6 Questions About Internal Medicine

We sat down with Internist Steven O’Brien, MD to discuss Valley View’s three new internal medicine providers, why adult primary care is important to our valley, and how COVID-19 is impacting care at Valley View’s Internal Medicine practice.

What does an internal medicine provider do?

Internal medicine physicians, or internists, are primary care providers who specialize in caring for adults and adolescents. We are specialty trained to apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose puzzling medical problems, perform ongoing care for chronic and acute diseases, and care for patients with multiple illnesses.

Why did Valley View attract three new internists?

Valley View was in search of three new internists to help meet the increased demand for adult primary care in our community. We are now able to offer same-day appointments and continue to provide high-quality care close to home for patients looking for comprehensive care for adolescents and adults.

Why is adult primary care important?

Through routine check-ups, adults who have primary care providers have increased quality of life, decreased healthcare financial costs, and improved health outcomes.

Who are the new internists?

We’re thrilled to introduce Julie Cohen, MD, Lindsey Bennett, NP, and Susan Orcutt, NP to Internal Medicine at Valley View.

Julie C. Cohen, MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician. When asked about her patient care philosophy, she says, “For me, relationships are my primary inspiration for my chosen medical specialty. In internal medicine, the length and depth of the patient relationship as most rewarding. I’m an extrovert, and I really value learning from others, having conversations, and spending time with people. The trust that patients extend to me is an honor.”

Lindsay Bennett, FNP-BC is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, caring for patients 15 years and older for chronic and acute conditions and preventative health coaching. She has a special interest is in mental health and the treatment of anxiety and depression. When asked about her patient care philosophy, she says, “I like the variety that family practice offers, I also love learning and continually expanding my knowledge base.”

Susan Orcutt, MS, FNP-BC is a board-certified primary care provider for men and women ages 15 years and up. She treats both acute and chronic conditions and has a special interest in women’s health. When asked about her patient care philosophy, she says, “My approach is a very humanistic model of care. Rather than thinking of diseases as problems to solve, I perceive the patient-provider relationship as a journey we go on together. I really enjoy developing a rapport as it evolves over time, and being a part of the life events of my patients.”

How is COVID-19 affecting care?

At Internal Medicine at Valley View, COVID-19 has changed how we deliver medical care. As providers, one of our greatest concerns through this pandemic is how some patients have postponed visits at our clinic and have not rescheduled care. While we understand this is an uncertain time, we want to reiterate that it is critical that patients maintain their normal health care, as the implications of not continuing care could be worse, resulting in increased strokes, heart attacks, and other deadly diseases.

We have expanded safety measures at Valley View, including:

• Screening all patients prior to entering the clinic
• Requirement for all patients and staff to wear a mask at all times at all Valley View facilities
• Treating patients with respiratory illness separately from other patients
• VirtualCare visits are now available so patients may see the doctor from home
• Limiting seating in the waiting room to allow for physical distancing
• Removal of magazines and paper materials in waiting rooms to maintain cleanliness
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the clinic
• COVID-19 testing for appropriate patients and all patients scheduled for surgery
• and more

What else do we need to know?

Thanks to our new providers, we are now able to offer same-day appointments. Between 2018 and 2019, eight primary care providers left the community making it challenging to schedule an appointment with an internist. Thanks to our three new providers, this barrier is now gone. We want the entire community to know we are here for them with safe, same-day access, and we want to reiterate not to delay care. It’s more important than ever in a COVID-19 world that our community members and patients prioritize their health, stay well, and manage any conditions they may have.

To learn more about Internal Medicine at Valley View or schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien or any of our other new providers, call the practice at 970.384.6707.