LaSalle News

The addition of RadNet enables LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. to prepare for the expected increase in Californians who will be eligible for low-cost healthcare under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and chief executive officer of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. The law, which is often referred to as “Obama Care,” takes effect in 2014. Photo by David Earheart. 

(San Bernardino, Calif.)  LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. has selected RadNet, the nation’s leading operator of freestanding medical diagnostic imaging centers, as its primary provider of x-ray and imaging services in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

The addition of RadNet enables LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. to prepare for the expected increase in Californians who will be eligible for low-cost healthcare under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, says Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and chief executive officer of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. The law, which is often referred to as “Obama Care,” takes effect in 2014.

“The selection of RadNet is one of the steps we are implementing to better prepare LaSalle to serve California’s five million uninsured who are expected to join the healthcare system as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) takes effect,” says Dr. Arteaga. “We are furthering our commitment to provide for the healthcare needs of the underserved through Medi-Cal, Medicare and private insurances in California.”

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. operates four clinics throughout the Inland Empire, employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals and providing treatment to 70,000 children, adults and seniors. LaSalle, and its healthcare providers, primarily serve recipients of Medi-Cal and Healthy Families.

It also accepts most private insurance plans such as, Blue Cross, Molina, Care 1^st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) throughout at its Fontana, Hesperia, and two San Bernardino clinics.

LaSalle Medical Associates’ patients needing Positron Imaging Tomography (PET)/Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography’s, Ultrasounds, X-rays and Nuclear Medicine imaging will be referred to a RadNet facility, says Dr. Arteaga.

RadNet, which launched in 1984 by six medical doctors, is nationally known as a leader of high-quality, cost-effective diagnostic imaging services through its network of 233 affiliated outpatient imaging centers spanning six states. Seventeen of those locations are in the Inland Valleys including, San Bernardino Advanced Imaging and Grove Diagnostic Imaging – Haven.

“We believe we are the largest owner and operator of fixed diagnostic imaging centers in the United States,” said Dr. Howard Berger, RadNet’s chairman and chief executive officer. “RadNet utilizes best of breed technology to appropriately serve the medical communities in which it operates, offering to its patients and referring physicians a full spectrum of diagnostic imaging exams.”

RadNet currently provides diagnostic imaging services to more than 750,000 individuals each year under exclusive capitation contracts with prominent medical groups and Independent Physician Groups (IPAs). Through its imaging centers, RadNet performs 4 million diagnostic radiology and imaging procedures annually.

For more information about LaSalle call (909) 890-0407.  For more information about RadNet call Phone: (310) 445-2800

-end-

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 Medi-Cal 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

About RadNet

RadNet, Inc. is the largest provider of fixed-site outpatient diagnostic imaging services in the United States through a network of 236 owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers (inclusive of 20 facilities held in Joint Ventures).  RadNet’s core markets include California, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.  Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technicians, RadNet has a total of approximately 6,300 employees. For more information, visit http://www.radnet.com.

List of RadNet providers in the Inland Valleys.

Currently, Network Medical Management serves LaSalle and other IPAs with membership totaling 280,000 patients in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin and Madera counties. 

“Our commitment to healthcare continues to include the expertise of a dedicated utilization and financial management team. The Network Medical Management team is integrating well with our physicians and other healthcare professionals to help us deliver first class care to our patients,’’ says Dr. Arteaga. “The number of calls from LaSalle’s physicians with questions is down by half since the partnership began in December, which means physicians are spending more time with their patients instead of trouble shooting.”

In addition, the partnership with Network Medical Management is creating more opportunities for LaSalle Medical Associate, Inc.’s physicians to provide more patient care services as well as initiate some cost savings plans. Those plans include speeding up the claims processing, solving grievances, negotiating healthcare contracts, and ensuring our doctor and nurses are correctly credentialed.

LaSalle is also better equipped to serve patients with long term disease.

“Network Medical Management is a MSO with healthcare professionals and financial experts, whose industry expertise empowers its healthcare clients to attain their financial goals and achieve organizational success,” says Dr. Thomas S. Lam, chief operating officer of Network Medical Management, Inc.

Network Medical Management is a full service Management Services Organization (MSO), which provides comprehensive administrative support to Independent Physicians Associations (IPAs) and medical groups to enhance the quality of patient care and increase profitability. It began operation in 1994 and is owned and operated by Allied Physicians of California IPA.

