Think about what you want in healthcare, especially when it comes to caring for you and your family. Most of us crave a seamless experience, a one-stop destination where there's no need to hop from place to place for appointments, tests or any other healthcare needs. A full-service healthcare center offers just that—the care you need, when you need it, at a location close to you.
The growing emphasis on convenience in healthcare helps improve access to care. That’s why Frederick Health has community sites in Urbana, Frederick City, Emmitsburg and Brunswick, with additional locations planned for the future. Each location provides five essential services: Primary Care, Urgent Care, Laboratory, Imaging and Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab. They are staffed by expert providers who respect you, your background, your individual needs and treatment goals.
“This is our vision. This is the future of healthcare and this is definitely the future of Frederick Health,” says Amy Arnold, Frederick Health Practice Manager. “Access means a lot to the people of Frederick County. Nobody likes waiting to get the care they need!"
Behind this vision is a team of expert providers who are fully on board with creating easy access to healthcare providers, comprehensive services and friendly care right in our community. Frederick Health’s goal of establishing full-service healthcare centers aligns with the Healthy People 2030 Framework (health.gov) which serves as a roadmap for public health efforts and policy development in the U.S. There is a national focus on improving health by helping people get timely, high-quality healthcare services.
“Research points to the fact that more access to primary care and urgent care leads to better overall health,” notes Dr. B. Shanes, Board-Certified Family Practice Provider with Frederick Health Medical Group. Dr. B. Shanes now sees patients in Brunswick, the newest location that opened its doors in Fall 2023, having previously seen patients in Urbana. “Brunswick and Urbana are both growing communities, and we're growing alongside them,” says Dr. B. Shanes. “Introducing core healthcare services to residents there has had a significant impact."
Urgent care has grown rapidly nationwide because of convenience. It offers same-day appointments for non-severe illnesses or injuries during extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Urgent care is a cost-effective option for non-life-threatening issues such as moderate cold and flu symptoms, eye redness, sprains and strains when you need to be seen immediately and your primary care provider is not available.
By housing primary care and urgent care under one roof, Frederick Health makes care more convenient and connected.
“You can visit urgent care, with or without a primary care provider. If you don't have a Primary Care provider, we can help you find one, often the very next day,” Arnold explains. “You’re also able to get your labs, X-rays and physical therapy, if needed, all at one stop.”
This level of connected care is unique in Frederick County, with no other provider or health system offering a similar service. That means building a network of facilities to match the growth of the area.
This expansion extends to the northern part of Frederick County, too. Frederick Health Emmitsburg opened its doors in Summer 2022. Natalie Lowrey, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), treats adult and pediatric patients at this new center.
“Expanding treatment options in northern Frederick County is a priority for Frederick Health,” she says. “We understand that driving 15-20 minutes can be a significant challenge for our patients. Our Emmitsburg center is our way of bringing healthcare closer to our patients, ensuring their needs are met with ease and convenience.”
Lowrey, a Frederick County native, emphasizes her deep connection to the community: "The individuals I'm caring for are my neighbors, and ensuring they have access to the incredible services we provide is a top priority for me.”
As Frederick Health continues to look for ways to meet the changing needs of the community, they are expanding the services being offered at these centers. Right now, Dr. David Kowalk, orthopedic expert with Frederick Health Medical Group visits Emmitsburg every Monday, and Dr. Patrick Mansky, cancer expert, is available every other Tuesday.
“Whether it's orthopedics and sports medicine, oncology, ear, nose and throat (ENT) or gastroenterology services, the goal is to broaden our offerings in these locations. We aim to enhance accessibility and ensure a comprehensive range of healthcare services are available to meet the needs of our community,” says Arnold.
Beyond that, Frederick Health is looking to expand with future sites to best serve the well-being of the community they serve.
“Every individual deserves good health and to collaborate with someone who understands their unique health needs,” says Lowrey.
FrederickHealth.org/GetCare
