Doors Open to Eventual 'Medical Home' for Uninsured
There weren’t many treatment options for uninsured patients in upper Bucks County—two free clinics in the county, but they were in mid and lower Bucks County.
“The clinics were getting calls from people in upper Bucks County who they couldn’t see because it was out of their area. They really had no place go,” said general surgeon John Pagan, MD, FACS.
That changed in April 2008 with the opening of Volunteer Doctors Care in upper Bucks County. After nearly two years of planning—led by Dr. Pagan and Gerrianne Burke, MD—the Quakertown clinic now opens its doors to uninsured patients every Wednesday evening.
The clinic is staffed mostly by volunteer primary care physicians but specialists like Dr. Pagan take referrals from the clinic. The staff is rounded out by other clinical and nonclinical volunteers, a part-time clerical worker, a part-time nurse, and Dr. Burke, an internist who has filled the role of medical director.
Funding comes from donations from community groups, individuals, hospitals, and the Bucks County Health Department, which also has donated clinical space. Two area hospitals offer many free tests to the clinic’s patients.
The clinic aims to be a medical home for patients who earn too much for Medicaid but aren’t eligible for any other insurance.
“It’s not really a one-time visit clinic. We would like to establish a relationship and take care of people with chronic ongoing medical conditions.”
Last Updated: 12/8/2009