Inside Springfield Clinic Archive

The Breast Health Center at Springfield Clinic Receives National Accreditation

The Breast Health Center at Springfield Clinic has been granted a full three-year accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons.

The Breast Health Center at Springfield Clinic ensures a multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses who will confirm treatment is timely and thorough. The Breast Health Center offers all aspects of treatment for breast cancer, including services for radiology, surgery, reconstruction, medical oncology, radiation therapy, clinical research and nurse navigation.

The role of the Nurse Navigator in The Breast Health Center Springfield Clinic was developed to assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, helping them “navigate” all phases of treatment, assisting in:

- making appointments with physicians
- gathering necessary information for medical appointments, procedures and testing
- assisting with decision making
- coordinating insurance
- identifying community resources
- providing emotional support

“We believe patients who are informed about their disease will feel empowered,” says Mary Haley-Emery, RN, Nurse Navigator and overseer of the program. “Empowerment over cancer can give patients the hope they need to become survivors.”

Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in the areas of: center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. A breast center that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease.

In 2010, it was estimated that over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer would be diagnosed that year alone.

For more information, contact The Breast Health Center at 217.528.7541 ext. 43233, or visit The Breast Health Center website.

 
Me 1st Presentations Now Available

On May 4th, Springfield Clinic’s 4th Annual Me 1st Women’s Health Event was held at Main Campus. Check out the presentations.

The event, attended by women from all over Central Illinois, began with an expo area in the West Building lobby featuring exhibits from over 20 departments including hands-only CPR from Clinical Support and stretching lessons from Physical Therapy.

Me 1st’s keynote presenter was Kemia Sarraf, MD, MPH, Founder and Director of the genH Coalition, who discussed the childhood obesity epidemic, and how we as parents and caregivers can fight it. The event offered eight breakout sessions from Windie McKay, DC; Samir Patel, MD & Sheila Leggett, RRT, RPSGT; Diana Willadsen, MD; Heather Ey, FNP-BC; Denise Stumpf, RN, BSN, CDE & Sarah Tierney, RN, BSN; Brittany Armstrong, DPT & Kasey Gough, DPT; Toni Quinn, MD and Lisa Nijm, MD, JD.

We would like to thank all the wonderful presenters, volunteers and departments who presented exhibits and demonstrations! Thank you for making this event a success year after year!

 
Springfield Clinic to Honor HealthLink and Health Alliance State Plans

State of Illinois Health Plans: HealthLink and Health AllianceBased on the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) approval yesterday to offer State of Illinois employees a 90-day continuation with current health insurance plans, and, upon execution of new contracts, Springfield Clinic has announced it will participate in both HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1) and Health Alliance HMO insurance during this period.

Springfield Clinic first announced its agreement to offer HealthLink OAP (Tier 1) on June 1st and is pleased to continue in its long-standing relationship with Health Alliance HMO for State of Illinois employees, retirees and dependents. These arrangements, effective July 1, 2011, are intended to preserve coverage for all State employees previously enrolled and allow new patients to attach to Springfield Clinic during the 90-day period and beyond. Get a complete list of in-network insurance plans accepted at Springfield Clinic.

“We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and remain committed to preserving their care at Springfield Clinic,” said Mark Kuhn, Springfield Clinic’s Chief Administrative Officer.

Kuhn added, “While the situation for State of Illinois employees is complex, we’d like to help make their decision as simple as possible. To maintain care with your Springfield Clinic doctors, or become a new patient at Springfield Clinic, we encourage enrollment in HealthLink OAP or Health Alliance HMO.”

State of Illinois employees are reminded that resources at Springfield Clinic are available to answer questions regarding insurance coverage. The “State Employee Hotline” is available between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at 217.528.7541.

In addition, new patients seeking a doctor can ask for assistance from Springfield Clinic’s TeleNurse staff. Specially trained nurses will help callers identify and select physicians based on the patient’s medical needs and personal preferences.

 
The New Springfield Clinic Lincoln Opens Its Doors

Springfield Clinic Lincoln, a new state-of-the-art medical office building, opened its doors to patients March 28th. The physicians and staff closed the doors of their former office at 311 N. 8th Street on Thursday, March 24th to prepare for the move. 

The new facilities house physicians, mid-level providers and staff, who offer patient services in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Springfield Clinic Lincoln doctors include Dennis Carroll, MD, Melissa Cox, MD, Kristen Green-Morrow, MD, Jing Lee, MD, Kenneth Sagins, MD and Don Sielaff, MD. The practice also includes several nurse practitioners including Sharon Draper, FNP-BC, Ashley Kaesebier, FNP-BC, and Maria Rexroad, FNP-BC. Download a flyer to learn more (pdf) or watch our video.

