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The Beat Goes On DEER VALLEY HOSPITAL EARNS
Stroke and Cardiovascular Designations John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare, an international certifying agency. The hospital demonstrated that its stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve patient outcomes. John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital was accredited as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations in 2007 and by DNV Healthcare in 2011. For more information visit JCL.com/stroke.
TOP 50
The hospital also was named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics, an international consulting organization. Truven said this year’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals achieved superior clinical outcomes, provided better care and were more efficient than their peers. Truven’s data showed the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals spent roughly $2,000 less per bypass surgery and about $1,000 less per heart attack patient admitted. If all cardiovascular providers in the U.S. performed at the level of this year’s winning hospitals, more than 8,600 additional lives and $1 billion in health care costs could be saved.
January/February 2014
An Unraveling
HEART
Young mother’s arteries tear after pregnancy, requiring open heart surgery
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hen you’re 37 years old with a newborn at home, no one thinks you’re having a heart attack. Or that it will become a matter of life and death. Leisha Drone of Phoenix initially thought it was nothing more than severe heartburn. After all, her third child, daughter Amariah, was born Aug. 27 by Caesarian section, without complications. But on Sept. 5, when Leisha talked to her OB/GYN on the phone about her symptoms – chest pain and pain radiating down her arms – she was told to go to the emergency department (ED). Quickly. As Leisha and her husband Willie climbed into the car, her voice had faded to a whisper. But when he headed for the closest hospital, she yelled: “Don’t take me there! “I don’t know why I said that to him,” she said later. “But I’ve lived with divine intervention for years. I’ve learned to listen.” Instead, they went Willie and Leisha Drone, with baby to John C. Amariah, are grateful for the Lincoln efforts of interventional cardiologist Deer Valley Andrew Antiemo, MD (top). Hospital The intra-aortic balloon pump he with topinserted bought Leisha enough level cardiac time for open heart surgery. services. continued on Page 2 >
Cover Story >
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At Deer Valley, ED physician Barbara Celestina, DO, called Andrew Atiemo, MD, an interventional cardiologist, to evaluate Leisha’s symptoms. “When I viewed her EKG remotely, it was very abnormal,” Dr. Atiemo said. “I wasn’t too concerned at first. I was cautiously optimistic because she was young.” He asked the ED physician to arrange a CT scan.
Tears in the Arteries When he saw Leisha’s elevated levels of troponin, a heart enzyme indicating a heart attack, he hurried to the hospital. The heart catheterization he performed revealed tears in two of her coronary arteries. “Her heart was failing,” Dr. Atiemo said. “I installed an intraaortic balloon pump, but she was hanging on by her pregnancy a thread.” weakened her coronary He called in an open arteries and led to the heart surgery team heart attack.” headed by Kenneth Leisha and Willie Ashton, MD, a cardiorave about the care she vascular surgeon, in the received. “Your mission middle of the night. statement is lived “When I got there, through your people,” Leisha was in they agreed. Kenneth Ashton, MD cardiogenic shock – Sedated and low blood pressure, a intubated in the Critical speeding pulse and breathing difficulties,” Care Unit (CCU), Leisha indicated she Dr. Ashton said. needed to write. “Thank you, thank you,” In the O.R., he discovered that the she scribbled to all her nurses. layers of two of Leisha’s arteries were One of her favorite nurses there, Sara unraveled. “I sewed the layers together Boyd, “left Leisha’s side only to run to the again, using a leg vein and an artery restroom and take five minutes for lunch,” running along her chest to bypass the Willie said. “She was amazing.” damaged arteries,” he said. So was Gary Mikut, RN, the CCU nurse At the end of the two-hour surgery, who prepared her for care on a med/surg “she looked better, but I was worried floor. “He trained me, through his about her survival,” he said. “She was kindness, to get my own water, to go to very sick.” the bathroom on my own,” Leisha said. Twenty-four hours later, he told “I didn’t think I could do it. But I did. Willie he should play the lottery. “It’s a “Doctors from all around the hospital complete turnaround; your wife should came to see me,” she continued. “They live a long life.” told me, ‘This is what we live for. When A motivated patient, Leisha did we see something like this, it reaffirms everything her nurses said. In just nine what we do.’” days, she went home. Leisha returned home two days before “Leisha’s condition is very rare,” said her 8-year-old Elyshia’s birthday. Nine-yearDr. Atiemo. “There was no history of heart old Samuel was thrilled to see her, too. disease in the family. We concluded that But the baby pulled away.
