The Aspen Family Medical Group in the farming town of Modesto, California, has found success for 20 years as a clinic practice and as part of the larger community, with a novel business model. They accept all types of insurance, charge $40 for a physical exam, turn no one away because of inability to pay, welcome walk-ins, provide prescriptions at a cost of $4 or give them away for free, and share profits with employees. How does this work? PA/NP Matt Freitas, vice president of the clinic, talks to host Lisa Dandrea Lenell.

Lisa Dandrea Lenell is a physician assistant and the director of operations for an internal medicine practice in Illinois. She is passionate about bringing physician assistant and nurse practitioner issues into the spotlight, focusing on awareness and understanding of the professions. Mrs. Lenell is a graduate of the Physician Assistant Program at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois. She has continued her relationship with Midwestern University, working as adjunct faculty.She has published in the prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal Dermatologic Surgery and has been featured in several professional journals.
Matt Freitas is a nurse practitioner and physician assistant, and the vice president of the Aspen Family Medical Group of Modesto, California. The Aspen Family Medical Group is one of the largest PA/NP-owned and managed clinics in California. In 2008, Mr. Freitas was presented with a local CrystalClear award, given to individuals who "contribute to and promote the general welfare and tranquillity of the community."
ReachMD, an innovative communications company, provides thought-provoking medical news and information to healthcare practitioners. Established to help increasingly time-constrained medical providers stay abreast of new research, treatment protocols and continuing education requirements, ReachMD delivers innovative and informative radio programming via XM Satellite Radio Channel 160 and online streaming developed by healthcare professionals for healthcare professionals.
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