Curry Medical Center Sets Patient Volume Records

GOLD BEACH, OR (January 16, 2015) - Since opening in 2011, patient volumes at Curry Medical Center on 5th Street in Brookings have continued to increase, breaking records on a regular basis. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, even more area residents - previously uninsured - are now seeking primary care providers. On average, the clinic and urgent care facility now see 2,171 patients per month, a 45% increase since 2011.

To combat the 25% increase in patient registrations within the last year alone, the number of providers offering services at Curry Health Network's southernmost facility has more than doubled to include seven primary care providers.

Two new providers also represent the addition of new services now available to area residents, says Danyell Thomson, Clinic Manager of the largest multi-specialty clinic in Curry County. "We're pleased to have brought on board Dr. Christopher Amsden, a specialist in Pain Management, and Pediatrician Dr. Raymond Harris."

Even with the addition of more providers, Curry Medical Center is facing a challenge to keep up with the ever-increasing volume of new patients. "Many of our new providers are already at full capacity," said Thomson.

"We've been working hard to streamline our processes to get new patients in the door, including asking patients to complete a new patient information packet prior to their visit. That data is entered into the EMR (electronic medical records) system and allows the healthcare provider to focus solely on the patient and not the computer," she explained.

Thomson has heard feedback indicating the perception of some patients is that the packets are used to deny patients access to clinic services or providers, but says nothing is further from the truth. "Those packets are designed to improve patient experience and quality care, and to match patients with the provider who best suits their needs. We processed more than 2,000 packets last year and were able to establish care with our providers for over 95% of those new patients."

A newly created position at the clinic is dedicated to assisting patients with establishing care. "The Patient Intake Coordinator will assign patients with providers and remain an available resource to help them navigate through the medical system," said Thomson. "We're doing everything we can to make the process of finding a healthcare provider easier for our community members, and we'll continue to make changes as necessary to ensure the process continues to be effective."

Wayne Hellerstedt, CEO of Curry Health Network, says the need for new healthcare providers is not unique to the Network's clinic in Brookings. "Efforts continue to recruit additional primary care providers for Curry Medical Practice in Gold Beach as well as for Curry Family Medical in Port Orford," Hellerstedt said. The Network is not alone. According to the Robert Graham Center, in 2012 the number of primary care providers in Oregon numbered 5,187. They project a shortfall of 1,174 by the year 2030 - not including 133 needed solely for the Affordable Care Act.

"Recruiting in rural areas also poses a unique challenge," Hellerstedt said, "and that may trickle down and contribute to increased difficulty in obtaining care." Health professionals are highly concentrated in urban locations, with only 10 percent of physicians working in rural locations, while one-fourth of the population resides in rural areas. "Of course the southern Oregon coast has so much to offer that is attractive to providers, and the addition of the new Curry General Hospital will also help in our recruitment efforts," he added.

Thomson remains optimistic about the improvements being made at Curry Medical Center, even with the challenges they are facing. "I'm very excited, and confident that the changes we're making will improve the patient experience," she said. "We're going to continue to strive to reach our mission to provide healthcare of the highest quality with genuine caring and compassion."