Victor Madero, LaSalle Medical Associates New Director of Network Development. Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates has a reputation for a commitment to providing community-based healthcare that ensures maximum availability of medical services. In keeping with this commitment, LaSalle Medical Associates is excited by the addition of Victor H. Madero as their new Director of Network Development.
In his new role with LaSalle, Victor Madero will lead the strategic effort for LaSalle’s expansion of its Independent Practice Association (IPA) network in Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kings, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
“There are three branches of the healthcare field,” said Victor. “Health plans, hospital systems, and managed care organizations. Having worked for both a health plan and a hospital, this was the natural progression for me to work for a managed care organization with a reputation for quality health care, like LaSalle. It just seemed to fit. I am very excited about joining the LaSalle family.”
LaSalle Medical Associates is poised to expand its independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics throughout California. Victor will be responsible for creating business strategies for negotiating contracts with new and existing large physician groups, hospitals, and clinics. His leadership will focus on maintaining optimum levels of quality care for a network with close to 200,000 lives.
“We are delighted to welcome Victor to LaSalle Medical Associates,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “His diverse healthcare experience and insights gained through work with Anthem Blue Cross and White Memorial Medical Center will play an integral part in building the type of relationships our providers can not only trust, but may rely on to be responsive to their needs.”
“My primary goal with LaSalle Medical Associates is to partner with a range of health care providers and to help expand the choice of hospitals, primary, and specialty care physicians into new communities in order to increase medical access where patients need it most” said Victor. “Building trusting relationships has always been a key component in the positions I have worked in. My desire is for our providers to feel like an extension of the LaSalle family within their county. In order to be a true partner, we need to show our commitment to actively helping them grow, and not merely managing from a distance. Although we are a large organization, we would like to cast the shadow of a smaller organization by listening and knowing what our providers need most to be successful.” 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.
Lowell King, Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California and Carl Maier, Executive Vice President of LaSalle Medical Associates agreeing to partnership that provides local jobs. Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Transforming lives through the power of work. For many throughout the Inland Empire, the Goodwill of Southern California plays a vital role as an employment resource. In addition, local businesses see them as a partner ensuring highly sensitive documents are disposed of properly and within regulated guidelines.
Joining that growing list of businesses partners is LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. Operating a total of four clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and San Bernardino, LaSalle has partnered with Goodwill Industries to meet with HIPPA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, requiring the proper disposal of unneeded documents.
“This is the kind of alignment opportunity we look for,” said Carl Maier, Executive Vice President of Operations for LaSalle Medical Associates. “By partnering with Goodwill we are ensuring we maintain compliance, while partnering with a local organization. We are doing something good for the environment and providing local job opportunities for those with disabilities. It really doesn’t get any better than that.”
The income Goodwill generates from its shredding service assists in funding education, job training and placement services, providing people who have disabilities and other vocational disadvantages the opportunity to become productive and self-sufficient in the community.
LaSalle is dedicated to their belief of doing more together than you can apart, this partnership with Goodwill Industries assists in maintaining local employment opportunities for 25 individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill’s journey to provide shredding services began in 2005, with the desire to become self-sufficient and create opportunities for its participants, which would generate a positive cash flow.
“We realized that government funding support changed and is no longer what it once was,” said Lowell King, Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California. “As a nonprofit, we wanted to become more self-sufficient. When we began to look at our options, shredding aligned well with our organization.”
Certified by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), the shredding program, which is available nationally, was launched in Southern California in 2005 and expanded to the Inland Empire in 2007. Each Goodwill Secure Bin is bar coded and tracked. The facility is under 24-hour video surveillance, guarded by security personnel 24 hours per day. In addition, all Goodwill Secure Shredding trucks have GPS tracking.
“NAID certified is the premier certification in the shredding industry,” said King. “We are proud of our chain of custody and process in the handling of documents and that we actually exceed every regulation required for shredding.”
In fact the chain of custody concept implemented by Goodwill ensures that document containers are not only locked, but that they are never left unattended. Even clients can’t retrieve items once they are placed in the container.
“In life, there are three things that are very transformational; your faith, your health and a job,” said King. “Our contracts help organizations to be environmentally conscience as well as help provide jobs to those with disabilities. By partnering with organizations like LaSalle, we are changing lives by getting folks working that never had that opportunity before. At the end of the day, that is a good feeling.”
On the heels of this successful partnership, LaSalle is currently working to extend this same service to members of its Independent Practice Association (IPA). Located throughout California, their network of 1,900 contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics deliver high quality patient care with more than 190,000 patient visits per year. 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, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Clean hands save lives! It’s a simple message repeated by health care providers and agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), daily.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness, such as the common cold and influenza, says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
As you touch people, surfaces, pets and objects, you accumulate germs on your hands, and although it’s impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing your hands frequently can help limit the transfer of germs.
