Stay up-to-date with the latest news at GEFCC:

New Dental Clinic hours to begin on 2/11/2013

2/05/2012

On Monday, February 11th, 2013, GEFCC’s Dental Clinic will change its hours of operation to better meet the needs of our patients. While the clinic will open at slightly later times, the new schedule will provide expanded evening access, with 4 nights per week going until 7:20pm. These new times allow for more care provision after school and traditional working hours, as well as significantly expanded appointment slots on Saturdays. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 847-608-1344.

GEFCC to host Elgin Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on 2/21/2013

2/05/2012

On Thursday, February 21, 2013, GEFCC will host an Elgin Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours gathering from 5-7pm at our Seneca Health Center. These gatherings provide opportunities for Chamber members to associate and build relationships and business. Please note that due to this scheduled gathering, our Seneca Health Center will close early on 2/21 at 4:00pm instead of 7:30pm.

Patients invited to be on GEFCC’s Board of Directors

12/21/2012

Greater Elgin Family Care Center is inviting its patients to apply for membership in the organization’s Board of Directors! Board members are responsible for the overall direction, governance and leadership of the entire corporation. Board members actively participate in monthly board meetings and at least one Board committee.

To explore becoming a member of our Board of Directors, patients are encouraged to contact our CEO, Bob Tanner, at 847-608-6068.

GEFCC Exceeds Illinois Health Connect Quality Benchmarks - Yet Again!

12/07/2012

For the third year in a row, for the period ending September 30, 2012, Greater Elgin Family Care Center exceeded Illinois Health Connect Quality of Care benchmarks. This time we again exceeded expectations in 5 different areas, further validating that Greater Elgin Family Care Center provides the highest quality of care for our patients!

This time, we were recognized for exceeding expectations in the areas of:
- Percent of women receiving breast cancer screening

- Percent of children under age 2 receiving development screening

- Percent of children under age 3 receiving development screening

- Percent of children under age 2 receiving lead screening

- Percent of children receiving proper asthma treatment

Excellent Outcomes for Greater Elgin Family Care Center Indicated in Recent Comparison Report

10/31/2012

2011 data released by the Bureau of Primary Health Care indicates that Greater Elgin Family Care Center's outcomes are better than most community health centers on a wide range of health care and operational items.

The UDS Summary Report and UDS Health Center Trend Report, both recently released by the Health Resources and Services Administration, specify the outcomes of Greater Elgin Family Care Center, comparing them against State of Illinois and National community health center averages and benchmarks.

For the 7th consecutive year, GEFCC out-performs its peers:

Health Indicators:
-Top 25% in percent of patients experiencing their first prenatal visit in the 1st trimester

-Top 25% in the percent of babies born of low or very low birth weight

-Top 25% in percent of adults who are assessed for tobacco use

-Top 25% in percent of diabetic patients with blood sugar levels less than 9

-Top 50% in percent of children and adolescents receiving body mass index and nutrition and physical activity counseling

-Top 50% in percent of asthmatics treated with appropriate pharmacological intervention

-GEFCC also exceeded State of Illinois and National averages for the percent of hypertensive patients with blood pressure less than 140/90, and percent of diabetic patients with blood sugar levels less than 9 and 8.

"These outcomes prove that our professionals, and the care they provide, are successful at improving the health of our patients" said Bob Tanner, President/CEO of Greater Elgin Family Care Center. "They are especially impressive when one considers the fact that, operationally, GEFCC far surpasses its peers as well" he said, noting a number of excellent GEFCC operational outcomes.

Operational Indicators:
Over the past 3 years, the volume of care provided by Greater Elgin Family Care Center has grown very rapidly:
-Total number of patients served is 5 times the State of Illinois average and two times the National average

-Total number of dental patients served is 3 times the State and National averages

-Total number of homeless patients served is 7 times the State and 10 times the National averages

Besides providing quality health care to many more area residents, GEFCC is also cost-efficient, making the organization a tremendous value for both its patients and funders:
-GEFCC's total cost per total patient is 26% less than the State of Illinois average, and 38% less than the National average

-GEFCC's medical cost per medical patient is 17% less than the State average and 41% less than the National average

-GEFCC's mental health cost per mental health patient is 17% less than the State average and 30% less than the National average

-GEFCC's total cost per total visit is 11% less than the State average and 20% less than the National average

-GEFCC's medical cost per medical visit is 18% less than the State average and 19% less than the National average

"It's a tremendous credit to all of our staff and Board that we are growing so rapidly and providing such a value while also offering superior health care that results in measurably improved health outcomes" indicated Tanner."

