The Transition of Eastside Primary Care and Elmira Pediatrics to Elmira Community Health (ECH) Explained
Overview
Eastside Family Medicine and Elmira Pediatrics will officially transition to Elmira Community Health (ECH), a Community Health Center on September 15, 2025. This change is part of a broader effort to improve access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare for patients in Elmira.
Community Health Centers provide care for all health needs—from checkups and preventive medicine to support services—all in one place. Elmira Community Health will also make it easier for patients to get the care they need and offer a sliding fee scale based on income, so cost is never a barrier to health.
Letters were recently sent to all patients who were seen at the practice in the past few years to notify them of this change. If you received one of the letters, the following frequently asked questions (FAQs) may help answer some of the questions we have been receiving:
Q. My primary care provider is at another office, and I only saw a specific provider at the Eastside location one time/on occasion for another reason. Do I need to do anything to continue my care?
A. No, if you are established with a primary care provider at another location, nothing will change with your care.
Q. My primary care provider is at Eastide Primary Care or Elmira Pediatrics. What do I need to do?
A. Nothing, unless you want to opt out of the transition to Elmira Community Health (see below). Your care will continue as always, and your medical records will be securely transferred as part of the transition. The practice location and providers will remain the same, and ECH will continue to work closely with Arnot Health to coordinate your care for specialty and hospital services.
Q. If I choose to opt out of this transition, what do I do?
A. Simply contact your practice at the numbers below:
- Eastside Primary Care - (607) 732-1310
- Elmira Pediatrics - (607) 271-3442
Q. Why is this transition happening?
A. Elmira is identified as an area of unmet healthcare need. The transition to a Community Health Center model is designed to enhance care delivery while maintaining access to the same providers, at the same location, for existing patients. Elmira Community Health is committed to serving the most vulnerable populations in our area and improving the overall health of the community. Governed locally by a board of community leaders, the Center is also committed to reinvesting resources into the Elmira community to improve health outcomes and access to care.
Q. What will change at my doctor's office with the transition to Elmira Community Health?
A. From the patient perspective, very little. The practice name of Eastside Primary Care and Elmira Pediatrics will change to Elmira Community Health and patients will begin to see this updated branding on signage, in our communications, and online. Also, in the future, Elmira Community Health intends to offer expanded services based on the needs of our patients and the community.
Q. Will I have to change providers?
A. No. Unless you opt out of this transition to Elmira Community Health, you will continue seeing their current providers and staff in the same location (2nd floor of the Health Services Building at St. Joseph's Hospital). Medical records, insurance, and MyChart electronic health record access will remain intact and any previously scheduled patient appointments will not be affected. Referrals, diagnostics, and access to the pharmacy will continue through Arnot Health, ensuring seamless care coordination.
Q. What can I do if I still have questions?
A. If you have additional questions these FAQs haven't answered about this transition, please contact your doctor's office at the numbers below:
- Eastside Primary Care - (607) 732-1310
- Elmira Pediatrics - (607) 271-3442
