Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., and Dr. Thomas S. Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Network Medical Management, Inc. (NMM) and Chairman of Allied Physicians of California, IPA, announced the partnership of the healthcare networks to better serve the needs of California’s underserved patients.While many doctors in California are reducing the number of Medi-Cal and Medicare patients they treat, the new partnership plans to increase the number of low-income patients they care for.Front Row Left to Right: Jay Chen, Candidate for Congress; Kenneth Sim, MD, CFO of APC; Albert Arteaga, MD, President of LaSalle; Judy Chu, Congresswoman; Thomas Lam, MD, MPH, Chairman of APC Board; Mike Eng, Assemblyman; Paul Liu, MD, APC Board Member.Back Row Left to Right: Ed Chau, Candidate for Assemblyman; Wing Chan, MD, APC Board Member; Lorraine Estradas, RN, MPH, NMM Board Member, CEO of Arroyo Vista Family Health Centers; Su-Kin Lee, MD, APC Board Member; Li Yu, President of Preferred Bank; Albert Young, MD, MPH, CMO of APC.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Three of California’s largest minority owned healthcare providers recently announced a new partnership that better prepares them to serve California’s five million uninsured expected to join the healthcare system in 2014 when the full Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) takes effect.
In a press conference on Wednesday, October 3rd, Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., and Dr. Thomas S. Lam, Chief Operating Officer of Network Medical Management, Inc. (NMM) and Chairman of Allied Physicians of California, IPA, announced the partnership of the healthcare networks to better serve the needs of California’s underserved patients.
While many doctors in California are reducing the number of Medi-Cal and Medicare patients they treat, the new partnership plans to increase the number of low-income patients they care for.
“We are furthering our commitment to provide for the healthcare needs of the underserved through Medi-Cal, Medicare and private insurances in California,” said Dr. Arteaga.
“There is a Hispanic saying that I will try to translate for you,” said Dr. Arteaga. “When two mighty rivers come together, they make a sea. We like to think that this is what we are doing, making a sea. By working together we dramatically increase our ability and opportunity to serve our patients and the healthcare professionals that serve them.”
LaSalle, Allied and NMM have very similar missions and their own long history of providing excellent patient care, and medical management for underserved populations. They have diverse provider networks, diverse staff compositions and diverse patient populations.
One striking similarity is their commitments to the communities they serve. LaSalle’s founder Dr. Albert Arteaga is California’s first-ever U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Childhood Immunization Champion, one of only 39 across the country receiving the prestigious honor. The majority of LaSalle’s patients are Hispanic.
Dr. Thomas S. Lam started Allied Physicians of California’s Senior Wellness Center located in Alhambra delivering free educational workshops and free clinics. The majority of Allied’s patients are Asian.
“Together we serve both of the fastest growing populations in California with similar needs and many similar barriers to overcome. We plan to marry our passion for excellent patient care with NMM’s outstanding medical billing and claims service,” said Dr. Arteaga.
LaSalle Medical Associates started their health care practice in 1984; by 1992 they grew to four clinics. LaSalle started its IPA in 1992 in response to requests for managed care created by government and insurances companies. The providers prefer to negotiate health care services and compensation with groups of physicians rather than individual doctors.
LaSalle Medical Associates accepted the challenge and has grown to a network of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 193,000 lives in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin and Madera counties. LaSalle’s slogan is “We Care”.
Allied Physicians of California provides affordable and quality Health Care to its culturally diverse neighborhood communities, improves the standard of medical practices through education and quality improvement process, and reinvests retained resources back to local charities as well as community medical infrastructure improvements. Allied’s slogan is “We Understand & We Care”.
Network Medical Management began with Allied Physicians IPA founded in 1992, by a group of physicians, in response to the growing health demands of the community. Soon after, other IPAs approached the group seeking the company’s management expertise and adopting its solid managed care foundation.
Network Medical Management (NMM) is a Management Services Organization (MSO) comprised of healthcare professionals and financial experts, whose industry expertise enables clients to attain their financial goals and achieve organizational success.
NMM provides comprehensive administrative support to Independent Physicians Associations (IPAs) and medical groups, pursuing both quality patient-care and profitability. NMM has grown to serve 90,000 lives in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles and Orange counties.
