ELKINS, W.VA. – The new year offers a time to start fresh and Davis Medical Center is helping community members be healthier in 2018 by offering no-cost physician office visits from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the DMC outpatient family practice clinic. Appointments are necessary and can be scheduled by calling 304.637.3894.
The visit includes a comprehensive adult physical including primary care, health education and counseling, and is free and confidential. It is designed to meet the needs of those who have not seen a physician in more than one year, who do not have a primary care physician, who are uninsured or underinsured, who have avoided care because of the perceived cost and who suffer from one or more chronic diseases.
The no-cost clinic is part of Davis Medical Center’s PACE program aimed to help consumers access low-cost care, get quotes for services, understand payment options, save money and find assistance programs available for varied needs.
“The rise of high-deductible health plans is having an effect on how people access healthcare. We’re finding that more people are putting off or not seeking important medical care because they are afraid of high medical bills,” said Davis Health System President and CEO Vance Jackson, FACHE. “In response, we’re developing the PACE program to help remove the cost barrier to receiving necessary healthcare.”
The “no-cost” clinic is one of several healthcare specials DHS plans to hold in 2018. Other events include discounted diagnostic screenings, health fairs, educational events and enhanced financial counseling services.
“There is a true need for earlier detection and management of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and respiratory disease. When these aren’t identified early, they quickly become more costly and more complex to treat. We are creating new and more accessible access points for patients through programs like our population health and PACE,” said DMC Chief Medical Officer Catherine M. Chua, DO, FAAFP, FMNM.
“The clinic is designed for those who do not have a primary care physician and have not seen a physician in over a year,” Chua added. “Davis Health System is a lifeline for people in our communities who have no other place to go for medical care. The no-cost clinic provides primary care, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay.”
PACE, Providing Affordable Care for Everyone, is a Davis Medical Center program designed to help remove cost as a barrier to receiving necessary healthcare. Whether persons are insured, uninsured or underinsured, this service helps families navigate the complexities of healthcare cost through services like cost estimates and quoting, understanding insurance coverage and payment options, money-saving tactics and screenings, and financial assistance programs for varied needs.
To schedule an appointment during the no-cost physician event Tuesday, Jan. 9 at the DMC outpatient family practice clinic call 304.637.3894, or to learn more about the DMC PACE program, call 304-637-3125.