Other services, including Radiology, Lab, an infusion unit and an expanded number of exam rooms for Outreach providers were included in the building’s modern design. Outreach services, provided by physicians and surgeons who travel from Springfield to hold clinics in the Lincoln community include Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Orthopedic Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine, Rheumatology and Vascular Surgery.

“As physicians, we want to provide the very best medical care to all of our patients,” said Melissa Cox, MD, specialist in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. “And it’s going to be so much easier in a new building with ample space for our existing practices. It also opens the possibility of attracting new physicians in various specialty areas to the Lincoln community.”

Patients are reminded to allow a few extra minutes before appointments to find their way to the new location, which offers easy access and spacious parking.

“This is a breathtaking new facility,” said Kenneth Sagins, MD, a Lincoln-based specialist in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, and the current chairman of Springfield Clinic’ Board of Directors. “We are incredibly pleased to bring this level of service to the patients of Lincoln and Logan County.

The new facility, adjacent to the recently opened Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, is located at 100 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln. For more information or to schedule appointments, please call 217.735.9555.

 
Springfield Clinic Announces New Jacksonville Construction

Springfield Clinic has launched construction of a new medical office building in Jacksonville. The facility, located at 1000 W. Morton Avenue, will house Springfield Clinic Prompt Care, a no-appointment, walk-in medical clinic.

Prompt Care Jacksonville’s office accommodations will include a spacious and comfortable patient waiting area, six exam rooms, a lab, digital x-ray, and physician and business offices. Approximately one-third of the building’s total area has been reserved for future expansion.

The Chief Operating Officer at Springfield Clinic, is responsible for the construction and launch of the new service line in Jacksonville. “We believe the Morton Avenue property is an ideal setting for Prompt Care services. Its central location on one of the community’s main thoroughfares will make it extremely easy for patients to access."

The building, formerly occupied by Advanced Auto Parts, will undergo extensive renovation this summer to accommodate the needs of the medical practice. The current structure, an open 7,000 square foot single story building, will require plumbing, framing and drywall to build out the interior. Harold O’Shea Builders of Springfield is the general contractor on the project.

Springfield Clinic expects construction to continue through August and opening of the new medical facility in early September.

 "We began offering weekend only Prompt Care services in Jacksonville a few months ago and have been pleased with the reaction from the community. Patient demand for expanded hours and days of service has been the driving force behind the Morton Street project.”

Prompt Care in Jacksonville is currently located at Springfield Clinic Jacksonville Family Health Care, 610 North Westgate, near Passavant Area Hospital, and is open every Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. More information is available by contacting the staff at 245.9931.

Additional details related to the future hours and services at Prompt Care Jacksonville will be available as the Morton Street location opening approaches.

 
Springfield Clinic to Accept HealthLink

Following a vote by its Board of Directors on Wednesday evening, Springfield Clinic has announced it will offer HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1) to State of Illinois employees.

This addition to Springfield Clinic’s in-network insurance coverage comes in response to recent changes to the health insurance plans available to State of Illinois employees, which has affected more than 100,000 downstate workers and dependents.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support we’ve received from our State of Illinois patients,” stated Mark Kuhn, Chief Administrative Officer at Springfield Clinic. “It was evident they did not want to change doctors and we certainly didn’t want to lose them as patients, so we looked for a solution that would preserve those important patient-provider relationships.”

Springfield Clinic has accepted HealthLink insurance plans for years, but it has not been offered to State employees until now. Kuhn added, “HealthLink has been an excellent partner in our patients’ care for more than ten years, so we’re confident in the service they will deliver.”

By enrolling in HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1), State of Illinois patients can expect full continuity of coverage and continuity of care from their current plan. “The transition to the Tier 1 Open Access Plan (OAP) should be absolutely seamless. The HealthLink benefit applies to all doctors, all locations, and all services that Springfield Clinic provides,” noted Kuhn.

HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1) will also enable new patients to attach to Springfield Clinic’s health care network. Callers can ask for TeleNurse assistance to identify and select a physician in accordance with their medical needs and personal preferences.

State employees have until June 17th to finalize the selection of their health insurance plan. Employees who may have already enrolled in another insurance option can change to HealthLink until the June 17 deadline. Coverage becomes effective July 1, 2011. Visit CMS's Employee Benefits page for more plan details.

To assist State of Illinois employees with their insurance questions, Springfield Clinic has established a special help line. Patients can call Springfield Clinic at 217.528.7541 or 800.444.7541 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm and ask for the “State Employee Hotline.”

“We understand how anxious this situation has been for State of Illinois employees and we appreciate their patience as we’ve formalized arrangements with HealthLink,” said Kuhn. “State employees can enroll in the HealthLink Open Access (Tier 1) plan and continue to receive the same high quality care and excellent service they’ve come to expect from Springfield Clinic.”

