Why Adding Advanced Primary Care to Your Benefits Package is Smart for Your Workforce and Business

The traditional healthcare model is no longer working—yet healthcare costs continue to soar. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the average cost of employer-sponsored healthcare premiums has risen by over 24% in the past five years. There’s a better solution that offers long-term benefits for both your employees and your organization.

Your workforce deserves more than just healthcare. They deserve personalized, proactive, comprehensive care that supports their well-being. Advanced Primary Care (APC) offers just that, focusing on preventive care, early interventions, and treatment plans tailored to your employees’ unique needs. By adding APC to your benefits package, you are investing in the health and productivity of your team while reducing long-term healthcare costs.

If you’re looking for an innovative, sustainable way to improve health outcomes, increase employee satisfaction, and drive cost savings, Advanced Primary Care is a transformative approach that benefits your employees and your business.

The Changing Healthcare Landscape

Over the past decade, the healthcare industry has experienced significant changes, driven by rising costs, a demand for more personalized care, and the increasing burden of chronic diseases. The CDC reports, 6 in 10 adults have at least one chronic condition, and 4 out of 10 adults have two or more. Chronic diseases account for most illnesses, disability, and death in the United States and are the leading drivers of healthcare costs. This shift has exposed the limitations of the traditional healthcare system, which often addresses symptoms rather than the root causes of illness.

APC offers a comprehensive solution that moves away from reactive, episodic care and embraces a more proactive, individualized approach to health. It focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized management of chronic conditions—ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing overall costs.

What is Advanced Primary Care?

Advanced Primary Care is a reimagined approach to healthcare that combines personalized care, preventive strategies, and proactive management of chronic conditions. APC at Exemplar Care focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues, APC empowers employees to take control of their wellness while also reducing long-term costs for employers. APC integrates predictive analytics to tailor care to individual needs, ensuring better health outcomes and more effective treatment plans.

It’s a model that puts patients first by focusing on prevention, early intervention, and building stronger relationships between healthcare providers and patients.

10 Reasons to Add Advanced Primary Care to Your Benefits Package

Integrating APC into your benefits package can bring numerous advantages to your workforce and business. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

Enhanced Employee Health and Well-Being: Research has shown that access to preventive care improves health outcomes. APC’s focus on early intervention and proactive care helps your employees stay healthier longer, reducing the risk of serious health issues down the road. Healthy employees are happier, more engaged, and less likely to miss work due to illness.

