Painting a picture of a Medical Home
When Marcheta Sobania was diagnosed with diabetes six years ago, she knew she would need help from her doctor to manage the disease. But after waiting almost a year without referrals to specialists for eye checks, foot care, lab work and nutrition counseling — all of which are recommended for patients with diabetes — Sobania started looking for a new doctor.
“I was spinning my wheels,” Sobania recalled.
She shared her frustration with the activities coordinator at an assisted living community in Lebanon where she lives.
That’s how she heard about Janel Lawrence, M.D., an internal medicine physician at The Corvallis Clinic. At her first appointment with Dr. Lawrence, Sobania received a referral to a dietitian where she learned how to manage her diabetes by what she eats. And Dr. Lawrence has been diligent in making referrals to the other specialists.
“Dr. Lawrence is the A-1 best doctor,” Sobania said. “She’s so conscientious.”
Patients all over Oregon are discovering better health at new state-certified Patient-Centered Primary Care Homes, including the top-rated Corvallis Clinic. Medical homes are like home base for a patient’s medical care.
These model clinics are recognized for their commitment to quality, having coordinated care and for fostering strong relationships with patients and their families.
Primary Care Homes offer improved care by catching problems earlier and focusing on prevention, wellness and management of chronic conditions.
One of the things that Sobania likes about The Corvallis Clinic is how Dr. Lawrence and her other care providers communicate with each other and work together. She sees eight other specialists, and they all have access to her medical chart and test results through The Clinic’s electronic medical records system.
Dr. Lawrence takes the time to learn about her patients’ daily routine, their family, work, stresses and challenges.
“Getting to know my patients helps me to take care of them,” Dr. Lawrence said. “Knowing a patient over time allows me to have a historical reference to personalize their care and acknowledge their past experiences.”
Sobania said she can talk to her doctor about anything, like when one of the specialists she was referred to wasn’t a good fit. Dr. Lawrence knew of another doctor who would be more compatible.
“Dr. Lawrence goes above and beyond for her patients,” Sobania said.
She likes Dr. Lawrence so much that she made an oil painting of pansies, framed it and gave it to her doctor.
“She did this in her painting class at the assisted living facility,” Dr. Lawrence said. “I have it hanging in my home.”
