As a new year begins, many people recommit to their health, and one of the simplest ways to do that is through routine primary care. Amid an increasingly complicated healthcare landscape, Saint Clare’s Hospital is making that easier by offering community-focused access to annual physicals, walk-in services, and preventive care.
To support that mission, a simplified model of on-site primary and immediate care has emerged, giving patients essential services without long waits or multiple appointments. It’s a hybrid approach that blends clinic convenience with the continuity of a primary care practice.
Whatever the case or service, the community-based programs at Saint Clare’s function as a one-stop shop for primary care, walk-ins, and labs. Preventive screenings, rapid testing, and vaccinations are also available.
“Overall physicals have great value," Chief Medical Officer Pramil Cheriyath said. “It allows a disease to be caught early on.”
"Saint Clare’s primary care clinic opened just over a year ago and acts as a middle ground between urgent care and appointment-based services," added Medical Director Anna Slavin.
The goal is to refocus attention on primary care, specifically the annual physical, and make routine healthcare more accessible.
“We wanted to make sure that patients in the community have a gateway to primary care,” Cheriyath noted. “The primary provides initial screenings for the patient with a focus on prevention to avoid a hospital stay.”
Since launch, the community response has been strong. “Patients are our biggest advertisers,” he revealed. “They tell their friends and relatives.”
In addition to appointments, the walk-in clinic offers immediate care for minor injuries or illnesses without insurance concerns.
“In our practice, we provide care regardless of insurance status."
The clinic also helps patients avoid unnecessary emergency department visits.
“A clinic inside the hospital allows a patient who may be experiencing chest pain to be directly admitted. That’s the biggest advantage of the clinic.”
The long-term aim is returning patients to primary care so conditions can be caught early.
“If we diagnose early, we can hopefully avoid a hospital stay,” Cheriyath added.
Appointment delays have become a major issue in today’s healthcare climate. Both the Denville and Dover locations operate five days a week for patients 18 and older. To support demand, the clinic leverages a strong in-house residency program.
“We have the largest program in the area and we want the resident physicians to stay here and continue to serve the community,” said Vinod Nookala, associate chief medical officer and hospitalist director.
Residents also play a key role in early diagnosis and health education.
“The clinic is spacious and welcoming and even includes an interactive smartboard for patients to learn about different diseases,” Nookala added.
“Should a clinic patient require a follow-up visit, the same resident assigned to the initial visit is also scheduled for the follow-up,” Slavin said.
This continuity of care allows patients to select a permanent primary provider.
“A lot of times patients try to schedule appointments and it may take months to be seen,” Slavin added. “Here, we can provide same-day to see a primary.”
Primary care support also extends to hospitalized patients. “Some of them don’t have a primary doctor and we refer them to the primary clinic,” Nookala explained.
All three physicians note a renewed emphasis on primary care over subspecialties.
“The emphasis is on bringing the patient back to the primary care office so that one person can provide an overall picture and then decide if a specialist is necessary and make the recommendations from there,” Cheriyath said.
There are discussions in the works to eventually incorporate subspecialties.
In addition to medical attention, the clinic offers translation services for a multitude of languages thanks in part to a diverse residents' pool. While the clinic embodies prevention and accessibility, it is also driven by the overall mission of inclusion.
“When you invest in the community, it’s better for everyone,” Nookala noted with a smile.
Saint Clare’s primary care practice is located on the ground floor at 25 Pocono Road in Denville.
St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville serves as a central hub for community health, offering comprehensive medical, surgical, and emergency services. Known for its patient-centered approach, the hospital provides advanced care close to home, supported by a strong team of physicians, specialists, and residents. For more information about Saint Clare's Hospital, visit saintclares.com.