Interview: Jessica Blackwell, eVillageHealth
As you know, mental health and physical health go hand in hand. For this reason, I am so excited to introduce you to Jessica Blackwell and eVillageHealth.
Jessica Blackwell MSN, APRN, FNP, ACHPN, AOCNP, is the owner and nurse practitioner of eVillageHealth. Specializing in providing personalized primary care, Jessica partners with residents of Washington and Idaho to meet their healthcare needs.
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand.
How has your professional journey lead you to opening eVillageHealth?
“You know, I’m getting older so my journey gets longer.”
Jessica began her medical career over 20 years ago as an ICU nurse intern at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital. In addition to gaining diverse medical skills, this hands on experience taught her a great deal about life, compassion and the value of partnering with others.
More recently, she has specialized in medical oncology where she often found herself providing a great deal of primary medical care because her patients’ providers were too busy. Recognizing this shortage in our community and need for quality primary care, Jessica is helping fill that gap through eVillageHealth.
eVillageHealth’s vision is to provide personalized, quality healthcare that fits into the patient’s lifestyle.
What is different about eVillageHealth that allows you to provide such personalized care?
In a few words: limited caseload and tele-health.
Did you know that the average caseload for a Primary Care Physician (PCP) in the United States is between 2000 and 2500 patients? No wonder it takes 4-6 weeks to see your doctor. With eVillageHealth, Jessica Blackwell made the commitment to have a small practice that allows her to manage urgent needs within 1-2 business days. “I’m not going to save the world unfortunately, but I am going to do everything I can to save the patients that are in my panel.”
“I think you have to treat the whole person… the outcomes are so much better.”
In addition to limiting her caseload, telehealth provides greater accessibility for her patients to meet at a time and location that fits their busy lifestyles: “I’ve reach people who have never had primary care before.”
Also, every interaction is personalized. Jessica Blackwell’s focus is on listening to and partnering with her patients. Goals are developed in collaboration and treatment options are personalized, taking into consideration the each individual’s health needs and wants.
Speaking of telehealth, how do you support someone who is hesitant to receive primary medical care virtually?
“We say, ‘give us a shot… Let us try one time.’”
Patients who are leery about the logistics of a virtual session are encouraged to schedule a “test run” with Jessica’s very technologically savvy assistant. This is an opportunity to see how everything works and problem solve any situations that may arise.
Jessica indicates that most patients end up preferring the flexibility of virtual appointments - some, she even has to convince to see her occasionally in person!
What services can patients access through eVillageHealth?
Services are “broad, based upon where you fall on the spectrum of health and wellness and illness.”
Jessica provides primary medical care for adolescents (age 15+) through adulthood. These services include:
Preventative Care Program: yearly 1-hour exams focused on the details of the patient’s lifestyle and wellness
Weight-Loss Program: intensive support, education and monitoring to meet the patient’s needs
Chronic Disease Management: with the goal to maximize lifestyle interventions and improving quality of life
Urgent Care: patients are seen within 1-2 business days, often the same day
End of Life (palliative care): helping patients feel as well as they can through their final days
“My favorite part of chronic disease management is helping people get off of medications.”
Do you work with patients who are struggling with anxiety?
Knowing that patients may not feel comfortable bringing up symptoms related to anxiety and depression, Jessica screens for both: “It’s really important in my practice not to miss it.”
If anxiety, depression or another mental health condition is identified, Jessica refers the patient to trusted mental health experts in the community (like me!).
What does a typical first appointment look like with you?
Before you ever meet with Jessica, she will have reviewed all of your medical records. This means that during the initial hour long consultation, she is up to speed on your medical history, freeing up time to dive deep into your health and wellness goals. She states that, “more times than not, we find our goals are the same.”
The first appointment “is an opportunity for someone to lay fresh eyes on your health.”
After the first appointment, tests will be ordered and an hour-long wellness exam will be scheduled. Depending upon your needs and goals, you may be seen yearly for wellness exams or much more frequently, as is the case in the weight-loss program.
What do you wish people knew about primary medical care?
“You deserve the best tailored care.” If you are not getting the best care, tell your provider what’s not working and what you need.
“Be active in your care.” Set your wellness goals, evaluate as you go, and modify them as needed.
“You are a partner in your healthcare.” When it comes to your healthcare, you are always the final decision maker.
How can people learn more about you and eVillageHealth?
website: www.evillagehealth.com
telephone: (509) 960-6527
email: contact@evillagehealth.com
FaceBook: @eVillageHealth
Instagram: @e.villagehealth
