Although hard to predict exactly when and how severe the season will be, there is no denying that flu season is coming. And combine the traditional seasonal flu season with the H1N1 flu that is getting so much press, you've got a very busy time. Because Primary Health Medical Group offers both Urgent Care and Family Practice options for patients, the upcoming months will no doubt be busy ones for our staff. Whether it is preparing for the season by giving vaccinations to our patients (last year we administered over 10,000 seasonal flu shots) or treating those patients that fear they've come down with the flu, we have 12 integrated locations that can serve their needs. This year, as in year's past, we've designated an "expert" in our clinics to advise us on all things flu related. Mark Michaud, MD will be leading our seasonal flu activities this year. And because of our large volume of patient visits, we've designated another one of our physicians, Jennifer Vincent, MD, to assist with precautionary and environmental systems related to the virus. Not only have these two physicians shown interest and skill in these areas, but their experience with PHMG throughout the years make them a natural fit. We look forward to serving the community this flu season, as we've done in year's past, to try and keep them healthy with immunizations - or treating the illness and getting them back on their feet.

Labels: clinics, family practice, flu season, immunizations, urgent care

10-Minutes with Dr. Stone
We sat down with Janine Stone, MD, a new Family Medicine Physician at the Primary Health Medical Group West Boise Clinic recently and asked some questions we thought patients might like to know...


Question: What drew you to medicine?

Dr. Stone: I was drawn to medicine for the ability to work closely with patients and help them through the health issues they face throughout their lives.

Question: What does your favorite day look like (either professional or personal)?

Dr. Stone: A favorite day would be spending the day with my husband doing an outdoor activity like floating the river, bike riding or kite boarding.

Question: Are you from Boise, and if so why do you love it? If not, why did you choose the Boise area?


Dr. Stone: I'm not originally from Boise. The area drew me due to its sunny climate, with accessibility to the mountains and rivers.

Question: What’s the most challenging aspect of practicing medicine today?


Dr. Stone: One of the most challenging aspects of medicine today is finding appropriate health care at reasonable costs for patients.

Question: Do you have one thing that you really enjoy treating/addressing in terms of patient care?


Dr. Stone: One thing that I enjoy about medicine is the relationships developed with patients.

Question: What do you think will be the biggest change in medicine in the next 10 years?


Dr. Stone: I see the biggest challenge in health care being the cost control with accessibility for all patients.

Question: Why are Electronic Health Records important to patients?


Dr. Stone: Electronic Health records has an advantage for ease of prescription refills and clarity of charts (no more deciphering a Doctor or Nurse's handwriting).

Question: What is the one piece of health care advice you wish everyone would know?


Dr. Stone: Exercise and eating correctly are probably the best "insurance" you can give yourself.

You can make an appointment with Dr. Janine Stone at the Primary Health Medical Group West Boise clinic by calling (208) 378-8011. She is currently accepting new patients to her practice.

Labels: family practice, interview, Janine Stone

It's funny how quickly things change. Just a short time ago we were tooting our own horn about our three new providers joining our practice. In just a short period of time, we have upped that number to FOUR new providers. That's right, PHMG is adding FOUR quality appointment based providers to our practice in the span of just 3-4 months! AND, one of our Urgent Care providers is crossing over to Family Practice, bringing our total new providers to actually FIVE! Growing all five new practices (4 family practice and one pediatrician), will be a challenge - but we are up to it! With our strong administrative support, Electronic Health Records system, and multiple locations across the Treasure Valley, we are in the unique position to direct patients to the right care they need - at the right time. New providers, in this economy, is just one more reason that The Right Care Starts Right Here.

Labels: doctors, family practice, new providers, physicians