Mobile Urgent Care Provides A Valuable Safety Net

By Dominique Martin


Although controversial federal legislation is allowing many previously uninsured Americans to buy affordable medical insurance, a substantial number still are still unable to do so. They often cope with chronic financial struggles, and for many in that situation seeing the doctor is a last resort. Mobile urgent care helps those who need it the most by bringing top-quality medical personnel and facilities to local residents.

Brick-and-mortar urgent need centers have traditionally provided a host of services for people seeking a local, cost-effective alternative to standard hospital emergency rooms. Without insurance, emergency room care is prohibitively expensive, time consuming, and does not include preventive medicine. The centers are meant to treat such non-emergency conditions as colds and the flu, injuries and other illness, provide x-ray and laboratory services, administer physicals, and much more.

Locating these services in a large vehicle is a far more cost-effective method of reaching patients who skip treatment because of money issues. Often housed in an RV that has been gutted and fitted with up-to-date medical technology, it may be staffed by nurse practitioners, doctors, and aides. When budgets and physical size allow, other services and staff can be added to the roster.

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 centers exercise few limitations on who may or may not receive care. From schoolchildren who need vaccinations or help with common problems such as ear infections, to aging citizens with dwindling resources, there are generally no restrictions regarding qualifications for help. Areas coping with an influx of immigrants often set aside political scapegoating in order to build a better health foundation at all levels.

In addition to immediate medical concerns, some centers help recently hospitalized individuals who may receive little or no treatment post-discharge. Having this support can cut lengthy recovery times, reduce the incidence of post-surgical infections, and provide encouragement for family caregivers. For those who live alone, knowing they have this option reduces worry and increases mental health.

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 modified vehicle services more than four thousand patients in a year, and demand shows few signs of diminishing. Educational material and health screening for people not actively ill helps people avoid future problems while holding down basic costs. Whether people are coping daily with the problems of aging and poverty, or have had trouble affording standard insurance, bringing care to the patients who need it most helps eliminate that gap.




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