Columbia Opens Nurse-led Medical Facility in Washington Heights

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Doctors? Who needs 'em.

The Columbia University Nursing School celebrated the opening of a new medical facility in Washington Heights entirely staffed and managed by nurse practitioners, according to a press release.

The new facility, located at 516 West 168th Street opened Wednesday and will offer a number of health services including:

• Preventive Health
• Women's Health
• Family Health
• Travel Health
• Mental/ Behavioral Health
• Annual Checkups
• Disease Management
• LGBT Care
• Illness and Injury
• Nutrition and Wellness
• Vaccinations

While a nurse practitioner cannot perform advanced medical procedures like surgeries, they are full qualified to provide care and advise patients to make choices to better their health and prevent future diseases.

"Nurse practitioners focus on the whole person and help patients make lifestyle choices that can actually prevent diseases and help them stay as healthy as possible," said Stephen Ferrara, of the Columbia University School of Nursing, in a press release. "We get to know each patient, his or her history, health goals and challenges, so that together we can develop a clear and personalized treatment plan."

The new Washington Heights facility will contain seven exam rooms, three consulting rooms, and a community space where community members can learn about health and wellness, the press release said.

"We are committed to providing quality health care in locations that are convenient to where people live and work," said Bobbie Berkowitz, dean of the Columbia University School of Nursing, in a press release. "The Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Practice in Washington Heights expands access to a broad range of health care services for patients and their families in this community."

The Washington Heights nurse practitioner primary care group is the second of its kind. The Columbia University School of Nursing already operates a similar facility in Midtown and plans on opening one in Morningside Heights in the future. The center is also affiliated with ColumbiaDoctors and New York Presbyterian Hospital, said the press release.

Photo: Courtesy of Columbia University School of Nursing