Significant Cost Savings: APC is designed to reduce the overall cost of care by preventing chronic conditions from worsening. Healthier employees need fewer doctor visits, reducing costly medical interventions and hospitalizations. Additionally, healthier employees take fewer sick days, leading to less lost productivity.
Increased Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: When employees see that their employer cares about their health, it fosters a deeper sense of engagement and loyalty. APC promotes a culture of well-being, making employees more likely to stay with your company and less likely to experience burnout. Healthier, happier employees contribute to a more positive and productive workplace.
Boosted Productivity: APC’s convenient access to care, whether same or next-day in-person care or through virtual health options, reduces downtime caused by illness. When employees don’t need to take long periods off work for medical appointments, their productivity improves. Studies have shown that healthy employees are more focused, efficient, and engaged at work.
Convenient, Accessible Care: APC ensures that employees and their families have easy access to the healthcare services they need, whether that’s through in-person care at Exemplar Care clinics or virtual care options. The convenience of accessing care when and where it’s needed ensures that employees stay healthier and spend less time managing their health outside of work.
Proactive Management of Chronic Conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are some of the most costly and prevalent health conditions in the workforce. With APC, these conditions are proactively managed through personalized care plans that focus on prevention and early intervention. This not only improves employees’ quality of life but also reduces the long-term costs associated with treating advanced stages of chronic illness. By keeping chronic conditions under control, APC can help avoid emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and costly treatments, which ultimately benefits both the employee and the organization.
Better Healthcare Provider Relationships: One of the key elements of APC is its emphasis on building long-term relationships between employees and their healthcare providers. Rather than seeing multiple specialists or dealing with fragmented care, employees have access to a dedicated provider who takes time to know their health history and personal needs. This personalized approach leads to more effective treatment, fewer misdiagnoses, and more tailored care options, creating a sense of trust and partnership between employees and their healthcare providers. Employees are more likely to seek care early and follow treatment recommendations when they have a strong relationship with their healthcare provider.
Stronger Health Culture Across Your Organization: By offering Advanced Primary Care, you’re not only providing health benefits—you’re fostering a company-wide culture of wellness. Employees are more likely to take advantage of preventive care and wellness programs when they know their employer is committed to their health. Over time, this promotes a healthier work environment where employees are more engaged, focused, and motivated. A strong health culture also leads to a reduction in workplace stress, burnout, and absenteeism, contributing to a positive and productive workplace atmosphere.
Telemedicine and Virtual Care Options: One of the key advantages of Advanced Primary Care is the integration of telemedicine and virtual care. Employees can access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes, which eliminates barriers such as time off work or travel distance to a clinic. This is especially important for employees who may be working remotely or in geographically dispersed locations. Virtual care enhances convenience and accessibility, ensuring employees can get timely medical advice and care, which ultimately supports quicker recovery and less disruption to their work life.
Enhanced Health Equity: A key benefit of Advanced Primary Care is its potential to reduce health disparities within your workforce. By offering more personalized care, especially for those with complex health needs, APC can provide equitable access to healthcare for all employees, regardless of socioeconomic status. This focus on individualized care helps address health disparities and ensures that every employee gets the attention and support they need to thrive, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Adding Advanced Primary Care to your benefits package isn’t just an investment in healthcare—it’s an investment in your workforce and your organization’s long-term success. By improving health outcomes, reducing costs, boosting employee engagement, and creating a culture of wellness, APC provides a comprehensive solution to today’s most pressing business challenges.

At Exemplar Care, we understand how transformative this approach can be, and we’re here to help you implement Advanced Primary Care seamlessly within your organization. Whether you’re looking to reduce healthcare costs, improve employee satisfaction, or stay ahead in a competitive market, APC can deliver the results your business needs.

Ready to make a change that benefits both your employees and your bottom line? Learn more about how Advanced Primary Care can revolutionize your healthcare strategy and empower your workforce.

A Journey to Health: Support Through Mental & Physical Struggles

How One Woman Overcame Challenges with Her Doctor’s Support

“I faced several challenges with my mental and physical health, and I knew something had to change,” Samantha said. Depression and anxiety were overwhelming me, leading to sleep problems, irritability, constant headaches, and a sense of lost purpose. On top of that, being overweight was impacting my physical health. “I felt tired and unmotivated all the time,” she stated.

Everything changed when Samantha attended a welcome visit at Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, following my company providing membership as one of their employee benefits through Aplos Health Plans. During my visit, Elli Vore, PA, took the time to evaluate my health and guide me toward making positive changes in my daily routine.

“Elli recommended a medication that specifically addressed my depression and anxiety. I was shocked by the improvements I experienced after starting it—it’s like I found myself again!” Samantha shared. She also helped me set weight loss goals, and she is thrilled to share that “I’ve lost about 20 pounds in just two months—much better than I ever expected!” Samantha noted.

Now, she feels so much healthier. “I feel so much better,” Samantha stated. Her mental health has improved significantly, and her physical health has followed suit. “I have more energy and alertness, and many of the issues that once plagued me have disappeared,” Samantha explained. She has become more active and is making healthier food choices.

“If you’re considering making changes in your life but haven’t taken the plunge yet, don’t wait any longer.” Samantha urged. If your mind and body are signaling that something isn’t right, it’s important to listen.

“Your well-being matters, and taking that first step can lead you to a healthier, happier life.”

Strengthening Community Health

Exemplar Care’s Partnerships with Central Iowa Shelter & Services and the Des Moines Fire Department

Mayor Connie Bosen visited the Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care Clinic on Mulberry Street, accompanied by Des Moines Fire Department Assistant Chief, Percy Coleman, a key advocate for community health who is instrumental in DMFD’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program. They met with Dr. Jon Van Der Veer to discuss the clinic’s healthcare initiatives and its vital role in supporting the Des Moines community.

