RHCC RN Care Coordinators: Rhonda Hamann-Lease, Joanna Brenny, Marcy Mateyka, Angela Joyner & Heidi Olesen
In an effort to improve the value and quality of care delivery, Riverwood Healthcare Center has pursued and achieved Health Care Home (HCH) certification through the Minnesota Department of Health.
A patient centered health care home is a philosophy of care that supports health and wellness while placing control of health care choices in the hands of the patient. Each patient chooses a preferred primary care provider, and the care team works together to treat the whole patient, connecting patients with resources within a health care organization and the community.
“With the implementation of Patient Centered Health Care Home in our Riverwood clinics we’ve developed a team approach to coordinating care for patients with chronic or complex health conditions,” said Cindi Baker, Riverwood chief operation officer. “We now have five registered nurse care coordinators who work closely with our providers and the entire care team to help patients navigate their health. The MDH certification validates that Riverwood has changed its clinic workflows to promote patient-centered care and is holding our clinics to a higher standard of care delivery.”
The five RN care coordinators at Riverwood include Heidi Olesen, Joanna Brenny and Marcy Mateyka in the Aitkin clinic; Rhonda Hamann-Lease in the Garrison clinic; and Angela Joyner in the McGregor clinic. They work with patients connecting them with the resources and tools they need to confidently self-manage their care.
“Patient Centered Health Care Home is a journey, constantly striving for quality improvement and recognizing that the patient is the biggest untapped resource in health care,” Olesen explained. “Patients with complex medical conditions or needs may be connected with one of our RN care coordinators. As a patient’s health changes, care will be tailored to fit his or her individualized needs and preferences. It is our goal to make transitions in care as seamless as possible while preventing gaps in care.”