Heart Hospital of Austin is aiming to provide preventative health care to a growing number of working professionals in Central Texas.
Officials with the St. David’s cardiovascular hospital in Central Austin celebrated the opening of an expanded clinic for its Executive Wellness program at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 17.
“Our Executive Wellness program is designed for the busy professional who wants to prioritize their health without disrupting their schedules,” said Brett Matens, Heart Hospital of Austin CEO.
How it works
Through the Executive Wellness program, patients may receive a comprehensive health analysis in one day by undergoing a series of tests and examinations, including a:
Comprehensive medical history consultationPhysical examinationComplete laboratory analysisResting electrocardiogram, or EKG, and exercise stress testPeripheral arterial disease carotid ultrasoundAnkle-brachial index testComputerized axial tomography scanPulmonary function testNutrition consultationMassageTo complete the appointment, doctors provide patients with a comprehensive review of their test results and may offer recommendations on lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, sleep and substance abuse. These recommendations could help patients remain healthy for a longer portion of their lives, Executive Wellness physician Dr. Dmitri Nikolaenko said.
Additionally, the comprehensive care may allow for the early detection of hidden illnesses or conditions, which could be lifesaving, Executive Wellness physician Dr. Micah Mann said. Patients may follow up with their primary care doctor or be referred to a specialist to receive further care, he said.
“We’re focused on lifestyle, identifying concerns early and helping our patients reach their optimal health,” Mann said.
Many patients visit the Executive Wellness clinic as a benefit offered through their employers, Matens said. The clinic does not accept insurance, while any patient may choose to pay out of pocket, he said.
The program is always looking to partner with more companies to offer preventative care services for their executives, Mann said.
“We think it’s a fantastic benefit and offers a lot of value,” Mann said. “It’s probably something that can draw talent in.”
The update
Heart Hospital of Austin completed a $1.6 million expansion of the Executive Wellness facility to include:
Three new consultation roomsTwo new exam roomsOne new ultrasound roomOne new exercise stress testTwo additional staff officesThe expansion has doubled the program’s capacity to serve patients, now seeing up to six patients in a day and up to 120 patients in one month, Heart Hospital of Austin Director Cara Rivas said.
The program has observed a high demand for preventative care from Austin-area residents, many of whom have had to wait months to receive an appointment, Mann said. Since its founding in 2000, the number of patients visiting the clinic has increased alongside population growth across Austin, Executive Wellness physician Dr. Stacie Bush-Veith said.
Heart Hospital of Austin expanded its Executive Wellness program to offer more working professionals comprehensive same-day preventative health care assessments, including resting electrocardiograms, or EKG, and exercise stress tests. (Chloe Young/Community Impact)
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