“Just think about all the things you touch everyday. You come in contact with germs all the time, so there are many opportunities to wash your hands,’’ says Arteaga.
Consider these key facts about hand washing from the CDC:
A third of adults in the U.S. do not wash their hands after using the bathroom.
One in four adults don’t wash their hands after changing diapers.
Less than half of Americans wash hands after cleaning after pets.
A third of adults wash hands after sneezing/coughing.
Less than one in five adults washes their hands after touching money.
One in three E. coli occurrences is caused from not washing hands before handling food.
How to Wash
“If hands are kept clean, the transmission of germs from person to person is greatly reduced,” Arteaga says. “But just holding your hands under running water won’t do the trick. There are proper techniques to follow,” he continued.
The best way to effectively eliminate most germs, Dr. Arteaga says, is to wash your hands with soap and water for about 15 to 20 seconds, followed by a good rinse.
“Be sure to wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers where germs can hide, and under your fingernails,’’ Dr. Arteaga says. “You must scrub your hands vigorously for at least 15 to 20 seconds to remove germs.”
For those concerned about time, Dr. Arteaga suggests looking no further than the “ABC Song.” He says singing the “ABC Song,” which is about 20 seconds in length, is not only effective in timing your own hand washing but is a unique way to help children develop their vocabulary skills and understand the importance of proper hand washing.
As an extra precaution, when using public restrooms, Dr. Arteaga suggests drying your hands with a paper towel, using it to turn off the water. Then, before discarding the paper towel, use it to open or close the bathroom door.
In the event a sink and or soap and water are not available, Dr. Arteaga suggests using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel or wipes, which are also effective in eliminating germs. But, Dr. Arteaga also points out, soap and water is still best in removing germs and bacteria.
“Many people use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, but if there is visible dirt on your hands, the alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not going to be as effective,’’ he says. “You need to use soap and water to rinse the dirt off your hands. If your hands aren’t visibly dirty, and you do not have soap and water available, make sure the hand sanitizer contains at least 60 percent alcohol to be effective in killing most germs and viruses.” When to Wash
Wash your hands before and after you eat, use the toilet, change a diaper, touch an animal, blow your nose, cough or sneeze, handle garbage and touch a computer screen or telephone.
Dr. Arteaga says it is also good practice to wash your hands after visiting a park, entering our homes, and using our computers and telephones.
“Repetition is the mother of conversation,’’ he says. “The more you repeat something, the more it becomes ingrained in you to do it. So we must continue to instruct people on the proper way to wash their hands so that they don’t forget.”
Dr. Arteaga and his wife, Maria, a registered nurse, founded LaSalle Medical Associates 27 years ago. He and his team of 120 health care professionals treat thousands of patients for infectious diseases, such as the common cold and seasonal influenza each year.
LaSalle operates clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates is an Independent Physicians Association (IPA), which has a membership of 1,900 health care professionals serving 190,000 patients in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kings, Madera, San Joaquin and Tulare counties.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to www.LasalleMedical.com. 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 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.
Carl Maier, LaSalle Medical Associates VP of Operations.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates continues its strong commitment of providing quality patient care, with the addition of Carl Maier as Executive Vice President of Operations.
A seasoned healthcare executive, Maier will oversee the overall operational policies and procedures, network development, marketing and strategic planning, for LaSalle.
In addition, Maier will steer the operations and strategic partnerships of LaSalle’s Independent Practice Association’s (IPA) network of 1,900 independently contracted providers, with more than 190,000 patient visits per year in Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kings, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties.
“Carl’s superb knowledge of healthcare operations and has the ability to create an integrated system, together with his unique ability to develop trusting relationships with physicians are a tremendous asset to LaSalle Medical Associates,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates.
Before Joining LaSalle, Maier served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and the Chief Executive Officer of OneAero Inc., an aviation parts supply marketing company. Managing a budget of $5.6 million and supervising nearly 100 staff, his expertise and knowledge of the healthcare industry played a pivotal role in IEHP achieving several milestones, including: increasing Medi-Cal market share, improving call center satisfaction ratings and creation of a marketing and outreach system that was ultimately adopted by the State of California.
“LaSalle Medical Associates believes we can do more together than we can alone. That means forming strong partnerships with our providers and organizations like MedPOINT Management, which helps us with much of the day to day operations,” said Maier. “My role is to ensure that our teams work well together, and that we deliver a better provider and patient experience.”
Maier earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside. His interests include: ancient history, running, art history, scuba diving and skiing.
