Charis Clinic News

  

September, 2010-->Over the past 10 months of operation, Charis Family Clinic has given more than $9000 of free or reduced care to Charis clients.  We have also participated in DSHS and Molina (DSHS managed care), state programs which provide services to vulnerable populations at sharply reduced rates. 

During our first year in existence, we have learned much about the practical issues of providing health care to those with financial need.  For low income persons who have insurance, the main problem seems to be copayments and deductibles/percentages. Like all clinics, we must collect full copayments and deductibles/percentages, because that is required by the client’s insurance company contract.  This can represent a hardship for some of our lower income clients, but our hands are tied. 

For those without insurance, as we work within state regulation and insurance regulation, we offer two options.  First, the client can pay our normal per service fees, but with a cash discount.  This to can be a hardship for some people.  The second option is that the patient can become a member of the Charis Care plan, which is a direct care plan.  In the Charis Care plan, the client pays a small monthly fee for access to services provided at the clinic.  The Charis Care plan has been well-received, as one of, if not the, lowest cost direct plans in the state. 

For clients who are truly indigent, as defined by federal poverty standards, and unable to contribute any portion of their care, we have established regular community health care hours for the purpose of donating time, service, equipment, and supplies.  Unfortunately, this service will not be available temporarily during the months of November and December 2010, due to maternity leave.

Finally, we have provided hundreds of hours of time completing paperwork for free and reduced pharmaceuticals through patient assistance programs, specialist networks, and other services in the wider community; immunizations at cost for those who are doing international mission work; and low cost sports physicals for junior high and high school students.  We continue to work to refine systems as we strive to achieve a balance in the provision of quality, personalized care while meeting the needs of our community.

If you have questions about specific programs, please call or check out our website.  Thanks again for your support!

 

Deonne Brown Benedict was recently honored with the Award for Excellence, as Washington state's 2010 Nurse Practitioner of the Year.  The award is given for outstanding contributions in practice to one nurse practitioner annually. 

September 2010-->Did you know the flu is in the top 10 causes of US death?

Flu vaccination is covered by insurance, and only $25 if you are paying cash...worth every penny to avoid accidentally spreading the illness to a vulnerable person, a week of this common, but severe fall and winter illness, and up to month or more of recovery.