Medical Services at Esperanza Health Center
Esperanza Health Center serves over 5,000 patients annually through over 20,000 medical care visits, and is recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Esperanza meets patient needs daily by offering comprehensive medical services for adults and children, including the following services:
- Family practice medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Gynecological services
- Adult and pediatric preventive services
- HIV testing, counseling and medical treatment services
The following ancillary services are available to Esperanza patients:
- Spiritual and pastoral care
- Mental health counseling
- Nutritional counseling
- Social Services
- Family Planning
- After-hours/On-call services
Esperanza's Care Providers
A team of ten primary care physicians, a family nurse practitioner, and a physician assistant provide care for patients of all ages. These clinical providers have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to delivering compassionate patient care, and are highly-qualified and board-certified in family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, or medicine/pediatrics. They are supported by a dedicated team of nurses, medical assistants, counselors and social workers. The entire provider staff is fully bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Bryan R. Hollinger, M.D., M.P.H. - Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Medical Director
- Laura L. Layer, M.D. - Pediatrics
- Melissa Nieves, M.D. - Family Medicine
- Timothy J. Leaman, M.D. - Family Medicine, Associate Medical Director
- Robert W. Reich, PA-C - Physician Assistant, Health Educator
- Randal Hirsch, M.D. - Family Medicine
- Wendell E. Kellum, M.D. - Family Medicine, Associate Medical Director
- Timothy D. Johnston, M.D. - Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
- Tonya Arscott-Mills, M.D. - Pediatrics
- Janice Tizon, CRNP - Nurse Practitioner
- Kristie Mast, M.D. - Family Medicine
- Trina Wisecup, DO - Family Medicine
Services by Referral
A number of additional medical services, including diagnostic laboratory, diagnostic radiology, and pharmacy services, are provided by referral and are subsidized by Esperanza. In addition, a number of supplemental health services are provided to Esperanza's patients by referral, including: obstetrical care, occupational/vocational therapy, physical therapy, child care, and discharge planning.
Hospital In-Patient Care
Esperanza's medical providers conduct hospital inpatient rounds for their patients who have been admitted to two of the hospitals in the Temple University Health System - Temple University Main Hospital, and Northeastern Hospital. These patients will benefit greatly from being seen by their Esperanza primary care physician, who speaks their language, already knows their medical history, and can minister to them in their time of need.
Dental Services
Esperanza now offers dental services to current Esperanza medical patients at its new dental practice on the 6th floor of the Kensington Avenue main office. Staff dentist Nathan Carlson, DMD is now accepting new dental patients for initial appointments.
Esperanza's dental practice offers dental care for patients of all ages, including the following services:
- General Exams and Cleanings
- Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment
- Sealants
- X-rays
- Fluoride Treatments
- Restorations
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Extractions
- Dentures
- Oral Healthcare Education
Insurances Accepted
Esperanza patients with the following insurances are being accepted for dental appointments:
- AmeriChoice
- Health Partners
- Keystone Mercy Health Plan
In addition, Esperanza patients who are without health insurance are also being accepted for dental appointments, with payment on a sliding-fee scale.
To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Carlson, please call (215) 831-1100.
Medication Dispensary
To better serve our patients, Esperanza now offers a new in-house medication dispensary at the Main Office on Kensington Avenue. The dispensary will allow Esperanza to offer significantly discounted prescription drugs for patients who are least able to afford them, at a convenient location within the health center. Esperanza is offering this new service in conjunction with the Coordinated Care Network (CCN) of Pittsburgh, PA, who provides pre-packaged medications directly to Esperanza.
In addition to the new medication dispensary at the Main Office, a second medication dispensary at the 5th Street Office is scheduled to open later in 2008.