How Missouri Ozarks Community Health is Improving Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas
Introduction:
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for everyone, but it can be challenging for those who live in rural areas. Missourians living in rural areas, for instance, often struggle to access healthcare services, which makes it harder for them to receive critical and preventative medical care. Fortunately, Missouri Ozarks Community Health (MOCH) is working to address this issue.
Challenges in Accessing Healthcare in Rural Areas:
Rural Americans have long experienced limited access to healthcare. Distance and transportation can be major barriers, as can a shortage of healthcare professionals in the region. This is especially problematic during emergencies where immediate medical assistance is vital. Rural communities often have a higher incidence of chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension, which require comprehensive medical care.
MOCH Steps Up:
Missouri Ozarks Community Health is a community-based healthcare provider that aims to increase healthcare access in rural areas. MOCH has several community health centers in South-Central Missouri that provide primary healthcare services to all residents, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
MOCH offers multiple healthcare services, including family medicine, women’s health, pediatric care, internal medicine, dental care, behavioral health, and preventative medicine services. They also offer patient education and wellness programs that promote healthy living and practicing long-term preventative behaviors.
MOCH has been recognized for its dedicated effort in serving the Ozarks rural region by several healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, and the National Center for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Improving Healthcare Access:
In addition to providing primary healthcare services, MOCH implements a sliding fee scale that caters to the uninsured and underinsured population, ensuring that everyone has access to care. Patients pay for healthcare services based on their income and ability to pay, ensuring that everyone can access the essential medical care they need.
Another way that MOCH is improving healthcare access in the community is through telemedicine. Patients can receive care from their healthcare provider via telecommunication platforms, allowing them to receive medical advice without physically visiting a healthcare facility. This helps patients who cannot access physical healthcare facilities easily.
Conclusion:
Missouri Ozarks Community Health is making significant strides in improving healthcare access in rural Missouri. The range of medical and wellness services provided by MOCH, coupled with their sliding fee scale payment model and telemedicine services, is making healthcare services accessible to all residents regardless of their financial situation or geographical location. MOCH is a crucial ally for anyone living in rural Missouri, and their dedication to improving healthcare access is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the rural population.
