Continued from page 1
Community Clinic
Therefore , implementing innovative support for the underserved population , many who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes , can lead to significant improvements . By providing patient monitoring , education and support through Community Care teams , hospitals have seen a 46 % hospital cost reduction when patients are engaged with these services . This approach not only reduces healthcare expenses but also improves patient outcomes and quality of life for those with chronic conditions .
One shining example is the Fort Worth Community Care Clinic , where Dr . Nathan Smith and Nurse Practitioner Maurilia Foster , dedicate their time to understanding and addressing the unique needs of their patients . In the last year , they have cared for 1,846 unique patients , resulting in approximately 5,000 encounters and welcoming 72 new patients into the clinic . Of these patients , over 300 were referred to BSW-affiliated specialists for free care subsidized by BSWH and philanthropic efforts . The mostneeded specialists included gynecology ; cardiology ; ear , nose and throat services ; as well as endocrinology . However , the demand for specialty care continues to grow , highlighting the need to expand the provider network further .
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Health Foundation has recently partnered with the community clinic to address specialty care access through a hearing aid program , funded through a generous grant from the Goodrich Center for the Deaf . This
Dr . Nathan Smith and Nurse Practitioner Maurilla Foster
pilot program provides free audiology services and treatment , including hearing aids , to hard-of-hearing patients from medically underserved populations . These
patients are unable to obtain or afford these essential services , which typically are not covered by insurance and can cost thousands of dollars .
The Community Care Clinic has demonstrated success across the various locations within the Baylor Scott & White system . By decreasing emergency department visits , the clinic has reduced inpatient direct care costs and created more space for others in need of care . Ultimately , it is the patients who win .
Looking ahead , the Foundation is eager to expand its efforts in addressing additional healthcare needs for this underserved population .
By the Numbers for FY23
18 providers
14,400 + unique patients
Q & A with Clinic Provider Nathan Smith , MD
|
What are you most proud of since you have been at the clinic ?
I think beyond seeing patients get well physically , which is always a great blessing , I truly enjoy when we also have an impact on their
|
What would you add to the clinic with philanthropic support ?
We are very appreciative of your help in the past with vaccinations and the Hearing Aid Project , so continued help along those lines would be tremendous ! We also have a staff member who is working two roles ( referral coordinator and
|
Dr . Nathan Smith |
emotional and spiritual |
Patient Assistance Program coordinator ), |
well-being . Jesus modeled this , meeting physical needs while giving hope and peace to broken hearts , and so we seek to bring “ hope and healing ” to our patients as well . Seeing their tears and gratitude and hearing their stories of being set free from addictions and having renewed relationships with family and God make this work truly rewarding . |
so being able to hire someone to share her duties would be great . The last way would be to help with specialty care . We have a number of specialists who either volunteer or are reimbursed to see our patients , but we have several care gaps , including needing more help with gastroenterology , as well as no one for neurology and ear , nose and throat . |
14 % Caucasian
22 % Black
7 clinics
53,500 + annual encounters
Demographics
4 % Other
60 % Latino
200 %
Federal Poverty Level
6
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / WINTER 2024