Author: Camille Johnson

Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health) has expanded its offerings by welcoming Pediatric and Young Adult Medicine (PYAM). The newly integrated practice will be the first in i-Health’s new Pediatric Division.

i-Health is a collaborative group of local medical practices founded in 2019. The organization is owned and led entirely by independent physicians and has seen continued growth since its inception.

PYAM has been serving St. Paul and the surrounding communities for more than 65 years. Their providers and staff work hard to deliver high-quality and cost-effective care in a warm and welcoming environment.

“Partnering with PYAM is an excellent opportunity for i-Health to further broaden its expertise and capabilities,” said i-Health President Dr. Paul Diekmann. “We share common values with the talented physicians at PYAM, and we’re excited to form a relationship that will allow them to focus fully on innovation and patient care.”

PYAM is made up of physicians: Dr. Cynthia Garr, Dr. Tammi Plotnik, and Dr. Thomas Siefferman.

“We’re excited to join such a collaborative, innovative group of physicians at i-Health,” said Dr. Siefferman. “It’s always been a major emphasis of PYAM to take time with each patient and make sure their concerns are addressed thoughtfully, and this integration will ensure that continues into the future.”

PYAM has three locations in St. Paul, Maplewood, and Eagan.

With the addition of PYAM, i-Health operating divisions now include cardiology, colon and rectal, endocrinology, family medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, plastic surgery, vascular & interventional radiology, and women’s health, making it one of the largest independent multispecialty practices in the region.

PYAM joins Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, Burnsville Family Physicians, Catalyst Medical Clinic, Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, Diamond Women’s Center, Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis, Gerten Urogynecology, Haugen OB/GYN, Luong Plastic Surgery, Maternal Fetal Consultants, Midwest Plastic Surgery, Minnesota Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Specialists, OBGYN Specialists, OBGYN & Infertility, Preventive Cardiology Clinic, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Vascular & Interventional Experts.

Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health) has expanded its women’s health capabilities by welcoming Maternal Fetal Consultants (MFC) to the practice.

Under the leadership of Dr. Katherine Jacobs, MFC is committed to providing exceptional maternal-fetal medicine care for families in Minnesota through a compassionate and evidence-based approach.

“Bringing like-minded specialty groups together is one of the most rewarding aspects of i-Health,” said i-Health President Dr. Paul Diekmann. “Each addition expands our expertise and capabilities resulting in the delivery of more comprehensive high-quality care to our patients.”

Dr. Jacobs and her team are experts in managing high-risk pregnancies and specialize in a range of services, including the management of medical conditions affecting pregnancy, prenatal diagnosis through advanced ultrasound, genetic counseling and testing, antepartum surveillance, and delivery planning. Additionally, they are committed to staying up to date with the latest advances in the field, while using innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes.

“As a collaborative and innovative group, i-Health provides us with an exciting opportunity to launch our practice with a patient-centered approach to care,” said Dr. Jacobs. “We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation, and we look forward to supporting the Women’s Health group as the newest sub-specialty. We believe that working alongside some of the most accomplished physicians in the country will ultimately benefit patients greatly.”

Dr. Jacobs has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and her clinical interests include autoimmune disease complicating pregnancy, periviable birth, fetal growth restriction, and fetal anomalies.

With the addition of MFC, i-Health operating divisions now include multiple women’s health practices, as well as cardiology, colon and rectal, endocrinology, family medicine, orthopedics, plastic surgery, and vascular & interventional radiology, making it one of the largest independent multispecialty practices in the region.

MFC joins Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, Burnsville Family Physicians, Catalyst Medical Clinic, Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, Diamond Women’s Center, Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis, Gerten Urogynecology, Haugen OB/GYN, Luong Plastic Surgery, Midwest Plastic Surgery, OBGYN Specialists, OBGYN & Infertility, Preventive Cardiology Clinic, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Vascular & Interventional Experts.

Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health) opened its first-ever dedicated space for Pelvic Health patients on January 23^rd, 2023.

Located in Edina, the innovative i-Health Pelvic Health Therapy Clinic was established to meet growing patient demand. In January 2021, i-Health launched the Pelvic Health program and the request for services quickly skyrocketed.

“We knew a dedicated space was needed in order to serve our patients best,” i-Health President Dr. Paul Diekmann said. “This facility will allow us to expand our services and continue providing patients with the individualized care they deserve.”

The clinic is a collaboration between three medical specialties within i-Health.

Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO), and our Women’s Health Group (see full list of practices below) have decades of experience achieving the best possible patient outcomes. By working together, i-Health Pelvic Health Therapy addresses an unmet need helping patients restore function and regain control of their bodies.

“This clinic epitomizes the mission of i-Health,” Diekmann said. “It brings independent physician groups together, collaborating and investing capital and resources to deliver innovative, high quality, and high value patient care.”

With a focus on the whole body, expert clinicians provide patients with individualized treatment plans that are dedicated to lasting results. The clinic was designed to provide a safe, private, and comfortable space for patients.

