Sidney Health Center Joins Innovative Health And Wellness Program

Sidney, MT - Sidney Health Center has joined the National Rural Accountable Care Consortium to improve the health and well being of the community.

Sidney, March 29, 2016 - Sidney Health Center is pleased to announce its participation in the National Rural Accountable Care Consortium – a program designed to help rural Medicare patients live long, healthy lives.

As part of the new program, Sidney Health Center hired a Care Coordinator to work closely with patients – helping seniors stay healthy, get great care when needed and avoid costly and wasteful repetitive tests. Sidney Health Center also has access to important information, which will help community physicians evaluate the services of distant specialists, hospitals and other healthcare providers to make the best recommendations for patients.

Rick Haraldson, Sidney Health Center CEO states, “When our patients want support, they can come to us for advice and assistance. We will help them find the right healthcare providers, coordinate their care and help them get the best results. Our mission is to serve the community’s healthcare needs, and this program will help us do that better than ever.” Initially, Sidney Health Center will introduce these new programs for Medicare patients, but hopes to expand to other types of insurance as well. “Sidney Health Center is doing its part, but the community can play an even larger role in promoting health,” Haraldson added. “As a community, we need to take responsibility for our health and for each other, and encourage each other to stop smoking, eat healthful foods and get regular exercise. We need to work together for a better future for our friends and neighbors. For example, if you are a Medicare patient, we urge you to get your free Annual Wellness Visit to prevent disease and maintain your health.”

The National Rural Accountable Care Consortium includes over 250 rural community health systems in 40 states; dedicated to helping rural providers achieve the highest level of healthcare quality, efficiency and customer service.

For more information please contact Peggy Bunnell, Care Coordinator at 488-2379, [email protected]. You also can call 1-800-MEDICARE and tell the representative you’re calling to learn more about ACOs, or visit Medicare.gov/acos.html.