DMC spokesperson John Truscott attributed the closure to decreasing patient volume at the clinic and the ability of patients’ referring physicians to deliver care comparable to what was offered at the clinic.
“Really what it comes down to is medications have improved so much that it is possible to administer blood thinning medication and have it be appropriately looked over by the referring physicians such as a cardiologist, internist or other specialist,” he told Becker’s Hospital Review during a phone interview. “So they are the ones now overseeing the administration of these medications.”
Mr. Truscott also noted because medications are better and last longer, it is not necessary for patients to go to a clinical setting on a constant basis for their treatment.
Additionally, he said DMC now has greater ability to join forces with patients and improve care coordination among primary care options.
The closure affected three clinic employees, including technicians, who are all in other positions within DMC.
It comes as DMC continues reorganizing. As part of the reorganization, the medical center revealed plans in January to cut up to 300 jobs.
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