For more information about LaSalle call (909) 890-0407. -end- About LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 patient visits in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin and Madera counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in California. About Network Medical Management (NMM)
Network Medical Management (NMM) is a Management Services Organization (MSO) comprised of healthcare professionals and financial experts, whose industry expertise enables clients to attain their financial goals and achieve organizational success.
NMM provides comprehensive administrative support to Independent Physicians Associations (IPAs) and medical groups, pursuing both quality patient-care and profitability.
As the health care industry continues to evolve, NMM remains at the forefront, anticipating changes and their impacts to the customers. NMM believes in a solid infrastructure and technology, which ensure the delivery of an integrated health care system with the highest efficiency and accuracy. About Allied Physicians of California IPA – “We Understand & We Care”
In 1992, a group of dedicated physicians founded Allied Physicians of California IPA (APC) to deliver quality and patient-centered healthcare to the growing demand in Southern California. APC is contracted with most major health plans and has a complete network of healthcare providers and hospitals to deliver the most optimal patient care. Over the years, APC has earned recognition within the healthcare industry as a responsible and proactive managed care facilitator, which harmonized with our motto “We Understand and We Care”. Allied Physicians has:
One of the largest networks of doctors and medical professionals in San Gabriel Valley.
Multilingual customer service representatives.
Quick and efficient process to answer referrals and billing inquiries.
Health education and community events.
Additional benefits for members.
At Allied Physicians IPA, our excellent team of service-oriented staff and our comprehensive network of primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and ancillary partners coordinate an effective health care delivery system to the community.
Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle says “We’ve taken every step necessary to insure vaccines are received, handled and stored properly so as not to compromise their efficiency as well as protect the families we serve.”
The CDC and state VFC programs reiterated their recommendations to healthcare providers on best practices in storing and handling vaccines. (San Bernardino, CA) Each year millions of dollars are lost in the United States because healthcare providers improperly store and handle vaccines meant to protect against childhood diseases such as measles and chicken pox.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. wants to assure parents, and the community, it follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Vaccine for Children programs’ vaccine guidelines.
“This is something we take very seriously. Our vaccine handling and storage techniques are audited annually by either the CHDP or VFC,’’ says Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle. “We’ve taken every step necessary to insure vaccines are received, handled and stored properly so as not to compromise their efficiency as well as protect the children we serve.”
Just last June and July, VFC and CHDP representatives audited LaSalle’s vaccine storage and handling practices, Graber says. And, two years ago LaSalle purchased, and placed, Pharmaceutical-grade refrigerators in each of its four clinics. Those refrigerators are exclusively for vaccine storage and, the temperatures in each refrigerator are monitored twice daily and logged, Graber says.
The CDC also recommends healthcare providers store vaccines in refrigerators without freezers. However, a combination refrigerator/freezer unit sold for home use can be used for vaccine storage if the refrigerator and freezer compartments each have separate external doors. Refrigerators must have a calibrated thermometer in place, and checked twice daily for temperature compliance.
“According to regulations we keep these logs for three years and also have protocols in place in the event of an emergency or power outage,’’ Graber says.
Recently, the CDC and state VFC programs reiterated their recommendations to healthcare providers on best practices in handling vaccines. Both recommend instituting vaccine plans. This plan should include routine vaccine management – from ordering and controlling inventory to storing and monitoring storage conditions, according to the CDC.
It is also recommended the plan include protocols for emergency vaccine retrieval and storage in the event of a refrigerator or freezer malfunction, power failures, or other emergencies which might compromise vaccine storage conditions.
To minimize loss, the CDC recommends storage and handling plans to include:
Up to date contact information.
Descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of primary and back up vaccine coordinators.
Summaries of storage requirements for each vaccine in inventory.
Protocols for vaccine storage unit temperature monitoring, storage equipment maintenance, placement of vaccine within storage units, responding to vaccine storage and handling problems, transporting and receiving vaccine shipments, and proper disposal of vaccines and supplies.
The CDC also recommends healthcare providers store vaccines in refrigerators without freezers. However, a combination refrigerator/freezer unit sold for home use can be used for vaccine storage if the refrigerator and freezer compartments each have separate external doors. Refrigerators must have a calibrated thermometer in place, and checked twice daily for temperature compliance.
Graber says LaSalle has, and will continue to, meet all of the CDC vaccine recommendations. In addition, LaSalle has its own internal policies and procedures which coincide with federal and state recommendations, she says.
