By Danielle Rexrode
At Oak Crest, the Erickson Senior Living community in Parkville, Md., residents benefit from a wide range of amenities that support a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.
Of these amenities, one of the most valuable is the medical center–located just steps from their residences–that provides high quality, senior-focused care.
No one knows that better than retired nurse Kathy Cimino, who moved to Oak Crest from Lewes, Del., in 2022.
“I absolutely love having my primary care doctor here in the community. Outside of Oak Crest, if you get sick, it can really be a struggle to see a doctor,” she explains. “Here, it’s ‘one stop shopping.’ I can be at the medical center in less than five minutes.”
The doctor is in
Staffed with full-time physicians, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants, it’s easy for residents to receive the support and care they need.
A host of specialists in orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, and dermatology hold regular office hours at the medical center, as well. Full-service dentistry, X-rays, ultrasounds, and lab work are also available.
Residents who choose to continue seeing their existing primary care provider can still use the medical center for flu shots, and tests and screenings, as needed.
Person-centered care
In addition to annual in-person visits, residents can schedule telehealth check-ins and other appointments without a long wait.
Surveys show that the average wait time for a primary care new patient appointment is 26 days. An appointment with a specialist is even longer, with the average wait to see a dermatologist at 34 days. And the median primary care office visit in the United States lasts just 15.7 minutes.
Unlike these statistics, Oak Crest’s medical center offers 60-minute new patient appointments and 30-minute follow-up visits, granting physicians ample time to address residents’ health needs and answer their important questions.
This dedication and commitment to not only treating but also getting to know patients on a personal level extends throughout the practice.
“We feel it’s important to spend time learning about each person and their medical history,” says Julia Kilcullen, practice administrator. “That is one of the many reasons why we are able to provide quality care–because we spend more time with patients than the average practice does.”
She adds, “We also see everyone when we are out and about in the community or grabbing lunch. Getting to know them and how we can best serve them is paramount to everything we do.”
Leading the way
Having an engaged team of professionals dedicated to your health results in better outcomes and greater quality of care. It also makes it easy to provide a continuum of care, including rehabilitation, assisted living, and memory care services.
“Continuity of care is such an important aspect of the medical program here at Oak Crest. For example, if you have a knee or hip replacement and need rehabilitation assistance, you can go to our on-site rehabilitation center,” says Kilcullen. “And your primary care provider will be the doctor managing your care.”
Kathy experienced the convenience of Oak Crest’s integrated health care firsthand.
“On one occasion, I had to go to the hospital,” recalls Kathy. “The Oak Crest medical center was alerted, and as soon as I returned home, my doctor reached out to me to schedule a follow-up appointment.”
She continues, “Another time, I needed an X-ray, and within an hour, the medical center arranged for the X-ray tech to meet me at the medical center and perform the scan. Otherwise, I would have had to schedule something at [an outside lab]. When needed, I have also had X-rays performed right in my apartment.”
And with a CVS Pharmacy right on campus, requesting and picking up prescriptions is seamless. “If I need a prescription, there is a CVS Pharmacy on the same floor as the medical center. I can stop and pick it up or they will deliver it right to your door,” says Kathy.
‘A great asset’
Knowing she is in the best hands at Oak Crest, Kathy appreciates a great start to a happy and healthy 2025.
“Having the medical center here is a great asset. I just love my doctor and the staff. You see each other around campus and get to know everyone,” says Kathy.
To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.
