VG Hillsboro Corner
VG Hillsboro is in the planning stages of a new pilot program called Centering Pregnancy, that may be adopted by other clinics in the future. In this program, providers meet with pregnant women in a group setting. Patients learn what to expect during the different stages of pregnancy, warning signs to look out for, as well as diet and exercise restrictions and recommendations. “It is a very efficient way for providers to give valuable information to their OB patients,” according to clinic manager, Vicki Pedraza.
“Group education allows for a more interesting dynamic,” said Pedraza. “Participants get answers to questions they may not have thought of and it evolves into a natural support group for pregnant women.”
VG Hillsboro is also in the process of integrating OB services into primary care as part of the team-based Primary Care Renewal model adopted last year. Pedraza says the providers are finding team-based care a much more supportive and efficient approach to serving patients and patients identified with their provider team much faster than expected. “They love not having to repeat their story and health history again and again.” said Pedraza.
(Pictured at right, Virginia Garcia patient Ron Gensor and staff member, Perla Dominquez.)
The clinic has completed the transition to electronic medical records (EMR) and is in the process of upgrading to the latest version of EMR technology. Dr. Mike McNamara, of Kaiser Permanente, whose daughter Allison is a Virginia Garcia medical assistant, has been instrumental in helping to implement the new program.
This spring, VG Hillsboro plans to expand its hours for urgent care and will be open to all Virginia Garcia Washington County patients. As the only clinic that currently has capacity to take on new patients, VG Hillsboro is experiencing a steadily increasing demand for services. The urgent care hours will be weekdays from 5:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am - 5:30pm.