Free clinics are increasingly being used to help ensure those who need healthcare have the access they need, regardless of insurance status, income, and other factors. With the cost of medical care being incredibly high, free clinics are a welcome change for those who may otherwise forgo the care they need because they can’t afford to see a doctor. Some of the ways free clinics are helping and changing lives include the following.
Medical Care for Uninsured and Underinsured
One of the benefits of supporting a free clinic is the opportunity to help provide healthcare for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Many people do not have any insurance coverage and will need to pay out of pocket for the medical care they need. Others may have insurance, but the copayments or deductibles are too high, so they end up paying a lot out of pocket before insurance starts to help. Free clinics allow any of these people to get the medical care they need without worrying about the cost.
Reduced ER Visits
Each year, millions of people visit the emergency room to see medical care. While a number of these patients are having emergencies, there are also those who don’t have an emergency, but have no other way to get medical assistance. They can’t pay out of pocket to see a doctor, so an emergency room that won’t charge them upfront or turn them away due to lack of payment may be the only option. Free clinics allow them to get medical care without paying, so they don’t have to go to the emergency room whenever they don’t feel good.
Offer Valuable Clinical Experience
Students who are learning how to diagnose and treat patients will need a place to learn under the supervision of someone experienced. While it can be challenging to get a clinical experience at a larger doctor’s office due to limited positions, students frequently find it’s easy to start getting the experience they need at free clinics. They’ll be able to work alongside doctors to help patients with a wide range of needs, giving them valuable experience they can use as they continue their education. They can also get to try out different specialties and meet many different people, which can help them determine what they want to do for their career.
Improved Health Outcomes
Healthcare outcomes depend on patients being able to see the doctor again to make sure they are improving. Unfortunately, many of those who are uninsured will end up postponing the follow-up care they need because they can’t afford to see the doctor again in a short amount of time. This can mean they don’t heal as quickly as they could or their issue gets worse instead of better. With a free clinic, they can get the help they need, including follow-up care, to have a better health outcome in the long run.
Free clinics are filling the gap and providing care for those who need it the most. Regardless of socioeconomic status, income, age, race, gender, and other factors, help is available through the free clinics to ensure everyone gets the medical care they need. Check out local free clinics to learn more about how they work and how they are helping to change lives.
