Story by ElenaWatts <\/p>\n
Originally published January 25, 2014 at 10:12 P.M., updated January 26, 2014 at 12:45 A.M. <\/p>\n
A conversation between two Crossroads leaders seated next to each other at a meeting about Medicaid has sparked a partnership that is expected to benefit the community. <\/p>\n
Gulf Bend Center and Citizens Medical Center have joined forces to streamline the delivery of health care services with a system that benefits patients, health care providers and taxpayers. <\/p>\n
\"The most important part of the association between Gulf Bend and Citizens is to set up the foundation for a model of integrated health care with a wholistic view of the needs of the patients,\" said Dr. Nestor Praderio, geriatric psychiatrist and owner of Psychiatric Consulting Service in Aransas Pass. <\/p>\n
Praderio oversees inpatient psychiatric units in Aransas Pass and Corpus Christi and treats patients with mental health issues in the Crossroads by televideo. <\/p>\n
At the Medicaid meeting, David Way, associate executive director of Gulf Bend Center, shared his ideas about integrative health care with Stephen Thames, hospital administrator for Citizens Medical Center, to secure a letter of support for his proposal. <\/p>\n
Thames offered more than his endorsement. He offered hospital space and medical professionals. <\/p>\n
The $1.2 million project, funded by a Texas Department of State Health Services grant and an in-kind match from Citizens Medical Center, began in January. <\/p>\n
Citizens Medical Center provides space on the sixth floor of the hospital for the six-person outpatient extended observation unit as well as a nursing staff. <\/p>\n
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See the rest here: <\/p>\n
Health care providers partner to provide mental health care<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Story by ElenaWatts Originally published January 25, 2014 at 10:12 P.M., updated January 26, 2014 at 12:45 A.M. Continue reading