A Management Services Organization (MSO) is a company usually owned by a group of doctors, a joint venture among physicians and a hospital or investors together with doctors.

MSOs generally deliver practice management and administrative support services to individual doctors or small group practices, most notably to relieve physicians of non-medical business tasks so that they can focus more on patient care.

Currently, Network Medical Management serves LaSalle and other IPAs with membership totaling 280,000 patients in the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, San Joaquin and Madera counties.

Dr. Arteaga says the transition from LaSalle’s previous MSO MedPOINT Management to Network Medical Management was virtually seamless.

“Although there were a few minor glitches, none of which involved direct patient care, as the transition took shape, those issues were swiftly resolved,’’ says Arteaga.

While some California physicians are threatening to reduce the number of Medi-Cal and Medicare recipients they accept as patients, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is taking a proactive approach by seeking to increase the number of low-income patients it serves.

“Network Medical Management is helping expand LaSalle’s medical network, while continuing our steadfast commitment to LaSalle’s mission of providing high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect,’’ says Dr. Arteaga.

For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. call (909) 890-0407.

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 Medi-Cal 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

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.

-end-

LaSalle will give flu vaccines until March or, as long as they have the vaccine. At LaSalle, flu shots are free for children and seniors.

(San Bernardino, CA)  The flu outbreak in the U.S. has reached the point of an epidemic according to The Centers for Disease Control or CDC who is now reporting 47 states now have widespread flu outbreaks.

As of last week, the flu had spread to 47 states, but California is not one of them – yet!

The CDC says the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.  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.

“At LaSalle we are doing our best to make sure that every individual who comes through our doors gets a flu vaccine,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

“As of December 31, 2012, LaSalle’s four clinics have given a total of 10,200 flu vaccines.  This means that for every 10 patients we saw four (4) of them got the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Arteaga.  According to the CDC the national average for people receiving flu vaccines is three and a half per 10 people.

According to Arteaga, “LaSalle’s clinics, use a number of methods to have patients immunized against the flu.  They include phone calls to our members reminding them that it is time for this very important vaccine along with signage at all of our locations.  Our staff have put together fun things at each of our clinics for all of the children who have been vaccinated.”

The transmission of the influenza (flu) virus from health care 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 boasts 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.”

“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,” said Carl Maier, executive vice president of operations.

Maier added, ”Immunizing as many people as possible is so important to LaSalle that after several vendor meetings at the corporate office the LaSalle staff gave them flu vaccines – no charge of course.”

LaSalle’s immunizations efforts were recognized by the CDC last year as Dr. Arteaga was awarded 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.

“Contrary to what some might think, the virus in the flu shot is inactive.  Therefore, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot,” said Dr. Arteaga.

LaSalle will give flu vaccines until March or, as long as they have the vaccine.  At LaSalle, flu shots are free for children and seniors.

For more information on flu vaccines call the LaSalle medical clinics closest to you.  In Fontana at 17577 Arrow Blvd. (909) 823-4454; in San Bernardino at 1505 West 17th St, (909) 887-6494, and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., (909) 884-9091, and in Hesperia at 16455 Main St. (760) 947-2161.

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 Medi-Cal 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

-end-

Frederick Robert Vinton, Jr., has recently joined LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., as a Physicians Assistant. In his last position Vinton spent 22 years as the founder, physician and medical director for a district hospital in a remote area of Africa’s Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Frederick Robert Vinton, Jr., has recently joined LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., as a Physician Assistant.   In his last position Vinton spent 22 years as the founder, physician assistant and administrator for a district hospital in a remote area of Africa’s Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mission Grace Ministries International and Grace Church of the Congo sponsored the medical mission.  Vinton founded an 80 bed hospital that now has a staff of 42 including two doctors and 15 nurses.

“Working in the Congo had lots of challenges, but we were able to make a big difference in peoples’ lives.  It was very rewarding to deliver healthcare to so many people who had never received treatment before,” said Vinton.

His desire to serve started when he visited his grandfather for a year from 1980 to 1981 while a college student.

“My grandfather served in the Congo as a medical missionary for 75 years.  He started when he was age 20 and served until he was 95 years old when he had a stroke and returned to the US.  He died a year later.