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January/February 2014
Andrew Atiemo, MD, enjoys holding Amariah Drone.
“My mother lives with us, and she told me to pray,” Leisha said. “What I heard was to tell my baby what happened. I told her I was sorry I hadn’t been here for her, that the doctors had to work on my heart so I could live a long life and take care of her. One tear rolled down my baby’s face, and she pulled my finger to her chest. We never skipped a beat after that.” For more information, please visit JCL.com/cardiac.
Heart Attack Symptoms > Chest discomfort. > Discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. > Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. > Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the less common symptoms of shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
JCL.com
Network News
Sonoran Health and Emergency Center Opens
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Destry Jetton awaits her mammogram. Below: A nurse uses the electronic health record in an Emergency Department exam room.
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estry Jetton’s eyes widened with amazement. “I can’t believe it,” she said after her first mammogram. “It didn’t hurt.” Emerging from the posh Breast Health Center dressing room at John C. Lincoln’s new Sonoran Health and Emergency Center, Destry, the host of Channel 12’s MidDay show marveled, “It didn’t hurt at all. Not even a pinch.” Destry’s first mammogram also was the first one performed in the new $18 million
medical facility in the North Valley. Like all screening mammograms at the Sonoran Center, Destry’s medical imaging was low-dose 3D, and she got her results immediately. “We’re all good,” she smiled. “I even talked with Dr. Greer about my results.” Linda Greer, MD, is a board-certified radiologist, a breast imaging specialist and medical director for John C. Lincoln’s breast centers. She and the other radiology specialists are available to discuss results with patients when requested. The new Sonoran Center is on 22 acres between Dove Valley Boulevard and Carefree Highway, just east of Interstate 17 in North Phoenix. Approximately 1,000 North Valley residents toured the new center during a public open house two days before it opened for patient care on Dec. 9. In addition to the Breast Center, the 40,000-square-foot facility includes comprehensive emergency services and medical imaging with low-dose CT and an MRI that is the quietest available.
“The Emergency Department offers easy access from I-17 and is designed with the patient experience in mind,” said Chris Stewart, RN, clinical coordinator for the Sonoran Center. “For example, sliding glass doors on the 12 private exam rooms open and shut quietly. Linens can be restocked and trash emptied from the hallway or inside the room. And the staff has many years of experience.” “Sonoran has the latest medical imaging technology,” said Steve Hardin, John C. Lincoln administrator of Medical Imaging. “The CT scanner is low dose, which means less radiation exposure for our patients. Both the MRI and CT scanner are large bore. That means the claustrophobic factor is significantly reduced, and we can do imaging on patients weighing up to 600 pounds. If you only need an MRI of your knee, your head and shoulders stay outside the machine. And this MRI is the quietest on the market.” Visit JCL.com/sonoran for more information.
The Sonoran Health and Emergency Center features 12 Emergency Department rooms, a Breast Health and Research Center and outpatient imaging/Radiology services.
Emergency Care at Deer Valley Hospital JCL.com
> If your child is hurt, if you have a major emergency or if you live south of Deer Valley Road, remember Emergency services at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital at I-17 and Freeway 101.
> The board-certified emergency physicians and advanced practice nurses at the hospital’s Level III Trauma Center, Children’s Emergency Center and adult Emergency Department provide care 24/7 for all but the most traumatic and life-threatening injuries.
January/February 2014
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Your Health
Sleep Your Way to Better Health
Want to make 2014 your year to get healthy? Sleep! “We’ve known for years that lack of sleep is associated with increased risk for a raft of diseases ranging from heart disease to dry skin, diabetes to depression, even cancer,” said family physician Karla Birkholz, MD, John C. Lincoln chief wellness officer. “But we never really knew why.” Now we do. Last fall, University of Rochester researchers measured the space between brain cells of mice. The space increased 60 percent when the mice were asleep. This allows the lymphatic system – the brain’s plumbing – to open, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flow rapidly through the brain. Next, researchers injected dyed betaamyloid, a toxic protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease, into the mice’s cerebrospinal fluid. When the mice were asleep, they documented how the fluid flushed toxins from the brain. The betaamyloid disappeared quickly.
