of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.,
Visuals: Patients needing help with their prescriptions.
Where: LaSalle Medical Associates, Mt. Vernon and Fifth Street location in San Bernardino.
When: Wednesday, May 7th from 1-3 pm
Why: “Help is Here Express Bus” – “Partnership for Prescription Assistance.” Spanish translators provided by LaSalle Medical Associates, inc.
What: The 45 feet long “Bus” will be parked in our extra lot beside the clinic
Contact: Please if you wish to attend, call Carl Dameron or Ellen Porter at Dameron Communications (909) 888-0321.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the Inland Empires largest Independent physician groups serving more than 100,000 medical visits per year. LaSalle provides medical care for pregnant women, children, adults and seniors. LaSalle helps families without insurance qualify for low and no cost health insurance. No patient is turned away from LaSalle regardless of their ability to pay.
(FONTANA, Calif.) – LaSalle Medical Associates will hold free classes to teach parents how to manage their children’s asthma. Children are also welcome to attend.
The classes take place Wednesday, May 7 at the LaSalle Medical Associates clinic in Fontana, 17577 Arrow Blvd. LaSalle Medical Associates offers a 10 a.m. class in Spanish, and a 1 p.m. class in English.
“This class educates parents about the signs and symptoms of asthma,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Most children with asthma can live completely normal lives, so long as it is treated with the proper medication and the adults around them know what to do in an emergency.”
“This class educates parents about the signs and symptoms of asthma,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Most children with asthma can live completely normal lives, so long as it is treated with the proper medication and the adults around them know what to do in an emergency.”
The course will educate parents about asthma triggers, medications and methods of delivery, and how to react properly in an emergency situation. All participants will receive a free pillow encasement to help protect an asthmatic child from harmful dust mites.
The classes are hosted by LaSalle Medical Associates and given by the American Lung Association of California.
For more information about the Fontana class, call (909) 380-8016.
(HESPERIA, Calif.) – LaSalle Medical Associates will hold free classes to teach parents how to manage their children’s asthma. Children are also welcome to attend.
The classes take place Wednesday, April 30 at the LaSalle Medical Associates clinic in Hesperia, 16455 Main Street. LaSalle Medical Associates offers a 10 a.m. class in Spanish, and a 1 p.m. class in English.
“This class educates parents about the signs and symptoms of asthma,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Most children with asthma can live completely normal lives, so long as it is treated with the proper medication and the adults around them know what to do in an emergency.”
The course will educate parents about asthma triggers, medications and methods of delivery, and now to react properly in an emergency situation. All participants will receive a free pillow encasement to help protect an asthmatic child from harmful dust mites.
The classes are co-sponsored by the American Lung Association of California.
For more information about the Hesperia class, call (760) 947-2161.
(HESPERIA, Calif.) “A mammogram just takes a few minutes,” says LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. Medical Director, Dr. Cheryl Emoto, at LaSalle’s Hesperia clinic (16455 Main St.). “But it is so important for women, especially, to have annual exams for those over 40. And for younger women, too, if they notice a breast lump or have concerns.”
Many women, Emoto points out, are apprehensive about having mammograms, so her goal is to make the exams as unintimidating as possible. She says, “We want our patients to come to LaSalle where they’re familiar with the relaxed facility and the personal staff.”
So, to do that, LaSalle has contracted with Inner Images, bringing mobile mammogram equipment directly to LaSalle’s Hesperia clinic one day a month. The program began in late January and was overwhelmingly received, the 20-year veteran with LaSalle explains. “Women have really responded to the program. We look forward to helping our patients find beginning signs of breast cancer so that we can treat it early,” said Dr. Emoto.
After the mammogram is taken, in about two weeks, patients are notified of the results. Should the tests indicate anything at all out of the ordinary, patients are brought in for consultation and possible further tests or even recommendations of specialists.
Mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35 percent in women over the age of 50; and studies suggest for women, even between 40 and 50, mammograms may lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 35 percent.
And they take just 10 minutes out of the day.
Prior appointments are recommended. Most insurances cover mammograms with prior authorization, and for women without insurance there are programs that patients may qualify for – providing low cost or no cost mammograms. Don’t let the lack of medical insurance stop you from getting your mammogram.
For an appointment, call the office at (760) 947-2161.
DR. ARTEAGA AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.)
The award was presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, in Riverside.
“I accept this award not just for me but for the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at LaSalle’s five clinics. This is recognition of the entire companies dedication to our patients and our communities we serve,” said Arteaga.
“The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.”
Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as Commissioner for First 5 Children and Families Commission and the Latino Health Collaborative.
Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent over four years in northern Mexico. Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best healthcare possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with dignity, compassion and respect.
“It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said.
This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as one of Riverside and San Bernardino’s best healthcare provider.
The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle has also been the number one enroller in the state of California for Healthy Families, an insurance program for children from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance.
The father of three children, Arteaga lives in Grand Terrace with his wife, Maria, one son and two daughters. For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407, or go to www.lasallemedical.com.
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Photo caption: Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.) Left to Right – Maria Arteaga, wife of Dr. Albert Arteaga, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., Daughter: Sandy Arteaga and Mitzi Arteaga, Lynda Long, LaSalle Medial Associates, Inc.
