IDA is private independent healthcare practice providing care of patients with complex infectious diseases.

Patients are referred from Nebraska, western Iowa, northwestern Missouri,
and South Dakota.

Hospitalized patients are seen in area hospitals, primarily Methodist Health System and Alegent Health Facilities. In addition, we see patients in our office clinic.

Healthcare is provided by physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. While Dr. Robert Penn is our primary physician, IDA contracts with outside physicians to see infusion patients on weekends.

IDA healthcare providers are recognized for academic and clinical excellence.

Each of our healthcare providers -- the physicians as well as the midlevels -- graduated at or near the top of their academic class with honors for achievements and skills. University of Nebraska Medical Center regularly assigns students to spend a month of training with them.

Midlevels enable the practice of responsible healthcare economics while maintaining high quality patient care.

Dr. Penn's focus is primarily on complex critical patient care and decision making. He is able to maintain this focus with the help of physician assistants and nurse practitioners (often called Midlevels). In our hospital practice, Midlevels assist Dr. Penn in managing patients, monitoring patient progress and for adverse drug events. They coordinate with the hospital's case managers.

In our office practice, Midlevels see patients in our infusion center, wound care clinic, and travel clinic. Our more experienced Midlevels follow patients with certain chronic diseases such as Hepatitis C. They often see hospital patients after discharge, making sure they are doing well and continuing to progress.

Dr. Penn is in close contact with the Midlevels throughout the day, as they quickly alert him to any adverse patient events. Communication among the group and the office is ongoing. To enable this each carries a smart phone with computer functionality, as well as a small computer.

Midlevels -- physician assistants and nurse practitioners -- undergo extensive training: more than an RN, less than an MD. For more about Midlevels, click here.