PA caring for individuals, families in Bluffton

Tammy (Tamara) Troutt, PA-C, is no newcomer to healthcare. With 18 years’ experience in family medicine and orthopedics, she takes pride in providing quality care to her patients.

She’s no stranger to Wells County, either. Troutt grew up, and still has family, in the Bluffton area. And having practiced medicine as a physician assistant (PA) in Fort Wayne and Markle, she has recently returned to Bluffton, seeing patients at the Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine office. She splits her time between the Bluffton office at 1169 N. Main Street and another PPG location at 470 Bennett Drive in Warren.

“We are so pleased that Tammy has joined PPG and is able to care for patients at both the Bluffton and Warren offices,” said Deb Potempa, market president, Parkview Health South. “She has a gift for building wonderful, long-term relationships with her patients. Her substantial experience, enthusiasm and commitment to being a partner in their healthcare really resonate with patients.”

Troutt completed her Bachelor of Science (Health Science Physician Assistant) degree at Butler University in Indianapolis.

She is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

As a physician assistant, Troutt provides all aspects of patient care, including:

* Performing physical exams
* Developing and implementing treatment plans
* Ordering and interpreting laboratory tests and diagnostic studies
* Performing in-office procedures such as lesion biopsies, joint injections and cryotherapy
* Treating common medical problems
* Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and hypothyroidism
* Providing well-child exams, vaccinations and other pediatric care
* Supporting women’s health, from pap smears to osteoporosis treatment
* Evaluating and treating mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety

Troutt said medicine interested her from a young age, but it was a job shadowing experience with a physician assistant during high school that helped her decide to pursue medicine as a profession and become a PA in her own right. She has found that being a primary care provider suits her.

“I love working with people of all ages and backgrounds,” she said. “I am passionate about getting to know my patients as unique and complex individuals, not just as patients. My goal is to educate them about their health and make recommendations, so each person can then make educated decisions about their healthcare needs.”

Outside of work, Troutt loves to take vacation trips with her family. She also enjoys reading, snow skiing and spending quality time with her friends and family members.

Troutt is accepting new patients. Hours at her Bluffton office are Monday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to Noon. At the Warren office, hours are Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (260) 375-3670 for appointment scheduling at either location.