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visits Greater Elgin Family Care Center

8/28/2012

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin toured and visited with the leadership of Greater Elgin Family Care Center and area elected officials on August 28th, engaging in a wide-ranging discussion focused on access to health care for area residents.

Senator Durbin sought out the input of the area’s premier Federally Qualified Health Center after learning of the opening of Streamwood Community Health Center on August 8. Among the first community health center new access points opened in Illinois, its opening triggered the Senator’s desire to seek the input of Greater Elgin Family Care Center.

Senator Michael Noland, Representative Keith Farnham, Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, the Executive Committee of the Center’s Board of Directors, and the Leadership Team of Greater Elgin Family Care Center offered input on health care policy, highlighting the cost-effectiveness and quality outcomes of federally qualified health centers across the country.

“Health Centers like Greater Elgin Family Care Center offer substantial access to primary health care, at a fraction of the costs for receiving similar care in alternative settings such as the emergency room”, said Bob Tanner, President/CEO of Greater Elgin Family Care Center.

“Of course we discussed the special attributes of Greater Elgin Family Care Center, but we also discussed the value of FQHCs and how they can play an even larger, more vital role in offering high quality, low cost primary health care to residents of our country” he continued.

“We feel honored to be selected to have an audience with Illinois’ senior Senator” Tanner said.

Greater Elgin Family Care Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center which, in fiscal year 2012, provided the full range of quality, affordably-priced primary care services to almost 28,500 different persons from over 275 different zip codes via over 83,000 medical and dental appointments.

Greater Elgin Family Care Center offers care out of 29 Health Centers, although only 5 are full-time locations.

Streamwood Community Health Center is 1 of those Health Centers. It, has 11 examination rooms and is open 6 days a week, including Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, and evenings until 7:30 pm.

Streamwood Community Health Center offers pediatric care, obstetric and gynecological care and family medicine, as well as a full-service laboratory, reduced-price medications and a wide array of allied health services.

Greater Elgin Family Care Center is accredited by The Joint Commission, indicating compliance with the highest standards of health care in the United States, and provides care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

Appointments can be made by calling 847.608.1344.

For a downloadable/printer-friendly PDF version of this announcement, click here

Streamwood Community Health Center now open!

8/17/2012

The grand opening of Greater Elgin Family Care Center’s newest Health Center, Streamwood Community Health Center, was held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

The new Health Center is located at 135 E. Irving Park Rd (Rt. 19) in Streamwood, just west of the Jewel/Osco and a few storefronts away from the Streamwood Post Office.

The open house welcomed local community members and leaders including Village Presidents Billie Roth (Streamwood) and Rod Craig (Hanover Park) and 43rd District State Representative, Keith Farnham. Guests were invited to meet the medical providers and staff, take a tour of the Health Center and enjoy treats and raffles.

“We are thrilled to have opened our 5th full-time (Health Center) location,” said Bob Tanner, President/CEO of Greater Elgin Family Care Center. “Streamwood Community Health Center will create additional access to quality, affordable primary health care for the area’s uninsured, publicly insured and underinsured residents, all regardless of the ability to pay. We received countless support from the community upon planning and opening this Health Center – especially the Villages of Streamwood and Hanover Park and Hanover Township – for which we are extremely grateful.”

Streamwood Community Health Center has 4 medical providers, including an OB/GYN who performs newborn deliveries at local hospitals, 11 examination rooms, full use of electronic medical records, access to discounted medications, case management and a full-service laboratory via Quest Diagnostics. SCHC hours of service are Mondays-Thursdays, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcomes, but patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 630.313.5300.

Streamwood Community Health Center is a program of Greater Elgin Family Care Center. GEFCC is a Federally Qualified Health Center which, in fiscal year 2012, provided the full range of quality, affordably-priced primary care services to over 27,500 different persons via over 83,000 medical and dental appointments. The organization is accredited by The Joint Commission, indicating compliance with the most-stringent health care standards in the United States, and provides care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.