 
Springfield Clinic Chiropractic to open new office July 11

Springfield Clinic’s Chiropractic Department will relocate to a separate, newly remodeled facility at 355 West Carpenter in Springfield, effective Monday, July 11th.

The new location will house Windie McKay, DC, a specialist in Chiropractic medicine, whose top areas of focus include spine, acupuncture, headaches, neck and back pain, smoking cessation and stress reduction. “We believe in a holistic, ‘total person’ approach to healing,” says Dr. McKay. “We promote health and wellness through a combination of integrative and alternative treatments.”

Working with Dr. McKay in the new medical office is Michael Davin, LMT, who provides care utilizing massage and neuromuscular therapy. Sean P. Valenti, DC, is scheduled to join Springfield Clinic’s Chiropractic team in September.

The new office, located directly across from Springfield Clinic SOGA on Carpenter Street, will provide services exclusively for Chiropractic patients. “For years, our office has been part of a much bigger medical complex. This new setting is far more intimate, and we’re confident our patients will find the atmosphere more peaceful and relaxing,” adds Dr. McKay.

Springfield Clinic’s Chiropractic specialists are currently located at Springfield Clinic 1st, 800 North 1st Street. Dr. McKay and staff will maintain normal business hours leading up to the move and assure patients there will be no interruption of services.

Springfield Clinic Chiropractic will open Monday, July 11th, at 6:00 am.

For more information, visit Chiropractic's web page. To schedule appointments, please call 217.528.7541.
 

Download this PDF to find out information about the new Chiropractic building and the department's services! (pdf)

 

 

 
Springfield Clinic Website Earns National Recognition Second Year in a Row

Springfield Clinic was recognized in multiple categories at the 15th Annual Healthcare Internet Conference’s eHealthcare Leadership Awards in Orlando on November 9th. Springfield Clinic won Gold Awards in two of the thirteen juried categories: Best Overall Internet Site and Best Integrated Marketing Campaign.

Springfield Clinic joins some of the country’s leading medical institutions, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Baylor Health Care System and UW Health, who were also among this year’s award recipients.

In total, more than 300 healthcare organizations, representing a broad industry spectrum, received recognition for their outstanding websites and digital communications. Winners of the 2011 eHealthcare Leadership Awards were selected from nearly 1,200 entries. A total of 114 individuals familiar with healthcare and the internet judged the entries.

“Despite the challenging economic environment, organizations have continued to explore and invest in digital communications,” says Mark Gothberg, eHealthcare Leadership Awards chairman. “A significant number of organizations have made major improvements in their websites, expanded involvement in social media, more fully integrated traditional marketing with new media vehicles, and initiated mobile efforts to better serve current and future customers.”

The award for Best Overall Internet Site (Gold) is shared by Springfield Clinic’s Marketing and Information Technology Departments. Springfield Clinic’s website was launched in January of 2010, and continues to expand and implement new features. The site was awarded Silver in this same category, as well as Silver for Best Site Design, at the 2010 eHealthcare Leadership Awards.

The award for Best Integrated Marketing Campaign (Gold) is credited to Springfield Clinic’s Marketing Department for the “Get Your Butt in Here” campaign, created in collaboration with the Clinic’s Colon & Rectal Surgeons. The campaign, designed to promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, featured 13 components, including billboards, digital signage, print advertising and social media.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized on a national stage for the work we do here at Springfield Clinic,” said Geoff Bland, MD, Chairman of Springfield Clinic’s Business Development and Marketing Committee. “Our marketing team helps our organization stay on the leading edge of emerging communications channels to better serve our patients and communities, as well as our physicians and staff. It is wonderful to see their passion and dedication to Springfield Clinic’s mission rewarded with this prestigious honor.”

Representatives from the award-winning development teams were on hand to receive the honors.

View our award certificates -- Best Overall Internet Site, and Best Integrated Marketing Campaign!

 
Springfield Clinic to Host Immune Deficiency Foundation Patient Education Meeting

Springfield Clinic will host a free Patient Education Meeting for the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) on Saturday, October 29. Open to the public, this free educational meeting offers information regarding the treatment and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases.

“Everyone gets infections,” says Dareen Siri, MD, physician with Springfield Clinic’s Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Department. “They treat them with a course of antibiotics, and the infection goes away. But for some, antibiotics don’t help, and the infection can be chronic or frequently reoccurring. That is the case with individuals who suffer from Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. Their immune systems are defective, and cannot fight certain infections.”

The IDF hosts similar meetings throughout the country in an effort to help PIDD patients  and their families by answering questions and discussing new treatments.

“We are so pleased to host this event,” says Dr. Siri. “These diseases can be devastating, but information and education are the most important treatment options available. We know this will be beneficial to all PIDD patients throughout our community.”

