April 18, 2013 — In an effort to better coordinate heart care in the region, several local cardiologists, a physician’s assistant and nurse practitioner will join St. Charles Medical Group as of July 1.
The providers, who currently work at Heart Center Cardiology, include Drs. Hugh Adair, Bruce McLellan, James Laughlin, Michael Widmer and Eddy Young along with Cassie Dixon, PA, and Nancy Hilles, FNP. They will be co-located with St. Charles Medical Group cardiothoracic surgeons Drs. John Blizzard and Angelo Vlessis to create a comprehensive heart care team.
“By bringing these separate groups together under one practice, we will streamline care for our patients and improve communication between providers with the end goal of improved patient outcomes,” said Dr. Jeff Absalon, chief physician officer for St. Charles Health System. “We are excited to welcome these talented providers to our St. Charles Medical Group team.”
Dr. Michael Widmer explained that the American College of Cardiology advocates this model where a complete heart team is located within one facility so that appropriate interventions, surgery and new technologies are implemented for the betterment of the patient.
The group will be located in the current Heart Center Cardiology clinic space on the third floor of The Heart Center.
“This process is rooted on plans we were working on in the past when The Heart Center was created,” said McLellan. “We’re looking forward to the future where we work together with the surgeons as we move into health care reform.”
