When Christine Weinbrenner's physician said her weight loss and abdominal pain were due to a rare disorder called retroperitoneal fibrosis, she also learned that it was unclear what type of doctor could treat this condition.
Fortunately a treating physician—Rebecca Tuetken, MD—was found in the brand new rheumatology clinic at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
"I'm just ecstatic about being able to find someone able to treat my condition," says Weinbrenner. "Dr. Tuetken is a wonderful physician and the new facilities were exceptionally nice. I couldn't be happier!"
Weinbrenner was one of the first patients to benefit from the new accommodations for rheumatology, which is just one of many internal medicine services that moved into new, more convenient accommodations in June 2007 and one of several major renovation projects completed during the year.
Paul Rothman, MD, head of internal medicine, says more than 36,500 patient visits are expected to be seen in the new clinics during fiscal year 2007-08.
"Our new Medicine Specialty Clinics enable us to better serve our patients in an atmosphere fitting to the quality of care we provide," he says, noting that the various clinics treat the following conditions:
- Allergies and asthma
- Complementary and alternative medicines
- Diabetes and similar disorders
- Common and rare infections
- Kidney disease, including hypertension
- Lung diseases
- Rheumatologic conditions
- Travel-related illnesses and immunizations
- Pre-operative consultation to reduce the risks of surgery
- Weight management
- Iowa HIV Program
- Medicine Specialty Clinics
- 140 physicians and related caregivers
- 38 examination rooms
- 2 minor procedure rooms
- Specialty care for everything from allergies to lung and kidney disease
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