Who Benefits
“The benefits provided by free clinics extend
beyond the uninsured patients they help.
Many minimum-wage workers have no medical insurance
whatsoever, simply because their employers don't
provide coverage, and with Transylvania County now
having the state's highest unemployment rate, there
are many recently employed people whose benefits were
dropped when their jobs ended.
These uninsured individuals go to the emergency room
for help with a medical problem that could have been
treated earlier with less expense and fewer
complications. When that happens, everyone ends up
paying the bills, from the taxpayers to the hospital
to the medical specialists who must provide follow-up
care. So, it's not only the patients who benefit from
this clinic - it's just about everyone.
In addition to providing a point of entry into the
healthcare network for those without medical
insurance, we concentrate on preventive medicine.
Simple screening tests can spot some chronic diseases
early while there is time to prevent an impending
heart attack or stroke, and teaching patients how to
manage their health problems can save lives and
prevent financial hardship.
We also help find appropriate care for those with
complex medical problems.”
- Tom St. John, M.D., former TCVIM Medical Director
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