To meet the needs of growing communities outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Kahler Slater partnered with UW Health to consolidate two existing clinics through the programming and design of a new outpatient clinic with an aim to change how ambulatory care is delivered.

With this goal in mind, the clinic was designed for patient self-rooming (an innovation in the clinical setting) to help alleviate wait times for patients and maximize administrative efficiency at the same time. This practice increases nurse and staff time dedicated to direct patient care. Same-handed dual access exam rooms and smaller waiting areas were incorporated into the clinic to increase both the facility’s safety and efficiency. In the clinical area, distinct front of house and back of house areas were designed to enhance care team efficiency and patient privacy.

This family medicine clinic includes medical imaging, lab, physical therapy and health education support spaces. The state-of-the-art replacement facility benefits neighboring communities and is a continued testament to the Foundation's dedication to providing patient-focused care. Yahara Clinic's design builds on the concept of the Medical Home to improve clinical quality through many measures, involving components such as provider roles, patient involvement and holistic care.

This innovative new model for ambulatory care has become a national benchmark featured in numerous Advisory Board Company and Center for Health Design (CHD) publications and webinars, including “Icons and Innovators”, an ongoing CHD webinar series.