“This is both a healthcare and fiscal issue,’’ says LaSalle Executive Vice President Carl Maier. “We are diligent in protecting the patients we serve as well as mindful of costs, which is a reason we allocated the time and funding purchasing high quality refrigeration equipment.”
For more information call LaSalle Medical Associates, Incorporated at (909) 890-0407. About LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 patient visits in Riverside, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin, Los Angeles and Madera Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Central Valley include: the Community Medical Centers. Hospital affiliations include: Lodi Memorial Hospital, Lodi Memorial Hospital-Vine Clinic, Lodi Memorial Hospital-Trinity Clinic and Lodi Memorial Hospital-Millsbridge Clinic.
In Central California, LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Healthy Families providers. LaSalle also accepts Blue Shield .
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in California.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) More than ten thousand people throughout the Inland Empire received flu vaccinations this past year, thanks to the efforts of the staff at LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
The new flu season starts September 1, 2012 with flu vaccines available at all LaSalle clinics. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season: an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Influenza, otherwise known as the flu, occurs annually from October through May and is spread by coughing, sneezing or a runny nose. Getting vaccinated can help avoid the flu or lessen its symptoms, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.
Last year Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, was selected as California’s first-ever CDC Childhood Immunization Champion for LaSalle’s work in immunizations. He was one of only 39 doctors in the United States receiving the prestigious honor.
Advocating precaution to protect yourself and those around you from the flu, LaSalle provided a total of 10,676 flu vaccines this season. Operating a total of four clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and San Bernardino, this annual effort goes a long way in making a difference in curbing the spread of the flu for everyone.
“I cannot stress how important it is to get your annual flu vaccine,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “The benefits of flu vaccines have been proven over and over. It is the best tool we have in preventing the spread of the virus.”
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including: pregnant women, older adults and young children. New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses.
“The seasonal flu vaccine are available in September 1, before the start of flu season,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Getting vaccinated now is a great way to avoid the flu. If you do get the flu, to limit the spreading of the virus, anyone with symptoms should stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a doctor or clinic, especially if they are worried about the symptoms.”
LaSalle has the High Dose flu vaccine for seniors, the intradermal flu vaccine is a shot that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle, and nasal flu mists for children and adults.
For more information about the seasonal influenza vaccine, or to make an appointment, call LaSalle’s Pediatric clinics in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in (909) 823-4454 and in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St. (909) 887-6494. LaSalle’s family clinics are located: in San Bernardino at 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. (909) 884-9091 and in Hesperia at 16455 Main St. (760) 947-2161.
For more information about this season’s vaccine selection, from the CDC visit Vaccine Virus Selection for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Fresno, Kings, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
LaSalle Medical Associates, suggest that patients bring any new prescriptions to their doctors visits. Informing your doctor of your current prescriptions helps to determine what medications will work best with your current treatment. It also can ensure that your doctor knows every medication you are taking and that each patient gets the best care possible for the recommended treatment.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) What if your doctor prescribes a new medicine that reacts badly with a prescription you received from a recent emergency room visit, it can happen, sometimes with disastrous results. How can you prevent this?
“Bring all of your prescriptions with you to every doctor visit, especially those you have given by another doctor or emergency room visit” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
Informing your doctor of your current prescriptions helps to determine what medications will work best with your current treatment. It also can ensure that your doctor knows every medication you are taking and that each patient gets the best care possible for the recommended treatment.
“If you take a prescription regularly for an ongoing condition, your physician needs to be aware of it,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Dr. Arteaga encourages every patient to make their physician aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications they are taking, as well as any vitamins and herbal supplements.
Medications come in different Shapes, sizes and contents. Make sure your doctor knows about all of medications you are taking.
By providing this vital information, your doctor is able to determine if you are taking any medications you no longer need or taking more than one drug to treat the same condition. Your doctor will also be able to tell if the reason for your visit is a side effect of your current medication and reduce the risk for any future adverse drug interaction.
Dr. Arteaga also points out that when you bring your prescriptions to your scheduled doctor visit, you may be able to minimize your out-of-pocket costs as well. In fact, there may be a less expensive variety of the same medication.
“Remember, newer isn’t always better,” said Dr. Arteaga. ”Some older drugs may work just as well for you and cost you a lot less.”
Dr. Arteaga cautions that ultimately, the medications you take should always be ones that your doctor feels are best for you. However, a talk with your doctor about the cost of treatment and your ability to pay may result in substantial savings as well as a better health outcome.
