Things that seem like small problems might turn into big problems if not dealt with. When someone feels like something has changed in their body and it doesn’t resolve quickly, it may be time to see a doctor. But what should they do if they don’t have access to a Primary Care Provider (PCP)?
In our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), access to health care was ranked as a top issue by key informants for Marinette and Menominee counties. To address this in 2020, Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area:
Linked people to providers. 187 people who did not have a PCP and arrived at our hospital for a non-emergent emergency department visit saw an Aurora Medical Group PCP within 28 days.
Expanded access to care. In 2019, the ratio of residents to PCPs was 1,450:1 for Marinette County, compared to the Wisconsin average of 1,250:1, and 2,590:1 for Menominee County, compared to the Michigan average of 1,260:1, meaning there are many fewer PCPs available to residents in our service area. In response, we opened our Menominee clinic on August 3 and accommodated 1,336 patients through 1,657 visits in 2020.
Supported our local free clinic. Our providers donated time to support the Twin Counties Free Clinic and we provided 12 clinic patients with discounted tests and procedures.
Helped uninsured patients gain coverage. In 2019, 7% of Marinette and Menominee County residents were uninsured, according to County Health Rankings. During 2020, our financial advocate completed 418 financial counseling sessions and 75 Medicaid applications.