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Stories of care and healing


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Stories of care and healing


Since opening opening in March 2015, we’ve seen over 100% growth in patient visits. We work to bridge health care gaps.  We need your help.

Names of our patients have been changed, out respect of their families and in observance of privacy laws.

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Maria


After a car accident, Maria S. went to the emergency room and learned she had a broken back. She also learned that she was pregnant. She came to Clínica Médicos in a back brace, frightened for her child, and upset that she could not communicate with doctors about her fracture. We accessed her records electronically and worked alongside her neurosurgeon to create a treatment plan that avoided expensive office visits and kept her baby healthy.

Maria


After a car accident, Maria S. went to the emergency room and learned she had a broken back. She also learned that she was pregnant. She came to Clínica Médicos in a back brace, frightened for her child, and upset that she could not communicate with doctors about her fracture. We accessed her records electronically and worked alongside her neurosurgeon to create a treatment plan that avoided expensive office visits and kept her baby healthy.

Many Latino patients wait until a problem is severe to seek medical help.  By the time they go to the ER, the cost of a visit can equal more than a month of wages for a family of four living at the Federal Poverty Level.

We provide affordable care and charity when needed.

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Cecilia


Cecelia M. put off going to see a doctor for her pregnancy, because she had no insurance. When she came to see us, she was worried that something was wrong, because the baby was moving so much that she could not sleep. Not only were we able to help her get insurance to cover her pregnancy through TN Cover Kids, but through ultrasound, her 9 year old daughter saw, on screen, why there was so much movement, “Mama, son dos bebés!” (Mama, there are two babies!)

Cecilia


Cecelia M. put off going to see a doctor for her pregnancy, because she had no insurance. When she came to see us, she was worried that something was wrong, because the baby was moving so much that she could not sleep. Not only were we able to help her get insurance to cover her pregnancy through TN Cover Kids, but through ultrasound, her 9 year old daughter saw, on screen, why there was so much movement, “Mama, son dos bebés!” (Mama, there are two babies!)

We draw upon our experience and skills working with the Latino community to develop trust with every patient, bringing together resources to connect uninsured Latinos to ongoing care beyond our walls.

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Jesus


Jesus R. walked into Clínica Médicos with his wife and two small children the first day we opened. They recently moved from Florida. Four months previously, Jesus had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. We recognized that, with appropriate chemotherapy, he could have a chance to beat the cancer and see his children grow. Our team connected Jesus to Erlanger's tumor clinic for the uninsured and paired him with an oncologist, so Jesus could start the chemotherapy he needed.  This treatment was successful, and a year later, we delivered his healthy, second child.

Jesus


Jesus R. walked into Clínica Médicos with his wife and two small children the first day we opened. They recently moved from Florida. Four months previously, Jesus had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. We recognized that, with appropriate chemotherapy, he could have a chance to beat the cancer and see his children grow. Our team connected Jesus to Erlanger's tumor clinic for the uninsured and paired him with an oncologist, so Jesus could start the chemotherapy he needed.  This treatment was successful, and a year later, we delivered his healthy, second child.

Unfortunately, we have patients who have lived in pain and discomfort for untreated symptoms because the healthcare system is too confusing and difficult to navigate.  Our team initiates and organizes patients’ care. At times, the largest need is to connect them with community partners.

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Maricella (and her father)


 

“My ear infection would not improve, and the antibiotics I received from the ER made me sick. I stayed out of school for two weeks because the pain was so extreme. My parents felt helpless. They talked to Dr. Arnold, who listened to our troubles and found an injectable medication that I could tolerate. I went back to school the next week without pain." 

"My father was so impressed with the way they cared for me that he trusted Dr. Arnold. He became her patient, too, and they discovered he has diabetes. He has since lost 10 lbs. He looks great and feels better!”

 

Maricella (and her father)


 

“My ear infection would not improve, and the antibiotics I received from the ER made me sick. I stayed out of school for two weeks because the pain was so extreme. My parents felt helpless. They talked to Dr. Arnold, who listened to our troubles and found an injectable medication that I could tolerate. I went back to school the next week without pain." 

"My father was so impressed with the way they cared for me that he trusted Dr. Arnold. He became her patient, too, and they discovered he has diabetes. He has since lost 10 lbs. He looks great and feels better!”

 

Many Latino patients leave ERs around Chattanooga without a clear plan for follow-up or understanding what tests were performed. Not only do we offer bilingual services, in every interaction, with every patient—but we take the time to be certain they understand how best to care for themselves and their families.

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Estrella


Five year old Estrella’s parents drove from Tracy City with pus streaming out of their daughter’s ear. Estrella's infection was so severe that her hearing was compromised. Oral antibiotics alone were not potent enough to reach a cure, so we provided injectable antibiotics, as well as medications from our pharmacy, over the course of five days until she was cured and could hear properly.

 

Estrella


Five year old Estrella’s parents drove from Tracy City with pus streaming out of their daughter’s ear. Estrella's infection was so severe that her hearing was compromised. Oral antibiotics alone were not potent enough to reach a cure, so we provided injectable antibiotics, as well as medications from our pharmacy, over the course of five days until she was cured and could hear properly.

 

A startling amount of prescriptions go unfilled in America because of  financial and language barriers.  We keep medications on-site to avoid communication barriers, to eliminate logistical difficulties, and, ultimately, to reduce costs to the patient.

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Anonymous mental health patient


A 17 year old from El Salvador came to Clínica Médicos on a Saturday complaining of chest pain. His physical exam and ECG were normal. When we dug deeper, we learned that he was displaced from his family, living alone, working to support himself, and on the brink of suicide. We connected him to a Spanish speaking counselor and started appropriate pediatric medications, with daily follow up, at no charge to ensure his safety and build trust.

Anonymous mental health patient


A 17 year old from El Salvador came to Clínica Médicos on a Saturday complaining of chest pain. His physical exam and ECG were normal. When we dug deeper, we learned that he was displaced from his family, living alone, working to support himself, and on the brink of suicide. We connected him to a Spanish speaking counselor and started appropriate pediatric medications, with daily follow up, at no charge to ensure his safety and build trust.

Thousands of Latinos with mental illness go without professional treatment. Their struggles involve the need to rapidly acclimate to a new culture with little time to process traumatizing pieces of their personal history.  Our team recognizes and understands the connections of mental, spiritual and physical health. Our focus is to listen, to treat when necessary, and to connect our patient with appropriate counseling services.