Volunteers in Medicine Clinic receives grant for records system
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation recently awarded Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades in Bend a $33,000 grant to help fund implementation for VIM’s new electronic health record system, EPIC.
Our project purpose is to provide consistent, pro-active patient care and implement population-based reporting that will provide metrics to learn how well we are keeping diabetic or heart disease patients under control, for example.
Patient safety is our priority at VIM, and EPIC connectivity will allow real time patient records updates from our pro bono diagnostics, specialty, surgery referrals as well as medication management. The updated electronic health record system will enhance volunteer recruitment and strengthen VIM as a volunteer training site as EPIC is the standard EHR for Central Oregon and all of healthcare.
While the Affordable Care Act greatly expanded health care coverage, many Oregonians were left behind. The State of Oregon reports that 243,000 residents lack health insurance, and the percentage enrolled has stagnated. Over 15,000 residents of Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties lack healthcare coverage.
VIM’s patients are 100% low-income, ineligible for medical coverage and over 19 years of age. Patients predominantly work in agriculture, construction, childcare, restaurants, and landscaping, often working up to three part-time jobs while volunteering in the community.
All care is provided through medical and support volunteers. We manage over 300 volunteers each year. Volunteer medical providers are predominantly medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic, but also include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants. We have over 40 trained volunteer interpreters.
About the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
The Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc. provides grant funding and donations to organizations and innovative programs that improve patient care and safety, promote healthy lifestyles, and support individuals and organizations providing healthcare services. The development of the Foundation exemplifies Coverys’ dedication to being an affirmative and active corporate citizen in the healthcare community and the communities in which it operates.
About Coverys
Coverys is a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance for medical practitioners and health systems. Coverys provides a full range of healthcare liability insurance options, advanced risk analytics, and best-in-class risk mitigation and education resources to help clients anticipate, identify, and manage risk to reduce errors and improve outcomes.
About Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades
Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades (VIM) is a nonprofit clinic in Bend that provides free medical care to low-income, uninsured adults from working families in Central Oregon. Our mission is “to improve the health and wellness of the medically uninsured or critically underserved through the engagement of professionals, community partners, and dedicated volunteers.” VIM is the only clinic in Central Oregon that cares for the uninsured without charge. Patients receive primary and specialty medical care, medications, mental health care, surgery, physical therapy, lab work, medical tests, and education programs. All care is provided through medical and support volunteers. www.vim-cascades.org
