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DEERFIELD, Ill. — Take Care Health Systems has formed a wide-ranging clinical and professional collaborative alliance with Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and LSU Healthcare Network (LSUHN) in New Orleans.
The Walgreen Co. retail clinic subsidiary said Tuesday that the relationship will increase opportunities for clinical coordination and improve patient access to the convenient and affordable health care options available at the four Take Care Clinics in the greater New Orleans region.
Under the alliance, Take Care, LSUHSC and LSUHN will develop an interface between each organization’s electronic health record system to enable effective scheduling and information sharing between organizations. Take Care also will provide opportunities for students in the LSUHSC Nurse Practitioner Training Program to precept at its clinics in the New Orleans area, and the walk-in clinic operator will partake in LSUHN’s development of a regional medical plan for certain noninsured working persons.
Plans also call for the establishment of a new Take Care Clinic near the LSU Health Sciences Center and for LSUHSC and LSUHN doctors to serve as collaborating physicians for Take Care Clinics in the region.
"At Walgreens and Take Care Health Systems, we are committed to working with leading health systems like LSUHN to provide patients with increased access and a more seamless health care experience," Heather Helle, divisional vice president for the Walgreens Consumer Solutions Group, said in a statement. "This collaboration will help ensure that we are utilizing the full capabilities of both organizations to benefit the patients and providers of the New Orleans community, which is our ultimate goal."
In addition, LSUHN health professionals will share information on Take Care Clinics and other health care options when their locations are closed or they cannot schedule an appointment within a patient’s desired timetable. Professionals at LSUHN affiliated practices will have access to information on Take Care Clinics, evening and weekend hours and services available to patients and their families.
"Every day we see evidence that greater continuity of care between providers, and more access points to health care services can directly drive better patient outcomes at lower costs," stated Dr. Larry Hollier, chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. "Our relationship with Walgreens and Take Care Systems will help ensure that our patients are receiving high-quality coordinated care while also allowing us to make our network even more accessible to a larger number of individuals.
"Payers, providers and most importantly patients have been telling us that increased coordination is what is needed in the current health care environment," Hollier added, "and we are excited about the potential benefits this partnership can achieve."