Maier’s professional associations include: California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Olmstead Advisory Committee (2007-2009), Local Health Plans of California Marketing Executives Committee (2002-2009), California HealthCare Foundation Performance Standards for People with Disabilities Work Group (2005), California HealthCare Foundation Retention Work Group (2004), A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management Alumni Association Advisory Board (1999- 2001). 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 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.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, congratulates Dr. Franklin Chu upon receiving the inaugural "We Care Award". Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The LaSalle Medical Associates recently presented its inaugural “We Care Award” to the San Bernardino Urological Associates, which was accepted by founding member Dr. Franklin Chu.
Created by Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, the award pays tribute to doctors for their commitment to providing quality service and patient care in the local community.
Dr. Chu and his team continue to deliver quality care for the well being of their patients for more than 27 years. Dr. Chu says that sometimes, patients come to him very upset because they need or are on Medi-Cal. With offices in San Bernardino and Apple Valley, he explains that it is important to understand the frustration of his patients, giving them a little more leeway to express themselves.
The issue revolves around the predisposition of some doctors to provide socio-economically challenged patients with care that is not of the highest available quality, based on what saves time and money for the physician and their practice.
“When I am treating patients, I don’t differentiate in the type of care they receive based on their coverage. You would never be able to tell if the patient I am seeing is privately insured, utilizes a HMO or is a Medi-Cal patient. Once I see the patient I see a person who needs medical care, not what they are paying me. Their healthcare is the most important thing to me,” said Dr. Chu.
As the president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Dr. Arteaga operates clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana and Hesperia, as well 1900 physician members in his Independent Practice Group (IPA). Understanding the challenges and demands in providing quality care, he explains that too often our focus is on the disappointments and not the good things that happen in life. We created this award to direct that focus to highlight the positive things and people we encounter.
“We feel strongly that Dr. Chu and his staff are an excellent example of quality service is all about,” said Dr. Arteaga. “The time has come that we recognize them for all they do time and again, without any recognition. They are truly unsung heroes.”
Dr. Arteaga points out that as a specialist, you often see patients who have a great need of care. Dr. Chu and his staff were selected due to their ability to consistently provide high quality, sensitive care with understanding to patients.
The San Bernardino Urological Associates is conveniently located across the street from St. Bernardino Medical Center at 89 East 21st Street. Offering an excellent medical research program, cutting edge medications and treatment methods are often made available to cancer patients locally.
For additional information about San Bernardino Urological Associates call (909) 882-2973. For information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to www.LasalleMedical.com. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is an Independent Practice Association (IPA) with four clinics employing 100 dedicated individuals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. The LaSalle medical clinics are located 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.
In addition, LaSalle Medical Associates operates a network of independently contracted providers, which averages over 100,000 patient visits per year in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin and Tulare Counties. About San Bernardino Urological Associates
San Bernardino Urological Associates Medical Group continues to serve the Inland Empire since 1985. The physicians in their Group are committed to bringing the highest quality of urological medical care to their patients. Each of their physicians are Board Certified Urologists. Through extensive training and continued medical education, they are able to deliver the most modern and advanced surgical and medical treatments.
It is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The time has come to say goodbye to summer. The changing of the season brings on many familiar occurrences, such as kids going back to school, the falling leaves from neighborhood trees or even feeling a new crispness in the air. These are all indicators that its time to visit your doctor for your seasonal flu shot.
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 will help avoid or lessen the symptoms of the flu, which include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.
“The benefit of flu vaccines have been proven over and over,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “With the three strains of flu that are circulating in many parts of the world today, chances are you will come down with one of them if you do not get vaccinated.”
The Center for Disease Control and Dr. Arteaga recommend a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protection against the flu. Vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is also available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.
Flu viruses are constantly changing. It’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. As a result, it is extremely important that you get vaccinated or a booster shot each year, as a new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to cause illness during the current flu season.
Contrary to what some might think, the virus in the flu shot is inactive. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.
While young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are especially at risk of complications from the flu, it is recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, and wife Maria, receiving an award from the San Bernardino County Medical Society for outstanding contributions to the community.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) 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 100 doctors.
LaSalle Medical Associates celebrated its 27th anniversary recently, having seen its first two patients on June 13, 1984.
“For 27 years we have been doing good things,,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Number one, we are honest. Number two we are reliable. We aren’t here today and gone tomorrow. In the medical field, being solid means being reputable and reliable.”
Dr. Arteaga has built his practice with a philosophy that everyone deserves quality health care, and to be treated by his or her physician with dignity and respect. La Salle Medical Associate clinics welcome low income, elderly and disabled patients. They accept most insurance.
As founder and CEO of LaSalle’s 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.”
A recent survey of nearly 300 LaSalle patients showed that fully 100 percent of those surveyed believed their doctor and other staff had listened carefully, explained things and treated them with respect.