During wakeful hours, the space between brain cells closes up, and the fluid barely flows. Toxins accumulate. Researchers concluded that we need sleep because it cleans up the brain. “Now we have a new weapon in our disease-fighting arsenal – adequate sleep!” Dr. Birkholz said. Follow these guidelines to better sleep: > Go to sleep and rise at the same time daily to help strengthen your internal clock.
> Exercise daily to help you fall asleep faster, and sleep longer and more deeply. > Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. > Relax before going to bed: a warm bath, light reading, soothing music. > If sleep eludes you, change your location, read something comforting, pray or meditate, listen to music.
< Kathy Orona, Transition Specialist
For a Healthier You > Eat a balanced diet. > Exercise. For adults: At least 2 hours and 30 minutes/week of aerobic physical activity at a moderate level or 1 hour and 15 minutes each week of aerobic physical activity at a vigorous level. Being active five or more hours each week can provide even more health benefits. > Reduce stress with relaxation techniques. > Don’t smoke. > If you drink, do so in moderation.
For more information, visit JCL.com/wellness.
Program Honored for Hiring Medical Veterans John C. Lincoln’s Physician Network recently received the Fred Graham Award for work that improved community health from MGMA-ACMPE, the membership association for professional medical group administrators. Nathan Anspach, CEO of the Physician Network and Accountable Care Organization, accepted the award for a program he and his administrative team created. The program recruits combat medics and corpsmen, some of whom have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, and trains them as transition specialists. Transition specialists work with recently hospitalized elderly patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia or heart failure in an effort to improve
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January/February 2014
post-discharge outcomes and reduce unnecessary readmissions. The transition team provides its patients with a personal touch – treating them like grandparents and helping them with medical instructions, prescriptions, doctor appointments, nutrition, transportation and safety. The federal government offers hospitals financial incentives to maintain the health of Medicare hospital patients, so that fewer are readmitted within 30 days after discharge. The government also levies penalties for readmission increases. Transition specialists have slashed John C. Lincoln’s hospital readmission rates to an astonishing 6 percent. The national average for designated Medicare readmissions is 18 percent, costing CMS some $17 billion annually. For more information, visit JCL.com/news. JCL.com
Medical Technology Electrophysiologist Mark Seifert, MD, holds pacemakers in the recently approved AIGISRx R mesh envelope.
Pacemaker Advance Prevents Infection
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ever again. Walter Narkiewicz never again wants to experience an infection when a new pacemaker is implanted. “It was hard to deal with,” the East Valley retiree said. “It hurt. I felt as if I had the flu … really tired and queasy.” Thanks to elegant new technology first available in Arizona at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital, Walter won’t have to go through that experience again.
> A pacemaker is about the size of 50-cent piece.
> Arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms – are the most common reasons for implanting a pacemaker under the skin near your heart. > What can cause arrhythmias?
- Normal aging of the heart. - Heart muscle damage resulting from a heart attack. - Medications. - Genetic conditions.
JCL.com
His problems started in October, when his pacemaker was replaced at another hospital. For a week or more, things seemed fine. Then his incision became infected and split open. Walter’s cardiologist treated the infection for a few days, but recognized the need for an expert. He referred Walter to John C. Lincoln electrophysiologist Mark Seifert, MD, who The mesh holding the pacemaker contains two time-release admitted Walter to North antimicrobials to fight and also prevent infection at the site. Mountain Hospital for intensive treatment. The body breaks down and absorbs the mesh in eight to 12 weeks. When the infection was under control, Dr. Seifert removed the “I believe we should use the envelope offending pacemaker. Three days later, he prophylactically to prevent infection in implanted a new pacemaker tucked inside these patients,” Dr. Seifert said. “The slight a mesh envelope called the AIGISRx R. increase in cost is more than offset by the money we save by preventing rehospitalizations, not to mention the Envelope Disappears pain and suffering we’re preventing for Approved just a couple of months ago our patients.” by the Food and Drug Administration, the “It’s life changing,” said Narkiewicz, antibiotic-infused, bioresorbable mesh can who returned home less than a day after hold a pacemaker or an implantable his new pacemaker in an envelope was defibrillator. To understand it, think about implanted. dissolving stitches. Then think about For more information, visit drug-eluting stents, mesh tubes that hold JCL.com/cardiac. arteries open and release drugs over time. <
Did You Know?
