Online application and renewals, telehealth, free wifi in our parking lot…
Madison Free Clinic Announces Free Telemedicine Solution
Distance and travel time between patients and care providers can limit access to care. Fortunately, telemedicine can overcome geographic barriers to healthcare, especially for specialized providers. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients in medically underserved communities and those in rural geographical locations where clinician shortages exist.
A recent study showed that with telemedicine, patients had:
• 38% fewer hospital admissions
• 31% fewer hospital re-admissions
• 63% more likely to spend fewer days in the hospital
• Were more engaged in their healthcare
A strong doctor-patient relationship is the foundation for high-quality patient care and reducing health care costs. Telemedicine should support, not replace, traditional care delivery. With telemedicine care providers can continue to care for patients in-person care while still providing the flexibility and convenience of seeing patients remotely for follow up visits, check-ups, and education when appropriate or necessary.
[gview file=”https://madisonfreeclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/FOR-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE.pdf”]A letter from one of our patients
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a patient at the Madison County Free Clinic. I would like to tell a little of life’s story.
I have always been a working man. I started out working at 12 years old between the school years and on weekends. I worked for my uncle, building homes. I did this for about 5 years until I got out of school. I immediately went to work full time as a mechanic. I worked for many years as a technician and service manager for a local family-owned business.
But let’s back up a little. When I was in my mid to late twenties, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. And also severe gouty arthritis. Over the years, the conditions became extreme. By the time I was in my 40’s, I had diabetic nerve damage and also joint damage and circulation problems in my feet and legs. The pain at times was unbearable. I continued working until I was 52 years old. At that point, I was at the end of my rope. I didn’t know what to do. My doctors had told me that I needed to get off my feet before I ended up losing them. So, with no other choice, I had to leave a job that I loved and the people that I had cared for and worked with for many years.
Now, what was I going to do? The last time I picked up my insulin at the pharmacy before my insurance ran out, I asked the pharmacist how much insulin would cost when I had to pay for it? The answer about floored me. One month’s supply of both types of insulin was going to be $997 and change. This was very bad news.
Thankfully, one of my nurses, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, told me about a program with the manufacturer of the insulin. So, my wife did all the paperwork and sent it to the drug manufacturer. With the help of the Free Clinic, we were approved to get my insulin at no cost. This helped greatly!
Well, it’s been 5 years. Every year, I have to re-qualify. The wonderful staff at Madison Free Clinic does this for me. Along with approval from my Doctor, they submit my paperwork and every year I’ve been approved and continue to get my insulin at no cost. This is literally a lifesaver. I don’t know how I could possible manage to get my insulin without the help of the Free Clinic.
After having nearly 40 years of work history, the hardest thing I ever had to do was walk into the Madison Free Clinic and ask for help. I was delightfully surprised! I met some of the most caring and respectful people I have ever met in my life. My very special thanks to Diana Kornegay and Brenda Clements and all the staff at Madison Free Clinic.
Balanced Living with Diabetes Classes Offered in Madison
A 4-week Balanced Living with Diabetes series is being offered for individuals who are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or interested in learning how to prevent diabetes, beginning Monday, October 16th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM at the Madison Extension Office (located in the War Memorial Building, 2 South Main Street,). During the series, participants will review diabetic meal planning practices, portion control, and self-management strategies for living well with diabetes, guided by a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator. Participants will be eligible for a free A1C test and blood pressure screening at no cost. Diabetic friendly recipes will be demonstrated, and participants will receive items to help manage their diabetes (a cookbook, measuring cups, pedometer, etc.) all for free! There is an opportunity for eligible individuals to participate in a study to evaluate the impact of this program.
For more information, or to register, please call Clare Lillard, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent at (540)948-6881.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and services are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance or accommodation to participate in this program, please call the Madison County Extension Office at (540)948-6881 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at least five days prior to this event. TDD number is 800-828-1120.
Transportation Assistance
If you live in Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Fauquier or Rappahannock county and need help with transportation, contact the…
Posted by Foothills Area Mobility System – FAMS on Tuesday, August 1, 2017