Expanding Healthcare Access Through Partnership with Central Iowa Shelter & Services

One of the most impactful initiatives at Exemplar Care Mulberry St is our partnership with Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS). The Mulberry St clinic plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to underserved and vulnerable populations, offering a wide range of medical care including urgent care, preventive primary care, chronic disease management, and wellness programs. This collaboration ensures that residents at CISS have access to the medical services they need, improving health outcomes for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access care.

During the visit, Dr. Jon Van Der Veer, Mayor Bosen, and Assistant Chief Coleman emphasized the importance of providing accessible healthcare to underserved communities. By offering on-site medical services through our partnership with CISS, Exemplar Care helps CISS clients take control of their health, ultimately creating a stronger and healthier community.

Partnering with the Des Moines Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program

In addition to our work with CISS, Exemplar Care partners with the Des Moines Fire Department’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program. This innovative program is designed to improve healthcare access by bringing on-site medical care directly to individuals in need, especially those who face barriers to traditional healthcare services. Read more about the program’s goals and success here.

The partnership aligns with Exemplar Care’s mission to solve healthcare challenges for our members, specifically those with Medicaid, as it reduces healthcare disparities and provides proactive care to Des Moines’ most vulnerable populations.

A Collaborative Approach to Community Health

Mayor Bosen, Assistant Chief Coleman, and Dr. Jon discussed how the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program complements Exemplar Care’s mission by addressing health issues before they become emergencies. By offering accessibility, health education, follow-up care, and proactive support, the program ensures that Des Moines residents receive timely care, improving long-term health outcomes.

Since launching this collaboration, patient engagement in primary care at Exemplar Care’s Mulberry Street clinic has continued to increase, underscoring the positive impact of these community-focused initiatives. By combining the efforts of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program and our work with CISS, we’re making strides in improving healthcare access and health outcomes in Des Moines.

Exemplar Care’s Commitment to Community Partnerships

At Exemplar Care, we believe that strong community partnerships are essential to improving healthcare access and outcomes. Our collaborations with Central Iowa Shelter & Services and the Des Moines Fire Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program highlight our commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of Des Moines residents. By providing timely comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare, we’re helping to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure a healthier, more connected community for all.

Are Your Employees Turning to the ER More Often Than Necessary?

As an employer, you might have noticed a concerning trend: employees heading to the emergency room (ER) for health issues that could easily be addressed through more convenient care options. You’re not alone—this is a common challenge many organizations face.

The Costly Misstep of ER Visits

Frequent ER visits not only strain healthcare resources but also lead to inflated costs for both employees and employers. Many individuals opt for the ER out of convenience, not realizing that alternatives like urgent care or telehealth could provide the same quality of care at a fraction of the price. For example, a visit to urgent care typically costs around $250, while an ER visit can set individuals back by $500 or more, especially for employees on high-deductible health plans (HDHPs).

Why Are Employees Choosing the ER?

There are several reasons employees may gravitate toward the ER:

Lack of Awareness: Many employees may not know about available urgent care or telehealth options.
Accessibility: Some may find it more convenient to go to the ER due to extended hours or perceived immediacy of care.
Fear of Missing Serious Conditions: Employees may feel that only the ER can adequately address potential emergencies.

Real-Life Impact: Tessa’s Experience

Tessa, an Exemplar Direct Primary Care member through her employer, shared, “I’m so pleased with our Exemplar Care membership through Aplos. When my son needed stitches on a holiday weekend, we used the 24/7 urgent care included in our plan. The care was excellent, and we avoided a long ER wait and high copay. This service is a real lifesaver!” Her experience highlights how accessible urgent care can effectively meet urgent needs without the hassle and cost of the ER.