For more an appointment or more information call LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. at (909) 890-0407. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) – August is the month many Inland Empire children head back to school. Many of them, especially in grades 7-12, need to make sure they have all the necessary back-to-school immunizations.
New this year is a state of California requirement all children in grades 7-12 be immunized against whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Before starting classes, children in these grades must show proof of having been immunized after their 10th birthday.
“Most children were immunized against pertussis before they started kindergarten,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “But the immunization weakens over time, so the new law makes sure adolescents are still adequately protected against this disease.”
This state law came after an epidemic of pertussis cases in 2010, affecting more than 9,000 people and causing 10 deaths, including two infants in San Bernardino County. Vaccinating older children not only keeps them healthy, but also prevents the disease from spreading from adolescents to infants and preschoolers, who are at greater risk of serious complications.
Dr. Arteaga urges parents to schedule appointments for their child’s back-to-school examinations as soon as possible. With most Inland Empire children starting school in only a few weeks, a delay could result in children missing school.
Finances need not be a concern.
“Children in families who receive either Medi-Cal or Healthy Families will not be charged for these vaccines,” Dr. Arteaga said. “And for families with no insurance, we can offer this immunization for free through the California Vaccines for Children program.”
The California Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program. Children who have insurance, but whose insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the vaccine, may also be eligible.
Children starting kindergarten also need immunizations, including a pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria vaccine designed for young children called DTaP. They also need proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and Varicella (chicken pox.)
“If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations are needed for kindergarteners,” Dr. Arteaga said. “However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get caught up.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
“As pediatricians, we strive for 100 percent immunizations of pediatric patients and, while that’s probably a utopian objective, our goal is to get as close as to that 100 percent as we can,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. . “This CDC recognition is the fruit of two to three years of intense labor on part of the LaSalle staff, my wife Maria and I.”
(San Bernardino, CA) The transmission of the influenza (flu) virus from health care the tao of badass professional to patients has become a growing concern. In fact, each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, with as many as 49,000 people dying after contracting the flu.
To a large degree, the flu virus is passed from person to person. A fact that has not been lost at San Bernardino based LaSalle Medical Associates. Dr. Arteaga understands that health care professionals play a key role in combating the spread of the flu virus. LaSalle Medical Associates has a culture of preventative care, starting with their employees and family.
“It is extremely important for us to show leadership and to set an example for our patients by getting immunized to prevent germs from circulating,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “In many cases we may be the only barriers to preventing the spread of the virus. Therefore, we encourage our staff to do exactly what we are asking others to do.”
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently released its annual report on vaccination rates among health care employees across the state. It says that while employee vaccination rates has increased slightly form 2010 to 2011, only 64 percent of health care personnel receive vaccinations to combat against the flu.
Operating clinics in Hesperia, Fontana and two in San Bernardino, LaSalle Medical Associates boast an overall average of 91 percent vaccination rate for staff and health care workers.
As a dedicated advocate for immunizations, Dr. Arteaga stresses that vaccinations remain the single most effective tool to fight the spread of the virus from professional to patient.
“I believe that the vaccination of all health care professionals is essential in preventing transmission of germs causing illness from patient to patient,” said Dr. Arteaga. “At LaSalle we are doing everything possible to lead by example, and encourage our employees to receive flu vaccinations. In fact, our corporate office has a 100 percent flu vaccination rate.”
Nurse gives an immunization. LaSalle Medical Associates has a culture of preventative care, starting with their employees and family.
This is a belief that Dr. Arteaga holds very dear. In fact, he believes it so strongly that he personally asked all of the LaSalle staff to get their vaccinations, as well as their families. As a result, LaSalle offered its employees and family members vaccinations free of charge.
“The importance of this issue in preventative health should not be minimized. However, it must be a belief that is embraced from the top down,” said Dr. Arteaga. “I am very proud of our employees. Our entire staff has really answered the call to be proactive and create a barrier to the spread of germs by using this preventative measure couples therapy los angeles
. ” About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Med-Cal and Healthy Families and they also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia and1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patience care with more than 190,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, Parkview Community Hospital, Kaiser Moreno Valley, Kaiser Fontana and Kaiser Riverside from dating chat social website.
