News
Our Lady of Hope Clinic News Release
November 5, 2009 — For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Karlen 608-445-2063
Free primary care available for the uninsured at Our Lady of Hope Clinic
As the nation continues to discuss how to best deliver health care to the 46 million Americans who go without health insurance each year, Our Lady of Hope Clinic continues to serve Southern Wisconsin as the area’s only free full-time clinic for those in need.
Uninsured individuals can register for primary care appointments in person at 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Our Lady of Hope Clinic is located in the Olde Towne Office Park’s Clock Tower Building at 6425 Odana Road. Office visits for the uninsured are scheduled on a walk-in basis only.
Clinic President Dr. Michael Kloess said the need for free primary care is greater than ever, particularly after the state suspended its BadgerCare Plus Core program last month.
“We don’t have a health care crisis so much as we have an access crisis,” Kloess said. “More than one in nine Wisconsin residents go at least part of each year without health insurance. These people then struggle to control serious, but manageable, conditions like diabetes or hypertension.”
With a focus on preventative care, Our Lady of Hope Clinic offers 30 minute office visits to ensure patients have enough face time with a doctor to stay on top of complex health problems. The extended appointments also make it possible for doctors to give personalized advice, answer questions, and develop a complete understanding of a patient’s health. Additionally, patients can expect a continuity of care as any follow-up visits can be made with the same physician.
The only qualifications are that patients must be uninsured and ineligible for government medical assistance programs. They are asked to bring a letter stating that they are not eligible for BadgerCare or Medicaid. They receive this letter after applying for medical assistance.
Our Lady of Hope Clinic is funded by private contributions. For additional information on care for the uninsured or supporting the clinic financially, visit ourladyofhopeclinic.org or call Steve Karlen at 608-445-2063.
