Jessica McCartin, FNP-C, is the founder of Elite Primary Care & Wellness, a direct primary care practice that champions patient-centered, holistic care. With a rich background in teaching, orthopedics, and surgery, Jessica brings a deep commitment to fostering wellness through personalized, accessible healthcare. Driven by a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional insurance models, she has built a practice that prioritizes comprehensive health strategies, including telehealth, data-driven wellness plans, and community engagement. Jessica is passionate about empowering her patients to take an active role in their health, focusing on prevention, well-being, and quality of life.
What inspired you to start Elite Primary Care & Wellness, and how have you integrated innovative health strategies to offer a holistic approach to wellness?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: The inspiration to start Elite Primary Care & Wellness came from a desire to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that focuses on the whole person rather than just treating symptoms. I wanted to create an environment where patients feel heard and supported in their wellness journeys. I started my direct primary care practice because I wanted to move away from the constraints imposed by insurance companies in primary care. The pressure to see an unrealistic number of patients each day often meant that my patients weren’t receiving the quality of care they deserved. This approach didn’t align with my values and beliefs, and I knew it was time for a change.
To integrate innovative health strategies, I’ve adopted a holistic approach that includes telehealth services, personalized health plans using data analytics, and a focus on nutrition, exercise, lab results, physical assessments, and overall patient well-being. Additionally, I incorporate wearable technology to encourage patient engagement in monitoring their health metrics. I am currently working on community engagement workshops to start monthly. This will allow anyone in the community, not only my patients, to engage with me on a variety of topics. My goal is to host a new healthcare professional each month as well.
How has your background in teaching clinicals and working in various fields like orthopedics and surgery influenced your approach to patient care?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: My background in teaching clinicals has given me a strong foundation in education and communication, allowing me to explain complex medical concepts in an understandable way. Patient education is essential for promoting wellness and delivering holistic care. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and fosters a collaborative approach to achieving optimal well-being. Working in orthopedics and surgery has broadened my understanding of various medical conditions, enabling me to see the bigger picture of how physical health intersects with other aspects of wellness. This experience helps me build a comprehensive care plan that not only addresses specific health issues but also considers patients’ overall quality of life.
How has Direct Primary Care empowered your practice, and what changes have you noticed in patient outcomes?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: Direct Primary Care has empowered my practice by allowing for more personalized and accessible care without the constraints of insurance bureaucracy. This model fosters longer patient visits and deeper relationships, which have led to improved communication and trust. I’ve noticed significant changes in patient outcomes, including increased patient satisfaction, better adherence to treatment plans, and overall improvements in health metrics due to proactive and preventative care approaches.
What advice would you offer to nurse practitioners aiming to start their own clinics?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: For nurse practitioners looking to start their own clinics, I would advise them to thoroughly research their target market and understand the needs of their community. Building a solid business plan is crucial, along with establishing a network of support from other healthcare professionals. Focus on creating a strong patient-centered culture that emphasizes trust and communication. I recommend minimizing overhead costs when establishing your clinic by collaborating with other healthcare professionals to rent shared space. This approach can enhance resource efficiency while fostering a supportive network. Lastly, stay current with healthcare trends and innovations to continuously improve your services and adapt to changing patient needs.
What trends or innovations do you see shaping the future of primary care in independent clinics?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: Several trends and innovations are shaping the future of primary care in independent clinics. Telehealth is likely to remain a significant component, offering convenience and accessibility. Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on mental health integration, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being in overall health. Personalized medicine, utilizing genetic testing and individualized treatment plans, is also gaining traction. Finally, the focus on community wellness and preventive care initiatives will likely continue to grow, encouraging patients to take an active role in their health.
Who else in healthcare inspires you, and why?
Jessica McCartin, FNP-C: I’m truly grateful to have a colleague like Wallace Fox. His genuine nature and unwavering respect for his patients set a remarkable standard in our field. Wallace listens attentively to their concerns, ensuring they feel valued and understood. His commitment to ongoing learning and improving patient care is truly inspiring. Every day, he motivates me to strive for excellence in my own practice.