Strategies to Redirect Care

To help your employees make more informed choices about their healthcare, consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Promote 24/7 Urgent Care and Telehealth

Make sure your employees are aware of the urgent care and telehealth services available to them. Highlight the convenience of these options in your internal communications. Emphasize that these services are designed to handle many common health concerns without the lengthy wait times associated with ER visits.

2. Target Common ER Visits

Analyze your claims data to identify the most frequent reasons for ER visits. By focusing your promotional efforts on these common issues—like minor injuries, respiratory infections, or stomach pains—you can guide employees toward more appropriate care options. Educate them about when to use primary care, urgent care, or telehealth services, especially those offered through Direct Primary Care.

3. Enhance Integration with Health Plans

Partner with health plans, similar to Aplos, that integrate both direct care and technology for scheduling. This could include a streamlined app that allows employees to easily find and book appointments with urgent care facilities or telehealth providers, making it more convenient for them to seek care outside of the ER. Plans such as these, layer these services into the plan providing $0 cost to your employees.

The Bottom Line

By proactively addressing the issue of unnecessary ER visits, you not only help your employees save on healthcare costs but also enhance the overall effectiveness of your health plan. Empower your workforce with the information and resources they need to make better healthcare choices, just like Tessa did, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and reduced costs for everyone involved.

For more insights on optimizing your workplace health strategy, stay tuned to our blog!

Why Do Children Break Bones? Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

One minute, your child is happily running around the playground, laughing with friends. The next, they’ve tripped, fallen, and are in tears. A visit to urgent care might reveal a broken bone, or fracture, which is quite common among kids.

It’s a fact that between 30% and 40% of children will experience a fracture by the time they reach adulthood. But while bumps and tumbles are a normal part of growing up, there are effective steps you can take to keep your child’s bones strong and minimize the risk of injury.

Why Bone Health is Essential for Children

Bones are the body’s vital building blocks, and in children, these building blocks are in constant development. Unlike adult bones, children’s bones are more flexible and better equipped to grow and heal.

Dr. Michael Line, a pediatrician at Exemplar Care, explains, “Children’s bones are more flexible due to growth plates—areas of developing tissue near the ends of long bones. These growth plates allow bones to lengthen as children grow.”

Strong bones are crucial for your child’s ability to move, play, and enjoy their favorite activities. “Maintaining good bone health during childhood is crucial for setting up a strong skeleton for the future, which helps reduce the risk of fractures and bone problems later in life,” says Dr. Line.

Common Causes of Broken Bones

Children can break bones in various ways. According to Dr. Line, “For toddlers and school-aged children, fractures often occur from trips and falls, like those on playground equipment or bikes. As children reach adolescence, fractures more frequently result from high-energy incidents such as car accidents, sports injuries, and ATV or scooter accidents.”

Other causes can include:

– Overuse: Repeated activities, such as gymnastics or pitching in baseball, can cause stress fractures.

– Poor Nutrition: A lack of calcium, protein, and vitamin D can weaken bones, making them more prone to breaks.

– Health Conditions: Certain conditions, like brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta), can affect bone strength.

10 Tips to Help Prevent Broken Bones in Children

While it’s impossible to prevent all accidents, you can take proactive steps to help protect your child’s bones:

Provide a Balanced Diet: “A healthy, balanced diet is key to developing strong bones,” says Dr. Line. Ensure your child eats foods rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D, such as dairy products, lean proteins, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
Encourage Regular Exercise: Activities like running, jumping, and sports strengthen bones. Aim for your child to be active every day.
Limit High-Risk Activities: While physical play is important, try to reduce exposure to high-risk activities without proper supervision.
Keep Them Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support their overall health.
Promote Safe Play: Ensure that playground equipment is age-appropriate and teach your child how to play safely. Supervise younger children to prevent falls.
Use Protective Gear: “Proper protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads, can help prevent serious injuries,” advises Dr. Line. Ensure your child wears these when riding bikes or scooters.
Teach Kids to Listen to Their Bodies: Help your child recognize signs of pain or discomfort that could indicate an injury. Encourage them to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Teach Proper Techniques: “Repetitive strain from sports can lead to injuries,” warns Dr. Line. Encourage rest, vary activities, and ensure proper techniques to avoid overuse injuries.
Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Smoking can weaken bones, so avoid smoking around your child and keep them away from secondhand and thirdhand smoke.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Routine check-ups allow you to monitor your child’s growth and bone health. Share any concerns about their bones with their healthcare provider.