The IDF Patient Education Meeting will be held October 29th at Springfield Clinic’s Main Campus East Building, 1025 South 6th Street, 2nd Floor in the lobby of its Ambulatory Surgery & Endoscopy Center. Please RSVP to this free event by October 25th by visiting http://primaryimmune.org/event-calendar/, emailing idfmeetings@primaryimmune.org, or calling 443.632.2565. Lunch will be provided.

Event Schedule:

10:00 – 10:30am – Registration and refreshments
10:30 – 3:00pm – Presentations
Presentations include:
Welcome – Lisa Smith, IDF Volunteer
IDF e-Health Record – Susan Manley, IDF Volunteer
Immune System Basics – Renu C. Govindaiah, MD, Springfield Clinic
Treatment & Care of Persons Living with Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases – Dareen D. Siri, MD, Springfield Clinic
Ask the Medical Expert Seminar – Renu C. Govindaiah, MD, and Dareen D. Siri, MD
Person to Person: GET CONNECTED – Patients and family members only for this discussion session

This meeting is Sponsored by 2011 IDF Core Service Sponsors: Baxter Healthcare, Biotest Pharmaceuticals, CSL Behring, Grifols, lgG America / ASD Healthcare, Octapharma and Talecris Biotherapeutics and IDF Sustaining Contributor Walgreens-IG Therapy Program.

 
Springfield Clinic Expands Robotic Surgery Options

Springfield Clinic surgeons now offer nearly 20 procedures using the daVinci Surgical System of robotic devices.The newest addition to the rapidly expanding number of robotic surgery experts at Springfield Clinic is Nathan Joos, MD, a Head and Neck Surgery specialist in Springfield Clinic’s Otolaryngology/ENT department.

Trained at the University of Louisville, Dr. Joos is the first and only ENT surgeon performing robotic surgery in Central Illinois.Dr. Joos specializes in robotic surgeries that address early-stage throat cancers, including those on the base of the tongue and top of the voice box, as well as some other conditions including HPV infections in the throat.

“These areas are difficult to access surgically and in the past, patients would have to undergo radiation or chemotherapy, or we would perform what we call a mandibular swing and actually separate the jaw,” said Dr. Joos. “This traditional approach would normally mean an eight to 14 day hospitalization, and possibly months of recovery time for the healing of the patient’s swallow function. Robotic surgery allows patients to be in and out of the hospital in just a day or two, and able to perform a swallow test the next day.”

Some of the major benefits of robotic surgery over more traditional approaches include greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization and improved access. Benefits experienced by patients may include a shorter hospital stay, less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, less scarring, faster recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities.

As with any type of procedure, the suitability of robotic surgery—or more traditional methods, such as laparoscopic or open surgery—is decided on a case-by-case basis between doctor and patient. Robotic surgery is not available or recommended for all types of surgical procedures. Patients should discuss surgical options with their physician.

“Robotic surgery is still surgery, so there will always be certain risks,” said Dr. Joos. “Bleeding is always a small possibility and patients can expect to experience a sore throat afterwards. But the risks are greatly outweighed by the benefits.”

David Lieber, MD, specialist in Urology at Springfield Clinic, first pioneered the robotic surgery subspecialty in our community in 2009, and was instrumental in the proliferation of the daVinci system to other specialties at Springfield Clinic. Dr. Lieber is the leading provider of robotic surgery in Central Illinois.

View a full list of all robotic procedures offered at Springfield Clinic.

 
Prompt Care Jacksonville Now Open

Springfield Clinic Prompt Care, a no-appointment, walk-in medical clinic, is now open at 1000 West Morton in Jacksonville.

Prompt Care Jacksonville had previously been located at Springfield Clinic Jacksonville Family Health Care, 610 North Westgate, where it had offered weekend services since opening in January. The new Morton Avenue location is open daily from 8am to 8pm, excluding major holidays.

Doctors and staff at the new facility hosted an Open House event on Saturday, September 3, from 11am to 2pm. The public toured the newly remodeled medical office, which includes a spacious and comfortable patient waiting area, exam rooms, on-site lab and digital x-ray, as well as physician and business offices.

The building, formerly occupied by Advanced Auto Parts, has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate the needs of the medical practice. The old structure, an open 7,000 square foot single story building, required plumbing, framing and drywall to build out the interior. Harold O’Shea Builders of Springfield is the general contractor on the project. Approximately one-third of the building’s total area has been reserved for future expansion.

Prompt Care first opened its doors at Springfield Clinic’s Main Campus nearly twenty years ago. The Jacksonville location represents its third facility.

All Prompt Care services are connected through Springfield Clinic's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system; therefore, all lab work, X-rays, physician notes, etc., can be accessed by any of the patient's Springfield Clinic physicians. Prompt Care records can also be sent electronically to local emergency room.