“When I visited Africa as a young man and saw the great need for healthcare and how my grandfather’s faith led him to serve God by helping his fellow man, I was humbled.  It changed my life and I decided to commit myself to helping people through the practice of medicine,” said Vinton.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaïre, is a very dangerous place and has been since its inception.  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Congo.  Armed groups, bandits, and elements of the Congolese military are known to pillage, steal vehicles, kidnap, rape, kill, and carry out military or paramilitary operations in which civilians are indiscriminately targeted.

In 2011 Vinton and his wife made the decision to leave the Congo and return home to Southern California.  “It had been our goal to start a medical work which we could eventually turn over to the Congolese church.  We felt that goal had been reached,” said Vinton.

Returning to California after 22 years in a remote area in the Congo proved difficult for Vinton and his family. Although they visited the U.S. every three to six years, there were still many adjustments to make.  Where they lived there were few stores, few supplies and fewer medicines.

When Vinton and his team built their hospital in the Congo, they sawed their own lumber from the trees they cut down and made their own furniture using hand tools.  They also made and fired their own bricks.

“Now I walk into a place like Home Depot and all of those items are made and ready to go.  It is very different,” said Vinton.

There is also access to many more medicines that can prevent illness, or help patients recover faster with less pain.  “At LaSalle we have access to the best medicines in the world.  Learning about all of the new medications, treatment regiments and therapies has been exciting,” Vinton said.

Despite the changes and adjustments to California’s healthcare industry, Vinton is glad he joined the team at LaSalle Medical Associates as a Physician Assistant.

“When I learned of the opportunity to join LaSalle, I did my homework on the company,” said Vinton.  “I am impressed with LaSalle’s mission to proved high quality healthcare to individuals and families with courtesy and respect.”

LaSalle’s President, Dr. Albert Arteaga is no stranger to missionary work.  As the son of an Adventist Minister he spent several years as an adolescent in Argentina when his father was sent as a missionary.

“It’s nice to know that the President of LaSalle understands the many definitions of a mission include: a calling, an assigned task or a place that helps needy.  I learned that Dr. Arteaga has made the delivery of high quality healthcare in California LaSalle’s mission,” said Vinton.

“What I most enjoy about working with the staff at LaSalle is how they express the company’s slogan “We Care” by serving each and every patient that walks through the door with quality healthcare, every day,” said Vinton.

Every LaSalle Doctor and physician assistant also shows the “We Care” attitude by using a chart with every four-dollar generic prescription available at Wal-Mart pharmacies.

“When I have a patient that does not have health insurance, I can prescribe a medicine my patients’ can afford to take.  That means that our patients can use their medications and get better faster,” said Vinton.

“When I learned of the opportunity to join LaSalle, I did my homework on the company,” said Vinton. “I am impressed with LaSalle’s mission to proved high quality healthcare to individuals and families with courtesy and respect.”“What I most enjoy about working with the staff at LaSalle is how they express the company’s slogan “We Care” by serving each and every patient that walks through the door with quality healthcare, every day,” said Vinton.

“We are honored that Frederick chose to work with us at LaSalle Medical Associates,” said Dr. Arteaga.  His dedication to people and medicine are demonstrated by his 22 years of service to people in the dangerous, war torn country of the Congo.  I am confident that Frederick delivers excellent healthcare to every patient he sees, everyday.”

Vinton graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills in Carson and the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science Physician Assistant (PA) Program.

A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works as part of a team with a doctor.  A PA is a graduate of an accredited PA educational program who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.

PAs perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret lab tests, perform procedures, assist in surgery, provide patient education and counseling and make rounds in clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.

Vinton works in LaSalle’s Hesperia clinic and the Mt. Vernon clinic in San Bernardino.

For more information or an appointment call (909) 884-9091for LaSalle’s Mt. Vernon clinic or (760) 947-2161 for its Hesperia office.

-end-

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 Medi-Cal 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

Every LaSalle Doctor and physician assistant shows the “We Care” attitude by caring a chart with every four-dollar generic prescription available at Wal-Mart pharmacies.“When I have a patient that does not have health insurance, I can prescribe a medicine my patients’ can afford to take. That means that our patients can afford to use their medications and get better faster,” said Frederick Robert Vinton, Jr., who recently joined LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., as a Physicians Assistant.

