Quick Facts: MedWorks Clinic May 1-2, 2010

“Now that we’ve passed historic health reform, all Ohioans will soon have access to affordable health coverage. But while health reform is being implemented over the next few months and years, it’s critical that we provide assistance to those without health coverage. I applaud MedWorks and the Ohio health care providers who supplied volunteer services to more than 700 Ohioans this weekend. They have volunteered their time, their energy, and their expertise to help Ohioans in need and their work is to be commended.”

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (Ohio)

Some quick facts for the MedWorks Clinic May 1-2, 2010:

• We provided almost 2,000 different types of services and appointments to approximately 700 people.   In fact, a number of people had as many as 5 appointments at our clinic.   The net result was comprehensive care for Ohioans, especially those in Cuyahoga County and the surrounding areas.

• Not counting women’s health, almost 550 people received care by a primary care provider or specialist (including cardiologists, urologists, ENT specialists, podiatrists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, dermatologists, and others).

• The women’s health department saw about 180 women.  Of those, almost 150 had pap tests, 3 had Chlamydia and gonorrhea cultures and approximately 60 eligible women had mammograms as part of the clinic.  Countless other women received vouchers for free mammograms after the clinic.

• More than 350 people had vision screenings and approximately 300 of them either walked away with a free new pair of glasses or will be receiving a pair soon.  Of those visiting the vision department, just over 20 were referred to St. Vincent’s Charity Hospital for follow-up care.

• Approximately 275 individuals saw a dentist and many of those had extractions.

• Just over 80 x-rays and EKGs were performed and the laboratory conducted 190 blood and urine tests.  Radiology and lab results were reported within 20 minutes and doctors had an opportunity to review findings with patients.

• Just over 250 people were HIV tested and now know their HIV status.

• New services offered this clinic included pediatrics and audiology.  Thirteen people had hearing tests and approximately 10 children participated in the clinic.  We believe the low pediatric turnout is, in part, related to an excellent safety-net for children in Ohio.

• We transported three individuals to the hospital, directly from the clinic and another seven people will be contacted by one of our physicians within five days of the clinic because they are considered to be emergent cases.

• Each and every person at our clinic met with a social worker just prior to discharge.  The purpose of these visits was to discuss clinic findings, answer lingering questions, and begin to help patients connect with follow up care.

• Just prior to departure, individuals were able to visit with organizations represented at a resource fair.  Community health centers, hospital systems, disease specific organizations, behavioral health services and legal aid was made available to individuals.  In fact, representatives from hospital system financial assistance programs met with clinic patients to begin discussing eligibility criteria for charity care programs and the possibility that patients from the MedWorks clinic may qualify for assistance.

• A preliminary report from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that they distributed folders with information to 75 patients.  Twenty-five individuals have submitted financial assistance applications and, at initial glance, it appears as though all 25 will qualify for 100% charity care at the Clinic, if they choose that institution.

• The Ohio Benefit Bank met with almost 150 people during the weekend.  Approximately 75% of those individuals are likely eligible for food stamps, energy assistance, medical premium benefits or prescription drug assistance.