Personalized Care: Treating the Person, Not Just the Illness

In the past, healthcare focused on curing illness and disease. While this remains important, the focus has expanded its scope. Healthcare professionals understand that their responsibility is not limited to treating disease. They must also provide care that helps patients better manage their functionality and quality of life. This is accomplished through an approach known as personalized care.

When it comes to the diagnosis, treatment and management of systemic rheumatic diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, Magnolia Rheumatology takes a personalized care approach. We understand that a “one-plan-suits-all” approach is not always the answer. What works for one patient may not apply to another. Though multiple patients may have the same illnesses, the disease presentation, other medical conditions and personal choices regarding types of treatments differ from individual to individual. This means that each patient requires their own unique care. 

By practicing personalized care, Magnolia Rheumatology combines medical professionalism with humanism. We want to establish a relationship that enables each patient to feel valued, to feel comfortable in voicing their concerns, and to gain a greater understanding of their symptoms and condition. We understand that this takes time and accessibility to be able to answer questions quickly. At Magnolia Rheumatology, we understand that our patients are our neighbors, community members and fellow human beings who deserve the best care we can provide. 

Below are some of the steps we take to deliver personalized healthcare services to our Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT community. 

Get To Know Each Patient 

We make every effort to get to know each of our patients. We take the time to understand not just the medical history, but also the social and mental aspects that may be affecting a person’s well being. We accomplish this through open communication in a warm and caring setting. 

When patients first arrive at a medical office for the first time, they may feel nervous, anxious and vulnerable. Being aware of these feelings in our patients helps us break down these barriers to provide safe communication. After our introduction where we explain our role in the healthcare process, we often ask “get to know you” questions to help alleviate any anxiety. These questions serve many purposes such as helping us become acquainted with each patient, guiding the discussion toward the patient's health concerns and helping the patient feel more at ease. 

We provide longer office visit times and easier accessibility outside of visits for questions through phone and email to help make our patients’ experience more positive. 

Establishing Trust   

Establishing a friendly rapport does more than help patients feel more at ease. It also establishes a sense of trust. Trust between a rheumatologist and patient is extremely important as many patients have chronic diseases that require careful considerations and adjustments of management plans over years, taking into account all aspects of well being. 

When patients are guarded, they may not feel comfortable in discussing their symptoms and concerns. However, by establishing trust, patients are typically more open and honest when expressing their concerns and this is vital in determining the best course of action to attain the best care outcomes. 

Trust Influences Outcome

In taking the time and care in knowing our patients, we create a more personalized healthcare experience which can have a positive influence on outcomes. 

Through our personalized care approach, we believe we can help our patients better understand their rheumatic illness, increase their engagement in their treatment plan, recognize ways to prevent future illness or disease, take a more collaborative role in their healthcare management, and enjoy a better quality of life.

If you would like to experience the benefits of personalized care for your musculoskeletal conditions and systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases, Dr. Ruchi Jain is ready to see you. Contact us today to schedule your first visit to our Scarsdale, NY office - and experience personalized healthcare firsthand!