Accessible, Quality Care at Village Health Center

Accessibility, quality and affordability, are major health care issues for everyone.

At Village Care, we’ve been extremely aware of this from what we’ve heard over time from the two significant populations we serve – seniors, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Our organization has a long history and extensive experience in addressing our community’s long-term care needs, and we’ve learned from our patients, residents and consumers that getting access to excellent primary care is a challenge for just about everyone.  That is particularly true for those with limited or fixed incomes, and even more so for those who are poor.

A couple of years ago, Village Care sought to address this need by establishing a primary medical care program – the Village Health Center – in the Chelsea community.  

Our first goal was to offer those receiving Medicare and Medicaid a clinical setting that respected them as individuals and provided care that was person- and patient-centered.  We quickly recognized, however, that there was also a clear need for this kind of program for those with various employer and private insurances, where individuals could avail themselves of care in a setting that encourages patients and their families to participate in decision-making.

Village Health Center and its staff are dedicated to the best aspects of the so-called “medical home” care model.  The “medical home” seeks to provide comprehensive care through a partnership with patients and families.  It means having a professional staff made up of individuals who work together in meeting the responsibilities of ongoing care.

In an effort to improve access to quality care, the Village Health Center brings together doctors, dentists and nurses under one roof, where they can provide a wide range of care, including preventive and chronic care services, in a pleasant, welcoming and patient-friendly environment.  The broad services address primary and acute adult medical needs, and ongoing care, focusing on a holistic approach.

Evidence-based practice and the latest information technology are used in support of patient care and patient education as well as for performance management.  In addition to seeing a primary care physician, patients at the Village Health Center also have access to other support services, including nutrition, mental health and social work.

The collaborative team approach of the Center means better treatment outcomes and a healthier life for patients.

Village Health Center’s comprehensive services include primary care for diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease, podiatry, preventive medicine, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS care.  The staff also concentrates on women’s health and offers health education, immunizations and nutrition services.  Mental health services include psychiatric evaluations and medication management.  Dental care provides exams, prophylaxis, restorations, X-rays and extractions.  

For patient convenience, all blood work is done on-site.

Employers take note:  This year we’ve added an Employee Health Division, providing occupational health services to assure that the health and physical fitness of workers meet the requirements of the position.  The Center offers employers pre- and post-hire employee screening programs, annual physical examinations, laboratory testing and immunizations.

Village Health Center – with its emphasis on access and on offering a medical program where individuals have the opportunity to be fully involved in their care – is an important asset to our community.

Village Health Center is located at 121A W. 20th St. (between Sixth and Seventh avenues) and is readily accessible by nearby 1/2/3/A/C/F/V trains as well as PATH.

For more information, patients and employers may call the center at 212.337.9290.  Or, you may learn more on the web at www.vcny.org.