 
Prompt Care Jacksonville to Open New Location September 6

 Prompt Care JacksonvilleSpringfield Clinic Prompt Care, a no-appointment, walk-in medical clinic, will open its new Jacksonville facility at 1000 West Morton Avenue on Tuesday, September 6.

Prompt Care Jacksonville has been located at Springfield Clinic Jacksonville Family Health Care, 610 North Westgate, where it has offered weekend services since opening in January. The new Morton Avenue location will be open daily from 8am to 8pm, excluding major holidays.

Doctors and staff at the new facility will host an Open House event on Saturday, September 3, from 11am to 2pm. The public is invited to tour the newly remodeled medical office, which includes a spacious and comfortable patient waiting area, exam rooms, on-site lab and digital x-ray, as well as physician and business offices.

The building, formerly occupied by Advanced Auto Parts, has undergone extensive renovation to accommodate the needs of the medical practice. The old structure, an open 7,000 square foot single story building, required plumbing, framing and drywall to build out the interior. Harold O’Shea Builders of Springfield is the general contractor on the project. Approximately one-third of the building’s total area has been reserved for future expansion.

Prompt Care first opened its doors at Springfield Clinic’s Main Campus nearly twenty years ago. The Jacksonville location represents its third facility.

All Prompt Care services are connected through Springfield Clinic's Electronic Health Record (EHR) system; therefore, all lab work, X-rays, physician notes, etc., can be accessed by any of the patient's Springfield Clinic physicians. Prompt Care records can also be sent electronically to local emergency rooms.

Find out about all the services provided by Prompt Care.

The Prompt Care facility, currently located at 610 North Westgate, near Passavant Area Hospital, will remain open this weekend through Sunday, September 4th. More information is available by contacting the staff at 245.9931.

 
Springfield Clinic Opens Riverton Outreach Location

Springfield Clinic providers are now seeing patients at its newest outreach location, Springfield Clinic Riverton.

The new medical office is located at Curry's Family Pharmacy, 1275 N. 7th Street in Riverton. “We’re pleased to bring Springfield Clinic’s trusted services and care to Riverton,” said Letty Drapiza, MD, family medicine physician at Springfield Clinic Sherman who will be overseeing collaborative care at the Riverton location. “We’re equally excited to house these services at one of the area’s most trusted and beloved businesses, Curry’s Family Pharmacy.”

The Riverton office is staffed by Judy Banning, FNP-BC, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, practicing in collaboration with Dr. Drapiza.

The scope of services provided includes well-baby care, adolescent care (including school and sports physicals), annual physical exams, care of the elderly, gynecological exams, preventive health screenings, treatment of minor injuries, and care for a wide range of conditions ranging from asthma, diabetes and hypertension, to heart disease and common infections.

For further information or to make appointments at Springfield Clinic Riverton, call 217.525.4150.

 
Springfield Clinic Named One of the Best Places To Work

Springfield Clinic is pleased to be named one of the Best Places to Work by United Community Bank and Springfield Business Journal.

“We have a saying around here: ‘Do it because it’s the right thing to do,’” said Randy Bryant, CEO of Springfield Clinic. “So, we try our best to provide a great experience for our patients because it’s the right thing to do. And we try our best to create a positive work experience for the employees because it’s the right thing to do.”

Springfield Clinic was one of three local businesses selected for the honor. Nominated by more than 20 employees, the two-page spread in the Springfield Business Journal features testimonials from a number of staff members discussing why they feel the Clinic is the best place to work.

“Throughout our history, Springfield Clinic has been fortunate to attract and retain some of the very best people,” Randy continued. “It is the ultimate compliment that they feel we are one of the very best employers.”

Thank you to each and every one of our employees, providers, administrators and everyone else who makes Springfield Clinic the very best place to work!

Read why we're truly the best place to work.

 
Springfield Clinic Prompt Care Announces New Jacksonville Location

Springfield Clinic is pleased to announce the opening of a new Prompt Care location in Jacksonville, beginning January 8th.

Prompt Care Jacksonville will offer the same quality medical care as the two locations in Springfield, and will be open during the convenient weekend hours.

Prompt Care in Jacksonville is located at Springfield Clinic Jacksonville Family Health Care, 610 North Westgate, near Passavant Area Hospital, and will be open every Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. For questions, please call the Jacksonville office at 217.245.9931.

 
Springfield Clinic Prompt Care Announces New Hours


In an effort to provide earlier access and greater consistency of care to their patients, both Springfield Prompt Care locations will now be open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.

Since its inception, Prompt Care’s Main Campus location at 1025 South 6th Street was open from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm daily, while the 2200 Wabash location was open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. With the change in hours, both locations will operate on the same time table. As before, Prompt Care at Main Campus will remain open 365 days per year, while Prompt Care West will close on major holidays.

