ROME — A new primary-care practice set up by Rome Memorial Hospital hopes to start seeing patients in March.
The hospital plans to open the practice, to be called Delta Medical, at 1819 Black River Boulevard in Rome. Patients will be able to visit after the New York State Department of Health gives the practice permission to open its doors.
Dr. Humberto Perez will see patients at the practice. He had been filling in at Boonville Family Care while Rome Memorial Hospital searched for a new physician to staff the location. Before that, he practiced in the Tampa, Fla. area for nearly 20 years.
“With the national shortage of primary-care providers and the recent loss of some of Rome’s well-respected physicians, we recognize that many area residents are trying to find a new provider,” Rome Memorial Hospital President and CEO Basil Ariglio said in a news release. “Fortunately for Rome, Dr. Perez came to the Mohawk Valley to help us temporarily and decided to stay.”
At its launch, Delta Medical will accept health plans from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, EBS-RMSCO, Inc., Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Fidelis Care, Health Net, Tricare, Humana, and Pomco Group. It will also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and workers’ compensation. And it is processing paperwork that will allow it to accept other health plans.
Perez specializes in primary care for adult patients. He wants to emphasize preventive measures and managing hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
“I went into medicine because I enjoy caring for people,” he said. “It is extremely gratifying to help people get well and stay well. I am excited to be starting this new practice in Rome and look forward to building relationships with my patients as we work together to maintain their health.”
Contact Seltzer at rseltzer@cnybj.com