Pelvic Health Services offered:

• Physical Therapy
  • Bowel, bladder, and sexual health care for all genders
• Pregnancy and Post-Partum Care
  • Birth preparation, pregnancy and post-partum related pain, return to fitness, and exercise
• Pilates-Based Rehab
  • Utilizing Pilates equipment to maximize core and pelvic function and to maximize strength
• Nutrition Services
  • Comprehensive nutrition programming with a registered dietician
• Lymphedema Care
  • Specialized wound care, scar treatment, and complete decongestive therapy

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy will still be provided on-site at Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates, TCO, and the Women’s Health practices.

*Note: Our i-Health Women’s Health practices include Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, Diamond Women’s Center, Gerten Urogynecology, Haugen OBGYN, OBGYN & Infertility, and OBGYN Specialists.

For the practices of i-Health, the health and safety of our patients and staff is always our number one priority. With this in mind, we are continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak. In addition to staying in constant contact with the Minnesota Department of Health, we are staying up-to-date with the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).

In an effort to keep everyone safe, we are asking patients experiencing flu-like symptoms or who have traveled from what the CDC defines as a Level 3 risk with return date in the past 14 days, to contact their i-Health practice or provider regarding their guidelines for any upcoming appointments.

We will continue taking extra precautions to provide the safest environment possible for our patients and staff. For the most recent updates and for any questions about your appointment or your care, please visit your respective clinic website or contact your i-Health clinic directly. All contact and appointment information can be found on practice websites. Please click on the any of the practice logos on the hompage to be taken directly to practice websites.

The steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 are generally the same as those for the flu:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipe.

For information on prevention, symptoms and what to do if you’re feeling sick, please call the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 651-201-3920.

Local cardiology, colon and rectal physicians to join Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health), expand clinical specialties of independent practice.

MINNEAPOLIS (January 29, 2020) Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health) made headlines in late 2019 after launching in the Twin Cities, and growth has continued into the new year. The independent physician practice will expand to include operating divisions of cardiology, colon and rectal, family medicine, orthopedics, and women’s health.

Preventive Cardiology Clinic (PCC) and Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates (CRSAL) join Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO), Burnsville Family Physicians (BFP) Catalyst Medical Clinic (CMC), and OBGYN Associates (OGA), which includes OBGYN Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, OBGYN & Infertility, Diamond Women’s Center, and Haugen OB/GYN.

PCC joined i-Health effective January 1, 2020, and CRSAL plans to join spring of 2020.

A modern approach to a timeless idea

i-Health physicians focus on patient choice, and share core principles of quality care, physician autonomy, value-based care, and innovation. They are like-minded, passionate care providers who are inspired to grow, innovate, and ultimately impact change in healthcare.

“We’re a small, independent practice that prides itself on listening and catering to the needs of each individual patient. We’re not distracted by the sometimes conflicting priorities of large organizations, and we intend to keep it that way,” said Elizabeth Klodas, MD, Preventive Cardiology Clinic physician and founder. “Joining the i-Health family allows us to remain independent, focus on our patients, and keep healthcare personal.”

“Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates has served the Twin Cities metropolitan area for over 50 years,” said Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates physician Michael Spencer, MD. “The practice is recognized nationally for its quality care, research and educational role of future physician leaders within the medical field. We feel the partnership with i-Health will provide additional resources to serve our community and allow us to continue our educational endeavors into the foreseeable future.”

In a health system, physicians are sometimes limited in the care options they can provide to patients. The i-Health model enables physician practices to remain independent, and in doing so encourages patients to be active participants in their own healthcare decisions.

“Sometimes patients come into my office thinking I’m just going to tell them what to do,” explains Krista Olsen, MD, OBGYN Associates physician. “I remind them that my job is not to tell them what to do with their healthcare choices. My job is to help lead them through those choices.”

Independent physicians and the future of healthcare

When independent practices join i-Health, the physicians remain owners in the business. This grants physicians the autonomy to always make decisions in the best interest of patients, even if it’s not in the best interest of the business.

i-Health physicians aren’t forced to send patients to specific providers or choose next steps from a drop-down menu. They can focus on listening, learning, and guiding patients to make smart healthcare decisions.

The i-Health model was designed to be a framework for independent physician practices seeking growth and sustainability amidst a constantly evolving, competitive healthcare landscape.

