On-site Physician Services

The Highlands is reinventing “wellness-focused living” again with new, expanded on-site physician specialist services.
In November, Cardiology – Tower Health Medical Group, the largest cardiology group in Berks County, began keeping regular office hours at The Highlands. Other specialist services are available on-site to residents, including dermatology, optometry, audiology, podiatry and internal medicine.
Retired Cardiologist Dr. John “Jack” Gruber, a Highlands resident and member of the Board of Directors, was a founding member of Cardiology Associates, now Cardiology – Tower Health Medical Group, and played a large role in securing the partnership. “On-site medical services are so important because if they are not readily available, residents must travel to doctor appointments, wellness clinics or pharmacies,” says Dr. Gruber, “often delaying needed medical attention simply because it’s inconvenient.”
“Ideally, those inclined to postpone care will take advantage of the on-site services and not wait until symptoms are more advanced and more serious,” says Dr. Gruber. “When I was practicing, I had to ask countless patients, ‘why did you wait so long to come here?’ With the addition of the on-site services, I expect this question will be asked less and less here at The Highlands.”
Studies conducted in Continuing Care Retirement Communities around the country indicate that when residents have access to onsite medical care, there are fewer hospitalizations and readmissions, fewer unnecessary tests and fewer
emergency room visits. “Anything we can do to increase access to healthcare is more than a convenience; it’s a service,” says Dr. Gruber. “A service that ensures security and peace of mind.”
Joan Gruber, Dr. Gruber’s wife and retired Olympic ice skating judge, says that while The Highlands has always strived to implement inhouse initiatives promoting overall health and wellbeing, on-site specialty medical care was a missing component of the wellness offerings. “Now, with expanded physician services, residents can continue to live the independent lifestyle they love while having access to a more complete spectrum of the healthcare they deserve.”