Volunteers in Medicine Adds Onsite Laboratory Testing

Laboratory Testing Program to Improve Patient Outcomes

 

LENEXA, KANSAS – Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) announces the addition of on-site laboratory testing capabilities at its clinic starting this month.

The clinic was chosen as one of six recipient clinics in the United States to receive a grant for laboratory testing equipment and training through a program supported by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) in conjunction with Heart to Heart International (HHI), Henry Schein Cares, and National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).

This initiative is part of a continued effort to support and improve patient care in under-resourced health clinics and provides clinics in under-resourced communities throughout the United States the essential diagnostic laboratory testing capabilities they need to evaluate their patients on site in a timely manner.

A study published by the National Journal of Medicine in 2014 showed that treating patients in the same office visit led to better outcomes for patients by overcoming financial challenges, transportation barriers, and delays in treatment often faced by underserved patient populations in under resourced communities.

This program helps ensure community clinics have modern testing and diagnostic equipment, training, and protocols to treat patients with chronic conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

“To be one of only six clinics nationally to be awarded this grant is an honor, but mostly we are excited about how this grant helps to further increase access to healthcare for the uninsured residents of the Coachella Valley we care for,” Doug J. Moring, Executive Director, VIM, said in a statement.  “Our volunteer physicians will be able to get vital health tests and measurements while their patient is still in our clinic, making care decisions more immediate and saving our patients their time and expense to make additional trips beyond our clinic for lab tests.”

“We believe that improved access to healthcare strengthens not only the health of an individual, but also of a community,” Kim Carroll, HHI CEO, said in a statement. “Receiving lab results might seem effortless for many Americans, but for those in underserved communities, accessible lab testing is a significant obstacle to effective treatment. These clinics will now be able to run tests and receive lab results during the same patient visit. This enables prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment, which is vital for patients seeking health services at free clinics.”