The Family Health Centers is pleased to welcome Dr. Jennifer Hall to our practice beginning October 2020. Dr. Hall will serve patients at our Hominy Valley location, at 1219 Smokey Park Highway, in Candler. She has been practicing in the area since 2008, and is a Board-Certified Family Physician. Dr. Hall welcomes appointments with our […]
Read moreNews
Remembering Our Founder Dr. Bruce Elliston
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our founding Medical Doctor, Bruce Elliston, MD. (Pictured – Dr. Elliston at The Family Health Centers’ 40th Anniversary Celebration in 2018.) He was an innovator and visionary who was among the first attending physicians in the new specialty of Family Practice at the MAHEC […]
Read moreThe Family Health Centers Proudly Congratulates Cindy Stephens, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
In September 2018 The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) honored nurses and nursing advocates at its 111th Annual Convention. The Awards focus on people who are having a tangible impact on improved patient care around the state. Included in this year’s ceremony was NCNA member Cindy Stephens of The Family Health Centers who was given the […]
Read moreAlcohol Awareness Month in Beer City – how much is too much
By Jason T. Cook, MD
Living in the vacation hotspot we lovingly know as Asheville, we often find ourselves surrounded by various forms of alcohol. Whether it’s a new brewery, a hot new restaurant serving craft cocktails, or the Thirsty Thursday dollar beer night at the Asheville Tourists baseball club, sometimes it seems like all Asheville does is drink. So, is alcohol good or bad?
Best of WNC 2018 – We appreciate your vote!
Did you know that The Family Health Centers was voted “#1 Family Medical Practice in Western North Carolina” by readers of the Mountain Xpress in 2016 and 2017? We could not be more grateful – or humbled – by this honor. We hope to have earned your vote again this year. To cast your vote […]
Read moreDr. Adcock and Dr. Cook in the news
This MAHEC preceptors post from March 2018 features The Family Health Centers’ Dr. Rustan Adcock and Dr. Jason Cook and their work as precepts – training future leaders in primary care.
Read moreMarch is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
By Alan Baumgarten, MD, MPH
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Colorectal Cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. More than 90 percent of cases are in people aged 50 and older. So here is the good news, if everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. More…
Read moreFebruary is American Heart Month
By Lisa Choe Scott, MD, The Family Health Centers
The month of February reminds us of Cupid, love, chocolates and red hearts. But did you know there is another reason to go red?
February 2, 2018 is the 15th annual National Wear Red Day. Why it’s so important…
Read moreWhy January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
By Laurie Panzer, PA-C
The Family Health Centers
The medical community has improved the way we screen for cervical cancer. We now screen for the Human Papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer. Today Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because of a simple screening test called the PAP smear, and the availability of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus Virus) vaccine…
Are You Protected Against the Flu? What you need to know.
By Bailey Balentine, DO “Did you get your flu shot this year?” Recent data shows that less than 40% of people in the United States are vaccinated against the flu this season. While the best time to get your flu vaccine is mid to late October, it is never too late to get vaccinated. The […]
Read moreNov. 16 is The Great American Smokeout
By Natalie Dorsey, PA-C
Thinking of quitting smoking and don’t know how? Have you tried to quit smoking, but started back? You are not alone. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of mortality. On the third Thursday of November of each year since 1977, the American Cancer Society has sponsored the “The Great American Smokeout” to help encourage people put down their cigarettes. Here are some tried and true methods for kicking the habit:
#ThisIsDiabetes: November is American Diabetes Month
by Allie Fay, Pharm.D., CPP
Diabetes currently affects 1 in 11 Americans. So, whether you’re living with diabetes, caring for someone with diabetes, or fighting to stop it, there are steps that you can take today to better manage this condition. A few areas you can manage to help you meet your goals…
Read moreOctober is American Pharmacists Month – Know Your Pharmacist – Know Your Medicine!