For a downloadable/printer-friendly PDF version of this announcement, click here

Streamwood Community Health Center opens on August 8th, 2012! Call 630-313-5300 to schedule an appointment!

7/31/2012

Streamwood Community Health Center, located at 135 E Irving Park Rd, Streamwood, IL, is on schedule to open on August 8th, 2012 at 8:00 am!

This health center – a program of Greater Elgin Family Care Center – will be open 6 days a week and offer Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/Gyn, an on-site full service laboratory, and many more quality health services.

To schedule an appointment, please call 630-313-5300.

Also, please consider stopping by on 8/08/2012 for our Grand Opening Ceremony, which runs from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and is open to the general public!

Psychiatric Care now offered at McHenry Community Health Center

6/25/2012

Through the generous support of McHenry County Mental Health Board, child, adolescent and adult psychiatry will be provided at McHenry Community Health Center beginning July 7, 2012.

Appointments for psychiatric care can be made by calling 815.363.9900.

Dr. Elizabeth McMasters, formerly employed by Family Service, will be providing care full-time at McHenry Community Health Center. The Health Center is at 3901 Mercy Drive in McHenry.

Funding Received for Streamwood Community Health Center

6/25/2012

On June 20, 2012, Greater Elgin Family Care was informed that it had received a New Access Point grant from the Bureau of Primary Heatlh Care to support the opening and operation of Streamwood Community Health Center.

Funds from the grant will be used to complete the construction of the Health Center, located at 135 E. Irving Park Road in Streamwood, as well as to support the hiring of 3 full-time medical practitioners and several support professionals.

Streamwood Community Health Center will open at 8:00 am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012.

The Health Center will offer Pediatric care, Family Practice care and Prenatal Care, as well as reduced-price pharmaceuticals, a full-service laboratory, case management and several other support services.

The Health Center is conveniently located to those residing in Hanover Park, Streamwood, Bartlett, South Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale and Carol Stream. All care will provided regardless of the patient's ability to pay.

Patients will be able to begin making appointments on July 2, 2012, by calling 847.608.1344.

Click here for the Daily Herald's announcement. We also encourage you to visit our Imgur page to view the latest construction photos for Streamwood Community Health Center.

Streamwood Community Health Center coming soon! Health Center Construction Initiated, Ceremony Held 5/31/12

5/23/2012; updated 5/31/12

Greater Elgin Family Care Center has begun construction of its Streamwood Community Health Center, with the Project Initiation Ceremony having occured on Thursday, May 31st. Click here for pictures from the ceremony.

The new Health Center will be located at 135 E. Irving Park Road (Rt. 19) in Streamwood, just west of the Jewel/Osco and a few storefronts away from the Streamwood Post Office.

“We are thrilled to begin renovation of the space that will become Streamwood Community Health Center,” said Bob Tanner, President/CEO of Greater Elgin Family Care Center. “This Health Center will create additional access to quality, affordable primary health care for the area’s uninsured, publicly insured and underinsured residents, all regardless of their ability to pay…something that is clearly needed.”

Streamwood Community Health Center is projected to open in the first week of August 2012. With 11 examination rooms and to be open 6 days a week, including Saturdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Streamwood Community Health Center will offer pediatric care, obstetric and gynecological care and family medicine.

3 Physicians and 1 Physician Assistant have already been hired to provide care in the Health Center.

The building’s design includes many ‘green’ technologies in the areas of energy efficiency, mechanical systems, heating, cooling, lighting and water conservation.

Funds for the construction of Streamwood Community Health Center, just one Health Center operated by Greater Elgin Family Care Center, were received through a grant from the Illinois Capital Development Board. Partial operating support is projected to be received by the Bureau of Primary Health Care.

Click here for the Daily Herald's article on Streamwood Community Health Center.

Now accepting online donations - donate to GEFCC today!

Greater Elgin Family Care Center has partnered with PayPal to accept online donations. Current and prospective donors now have the option of donating to GEFCC by using a major credit card or directly through their bank account; a PayPal account is not required! Click here for more information, including others ways of giving. We also encourage you to click here to learn how your donation will be put to good use. Help us provide quality, affordable healthcare for all, including those without the ability to pay - donate today!