“We believe opening earlier will prove helpful to our patients who travel downtown,” says Prompt Care chairperson Lynette Zills, MD. “Patients will be able to be seen by a provider on their way to work, without having to drive across town.”

The new hours at Prompt Care Main Campus take effect January 3rd.

 
Springfield Clinic Website Earns National Recognition

Springfield Clinic’s external website, www.SpringfieldClinic.com, was recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding healthcare websites at the 14th Annual Healthcare Internet Conference in Las Vegas on November 17th. Springfield Clinic won Silver Awards in two of the twelve juried categories: Best Site Design and Best Overall Internet Site.

More than 1300 entries were received from healthcare institutions, representing 18 industry classifications, as part of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards program. Major medical institutions like Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and UW Health were among this year’s award recipients.

Experts from the world of healthcare and the Internet judged the entries based on a rigorous set of Internet excellence standards. Eligibility for Best Overall Internet Site, for instance, required sites to meet or exceed 40 distinct qualifying factors. The judges also compared entries to other sites in their organization’s industry classification.

“Competition was especially strong among large hospital, healthcare systems and managed cares sites,” noted Mark Gothberg, chairman of the eHealthcare Leadership Awards. “A substantial number of organizations have made major improvements to their websites to better serve current and future consumers.”

Springfield Clinic’s site was officially launched in late 2009. The effort, led by Springfield Clinic’s internal Marketing and Information Technology staff, with oversight by Dr. Geoff Bland and the Clinic’s Business Development & Marketing Committee, took more than a year to design and implement. Representatives from the award-winning development team were on hand to receive the honors.

“It’s so rewarding to be recognized at this level, especially at such an early stage in the evolution of our site,” stated Patty Kuhn, Director of Marketing at Springfield Clinic. “There were so many creative and innovative sites among the eHealthcare award recipients. We’re honored to be considered in the same company.”

 
Springfield Clinic Receives 2010 Innovations in Quality Improvement Award

Springfield Clinic has been named the 2010 Innovations in Quality Improvement Award from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). The award is presented annually to one AAAHC accredited organization that has demonstrated exceptional improvement in quality.

Springfield Clinic has been recognized as the Quality Improvement Award winner in the Primary Care category, specifically for improvements in Childhood and Adolescent Immunizations, Cancer Screenings, Diabetes Care, Controlling High Blood Pressure and Patient Satisfaction. Applications for the award were reviewed by an expert panel and judged against AAAHC’s “10 elements” of quality improvement. The award will be presented to representatives of Springfield Clinic at the AAAHC National Education Forum in December.

This achievement comes as recognition for a seven year initiative to improve overall quality at Springfield Clinic. During that time, the Clinic has implemented a nationally-recognized electronic health record system, established and measured clinical care goals and engaged in activities to improve patient satisfaction. Special recognition goes to the Quality Management Committee and Dr. Bill Putman as its Chairman, the Quality Management Department and its leadership team.

“An achievement of this magnitude does not happen through the efforts of just a few. It has taken the commitment and dedication of our physicians, their clinical staff members and the entire organization to improve the quality delivered at Springfield Clinic,” says Randy Bryant, Chief Executive Officer at Springfield Clinic. “This recognition validates the efforts we have made in the past and inspires us to continue leading the way in quality of care.”

To celebrate the honor, Clinic officials have declared Friday, December 3rd, “Denim Day” at Springfield Clinic locations throughout central Illinois. Employees will be encouraged to wear jeans, which is a departure from their traditional workplace attire. Chief Clinical Officer, Mary Stewart, explained, “We celebrated last year’s AAAHC accreditation award with a denim day and it was great fun for our doctors and staff. We thought a similar celebration was in order to recognize our employees for their contribution to this prestigious award.”

For more information on this award or the AAAHC, click here.

 
Introducing Springfield Clinic's New Patient Satisfaction Survey

The mission of Springfield Clinic is to provide our patients with the highest quality healthcare. We strive to deliver service that improves, enhances and extends the quality of life for our patients. To accomplish the best possible patient experience, we continue to need your valuable feedback.

In the past eight months Springfield Clinic has administered patient satisfaction surveys through Press Ganey, a leader in patient satisfaction and performance improvement in the healthcare industry. Our patients and their families are keeping us informed. Randomly selected, over 9,500 patients have completed these confidential patient satisfaction surveys.

You may find yourself asking why take the time to complete this survey? Will anyone ever really read this? The answer to that question is a resounding YES! Based on current feedback Springfield Clinic has a clear picture of what is important to you as a patient. Your voice has been heard and will continue to be heard. Your top priority concerns include privacy, ease in registration and information about delays. They are now some of our top priorities and we are working hard to improve them.