October is American Pharmacist Month, and The Family Health Centers now has two clinical pharmacists available to see you for your medication needs. Dr. Dana Arrington is caring for patients of our Asheville and Arden locations, and Dr. Allie Fay is serving the patients in Hominy Valley…
Read moreBreast Cancer Awareness Month: why you should get your Mammogram
Every day, thousands of women around the world will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A mammogram could save your life. Where and when to get a mammogram, and best practices to lessen your risk for breast cancer.
By Cindy Stephens DNP, RN, FNP-BC
(who also shared the lovely pink rose at right)
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
By Megan Loomis, MD
September is here! Kids are back in school, days are getting shorter and (thankfully) the air is getting a little cooler! September is also National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. One in three children in the US are overweight or obese, a number that has tripled in recent decades. A few practical ideas to help your children develop healthy bodies and minds…
Read moreAugust is national immunization awareness month, and with good reason.
With the beginning of school just around the corner, there’s no better time to update your family’s shot record!
In an age of rapidly-advancing medical technology and rising medical expenses, the most cost-effective intervention you can choose for your family is to vaccinate them against preventable diseases. About modern immunizations… by Dr. Jeff Graham
Read moreThe Family Health Centers is an independent practice and is not owned by Mission Health.
We welcome new and existing patients covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. Our providers remain in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC. Patients covered by BCBS of NC can continue to see our providers for quality family medical care…
Read moreJune is men’s health awareness month
By Dr. Jason Goldie
Although men visit the doctor less often than women, it’s just as important for men to routinely screen for certain diseases and conditions and to stay on-track with preventative care. Guys, whether you call it a checkup, a physical or a wellness exam, be sure to visit your family doctor at least every three years. Here’s what to expect at the appointment:
Read moreDon’t Fry – Sun Safety Facts
By Dr. Laura Dressel, Medical Director, The Family Health Centers
May 24 – 2017 – Memorial Day weekend is almost here! Friday May 26, 2017 is “Don’t Fry Day.” It’s the National Council on Skin Cancer’s annual reminder to practice sun safety. Why it’s so important to avoid UV exposure, and tips on how to stay safe in the sun this weekend and all summer long…
At left – Look at these girls keeping cool and sun safe in their hats and shades!
Read moreJoin us for the March for Science on Earth Day 2017
April 22, 2017 – Join us at 10am at Aston Park in downtown Asheville as we take part in a non-partisan event celebrating science and the importance of scientific research in our country. Following the march there will education booths and speakers at the Vance Monument on Pack Square At 11:25am. The 1st Speaker will […]
Read moreDr. Jim McMillan retires after 35 years at The Family Health Centers
The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley, the largest privately-owned family medical practice in the region, announces the retirement of James H. McMillan, MD on January 31, 2017.
Read moreGallery: Ugly Christmas Sweater Bonanza 2016
The Family Health Centers takes our Christmas sweaters contest very seriously. We hope you enjoy this gallery. Happy hoildays patients and friends!
Read moreThe Family Health Centers’ Pam Lewis, CMM, HITCM-PP Awarded PAHCOM National Medical Manager of the Year
The Family Health Centers’ Pam Lewis recipient of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM) 2016 Medical Manager of the Year Award. Pam Lewis is the Business Office Manager at The Family Health Centers.
Read moreIntroducing our Patient Care Team
You don’t need to speak to a nurse to schedule an appointment. But when you need help with your care over the telephone, our Patient Care Team is here. This team represents all of our doctors. They have access to the information that will address your questions. To speak with a member of the Patient […]
Read moreVotes are in: The Family Health Centers are #1!
The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley are honored to be voted the #1 Family Medical Practice in 2016 by readers of the Mountain Xpress.
Read moreIntroducing the Heart Health NOW! Program
The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley is proud to be one of the North Carolina Primary Care practices selected to implement the Hearth Health NOW! Program. The evidence-based program will help us help our patients prevent heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.
Read moreIt’s National Doctor’s Day. We love our Doctors!
March 30 is National Doctor’s Day. We love our Doctors!
Read moreInvitation: Apply to serve on our Patient Advisory Council
Patients…
Do you enjoy giving feedback on the quality of products and services?
Would you like to share your input on improvement initiatives at The Family Health Centers?
