Cleveland Clinic has opened a new primary care facility in Stuart aiming to address long patient wait times and enhance access to healthcare services. Previously, patients faced wait times of up to a year for primary care appointments; however, the new center has reduced this to under 30 days. This improvement is attributed to the recruitment of 55 primary care clinicians over the past two years and the implementation of a compressed workweek to prevent clinician burnout.

The center employs a collaborative care model known as Clinical Access Teams, which includes physicians and advanced practice providers working together to manage patient flow and ensure timely care. This approach allows for longer appointments, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care without feeling rushed. Dr. Kathleen Hayden, a new primary care physician at the facility, emphasized the importance of the team in delivering quality care, stating, “We’ve got a shiny new office and it’s great, but it’s the team that makes the office.”

The Stuart location is part of Cleveland Clinic’s broader expansion efforts along Florida’s Treasure Coast, aiming to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in the region. The new facility is strategically located on U.S. Highway 1, north of the Roosevelt Bridge, making it more accessible to residents in the area.

This initiative reflects Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to improving patient access and reducing wait times, addressing a significant concern for many residents in the growing community.

Source:  WPTV