The clinic was established in an effort to serve some of those uninsured patients who were falling through the cracks. Emergency- room visits for the uninsured are covered, and there are options for free or low-cost care for regular doctor visits. But those without insurance find themselves in a real bind if they need follow-up care after an emergency-room visit.
Dr. Rayburn Lewis, who served as medical director for Swedish Medical Center's Cherry Hill Campus from 1995-2002, wanted to do something to help the address the need. Working with Dr. John McDermott, an orthopedic colleague, he established the Mother Joseph Clinic in 2002 to help some of those uninsured patients receive treatment.
"It was something we needed to try," Lewis said. "Getting access to primary care, even for the uninsured, is pretty good. But specialty care can be particularly difficult, which leads to even greater medical problems."
The clinic began with a single doctor and one nurse. It was open twice a week for half days. In its first year, the clinic saw 250 patient visits and focused exclusively on orthopedics.
It's safe to say that the clinic found a need. Last year saw 1,600 patient visits, including roughly 150 surgeries. The clinic now features 10 to 12 doctors in five specialties: orthopedics, hand surgery, podiatry, neurology and dermatology.
The clinic is staffed entirely by volunteers, with Swedish Medical Center donating the space. Participating doctors are able to use Swedish's facilities without bureaucratic hindrance, an efficiency that encourages more doctors to volunteer.
"We basically allow a doctor to come in and use their expertise," Lewis said. "All the other elements the clinic takes care of."
While clinic doctors donate their time, funds are still needed for basic supplies. Lewis said the clinic will undertake fundraising efforts aimed at creating an endowment. The endowment would pay for additional nursing support. Funds are also sought to purchase imaging equipment for the clinic, which, when acquired, would provide faster service for patients and allow more patients to be served.
Having grown considerably in the last five years there may soon be a need for a larger clinic.
"Long-term, we are looking for a more suitable space," Lewis said. "But Swedish is committed to helping us find space within the organization. We also hope to be able to increase the number of specialists who are involved."
Since March, Lewis has served as the executive director of Swedish's Ballard campus. But he remains the medical director of the Mother Joseph Clinic.
"This is something dear to my heart," he said.
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