If you answered “yes” above, we want to hear from you! More…
The Family Health Centers is excited to launch 2016 with gratitude
The Family Health Centers is excited to launch 2016 with gratitude for our patients, providers and staff. Last year we welcomed fascinating people to our practice. We also proudly expanded our charitable activities and volunteerism in the region.
Read more2016 Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1, 2015
‘Need health insurance? Yes, you do. Open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starts Nov. 1, 2015 for 2016 Health Marketplace plans.
Read moreAnswers to important questions about the 2015/2016 FLU Vaccine
The FLU vaccine is now available for our patients age six months and older. You can make an appointment for the vaccine, or, you can request the vaccine during an existing appointment. If you are an established patient you may drop in to our offices at any time to receive a FLU vaccine from our nursing staff . […]
Read morePam Lewis Nominated for PAHCOM “Medical Manager of the Year” Award
The Family Health Centers’ Pam Lewis has been nominated for 2015 Medical Manager of the Year Award with Professional Association of Healthcare Office Management (PAHCOM.) Our Providers, Management and Staff proudly congratulate Pam on this achievement.
Read moreThe Family Health Centers is proud to participate in a program to treat depression in our older adult patients
The Family Health Centers is pleased to participate in the IMPACT program, which launched this month (July 2015.) The three-year program is managed by Community Care of Western North Carolina (CCWNC) and is funded by a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Read moreIt’s Men’s Health Month. Be Well.
June is here! It’s not just the unofficial gateway to summer. It’s also Men’s Health Month. Guys, take the time to work… Posted by The Family Health Centers: Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley on Monday, June 1, 2015 –
Read moreCelebrating our new identity as The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden & Hominy Valley
In December 2014 Asheville Family Health Center, PA officially changed its name to The Family Health Centers, PA. “Our new identity reflects our continued focus on providing easy access to quality family medical care.” said Dr. Wendy Coin, Medical Director. “We appreciate the opportunity to support the life-long health and wellbeing of Western North Carolina families.”
Read moreBest of WNC 2015: thank you for your vote!
Please vote us “Best Family Medical Practice” in the 2015 Mountain Xpress Best of WNC poll. Here’s how you can vote:
Visit: www.mountainx.com/bestofwnc
Category: Family Medical Practice
Write-in: The Family Health Centers
Practice Recognized for Excellence in Diabetes Care by the NCQA
The Family Health Centers is proud to announce 2015-2018 recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for providing exceptional clinical care to our patients with Diabetes. The Diabetes Recognition Progam (DRP) is a set of tools to support the delivery and recognition of consistent high quality care.
Read moreExit Strategy – from the March CAPITAL AT PLAY
Dr. Wendy Coin of The Family Health Centers shares a personal history that sheds light on the importance of Advance Directives. Read her column in the March, 2015 CAPITAL AT PLAY.
Read moreThe Family Health Centers Salutes Ken Minnich, MD
The Family Health Centers, with much gratitude and admiration, congratulates Dr. Ken Minnich on his retirement from the practice on February 1, 2015. We thank Dr. Minnich for eighteen years of service and for his kindness to patients, colleagues and staff.
“My time at the Hominy Valley office was all I had hoped it would be,” says Dr. Minnich. I greatly enjoyed getting to know and trying to help the people I saw there. The staff was exceptional, working together really well, so it was fun to work there.”
Read moreThe Family Health Centers’ Lab Recognized for Quality
The Family Health Centers was recently accredited by COLA, a national healthcare organization. Accreditation is given only to labs that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, that demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing and that pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. Congratulations to our lab team!
Read moreHave a chronic condition? Our workshop can help improve your quality of life.
Living Healthy is an evidenced-based health promotion program developed by Stanford University (also known as Chronic Disease Self Management Program). This six-week workshop offers education, experience and support in the practice of self-management. The Family Health Centers’ Hominy Valley location will be offering this workshop in collaboration with Land of Sky Regional Council, Area Agency on Aging on Tuesdays, February 24th – March 30th, from 5:30 – 8:00 pm.
