Prospect Medical Commons Features Latest in Design, Technology

Anthony Linn, M.D., Regional Medical Director, General Surgeon, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: Nov. 1, 2006

After nearly three years in the making, all of us at Columbia St. Mary’s are delighted to witness the opening of the new Prospect Medical Commons located at the corner of Prospect and North Avenues . . . a clinic that features the latest in design, technology and health care services intended to create a convenient and comfortable medical experience for our patient.

While teaming up with our architectural firm, we developed a clinic concept that would incorporate the latest in high tech equipment – for the ease and safety of our patients – with comfortable surroundings designed to relax patients and make their services as seamless as possible.

With this in mind, we began by planning the installation of an all-digital radiology department. Every mammography, ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan and bone density test will now be done through the use of our digital equipment, eliminating the need for film and making each test quicker for the patient.

We also have nearly completed the process of transforming every patient medical record from a paper file to an Electronic Health Record (EHR). With an EHR, the patient’s information is stored electronically in one digital location to which every Columbia St. Mary’s physician has access. For patients who see multiple doctors this is especially convenient. No one has to worry about transferring files from one office to another. Records are easily accessible via our computer system and are updated in real time so that files are as complete as possible. The EHR system is being implemented not only within Prospect Medical Commons, but throughout the entire Columbia St. Mary’s system.

With all of the state-of-the-art equipment in place, we went to work looking at the building itself and how to maximize patient satisfaction. Because this clinic is the compilation of several Columbia St. Mary’s clinics being joined under one roof, patients at Prospect Medical Commons will be able to see both their primary family physician and any specialists they may need in one place.

For our doctors, knowing that specialty consults with an oncologist, cardiologist or neurologist are available right down the hall allows for integrated care and the ability to deliver the best, most complete medicine possible. For our patients, being able to schedule multiple appointments in one building will make navigating their health care needs much easier. Our location is right across the street from St. Mary’s Hospital, making any required hospital services easier for both patients and families.

The building itself was designed to take full advantage of our east side location. We are perfectly located to serve our diverse communities from the near south side, downtown, Riverwest, the east side, central city and the north shore. The south side of our building has a full view of downtown Milwaukee and the east end has floor to roof windows, allowing patients to enjoy scenes from beautiful Lake Michigan, no matter which floor they are on. Architectural studies have shown that being in places with calming views, such as a lake, creates an atmosphere in which even our most anxious patients can feel a little more at ease.

Also, with space at a premium in our neighborhood, we have included a multiple-story parking garage to make getting in and out of our clinic simple. Each floor of our garage provides direct access to the building so that patients and families do not have to rely on parking garage stairs or elevators to reach their destination.

As many people in the city have already discovered, the first floor of our new clinic is home to Whole Foods Market – a natural and organic grocery store designed to give people access to healthy, natural food choices. Whole Foods Market, which opened in September, provides food that is as fresh as possible, and helps us to promote our goal of a healthier lifestyle for everyone.

Prospect Medical Commons is the result of the collaboration of medical experts, architectural excellence that have resulted in a patient-focused way to deliver health care. We have every confidence that our building was designed to not only incorporate today’s technology, but to look to the future, and be a place that will continue to provide emerging medical care for many years to come.

Anthony Linn, M.D.
Regional Medical Director
General Surgeon
Columbia St. Mary’s
414-291-1540

We Have Answers
Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St.Mary’s can help. Click here.