(Hesperia, Calif.) “Delivering patient care with courtesy and respect is the goal for LaSalle Medical Associates. In our journey to provide patients with quality care, LaSalle is happy welcome Kevin Yim as our new Physician Assistant,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
“We are all very excited to have Kevin as part of the LaSalle family,” said Dr.. Arteaga. “He is a great addition to the Hesperia clinic, providing care with respect and compassion to all our patients.”
Kevin joins the LaSalle’s clinic located at 16455 Main St. in Hesperia. Among his duties, he conducts physical exams in order to diagnose and treat patients.
“I always wanted to treat patients like a doctor,” said Kevin. “Like most people, I thought that the only option or way to do it was to go to medical school and become a doctor. While earning my undergraduate degree at UC Irvine, I learned that as a physician assistant, I could treat patients, much like a doctor does. It seemed like a good fit.”
Physician assistants (referred to as PA’s) are people who practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed doctor. In many ways, they are similar to doctors. They have many of the same responsibilities, and perform many of the same tasks. Much like doctors a physician assistant works in a general family practice, or may specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as obstetrics, cardiology or orthopedics.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology form UC Irvine, Kevin continued his journey, as he was accepted to the Physician Assistant program at Western University in Pomona. Upon obtaining his degree, he began working as a PA for an urgent care clinic in Claremont, Calif.
While he enjoyed working in urgent care, his passion for pediatric care remained in his heart. Fortunately, he saw an opening with LaSalle for a pediatric physician assistant.
“LaSalle is just the type of place I want to be,” said Kevin. “While we provide care for both children and adults, my focus is just on pediatric care.”
Kevin stresses the need for a proper diet, immunizations and consistency in annual check ups as essential elements in the preventive care he now provides his patients.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (760) 947-2161.
About LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Fresno, Kings, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
“As pediatricians, we strive for 100 percent immunizations of pediatric patients and, while that’s probably a utopian objective, our goal is to get as close as to that 100 percent as we can,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. . “This CDC recognition is the fruit of two to three years of intense labor on part of me and staff.” Photo by Carl Dameron
Dr. Albert Arteaga is California’s First-Ever CDC Childhood Immunization Champion (San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, is California’s first-ever CDC Childhood Immunization Champion and one of only 39 across the country receiving the prestigious honor.
The award given by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes advocates who work to make sure children are protected by immunizations. Nominations for the award are open to one individual from each state. Already, LaSalle’s clinics boast a 91 percent influenza immunization coverage rate among its staff and medical associates, which serves as an example for its patients.
“We are seeing the results of three years of work coming to fruition,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., about his honor as a CDC Immunization Champion. “To me, as a pediatrician, this is like the good housekeeping seal of approval. On an emotional level, it’s like winning the battle of Cinco de Mayo, Bunker Hill and the World Cup all at the last minute.”
In recent years, Dr. Arteaga and his staff have increased childhood immunizations rates among their patients. Highlighting this success is a pilot project created a few years ago in which each LaSalle clinic staff collected, sorted and organized data identifying pediatric patients in need of updates to their childhood immunization charts. Parents of those children were called and asked to bring them in for their immunizations, Dr. Arteaga says.
This pilot project is now a permanent part of LaSalle’s culture and routine, Arteaga says.
“As pediatricians, we strive for 100 percent immunizations of pediatric patients and, while that’s probably a utopian objective, our goal is to get as close as to that 100 percent as we can. And, friendly reminders can only go so far, which is a reason we needed a better approach,’’ says Dr. Arteaga. “This CDC recognition is the fruit of two to three years of intense labor on part of me and staff.”
While the number of children receiving vaccinations in pediatric offices is high, the percentage of those children whose vaccinations are up to date may not be, says Dr. Arteaga. This statistic is in no way a reflection of a possible deficiency in services as the onus is on the parents to ensure their children are up to date on their vaccines. LaSalle’s goal is to ensure each pediatric patient’s immunization chart is updated.
“Friendly reminders can only go so far, which is a reason we needed a better approach to reach parents. The CDC recognition is a reflection of our work to reach parents,’’ Dr. Arteaga says. “From a pediatric stand-point, this honor has major impact because unlike, lets say surgeons whose mark of excellence is based on surgery outcomes, a pediatrician’s performance is marked by how much we do in pediatrics. Ensuring our patients timely immunizations is a big component of our jobs and a mark of excellence.”
