http://www.imperialhealth.com/physicians
Bridget Loehn, M.D., an ENT specialist (ear, nose & throat), is originally from Metairie, Louisiana. Dr. Loehn received a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and earned a medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed a residency at the department of otolaryngology at Louisiana State University Health Science Center, also in New Orleans.
Dr. Loehn specializes in medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. She treats allergies, as well as diagnoses and manages diseases of the larynx & pharynx, sinuses, oral cavity, ears and structures of the neck and face.
Dr. LeBlanc, a Lafayette native, specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat (ENT), as well as related structures of the head and neck. This includes, but is not limited to sinus disease, tinnitus, ear infections, tonsilar conditions and facial reconstruction.
Dr. LeBlanc graduated summa cum laude from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in biological sciences. Dr. LeBlanc went on to earn a medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, where he also completed a residency in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.
Why Are We Recruiting
Imperial Health is actively seeking to recruit a new ENT provider due to several compelling reasons which underscore both the current demand for ENT services and the strategic opportunity this position offers:
1. High Demand for Services: There is a significant wait time of four weeks for new patients, indicating a high demand for ENT services that the current team is unable to meet promptly. The new provider would directly alleviate this backlog by handling all new patients, significantly reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction and care.
2. Increasing Referrals: The clinic receives a high volume of daily referrals from a robust network of local healthcare providers. This includes:
- 14 primary care providers within the community.
- 5 primary care providers employed by CHRISTUS/Ochsner, a major healthcare organization.
- 5 to 6 providers from Memorial, including specialists like pulmonologists.
- Several doctors from the nearby Sulfur area.
These relationships ensure a steady stream of patient referrals, sustaining a high and stable workload for the new ENT provider.
3. Retirement of Existing Providers: Over the last three years, three ENT providers have retired, creating a gap in the availability of specialized ENT care. The recruitment of a new provider is crucial to fill this void and continue providing uninterrupted services to the community.
4. Limited Competition: The area has practically zero competition in the ENT specialty, positioning Imperial Health as the primary, if not sole, provider of ENT services. This lack of competition allows for greater patient retention and the potential to further develop the specialty's outreach and services.
5. Favorable Economic Environment: The clinic operates with a selective payor mix, primarily serving patients with private insurance or Medicare. They do not handle Medicaid or uninsured patients; these cases are directed to another local hospital dedicated to such cases. This payor structure ensures more favorable reimbursement rates, enhancing the financial viability and attractiveness of the ENT provider position.
Given these factors, recruiting a new ENT provider is a strategic move by Imperial Health to capitalize on the existing demand, ensure continuity of care following provider retirements, exploit the lack of competition, and optimize economic benefits derived from a favorable payor mix. The role promises substantial professional fulfillment due to the robust referral base and significant patient demand, making it an attractive opportunity for qualified ENT specialists.