DuPage Medical Group and Humana Inc. launched a new partnership in opening BreakThrough Care Center, a comprehensive, holistic outpatient clinic serving the most vulnerable Chicagoland seniors struggling with chronic disease. BreakThrough Care Center was designed to improve medical outcomes while lowering health care costs and improving patients' ability to manage their health conditions. Two BreakThrough Care Center locations opened on Jan.

2, in Lombard and Naperville. Led by veteran DMG physicians Dr. Richard Krouse and Dr. Brian O'Leary, the clinics will focus on seniors suffering from complex, chronic conditions with the goal of increasing their quality of life, reducing hospitalizations and decreasing costs. Each BreakThrough Care Center will include an RN, health coaches, nutritionists, medication therapy management, physical therapists and social services resources.

To qualify for treatment at BreakThrough Care Centers, patients must meet certain health criteria and be referred by a DMG or Edward Medical Group physician. DMG's BreakThrough Care Centers further enhance the partnership between DMG and Edward to improve the quality of health care in the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago delivering value through quality, access and efficiency. Patients primarily will be Humana Medicare Advantage plan members with chronic or complex conditions, though other patients might be accepted based on referrals.