2006 HEALTH SERVICES: Primary and Oral Health Care      

 

IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE, “ON THE ROAD AGAIN!”

 

As stated previously, 2005 began as a year of challenge, 2006 maintained the challenge, and 2007 begins with the same description.  RHNMC moved into donated office space that presumably was to be our permanent home, in September ‘05.  We acquired a new dentist in June ‘06, Dr. Juliao, who committed to complete the year,’06, and assisted the Network with the recruitment of another experienced dentist, Dr. Castillo.  Her commitment was initiated January 2, 2007, however due to her schedule she is only available 4 days a week.  In order to continue the level of service commitment, Dr. Castillo has agreed to lengthen her daily schedule to 6:p.m.  

 

As the Network settled into its new office, it increased the availability of primary health care to 5 days a week in both Marathon and the Upper Keys.  Unfortunately due to budget short falls, the Network had to return to its regularly scheduled availability in the Upper Keys, 3 days weekly.  The current schedule in the Upper Keys is: Monday Key Largo, Tuesday Islamorada, and Wednesday Tavernier.  Marathon remains at 5 days per week.   

 

The target population of the dental clinic continues to be predominantly adults and children who have not been able to seek dental care due to their inability to pay the high cost and due to the unavailability of discounted oral health services with a sliding fee schedule.  The clinic continues to provide the following services to these patients: comprehensive and limited exams, radiographs, preventive services (prophylaxis, fluoride applications, and sealants), extractions, root canal therapy (excluding molars), restorations (amalgam and composite fillings), and removable prosthodontics (space maintainers, partial and full dentures).  With the acquisition of Dr. Juliao, the Network was able to provide fixed prosthodontics, “bridges,” on the sliding fee schedule, enhancing the level of service choice to the population of Monroe County least able to afford this treatment option.

 

The oral health program was able to service 2100 patients during the calendar year, 2006.  Male patients numbered 1061 and females were 981.  Age distribution was as follows: 246 20 years and younger; 225 21 to 30years; 300 31 to 40 years; 496 41 to 50 years; 417 51 to 60 years; 167 61 to 70 years; 98 71 & older.  Over 50% of patients were from Key West; 25% from Marathon; 15% Big Pine Key; and the remainder from Upper and Lower Keys.  The number exceeded our goal, even though the clinic experienced closures due to the move, staff vacation, and change in dentist.

 

The primary care program in the Upper Keys has provided 1300 patient visits.  Males numbered 550 and females numbered 623.  Each patient received at least 3 services per visit, 3900 services.  Marathon serviced 1,040 patients and each patient received at least 3 services per visit, equaling 3,120 services.

 

The Drug Assistance program brought free medication to 149 patients with an approximate market value of $107,280. 

 

The medical services provided included physical examinations, women’s health exams, laboratory testing, pharmaceutical assistance, immunizations, basic first aid, wound care, STD and TB screening, health education and prevention, and referral services.