AIGISRx R, from drug/device manufacturer TYRX, Inc., combines both technologies. “Infection rates for repeat pacemaker procedures are much higher than first implants,” said Dr. Seifert, who implanted the Valley’s first AIGISRx R in fall 2013. “It’s harder to fight infections lodged in scar tissue.” The mesh contains two time-release antimicrobials to fight infection at the site. Surgical mesh left in the body may bond with tissue and be difficult to remove when surgeons need to install a replacement pacemaker. The AIGISRx R mesh eliminates that problem by dissolving within a couple of months. Additional care for patients with surgical site infections costs an average of $72,485. Up to one-third of such patients die. Others experience more illness and disability. These qualities make the mesh envelope a desirable option for more than three million American patients with implanted cardiac devices that, sooner or later, will need to be replaced. “The antibiotic time-release mesh adjacent to the scar tissue not only fights infection, but also helps prevent infection,” Dr. Seifert said. AIGISRx R is really valuable for high-risk patients who have had multiple procedures, are older, have chronic diseases or are immunocompromised.
January/February 2014
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Foundation News
A Bountiful Donation V
egetables sprout in handsome wooden beds in front of Desert Mission Food Bank, 9229 N. Fourth St. Curious clients, young and old, are drawn to them. Toddlers sift dirt through their fingers while senior citizens admire the carefully labeled leaves. “Every day I see people stopping and looking,” said Anne Costa, a nutrition outreach rep at the Food Bank. “We’ll use the produce in cooking demos and distribute as much as we can to our clients.” The five garden beds, complete with irrigation lines, are the work of the boys team charity/North Valley Chapter. The organization was founded in Phoenix by families that wanted to teach their boys the importance of giving back to their local community. A group of high school seniors in the charity built the beds one September Saturday, planting such vegetables as radishes, broccoli, cilantro, lettuce, kale, beets and tomatoes. Subcommittees had arranged for donations from Capitol Lumber; Gro-Well Brands, Inc.; Holdt Lumber Co., Inc.; and North Mountain Family Medicine.
Vegetables push through the soil of five garden beds built by the boys team charity/North Valley Chapter in front of Desert Mission Food Bank.
“We have worked with the Food Bank in other ways in the past,” said Van Cummerford, president of the charity’s senior class. “We wanted to leave a legacy for the community with the garden.” “We’re so grateful for what these young men have done,” said Sue Sadecki, Desert Mission executive director. “Their hard work will help feed many hungry families.” Kathy Woodruff and Art Smith, Food Bank volunteers who love to garden, are cultivating the plants. For more information, please visit JCL.com/desertmission.
Save the Date
Join the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation for an Evening in the Vineyard. The 45th Annual Gold Ball will be held at 6 p.m. March 22, 2014, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. Proceeds from the Gold Ball will benefit health care and community programs at John C. Lincoln Health Network. For more information or for tickets and sponsorship, visit JCL.com/ball or call 602-331-7860.
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Donors Brighten the Holidays
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he thought of a child’s face lighting up on Christmas morning was reason enough for generous individuals and groups to help make the holidays brighter for many Desert Mission clients. The community service arm of the John C. Lincoln Health Network, Desert Mission seeks to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable community members and help them reach their full potential for health and self-sufficiency. A total of 110 individuals, businesses and groups “adopted” 210 Desert Mission families for the holidays, providing food for a holiday meal and gifts for the children and the household. Wish lists often included basics like laundry detergent and bedsheets for the home, and toys and clothing for the children. At Thanksgiving, the Food Bank distributed 2,500 turkeys to clients, thanks to donations of birds and cash from John C. Lincoln employees and area businesses. “It was so rewarding to see the community rally to help those in need,” said Sue Sadecki, Desert Mission executive director. “I want to thank everyone who contributed everything from turkeys to cash to toys. It was an effort that paid off in lots of smiles.” For more information, visit JCL.com/ desertmission. JCL.com
What’s Happening >
January & February > Screenings/Seminars Hearing Screenings John C.
Lincoln audiologist Kristin Wells, AuD, will conduct free hearing tests for adults from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 21, 22 and 23 and Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at the Tatum Health Center, 18404 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 101, Phoenix. Call for a required appointment at 602-494-6237. Special offers on hearing aids also will be available.
