Local Columbus woman shares how Amazon One Medical primary care was essential to her cancer journey
The new year is a time when people take the opportunity to recommit to their health. Though many focus on developing healthy eating habits and an exercise routine, finding a primary care provider that you trust and committing to an annual physical exam is just as important. Local Columbus woman, Leslie Meyers, knows firsthand how essential primary care is to supporting overall health.
In 2023, Leslie switched to Amazon One Medical because she was looking for convenient health care. What she found was a support system that treated her like family and guided her through one of the most challenging experiences of her life: a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
During her first visit, Leslie, then 57, met with Jeremy Jones, PA-C, a primary care provider with One Medical. He reviewed her history, found she was overdue for multiple recommended screenings, and advised follow-ups. Leslie delayed the screenings until August 2023, when a family member’s cancer diagnosis motivated her to finally schedule her breast cancer screening.
The screenings revealed she had breast cancer. Despite the terrifying diagnosis, she received high-quality care, from diagnosis through post-surgery support and recovery. It served as a reminder of the importance of primary care.
Choose a provider that can care for you when you need it
One of the most challenging parts of primary care can be getting an appointment. Long wait times before you see a provider can make it feel impossible to take action. However, the One Medical app transformed how Leslie accessed health care. With just a few taps, she could see PA Jones’ available times and book a same/next-day appointment.
When choosing a primary care provider, consider appointment booking and the network for full health support. For example, One Medical partners with Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSU) to deliver patients like Leslie increased access to seamless, coordinated specialty care in Columbus.
Find a health care partner who is there every step of the way
Having a provider who listens and takes the time to review your health history makes all the difference in managing potential health scares. PA Jones became Leslie’s health care partner in a way she’d never experienced before.
He was there every step of her journey and took a lot of the mental strain off Leslie’s plate during the different stages of her treatment. PA Jones scheduled all her major appointments at OSU, such as pre-operation, surgery, chemotherapy, and post-operation.
When Leslie experienced unbearable itching from chemo, a quick in-app message to PA Jones led to an immediate remote visit and a prescription ready in under 20 minutes. She had the same quick care for stress-related insomnia.
“It was like having someone you could talk to whenever you needed it. No wait times. No scheduling issues,” said Leslie. “Just easy communication with my provider.”
While oncologists fought the cancer and Leslie kept her body strong, PA Jones managed everything else. Leslie serves as a reminder that we should expect this level of support from our healthcare providers and shouldn’t be afraid to bring up side effects or health concerns to advocate for our own comfort.
Expect continued care without interruption
It’s crucial to choose a practice that can prevent lapses in care even when your usual provider is unavailable. Booking an appointment through the One Medical app was easy, but for Leslie, the seamless continuity of care during her journey made all the difference.
After cancer treatment, the One Medical team prepared Leslie for breast reconstruction surgery. At the time, PA Jones was moving, so Leslie connected with primary care provider Thomas Nguyen, MD. Dr. Nguyen seamlessly accessed her complete records, continuing the thorough, compassionate care she was accustomed to.
Dr. Nguyen not only handled Leslie’s pre-op work but also addressed mental health concerns that arose around the same time, offering holistic approaches to help her sleep better and quiet her mind during recovery.
Take the first step and prioritize your health
Whether you’re due for a routine physical or looking for consistent support through health challenges, Leslie’s experience shows that having the right primary care provider can make all the difference. Don’t delay recommended screenings or put off finding a provider who truly partners with you in your health care.
Through One Medical, patients have the option to schedule an annual wellness visit to discuss preventive care, including age-appropriate and risk-based lab tests. They can also book a problem-based visit to address issues such as mental health, weight management, chronic conditions, or other symptoms.
After all, no one should go through their health care journey alone. And with One Medical, you don’t have to.One Medical has offices in Columbus in collaboration with OSU Wexner Medical Center, at Dublin – Bridge Park, Easton Town Center, and New Albany. We also have offices in Cleveland in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic at Avon and Van Aken. To learn more or schedule a visit, health.amazon.com.
Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
