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Want to deliver healthcare right to the people who need it most?
Millions of Americans don't have access to basic medical services. Rural communities. Urban neighborhoods. Patients who have been let down by the healthcare system.
Here's the deal with mobile healthcare.
Mobile clinics are here to save the day.
These vans travel right to the people who need healthcare services the most. Delivering care to patients who otherwise would go without.
- - Why Mobile Healthcare Is Growing Like Crazy
- - The Incredible Impact Mobile Can Have
- - Why EVERY Healthcare Org Should Consider Mobile
- - How to Start a Mobile Healthcare Program
Why Mobile Healthcare Is Booming
Mobile medical vans are not a nice-to-have anymore. They are quickly becoming a must-have.
Mobile Health Map estimates that there are now over 3,000 mobile clinics operating across the U.S. These clinics provide care for 10 million patient visits annually.
10 MILLION patient visits PER YEAR.
Think about that.
Mobile clinics are reaching patients who would not be able to access care anywhere else. That is incredible.
But here's the kicker…
Mobile clinics are needed now more than ever.
Access to healthcare continues to decline in both rural AND urban communities. Transportation, cost, and lack of insurance prevent people from getting the care they need. Patients simply can't get into traditional clinics to be seen.
Mobile clinics can HELP.
Clinics that are built with an understanding of mobile medical van setup can provide care right in patients' own communities. In a convenient and comforting manner.
Research shows that mobile clinics predominantly serve women (55%) and racial/ethnic minorities (59%). These groups are most affected by barriers to traditional healthcare access.
Mobile Healthcare Is Making An Impact
Ready to get excited?
Mobile clinics are helping patients that otherwise couldn't be reached. Rural communities that are miles away from the nearest hospital. Inner cities that don't have affordable healthcare options. Homeless populations that have ZERO access to care.
These clinics are making a difference.
Mobile clinics aren't simply providing convenient care for patients. They're providing care that wouldn't happen if it weren't for mobile clinics.
Imagine a patient that lives in a rural community. It's likely that they have to travel 30-50 miles to see a healthcare provider.
Now add in time off work. Childcare. Transportation costs.
That patient is probably not going to get the care they need.
Mobile clinics park right in their community. Provide the care their patient needs. All without the hassle of travel.
Patients will do whatever it takes to receive care. If you provide it to them.
That's why mobile clinics see remarkable results.
They're reaching patients right where they are. Literally.
Why Your Organization Needs Mobile Medical Units
Mobile healthcare isn't just beneficial for patients. Your organization can benefit from mobile units, too.
Here's why more organizations are investing in mobile programs:
Expand Access to Care Where It's Needed Most
Did you know that nearly 46 million Americans live in rural areas?
Rural communities often have limited access to hospitals. And if there's a hospital, they likely lack specialists.
Mobile health clinics can serve these communities with primary care, dental services, mammograms and much more.
Plus, mobile health clinics can go where brick and mortar clinics can't. Covering more ground each day.
Gain Trust With the Communities You Serve
One of the largest barriers to healthcare access isn't location.
It's trust.
Many underserved communities have been let down by the traditional healthcare system. They've experienced discrimination at hospitals and clinics. Language barriers. Poor treatment.
Mobile health clinics change that.
Build relationships with the community you serve.
Your mobile clinic will become a staple in their neighborhoods. Your staff will know their patients by name. Care is provided in comfort.
You'll see patients return for follow-ups. They'll start to listen to what you have to say about their health. They'll bring family members in to get care, too.
Everyone loves saving money. Your patients will too.
It's a win-win.
When patients receive preventive care and chronic disease management through mobile clinics, they aren't flooding hospital emergency rooms.
Patients will stay out of hospitals and catch minor problems before they become serious.
Mobile health clinics help eliminate unnecessary emergency room visits and save money for patients while providing better long-term care for some of the country's most vulnerable populations.
Reach Populations With the Highest Need
Lastly, mobile health vans can reach populations with the highest healthcare needs.
People experiencing homelessness. Migrant farmworkers. Individuals with substance use disorders. Older adults living in rural communities.
Mobile clinics can provide these patients with:
- - Vaccinations and preventive screenings
- - Chronic disease management for diabetes and hypertension
- - Mental health and behavioral health services
- - Dental care and vision screenings
- - Nutrition and health education in their native language
All without the patient needing to worry about transportation, insurance checks, or appointment scheduling blocking them from getting care.
How to Launch a Mobile Healthcare Program
Ready to start your own mobile clinic?
Great! There's just a few things you should know.
Starting a mobile clinic takes time, planning, and commitment. There are a lot of logistics that go into providing world-class care on wheels.
Let's walk through some of the basics:
Identify Why Your Community Needs Mobile
You can't just buy a van and drive it out to a community who needs healthcare.
You have to spend time within the community to understand what they need.
Which populations are you wanting to serve? What services are most needed? Where will your mobile unit be parked?
Speak with community leaders. Dig into health data. Find the gaps your mobile health clinic can fill.
Alright. You know your community needs a mobile clinic. What's next?
The vehicle.
Mobile medical vehicles range from simple converted vans to fully-functional mobile hospitals.
There are many factors that go into deciding your mobile medical van setup.
Let's take a look at the equipment you should consider. From exam tables to diagnostic equipment. Make sure you don't overlook anything!
Every successful mobile clinic partners with another hospital, nonprofit, health center, or local government.
You'll want a network of referrals. A source of funding. Community connections.
Partners will help you sustain your mobile program long into the future.
Staff & Operate Your Mobile Clinic
Last but not least, you need to staff your mobile clinic.
Who will run your mobile vehicle? Physicians? Nurses? Community health workers? Drivers?
Each member of your mobile clinic team is important.
You also need to strategize about operations. What days of the week will you visit each location? How many days will you park at each site? These questions are crucial to your mobile clinics success.
Mobile healthcare is revolutionizing access to healthcare services for underserved communities.
Mobile clinics have the power to reach patients that otherwise would not be seen. Every.
Single.
Patient.
That's why mobile clinics are popping up all over the country. Because the need is there.
And healthcare leaders are stepping up to provide care to those who need it most.
Medical vans provide access to care for patients that are trapped by:
- - Geography
- - Lack of transportation
- - Distrust of the current healthcare system
- - Cost
Mobile clinics remove these barriers.
Provide care right in their own communities. In the comfort of where they feel they can trust doctors.
Mobile healthcare isn't just the future of community health. It's happening now. Reaching underserved patients right now.