October 16, 2012

We are pleased to announce that effective December 1, 2012, LaSalle Medical Associates will partner with Network Medical Management to act as our new Management Services Organization (MSO).  Our commitment to the healthcare industry will continue to include the expertise of a dedicated Utilization and Financial Management team.  Network Medical Management is a full service MSO which has been operating since 1994 with expertise in claims processing, grievance resolution, healthcare contracts, credentialing, and disease management/control, among other areas.  Network Medical Management is owned and operated by Allied Physicians of California IPA.

LaSalle is excited to announce this new relationship.  Preparations are ongoing and the transition will be as seamless as possible.  A second letter will be forthcoming within the next two weeks with details regarding the transition from MedPOINT Management to Network Medical Management.  In the meantime, please visit our website at www.LasalleMedicalAssociates.com for future updates.  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Director of Network Development, Victor Madero at (909) 380-8011 or our direct corporate phone number at (909) 890-0407.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to thank our current MSO MedPOINT Management for its dedicated work on capacity-building of LaSalle’s network, and steadfast commitment to LaSalle’s mission of providing high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.  During the past 1 ½ years MedPOINT was able to quickly accommodate and support LaSalle’s existing network of providers and take the lead in a strategic expansion to achieve wider penetration into areas known to be historically underserved communities.  For this we are deeply thankful.

Sincerely,

(San Bernardino, CA) Breast cancer screenings go a long way toward prevention. That’s why during the month of October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month – LaSalle Medical Associates will offer free mammograms at two of its locations in San Bernardino County.

The free screenings will take place Oct. 12 and 26 at LaSalle Medical Associates’ Mt. Vernon clinic in San Bernardino, 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave., and Oct. 11 in Hesperia, 16455 Main St.

Interested individuals are urged to call ahead for an appointment but walk-ins are welcome.

“A mammography can save lives if it catches breast cancer early enough which is a reason we promote screenings to our patients daily and not just the month of October,’’ says Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle.

“We have a mobile mammography unit out to both of our family practice sites on a monthly basis to be sure that we are screening as many women as we can. We take advantage of every opportunity to educate patients on the importance of regular, preventative screenings,’’ said Graber.

Barbara Graber, manager of compliance and special projects at LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

In addition to free breast cancer screenings, LaSalle Medical Associates’ practices throughout the month of October and the Inland Empire is offering free educational materials on breast cancer to women, and men, throughout the Inland Empire. Opportunities for free and or reduced-cost mammograms are available through LaSalle, Graber says.

“As often as possible we try to use the members’ insurance and, if uninsured, we try to find a program that they may qualify for such as the Cancer Detection Program or the Family PACT program, both of which cover mammograms. The Cancer Detection Program also covers any interventions needed if the screening comes back with a positive result,’’ Graber says. “If they do not qualify for any programs, there is a reduced cash rate that is charged but for the most part we work with our patients to ensure they get the screening.”

A mammography is a screening tool that uses X-rays to create an image of the breast. These images, called mammograms, are used to find early signs of breast cancer such as a dense mass or clusters of calcium. A mammogram is considered the best screening tool for breast cancer today. It is capable of identifying cancers in their early stages, when they are too small to be felt, and most responsive to treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women of all races.

And, although breast cancer is rare in men, it does happen. According to the CDC, in 2012 an estimated 2,190 new cases of breast cancer will occur among men.

“Mammograms take just a few minutes, they are safe, and they are reliable,’’ says Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “We believe all women, especially in the Inland Empire, should have access to low-cost mammograms and our staff is working hard to insure those women who need them, get them. The more women we see the greater the chance we have of saving lives.”

For more information about the free mammograms, call (909) 884-9091for LaSalle’s Mt. Vernon clinic or (760) 947-2161 for its Hesperia office.

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 Medi-Cal 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

-end-

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 3^rd, 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

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 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

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.

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu? – According to the CDC, Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

fluvaccine_30sec

The new flu season starts September 1, 2012 with flu vaccines available at all LaSalle Medical Associates 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  influenza B virus.

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.

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 families 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.

“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.

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.

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

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 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 and 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 care to more than 245,000 patients 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, Arrowhead Orthopedics, Arther Medical Group, Rancho Medical Group, Rancho Paseo Medical Group, Alessandro Medical Group 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.

-end-

The LaSalle Medical Associates Healthcare team gave more than 10,000 flu vaccines last year. LaSalle is getting ready for this years flu season. Left to right: Dr. Joseph V. Selvarj, Dr. Albert Arteaga, Dr. Cheryl Emoto, and Dr. Felix A. Albano.
Continue Reading…