Just What the Doctor Ordered

Going to the doctor can seem like a daunting task for some. Traveling across town, long wait times and repeating the process with a different specialist in another location can be overwhelming and distressing. However, the rise of community-based healthcare options is starting to change the tide. This model of care focuses on outpatient services in more accessible locations, making doctor visits nothing more than a quick errand. Saint Agnes Hospital worked with CallisonRTKL to design a center that would do just that. Previously home to a furniture store, this 38,000-SF space in Baltimore is now Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville, a community, outpatient facility that allows for a convenient healthcare option for area residents.

By adopting the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model of care, Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville is able to lower hospital admissions, improve health outcomes and increase overall patient satisfaction.

What are the benefits and advantages of this trend?

Comprehensive and Coordinated Services

The idea for Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville was to better serve the community by making the center a convenient location to receive quality healthcare and education. Saint Agnes brings 19 physicians together in one space, combining specialties under one roof. The facility offers numerous specialties including: primary care, laboratories, imaging, and physical therapy. A patient/community outreach room is provided to focus on wellness topics such as diabetes, weight management and heart health.

The Need for Convenience

In addition to its central location, Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville also offers extended hours, same day appointments, walk-in diagnostic imaging, and pharmacy services giving patients more convenient options to access care. Technology integration is a large part of what makes this facility convenient for patients. Upon arrival, each patient is digitally registered, allowing them to easily submit copays online without having to wait for forms to be processed. This also allows their health information to be electronically accessible by another physician, if necessary.

Patient-Centered Care

The patient-centered model goes beyond acute care but stresses the importance of wellness and prevention. Involving the patient before they get sick and arming them with primary care, education and nutrition offers a more holistic approach.

Keeping Staff in Mind

Giving patients the best possible care is the number one priority but focus is also placed on the staff and helping to improve their workplace. At Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville, central stations in each pod are incorporated to include space for the medical assistant, physician offices, and PCHM Team Rooms for care team meetings. A four-pod layout creates a designated space for the physician or specialty and a more streamlined experience to improve treatment times for patients.

Saint Agnes Medical Group Catonsville is a strong example of how a community-based healthcare facility can help improve healthcare outcomes. The center will allow Saint Agnes to increase access to patients and expand new service lines beyond the main campus, ensuring a lasting impact on the community.