Northwestern Health Sciences University, HealthPartners create integrated clinic

April 20, 2010 — Northwestern Health Sciences University is collaborating with HealthPartners to open an integrated clinic. The new clinic will create a new model of care that blends the strengths of traditional medicine and natural care disciplines to provide a collaborative, team approach to meeting patient healthcare needs.

The clinic, located in Cottage Grove, Minn., opened April 19, 2010.

“This is an exciting opportunity to create more comprehensive primary care in one convenient setting,” said Bob VanWhy, MD, senior vice president of primary care and practice development at HealthPartners.

“This model will provide improved access and convenience for patients, as well as evidenced-based integrated care. We think that the collaboration with Northwestern will benefit our patients and organization in several ways,” he continued.

The clinic will include a family physician and doctors of chiropractic on staff as well as an urgent care center. Ryne DeVries, DC, FACO, assistant professor at Northwestern, will be the chiropractor on staff at the new clinic.

Debbie Miller, LPN, associate vice president of clinical services at Northwestern, initiated the connection between Northwestern and HealthPartners almost one year ago. “It’s about building relationships,” said Miller. Two weeks after suggesting a possible collaboration, Dr. VanWhy contacted Miller to set up a meeting about the integrated clinic.

“We were fortunate,” said Dr. VanWhy. “When we approached Northwestern about the idea for the collaboration, there was immediate interest. We now have a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the leader in the practice, education and research of natural care in the Twin Cities to improve the care for patients.”

Source: Northwestern Health Sciences University, www.nwhealth.edu/nwtoday/index.html