Should you receive a survey, we ask you to share your thoughts and feelings about your healthcare experience at Springfield Clinic. For your convenience, an addressed, postage paid envelope is provided so that you may return the survey to Press Ganey at absolutely no cost. We know you have a choice in your healthcare and we want you to continue to choose Springfield Clinic.

 
Springfield Clinic announces merger with SOGA

Springfield Clinic, Central Illinois’ leading multi-specialty medical group, and Springfield Obstetrics and Gynecologic Associates (SOGA), quality providers of women’s health care based in Springfield, today announced an agreement to merge. Formal approval of the union was confirmed by a unanimous vote of both Springfield Clinic’s partnership and SOGA doctors.

“The physicians and staff of SOGA have consistently demonstrated excellence in patient care and I am confident they will be an ideal complement to our current OB/GYN team. Everyone at Springfield Clinic is excited they have agreed to join our group,” said Springfield Clinic CEO Randy Bryant.

The merger, effective March 1, 2011, will combine the resources of SOGA and Springfield Clinic’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, which has specialized in the delivery of medical care for women since the Clinic’s founding in 1939. Springfield Clinic’s OB/GYN medical team, with offices located in Springfield and Lincoln, currently includes 15 board-certified physicians and 4 nurse practitioners.

SOGA has been a quality provider of women’s health care, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, since 1969. Their Springfield-based group, located at 350 West Carpenter, is comprised of eight physicians and one mid-level provider. Each SOGA physician is a board certified fellow in the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and, cumulatively, their team offers nearly 100 years of practice experience.

Richard Eden, MD, Springfield Clinic’s OB/GYN Department chair noted, “We recognize SOGA’s long-standing reputation for excellence in women’s health care. Many of our department members trained together; we see one another frequently at professional conferences and in the local hospitals and now, look forward to collaborating with one another as partners.”
Both groups offer services to female patients ranging from early adolescent to post-menopausal care, including complete pre-natal, delivery and postpartum care, comprehensive gynecologic care, routine examinations and screenings, contraceptive management, menopause-related care, incontinence and bladder issues and more.

Amy Hall, MD, specialist in obstetrics & gynecology and president of SOGA, stated, “Springfield Clinic is a leader in quality care, technology and innovation and we are excited to become part of such a progressive health care organization. Our affiliation will afford SOGA patients increased access to specialty care appropriate for their needs and improved continuity of care. “

SOGA patients will be notified with more specific details as the March 1 merger date approaches. SOGA’s location, hours, billing and services will remain unchanged. In addition to their locations in Springfield and Lincoln, the combined group plans to increase their outreach efforts in surrounding Central Illinois hospitals and clinics.

 
New Springfield Clinic Lincoln to Open In March, 2011

The all-new Springfield Clinic Lincoln will see its first patient March 28, 2011.

The new Springfield Clinic Lincoln will include Radiology, an infusion room, a shot room, a sub-wait area for Allergy & Immunology, and an expanded number of rooms for Outreach.

The new building is not the only construction undertaking. There will be a convenient new access road, making it easier for patients and staff to get to the Clinic and the new hospital.

 
Springfield Clinic voted Best Doctor’s Office for the third year in a row

For the third time, the State Journal-Register Readers’ Choice Awards has honored Springfield Clinic with the designation of Best Doctor’s Office.

Springfield Clinic has seen a number of changes in 2010 including a complete corporate re-branding, and the implementation of new technological advances, such as the new Electronic Health Record system and Allscripts Patient Kiosk.

Springfield Clinic thanks our patients, and we will continue striving for excellence, and giving our patients that SC experience, in Springfield and at all of our locations.

 
Springfield Clinic Launches New Brand Identity

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Springfield, IL), (January 15, 2010) – On Friday, January 15th, officials from Springfield Clinic unveiled a new brand identity for the Springfield-based physician group. The logo, which incorporates the dimensional silhouette of an arch framing Springfield Clinic’s name, is accompanied by the tagline, Leading the Way.

Click here to read more (pdf)

 
Mammography goes Digital at Springfield Clinic

Digital mammography is now available at the Main Campus on 6th Street and Springfield Clinic 1st. Patients can expect the new state-of-the-art equipment to result in more accurate diagnoses, shorter exam times, faster results, and the lowest dose of mamography radition in the Springfield area. Interpretations are performed by Clinical Radiologists.

 
Main Campus Moves

Springfield Clinic's Main Campus West Building is open. Physician office moves are complete. Patients are encouraged to verify the current office location prior to their appointment.

 
Readers Choose Springfield Clinic Again

Springfield Clinic is the #1 Best Doctor's Office, as voted in the recent State Journal Register's annual Readers' Choice Awards! The physicians and staff of Springfield Clinic are honored to receive this special recognition and want to thank all their patient and SJ-R voters. 