Keeping your child safe and healthy is a top priority. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent broken bones and support your child’s active, joyful lifestyle. Ensure they eat a balanced diet, stay active, and play in safe environments to keep their bones strong and resilient.

If your child does experience a fracture, remember that it’s a common and treatable injury. They’ll be back to their energetic selves before you know it!

For any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s healthcare provider or visit urgent care for an x-ray. Your child’s health and happiness are worth every effort!

Learn more about bone health and, the risks of osteoporosis.

Why Your Annual Physical is Essential

In healthcare, Direct Primary Care (DPC) emphasizes a more personalized and proactive approach, especially during annual physicals. These visits empower you to take control of your health while fostering a strong provider-patient relationship.

What Makes Annual Physicals in Direct Primary Care Unique?

1. Personalized Attention: In DPC, annual physicals provide dedicated time with your provider, allowing for a comprehensive health review and a chance to address any concerns with personalized guidance.

2. Holistic Approach to Health: DPC emphasizes a holistic view of your health. During annual physicals, providers consider not only vital signs and lab results but also lifestyle, mental well-being, and preventive care for well-rounded support.

3. Early Detection and Prevention: The DPC model’s proactive nature allows for early detection of potential health issues during annual physicals, addressing concerns before they become serious.

4. Stronger Provider-Patient Relationships: DPC fosters a deeper connection, as annual physicals offer valuable time to build trust and improve communication, enhancing your personalized care experience.

How to Make the Most of Your Annual Physical

Prepare any health questions you have. Annual physicals in DPC are your chance to receive tailored guidance and support. Haven’t scheduled yet? Reach out to your DPC provider today and take a proactive step toward better health.

Embrace the benefits of annual physicals in Direct Primary Care for a more informed, personalized, and proactive approach to your well-being.

Embrace the benefits of Direct Primary Care and prioritize your health with an annual physical. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay informed and proactive about your well-being. Learn more about the habits of our healthiest patients.

Cholesterol Awareness Month: How Direct Primary Care Helps You Take Control of Your Health

September is Cholesterol Awareness Month, a great time to take charge of your heart health. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. Understanding your cholesterol levels and taking steps to manage them early can make all the difference in preventing chronic diseases.

Cholesterol levels are measured through a lipid panel, which provides vital information about two main types of cholesterol: HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). You want your HDL to be above 60 mg/dL and your LDL to stay below 100 mg/dL for optimal heart health.

Why Cholesterol Levels Matter for Your Heart

High cholesterol often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t present symptoms until it’s too late—when you’re already at risk for a heart attack or stroke. Excess LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, which narrows blood flow and leads to conditions like atherosclerosis. This can cause:

– Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries to the heart)

– Peripheral artery disease (blocked arteries in the legs and arms)

– Carotid artery disease (blocked arteries to the brain)

Cholesterol is like a silent danger. You can live with high levels for years without knowing it, making regular cholesterol checks critical.

How Direct Primary Care (DPC) at Exemplar Care Supports Cholesterol Management

Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers a patient-centered, proactive approach to managing chronic conditions like high cholesterol. Here’s how DPC stands out in preventive care:

– Easy Access to Routine Screenings: In DPC, member patients can schedule regular cholesterol screenings without the long wait times typical of traditional healthcare. This means quicker access to your results and faster action if your numbers are concerning.

– Personalized Care Plans: Your DPC provider will create a customized plan for managing cholesterol that works for your lifestyle, whether that’s through nutrition, exercise, or medication. For tips on heart-healthy eating, explore resources like the American Heart Association.

