Introducing Newly Redesigned Basalt Primary Care

,Aspen Valley Primary Care’s clinic in Basalt has undergone a complete transformation—and a slight relocation. Having undergone a full redesign and reconstruction, the difference between the new space and the old space is significant—for patients and staff alike.

“It’s a more modern and happy space with beautiful artwork and enhanced lighting, including warm, natural light that fills many of the rooms,” says Kelli Higdon, RN, Aspen Valley Hospital’s nurse manager for outpatient clinics. “The overall reaction among patients has been extremely positive, including that of our physicians and staff, too.”

Higdon notes the brighter feel of the clinic incorporates the openness of the new floor plan and improvements to the exam rooms. There are now eight fully equipped exam rooms, each with sinks, new furniture and adjustable examination tables. Two nurses’ stations on either side of the clinic allow doctors and nurses to work together more effectively and efficiently. The waiting area is a more private experience than before, a notable upgrade from the clinic’s previous layout.

Where is this new clinic? It’s located just across the lobby from where it was before, but entirely redesigned and reconstructed. Aspen Valley Primary Care occupies half the ground floor of the Midvalley Health Institute, at 1460 East Valley Road in Basalt. Now patients simply access the clinic from across the lobby, closer to the east side of the building.

A Space That Inspires Optimal Health and Collaboration

The first difference you might notice when entering the clinic is the natural light that fills the waiting room. As you move through the space to the exam rooms, the bright and airy design reveals wood floors and nature-themed artwork reflecting the seasons. All add to the ambiance, creating a sense of calm and wellbeing for patients.

“In the old space, some of the exam rooms were smaller and some were bigger, with different levels of equipment. Now each exam room is standardized, and all patients can be seen in any room,” explains Dr. Catherine Chamberlin, DO, Aspen Valley Primary Care’s medical director. Each exam room also features ample space to accommodate family members who may join for visits. Some rooms showcase ceiling art above the exam table—an idea proposed by Dr. Chamberlin to put patients at ease.

It may seem small, but improved lighting in the new exam rooms makes a big difference for doctors and patients. For one, the eye chart isn’t obscured by insufficient lighting. “And it really helps in terms of being able to examine our patient’s skin tone and coloring,” adds Dr. Chamberlin.

In addition to exam rooms, office space is reserved for the care coordinator. They help patients manage chronic conditions or recover from a major procedure. The care coordinator also works closely with the practice’s behavioral health specialists. These specialists assist patients struggling emotionally with their conditions or who require mental health support.

“This is a place where the care manager can work directly with patients and have them come in for paperwork or a warm handoff to one of our behavioral health specialists,” says Dr. Chamberlin.

Growing Network of Care

Aspen Valley Primary Care currently has five doctors, a physician’s assistant, a care coordinator and two behavioral health specialists on staff. The new space in Basalt is designed to allow close collaboration among all providers. This will allow the practice to continue to grow with the community.

“It feels spacious because it’s built for growth,” says Higdon. “We built it purposefully to be able to expand. Primary care is vital to keeping people healthier, so we are pleased to provide these services for our community in a fully modern clinic that can evolve with us.”

The new location comes at a time when primary care services in the Roaring Fork Valley are undergoing significant changes. Patient numbers have increased, in part, at Aspen Valley Primary Care because some community physicians have transitioned to concierge practices. Still other local physicians are retiring.

The upgrade, years in the making, reflects Aspen Valley Hospital’s ongoing commitment to primary care. We are committed to ensuring the right services are available to fulfill community need.

“Primary care used to be the missing piece, but the landscape has changed,” Dr. Chamberlin notes. “Aspen Valley Primary Care is now at the center, with our physicians’ guiding patients to the care they need.”

What’s going to happen to the old space? The door is now open to reimagine the possibility of bringing in additional services to the midvalley as part of the Hospital’s network of care.