All-new HCC is beautifully accessible

OPTUM

Nearly 5,000 people have directly benefited from Optum’s presence in Leisure World this year alone. That’s because the health care provider, along with the GRF, vaccinated 4,914 people against COVID-19 in LW clinics from January to April.

In addition to its shot clinics, the Optum Health Care Center (HCC) has a whole new look to go with the whole new array of services that it brought into LW in 2018. That’s the year it took over management as part of the Monarch HealthCare network.

Primary care and specialty services expanded, and some things stayed the same, like access to a nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for all residents, members or not.

It’s a great service. If you’re not feeling well, you can call the emergency nurse for free and get a professional opinion about what to do next. If you need a visit, it costs just $40, a bargain for peace of mind and personal attention in a time of distress.

Personalized and compassionate care is not just a motto at Optum. From its carefully crafted remodel to its expanded services, the health provider has done a lot to accommodate this special community.

As part of the Monarch HealthCare network, people have access to more than 2,500 doctors and specialists, 23 hospitals, and 70 urgent care centers. Members can also visit Los Alamitos Medical Center and MemorialCare Long Beach. Primary care hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.5 p.m.

In keeping with residents’ unique needs, Optum remodeled its clinic with ease and comfort in mind. It enlarged the exam rooms, lowered exam chairs, widened hallways and opened up spaces.

It even added a Wellness Retreat center with chiropractic and massage services. For a nominal fee, any resident, member or not, can book a massage and relax under the care of licensed chiropractors.

A new state-of-the-art X-ray machine with DEXA screening is now available. DEXA, which stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, screens for osteoporosis.

Seniors Choice Physical Therapy and the LW Pharmacy are part of the comprehensive package at the HCC complex.

At the Optum clinic itself, there are centers and specialists for almost every health care need: vision, diabetes, heart, lungs, mental health, skin and social work.

And people can get their labs done, all under one roof. Lab-Corp offers on-site labwork for all residents who have a referral from their doctor. Hours are from 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The HCC isn’t just for health care. It’s a place for the entire community. It has meeting rooms where people can get together with friends and neighbors to enjoy activities, attend lectures and participate in support groups.

There are educational seminars and classes. And everyone can take a tour of the newly remodeled facility. In-person tours are offered twice a month. Registration is required.

People can also visit virtually to tour the facility, meet providers and staff, and learn about the lastest developments at the HCC. To RSVP for a tour, email RSVPOptumHCC@mhealth.com

or call (949)923-3334 Senior Ambassador Grecia Nunoz is there as a resource for people who want to learn more about making the HCC their health care center. Visit optumcare. com/bettercare to learn more or email gnunez@mhealth.com for more information.

—Ruth Osborn, managing editor

Dr. Nora M. Oakley, DC, offers chiropractic services to all LWers, Optum members or not, in the all-new Wellness Retreat.

Optum Senior Ambassador Grecia Nunez points to artwork by LW residents that graces the corridors at the HCC.

Optum has completely remodeled the HCC to make it more easily accessible, including widening the hallways.