Mobile Urgent Care Reaches An Under-Served Population

By Dominique Martin


New legislation has provided a way for many people without health insurance to obtain affordable coverage, but there is still a sizable population falling between the cracks. These individuals often live under severe economic hardship, and a standard doctor appointment may not a be realistic option. Mobile urgent care is designed to bring high-quality medical facilities and personnel to the neighborhoods and people that need them the most.

Traditionally, an urgent need facility is designed to be a lower-cost alternative to an emergency room, and also provides additional services unavailable in an ER. Those without insurance often pay inflated costs in an ER visit, must literally wait for hours to see a physician, and and receive scant followup or preventive instructions. Unlike an ER, these centers not only treat injuries, but also bad colds or the flu, administer x-rays and lab tests, give physicals, and more.

For people unable to see a doctor regularly, a mobile office can be a more cost-effective way to receive needed help. The units are generally in remodeled recreational-style vehicles outfitted for medicine, including the latest equipment. The staff usually includes nurse practitioners as well as doctors, and some have even added dental services for those with urgent problems.

Even though economics in many areas have improved, many people are beginning to pay a steep price for neglecting common but chronic health issues for years. The current explosion of diabetes has created a sense of impending crisis for individuals aware they have the disease, but who have not yet developed debilitating long-term effects. Traveling centers provide them important ongoing care and monitoring.

Most have few restrictions on who may or may not become a patient. From children requiring vaccinations or treatment for common ailments like ear infections, to the elderly without financial resources, there is no litmus test deciding who may or may not receive help. In areas with large populations of new immigrants, politics are routinely set aside in favor of helping all people enjoy the benefits of good health.

For those recuperating from surgery, some units feature help for patients after they have been discharged. The ability of a unit to travel helps cut down lengthy recovery times, limits the chances of avoidable post-surgical infections or other complications, and helps support caregivers within families. For patients living alone, the service increases peace of mind.

Without traveling units, many patients would receive little personalized medical information. Nurses and doctors not only treat active symptoms, but also can provide the latest information regarding diet and nutrition, give prenatal advice, and address the need to keep childhood immunizations current. They may provide STD and safer sex information for younger people, and some even feature dental services.

A single vehicle can provide help for more than four thousand people per year, and in many service areas demand is still increasing. Health screenings and educational information for those not currently ill helps prevent many problems while keeping costs in line. Whether patients have had problems finding stable, long-term housing or are coping with aging issues, this type of care helps fill the gap.




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