Analysis of the Demographic Characteristics and Medical Conditions of the Uninsured Utilizing a Free Clinic

Abstract

The number of medically uninsured people in the United States rose from 46 million in 2008 to an astonishing 50.7 million in 2009. This population is unable to seek medical care due, in part, to the decrease in employment-based health insurance and the increase in the cost of health care. Free health clinics exist to ensure access to health care by providing a safety net for underserved populations, ultimately decreasing health disparities among people of different socioeconomic statuses. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic characteristics of the uninsured people who utilized a free health clinic and the purpose for their visits. Investigators gathered information from over 2,000 hand-written medical records to determine whether the demographic characteristics and health conditions of the uninsured differed from the general population. While there was no predominate medical condition in this population, special attention is needed to the prevention of smoking and obesity among the uninsured. This uninsured population had a significantly higher rate of smoking (P < 0.01) and obesity (P < 0.05) than the general population. In addition to treatment for medical conditions, 1 in 4 patients came for a physical exam. This study adds to the literature by describing characteristics of a free clinic population and their medical conditions. This research can contribute to the improvement of a health care delivery system that is challenged in providing access to medical care by low-income and uninsured populations.

Community-based free clinics: opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, health promotion, and complex care management

“…16 The most common comorbidities are cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. 4 It is important that students experience caring for such patients during their training. Data from our free clinic suggest that many of the patients have multiple comorbidities and complex health care needs.…”

“…The definition of a free health clinic is a ''private, nonprofit, community-based organization that offers services, such as primary and secondary medical and dental care, along with pharmaceutical, laboratory, and/or mental health services.'' 4 Our free chiropractic clinic currently is the only physical health care facility at the community center. Currently, there is a nonprofit mental health foundation at the center with professionals from a local university's department of psychiatry.…”

“…[1][2][3] Health care services are offered for no cost to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured individuals with the overarching goal of decreasing health disparities. 4 The Council on Chiropractic Education requires that an institution ''conducts and supports service activities congruent with its mission, goals, and objectives. '' 5 This can be achieved through ''low cost or free health care to underserved populations in either Doctor of Chiropractic Program managed clinics or in clinical settings controlled by external agencies.''…”

Physicians’ Perceptions of Volunteer Service at Safety-Net Clinics

“…3,4 This group faces numerous health challenges, including poor access to quality health care and increasing rates of chronic, long-term medical conditions. [5][6][7][8] These medically uninsured and underserved people, many of whom are undocumented, are the clientele for whom safety-net clinics are designed. Safety-net clinics often operate on small budgets and thus often rely on volunteer physicians.…”

An Online Training Module in Infection Control for Temporary Clinic Volunteers

“…Free clinics serve approximately 38% of the population, and demand for them has increased steadily since the recession. 3 Temporary clinics generally serve large numbers of patients in an expedited manner. They are often in public community settings such as school gymnasiums, auditoriums, fairgrounds, parks and coliseums.…”