Perham Health runs a pod-based clinic built in 2012 with modern infrastructure and full diagnostic capabilities onsite. The clinical model is designed to keep physicians focused on patient care. A deep APP team, dedicated nursing support, and integrated behavioral health services handle the surrounding workload so physicians can maintain a manageable, high-quality practice.
The practice serves a broad primary care population across all age groups. With no pediatricians in the area, Family Medicine physicians carry meaningful pediatric volume. The service area includes approximately 20,000 year-round residents, expanding to roughly 35,000 during the summer tourism season.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Daily Patient Volume | 12 to 15 patients |
| Visit Mix | Chronic care, preventive, acute |
| Contact Hours Per Week | 32 |
| New Physician Start | 60-minute visits, gradual ramp |
| Same-Day Access | Managed by APP clinic |
The practice has approximately 10 to 12 Advanced Practice Providers, a ratio roughly equivalent to the physician count. APPs run a dedicated same-day clinic, maintain independent patient panels, and provide direct support to Family Medicine physicians across clinic operations. This structure reduces schedule overload and allows physicians to focus on continuity and preferred scope.
Each physician is supported by a dedicated LPN or CMA. Additional clinical support includes:
Call is light and primarily phone-based. Nurse triage manages most after-hours contact. Physicians report being called in after hours approximately one to two times per year.
Hospitalists are onsite seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, covering inpatient needs and keeping outpatient workflow intact. Inpatient shifts are available to physicians who want additional income but are not required.
Behavioral health services are integrated directly into the practice, available both onsite and via telehealth.
Visiting specialists from the Sanford Fargo network come to Perham on a regular basis, allowing patients to receive specialty care locally. Two general surgeons are onsite full time.
OB is available for physicians who want it. The group is currently short on FM-OB providers, and there is genuine demand. Physicians with OB training can deliver babies, follow pediatric patients after birth, and perform procedures such as circumcisions. The position does not require OB as part of the core role.