Mount Pleasant Magazine 6.3

96 / 164

| | 30 - North MP
Feeling Good
A Critical Relationship
Patients Come First at
ParkWest Primary Care
Because technological
advances, economics and policy
adjustments have transformed the
relationship between doctors and their
patients, providing health care services
has evolved into a more patient-centered
approach, with emphasis on quality
instead of quantity.
Considered to be the gatekeepers of a person’s health care
team, primary care providers have a deep understanding
of a patient’s individual needs, which helps them make
informed decisions about the whole
person. MUSC has responded to
the demand for primary care physicians and currently offers
14 primary care
locations throughout
the Lowcountry,
including one in
North Mount
Pleasant.
Park West Primary
Care, located in the
Shoppes at Park West,
has three physicians
on staff: Drs. Carrie
O. Alexander,
Kristi M. Lentsch
and Colleen James. They specialize in internal and family
medicine and treat men, women and adolescents with
diabetes, hypertension and obesity, depression and anxiety
and many other health issues. Preventive care is also an
important aspect of the practice.
Dr. James said she believes the relationship between a
patient and a physician is critical.
“I use a team approach with my patients and ensure that
they are involved in the decision-making process,” she said. “I
feel this is more effective than the less personal paternalistic
approach of telling patients what they need to do.”
MUSC Health Primary Care has established a system
that focuses on the individual experience. Patients who
choose an MUSC primary care provider also enjoy the
added benefit of their provider’s relationship with and access
to MUSC specialists, when needed.
Dr. Alexander, who has been practicing medicine for 15
years, said she was drawn to work at MUSC because of this
network of doctors. She refers to primary care physicians as
the “quarterbacks of health care” and said she likes to get to
know her patients as people.
“At our office, you won’t feel like a number,” she said. “We
greet our patients with a smile, and we work together as a
team to get all of your concerns addressed before you leave.”
Dr. Lentsch completed her residency at MUSC and has
been practicing at Park West Primary Care since 2010.
“MUSC has a great reputation and has been rated
the top health care system in the state, and I wanted
to work for the
best,” she said. “I
chose my office
specifically based
on the community.
I live in Mount
Pleasant and
wanted to work
where I live. I
continue to stay
here now because
I love my patients
and the people I
work with.”
Dr. Lentsch said she wants to create an environment
where patients feel comfortable talking to her so that
problems can be solved and they can work as a team to
manage chronic conditions.
“Many physicians choose to work in primary care because
we enjoy the patient-physician relationship,” Dr. Lentsch
said. “I think it is the foundation of our practice that
allows us to provide a higher level of care when we have an
established relationship with our patients.”
Park West Primary Care is located at 1113 Park West Blvd. To
learn more or to make an appointment, call 843-876-1445 or
visit
By AMy Mercer
Drs. carrie Alexander, colleen James ande Kristi Lentsch.