The CDC Childhood Immunization Champion Award is given jointly by the CDC and the CDC Foundation. It is given annually to individuals who are doing an exemplary job or going above and beyond to promote or foster childhood immunizations in their communities.
Individuals were selected for the honor based on the following criteria:
Has provided community leadership on immunization issues and collaborated with others to build support for and increase immunization rates of infants and young children.
Has used creative and/or innovative strategies to promote infant and young child immunization and meet unique immunization challenges within their community, state or region, including, for example, reaching hard-to-reach or under-immunized populations.
Has been a visible immunization champion in a community and/or medical system by acting as a spokesperson, advocate, and/or educator.
Has been an advocate for immunization policy advancements.
This year’s nominations were submitted directly to state immunization programs. Managers of those programs reviewed and evaluated nominees and then made a recommendation to the CDC.
In his nomination letter, Dr. Arteaga’s accomplishments noted several community collaborations and outreach efforts to build support for increasing childhood vaccination rates as well as promoting vaccines for various common communicable viruses, such as the seasonal flu. An example is a 2011 partnership with the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, where Dr. Arteaga co-sponsored a series of Public Service Announcements (PSA) on local radio stations promoting the flu vaccine. Messages were delivered in English and in Spanish.
On the first day, owner Dr. Albert Arteaga and his wife Maria then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant saw two patients at their clinic in Fontana. Today, LaSalle Medical Associates has grown to four clinics and 120 employees, and an Independent Practice Association (IPA) serving more than 1,900 doctors. Photo by Carl Dameron
In addition, and as a member of the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Provider Advisory Council, Dr. Arteaga promotes utilizing provider reimbursements as an incentive to increase immunization rates of its members through the Healthy Families Program. Dr. Arteaga is also diligent in clarifying or dispelling common misinformation associated with childhood immunizations. To aid in these efforts, he produces and publishes a quarterly patient newsletter providing insight on vaccinations as well as to dispel any myths and concerns.
As president of the Latino Health Collaborative and a former San Bernardino County First 5 commissioner, Dr. Arteaga advocates for increasing funding for childhood immunizations. He also served on the California State Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board as the physician representative for Healthy Families, advocating for an increase in childhood vaccinations.
“Dr. Albert Arteaga’s leadership and collaboration with others to build support for and increase immunization rates for hard-to-reach and under-immunized populations is commendable,’’ says Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod. “His work with disease prevention of children and minorities is a testament to his commitment to improve community health. I want to congratulate Dr. Arteaga for his work and recognition as one of California’s CDC Childhood Immunization champions.’’
Award recipients were announced during National Infant Immunization Week, April 21-28.
For more information call LaSalle Medical Associates corporate office at (909) 890-0407. About LaSalle Medical Associates LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
Carl Maier, executive vice president of operations for LaSalle Medical Associates, signs an agreement with Rhonda Trindle, owner of Tritan International Services. This new agreement extends medical waster services to include members of LaSalle’s Independent Physician Association. Photo by Chris Sloan.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Members of LaSalle Medical Associates’ Independent Physician Association (IPA) can now save up to 45 percent on the collection and disposal of medical waste thanks to a new agreement with Tritan International Services.
Under the new agreement, Tritan, an Apple Valley-based medical waste disposal company, will provide disposal of sharp object and medical waste to all interested groups within LaSalle’s IPA at a discounted rate.
“The goal is to provide our practitioners with options,” says Carl Maier, executive vice president of Operations for LaSalle Medical Associates. “When practitioners have options the end result is more flexibility to manage their clinic efficiently and provide quality care, which benefits the patient.”
Tritan International Services is family-owned and services all medical facilities, including physician and dental offices, clinics and hospitals. It’s known as a leader in the disposal of sharp objects and medical waste.
“The prices are very reasonable, the service is excellent, and they are environmentally conscientious,’’ said Alexandra Acosta, director of finance and clinic operations at LaSalle Medical Associates. “We also like that they are family-owned and operated.”
LaSalle’s commitment to extending every dollar to practitioners is a key reason healthcare providers across Southern and Central California join LaSalle Medical Associates’ IPA. And, creating an environment where long-standing relationships are extended to those providers is what LaSalle strives for, says Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and CEO.
“Our healthy relationships with vendors, such as Tritan, are a testament to the type of business we operate, the services we provide and the commitment to the patients we care for,’’ Arteaga says. “And, when there is an opportunity to expand that relationship or to pass on savings to our providers there’s no hesitation.”