Introducing Randall Health Center - Now Open!

Greater Elgin Family Care Center is happy to announce its 6th addition to its list of quality Health Centers, Randall Health Center. Located in the Medical Office Building on the campus of the new Sherman Hospital, Randall Health Center is a part-time location, open every Monday from 3:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Randall Health Center offers: adult medicine including Gynecological/Well-Woman Exams, acute sick care, chronic care, work physicals, preventative/health maintenance exams, case management, medications, and is an All Kids/Family Care application site. Stop by today, or call 847.608.1344 to make an appointment! For directions, see here.

Introducing McHenry Community Health Center - Now Open!

After 2+ years of planning and hard work, Greater Elgin Family Care Center is delighted to announce that McHenry Community Health Center (MCHC) is now open! Families and individuals of the greater McHenry County area can now receive quality, affordable, Joint Commission-accredited healthcare 6 days a week at our new health center. To schedule an appointment, please call the new MCHC phone number at (815) 363-9900; of course, walk-ins are always welcome too! Also, make sure to check out the MCHC's new webpage, which can be found at mchc.gefcc.org.

Greater Elgin Family Care Center awarded State Capital Funds!

On August 31, 2011, the Capital Development Board informed Greater Elgin Family Care Center that GEFCC will soon be awarded over $2.6M in capital funds via the Community Health Center Construction Act signed into law by Governor Quinn in 2009. Funding for GEFCC’s capital projects are part of Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program and are administered through the state’s Capital Development Board. GEFCC will use the funds to expand/develop three Health Center locations in its service are. Stay tuned for more details!

GEFCC Celebrates 10 years of Quality Healthcare Delivery

On Thursday, July 14th, key Elgin stakeholders and elected officials, along with Board Members and staff of GEFCC, gathered to celebrate ten years of delivering quality, affordable healthcare to the greater Elgin area. Since opening in 2001, GEFCC has provided care to over 108,000 unduplicated patients through over 320,000 medical and dental encounters. During the celebrations, all health centers hosted open houses, providing tours of our facilities. A ceremony, with comments by our President and Board Members, along with a raffle and appetizers, was held at our Seneca Health Center. Thanks to all who attended for helping us to commemorate this special occasion!

W-IC relocating to John Graham Pavilion this August (see new photos here!)

GEFCC is very pleased to announce that its Slade Health Center (W-IC) will be relocating from its current location to the John Graham Pavilion, with our grand re-opening set for Monday, August 1st. Although W-IC will still be located in Sherman Hospital's East Campus, this new location will double the size of our facility, providing 12 examination rooms and significantly larger spaces for our health services and staff, including the laboratory, waiting room, and work offices. Regular W-IC hours will be provided through Friday, July 29th, after which W-IC patients can continue to receive care at our Summit Health Center for Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st. On Monday, August 1st, patients can expect to receive services at our new location. Please stay tuned for future press releases, which will be issued in the coming weeks; an Open House will also occur at our new location, TBA.

GEFCC Celebrates Third Annual Shining Stars Awards Banquet

In recognition of the extraordinary work of its professionals, GEFCC celebrated its Third Annual Shining Stars Awards Banquet this past Wednesday (6/22). Please help us honor these eight nominated winners by clicking here to learn more about the ceremony, eligible categories and selected winners.

GEFCC Exceeds Illinois Health Connect Quality Benchmarks - Again!

For the second year in a row, for the period ending September 30, 2010, Greater Elgin Family Care Center exceeded Illinois Health Connect Quality of Care benchmarks. This time we exceeded expectations in 5 different areas, further validating that we provide the highest quality of care for our patients!

EXCELLENCE IN CARE CONTINUES - Joint Commission Accreditation Renewed

Elgin, Ill. - Greater Elgin Family Care Center (GEFCC) was once again recognized by The Joint Commission as a superior practice worthy of accreditation. The nation's leading body for certifying the quality of care provided at Community Health Centers (CHC) renewed Greater Elgin Family Care Center's accreditation, making just three small suggestions for how GEFCC could improve the stellar level of care it delivers to its patients. We eagerly followed that advice and proudly continue to display The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for at least the next 18 months.

