Story by ElenaWatts

Originally published January 25, 2014 at 10:12 P.M., updated January 26, 2014 at 12:45 A.M.

A conversation between two Crossroads leaders seated next to each other at a meeting about Medicaid has sparked a partnership that is expected to benefit the community.

Gulf Bend Center and Citizens Medical Center have joined forces to streamline the delivery of health care services with a system that benefits patients, health care providers and taxpayers.

"The most important part of the association between Gulf Bend and Citizens is to set up the foundation for a model of integrated health care with a wholistic view of the needs of the patients," said Dr. Nestor Praderio, geriatric psychiatrist and owner of Psychiatric Consulting Service in Aransas Pass.

Praderio oversees inpatient psychiatric units in Aransas Pass and Corpus Christi and treats patients with mental health issues in the Crossroads by televideo.

At the Medicaid meeting, David Way, associate executive director of Gulf Bend Center, shared his ideas about integrative health care with Stephen Thames, hospital administrator for Citizens Medical Center, to secure a letter of support for his proposal.

Thames offered more than his endorsement. He offered hospital space and medical professionals.

The $1.2 million project, funded by a Texas Department of State Health Services grant and an in-kind match from Citizens Medical Center, began in January.

Citizens Medical Center provides space on the sixth floor of the hospital for the six-person outpatient extended observation unit as well as a nursing staff.

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Health care providers partner to provide mental health care