Ballad Health Medical Associates Center for Healthy Aging achieves recognition as Age-Friendly Health System

Ballad Health Medical Associates Center for Healthy Aging has been recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), joining a growing network of organizations dedicated to improving care for older adults.

The recognition comes at a time when the Appalachian Highlands is experiencing a significant demographic shift. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults now outnumber children in Northeast Tennessee, increasing the need for healthcare services tailored to aging patients. Ballad Health Medical Associates is committed to meeting this demand by providing care that aligns with the needs and preferences of older adults.

“We understand that every older adult is unique, with goals, values and life experiences that deserve to be honored,” said Dr. Mark Patterson, president of Ballad Health Medical Associates. “Our commitment is to provide high-quality, compassionate care that supports not only their health but also their independence and what matters most to them and their families.”

The Center for Healthy Aging uses the IHI’s evidence-based 4Ms framework for high-quality care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility. The model supports safe, effective and patient-centered care by aligning treatment with each older adult’s goals and the needs of their family caregivers.

At the start of 2026, Ballad Health began formally incorporating the 4Ms framework into care measurement for older adults across its programs.

“Geriatric medicine is a specialty that focuses on taking care of the older population. Every older adult has a different set of needs, and by using the 4Ms framework, I have been able to spend more time addressing each individual’s needs and hopefully can make a difference in the health of our patients,” said Dr. Nerissa Licup-Taylor, a Ballad Health Medical Associates physician at the Center for Healthy Aging. “Our goal is to help seniors stay healthy and independent while supporting their families and honoring what matters most to them. It’s about caring for the whole person, with compassion and dignity at every step.”

One of Dr. Licup-Taylor's patients at the Center for Healthy Aging, 83-year-old Lofton Marshall, says her attentiveness, thoroughness and willingness to listen are what set her apart.

“She is very attentive,” he said. “She asks the right questions and seems very concerned about anything I talk about. I just trust her. If I have a problem or show any signs of something, she’s very quick to get me the help I need, whether that’s treating it herself or directing me to the right specialist.”

Ballad Health Medical Associates Center for Healthy Aging provides coordinated care to help older adults stay healthy, independent and supported. The program brings together primary and specialty care for older adults, with a team-based approach that connects services such as cardiology, neurology, physical therapy and nutrition when needed. Patients also receive help navigating their care, including managing medications, coordinating appointments and accessing community resources, along with support for emotional and social well-being. Care is designed for convenience, with centralized services and options for same- and next-day appointments.

The Center for Healthy Aging is located at 2205 Pavilion Drive, Suite 101, Kingsport, Tennessee. For more information, call 423-392-6000 or visit their location page on our website.

Age-Friendly Health Systems is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States. The initiative ensures older adults consistently receive safe, effective and personalized care guided by the 4Ms framework.

Learn more about Age-Friendly Health Systems on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement website.