Is your Doctor's office Joint Commission accredited? Only 23% of CHCs are - and none works harder than we do to constantly ensure the care we deliver meets Joint Commission standards. Come in and see what a difference caring can make - schedule your next appointment at Greater Elgin Family Care Center today!

Evidence of GEFCC's committment to success:

GEFCC outperforms other Community Health Centers (CHC) (Updated with most recent data!)

As reported by the 2011 Uniform Data System (UDS) Grantee/State/National Summary Report and Health Center Trend Report, GEFCC is...

1. Highly Effective!

- Top 25% in percent of patients experiencing their first prenatal visit in the 1st trimester

- Top 25% in the percent of babies born of low or very low birth weight

- Top 25% in percent of adults who are assessed for tobacco use

- Top 25% in percent of diabetic patients with blood sugar levels less than 9

- Top 50% in percent of children and adolescents receiving body mass index and nutrition and physical activity counseling

- Top 50% in percent of asthmatics treated with appropriate pharmacological intervention

- GEFCC also exceeded State of Illinois and National averages for the percent of hypertensive patients with blood pressure less

   than 140/90, and percent of diabetic patients with blood sugar levels less than 9 and 8

2. Cost Efficient!

- GEFCC's medical cost per Medical Patient is 17% Lower than the State CHC Average

- GEFCC's medical cost per Medical Patient is 41% Lower than the National CHC Average

- GEFCC's mental health cost per Mental Health Patient is 17% less than the State average and 30% less than the National CHC

   Average

- GEFCC's total cost per total patient is 26% less than the State average and 38% less than the National CHC Average

- GEFCC's total cost per total visit is 11% less than the State average and 20% less than the National CHC Average

- GEFCC's medical cost per medical visit is 18% less than the State average and 19% less than the National CHC Average

3. Rapidly Growing!

- GEFCC served five (5x) times more Medical Patients than the State and two (2x) more than the National Average for Number of

   Medical Patients served

- GEFCC served three (3x) times more dental patients than the State and National averages

- GEFCC served seven (7x) times more homeless patients than the State and National averages

GEFCC Exceeds Illinois Health Connect Quality Benchmarks - Yet Again!

For the third year in a row, for the period ending September 30, 2012, Greater Elgin Family Care Center exceeded Illinois Health Connect Quality of Care benchmarks. This time we again exceeded expectations in 5 different areas, further validating that Greater Elgin Family Care Center provides the highest quality of care for our patients!

This time, we were recognized for exceeding expectations in the areas of:
- Percent of women receiving breast cancer screening

- Percent of children under age 2 receiving development screening

- Percent of children under age 3 receiving development screening

- Percent of children under age 2 receiving lead screening

- Percent of children receiving proper asthma treatment

Patient Satisfaction Survey Results

GEFCC completes patient satisfaction surveys at all its Health Centers every quarter. Our benchmark for patient satisfaction is 75%.

The following are 2005-2012 results, aggregated, indicating tremendous patient satisfaction with Greater Elgin Family Care Center.

Question	Mean for 2005-2012
1. My phone calls are answered	86%
2. The reception staff is courteous and helpful	92%
3. I was able to get a timely appointment	88%
4. I was able to communicate with the Health Center staff and have my needs understood	91%
5. Level of satisfaction with information and education regarding your medical concerns	92%
6. Level of satisfaction with the time that staff spent with me	91%
7. My phone call was returned in a timely manner by courteous staff	87%
8. I feel that the staff listened to my concerns and addressed them	92%
9. The time waiting was reasonable	86%
10. I was treated respectfully	94%
11. Rate your level of satisfaction with receiving test (X-ray and/or lab) results and recommendations in a timely manner	90%
12. Level of satisfaction that personal medical information is handled in a private and confidential manner	94%
13. Level of satisfaction with the service received by your Medical Assistant, who brings patients to rooms, takes vital signs and inquires about medical problems	93%
14. Level of satisfaction with the nursing care you received (Nursing care includes such things as bandages, injections, blood draws, patient education/instruction, and referrals?arrangements for appointments elsewhere	93%
15. Level of satisfaction with the medical care received from your health provider (the Doctor, Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner)	93%
16. Overall, how satisfied are you with the Health Center?	93%