While savings is a big component of contracting with a vendor, Maier notes there are other factors taken into consideration when negotiating with vendors. He says LaSalle has to take into consideration what geographic location a vendor serves, their performance history, economic viability and service capacity.
“It is important to find saving opportunities without compromising service,” Maier says. “Not only does Tritan produce significant savings for our members, but their collection and disposal methods are environmentally conscientious and they are dedicated to meeting customer needs.”
Based in Apple Valley, Calif., Tritan is operated by Rhonda and Alan Trindle. It has been in operation for 12 years, providing biohazard waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, sharps collection and disposal, and emergency response in California, Oregon and Washington State. The company is currently negotiating expansion into New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.
Apple Valley-based Tritan International Services provides medical waste disposal at a discount to healthcare facilities. A new agreement between LaSalle Medical Associates and Tritan will save practitioners up to 45 percent on medical waste disposal. Photo by Chris Sloan.
“We began by just focusing on providing customers with a friendly, personal approach, working to meeting their needs,” says Rhonda Trindle. “We are a family business and we want to treat everyone like they are family. We are excited our relationship with LaSalle now includes its IPA members. This extension is proof LaSalle only wants the best for its providers and, ultimately, its patients.”
LaSalle Medical Associates operates four neighborhood clinics, in Fontana, Hesperia and two in San Bernardino, caring for more than 7,500 Inland Empire patients each month. In addition, LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in nine California Counties.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407 or visit www.LaSalleMedicalAssociates.com. About LaSalle Medical Associates LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
These handy instructions are available for free at all LaSalle Medical Associates offices in San Bernardino, Fontana and Hesperia, or download this one today.
lasalle-121 11x17Q8LO (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Swimming and other water activities are excellent opportunities for physical activity however they also can lead to unintentional deaths.
With summer around the corner and water growing in popularity for child’s play, LaSalle Medical Associates is urging local residents to remain cautious and vigilant around swimming pools regardless of size.
“The average 2-year-old is two-and-a-half to three feet tall so while a two foot tall wading pool seems safe to an adult, it is a danger to a small child,’’ said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates Inc. on pool safety. “Small children can drown in only a few inches of water so parents, grandparents, and babysitters need to pay attention to children around any sized swimming pools.”
The leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, and the highest rate among children is drowning. This information according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the United States, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children ages one to four. It is estimated three in 10 drowning victims are children younger than age five.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 260 children under age 5 drown in pools each year. The agency also estimates nearly 3,000 hospital emergency room visits are due to incidents involving children, under age five, playing in swimming pools.
“We, as adults, become complacent because children are having fun or we feel comfortable in our environment at the time. But, swimming pools are potentially dangerous for children and we have to keep this in mind all the time,” says Barbara Graber, the education and audit coordinator for LaSalle.
To prevent drowning, the recommendations are to:
Learn survival swimming skills.
Avoid using alcohol while swimming or supervising children near water.
Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water.
Never let older children be in charge of younger children in pool areas.
Place a fence around pools or spas with a gate that locks. Keep gate closed and locked at all times.
Never swim alone.
Keep a cordless, water-resistant phone near the pool in the event of an emergency.
Parents looking into buying small, portable pools such as a wading pool should consider those with sides rigid enough for children to grab. Also, the pool’s surface should be sturdy and not slick so as to avoid slipping.
In each of its four clinics, LaSalle’s Clinic Safety Committee has, on display, posters with pool safety tips. These posters are available to the public, LaSalle officials say.
“The idea is to keep these safety tips in the face of parents in order to convey the message,’’ Arteaga says. “Drowning can become a tragedy, but it is one that is most avoidable.”
In addition to pool safety, LaSalle is also encouraging local residents to protect their skin while enjoying time outside in the sun.
“More time in the pool means more time in the sun and the sun can cause serious sunburns even possibly leading to various levels of skin cancer later in life,’’ Graber says.
Graber suggests using sun block with a SPF of at least 15, which will stop 93 percent of the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays.
Remember to reapply after swimming, she says.
To pick up a free pool safety poster listing important safety tips for children and seniors, go to at any of the four LaSalle’s Inland Empire clinics: in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Avenue, or in Fontana at 17577 Arrow Boulevard, and in Hesperia clinic at 16455 Main Street.
For more information or to make an appointment, call (909) 890-0407. About LaSalle Medical Associates LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
