Women-Centric Surgery and Care Services

A specific patient demographic, diverse services, one roof.

That business model is the wave of the future, according to Joe Delligatti, principal of Physician Planning & Consulting, a company that consults with healthcare professionals regarding surgery centers, medical office buildings, imaging centers, labs and wellness centers.

The convenience of having related procedures and services in one facility is particularly appealing to women — most don’t want to shuttle around town running errands any more than they already do.

One facility, Women’s Health Center of West Michigan, in Grand Rapids, aims for a one-stop-shopping approach to healthcare. It includes gynecology surgery suites, physical therapy, in-vitro fertilization, a medical spa, plastic surgery and psychology services — all for women. The facility may also eventually include pain specialists, orthopedic specialists and breast surgery. Retail space may include a maternity clothing store, a cafe and exercise space, but leases have not been locked in yet.

The building is more than 100,000 square feet, and one-quarter of it is occupied by Grand Rapids Women’s Health PC, which is the merger of several leading obstetrics and gynecology providers.

The center employs 15 obstetrician/gynecologists along with their support staffs. Grand Rapids Women’s Health is a merger of what was once three gynecology practices, said administrator Timothy Dykema.

Grand Rapids Women’s Health has two surgical suites and may eventually expand its surgical women’s procedures, Dykema said.

This type of model is what the market demands, and simplifies a currently complicated healthcare system, according to Dykema.

“Women will ultimately have a better experience,” he said. “The referral process will be streamlined and communication will be improved.”

Referring to colleagues who are under one roof is easier on the professional and the patient, he added.

“We packaged all our neighbors in one facility,” he said. “It’s going to give patients a greater sense of security that they’re coming to a facility of excellence where more of what they need is there. They can have lunch, buy maternity and nursing care products, talk to consultants, go to the pharmacy.”

Several healthcare providers and developers have contacted Dykema to find out more about this innovative model, he said. There are several women-centric models nationwide, but he is not aware of any others that are private, physician-owned and so extensive.

The facility sits atop a hill and is near major freeway access. It is easy to get to and has ample parking, the developer claims in promotion materials. The Grand Rapids segment is particularly appealing with lots of curves, soft colors and natural light.

“We did not cut short with our interior design,” Dykema said.

The nurses’ break room received considerable attention and has large windows, a great view and quality furniture. Dykema said that nurse happiness is important to the Grand Rapids Women’s Health team, and that’s why so much effort was put into their break room.

Combining surgery with therapy, exercise and nutrition services is where the nation is headed, according to Delligatti. It can be difficult though, to get so many players on board. It takes fortitude, a shared vision and lots of organizing.

“You do need to have a confluence of events occur,” Delligatti said. “You need to have like-minded doctors in the same area who would be willing to collaborate into a new facility.”

A difficult feat, but ultimately worth it in many instances.

“It is a brilliant idea, and I think if you look at healthcare from a big perspective, the future is going to be more of the smaller practices coming together collectively to treat the whole patient,” Delligatti said. “...we see this as a future bright light for business models. There are benefits to a holistic approach.”

That’s the message at The Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, a hospital in Bensalem, Penn., near Philadelphia. The institute is dedicated to the screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy.

The full-service facility has six operating room suites and state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat breast cancer. This technology includes digital mammography, PET/CT, Positron Emission Mammography, a clinical laboratory and all associated support services.

Breast surgeon Beth DuPree, MD, CEO of DSI of Bucks County, said she strongly believes in treating the whole person, not just their cancer.

“As a surgeon, I can cure a woman or man of their breast cancer, however, if they sit in a dark room everyday waiting for their cancer to return, I may have done my job as a surgeon by ridding the body of the cancer, but I did not do my job as a healer,” Dupree said.

“It is important to treat the body, mind and spirit of each patient and that is why the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County was created,” she added.

The hospital staff includes three oncologic breast surgeons, three plastic surgeons who perform elective and reconstructive surgery, three medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, non-invasive cardiology and other specialties that focus on womens’ health.

DSI of Bucks County incorporates untraditional modalities of healing such as Reiki, massage therapy, grief counseling, exercise programs, reflexology, etc.

DuPree wrote on her facility’s Web site, “Whatever it takes to help a person find healing and peace within should be an integral part of their treatment process.”

Once the patient arrives at Comprehensive Breast Care, they can get many of their treatments all in one place, and that business model is tough to beat.