> Support Groups Caregivers Support Group 10:30 a.m. to noon on Jan. 8 and Feb. 5 at the Cowden Center, 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix, on the campus of John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. Free. No registration necessary. 602-870-6374
> Breast Cancer
Programs
The John C. Lincoln Breast Health and Research Center, 19646 N. 27th Ave., Suite 205, Phoenix, hosts several free programs and support groups to meet the needs of those affected by breast cancer. For more information about any of the groups, call 623-780-HOPE (4673), email BHRC@JCL.com or visit JCL.com/breasthealth.
Yoga for Recovery
6 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. (Note: Held at John C. Lincoln Medical Office Building 1, 19841 N. 27th Ave., Room 400, on the campus of John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital). Experience the physical as well as emotional benefits of yoga. No RSVP required. No yoga class on New Year’s Day.
JCL.com
THRIVE! Young Breast Cancer Survivor Group
6 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month for those in their 20s, 30s and 40s to meet with others facing early diagnosis. No RSVP required.
Breast Cancer Learn and Support Group 6 to 8 p.m. on
the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Discuss aspects of living with cancer, treatments, side effect management and survivorship. Open to family and friends. No RSVP required.
Circle of Help Advanced Breast Cancer Support Group 6 to 8 p.m. on the fourth
Thursday of every month for those living with advanced or recurrent breast cancer. Co-sponsored by Bosom Buddies of Arizona. No RSVP required.
Look Good ... Feel Better!
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14. A nonmedical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society. RSVP: 623-434-2784 or email BHRC@JCL.com.
Cooking for Wellness
6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18. A registered dietitian covers breast cancerrelated nutrition topics during a cooking demonstration. Open to family and friends. RSVP: 623-780-HOPE (4673) or email BHRC@JCL.com.
John C. Lincoln Health Network offers a variety of classes, events and support groups to the community each month.
Please visit JCL.com/events for more information on upcoming events.
Heart Events
As part of American Heart Month in February, John C. Lincoln Heart Institute cardiologists will be featured at two free seminars. > Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 to 7 p.m. – How Heart Disease Differs Between Men and Women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Join Allen Rafael, MD, to learn how to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease. In addition, a cardiac rehabilitation specialist will demonstrate exercises. Location: Medical Office Building 1, 19841 N. 27th Ave., Room 400, Phoenix, on the campus of John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital. Register at JCLheartdisease.eventbrite.com or call 623-434-6265. > Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 to 7 p.m. – Causes of and Treatment Options for Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib). A-fib is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder. Join Mark Seifert, MD, FACC, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist, to learn about A-fib symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. He also will discuss new procedures and technology that minimize radiation exposure during device implantations (such as pacemakers) at North Mountain Hospital. Location: Cowden Center, 9202 N. Second St., Phoenix, on the campus of John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. Register at JCLA-fib.eventbrite.com or call 623-434-6265.
Learn more at JCL.com/heart.
January/February 2014
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 4524
P.O. Box 9054 Phoenix, AZ 85068-9054 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
John C. Lincoln > Honored by Experts. Honored to Serve.
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ohn C. Lincoln Health Network is a not-for-profit organization that includes two hospitals, more than 35 primary care and specialty physician practices and a spectrum of charitable community service programs serving the people of Phoenix for more than 85 years. In that time, we’ve been honored by experts with awards for practically every aspect of what we do. For more information, visit JCL.com. John C. Lincoln Health Network is affiliated with Scottsdale Healthcare, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1962 that includes three hospitals, a cancer center, research institute and a wide range of community health education and outreach services that serve the Northeast Valley and beyond with world-class patient care to improve the health and wellbeing of the community. For more information, visit SHC.org.
John C. Lincoln Immediate Care
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John C. Lincoln Breast Health & Research Center
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Emergency Department 623-474-1600 Breast Health 623-780-HOPE (4673) Medical Imaging Appointments 602-943-4269 Medical Imaging Main Number 623-474-1610
John C. Lincoln Immediate Care 623-580-5800 Provides walk-in care 7-days a week.
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Emergency Department and our 24/7 Children’s Emergency Center, Mendy’s Place.
John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital 602-943-2381
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John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital 623-879-6100
John C. Lincoln Immediate Care
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Indian School
John C. Lincoln Health Foundation 602-331-7860
Supports the Network’s health care and community service programs through fundraising and investment of donations.
Desert Mission 602-331-5792
Providing service for our community’s most vulnerable.
John C. Lincoln Physician Practices
Find a family physician near you at JCL.com/practices.
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