A Survey of Patients and Providers at Free Clinics Across the United States

Abstract

This study set out to demonstrate the need for free clinics on a national level, to identify difference among types of free clinics in the US, to identify which services were commonly used, and to determine where else patients would seek care if not at the free clinics. Two separate, distinct surveys were sent out, one to free clinic directors and another to free clinic patients. Chi-squared tests, two tailed t-tests, and percentages were used to describe results and significant differences. 1,114 free clinics were identified in the US. 172 free clinics and 362 patients responded. Most clinics (44%) were independent. A mean of 4,310 annual visits was reported. Most patients used primary care (86%) and pharmacy (80%) services. If the free clinic did not exist, 24% would not seek care, 21% due to cost. Most would seek care at another free clinic (47%), or the emergency room (23%). Most patients were satisfied with their care at the free clinic (97%). Patient satisfaction correlated with use of primary care (P = 0.0143). Most patients (77%) reported greater satisfaction with the care they received at the free clinic than with their prior care. Free clinics provide primary care to a substantial number of uninsured and working poor. They provide an alternative to patients who might otherwise seek primary care in the emergency room. Even with reform of the national health care system, free clinics will provide primary care to millions of uninsured. How they will adapt to provide this care is yet to be seen.

Accrued Cost Savings of a Free Clinic Using Quality-Adjusted Life Years Saved and Return on Investment

“…A review of the literature describing the experiences of other free clinics in diverting ED visits suggested that 23% to 49% of our patients might have sought care at an ED had there not been a CCDM clinic. 18,19,28 Anecdotal evidence from the CCDM nursing staff suggested a rate of 50%. We used 37.5% as our figure.…”

Free clinic educational interventions for patients with chronic disease

“…Assessment of literature informs physicians and other health professionals about new health policies, valuable interventions, variations in primary-care workforce, health outcome optimization strategies, training practices, ways to increase the primary-care provider to patient ratio, and ways to successfully address these barriers to tackle current health care issues affecting communities across the nation. Increasing data demonstrates the importance of evidence-based practices that focus on patientcentered care incorporating the multitude of factors involved in an individual's health status such as literacy, socioeconomic status, race, genetic predispositions, access to available resources, and income [4,6]. In addition, there are multifaceted factors responsible for health outcomes differences in rural versus urbanized locations.…”

“…In addition, there are multifaceted factors responsible for health outcomes differences in rural versus urbanized locations. Crucial elements such as education, health perceptions and access to quality health care could influence how one effectively recovers from or copes with illness(es) [6]. Recognizing the significance of increasing health awareness in these regions can supplement future physician recruitment in areas lacking access to quality health care.…”

Why go to a Hospital Minor Care Clinic? Considerations Important to the Patient

“…Furthermore, she stated that the free clinic operates mostly with volunteer medical professionals who provide about 50% of the visiting hours. Gertz, Frank & Blixen report that 23% of patients served by free clinics would seek help from emergency departments if free clinics did not exist [8]. Their research focused on understanding low-income resident decisions between emergency and primary health care for non-urgent treatment [9].…”