Read moreStrategies for healthy holiday eating with Sandy Buchanan, Registered Dietician
Heading to a holiday party this weekend? Sandy Buchanan, Registered Dietician with The Family Health Centers, offers realistic tips for eating right and maintaining your weight through the winter celebration season.
Read moreACA Open Enrollment starts Nov. 15 – Options & Resources
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment begins on November 15, 2014.
If you need a Primary Care Physician as part of your plan for 2015, please give us a call at (828) 258-8681. Read more for links to options for coverage and other helpful datails.
Estimate: 97% of U.S. Celiac Disease sufferers are undiagnosed.
Celiac disease is an inherited, inflammatory disease of the small bowel triggered by gluten in the diet. Talk to your Family Health Centers provider if you suspect you have symptoms associated with Celiac Disease. If you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease, The Family Health Centers as well as numerous local and online resources can help you cope and feel better.
Read moreDr. Alan S. Baumgarten Recognized for Service, Patient Care
CARY, NC – Alan S. Baumgarten, MPH, MD, a family physician with The Family Health Centers of Asheville, Arden and Hominy Valley, received the distinguished T. Reginald Harris Memorial Award October 24 during the North Carolina Medical Society’s fall meeting in Greensboro. The award is given annually by The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence to honor the life and memory of T. Reginald Harris, MD, one of its founding members.
Read moreAlan Baumgarten’s Medical Mission to Zambia
In 2011, Four Season’s Hospice and Palliative Care of Flat Rock, North Carolina and Palliative Care Association of Zambia, Africa (PCAZ), formed a partnership to learn and support one another.
Read moreWendy Coin vs. Assault on Mount Mitchell
The Assault on Mt. Mitchell is a long and arduous bike ride that starts in Spartanburg, South Carolina and runs for 102.7 miles to the top of Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina and, over 10,350 feet of the race is a fairly steep incline!
Read moreWNC Pediatric Care Collaborative
The Family Health Centers is part of the collaborative working to standardize and improve care for children who are obese or at risk for obsesity and for those suffering from asthma.
Read moreApril 20-26, 2014 is Laboratory Professionals Week
Laboratory Professionals Week
Read moreMay 6-12, 2014 is National Nurses Week
The Family Health Centers extends a sincere thank you to our clinical staff.
Read moreNew DOT exam regulations in effect May, 2014
Effective May 21, 2014, DOT exams for commercial drivers may be performed only by providers certified and listed on the FMCSA National Registry of Medical Examiners. Businesses, if you are interested in a DOT exam volume agreement with The Family Health Centers, please call (828) 210-3723.
Read moreThe Family Health Centers takes on the Asheville Chamber Challenge
Congratulations to our team of runners including Dr. Mark Lenderman, Dr. Rustan Adcock, Dr. Paul Midkiff and Dr. Brandan Adcock. Team FHC finished in the top 25% of male teams and among the Top Four health care teams. Way to go! Props go to our HR Director and Marketing Manager for racing as well. Runners, we love a healthy competition, so watch out for us next year!
Read moreA Guide to Diabetes Self-care
Most of us know that diabetes is a disease related to abnormally high blood sugars. Taking steps to take care of yourself each day will improve your quality of life. Here are some tips from Jason Goldie, MD.
Read moreWhy you should quit smoking. The benefits outweigh the costs.
Most of our patients are familiar with the health benefits of quitting tobacco. How The Family Health Centers can help. By Natalie Dorsey, PA-C of The Family Health Centers.
Read moreCaring for our Communties
In 2015 The Family Health Centers expanded our goals for giving back to our beloved Western North Carolina communities. As the largest independent family practice in the region, we have the flexibility to work closely with many amazing organizations. In 2015, we continued our service to: ABCCM WCMS Project Access North Carolina JDRF In 2016, […]
Read moreSeptember is here! Kids are back to school, days are getting shorter and (thankfully) the air is getting a little cooler! September is also National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. One in 3 children in the US are overweight or obese, a number that has tripled in recent decades. Overweight and obese children have much higher […]
Read more