In his 27 years in business, Dr. Arteaga has strived not only to be a great physician, but also a good businessman. Treating patients (customers) with respect helped him build a solid customer base, which in turn has recommended LaSalle Medical Associates to their friends and family, and some of whom now have chosen LaSalle for their health care needs for three generations.
Dr. Arteaga has also focused on keeping expenses low. And he has helped many patients who might otherwise struggle to pay for even basic medical care to find insurance that will foot the bill.
Since Dr. Arteaga’s practice was pediatrics, La Salle Medical Associates initially focused on serving children of the lower income and disabled. Dr Arteaga quickly 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 Dr. Arteaga’s “obligation to “help whenever I can.”
Public and professional recognition has not escaped LaSalle Medical Associates and Dr. Arteaga. The California Medical Association awarded him the “Ethnic Physician’s Leadership Award for 2008,” recognizing his contributions to medical care in the Latino community. He also was named one of the top 15 Latino-owned businesses in the Inland Empire by Hispanic Lifestyle magazine.
For 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.
Inland Empire Health Plan selected the clinics as one of San Bernardino counties’ best healthcare providers, 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.
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 or go on line to LaSalleMedical.com.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) LaSalle employees mourned the loss of one of their long-term patients in January. But, with the help of two of their own, this patient died with a peace of mind she hadn’t seen much of in the last few months of her life.
“For the rest of her life, Cheryl Garcia and Renae Marquez were a great source of support for this patient,” said LaSalle Medical Associates CEO Dr. Albert Arteaga. “When she died in mid-January, her husband called the Mt. Vernon clinic that same day, to thank them for making his wife so happy in her final days.”
Before she died, the two women got to know this patient because of her frequent need of health care from LaSalle Medical Associates. Around the holidays, they noticed this patient was especially struggling.
“She was very ill, she was not doing well emotionally, and she had some serious financial challenges,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Cheryl, who works in the Medical Records department at the Mt. Vernon clinic, and Renae, who handles patient referrals, wanted to help. So, just before Christmas they bought the patient several gifts, including new sheets for her bed. They not only bought the gifts with their own funds, they took it upon themselves to deliver the gifts to her home while they were off duty.
“I am very proud of Cheryl and Renea for the help they provided this patient at the end of her life,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Both of these women have their own financial struggles, so I know they sacrificed to help a patient, and what they did came from their hearts. I know they made a difference in this patient’s life.”
The LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, (909) 823-4454; 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091 in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, (760) 947-2161.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
Seniors and people with disabilities on Medi-Cal in the Inland Empire are moving into managed care choosing from plans offered by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Health Services. Managed care will help doctors keep better track of their patients' health care needs while, at the same time, lowering the overall cost of their care.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seniors and people with a disability wth Medi-Cal may soon face a change in their health care plan because of new federal legislation.
This legislation allows 12 California counties, including San Bernardino and Riverside to require most Medi-Cal patients who are seniors (age 65 and over) or who have a disability to enroll in Medi-Cal Managed Care. These 12 counties began moving their Medi-Cal patients into managed care plans on Wednesday, June 1. Via affordable-movers.co.
In managed care plans, patients must select a primary care physician, such as one of the doctors at LaSalle Medical Associates. The primary care physician must approve all treatments and refer patients to specialists or hospitals when necessary.
“Managed care plans make it easier for you to get the best care possible,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates. “Within both of the managed care plans available to our patients, there are programs to help you stay healthy no matter your age or disability.”
In the Inland Empire, the managed care plans are Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. Affected Inland Empire patients have a choice between these two managed care programs to participate in, but if they do not pick one of the plans, Medi-Cal will make the choice for them.
There are some exceptions also. Those who receive Medicare, have already been diagnosed with a long-term illness or have other health insurance won’t be able to join a managed care plan, nor will foster children with disabilities.
Most young, Medi-Cal recipients without a disability have been required to choose a managed care plan since 1997, according to Consumers’ Union. Elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients have until now had a choice.
The option no longer available is “fee-for-service” or “Straight Medi-Cal”.
“Fee-for-service has several disadvantages,” said Dr. Arteaga. “Most importantly, if a patient sees many different health care providers, none of them have a complete idea of the patients’ medical history. Knowing this history is very important in preventing small problems from robbing you of your independence.”
“Going to the emergency room for colds and sniffles is like turning on a fire hose to water your house plant,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Using a watering can works better for most house plants. Seeing a regular doctor works best for people, unless they have broken bones or some other serious health condition requiring immediate attention. Even in some of those cases, managed care can help them become aware of a potential problem before it becomes a life-threatening condition.”
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 or go on line to lasallemedicalassociates.com.
