When the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic implemented its care coordination program, the goal was to improve patient outcomes. Now, WGMC is implementing disease care management plans for 100 percent of its chronically ill patients.
On Dec. 7, the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics recognized WGMC’s care coordination program by presenting the clinic with its Innovation Award. The Innovation Award, presented during IAFCC’s fifth annual conference at Starved Rock State Park, recognizes innovative approaches to patient care that result in measurable improvements to patient health and well-being.
As part of WGMC’s care coordination program, all patients are offered ancillary services such as nutrition counseling and education, fitness classes and mental health counseling. Through a partnership with Midwestern University and Roosevelt University, fourth-year pharmacy students also provide medication teach back and management counseling to clinic patients.
Overall, WGMC said the care coordination program produces quantifiable improvements in patient health and reduces the clinic’s costs, while also providing hands-on experiences for students.
According to WGMC’s website, the not-for-profit organization provides free medical and dental care to adults who have no health insurance or medical care entitlements and meet prescribed income guidelines. For more information, visit www.willgrundymedicalclinic.org.