Story/Approach - Lantern Health

About

Our mission (what we do) is to provide primary care as it is meant to be: grounded in a relationship between people, focused on an authentic experience, and crafted to help you achieve your optimal health.

Our purpose (what drives us) is to re-center the person and primary care in the health care system. We believe in primary care. We know primary care is the foundation for better health and a better health care system. Better primary care does not have to be complicated. It can and should be accessible, personal, comprehensive, well-coordinated, affordable, and excellent.

Our Principles & Values (how we live)

We seek connection.

We have a story and want to hear yours. The core of primary care is relationship, connection. We honor this connection with you and our collective community. We recognize the intrinsic impact of social determinants. We seek equity.

We are open and honest.

We are curious and listen. We communicate clearly and precisely, even when hard, and expect it in return. We value collaborative and creative spirit and shared decision-making. We practice transparency and integrity.

We are consistent and reliable.

We participate and accompany. We focus on sustainability and balance. We are present today. We align incentives for tomorrow and those who follow.

Our Roots (what informs us)

Our story begins in the western North Carolina mountains, where Dr. Ben Aiken saw the dysfunction and complexity of status quo primary care. As a resident physician, with healthy influence from his public health background and paternal grandfather Bill, who was part of the first and much simpler, human-focused era of family medicine, Ben spent all of his elective time exploring new models of primary care nationally. He developed expertise and a passion for being the change we so desperately need through direct primary care. In this light, Lantern Health launched in 2018, initially part of the regional health system. In 2020, Ben transitioned the practice out of the system to be fully independent.

Our story continues with a steadfast commitment to our mission, purpose, and values guiding expansion in western North Carolina. We hold a deep commitment to our shared ethos and aligned incentives, with plans to convert our business into an employee-owned trust, such that it can far outlast any of us.

Our region is known for the art of craft. The skilled maker’s hands know full well that time, care, and focused attention turn raw elements into an exquisite work of art. Ancient things become new again. From this same thread, we reclaim age-old values to illuminate the path toward a better and brighter future in healthcare.

Primary care as it is meant to be.