Parkinson’s Elevated

Parkinson’s Elevated is a philanthropically funded initiative designed to transform Parkinson’s care through a proactive, value-based model focused on optimizing healthspan rather than reacting to disease progression. Parkinson’s disease affects every organ system in the body, is often difficult to diagnose, and requires coordination across specialties. Despite extensive research, no cure exists, and high-intensity aerobic exercise—currently the intervention with the strongest evidence for disease modification—is not routinely prescribed.

Parkinson’s Elevated addresses these challenges by pairing a movement disorders neurologist with a primary care provider who assume comprehensive responsibility for all aspects of a patient’s care. Care is delivered by this integrated team in a single physical location-but follows the patient wherever they are (eg: home, vacation, hospital, emergency room, rehabilitation facility) via telemedicine. When additional expertise is required, patients are referred to specialists with experience in Parkinson’s disease. The program emphasizes 24/7 access to a care team that knows their patients and incorporates exercise as medicine, prescribed with the same rigor as pharmacologic or surgical therapy.

Kathleen McKee, MD, MPH and geriatric primary care provider Cynthia Papadopolous, PA currently pilot this model for Select Health members. Based at Cottonwood Medical Clinic, they care for patients across the Intermountain West, with telemedicine expanding access for individuals in rural communities throughout the Intermountain West.

Daniel Corcos, PhD, is the Research Director of Parkinson’s Elevated. In partnership with Dr. McKee he is leading research focused on care model sustainability and integration of exercise into routine clinical practice.