Thank you from all of us here at Springfield Clinic!

 
Springfield Clinic Featured on Healthcare IT Magazine Website

Springfield Clinic is currently featured in an article published online through Advance for Health Information Executives. The article, titled "Ambulatory EHR Implementation", describes the process Springfield Clinic went through in implementing the Electronic Health Record (EHR). It provides insight into the solutions the EHR has provided for the clinic and the significant return on investment (ROI) they have already experienced since the implementation. To read the full article, click here.

 
AMGA SurveyAMGA Survey

Every year Springfield Clinic works with American Medical Group Association to conduct patient satisfaction surveys to ensure we continue to give the highest quality of care to our patients.

 
"Smart Patient" to Air on PBS

Experience the journey through breast cancer, diabetes, and other diseases as Springfield Clinic patients share their personal stores. Smart Patient offers important health information regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prevalent health disorders.

Episode Topic Premieres
Re-Airs
January Smoking Cessation Friday, Jan. 4 at 8:00pm Sunday, Jan. 6 at 5:30pm and 10pm
February Advanced Joint Replacement Friday, Feb. 1 at 8:00pm Sunday, Feb. 3 at 5:30pm and 10pm
April Advances in Colorectal Surgery Friday. Apr. 4 at 8:00pm Sunday, Apr. 7 at 5:30pm and 10pm

 

 
Readers Choose Springfield Clinic

Voted #1 Best Doctor's Office.  Voted #2 Best Hearing Center.  That's what readers of the State Journal Register's said recently in the paper's 1st annual Readers' Choice Awards! Thanks to our patients and SJ-R voters for this very special recognition. 

 
Springfield's Magnificent Mile

As part of Springfield Clinic's commitment to health and wellness, we are proud to sponsor the inaugural - Springfield's Magnificent Mile - "The Fastest One-Mile Race in the Midwest". Join us Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 10:00am in Historic Downtown Springfield. $2000 in Cash and Prizes are available. 

 
Nuclear Medicine Services Now Available

Springfield Clinic's Department of Radiology has recently added Nuclear Medicine to its state of the art diagnostic imaging services.  The Infinia Hawkeye 4 is the latest generation of imaging equipment that offers increased accuracy of diagnosis and more comfort for patients. 

 
Open House....

The public is invited to attend an Open House celebrating the completion of Springfield Clinic's Main Campus Expansion.  Guided tours will be offered from the West Building Lobby.

 
High School Blood Challenge

The 2006-2007 Springfield Clinic High School Blood Challenge is pumping up!  Students from local high schools recruit blood donors and compete for college scholarships donated by Springfield Clinic. Contact Tara at the Central Illinois Community Blood Center (217.753.1530 x 56) for more infromation about how you can support your high school's donation effort.

Currently 4,638 Pints have been donated.  Way to Go! 

 
"Smart Patient" to Air on PBS

Experience the journey through breast cancer, diabetes, and other diseases as Springfield Clinic patients share their personal stories.  Smart Patient offers important health information regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prevelant health disorders.

Episode
Topic Premieres Re-Airs
November Macular Degeneration Friday, Nov. 2 at 8:00pm Sunday, Nov. 4 at 5pm and 10:30pm
December Advanced Laporoscopic Surgery Friday, Dec. 7 at 8:00pm Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5pm and 10:30pm

 

 
Project Fit City

Whether it's shedding a few pounds, losing body fat, quitting smoking or becoming more active, our goal at Project Fit City is to improve the general wellness of the citizens of Springfield.  To do so, Springfield area health care providers, including Springfield Clinic, businesses, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations have joined together in this exciting collaborative effort.

The program will include fun and motivational activities for our participants to earn points while they work toward their fitness goals.  Included in the programming is a series health-related lectures, events and prize drawings to be held weekly throughout the six month duration of our 2006 program.

Visit www.projectfitcity.org for more information about how you can participate in this FREE program.

The kickoff is scheduled for Saturday April 22nd at the IDOT Building, 2300 S. Dirksen Parkway.  Baseline evaluations will be done that day, so make plans to attend.  Several of our physicians will be featured speakers throughout the six-month program. 

 
Springfield Clinic 1st Now Open

A 118,000 square foot, state-of-the-art medical office building will soon house more than 60 physicians and surgeons from 15 specialties.  Springfield Clinic 1st is now open and our physicians are on the move!

These specialties will be relocating to the Springfield Clinic 1st (800 N. 1st Street)

  • Cardiology
  • Chiropractic
  • Neurosurgery
  • Neurology
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Orthopedics
  • Orthotics/Prosthetics
  • Podiatry
  • Rheumatology
  • Colon & Rectal Surgery
  • General Surgery
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Urology