– Focus on Prevention: The DPC model allows for more time with your provider to discuss preventive measures. Providers work closely with you to adjust your diet, incorporate regular exercise, and manage any additional risk factors like high blood pressure. Learn more about lifestyle changes that support heart health from Mayo Clinic

– Continuous Monitoring and Support: In a DPC setting, your provider will help you monitor your cholesterol over time, ensuring you stay on track with your goals. Regular check-ins and follow-up tests are key to reducing the risk of heart disease in the long run. It is important to know your blood pressure numbers.

Tips for Lowering Cholesterol

– Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Need motivation? The CDC’s physical activity guidelines can help you get started.

– Eat a heart-healthy diet: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil.

– Manage stress: Stress can negatively impact your cholesterol and heart health. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga.

How Often Should You Check Your Cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels should be checked every 4-6 years for healthy adults. However, those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors may need more frequent tests. Children should also get their cholesterol checked once between the ages of 9 and 11.

Knowing your cholesterol levels can help you take control of your health before it’s too late. This Cholesterol Awareness Month, prioritize your heart health and schedule a checkup with your healthcare provider. With the help of Direct Primary Care, managing cholesterol becomes a simple, patient-centered process designed to fit your unique health needs.

By staying informed, you can significantly lower your risk of chronic diseases and enjoy a healthier life.

Exemplar Care Clinic at Mulberry Street

Empowering Community Health at Central Iowa Shelter & Services

At Exemplar Care, our mission extends beyond individual patient care to fostering the overall health of our community. Our clinic on Mulberry Street, connected to Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS), yet accessible from a separate entrance, embodies this commitment. Open Monday through Friday, our walk-in urgent and primary care clinic provides crucial healthcare to Des Moines’ most vulnerable populations, particularly those homeless or underserved.

A Clinic with a Community-Centered Mission

The Mulberry Street clinic is more than a healthcare facility; it’s a cornerstone of community health. Our partnership with Central Iowa Shelter & Services, allows us to reach those who face significant barriers to care. Many of our patients are Medicaid members seeking both primary and urgent care. Being connected to CISS lets us deliver essential services where they are needed most, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the care they deserve.

Comprehensive Primary and Urgent Care for the Community

At Exemplar Care, we meet diverse healthcare needs through a wide range of services. Our primary care helps manage chronic conditions, provides preventative care, and promotes overall wellness. This benefits individuals and reduces strain on emergency services, improving public health.

When urgent care is necessary, our clinic provides timely, efficient treatment. By offering primary and urgent care, we address the community’s immediate and long-term health needs, ensuring access to care when needed most.

Accessible, Walk-In Services for All

Accessibility is central to our community-focused approach. At Exemplar Care’s Mulberry Street clinic, no appointment is needed—patients can simply walk in during operating hours. This model is especially important for those without the stability or resources to schedule appointments in advance. By removing this barrier, we ensure everyone in our community can access the care they need.

Supporting Community Health Through Our Care Management Team

Exemplar Care’s commitment to community health extends beyond medical services. Our Care Management Team supports patients in navigating the healthcare system and accessing essential resources. This includes help with presumptive Medicaid enrollment, ensuring eligible individuals can quickly secure coverage.

Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier, our team also helps arrange rides to and from medical appointments. Additionally, our Care Management Team connects patients with vital resources such as housing, food assistance, and mental health services. By addressing these social determinants of health, we help to build a healthier, more resilient community.

Serving the Most Vulnerable with Dignity

Many patients at our Mulberry Street clinic are experiencing homelessness and face unique challenges in accessing healthcare, including financial barriers, lack of transportation. Our clinic is designed to meet these challenges head-on by offering a welcoming, accessible healthcare option.

Through our partnership with Central Iowa Shelter & Services, we provide more than medical care, we offer a pathway to stability and better health outcomes. By addressing both medical and social needs, we help to uplift the most vulnerable members of our community, fostering a healthier, more equitable society.

A Commitment to Community Well-Being

At Exemplar Care, we are deeply committed to the health and well-being of our community. Our healthcare professionals approach each patient with compassion, dignity, and respect, understanding that community health depends on the health of its individuals. By providing high-quality healthcare to the residents of Central Iowa Shelter & Services and the surrounding community, we are working to build a stronger, healthier Des Moines for all.

