Posted on Monday, March 15, 2021, 7:29 pm
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Augusta Health opened a new combined diabetes and endocrinology center on Monday in the back of the fitness / wellness center on the Augusta Health campus.
The innovative approach to diabetes care in the community combines the practice of Augusta Health Diabetes & Endocrinology and the outpatient diabetes education program in one patient-centered space.
“We are excited to begin this new chapter in diabetes and endocrinology care for our community,” said Dr. Nelly Maybee, Medical Director at Augusta Health Diabetes & Endocrinology. “Both diabetes and thyroid disease are common here, and we have a growing need to care for both. Our new space will help us expand access to our patients and make it easier to see a provider – all in one room. Since we opened the practice more than 10 years ago, we’ve added two doctors and two medium-sized providers. Now we can grow to meet the needs of the church again. “
According to Augusta Health’s most recent health needs assessment in 2019, the prevalence of diabetes in the Staunton, Augusta County and Waynesboro area rose from 13.9 percent in 2016 to 16.5 percent in 2019.
Another 7.4 percent of adults in the region were diagnosed with pre-diabetes.
Dr. Maybee added that the location of the new center, with easy parking and access to the clinic, plus the addition of diabetes counselors, will also benefit patients.
“Being side by side with the diabetes counselors and dietitians every day is wonderful for our patients,” Maybee said. “There are critical conversations that can take place right now, and coordinating appointments with a doctor and nutritionist can be seamless and efficient. The location right next to the fitness center is great – it’s all part of a lifestyle change to treat diabetes or thyroid disease. “
The renovation of the room began in October. There are 11 examination rooms and two treatment rooms shared by six providers. The outpatient diabetes education program has a separate entrance with four advisory offices for nutritionists and diabetes advisors. These specialists work closely with patients and endocrinologists to create an individual care plan that matches their lifestyle, environment and beliefs.
There is a shared conference room to improve care coordination.
Sufficient accessible and convenient parking spaces are available in the parking lot at the back of the fitness / wellness center at the entrance of Mule Academy Road to the hospital campus.
This innovation in diabetes and endocrinology care is part of Augusta Health’s strategic plan, Journey 2025, to expand and improve access to outpatient services across the region.
The diabetes and endocrinology schedule at Augusta Health Multispecialty Clinic in Lexington will remain unchanged to provide convenient access and care for patients in the Rockbridge County area.
The Augusta Medical Group is Augusta Health’s salaried medical group. Augusta Health is an independent, non-profit, community-owned hospital whose mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of its community through access to excellent care.
Over the years, Augusta Health has been recognized by many outside rating organizations: Top 100 Hospitals in America, HealthGrades’ 50 Best Hospitals in the US, US News and World Report Best Regional Hospital, and most recently Leapfrog Top Hospital 2020.
For more information about Augusta Health, its programs or services, please visit www.augustahealth.com.
