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Ask the Expert on an Alternative Practice for Primary Care
THE EXPERT:
Phyllis C. Everett MSN, APRN, AOCN, NP-C, Sapient Health Services
Why do people come to you to be their primary care provider over other practices?
They come to us because they are tired of “big box” medicine that is focused more on production than people. People want to be heard. We have one-hour new patient visits, and 30 min follow-up visits to help explore the whole person and their needs at any given time, physical and emotional.
What type of specialty services do you offer?
Our diagnostic services are more in depth than the typical primary care practice with a combination of laboratory testing and genetics that set us apart. This includes advanced cardiovascular and nutritional testing, microbiome testing using GI Map stool tests and pharmacogenomic testing with a mouth swab to identify issues affecting medication management. We strive to find the root of the problem and not just treat a symptom. We also provide limited psychiatric counseling via telehealth and hope to expand mental health services in the coming year.
As a nurse practitioner, do you have a physician working with you?
Because of my 18 years of experience and the current state licensure requirements, I am no longer required to practice with a physician. I have what is called an autonomous license. That does not mean we do not work with our area physicians to provide care, in fact, we often refer patients for specialty care depending on the complexity of their problems. We’re also fortunate to have nurse practitioner colleagues who work in most specialties in the city of Lynchburg and surrounding areas with whom we communicate regularly for help on a variety of disorders.
Do you see children in your clinic?
My education was focused on the adult population and the age limit for children based on my certification is 13 years of age and older. We are looking forward to adding an additional provider to our Big Island location in 2024 that can see children of all ages as well as adults.
What other types of care do you provide that are unique and would attract new patients?
Because of my background in performing home visits and hospice care, I’m comfortable providing home visits. There are patients who have limited physical mobility who need care at home and so we provide that service. I go to homes myself and I also have recently hired a registered nurse who is also comfortable with home visits. In coordination with her, I can perform a telehealth visit from any location to see and hear the patient and coordinate their care. We also contract with a mobile phlebotomist to go out to the home to draw labs prior to appointments to reduce the need for patient travel.
Are you still planning to build a new location in the Huddleston area?
As some of you remember, we were donated a piece of land for the purpose of building a permanent location for the patients of the former clinic known as Huddleston Health and Wellness. We have not given up on this project but there have been many roadblocks that have occurred along the way that have delayed getting a building put on the property in Lynch station. We have not been deterred in our plan to see this happen. We continue relationships with our patients in that area through them coming to our clinic in Big Island, providing home visits and telehealth.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we take Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance. We welcome the people that other practices limit due to poor reimbursement of their services. We are committed to caring for those who need and want the care we provide. We also have financial assistance plans for those that are uninsured.
ABOUT THE EXPERT:
Phyllis C. Everett is a nurse practitioner certified in adult primary care and oncology. She has an interest in genetics and has completed additional studies in pharmacogenetics. She is the executive director and adult nurse practitioner at Sapient Health Services and has served in rural, central Virginia since September 2017. She provides services in her clinic in Big Island, VA in addition to in-home and telehealth visits.
She received a diploma RN at Norfolk General Hospital School of Professional Nursing in 1979, a BS in Nursing with a Minor in Psychology at UNC-Greensboro in 1983 and her MS in Nursing Administration also at UNC-G in 1988.
She earned two post-masters certificates at Duke, Nursing Informatics in 1997 and Adult Nurse Practitioner with a focus in Primary Care/ Oncology in 2005. After graduation with her NP certificate, she worked in outpatient oncology in Lynchburg from 2005-2016 when she began her own practice. She has also worked part-time performing Medicare wellness exams and as a hospice provider.
Phyllis is published, and her original research has been presented in poster presentations at the national and state level. She is a speaker on a variety of topics related to her practice and certifications and has been invited to present at multiple venues around the country. Phyllis was president of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) from 2012-2014 and was awarded the Distinguished NP Award at the VCNP annual meeting in March 2016.
Sapient Health Services-Big Island was awarded the Small Business of the Year award in September 2021 from the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.
Sapient Health Services
10961 Lee Jackson Highway
Big Island, VA 24526
434-299-5029 • Fax: 540-297-6048
Email: sapientoffice@protonmail.com
www.sapienthealthservices.com
