I wrote earlier about how Walgreen’s Health Clinic was working to make health care more affordable for the uninsured or unemployed.
Now a few Chicago residents are taking it a little further: Two retired doctors have decided to do their part to take care of some of the 135,000 people who couldn’t afford health care in four nearby zipcodes.
To qualify for care, people have to establish they’re uninsured, meet income guidelines (under 250 percent of the federal poverty level, or $27,000 for a single person) and have symptoms or a previously diagnosed existing medical condition such as diabetes. (The clinic doesn’t perform routine physicals or take care of pregnant women.)
Each patient gets a comprehensive assessment and evaluation before being connected with a physician. Medical visits are by appointment only. For mental health or substance abuse issues, people are referred to community resources.
It’s a volunteer operation, funded entirely by private donations and staffed by 10 physicians, 10 nurses, 16 people who contribute clerical services and a part-time paid nurse manager. If a patient needs specialty care, [the doctors] turn to rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, podiatrists and gynecologists who have agreed to donate services.
I hate to get all mushy, but as someone who has spent a hell of a lot in her life on ER trips, prescriptions, and doctors, knowing that someone is helping to alleviate the “what the hell are we going to do” factor gives me a warm fuzzy. They also provide services for people who need mental health help, which can be incredibly pricey for people in tough economic situations, and contrary to some popular belief is not optional.
So, way to go Chicago dudes.