Join Us in Building a Healthier Community

We invite you to learn more about Exemplar Care and our work at the Mulberry Street clinic. Together, we can strengthen our community by ensuring everyone has access to the healthcare they need.

Visit us today and see how Exemplar Care is making a difference, one patient at a time.

What Do You Need to Know About Strep Throat?

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that is more common in children than adults but does affect individuals of all ages. Commonly mistaken for a sore throat or common cold, especially during the winter season, strep throat accounts for only a fraction of sore throats. The CDC . estimates that about 20-30% of sore throats in children are caused by the strep bacteria, while in adults about 5-15% of sore throats are caused by the strep bacteria.

Symptoms of strep throat include:

A sore throat that comes on quickly
Pain with swallowing
Fever
Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white specks
Tender, swollen lymph nodes in your neck
Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth
Body aches
Nausea or vomiting, especially when it comes to younger children

Strep throat symptoms can closely resemble colds and viral infections, some of the signs that the infection might be viral and not strep include:

Cough
Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Runny nose

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Yes, the bacteria that causes strep throat can spread easily from person to person through close contact. If left untreated, strep throat can be contagious for 2-3 weeks. However, individuals who do take antibiotics for strep throat usually are no longer contagious about 24-48 hours after initiating the medication.

How is strep throat diagnosed and treated?

According to Mayo Clinic, it is possible for you to have multiple of these symptoms, but not have strep throat as colds and other viruses can also cause these symptoms. If you think you have strep throat, it is important that you visit your healthcare provider or urgent care to get tested. This is the only sure way to tell strep from other viruses that cause a sore throat.

Treatments for strep throat include:

Antibiotics
Rest
Over-the-counter medicines/remedies to ease symptoms

How Can I Prevent Strep Throat?

Wash your hands frequently and well to make it less likely that you will become infected by a bacteria or a virus.

There’s no good reason to avoid medical attention when you suspect strep throat.

Call your doctor or book an urgent care appointment if you or a child in your care is experiencing these symptoms.

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Understanding Your Child’s Health Exams: Well-Child Visits vs. Sports Physicals

As a parent, you want to ensure your child’s health and well-being throughout the year. Getting ready for the upcoming school year is essential for success. This means understanding the difference between a well-child exam and a sports physical can help you make the best choices for your child’s healthcare needs.

What is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical is a specialized exam for children participating in school sports. It focuses on evaluating your child’s fitness and health to ensure they can participate in their chosen sport safely. This exam typically covers:

– Height and weight
– Vision and hearing
– Heart health
– Blood pressure
– Muscle and bone health, flexibility, and strength

What is a Well-Child Exam?

A well-child exam is a comprehensive annual check-up that goes beyond the scope of a sports physical. It covers:

– Overall physical health
– Developmental, emotional, and social aspects
– Family medical history and preventive health measures
– Cognitive and social milestones
– Discussions on important topics like nutrition, sleep habits, and adolescent issues

This exam also includes any necessary school immunizations and screenings to ensure your child is on track with their health and development.

Can They Be Done Together?

Yes, many primary care providers offer the convenience of combining the sports physical and the well-child exam in one visit.

Summer is an ideal time to schedule these appointments before the school year begins. By doing so, you can ensure your child is in optimal health and ready for the school year ahead. At our clinics, we offer both types of exams for members during the same visit. We also offer sports physicals for non-members, through or walk-in or urgent care at all clinic locations. Please bring any school forms that are required to the appointment with you.

Does Your Child Need to Be a Current Patient?

No, you don’t need to be an existing patient to schedule a school physical, however, your child does need to be a member of Exemplar Care, to receive a well-child exam.

If you’re unsure which exam your child needs or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider. We’re here to help you keep your child healthy and happy.

Ensure your child’s health is checked for the school year by scheduling their well-child exam or sports physical today. Call our clinics or use our online scheduling system to choose a location and reserve a spot.