The state of emergency medical services, or any medical service for that matter, is no care free business. But yet much of what we provide ends up being free. Hospitals around the country lose tens of thousands of dollars a month, often through the emergency department. EMS services routinely treat and transport “non paying patients”, and the already huge cost of health care rises because of it.
Do I think its right? No. Do I think uninsured patients should be refused treatment? Of course not. I take pride in my ability to provide care to anyone, paying or not. I am also aware that as this trend continues, it becomes more difficult to maintain a functional system of care delivery. What am I saying… Its already broken.
Now this country’s recent health care reform has been met with some very, shall I say “mixed” reviews. This post is not about that. Perhaps I’ll say something on it later, but not now. I will report this however. A friend recently told me that because of the now, even lower reimbursement rate from medicare and medicaid, that his company is cutting back on ambulance coverage in the poorer communities. This to me, does not sound like a viable solution.
In a perfect world, medical care would be free. Even in this “economic climate” (meh… I feel like CNN saying that) I actually advocate more free care. I have always said that providing free monthly health screenings, and community CPR classes is a great way to bring back the “public” in public health/safety. Another practice I advocate, is to keep copies of community resources in your clip board or in the ambulance. As we all know, many patients use 911 and the ER because they have no other choice. By educating them of alternative, and in many cases more appropriate and affordable means of care, the financial burden is lessened for both the patient, and the system.
On that note, I would like to introduce you to the National Association of Free Clinics. The National Association of Free Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States .
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Washington , D.C. , the NAFC is an effective advocate for the issues and concerns of free clinics, their volunteer workforce of doctors, dentists, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, technicians and other health care professionals, and the patients served by free clinics in communities throughout the nation.
The NAFC provides guidance and training for new and existing Free Clinics. As the national voice for Free Clinics, the NAFC has an active role in helping to shape national health care policy and legislation that affect Free Clinics and the people they serve. With the help of the NAFC, In 2007 alone, over $40 million dollars in donated major pharmaceuticals were distributed to free clinics.
On their website they can help you find free clinics in you area,this information can then be passed on to your patients. While you there, you can become a member of the NAFC, and of course make a donation. Seeing as it’s tax season, who would argue with worthwhile right off?
Care free my friends.
