Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Bartholomew County

Columbus, Ind.

Opening in 1996, the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Bartholomew County serves residents who have no access to employer provided insurance and do not qualify for government provided insurance.  With a small paid staff of 5.6 FTE and approximately 200 volunteer physicians and health care professionals, the clinic sees over 900 patient visits per month.

The clinic’s Medication Assistance Program ensures that patients who are given prescriptions have access to getting them filled.  In 2006, the Medication Assistance Program leveraged $30,000 of expenses to reap benefits of over $2,400,000 in pharmaceutical products.  In addition, lab work, x-rays, and all diagnostic procedures provided by the Columbus Regional Hospital at no charge to clinic patients equals an average of $100,584 per month.

The clinic was awarded a $25,000 grant to upgrade their technology infrastructure and implement clinical information systems that will establish and utilize patient registries and enhance self-management support.  Funds will be used to purchase and install clinical information software, establish chronic disease registries, and train volunteer providers on chronic care models and on how to maintain the registry process.