SPRINGFIELD — What if a simple visit from a healthcare team could help a person struggling to manage a chronic illness stay healthier — or ”compliant” as physicians call it — avoiding costly rides in an ambulance, multiple trips to the ER, and repeated hospital admissions that many patients cannot afford? With the recent launch of PARAMED, Effingham Health System (EHS) is embarking on a new journey to address this need, filling the gap between providers and their patients. PARAMED will provide health and wellness checks by an RN, a certified paramedic, or an EMT, for referred patients who are a fit for the program.