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Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center | 7 An AdvantAge Over Aging New health center in Apple Valley brings compassionate, convenient option to seniors. L ocal seniors seeking comprehensive, convenient health care now have access to the St. Mary High Desert Medical Group's new Providence AdvantAge Health Center, which aims to provide a better, more individualized experience to those on a Medicare Advantage plan. Internist Michael Whitmore, DO, runs the Apple Valley center, offering preventive and geriatric care as well as chronic condition management. Dr. Whitmore says the chronic diseases he treats most often are diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and various lung diseases. "What differentiates us from other facilities is how responsive we are, always trying to make everything easy on patients," Dr. Whitmore explains. "Availability is also important, and we are always available." PATIENT SATISFACTION FROM THE START Robin Carr, 66, of Apple Valley, was the first patient to experience the center. Robin lives in Jess Ranch, a 55-and- over residential community about a mile and a half south of the new facility. She initially heard of the Providence AdvantAge Health Center through her daughter-in-law, a nurse practitioner with St. Mary High Desert Medical Group. "It's a real advantage, because our whole community is seniors, and we can literally walk to the center," notes Robin. She says she left her first visit completely impressed by the clinic's care, adding, "Dr. Whitmore is very thorough and gives you one-on-one attention when he first sits down to talk to you. He explained everything, and I really appreciate that." Another benefit lies in the process itself. Each patient is given a personalized binder that includes answers to important medical questions, referrals and notes on medications, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar levels, among other vital information. Patients are instructed to bring the binder to each visit. Robin points out another advantage of the binder: "If you had to go to the hospital, you could take the book with you, and the staff would have all your previous medical information in one place. It's such a huge benefit for the medical providers in your life." Dr. Whitmore adds that if one of his patients does go to the hospital, they are always instructed to follow up with him. "We are integrated very closely with St. Mary, and this ensures nothing falls through the cracks." Robin, meanwhile, praises the entire staff for their dedication to following up. "They keep in touch via text and phone calls, as well as the standard appointment card," she says. "I would recommend the center to all my friends and anyone in my community." A CARING ENVIRONMENT Dr. Whitmore is diligent when it comes to keeping his patients up to date on recommended screenings, like mammograms and colonoscopies. "It's all part of our quality, comprehensive care," says the doctor. "And if they are seeing other providers or specialists, I'm summarizing their situation and making sure everyone is in the loop." Dr. Whitmore is currently the only doctor servicing the clinic, but St. Mary High Desert Medical Group plans to expand to include either a nurse practitioner or another doctor as the patient list increases. From the feedback the doctor has received thus far, it seems almost certain the health center will continue to grow and thrive. "Based on what my patients are telling me, they are happy with the personal attention and comprehensive visits," Dr. Whitmore says. "The most important thing is that we care at the clinic. We're not just showing up to clock in and earn a paycheck. We genuinely care about our patients and the community." Located at 19333 Bear Valley Road, Suite 101, in Apple Valley, the Providence AdvantAge Health Center is accepting new patients. Call 760-261-5020 for more information or to make an appointment.

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