Rochelle Community Hospital Highlights Need for Primary Care Providers

Rochelle Community Hospital (RCH) is emphasizing the importance of establishing a relationship with a general health provider through its Family Healthcare Clinic. This initiative aims to inform the community about the wide array of health services available to individuals and families, which include essential annual visits for blood work, check-ups, immunizations, and ongoing care for both sudden and chronic illnesses.

According to Dr. Graham Isaacson, a physician at RCH, the clinic currently has openings for new patients. On August 25, 2023, he articulated the numerous benefits of having a primary care provider. These advantages include early detection and treatment of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, fostering a relationship built on familiarity and trust, and ensuring access to necessary screenings and immunizations.

“There are many benefits to having a primary care provider,” Dr. Isaacson stated. “One of the biggest things is trying to find and treat diseases before they become a problem.” He stressed that individuals might not be aware of underlying health issues, as many conditions do not exhibit symptoms until they reach a critical stage. Routine screenings can identify risks such as high cholesterol, which can prevent serious health crises like strokes or heart attacks.

Dr. Isaacson highlighted the importance of regular check-ups, even for those who feel healthy. He recounted instances where patients who had not seen a physician in over two decades were later diagnosed with serious conditions, underscoring the potential dangers of neglecting preventive care. “You really can feel totally fine and have a lot of things going on inside that your body is doing a good job of covering for,” he noted.

The RCH Family Healthcare Clinic has been expanding its capacity to serve the community, with Dr. Isaacson building his practice since joining the clinic approximately a year ago. Additionally, the clinic has welcomed Kristi Gonzales, a new physician assistant, who is also working to expand her patient base.

By encouraging more residents to establish a primary care relationship, RCH aims to alleviate pressure on its convenient care and emergency departments. Dr. Isaacson pointed out that many individuals visit the emergency room for non-urgent issues such as ear infections or strep throat, which could be addressed through a same-day appointment with a primary care provider. “It’s typically much cheaper to see a primary care doctor compared to the emergency room,” he explained.

Furthermore, RCH’s general health providers can easily refer patients to specialists within the hospital. This includes access to services from cardiologists, nephrologists, podiatrists, dermatologists, and urologists, as well as a newly established behavioral health clinic.

Dr. Isaacson expressed his passion for building relationships with patients, stating, “I’ve been able to build a lot of great relationships in the past 12 months. It makes a difference.” He noted that when patients have established connections with healthcare providers, they tend to receive better care.

Regular health check-ups can help prevent the escalation of health issues. For instance, early management of high blood pressure with medication can significantly reduce the risk of more severe complications in the future.

Despite the clear benefits of preventive care, Dr. Isaacson acknowledged several barriers that prevent individuals from seeking a primary care provider. These include fear of the unknown, time constraints, concerns about costs, and trust issues. To address these challenges, RCH offers evening hours for patients with busy schedules, aiming to build trust and engagement with new patients.

High-risk conditions such as elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels can often go unnoticed without regular monitoring, leading to severe health consequences like strokes and diabetes-related complications. “Every single week, I see patients that have waited too long to come and see a doctor,” Dr. Isaacson remarked. He emphasized that many patients arrive with untreated conditions that have persisted for years, often due to a lack of insurance or financial barriers.

He reassured potential patients that they are not alone if they have not seen a doctor in many years. “We don’t judge people. We figure out what needs to be done and we start taking care of them,” he stated, reinforcing the clinic’s commitment to providing compassionate care to all community members.