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About Infinite Health Collaborative

Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health) is an independent physician practice with operating divisions across several clinical specialties. Visit i-Health.com to learn more about the specialties and services of each practice. i-Health physicians focus on patient choice, and share core principles of physician autonomy, quality, value-based care and innovation. By enabling physician practices to remain independent, and encouraging patients to be active participants in their healthcare decisions, i-Health preserves true, patient-first care. Their passionate team is inspired to create endless possibilities for growth and innovation, and ultimately impact change in healthcare. i-Health.com

About Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates

Colon & Rectal Surgery Associates (CRSAL) is one of the largest independent colon and rectal physician practices in the world, specializing in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of colon and rectal diseases. CRSAL provides concentrated expertise in all areas of colon and rectal surgery, and is recognized globally as a leading academic and research institution. In 2000, CRSAL physicians established the Pelvic Floor Center as a free-standing diagnostic center in Minneapolis. It is a highly specialized, state of the art facility that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care and the diagnosis of pelvic floor disorders. ColonRectal.org

About Preventive Cardiology Clinic

Preventive Cardiology Clinic (PCC) specializes in detecting and treating early stages of heart disease and helping those with known heart disease return to active lifestyles. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, this independent practice guides each individual patient toward a healthier heart by focusing on lifestyle measures – resorting to medications only when necessary. PCCMN.com

About Burnsville Family Physicians

Burnsville Family Physicians (BFP) is a family medicine practice and longtime pillar of the Burnsville community. Their dedicated team of independent providers takes immense pride in delivering high-quality care backed by decades of experience, guiding patients along their healthcare journeys, and building long-lasting relationships with generations of patients and their families. BFPClinic.com

About Catalyst Medical Clinic

Catalyst Medical Clinic (CMC) is a family medicine practice serving generations of patients in the Chaska and Watertown communities. CMC is committed to providing comprehensive, personalized healthcare for patients of all ages, building strong relationships, and being a trusted partner to patients from day one. CatalystMedicalClinic.com

About OBGYN Associates

OBGYN Associates (OGA) is a partnership of five independent OBGYN clinics providing exemplary care to women through all stages of their lives. OGA providers take pride in establishing long-term relationships with their patients based on each woman’s individual needs. OGA consists of five clinics with locations across the Twin Cities metro area: OBGYN Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, OBGYN & Infertility, Diamond Women’s Center, and Haugen OB/GYN. OGAmn.com

About Twin Cities Orthopedics

Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) is committed to providing world-class service. TCO’s dedicated teams of independent physicians, specialty providers and care coordinators serve patients in clinic locations, walk-in orthopedic urgent care locations, and numerous other therapy and specialty care settings across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Regardless of the location, TCO delivers an exceptional patient experience, backed by decades of trusted orthopedic and sports medicine care. TCOmn.com

New organization further supports local independent practices focused on patient choice and value-based care; adds women’s health operating division.

MINNEAPOLIS (September 10, 2019) – Burnsville Family Physicians (BFP), Catalyst Medical Clinic (CMC) and Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) are excited to announce the launch of Infinite Health Collaborative (i-Health), effective October 1, 2019. The independent physician practice will include operating divisions of family medicine and orthopedics. OBGYN Associates (OGA), a partner in the creation of i-Health, will join on January 1, 2020, establishing a women’s health operating division.

The creation of i-Health provides a framework for growth and sustainability of independent physician practices that focus on patient choice and share core principles of physician autonomy, quality, value-based care and innovation. The goal of the organization is to enable physician practices to remain independent.

“We believe independence in healthcare enables physicians to focus on each patient’s individual goals without limitations, and that’s the inspiration behind i-Health,” said TCO physician Owen O’Neill, MD. “By empowering patient choice – arming patients with the tools to make their own educated healthcare decisions – we are earning their trust, and keeping healthcare personal.”

i-Health is founded on the belief that independent physicians are at the core of changing healthcare, and are the drivers of the industry’s improvement. Physician autonomy, and that of their independent practices, allows patients greater control and choice in the management of their own healthcare options. With a value-based care model emphasizing a patient’s experience, cost and quality of outcomes, i-Health aims to evolve the delivery model of healthcare.

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i-Health welcomes OGA as an operating division

OGA has successfully served a group of obstetrics and gynecology clinics across the Twin Cities. The organization’s brands include OBGYN Specialists, Associates in Women’s Health, OB-GYN & Infertility, Diamond Women’s Center, and Haugen OB/GYN. Each will continue to operate under its own brand as OGA joins i-Health alongside the practice’s other operating divisions.

“It makes strategic sense – on a variety of levels – for us to align with i-Health, considering their emphasis on patient choice,” said OGA physician Krista Olsen, MD. “We’re in a competitive industry, and it’s our duty to always keep patients at the forefront. By joining like-minded practices who value independence and innovation, we’re making healthcare better for everyone.”

i-Health is continuing discussions with other like-minded, reputable independent practices in the Twin Cities market that align with its core principles.

“At i-Health, we will continue to evolve how we approach our healthcare model in order to best serve our patients,” said i-Health board member David Holte, MD. “Whether that’s expanding available specialties, or impacting the ongoing innovation of the healthcare industry, i-Health will always strive to be an industry-leading partner to physicians and patients.”

This change and continued growth will not affect i-Health’s, or any of its operating divisions’, relationships with hospitals. There will be no modification to the brands and structures of each of i-Health’s operating divisions.