12
MARTIN HEALTH SYSTEM
MARTIN HEALTH
pharmacists
can now be found in an unexpected
but welcome place – primary care
practices.
As part of a progressive and
innovative team approach to the
management of complex chronic
diseases, such as diabetes, obesity,
and heart and lung disease, Martin
Health pharmacists are bringing
their expertise in medication man-
agement to patients in the primary
care doctor’s office. Pharmacists like
Debra Antoon work directly with pa-
tients to help prevent exacerbations
of symptoms and complications.
Gaining control of diabetes
After Arthur Schultheiss was
referred to Antoon by his physician,
Paul Gaeta, MD, he experienced
almost immediate improvements.
Schultheiss had been feeling
constantly tired, and his blood
sugar was erratic – he required four
insulin shots on some days.
Antoon recommended a new
type of insulin and was able to
eliminate at least five of Schultheiss’
medications. She referred him to
the Martin Center for Health and
Healing in Jensen Beach for diabe-
tes education and consultation with
a nutritionist. As he was able to take
control of his diabetes, Schultheiss
felt more alert and energetic.
“Deb hit the nail right on the
head for me,” Schultheiss says. “I
feel 100 percent better than I did.”
Dr. Gaeta was very pleased to see
his patient become an active par-
ticipant in his health care. “Debra
worked with Arthur to help him un-
derstand his medications and their
effects,” he says. “Arthur’s glycohe-
moglobin dropped considerably,
which shows a big improvement in
his ability to control his diabetes.”
SIMPLIFYING LIFE.
By working more closely with patients in
the primary care office, Martin Health pharmacists are making
a significant difference for patients with chronic disease and multiple
medications. This unique approach reflects Martin Health’s ongoing
commitment to improving patient care. Ask your Martin Medical Group
physician if the comprehensive health management program is right for you.
To find a Martin Medical Group physician, visit
martinhealth.org/mmg
.
Personal
advisors
With 75 percent of all health
care dollars spent on patients
with one or more chronic con-
ditions, meeting the complex
needs of these patients is the
single greatest challenge for
providers in this new health
care landscape.
“When patients have multiple
chronic conditions and more
than five or six medications,
their care becomes very com-
plicated,” says Dave Harlow,
Martin Health assistant vice
president for professional
services. “These patients need
a personal advocate who
understands their conditions
and the prescriptions they take
and can engage them in taking
control of their health.”
PHARMACY
New role for Martin Health pharmacists:
Comprehensive health management
Taking your
MEDICINE
just got easier
