IU Health opening Connected Care primary care practice for adults on Medicare

INDIANAPOLIS (April 15, 2021) —Adults on Medicare in the Indianapolis area will gain a new primary care option with the opening on April 19 of an Indiana University Health Connected Care practice.

The practice, located at 7140 East Washington St., will provide health care services to adults on Medicare, including those managing one or more chronic conditions. The practice also will address a broad range of needs beyond clinical care, including social, financial and mental/behavioral health along with transportation to and from appointments, and offer prescription affordability assistance.

The Connected Care office will initially be staffed by a physician, an advanced practice provider, and clinical and administrative staff specializing in healthy aging and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, COPD and dementia. In addition, patients will have on-site access to a pharmacist, care manager, social worker, behavioral health professional, and a financial navigator to assist with Medicare and Medicaid options and Medicare Advantage plans.

Opening of the office by IU Health responds to a growing need by patients, especially those over 65, for customized and innovative primary care with strong preventative care management and the ability to address non-clinical concerns that impact a patient’s health. The Connected Care model includes virtual and in-home visits for patients who may require assistance with mobility or transportation. Longer appointments of 30 to 60 minutes allow patients more time with a provider to discuss multiple conditions. Same-day appointments are offered and patients and caregivers will have 24/7 phone access to a provider.

IU Health Connected Care will serve Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and dual-eligible Medicare/Medicaid patients.

“In our Connected Care model, we intend to provide comprehensive care with additional resources designed not only to manage chronic conditions, but focus on our patients’ health and function,” said Dr. Kevin Gebke, president of community medicine for IU Health Physicians.

“This new model of care is part of our value-based care initiative and aims to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction, as well as lower health care costs in an innovative way,” said Dr. Greg Kiray, IU Health senior vice president for population health.

As part of its long-range plans, IU Health intends to open additional Connected Care locations in the Indianapolis area and across Indiana. An additional IU Health Connected Care practice is located in Fishers, near IU Health Saxony Hospital, and serves the Medicare population in Hamilton County and nearby communities.

ABOUT IU HEALTH CONNECTED CARE IN INDIANAPOLIS

Patients served: A new model of care serving adults on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare/Medicaid.

Staff: Clinical and administrative staff will initially include a physician and advanced practice provider.

Address: 7140 East Washington St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, Ind.

Size: 5,000 square feet with exam and procedure rooms.

Opening: April 19, 2021.