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Dr. Jeffrey Rich (center) hands a prescription order to King George County social worker Bernadette Deegan
Dr. Jeffrey Rich examines Christine Thomas, who had to give up health insurance when |
By CATHY DYSON
Christine Thomas needed to see a doctor but couldn't afford one.
The 49-year-old secretary used to have health insurance at work but dropped it when it got too expensive.
She tried to get an appointment at the Moss Free Clinic in Fredericksburg, but it accepts only 10 new patients, two days a week. She didn't make the cut the day she went.
Meanwhile, her blood pressure was soaring, and she was having blackouts. She ended up in the emergency room after one episode and had tests done, but no problems were found.
Thomas didn't know where to get follow-up treatment until someone mentioned the free clinic at the King George Department of Social Services.
Thomas, who lives in King George, was the first person seen on a recent night. She showed Dr. Jeffrey Rich her notebook of numbers--she records her blood pressure twice a day--and discussed other symptoms.
Rich put her on medicine to bring down her blood pressure. He told her she could get the prescription filled at Wal-Mart for $4, and she nodded in appreciation.
Rich also asked her to return in a month with her medical records so he could review them and check her progress.
"I feel better already," she said, as she thanked him and left the examining room.
King George's free clinic, which operates out of the conference room of the social services office, has recorded more than 300 patient visits since it started in August.
About 90 percent are King George residents, but the clinic is open to any uninsured adult, age 18 to 64, said Social Services Director Dave Coman.
Children, pregnant women and senior citizens with Medicare coverage are not eligible.
"I want to keep the man busy," Coman said about Rich, who drives from Norfolk to King George once a week. "I hate the thought of him driving all the way up here and only seeing a few patients."
Rich is a surgeon who specializes in the treatment of adult hearts and lungs. He's built an impressive resume since he earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago 28 years ago.
He's published numerous articles in medical journals and testified before Congress on treatment for Medicare patients.
For four years, he directed the heart transplant program at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. In 2008, he earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Distinguished Service Award.
Rich had different pursuits on his mind last year, as he drove through King George on his way to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Colleagues had gotten involved in free clinics, and he liked the idea of giving back.
He researched King George and learned it was medically underserved. The county doesn't have enough health-care providers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Rich made a few phone calls and eventually connected with Coman, who jumped at the chance to serve another segment of the community. He points out that many of the clinic's patients are not social-services clients.
The two started filling out paperwork. Rich made a list of basic supplies, and Coman sought donations.
"It's really a shoestring budget," he said.
The clinic doesn't get any government funding, and and no one who works there is paid.
Coman raised about $2,000 from churches, and two-thirds of that went toward an examining table, which sits at the far end of the conference room. Coman also purchased blood-pressure cuffs and instruments to examine eyes and ears, along with testing strips for diabetes or urinary problems.
The doctor paid for the malpractice insurance, which cost $600 a year.
Social-service workers started spreading the word and taking appointments.
"We want them to feel like they're going to a regular doctor for regular visits," Coman said.
The clinic averages 20 to 25 patients on Saturdays and less during the week. Those who attended a recent clinic appreciated the service.
Philip Hall, 56, has a multitude of problems. He's almost deaf, needs to have what remain of his teeth pulled and has torn cartilage in both knees.
"I've been needing help for a long time--a long time--but I couldn't find anybody to help me," he told the doctor.
Levi Curtis, 37, has a family history of high blood pressure and already is exhibiting symptoms. He's done asphalt work for 13 years and hasn't had a job since last summer.
"I called 10 different companies," the King George man said. "Nobody's working."
As the doctor examined Curtis, whose pressure was high at 150/100, the two talked about medicine Curtis uses for his other ailment, seasonal allergies.
The doctor asked if Curtis had tried any medicine, then said he realized how much it cost.
"I can't afford it," Curtis said. "If I can get it at the dollar store, I'm good."
He was grateful for the $4 prescription and the free doctor's visit.
"The way times are with no work, it's great that people have a place to go," he said.
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
| WHERE: King George Department of Social Services, 10069 Kings Highway WHEN: Once a week, on Wednesdays or Saturdays. The next clinic is Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. COST: Free PHONE: 540/775-3544 for appointments and schedule WHO'S ELIGIBLE: Uninsured adults, ages 18 to 64. Children, pregnant women and senior citizens with Medicare coverage are not eligible. SERVICES: Routine exams and checkups. The clinic does not have facilities for X-rays or lab work but hopes to perform those services through the new Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. PATIENTS: Those seen so far have various chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure or cholesterol. FUNDING: The clinic can apply for grant money from the Virginia Association of Free Clinics after a year. |
| The Virginia Association of Free Clinics has 61 sites in the state, the second most free clinics in the nation. The following are in the Fredericksburg region. Call for information about eligibility and hours. LLOYD F. MOSS FREE CLINIC WHERE: 1301 Sam Perry Boulevard, Suite 100, Fredericksburg SERVES: City of Fredericksburg and counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford PHONE: 540/741-1061 FAUQUIER FREE CLINIC WHERE: 330 Hospital Drive, Warrenton SERVES: Fauquier and Rappahannock counties PHONE: 540/347-0394 NORTHERN NECK FREE HEALTH CLINIC WHERE: 51 Harris Drive, Kilmarnock SERVES: Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties PHONE: 804/435-0575 |
