Ascension St. Vincent Wellness Model Getting National Attention
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAs the national debate on healthcare rages on, a near-site wellness clinic concept, developed in Indiana, is being billed as an answer for employers struggling to contain costs. Ascension St. Vincent Health Indianapolis launched the model in 2012 and is now expanding it in Indiana and beyond. The health care provider says a partnership with Carmel Clay Schools has saved the district $11 million over the past two years.
“Usually when people think about a wellness center or clinic, you’re thinking about physical health, but we’re just as focused on mental health and social well-being and Ascension St. Vincent is able to provide all of those services under one roof,” said Roger McMichael, an associate superintendent in the school district.
McMichael and Ascension St. Vincent Health, Wellness and Preventative Care Institute Medical Director Dr. Michael Busk discussed the clinic and plans for expansion on this weekend’s edition of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick.
The success in Carmel has attracted national attention and an expansion of the model.
Ascension St. Vincent opened a clinic for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Kokomo in 2018, with the potential to serve more than 20,000 individuals. “It’s been so successful there since 2018 that we’re now building another center for the new plants that are going in in Detroit,” said Dr. Busk, who adds discussions are underway companies in Wisconsin, Tennessee and elsewhere.
“We can take this across the country and, in many ways, it’s been time tested with our partnership with Carmel Clay Schools.”